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The 10th-tenure municipal People’s Council voted on the renaming during its 10th session on July 12, recognising great contributions by General Vo Nguyen Giap to national liberation and reunification.
The council has asked the media to popularise the renaming, and localities to review the list of businesses, organisations and households in Thu Duc city and eight wards affected by the work, and support them in administrative changes.
Vo Nguyen Giap, the first four-star general and the former commander-in-chief of the Vietnamese army, passed away on October 4, 2013, in Hanoi, at the age of 102.
He started his career as a history teacher before joining the army to become a general who led the Vietnamese army to defeat French and US forces.
Vietnamese, Japanese FMs meet on AMM-56 sidelines
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on July 13 had a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa, on the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-56) in Jakarta.
The two FMs consented to continue intensifying visits by high-level leaders, and coordinate to organise culture and exchange activities between localities and peoples to mark the 50th founding anniversary of both nations’ diplomatic relations between the two countries (September 21, 1973 - 2023), toward consolidating trust and deepening the Vietnam –Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership.
The two sides pledged to effectively realize the outcomes of the talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio while attending the expanded Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) set to take place in Hiroshima in May this year.
This is addition to especially fast-tracking the implementation of the agreement on new-generation official development assistance (ODA), to facilitate Vietnam's access to development assistance packages in terms of high-quality infrastructure and energy transition, and simplifying visa issuance procedures for Vietnamese citizens.
They also concurred to enhance coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, including ASEAN-led mechanisms and Mekong sub-regional cooperation.
Vietnam promotes cooperation with US and EU
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on July 13 had brief meetings with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the fringes of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-56) in Jakarta.
At the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the two sides expressed their delight at the positive progress in cooperation between the two countries over the past time, while affirming leaders’ recognition of great importance to the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership.
FM Bui Thanh Son affirmed the country’s willingness to work with the United States to continue deepening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, on the basis of respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions of each other, towards upgrading the relationship when conditions are appropriate.
Blinken greatly appreciated the results of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's phone call with President Joe Biden on March 30, and agreed to coordinate with the Vietnamese side to effectively implement the results of the phone call, especially intensifying visits and contacts between both sides’ senior leaders and carrying out signed cooperation agreements.
The two sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to boost coordination at regional and international forums in the time ahead.
At the meeting between FM Bui Thanh Son and Joseph Borell, both sides expressed satisfaction at the strong development of the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Partnership, and agreed to increase contacts and exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, and jointly effectively implement the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested EU member countries soon complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and wished the EU will soon consider removing the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing yellow card for Vietnamese seafood.
J. Borrell affirmed that the EU is ready to support Vietnam in the energy transition process, implementing the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) mechanism, towards the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Commission decides disciplinary measures against some Party organisations, members
The Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission convened its 30th meeting in Hanoi on July 12-13, during which it looked into disciplinary measures against some Party organisations and members.
The commission decided to issue warnings against the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the People’s Committee of the central province of Thanh Hoa in the 2011 – 2016 and 2016 – 2021 tenures; and several former officials, including Nguyen Duc Quyen, former member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, former member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee; and Nguyen Ngoc Hoi, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.
It gave a reprimand to the Party delegation to the provincial People’s Council in the 2016-2021 term; Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Deputy Minister of Transport, and former member of the provincial Party Committee and former Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee; Mai Xuan Liem, member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, and member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee and some other officials.
The commission also proposed the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee impose disciplinary measures against the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee in the 2010 – 2015 and 2015 - 2020 tenures; and a number of former officials of Thanh Hoa, including Mai Van Ninh, former member of the Party Central Committee, former deputy head of the Standing Board of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Council; Trinh Van Chien, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, and former Secretary of the Party delegation and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, and former Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.
The Standing Board of the Thanh Hoa provincial Party Committee was asked to discipline a number of Party organisations and members concerned within its power.
Upon the proposal of the Party Committee of the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau, the commission concluded that Nguyen Thanh Tri, member of the provincial Party Committee and chief inspector of Lai Chau, has shown degradation in political ideology, morality and life style, received bribes and let his subordinates receive bribes and violate the Party's regulations and the State’s laws on the fight against corruption and negative phenomena, and violate rules set for Party members. These actions have caused severe consequences, triggered public concern, and adversely impacted the reputation of the Party organisation and the inspectorate sector.
It proposed the Party Central Committee's Secretariat consider disciplinary measures against Tri.
Looking into supervision results over the Standing Boards of the Party Committees and their inspection commissions, and asset and income declaration by officials in Son La, Ninh Binh and Kon Tum province, the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission found that apart from the prominent good work, they have still committed some violations and mistakes in the instruction and implementation of Party discipline supervision and enforcement, the management and use of the Party’s budget and assets, as well as asset and income declaration.
They were asked to fix the mistakes and violations in a timely manner.
PM urges settlement of site clearance, material problems of transport projects
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 13 demanded drastic moves to tackle bottlenecks related to site clearance and construction materials facing key transport projects nationwide.
He made the request while chairing the sixth meeting of the State steering committee for nationally important projects of the transport sector. The hybrid event was connected with 33 provinces and cities housing key transport projects.
According to the committee, 24 key and nationally important projects of the transport sector are being carried out across the country. Since the committee’s fifth meeting and under the PM’s directions, some obstacles to the projects have been settled actively, especially in terms of site clearance and construction material supply.
The 12 localities housing the eastern North - South Expressway project in the 2021 - 2025 period have handed over 87% of the required ground, completed 38 resettlement areas, and are building another 106 areas to accommodate resettled people.
The 14 localities traversed by three East - West expressway projects and two ring roads have carried out site clearance on schedule. They include Hanoi, Dong Nai province, Hau Giang province, and Ho Chi Minh City – over 85%. Among them, 12 had launched work on the projects before June 30.
Notably, Hanoi and HCM City have finished adjusting investment in their urban railway projects. They are striving to put the two railway lines into operation in late 2023 and early 2024.
