Twenty-five years since UNESCO bestowed upon Hanoi the title of "City for Peace", the capital has undergone continuous developments, achieving notable successes and affirming itself as the nation’s major centre for administration, politics, economy, and culture.

To be among the five cities worldwide earning the recognition in 1999, Hanoi met several criteria. It demonstrated outstanding achievements in improving people's lives, promoting social unity, developing culture and education, and addressing urbanisation and ecological issues, among many others.

Economically, despite expanding in size and population over the past 25 years, Hanoi has maintained its role as one of Vietnam's economic powerhouses, significantly contributing to the country's overall growth. The municipal gross regional domestic product (GRDP) grew by 6.27% in 2023, surpassing the national growth rate by 1.24 times. Its average per capita income reached 141.8 million VND (5,672 USD) in 2022, 1.45 times higher than the national average.

Despite occupying only 1% of the national territory and housing 8% of the Vietnamese population, the capital contributes 12.6% to the national GRDP, 17.1% to the state budget revenue, and 4.6% to the country’s export turnover. It is one of the two cities in Vietnam recently listed by the commercial real estate brokerage firm Savills among the 15 fastest-developing ones globally by 2033.

Hanoi also consistently ranks among the top in the nation for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The city lured over 2.94 billion USD worth of FDI last year, up 70.5% from 2022. Annually, foreign-invested enterprises contribute approximately 10% to the city’s budget revenue and 11% to its overall social investment capital, while employing 11% of the local workforce.

Meanwhile, it served a total of 24 million tourists in 2023, rising by 27% year-on-year. Of the total arrivals, there were 4 million foreigners. Revenue from tourism activities, therefore, stood at 87.65 trillion VND, an annual growth of 45.5%.

Alongside economic growth, the city places a significant emphasis on social welfare and improving people's lives. By the end of last year, its poverty rate was brought to 0.03%, and health insurance coverage reached 94.33% of the population. The local cultural, educational, scientific, and technological sectors continue to flourish, while urban management and environmental sanitation are well-maintained with a focus on utilising information technology and creating favourable conditions for big data and smart city initiatives.

Given its pivotal position, the capital city always prioritises national defence and security, ensuring public order and safety for central government agencies, major political and cultural events, and activities and visits by foreign heads of state. Notably, Hanoi has successfully hosted numerous major international events, including the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 2004, the 14th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2006, the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU-132) in 2015, the second summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US in 2019, and the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2022. The successful organisation of these events not only underscores the capital’s and Vietnam's capability to meet material and security requirements for large-scale activities but also enhances the country’s reputation and stature on the global stage./.

All Vietnamese students win prizes at mathematics contest in Malaysia

All 34 local students attending the World Mathematics Invitational (WMI) 2024 competition in Malaysia claimed awards at the competition, including two diamond, four gold, 12 silver, five bronze, and 11 consolation prizes.

Of the winners, fifth grade student Tran Lam Dao of Kim Lien Primary School won a special cup “The Star of the World” which was given to the diamond prize winner with the highest score.

The five-day event running to July 16 and witnessed the participation of 1,800 candidates from 22 countries and territories worldwide.

The Vietnamese candidates mainly come from primary and secondary schools in Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi.

The WMI was initiated in 2013 by Kun-Lung Tsai, chairman of the Chinese Mathematics Association, and Prof. Quan Lam of the University of California in Berkeley in the United States.

The annual competition aims to promote the study of mathematics in schools and organisations around the world, while also providing a venue for students to enhance culture exchanges and share experience in learning mathematics.

Conference popularises Party chief’s book on Vietnamese culture

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) held a conference in Hanoi on July 15 to disseminate the contents of the book on building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The book was edited and published by the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, the MCST, the Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House, the Communist Review, the Vietnam News Agency, and relevant agencies.

Comprising three parts, the book is a collection of 92 writings, speeches, talks, excerpts from interviews, and letters by the Party chief, reflecting his great attention to building, preserving and developing the Vietnamese culture with traditional and modern elements to contribute to national construction and development.