As for the Long Thanh International Airport project, Dong Nai province has handed over 4,860ha of land, equivalent to 98% of the needed ground. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam is set to start building the first phase of the airport’s passenger terminal in August. It is also expected to select a contractor for building the runway in July or August so as to launch construction in late the third quarter of 2023, the committee said.
At the meeting, officials also pointed out some difficulties and obstacles to the projects and suggested acceleration solutions.
PM Chinh, who is also head of the steering committee, asked ministries, sectors, and localities to take stronger actions to remove bottlenecks, streamline administrative procedures, cut down the time needed for project implementation, handle all the issues within their jurisdiction, and focus on site clearance and construction material supply.
He told the provincial-level People’s Committees to coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors in site clearance and resettlement and assigned Deputy PM Le Minh Khai to order the Government Inspectorate to inspect construction material supply so as to improve the State management in this regard.
Regarding the railway projects in Hanoi and HCM City, he demanded the local administrations take the initiative in dealing with outstanding problems and carry out more projects so that the two metropolises can have modern transport systems like many big cities in the world.
Besides, the Government leader also assigned detailed tasks to each ministry and sector to speed up the key and nationally important transport projects.
Panamanian ship stranded off coast of Binh Thuan rescued
Rescue vessels of the Marine Services Joint Stock Company under the Saigon Tan Cang Corporation (Vietnam People’s Navy) on July 13 successfully rescued Nemrut Bay ship of Panama which has been stranded off the coast of the south-central province of Binh Thuan.
According to the Binh Thuan Port Authority, the rescue team is taking next steps to bring the ship to Vung Tau port.
The vessel was stranded on Britto shoal on June 21, about 10 nautical miles southeast of La Gi, while it was en route to the Vung Tau port in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau from the Philippines. It was transporting 25,510 tonnes of steel and containing approximately 852 tonnes of oil fuel when met the incident.
PM suggests stronger relations with US state
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Governor of the US state of Nebraska Jim Pillen shared the view that ample room remains for the bilateral cooperation, and Nebraska should enhance relations with Vietnam in general and its localities in particular during their meeting in Hanoi on July 13.
Chinh appreciated Pillen’s selection of Vietnam for his first overseas trip in his capacity as Governor of Nebraska, and affirmed that Vietnam considers the US a leading important partner and wishes to boost their bilateral comprehensive partnership, covering cooperation between localities and people-to-people exchange – a pillar of the relationship.
Speaking highly of the US state’s interest in cooperation with Vietnam, the PM suggested its leaders and agencies step up delegation exchanges with Vietnamese localities, and better perform their role as a bridge between Vietnam and the US.
The two sides should enhance collaboration in economy, trade and investment, especially the trading of agricultural products, as well as in education-training, science-technology-innovation, high-tech, finance-banking, and climate change response, he said.
Chinh suggested the US state create conditions for the Vietnamese community to continue integrating into the host society and observe its laws, contributing to the relations between Vietnam and the US, and Nebraska in particular.
For his part, Pillen lauded Vietnam’s high growth rate with advantages like a young population, and hardworking workforce, stressing Nebraska wants to consolidate and expand relations with the Southeast Asian nation, especially its localities, in the above-said areas.
He told the host that Nebraska has increased the shipment of its major agricultural products to Vietnam like corn, soybeans, beef, and other dried grain products.
A Nebraska delegation visited Vietnam last January to seek ways to expand collaboration in education-training and science-technology, he added.
The Governor commended the Vietnamese Government’s orientations of high-tech agriculture and husbandry development in the time ahead, and pledged to help the country in the field, particularly in technological transfer.
Pillen expressed his impressions on Vietnam’s commitments and efforts in climate change response, saying Nebraska hopes to foster cooperation with the country in this regard.
Vietnamese FM meets Japanese counterpart
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on July 13 had a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa, on the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-56) in Jakarta.
The officials agreed to continue promoting visits by high-level leaders, and coordinate to organise culture and exchange activities between localities and peoples to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries (September 21, 1973 - 2023), toward enhancing trust and deepening the Vietnam –Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership.
The two sides committed to effectively implementing the outcomes of the talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio while attending the expanded Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in Hiroshima in May this year, especially expediting the implementation of the agreement on new-generation official development assistance (ODA), to facilitate Vietnam's access to development assistance packages in terms of high-quality infrastructure and energy transition, and simplifying visa issuance procedures for Vietnamese citizens.
They also agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, including ASEAN-led mechanisms and Mekong sub-regional cooperation.
Appeal court upholds sentence for anti-state propagandist
The High-level People's Court in Hanoi upheld the sentence handed down at the first-instance trial to an anti-state propagandist during an appeal trial on July 13.
65-year-old Truong Van Dung, residing in Dong Da district, Hanoi, was sentenced to six years in prison for “conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” in pursuant to Article 88 of the Penal Code.
According to the indictment, between October 2015 and May 2022, through his participation in a programme named “Tu canh dong may” in the forms of audio and video posted on social networks, Dung slandered and defamed the people’s administration, and spread false information, stirring up public concern.
He also stored books with the purpose of disseminating distorted information, defaming the people's administration, and causing public concern, along with banners and other documents with contents opposing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Vietnam looks to promote cooperation with UK in climate change response
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh had a discussion in Hanoi on July 13 with the UK’s ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew on cooperation between the two countries in responding to climate change and protecting the environment.
Khanh expressed his delight at the close collaboration between the two countries in recent years to deal with global challenges, including those in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction, climate change response, biodiversity protection, forest preservation, and smart city development.
The official hailed the UK and the European Union’s establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with Vietnam, supporting the country in realising its commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference.
The UK has helped Vietnam in making comprehensive assessments on impacts of energy transition, minimising negative effects during the process, while assisting the country in connecting with financial and credit institutions and providing Vietnam with technical and know-how support to enhance the country’s capacity in implementing the commitments as well as initiatives in GHG emission reduction and climate change mitigation, he noted, adding that the European country has also helped Vietnam in assessing emission level and developing the carbon market.