It also features over 90 documentary photos capturing moments of the Party leader in cultural activities, working trips to localities and units in the cultural sector, and meetings with artists and intellectuals nationwide.

The e-version of the book is available at https://sachquocgia.vn.

The publication will be translated into multiple foreign languages to promote Vietnamese cultural values on a global scale./.

Young overseas Vietnamese commemorate Hung Kings

A delegation of 120 young overseas Vietnamese from 27 countries and territories around the world attend an incense offering ceremony at Thuong temple and the temple dedicated to Father Lac Long Quan in the Hung Kings temple historical relic area in the northern province of Phu Tho, on July 15.

This activity is part of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 for the young generation of Vietnamese abroad.

At Kinh Thien Palace on Nghia Linh Mountain, the delegation offered incense, flowers and offerings in commemoration of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam.

The Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 is taking place from July 14-29 in 12 provinces and cities throughout the country, including Hanoi, Phu Tho, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue.

First held in 2004, the camp, an annual programme organised by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOV) in coordination with relevant agencies, has brought thousands of outstanding young OVs from 16-24 years old to visit their motherland./.

President To Lam extends condolences to Ha Giang landslide victims

President To Lam on July 15 sent condolences to victims of a recent severe landslide that occured in Ta Mo hamlet, Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district, the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, and their families.

The landslide on early July 13 claimed 11 lives and left four others injured.

The President said he was moved to know that as soon as the landslide occured, many people who witnessed the incident promptly rescued those in distress. Tragically, three individuals of them died.

Besides, he praised search and rescue forces for their efforts and timely action and overcoming consequences of the landslide. He urged the Ha Giang authorities to urgently review areas at risk of landslides and proactively have plans responding to unexpected disasters, as well as promptly honour and commend brave examples.

On the same day, the President decided to present four individuals from Hanoi with the Bravery Order for their courageous efforts in rescuing victims in a recent fire incident in the city’s Cau Giay district.

Vietnamese sweet and sour soup listed among world’s Top 57 fish soups

Vietnamese sweet and sour soup, known locally as Canh Chua Cá, has been placed in eighth position in a list of the Top 57 fish soups in the world, as compiled by international food website TasteAtlas.

The term Canh Chua Cá encompasses various fish-based Vietnamese soups which are characterised by their combination of sweet, spicy, and sour tastes. The soups are usually made using a tamarind-based broth and typically include chunks of pineapple, tomatoes, okra, bean sprouts, or other vegetables, the website wrote.

Most varieties are prepared using catfish, although some versions also include carp, snakehead fish, eels, or salmon. These soups are usually topped with cilantro before then being served with rice on the side, according to details given by food website TasteAtlas.

Other local dishes to make the list include sweet and sour tamarind soup, known locally as Canh Chua, ranking 19th globally; and ca linh fish and river hemp flower hot pot, known as Lẩu Cá Linh Bông Diên Diển, which came in at 53rd. Both delicacies are from the Mekong Delta region.

Topping the list is Lohikeitto, a creamy Finish salmon soup which traditionally incorporates diced potatoes and carrots before then being cooked in a flavourful, buttery broth which is infused with fish stock and cream.

Rounding off the list of TasteAtlas’s Top 57 fish soups worldwide were many representatives from around the Asian region, including Assam Laksa and Penang Laksa of Malaysia, Tekwan of Indonesia, Fish Soup Bee Hoon of Singapore, Mohinga of Myanmar, Chueotang of the Republic of Korea, and Shark Fin Soup of China.

TasteAtlas is an encyclopedia of flavours which serves as a world atlas showcasing traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants. The website has cataloged over 10,000 foods and drinks from across the world, although thousands of cuisines have yet to be researched and mapped.

Lao official highlights outcomes of President To Lam’s state visit

The recent state visit to Laos by President To Lam is a success and holds great significance to the special relationship between Vietnam and its Southeast Asian neighbour, a Lao official affirmed on July 15.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Minister of Technology and Communications and President of the Laos – Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara spoke highly of the July 11-12 visit, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

That President Lam chose Laos as the first country to visit as the State leader of Vietnam demonstrates the special importance the Vietnamese Party, State and people attach to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, he said.