The minister said that Vietnam has launched a national strategy on climate change until 2050 and a project on implementing tasks and solutions to implement outcomes of the COP26, aiming for net-zero emission by 2050.
Vietnam plans to put some offshore wind power projects into operation in the 2022-2030 period, he noted, adding that BP Group of the UK is cooperating with SOVICO Group of Vietnam on developing offshore wind power in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.
The minister underlined that Vietnam welcomes UK businesses to invest in Vietnam and engage in activities related to renewable energy, especially offshore wind power. Vietnam also hopes for the UK’s support in technologies to operate the national power system when the contributions of renewable sources increase.
He said that the ministry will consider the signing of a cooperation agreement with the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the field of reducing air pollution and chemical pollution due to the abuse of pesticides in agriculture.
He said he hopes the British ambassador will help hasten cooperation between the two sides in an effective manner.
For his part, Ambassador Iain Frew said that over the years, the UK Government and the UK Embassy in Vietnam have increased cooperation activities with Vietnam in the fields of environment, climate change, energy transition, offshore wind power development and biodiversity preservation.
The diplomat hailed Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emission by 2050 and practical and comprehensive actions the country has taken to realise the commitment.
He affirmed that his country will continue to promote cooperation with Vietnam in the time to come, especially in climate change response, offshore wind power development as well as energy transition.
Vietnam, France step up education cooperation
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc and Deputy Managing Director of the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France) Thomas Jeanjean co-chaired a meeting of the French-Vietnamese Centre of Management (CFVG), both in-person and online, in Paris on July 11.
They agreed to continue developing the CFVG's activities through a new cooperation agreement between the two governments for the 2023-2028 period, in replace of the current one set to expire on October 10.
Jeanjean described CFVG as a role model in tertiary education between France and Vietnam, saying that it allows French and European universities to have a presence in Vietnam while enabling the Vietnamese students to study at the main campuses of these universities. Upon graduation, they will receive dual degrees from France and Vietnam.
The CFVG was established in 1992 through an agreement between the two governments to contribute to Vietnam's economic development through innovative activities and the dissemination of knowledge in the fields of management and business administration, especially high-quality international training and research programmes.
Over the past three decades, CFVG has trained over 3,500 Vietnamese students at the undergraduate, master, and doctorate levels in these fields. It currently has two training centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, operated by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, the governing body of a network of business schools with excellent training capabilities in Europe. Its partners in Vietnam are the National Economics University in Hanoi and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, both leading universities in economics and management in Vietnam.
During a working session with Director of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) Olivier Brochet on July 12, Deputy Minister Phuc thanked the French Government for its continuous support to the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training in fostering cooperation activities, notably the French bilingual programme in Vietnam, the CFVG, the Training Programme of Excellent Engineers in Vietnam (PFIEV), among others.
Expressing satisfaction with the activities and quality of the two French schools in Vietnam managed by the AEFE, namely Alexandre Yersin in Hanoi and Marguerite Duras in Ho Chi Minh City, he reaffirmed the commitment to monitoring and supporting the operation of these schools.
With the aim of promoting French language teaching and French-language diplomas in Vietnam, Phuc suggested further support in training French language teachers for secondary schools and university lecturers. He also proposed sending French or French-speaking teachers to schools in Vietnam in order to improve teaching quality and attract more learners.
He wished to meet Brochet in Hanoi soon when he assumes the position of French Ambassador to Vietnam in the near future. Both sides will engage in more specific exchanges to further boost bilateral cooperation education and training.
Brochet, for his part, considered education cooperation one of the priorities because it is a vital area, a shared endeavor aimed at the youth of both countries, and also the future of the relationship between the two nations.
Regarding the draft agreement on bilateral education cooperation which is being prepared, he said it will mention all aspects they wish to work on, including promoting the teaching of French in Vietnam and Vietnamese in France.
He also hoped to achieve positive results in this work in the spirit of the France-Vietnam friendship as this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries.
While in France from July 10-14, the Vietnamese deputy minister also visited and shared experience with France’s top universities such as Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne University and the ESCP Europe Business School.
Senior diplomats of Vietnam, China meet on sidelines of AMM-56
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Politburo member and Director of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi in Jakarta on July 13.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-56) and related meetings in the Indonesian capital.
Noting with satisfaction the recent strides in the Vietnam - China relations, the two officials affirmed that their countries will keep attaching importance to each other’s roles and the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. They will continue to effectively implement the joint statement issued during the China visit by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in October 2022, and the concrete outcomes of the trip to the Northeast Asian nation by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in June 2023.
Both sides agreed to further increase mutual visits and meetings at all levels; foster cooperation in all fields, especially economy and trade; boost transport connectivity, people-to-people exchanges and locality-to-locality ties; and make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Minister Son asked the two sides to maintain cooperation mechanisms, improve their effectiveness, and coordinate to successfully organise the 15th session of the Vietnam - China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in the Southeast Asian country.
He called on China to continue increasing the import of goods from Vietnam and accelerate the opening of its market to Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural and aquatic products; coordinate to ensure smooth customs clearance as many farm produce of Vietnam are now in the harvest season; raise the quota of Vietnamese goods transited through China to be delivered to a third country by railway; boost transport and border gate connectivity; speed up the implementation of some cooperation projects; and work together to properly manage the land border, step up the opening and upgrade of some border gate pairs, and open the tourism site of Ban Gioc (Vietnam) - Detian (China) Waterfalls on a trial basis soon.
Highly valuing Son’s cooperation suggestions, Wang recommended the two countries assist each other with national modernisation while enhancing high-quality connectivity between the “Belt and Road” initiative and the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework.
He also pledged favourable conditions for Vietnam to make better use of financial support from China.