The official noted that Lam and Sisoulith witnessed the signing of seven cooperation documents, of them three inter-governmental and the rest in economy.

They also jointly launched a project on building a resident management and citizen identification system in Laos, which is seen as important to digital transformation in the country.

On this occasion, President Lam announced Vietnam's gift of 20 automobiles manufactured by Vietnamese automaker VinFast to the neighbouring country to serve the ASEAN Summit that it will host as the chair of the bloc this year.

Vongdara said the visit helps affirm that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples will remain unchanged forever.

Therefore, despite the complex regional and global situation, as well as economic and financial difficulties in Laos, Vietnam will always stand by the side of the Lao people in national defence and development, the official stressed and pledged to work harder to deepen the relationship and making it thrive forever.

Conference discusses role of technology and design in fostering sustainability

Experts discussed the role of advanced technologies and creative design methods in fostering urban and regional sustainability at an international conference titled "Resilience by Technology and Design" in Ho Chi Minh City on July 15.

The event drew the participation of representatives from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and other prestigious institutions from various countries around the world such as Italy, Australia, the Republic of Korea, China, Singapore, and Japan.

The conference offered an ideal venue for domestic and international scholars to transfer expertise in science and technology and introduce solutions to enhance the resilience of communities in a new era of volatility.

Addressing the event, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, chairman of the UEH, emphasised that as a leading university in Vietnam, the UEH has pursued a multidisciplinary and sustainable strategy, adding that the university has implemented a number of projects and conducted research in order to promote sustainable development goals.

Dr. Phong noted that from creating a sustainable green campus to moving towards a circular economy through research activities, the UEH has exerted multi-dimensional impacts in various spheres of technology and innovation.

The event was also anticipated to enhance collaborations among different researchers around the world to further implement global development solutions.

Gods of Martial Arts to hunt for Vietnam’s finest MMA fighters

The Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) series will be officially started next month at the Lien Phong MMA dojo in Ho Chi Minh City.

It is a professional martial art competition launched by master-actor Johnny Tri Nguyen, with the support of the HCM City Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

It aims to create elite competition mat for fighters, promote martial spirit and provide thrilling bouts to MMA lovers.

As the series' general director Tri Nguyen, who is rich in experience of martial art and cinema, promised to optimally support participants during the competition, ensuring the tournament "the place where legends are born".

Previously, he successfully organised Mekong Fighting Championship, the Coco Championship and the Dragon Fight League.

Athletes will compete following pro MMA rules within a hexagonal structure cage (normally it is an octagonal one) wrapped up in a ring ropes with open space like rings of boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai.

In only a short time post launch more than 100 fighters have already registered to compete in five weight categories of 55kg, 57kg, 59kg, 63kg and 68kg.

Organisers will pick the best four from each class, based on their background and wins, who will then take part in the quarter-finals which are scheduled to be held on August 24.

The winners will then advance to the semi-finals on October 26.

Two fighters have already been given a wildcard to play from the semis' 59kg - LION Championship Pham Van Nam and architect-fighter Tran Trong Kim, who placed fifth in his class.

The semi-final winners will face off with champions of different national MMA tournaments such as Nguyen Hoang Thach, Bui Truong Sinh, Nguyen Vu Phuong Hoai and Ha The Anh, at the finals for the GMA belts on December 28.

“(Through GMA) we want to find fighters with fiery spirit and resilient hearts that never give up, and above all, those whose minds and bodies always conquer extreme challenges,” said Tri Nguyen.

In addition to broadcasting matches live, organisers will also hold several of activities and sideline clips on social networks with a view to making the event even more popular to the domestic and international MMA communities.

As is the case of the world's largest martial art organisations UFC and One Championship, GMA bonuses are not published, they are for negotiation between the organisers and the fighters./.