At the meeting, the two sides agreed to properly carry out the high-level agreements and common perceptions, control and satisfactorily deal with differences, make efforts to sustain peace and stability at sea, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and join ASEAN countries’ efforts to achieve a substantive and efficient code of conduct (COC) in the water that accords with international law, including international sea-related conventions, thereby helping guarantee peace, stability, and navigation freedom in the region as well as the rights and legitimate interests of the parties concerned.
They agreed to bring into play the role of bilateral mechanisms in the issues related to border, territory, and territorial waters.
The officials also discussed some international and regional issues of shared interest. They pledged that Vietnam and China will keep close coordination at regional and international cooperation forums and mechanisms, including ASEAN-led ones.
Vietnam, US discuss bilateral trade, investment ties
Vietnam considers the US and the state of Nebraska in particular one of the important partners, wishing for stable and progressive economic and trade relations to deepen bilateral comprehensive partnership in a substantive manner, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai told Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen during a working session in Hanoi on July 13.
It is the second Vietnam visit by the Nebraska Governor in a span of five years, as part of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership (2013-2023).
Hai also expected for a new wave of trade and investment cooperation between enterprises of Vietnam and Nebraska, thus bringing benefits to the two countries’ businesses and people, and the business community in Nebraska in particular.
Welcoming the Governor’s visit, he affirmed that with a long-term vision and orientation, ties between Vietnam and Nebraska will further grow, manifesting the extensive cooperative partnership between Vietnam and the US.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Nebraska hit 119 million USD last year, up 19% annually and accounting for 0.8% of Nebraska's total export-import with the world.
As Nebraska is strong in agriculture, livestock farming, ethanol production, biofuels, and education, the host suggested that its firms expand investment in agriculture in Vietnam, especially in hi-tech agriculture, ethanol production, biofuels, technology and machinery, in order to modernise the agriculture sector.
Pille, for his part, spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and position. He affirmed the principle that trade exchange should bring sustainable benefits and value to the people, prioritise promoting effective investment in combination with environment protection, thus creating a new driving force for economic, trade and investment relations between Nebraska and Vietnam.
Malaysian Consul General in HCM City awarded friendship insignia
Malaysian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wong Chia Chiann on July 13 was awarded an insignia “For peace and friendship among nations” by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) for her contributions to promoting traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Tran Hoang Khanh Van, Deputy Head of the Southern Representative Office of the VUFO, said during her term in Vietnam from October 2019, the Consul General has actively chaired and participated in many events and programmes to help connect and strengthen the relationship, collaboration and people-to-people exchanges not only between Vietnam and Malaysia, but also with other Southeast Asian countries.
Van said during the term, Wong has always wished to carry out more activities to connect people of the two countries for mutual development, and show responsibility to the ASEAN community.
Expressing her honour to receive the insignia, the diplomat said she is grateful for the sentiments and assistance she received from Vietnamese leaders, ministries, sectors and agencies.
She affirmed that the insignia is a significant recognition from Vietnam for Malaysia and pledged to continue to do her utmost to promote the two countries’ relations.
US media highlight Vietnamese women’s football team
Just Women's Sports, an online newspaper based in the United States, has released an article about the Vietnamese women’s football team, with details about coach Mai Duc Chung and key player Huynh Nhu, ahead of their first Women’s World Cup appearance.
According to the media outlet, Vietnam could be a tricky team for the US to face in their opening match, as seen by the squad’s narrow 2-1 loss to Germany in June. Vietnam followed that up with a 2-0 loss to New Zealand, which ended the Football Ferns’ 10-match winless streak.
The team next faces Spain on July 13 before beginning their World Cup journey against the US.
Vietnam’s attacking power was on full display against Germany. Elsewhere, in a 2-0 win over Myanmar in the Southeast Asian Games final, the Vietnamese players consistently pulled apart the opposition’s defence. While the US’s defence may be more formidable, it is also young.
Even a seemingly small mistake could put Vietnam in a position to get on the scoresheet, the article wrote. The fact that Vietnam are unknown to the US, with the two teams never having played each other before, could work in the underdog’s favor. Plus, Vietnam has played nine matches together before the World Cup begins.
In contrast, the US has played eight matches this year. But with a roster change due to injury, the US from January looks decidedly different than the one playing in July. Cohesiveness for the US is not a new concern, although Vietnam still could take advantage of this.
Just Women's Sports also mentioned Huynh Nhu, the all-time leading scorer and captain for Vietnam, and Thanh Nha, who scored against Germany, both of whom were named among FIFA’s ones to watch this summer.
The article introduces readers to Mai Duc Chung, a former player who has had several stints as manager of the Vietnam women’s team, the first back in 1997, when he served as the squad’s first coach. He started his current stint in 2016, coaching the team to four Southeast Asian Games gold medals since.
He also led the team to a quarterfinal finish at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which helped Vietnam clinch a spot in the 2023 World Cup.
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vietnam have been named in Group E and will face defending champions the US on July 22, Portugal on July 27, and 2019 runners-up Netherlands on August 1.
Langurs conservation group film wins international forest film award
A Vietnam-based film, focused on a group of friends within a Tam My Tay community gathering to protect the grey-shanked douc langur has won the runner-up prize in the Documentary Shorts Category of the Film for the Forest 2023 award, WWF-Vietnam said.
The film, a co-production of WWF-Vietnam and Melt Films, was made to honour a volunteer conservation group that inspired their community to protect the last remaining members of this langur species in Nui Thanh district, the central province of Quang Nam.
"Langurs in the Tam My Tay community were once abundant,” said Nguyen Dinh Phuoc, leading the Change Project, under WWF-Vietnam.
“But their population was down to about 50 by 2018, clinging on to four small islands of natural forest. Habitat loss, hunting and climate change are the main threats. This film shows the power of dedicated and passionate people working together.”
The film, Tam My Tay, features a group of friends creating a community patrol to protect the grey-shanked dour langur. As plantations divide langur habitats across central Vietnam, a forest smallholder realises the pressures faced by these langurs and seeks help from his community with the support of WWF-Vietnam and the Centre of Biodiversity Conservation.