Hanoi Radio & Television’s application allows audience to engage in content ecosystem

The Hanoi Radio and Television has freshly launched its multimedia content application Hanoi On, with users enabled to actively participate in content creation, becoming an integral part of the digital ecosystem.

Specifically, users can contribute their own content to channels of the capital’s official broadcasting network and interact within television programmes, while utilising online educational, payment, and e-commerce functionalities, traffic camera views, road congestion updates, and integrated city services phased in over time.

Furthermore, Hanoi On offers tens of thousands of music programmes, thousands of audiobooks, and an extensive library of TV series and blockbuster films, particularly a collection of classic Vietnamese and global cinema spanning a century.

Speaking at the launch event on July 10, Hoang Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Radio and Television’s digital content centre, said Hanoi On serves not only as a content distribution platform but also an interactive application that connects users through various media and behaviours. It aims to satisfy the public's demand for access to wholesome information, events, stories, and entertaining programmes happening in the capital and across the nation.

Nguyen Kim Khiem, General Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Hanoi Radio and Television, expressed his aspiration for "Hanoi On" to not only connect the production, coordination, and distribution of content at the station, but also link the station with partners and the public within a modern digital content supply chain.

The application reaffirms the broadcaster’s commitment and determination towards the goal of forming a modern multimedia communication complex for the city, he stated./.

Quang Binh calls for on-time, effective finishing touches ahead of EC’s visit

The central coastal province of Quang Binh has ordered the on-time and effective implementation of measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as careful agenda preparation for the upcoming working session with the European Commission (EC)’s inspection team.

It is necessary to allocate adequate resources for the mission toward having the EC’s IUU-fishing-associated “yellow card” warning lifted, resolutely deal with organisations and individuals who fail to fulfill their assigned duties, and reward and support in a timely way those emerging as exemplary models, local authorities stressed, adding the pilot of the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT) must be implemented across traditional and private fishing ports, with fishermen assisted to use the system.

Besides, the investigation and verification of local vessels illegally fishing in foreign waters since the beginning of 2023 must be accelerated, while all entries and exits of fishing vessels at local ports must be strictly controlled to ensure full compliance with regulations.

In the first six months of this year, the province logged nearly 47,600 tonnes of fisheries products, up 2.8% year-on-year.

The EC’s upcoming fifth IUU fishing inspection in Vietnam is expected to take place around September-October.

According to a report from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the fourth inspection in October last year showed that positive progress had been made. The removal of the 'yellow card' on marine products is seen as a critical and urgent task for Vietnam, as the European Union is among the top three export markets for Vietnamese seafood, only behind the US and China./.

Kien Giang boosts settlement of ineligible fishing vessels

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is ramping up actions to thoroughly deal with ineligible fishing vessels, in an effort to enhance fishing management, protect marine fishery resources, and help with the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The number of licensed fishing vessels accounts for 95.7% of the total at present. Among them, more than 99.4% of those at least 15m long have been equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) while the remainders are idle and haven’t been installed with VMS, reported the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The province’s sub-department for fishery resources surveillance is quickly completing procedures to put over 2,000 unregistered vessels into registration and management. It is also working to examine, mark, register, and grant fishing licences to more than 2,700 with “three no’s” (no examination, no licences, no registration).

The large number of the “three no’s” has caused difficulties to the management and monitoring of fishing vessels, thus affecting the implementation of the European Commission (EC)’s recommendations about IUU fishing prevention and control.

The agriculture department attributed the problem to the fact that many local fishermen worked faraway for a long time and did not make timely declaration, and some traded or transferred vessels but did not conduct relevant procedures.

Uncontrolled fleet expansion and overfishing, resulting in the depletion of marine resources off the coast of Kien Giang, have also led to some vessels’ illegal operations in foreign waters, Co Hong Khoi, head of the fishery resources surveillance sub-department, pointed out.

During the first half of 2024, local authorities handled hundreds of cases of IUU fishing-related acts, imposing fines of over 19.6 billion VND (771,600 USD).