“We all have a stake in the grey-shanked douc langur’s future. It is an example of the need to find balance with nature and prioritise co-existence. The village of Tam My Tay has developed a tight bond with the langurs and – maybe because of that – with each other. I hope their story inspires other communities to follow their lead and to realise the power they hold to change things”, said James Thomson, the director of Tam My Tay.
Launched in 2010 by the Rainforest Partnership, Films for the Forest is an annual short film collection and a platform for filmmakers around the world to share stories of forests worldwide. Highlighting their beauty and rich biodiversity, the threats they face and renewal opportunities for forests, the theme for 2023 is “Living Forests, Thriving Future”.
Eighty-three films from filmmakers in 26 countries submitted entries in five categories of short films and Tam My Tay is among ten selected. These winning films will be presented at Films for the Forest screenings and by the Rainforest Partnership. Tam My Tay has already been selected to be screened at an environmental film festival, IFF Ekotopfilm-Envirofilm 2023 in Slovakia in September 2023.
The WWF-Vietnam and GreenViet have been working together on a project to protect the grey-shanked douc langurs in the province’s Nui Thanh district since 2020.
The year-long project helped improve forest patrol skills to protect a herd of grey-shanked douc langurs – living in Tam My Tay Commune.
A fire-free zone was set up on a 70-ha log farm – a safe habitat for the animals.
The Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee had been seeking a fund of 4.4 million USD to restore a 100ha area as a safe habitat for the animals.
According to a report by the provincial Forest Protection Division, a herd of about 50 gray-shanked douc langurs was found living in the area in 1997.
The local community and district rangers established a voluntary team to protect the endangered primates from being hunted.
According to Dr. Ha Thang Long, head of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, some 1,000 gray-shanked doucs have been found in forests of five provinces, including Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Kon Tum and Gia Lai.
The gray-shanked douc langur is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list as one of the world’s 25 critically endangered primates.
Hanoi adjusts prices of clean water
Adjusting the price of clean water in Hanoi is necessary to improve the capacity and quality of clean water for residents, and the plan must be in line with the principles prescribed by the Ministry of Finance, according to Nguyen Tien Thoa, Head of the Vietnam Valuation Association.
He pointed out that the price of clean water in Hanoi has remained unchanged for 10 years. Meanwhile, after 10 years, the cost for clean water has increased significantly, resulting in the city's water system not being synchronously upgraded.
Nguyen Ngoc Diep, Chairman of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), said the water price adjustment in Hanoi was reasonable, arguing that Hanoi has maintained the price of clean water for ten years, while many other provinces and cities in the country have adjusted water prices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bui Thi An, Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development, said that to build consensus among residents, relevant units and sectors need to strengthen communication work to explain the policy, objectives, and impacts of the price adjustment.
Director of Hanoi Construction Department Vo Nguyen Phong told The Hanoi Times that the city authorities have always focused on many solutions to ensure the safety and quality of water supply to meet the needs of people in the capital over the past period.
Northern, northern central localities to see rain next week
Northern and northern central localities in Vietnam have been forecasted to experience a rainy spell next week.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, the hot weather would continue to affect the northern and central region until July 14. On July 11 and August 10, the average temperature in the country would be 0.5 degrees centigrade higher than in previous years.
On July 18-25, northern and northern central localities would face rain. Many areas would struggle with torrential rain.
The National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting said that two or three storms or tropical depressions would happen on the East Sea between late July and early August with the first predicted to occur on July 15-20.
From July 10 to August 10, the total rainfall in some northwestern areas would be 5-15 percent lower than the average annual level. However, the rainfall in other places would be 15-30 percent higher than that of previous years, particularly in the central region.
Around a dozen tropical depressions and storms would affect the East Sea this year.
Ca Mau-Nam Du-Phu Quoc boat service suspended
A high-speed boat service connecting the southernmost province of Ca Mau, Nam Du Archipelago and Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang has been suspended after failing to attract passengers.
The boat service was put into use in July 2020. But the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak caused the service to temporarily stop. The service was resumed on March 18.
However, since being reopened, the service has failed to attract large numbers of passengers so the Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company has decided to halt it.
The makeshift terminal of the Ca Mau-Nam Du-Phu Quoc boat service is on the northern bank of Ong Doc River in Ca Mau, which means vehicles of more than 30 seats cannot enter the terminal. This makes larger groups divide up to use the service, Vu Van Khuong, general director of the company said.
The boat route would resume again after a terminal on the southern bank of Song Doc River and a bridge over the river was built, Khuong added.
Hanoi Blackpink concerts could attract tourists
Hanoi tourism authorities have expressed hopes that the city will earn more reputation and money from K-pop group Blackpink’s concerts.
Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, Dang Huong Giang said "We've been trying to introduce and promote the image of Hanoi through such events to attract international tourists."
A survey from the department showed that after ticket sales opened, booking site Agoda saw a seven-fold rise in searches for accommodation in Hanoi against last month's figures.
It is reported that Thailand's tourism sector earned between USD20-30 million from flight tickets, hotel bookings, and shopping during the five days before and after Blackpink concerts earlier this year. Neighbouring Singapore also made over USD35 million from the same event, the department said.
"We hope that this show will also attract more tourists to Hanoi and bring good revenues," the official said. "Event tourism has grown worldwide. Thanks to our convenient location, we'll be able to design package tours which include show tickets, transportation, hotels and food."
The department expects that tourists visits to Hanoi will increase 20 percent with international tourist numbers rising by 15 percent in July and early August, and revenues by 15 percent against June.
Pneumococcal vaccine to be added to expanded immunization program in Hanoi
Hanoi is expected to provide pneumococcal vaccine in its expanded immunization program, which offers free vaccination to children under one year of age.
This is mentioned in a plan on expanded immunization in Hanoi in 2023-2025 which has just been signed by Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha.
The move aims to improve the quality of care and protect residents' health in the new situation through vaccination within the National Expanded Vaccination Program and reduce morbidity/mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases in the city.
The city plans to introduce the pneumococcal vaccine into the expanded vaccination by 2025. If there are domestic sponsors or support from the state budget, pneumococcal vaccination can be carried out earlier.
The Hanoi People's Committee has required that the plan be implemented following the Vietnamese Government's and the Ministry of Health's professional guidance on caring for and protecting people's health.
As of 2023, the number of vaccines under Vietnam’s national expanded immunization program has amounted to about ten.
The Government has issued a resolution on the roadmap to add more vaccines to the program, including those against pneumococcal disease from 2025, a vaccine against cervical cancer in 2026, and a vaccine against seasonal influenza from 2030.
The Government has also agreed to allow provinces and cities with high budget revenue to purchase vaccines against diseases for high-risk groups in the 2023-2025 program to encourage more people to vaccinate against diseases.
Additionally, the Government has asked the Ministry of Health to implement the roadmap on increasing the number of vaccines in the expanded immunization program for 2025-2030.
Vietnamese, Cambodian provinces foster friendship
Friendship and people-to-people exchanges between the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak and Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province have been held over the past years in the spirit of trust and mutual understanding, leaving a deep and lasting impression.
Dak Lak has two border districts and four border communes, with over 71 km of borderline with Mondulkiri province.
During 2017-2022, the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association (VCFA) of Dak Lak province and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association of Mondulkiri province held gatherings during the two countries’ major celebrations.
From July 11-12, 2023, the Dak Lak provincial VCFA held an exchange conference with Vietnamese and Cambodian business clubs in Buon Ma Thuot city.
It also offered free health check-ups and medicines to 500 residents in Pechreada district and handed over 50 bicycles to disadvantaged students in Mondulkiri province.
The Dak Lak provincial Border Guard also offered search and rescue to the Cambodian counterpart, donated medical equipment worth over 2 billion VND (86,900 USD) during the fight against COVID-19 and other necessities to Mondulkiri’s armed forces.
Over the past five years, the Dak Lak provincial VCFA held 341 sessions to raise awareness of land border treaties, agreements and regulations for over 21,000 officials and residents.
Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak provincial People’s Committee and Chairman of the provincial VCFA H’Yim Kđoh said both associations renewed their memorandum of understanding on cooperation and people-to-people friendship for 2023-2028.
Between now and the year’s end, the provincial VCFA will set up the Vietnam-Cambodia business club and hold a gathering of Dak Lak and Mondulkiri’s border guard stations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Independence Day of Cambodia (November 9), he said.
Endangered langur spotted in Bac Kan nature reserve
A white side-burned black langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), a critically endangered primate species, has been spotted for the first time in the Kim Hy Nature Reserve in Na Ri district, the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan.
Forest rangers of the Na Duong forest protection post found an animal with characteristics similar to those of the white side-burned black langur, also called François' langur, on June 26 while it was seeking food.
Le Xuan Dieu, who is in charge of the Kim Hy Nature Reserve’s management board, said the board conducted verification after receiving the notification from forest rangers. Close-up photos and videos captured on July 10 noon confirmed that the animal is a white side-burned black langur.
This is the first time the species has been spotted in the Kim Hy Nature Reserve, he noted.
Meanwhile, some villagers in Na Leng hamlet of Van Lang commune, Na Ri district, said they saw a troop of five or six langurs for several times in late April.
Shortly after finding the rare species, the Kim Hy Nature Reserve’s management board has coordinated with the People’s Committee of Van Lang commune to hold communications to improve people’s awareness of langur protection; order the Na Duong forest protection post to increase patrol, especially in the area where the animal was recorded; and build a plan to conserve the primate that is on the verge of extinction, according to Dieu.
Da Nang welcomes 3.8 million visitors in H1
The central city of Da Nang received more than 3.8 million visitors in the first six months of this year, tripling the figure recorded in the same period of 2022. This includes 960,000 foreigners, 16.6 times higher higher the same period last year.
Revenue from tourism activities reached 7.43 trillion VND (313.76 million USD), doubling the first half of 2022’s number.
Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Ngo Thi Kim Yen attributed the results to Da Nang’s successful hosting of many large-scale events.
The resumption of the Da Nang Firework Festival after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic helped the city attract a large number of visitors, she said.
Vice Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism Tan Van Vuong said that the city will organise the Summer Festival - Wow Da Nang from July 28 to August 1 with 11 activities, including a music gala gathering many famous singers, and a paragliding performance along the beach.
Within the programme’s framework, a Vietnamese and international cuisine festival will be held from July 28 to August 1 with more than 50 booths introducing special dishes of different regions and countries, he said.
Meanwhile, Vice Director of the city Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Thi Hoi An said that in the time to come, the city will organise various cultural and art activities to draw tourists, including a light festival from July 12-23 at the western side of Rong (Dragon) Bridge.
At the same time, the city will renovate its tourism products and services to improve visitors’ experience, along with cultural exchange activities with other countries, including a Vietnam-Japan festival on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (September 21, 1973-2023) from July 13-17.
On July 11, 2023, the Prime Minister signed to issue Decision No. 822/QD-TTg approving a planning for protecting, restoring and preserving Ngu Hanh Son national special landscape covering over 1.04 million sq.m in Ngu Hanh Son district, opening a new space for cultural and tourism development of Da Nang.
In the coming time, the city plans to continue to introduce new tourism products and further improve its tourism service quality, striving to clinch its position as a leading tourist destination in Asia.
HCM City proposes to build Cat Lai bridge after 2030
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has sent a report to its People’s Committee on a plan to connect traffic between the City and Dong Nai province, including three new bridges - Cat Lai, Phu My II and Dong Nai II.
Previously, the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee proposed to invest in the Cat Lai Bridge project before 2025 with a scale of eight lanes to replace the Cat Lai Ferry, which is often overloaded during the holidays.
However, according to the municipal Department of Transport, the Ministry of Transport is currently investing in building Nhon Trach Bridge connecting Nhon Trach district in Dong Nai with a scale of four lanes and is expected to invest in adding four lanes to serve the traffic connection needs for rudimentary vehicles. The completion time of Nhon Trach Bridge in early 2026 has basically solved a part of the traffic connection demand between Nhon Trach and the City.