To sustainably develop the fisheries sector, Truong Van Ngu, Chairman of the Fisheries Society of Kien Giang’s Rach Gia city, proposed the province comprehensively carry out urgent measures to recover and develop marine resources, and encourage the fishermen working in inshore areas to adopt new livelihoods.

He also called for stronger coordination among relevant sectors and localities to boost patrol to prevent overexploitation, protect marine reserves, stringently deal with violations, enhance law enforcement, and resolutely prevent ineligible vessels from operating.

To assist with the IUU fishing combat, Le Huu Toan, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Kien Giang will scale down the fishing fleet, reduce small vessels operating in inshore areas, encourage the shift to environmentally friendly practices, improve fishery resources conservation and development capacity, and raise public awareness of the work.

The province has also released fry into the sea to recover fishery resources annually and established marine protected areas, he said./.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve develops three rare plant species

The management board of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Ba Thuoc district, the north-central province Thanh Hoa, has launched a project to preserve three precious and rare plant species – Trai ly (Garcinia fagraeoides A. Chev.), Dinh tung (Cephalotaxus mannii Hook. f.), and Tra hoa trai mong (Camellia pleurocarpa) in the area.

It reported that it has discovered 130 Trai ly trees, 25 Dinh tung trees and 120 Tra hoa trai mong trees in Pu Luong forests.

Director of the reserve Le Dinh Phuong said that it has made a survey along 217km of 47 forest lines to explore the distribution and threats to these species.

Meanwhile, it has fully researched the biological and ecological characteristics of these floras, and built 12 monitoring lines and 30 standard plots to monitor them in the buffer zone and core area of the reserve, he said, adding that the reserve has also taken measures to improve locals and forest rangers’ capacity to recognise these plants, thus encouraging them to engage in the protection of the rare species.

To date, 200 Trai ly trees, 150 Dinh tung trees and 200 Tra hoa trai mong trees have been planted in a 0.83-hectare special-use forest of the reserve.

Trai ly, with full-grown 35m height, round and straight trunk, is a precious wood often used in shipbuilding and carving. This flora often grows in China. In Vietnam, it has been found in Cao Bang, Lang Son, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa provinces.

Dinh tung has a height of 2 - 20 meters and cylindrical trunk. The wood is used in construction and high-end wooden furniture production. This species often grows in India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand. In Vietnam, it often grows in Thanh Hoa, Son La, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang provinces

Meanwhile, Tra hoa trai mong is a rare medicinal plant. It is found Thailand. In Vietnam, the flora has been discovered in Thanh Hoa and Gia Lai./.

International symposium fosters sustainability

Local and international scholars and experts in technology and design are discussing technology and design solutions to enhance resilience in communities at the Resilience by Technology and Design 2024 international scientific conference that opened in Ho Chi Minh City on July 15.

The second biennial event is being organised by the University of Economics HCM City (UEH) in coordination with universities in Italy, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China), Singapore, and Japan.

The four-day event, which has the theme “Fostering Sustainability,” will provide in-depth knowledge, updates on the latest trends and analyses of new, unique and multi-dimensional perspectives from leading experts in the fields of technology and design.

Discussions will focus on topics that explore the important role of advanced technologies, innovative design methods and comprehensive data analytics in creating solutions that align with the principles of environmental responsibility, economic viability and potential, and social justice.

Some discussion sessions will also be held at the UEH – Vinh Long branch in the namesake Mekong Delta province on July 17 on innovative solutions and ideas to cope with cyclones, sea level rise, salinisation of rivers, flooding, and landslides to ensure a more sustainable future for the delta.

A field visit will be organised to the Mekong Delta on July 18 to facilitate interactions with local communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Nguyen Dong Phong, Chairman of the University Council, said from creating a green sustainable campus to working towards a circular economy through research, UEH is making a multidimensional impact on many areas of technology and innovation.

The Resilience by Technology and Design 2024 conference is one such initiative, which has proven to have an international outreach and is creating a promising partnership among researchers throughout the world, he added./.