In addition, the route of Nguyen Thi Dinh in and out of Cat Lai Port on the City side is overloaded, with frequent traffic jams. Currently, HCM City is studying the investment to build the Cat Lai – Phu Huu inter-port road, connecting from Nguyen Thi Dinh Street to the intersection of Ring Road 3 of the City, which is expected to be completed and put into use in 2026 – 2030.
Therefore, the City's Department of Transport thinks that the proposed time to invest in the construction of a bridge to replace the Cat Lai Ferry, which is expected to be in the 2026-2030 period, is appropriate, after completing Cat Lai – Phu Huu – Ring Road 3.
The Cat Lai Bridge project will connect District 2 in HCM City to Nhon Trach district in Dong Nai province.
According to the city Department of Transport, the bridge will be 4.5km long and have eight lanes.
Once completed, it will facilitate transport from HCM City not only to Nhon Trach District but also to the rest of Dong Nai and Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.
In the near future, when Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational (in Dong Nai province), Cat Lai Bridge will connect HCM City with the airport, helping ease congestion on the HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway.
The first section of the road, which is 623m long in District 2, leads to the bridge. The province has asked the Government to choose HCM City to be the leader of the work on the section.
The total investment of the first section is 755 billion VND (32.6 million USD), including 215 billion VND (9.2 million USD) for construction costs and 540 billion VND (23.3 million USD) for site clearance.
The second section, which is 263m long in Nhon Trach district, leads to the bridge. The province will be in charge of this section.
The total investment of this section is 410 billion VND (17.7 million USD) including 134 billion VND (5.7 million USD) for construction costs and 276 billion VND (11.9 million USD) for site clearance.
The provincial People's Committee will also be in charge of construction of the bridge with total investment of 4.9 trillion VND (211.6 million USD) in the form of a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model.
In addition to Cat Lai Bridge, the City People's Committee is discussing with the People's Committee of Dong Nai province the traffic connection plan for Phu My II and Dong Nai II bridges.
Vietnam Summer Camp to bridge overseas youth to homeland
Nearly 120 outstanding overseas Vietnamese young people from 20 countries worldwide are scheduled to gather in a summer camp which will take place in many localities across Vietnam from July 18 to August 2.
The annual event will be organised by the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant units, aiming to connect Vietnamese young people from different parts of the world while fostering the pride that overseas youths have for their home country.
This year's event is scheduled to take places in 10 localities, namely Hanoi, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, and Da Nang, with the opening ceremony to be held in Hanoi while the central beach city of Da Nang will host the closing ceremony.
During the camp, participants will have a chance to visit and learn about culture, history and traditions of the country; participate in gratitude and memorial activities; exchanges with local youngsters; and take part in voluntary youth programmes and competitions, among others.
First held in 2004, the camp has brought thousands of outstanding overseas Vietnamese youngsters from 16-24 years old in various fields to visit their motherland.
Ministry of Transport proposes to extend using period of railway locomotives, carriages
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is collecting opinions on a draft decree on the expiry date of railway locomotives and carriages, in which it is proposed to use out-of-date railway vehicles until the end of 2030.
Decree No 65, issued in 2018, stated that locomotives and passenger wagons be used for at most 40 years, and freight wagons be used for a maximum of 45 years. The schedule started in 2020.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, railway transport activities were delayed and the Việt Nam Railway (VNR)’s work faced many delays and obstacles.
To remove difficulties for the company, the Government last year issued Decree No 01 to extend the expiry date of railway vehicles from December 31, 2020, to the end of this year.
On the other hand, the VNR’s report showed that the railway sector currently has about 140 locomotives that have been used for more than 40 years but still work well.
For example, there are 31 American D9E locomotives built in 1963; 16 Belgian D18E locomotives built in 1983; and 30 Chinese D10H locomotives made in 1978, 1979, 1983 and 1984.
Regarding wagons, the VNR has more than 1,400 freight ones and 168 passenger ones that have been used for more than 40 years and about 590 freight ones and 100 passenger ones have been used for 30-40 years.
If implementing regulations, the VNR believes that by December 31, 2025, the railway sector will have to stop using about 114 locomotives, 1,472 freight carriages and 168 passenger carriages.
The MoT directed the Việt Nam Railways Authority and concerned agencies to compile a draft decree amending and supplementing Decree 65 issued in 2018 and Decree No 01 issued in 2022.
The draft decree will extend the use period of railway vehicles to 2027 or 2030 to take advantage of out-of-date railway vehicles but still ensure quality and safety.
Vietnamese artwork displayed at BIENALSUR 2023 exhibition in Argentina
An artwork featuring Vietnamese riders wrapped up in sun protective clothes is being showcased at BIENALSUR 2023 international contemporary art exhibition held in La Plata city of Argentina.
The artwork created by German-Vietnamese designer Tra My Nguyen draws inspiration from the culture of riding motorbikes among Vietnamese women.
This marks the first time that she has brought her artwork to the exhibition and drawn plenty of attention from visitors.
Tra My Nguyen was born in Hanoi in 1992 and moved to Germany with her family from a young age. After returning to the country several times, she was impressed by the sun protective clothes donned by Vietnamese women riding motorbikes.
BIENALSUR was first launched back in 2015 and the international biennial exhibition of contemporary art is an extensive platform for art and culture under permanent construction.
The 2023 edition will get underway from July 8 to December 22, with art works set to be exhibited in over 70 cities in 27 countries and territories over five continents.
Conference elevates Vietnam as attractive destination for Japanese tourists
A Vietnam tourism promotion conference was held on July 12 in Tokyo as part of efforts to elevate the nation as an attractive tourism destination among Japanese tourists.
The event is also part of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.
Upon addressing the event, Trinh Ngoc Thanh, deputy general director of Vietnam Airlines, affirmed that the function provides an ideal venue in which companies, travel agents, Vietnamese airlines, and partners based in Japan to devise orientations for co-operation to seize opportunities from the recovery of the tourism industry.
After nearly 30 years since establishing air routes to Japan, Vietnam Airlines is proud to make a significant contribution to the strong strategic relationship between both nations for over 50 years, Thanh added.
For his part, Pham Huy Binh, chairman of Saigontourist Group, emphasised that Japan represents a key market for Vietnamese tourism and ranks among the five most important international markets of Saigontourist Group.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the group received more than 200,000 Japanese tourists every year heading to Vietnam, while Saigontourist Travel Service Company, a subsidiary of Saigontourist Group, also brought tens of thousands of Vietnamese tourists to Japan.
On the occasion, Saigontourist Group and Vietnam Airlines signed a tourism development co-operation agreement with leading Japanese partners, such as the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), the Japan Tourism Promotion Agency (JNTO), ANA, Peace In Tour, and MS Tour.
Under the terms of the agreement, relevant stakeholders fully committed to accelerating two-way tourism, reviving the tourism industry and developing new product lines as well as increasing international routes and strengthening tourism marketing activities between the two countries.
Following a series of programmes seeking to promote Vietnamese destinations in Japan, a similar event will be held in Osaka on July 14.
Party delegation pays working visit to China’s Guangdong province
A Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) delegation led by Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang on July 13 paid a working visit to Guangdong province - one of China's important economic locomotives.
Thang, who is also President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, met with Huang Kunming, Politburo member and Secretary of the Guangdong Party Committee.
The two sides expressed their delight that under the strategic direction of the two Party General Secretaries, bilateral cooperation has recorded positive progress, including contributions by collaboration between Guangdong and Vietnamese localities.
Thang affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State attach great importance to and support the comprehensive and substantive cooperation between the country and Guangdong. He suggested the two sides continue promoting all-level delegation exchanges and strengthen discussions on new cooperation methods and forms to make most of collaboration potential, especially in economics, trade, investment, tourism, and personnel training.
The official also expressed respect for and thanks to the Guangdong Party Committee, administration and people for preserving relic sites related to the Vietnamese revolution.
For his part, Huang affirmed that his province attaches importance to and wishes to work with Vietnamese localities to intensify cooperation in economy, trade and investment, and in sharing Party building experiences.
Earlier, the delegation paid a working visit to Shenzhen city where Thang had a meeting with leading officials of the city. The two sides discussed measures to promote substantive and mutually beneficial cooperation between Shenzhen and Vietnamese localities, and exchanged experiences in socio-economic development and urban management.
Within the framework of the visit, the delegation also had a working session with Xie Chuntao, member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Vice Rector of the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China. The two sides shared experiences in training managers and leaders, theoretical research and cooperation directions between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Central Party School.
Ceremony marks National Day of France in HCM City
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a ceremony on July 13 to celebrate the 234th anniversary of the Bastille Day (National Day) of France (July 14, 1789 - 2022).
In her speech, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Chairwoman of the Vietnam - France Friendship Association of HCM City, stressed that the two countries boast long-standing relations and profound connections in history and culture. This year, they mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
Over the last 50 years, the bilateral friendship and cooperation have become increasingly strong and fruitful in various fields, including trade, investment, culture, education, and people-to-people diplomacy. Vietnam and France now share many similar viewpoints on and interests in international issues, and reinforcing their collaboration is an objective requirement for the sake of both, she went on.
Dung highlighted the cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities that started in the 1990s, considering HCM City’s twin relationship with Lyon city and the Rhône-Alpes region of France as a pillar helping strengthen the solidarity between the two peoples.
For her part, Consul General of France in HCM City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser said aside from the positive outcomes of high-level mutual visits, the strong, dynamic and voluntary French community has been present in all fields in Vietnam, substantially contributing to local development.
Bilateral connections in cultural, educational, and legal affairs have been further tightened, which can be seen most clearly in the thousands of Vietnamese students in France who have become an important friendship bridge between the two countries, she went on.
The diplomat also took this occasion to thank HUFO for its contributions to the Vietnam - France friendship.
GFANZ expects to work closely with Vietnam on energy transition
The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) wishes to work closely with Vietnam in the energy transition process, Executive Director for Public Policy at the GFANZ Alice Carr told Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on July 13.
During his reception on in Hanoi, the Deputy PM shared solutions and roadmaps for achieving the commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), along with other ongoing initiatives in Vietnam.
Vietnam has made thorough preparations to select effective and practical projects, he said, wishing that along with the governments of countries, the GFANZ actively leads the process of implementing Net Zero and JETP.
Vietnam now has renewable energy projects related to wind and solar power with a capacity of around 9,000 MW. The National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII), allocates a significant space for renewable energy. This includes plans to build offshore wind farms, develop rooftop solar power, establish smart grids, ensure the balance and stability of the energy system, and encourage self-generation and on-site consumption of solar power.
He said several pilot energy transition projects will be assigned to Vietnamese firms, adding that Vietnam prioritises green transition projects in transportation and agriculture.
In addition, Vietnam is interested in education, training, and research in renewable energy and new fuels. Vietnam hopes that the GFANZ will share its experience in developing renewable energy in developing countries, thereby establishing effective connections and collaboration with Vietnam, he said.
Carr, for her part, said the involvement of GFANZ and its member financial institutions is important to formulate specific plans and priorities in the energy transition process and the development of a green economy.
She emphasised the need to swiftly create a global financial policy framework to drive the JETP.
The GFANZ wishes to work closely with Vietnam in the energy transition process, identify priority areas based on comparative advantages, such as developing smart grids, offshore wind power, studying new technologies for production, storage, transportation and use of new fuels, she said.
The GFANZ leader expressed her desire to join activities of the JETP’s Secretariat and pilot projects on energy transition, saying that GFANZ will allocate financial resources for technological innovations in smart grid systems, fossil fuel transition, and other related initiatives.
Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes
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