Summer football tournament cheers Vietnamese expats across UK

More than 200 players of 15 squads of overseas Vietnamese (OV) living across the UK have competed in the community’s annual football tournament in London.

Organised by the Vietnamese Association in the UK (VAUK), this year’s competition saw Xom (Hamlet) team from London winning the first prize. Meanwhile, for the first time, it featured a children’s championship, with FC Longdan declared the winner.

Those who scored the most or demonstrated excellent goalkeeping, among others, were also awarded.

VAUK President Tang Tuan Tu said the tournament aimed to foster unity among the Vietnamese expatriates, promote their sportsmanship, and enhance the image of the community.

The 2024 edition was rounded off with a gala dinner, where an auction of paintings and handicrafts raised a total of 5,300 GBP (some 7,000 USD) for the community’s educational fund./.

Vietnam comes second at friendly futsal tournament in China

The Vietnamese women's national futsal team finished in second position at the International Women's Futsal Tournament Lanzhou 2024 which concluded on July 15 in China.

The final match against Uzbekistan saw the team led by head coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang get off to a poor start as they conceded in only the second minute.

However, Nguyet Vy and Bui Thi Trang quicky replied with two goals in the third and seventh minutes.

The Uzbeks then scored two rapid goals in the ninth and 10th minutes, before the Vietnamese players equalised once more in the 14th minute. The first half ultimately ended 3-3.

Vietnam moved to a power-play style in the second half with this tactic paying off in the 32nd minute when Thanh Ngan unleashed an unstoppable shot to put her side in a 4-3 lead.

Ngan then continued her form with her second goal of the game three minutes later.

Switching to a similar power-play style in the final minutes, the Uzbek players narrowed the lead to 5-4, before coming back to level the game at 5-5.

Uzbekistan took the top position at the tournament with seven points after three matches, with Vietnam finishing second with five points. Furthermore, Vietnamese player Thanh Ngan won the best player title.

The friendly matches taking place from July 12 to July 15 in China helped the national futsal team sharpen their skills whilst serving as a warm-up for the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Futsal Asian Cup, a qualification for the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup.

HCM City considers supplementary measles vaccinations for children

Facing a high risk of a measles outbreak, HCM City’s health department plans to give supplementary measles vaccination to more than 500,000 children aged one to five years in the city.

The department has recommended the municipal People's Committee to approve the plan to administer supplementary measles vaccinations to all children aged one to five years, regardless of their prior vaccination status.

If approved, the supplementary measles vaccination will begin in July and give priority to areas at a high risk of measles outbreak. 

The estimated budget for this initiative exceeds VNĐ4.3 billion (US$169 million), allocated from the city Department of Health's 2024 healthcare funding.

Dr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, deputy director of the city’s Department of Health, said as of mid-June, the city had reported three measles outbreaks in Bình Tân, Hóc Môn and Bình Chánh districts.

A community immunity survey conducted by the city’s Centre for Disease Control in collaboration with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and Children's Hospital No1 revealed that only 86 per cent of children aged nine months to under five years in the city have measles antibodies.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), maintaining a 95 per cent vaccination rate for two doses of measles vaccine in children under two years old is crucial for measles elimination.

By using the WHO's risk assessment tool, it was found that the entire city faces a high risk of measles outbreaks.

In response to this alarming situation, health stations throughout the city have focused intensively on catch-up and supplementary measles vaccinations for children lacking complete immunisation.

Local hospitals continue to provide catch-up vaccinations to pediatric patients who were not fully vaccinated against measles before discharge, aiming to bolster protection against the spread of measles. 

Former youth volunteers hailed as source of national pride

President Tô Lâm has hailed the Việt Nam Youth Volunteer Force as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, embodying the finest qualities of the Vietnamese nation and serving as a perpetual source of pride for Vietnamese youth.

Meeting in Hà Nội on Monday with 150 representatives attending the fifth National Congress of the Association of Former Vietnamese Youth Volunteers, on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Việt Nam Youth Volunteer Force, President Lâm recalled the glorious achievements and significant contributions of the force during the struggle for national independence and subsequent national construction.

The Party, State, and people will forever remember and be grateful for the immense contributions of the Việt Nam Youth Volunteer Force, he affirmed, expressing his delight at the association's accomplishments in the past term, including the launch of meaningful campaigns aligned with the Party and State's policies and guidelines.

The association was also commended for its close collaboration with departments and agencies to ensure policy benefits for former youth volunteers, assist in the search and repatriation of martyrs’ remains, and promote socio-economic development following COVID-19.

The president called on ministries and agencies, especially the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union, to continue studying and creatively applying Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology regarding the Great School of Youth Volunteers, building a strong contingent of officials and fostering a generation of Vietnamese young people who are patriotic, resilient and proud of the nation.

This generation, he noted, should have political mettle, revolutionary ethics, competence, and courage to engage in global integration, along with great dreams and ambitions.

They were also urged to actively and effectively engage in national renovation, construction and defence while preserving and renovating historical landmarks and sites related to the force.

On the occasion, the leader presented a photo of President Hồ Chí Minh taken with the young volunteers and donated VNĐ200 million (US$8,300) to help the association prepare attire for delegates attending the congress.

President of the association Vũ Trọng Kim noted that there have been over 650,000 former youth volunteers joining the past struggle for national independence and the current national development.

The association has donated 1,107 houses and repaired 509 others, presented gifts and other items like saving books, food, clothing and school supplies worth over VNĐ269 billion ($10.6 million).

Additionally, the members supported each other during the COVID-19 pandemic with more than VNĐ2 billion ($79,000) and various items. 

HCM City seeks to achieve growth of 7.5-8 per cent in 2024

HCM City is committed to achieving a growth rate of 7.5-8 per cent this year, despite various challenges it faces, a city official said.

Speaking at the 17th session of the HCM City People’s Council meeting on Monday, Nguyễn Thị Lệ, chairwoman of the People’s Council, said the city must overcome obstacles such as bureaucratic hindrances, land clearance issues, and project implementation delays to reach its growth target.

The three-day meeting will focus on strategies to achieve the yearly growth target, including accelerating public spending, improving public services, streamlining administrative processes, controlling inflation, and stabilising the macro-economy.

Particular attention will be given to expediting public spending, boosting consumption, and addressing business challenges in the second half of 2024.

The city has faced challenges in effectively disbursing public funds, resulting in delays in major projects and impeding economic progress.

It fell short of its public investment disbursement target, with only VNĐ15 trillion disbursed in the first half, or 19 per cent of the set target, instead of the expected 30 per cent.

“However, plans are in place to disburse the allocated funds by year-end,” she noted.

The city aims to disburse VNĐ73 trillion, equivalent to 95 per cent of public investment, by year-end, according to Lệ.

In addition, discussions will be held on merging wards within districts to reduce administrative units, as proposed by the city People’s Committee.

Under the proposal, the city plans to merge two or three wards into one among 80 wards in 10 districts, including districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and Bình Thạnh, Gò Vấp and Phú Nhuận districts.

According to the city's Statistics Office, the city grew 6.46 per cent in the first half despite various hurdles it faced.

Its index of industrial production grew 5.6 per cent during the period, the highest increase in the past three years.

The city saw a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in total retail sales of goods and services.

Over 25,200 enterprises entered the market in the city this year, registering VNĐ215 trillion in capital, a 9.6 per cent increase in the number of businesses from the same time last year.

State budget collection was also a bright spot at more than VNĐ265 trillion, accounting for over 54 per cent of the year’s target and up 16 per cent year-on-year.

The city also saw a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with nearly 2.7 million visitors in the first half, up 38 per cent year-on-year and representing 44.6 per cent of the annual target, driven by a series of festivals and tourism promotion events.

It welcomed over 17 million domestic tourists, up 4.4 per cent year-on-year to reach 45 per cent of the yearly target.

Tourism revenue saw a notable surge of 14.6 per cent during the period, reaching VNĐ92.6 trillion.

In addition, the first metro line (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên) has been 98 per cent completed, with the city aiming to start operations by November.

Analysts have, however, warned the city would need to address multiple challenges in credit growth and the real estate market to achieve the growth target. 

Midfielder Tuấn Anh signs contract with Nam Định

Midfielder Nguyễn Tuấn Anh has just signed a three-year contract with defending V.League 1 champions Nam Định. The contract can be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement between both parties.

"I am very happy to sign a long-term contract with Nam Định. I will try my best to play well and work with my teammates to bring more achievements to the team," Anh said.

Anh was born in 1995 in Thái Bình Province and perfected his footballing skills at the HAGL Arsenal JMG Academy. He was once considered by the chairman of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Club, Đoàn Nguyên Đức, to be the most talented player from this academy.

However, Anh's career path was difficult due to recurring injuries and many absences from major events with the U23 and national teams.

Along with teammates Lương Xuân Trường and Nguyễn Công Phượng, Anh was promoted to the HAGL senior team in 2015 to play in the V.League 1, but he did not win any titles with them.

In the middle of the 2023/24 season, Anh joined Nam Định on loan, where he contributed to the team's V.League 1 title triumph.

At Nam Định, Anh has reunited with his two former HAGL Arsenal JMG Academy teammates, Nguyễn Văn Toàn and Nguyễn Phong Hồng Duy, who also won their first league title at the club level this season.

For several seasons Nam Định used to struggle to avoid relegation, but with the arrival of sponsor Xuân Thiện, the team have spent money to recruit several experienced players, such as goalkeeper Trần Nguyên Mạnh, Hendrio da Silva and Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes. The line up has helped the team beat many strong opponents, including Hà Nội Police, Hà Nội FC and Viettel, to win the V.League 1 2023/24 title. 

Kiptoo, Birehan top podiums of Marathon Đà Nẵng Midnight

It was African domination, at the Marathon Đà Nẵng Midnight on July 14 when runners of this continent secured almost of highest positions of the full marathon categories.

Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo took his third straight victory in Việt Nam, finishing first in the men's 42km in a time of 2.37.04min.

Earlier, he won in the Huế in April and Quy Nhơn last month, which were also events of the VNexpress Marathon series.

His country fellow Kimutai Kipchumba and Tesfaye Keress from Ethiopia came second and third, respectively.

The trio set up their own race from the beginning with Vietnamese elite runners such as Đan Quyết, Tiến Luyện and Hoàng Hơn only able to follow them for the first 20km before being left far behind.

After the 30km mark, Kipchumba was dropped. Kiptoo and Keress set up a one-two race and rotated to take lead with a gap that was never larger than three minutes.

In the last few hundred metres, Keress tried to sprint up and headed to the finish but his attempt was not successful. Kiptoo who had a bigger leg stride length passed him in the last metres and took the top podium.

Keress was five seconds slower than the champion.

On the women's side, Ethiopian Marta Tinsae Birehan was back in action at an VnExpress Marathon event after failng at HCM City's marathon last year.

Birehan was only 700 metres from the finish line and in the lead, when she had to withdraw because of health problem.

This year, nothing could stop her from winning the title as she left all other runners behind to run solo to the finish, winning in 2:54.55.

Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ and Nông Thị Chang came second and third, respectively.

A foreign runner also made his mark in the half marathon events.

Nano Guta Kebede of Ethiopia topped the men's class, clocking in at 1:11.45. He was followed by Vietnamese Lê Văn Hương and Trịnh Minh Tâm.

Lê Thị Hà of Việt Nam won the women's 21km gold in 1:30.10, followed by Trần Thị Duyên and Vương Thị Hiền.

Runners also took part in the men's and women's 10km and 5km and kid fun runs.

About 8,000 local and international runners took part in the Đà Nẵng's first midnight marathon, running around the beach city's most beautiful streets and iconic landmarks.

The city's leaders believe that the sporting event played a role in lifting Đà Nẵng's reputation in the fields of tourism and business and it should become an annual event. 

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes