Many localities reported rises in the number of visitors and tourism revenues in the first half of the year. According to the Statistics Office of Can Tho city, the locality earned 159.7 billion VND (6.77 million USD) from tourism activities in the period from January to June, 20% higher than that reported in the same period last year.

An Giang province, with its abundant resources in eco-tourism and agricultural tourism, welcomed approximately 6 million visitors in the period, representing a year-on-year increase of 15%, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Popular destinations in the province include Tra Su Tra Su Melaleuca forest and Long Xuyen floating market.

Bac Lieu and Ca Mau also recorded positive signs of tourism development. In the first half, Bac Lieu served 2.76 million visitors and raked in about 2.44 trillion VND in revenue, up 40% and 43% compared to the same period last year, respectively.

The Mui Ca Mau (Ca Mau Cape) National Park in Ca Mau province, a Ramsar site - wetlands of international importance - recorded a 30% increase in tourism revenue compared to the same period in 2022. During the peak tourist seasons such as holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), the site receives an average of 4,000 to 6,000 visitors per day.

The regional tourism sector is making efforts to fully tap the potential for tourism development and the strengths of destinations to lure more tourists during the summer.

A series of events have been organising in Can Tho city. The Cai Rang floating market culture tourism festival, which is slated for July 7 – 9, will feature activities that reflect the essence of the region's waterway culture.

According to the Department of Tourism of Kien Giang, there have been a series of day and night events at Grand World Phu Quoc in June and July, featuring lively music performances by street bands, circus shows, magic tricks; and introducing street foods from different continents. These offer a good chance for visitors to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a wide range of entertainment options and culinary delights.

According to Director of C2T Media and Tourism Co., Ltd Vo Van Phong, the firm has designed tours that offer experiences in the countryside and highlight local heritage to attract visitors to Ben Tre province.

Party General Secretary chairs Central Military Commission’s session

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, chaired the commission’s sixth session in Hanoi on July 3 to review the fulfillment of military and national defence tasks, and Party building in the first half of this year, and roll out tasks for the last six months.

At the beginning of the session, Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang announced the Politburo’s decision to appoint President Vo Van Thuong to join the Standing Board of the commission for the 2020-2025 term.

In his remarks, Trong urged the entire army to stay ready and prepare plans in response to non-traditional security challenges, and participate in natural disaster prevention and control, and search and rescue operations, especially in the upcoming storm season.

He also stressed that the army should improve the quality of training and exercise, raise its combat readiness, and maintain its role as the core in building strong all-people defence.

It is necessary ensure logistics services and technologies, and boost the defence industry towards modernity, while improving the quality of international integration and defence diplomacy, he continued.

Regarding Party building in the military, the Party chief laid emphasis on developing a strong contingent of officials who have morality, talents and reputation.

He also urged better performance in the mass mobilisation work, helping people in socio-economic development, natural disaster and disease prevention and control, and joining the building of the political foundation in localities.

It is a must to keep a close watch on localities to coordinate with all-level Party Committees, local authorities and public security force in building safe localities, and preventing “hot spots” and complicated cases, the leader said.

Other tasks included preparing for major national celebrations in 2024, and promoting the information work so that people at home and international friends understand more about the history of the Vietnamese army.

The Party leader noted that policies and guidelines of the Central Military Commission need to be popularised among all officers and soldiers, and called for stronger efforts in the army to achieve all the tasks set for the second half and the whole year.

According to a report presented at the meeting, over the past six months, the Central Ministry Commission, the Ministry of National Defence, and all-level Party Committee instructed the entire army to stay united and overcome challenges to fulfil their tasks.

The army made outstanding performance in both national defence and production, proved its core role in building all-people defence and served as the main force in disaster prevention and control, and search and rescue operations.

International integration and defence diplomacy were carried out actively and flexibly, the report said, noting that the army actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid and earthquake relief in Turkey, which has been highly valued by the international community.

Vice President hails RoK association for contributions to bilateral ties

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan attributed outcomes of cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) to significant contributions by individuals, organisations and associations, including the Association of Korean People Loving Vietnam (VESAMO), during her reception for a visiting VESAMO delegation in Hanoi on July 3.

The official called the Vietnam-RoK collaboration a model of international cooperation based on the three pillars of politics, economy and people-to-people exchange, noting that the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2012, opening up a new development period for their relations.  

She spoke highly of the effective, practical operation of the association over the past more two 20 years, and noted a hope that it will organise more activities in cooperation with its Vietnamese partners such as the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-RoK Friendship Association (VRFA).

For his part, VESAMO President Chang Ho Ick affirmed that his association will coordinate with the VUFO and the VRFA to soon roll out exchanges for businesses of the two countries, and sketch out plans for people-to-people exchanges.

He called on the Vice President to further support operations of friendship associations, including the VRFA.

Established in 2002 in Busan, the VESAMO is a non-profit organisation, gathering scholars, businesspeople, lawyers, artists, intellectuals and others. The association has given good sentiments and practical support to the Vietnamese community in the RoK. Over the past five years, it has also assisted Vietnamese Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims and disadvantaged students.

PM attends economic diplomacy promotion conference

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 3 attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ virtual conference on promoting the implementation of economic diplomacy serving socio-economic development in the last half of 2023.

The event gathered participants from the ministry’s headquarters in Hanoi and 94 Vietnamese representative offices overseas.

In his opening remarks, PM Chinh praised the ministry’s and representative offices’ close coordination with other ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises to actively, proactively, and effectively carry out external relations tasks, including economic diplomacy.

He expressed his delight at the successful implementation of the vaccine diplomacy, which has contributed to Vietnam’s pandemic control, early reopening, and socio-economic recovery and development.

The Government leader recommended participants focus on discussing specific solutions to boost growth drivers through attracting high-quality investment; diversify markets, products, and supply chains; fully tap traditional markets and expand potential ones; accelerate the signing of free trade agreements (FTAs); and promote Vietnamese goods in Halal markets.

He also highlighted the importance of connecting provinces and cities, representative agencies abroad, and businesses to make the most of every opportunity and demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility for the sake of the nation, the development of the country and the happiness of the people.

Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with ESCAP: FM

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed on July 3 that Vietnam attaches great importance to cooperation with the United Nations (UN) in general and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in particular.

During his talks with Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in Hanoi, Son said Alisjahbana’s Vietnam visit from July 3-6 is of significance in the context that the world and the region are at the midpoint for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and facing noted challenges, requiring stronger international cooperation.

Son briefed the UN official on Vietnam’s socio-economic situation and international integration, as well as major orientations for these fields.

The minister affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, active and proactive international integration, and support for multilateralism and a world order based on international law and the UN Charter.

He used the occasion to thank the UN and its ESCAP for their companionship and support for Vietnam's socio-economic development and international integration over the past decades.

For her part, Alisjahbana expressed her good sentiments to Vietnam, and impressions on its socio-economic achievements.

She highly valued Vietnam’s increasing role and position in the region and the world, as well as the country’s active and effective contributions to the ESCAP, saying the commission wants to strengthen cooperation with the country in the coming time.

The two sides shared the view on positive developments of cooperation over the past time and discussed measures to further enhance the collaboration in the time ahead.

Son proposed the UN and the ESCAP in particular accompany and provide technical support for Vietnam in sustainable development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alisjahbana affirmed her readiness to engage in discussions with the Vietnamese side regarding the possibility of organising a national forum on SDGs in 2024 to accelerate the implementation of the goals.

They agreed to step up cooperation activities in such areas as climate change adaptation, the materialisation of the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP), green energy transition in transportation, transport infrastructure development, statistical capacity strengthening, digital transformation, science-technology, and innovation.

The ESCAP is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The commission promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and nine associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. The ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the UN.

The ESCAP has maintained its relationship with Vietnam since national reunification, and provided technical support for the country in almost socio-economic sectors.

Prime Minister calls for ESCAP support in policy making, enforcement

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 3 suggested the United Nations (UN) and its Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in particular carry forward their strengths to support member countries, including Vietnam, in socio-economic development policy making and enforcement.

At a reception for Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in Hanoi, the PM affirmed that Vietnam highly values the role of the UN in promoting multilateral cooperation to address global issues, as well as significant contributions by the ESCAP to socio-economic development in Asia-Pacific since its establishment more than 75 years ago.

Vietnam attaches importance to efforts in promoting an environment of peace, cooperation and development in the world, and is resolved to protect the nature and the environment, he continued.  

In reply, Alisjahbana spoke highly of Vietnam’s significant achievements in socio-economic development and post-COVID-19 recovery in a sustainable manner, as well as the country’s positive and effective contributions to the UN and the commission.

She also commended Vietnam's efforts and commitments in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), coping with climate change, materialising the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and digital transformation, among other fields.

The UN official expressed her belief that Vietnam will successfully achieve its socio-economic development goals and set an example for many other countries.

The ESCAP and other UN organisations are ready to support Vietnam in accelerating the fulfillment of the SDGs, preparing to join the 2023 SDG Summit to be organised by the UN Secretary-General in New York in September, just energy transition, climate change response, and digital transformation, she pledged.

The two sides shared concern over adverse impacts of global challenges such as conflicts, climate change and inflation.

Chinh said the global issues have impacted on all, so it is necessary to have a comprehensive, global approach, where equality is ensured.

In this regard, Alisjahbana stressed the importance of international cooperation and a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing these challenges.

President hosts outgoing head of EU Delegation to Vietnam

President Vo Van Thuong received Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, outgoing Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on July 3.

President Thuong lauded the diplomat’s significant contributions to promoting the Vietnam-EU relationship, especially the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the sides' efforts to hasten the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by EU member states.

Vietnam appreciates the EU's support in COVID-19 vaccines, which helped the country overcome the most challenging phase of the pandemic, he said.

Thuong affirmed that Vietnamese businesses are working to meet the EU’s green and clean requirements for imports. Vietnam is also making significant efforts to realise its commitment on net zero emissions by 2050 and hopes to receive financial and technological assistance from developed countries, including the EU.
He pointed out a fact that Vietnam has been serious in implementing regulations and recommendations related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to ensure the conditions for the EU to lift its "yellow card" warning against the nation's fisheries sector.

The State leader hoped the bloc can recognise and fully appreciate the efforts made by the Vietnamese people and State.

He also stated that Vietnam always values human rights and the country respects, facilitates, and encourages activities of socio-political and non-governmental organisations operating in Vietnam.

In response, Aliberti stressed that thanks to the EVFTA, Vietnam's exports to the EU have experienced positive growth, and that EU businesses have high expectations for this agreement. The EU continues to promote early ratification of the EVIPA by member states, he noted.

He said the EU is working closely with Vietnam to address the IUU issue and assessed that Vietnam is moving in the right direction and has demonstrated improvement in this area.

The EU places its trust in Vietnam as an important partner in the green transition process and will collaborate with Vietnam to cope with climate change, the diplomat affirmed.

He vowed to make further contributions to the Vietnam-EU relationship in his future positions.

Heavy rain forecast in southern Vietnam

Southern provinces are experiencing heavy rain, according to Le Dinh Quyet, deputy head of the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center.

He said on July 2 that rain will continue for at least two more days before tapering down, the local media reported. There will be another rainy period from July 5 to 6, added Quyet.

Over the past 24 hours, there have been heavy rains in many parts of the Mekong Delta. Giong Rieng District in Kien Giang Province have had rainfall of 87 millimeters, while My Tu District in Soc Trang Province has been hit with rainfall of 98 millimeters.

Heavy rain has also poured in the southeastern provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong, reaching 50 millimeters.

In HCMC, Thu Duc City had reported the largest rainfall, with 61 millimeters. The downpours have also occurred in districts 1, 3, 10, and 11, with rainfalls ranging from 40 to 60 millimeters.

Mong Cai border city sees sharp increase of visitors at weekends

The number of visitors to the border city of Mong Cai in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh has increased sharply at weekends, according to a local official.

Head of the city’s Division of Culture and Information Pham Thi Oanh said that, previously, accommodation establishments in the city were fully booked on Friday and Saturday that fall on the public holidays of April 30 and May 1.

However, since the beginning of last month, all tourist accommodation establishments in the city have been fully booked for all weekends. The number of domestic visitors to the city on week days also exceeded the level before the COVID-19 outbreak.

She said that hotels rated with stars have all rooms booked until August.

Mong Cai currently has more than 200 accommodation establishments, including 22 hotels rated with 1-5 stars and accommodation facilities of motel standards, houses with rooms for tourists and homestays, providing nearly 7,000 beds.

In the first six months of 2023, the total number of tourists to Mong Cai reached nearly 1.1 million, a year-on-year increase of 170%, equaling 87% of the planned target for the whole year of 2023. Total budget revenue from tourism and services of Mong Cai reached more than 58 billion VND (2.46 million USD), up 222% over the same period in 2022.

Mong Cai city set a target of welcoming 1.5 million visitors in 2023. The city soon plans to introduce to visitors five new tourism products, including culinary tourism; ecotourism, and border tourism.

Specifically, with culinary tourism, Mong Cai city has two new products, Vietnamese - Chinese cuisine and Binh Ngoc seafood specialties.

It is expected that in September 2023, Mong Cai will hold Po Hen highland market every Saturday, offering visitors a chance to meet indigenous people in traditional costumes, buy agricultural products and traditional crafts.

Currently, tourist attractions in Mong Cai include Sa Vi Cape - Vietnam’s northeastern-most point, Tra Co beach, Tra Co church, and Tra Co temple.

Third Mrs Ao Dai Europe 2024 pageant to be held in Poland

The final round of the Mrs Ao Dai Europe 2024 pageant will be held in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland from June 15-16, 2024, its organising board announced at a press conference in Warsaw on July 1.

The event aims to honour the Vietnamese traditional dress "Áo Dài," contributing to nurturing Vietnamese culture within the OV community, and popularising the fine cultural values of Vietnam among international friends.

Held for the first time in the Czech Republic in 2018, the pageant was later interrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, it resumed in Dresden, Germany, and was recognised as a significant cultural event within the OV community in Europe, winning the support and participation of a large number of successful Vietnamese women and expatriates living there.

British newspaper hails Vietnam's education system

Vietnam understands the value of education and manages its teachers well, British weekly newspaper The Economist wrote in a recent article.

The article noted that Vietnamese children go through one of the best schooling systems in the world, a status reflected in outstanding performances in international assessments of reading, maths and science.

It cited the latest data from the World Bank which shows that, on aggregate learning scores, Vietnamese students outperform not only their counterparts in Malaysia and Thailand but also those in the UK and Canada, countries more than six times richer. Even in Vietnam itself, student scores do not exhibit the scale of inequality so common elsewhere between the genders and different regions.

The author assessed that the distinctive secret of Vietnam’s stellar performance lies in the classroom: its children learn more at school, especially in the early years.

The article cited a 2020 study by Abhijeet Singh of the Stockholm School of Economics, which gauged the greater productivity of Vietnam’s schools by examining data from identical tests taken by students in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam. Accordingly, between the ages of five and eight Vietnamese children race ahead. One more year of education in Vietnam increases the probability that a child can solve a simple multiplication problem by 21 percentage points; in India the uplift is six points.

Vietnamese schools, unlike those in other poor countries, have improved over time, said the paper. The biggest reason is the calibre of local teachers, it noted, adding that they are not necessarily better qualified but simply more effective at teaching.

“Vietnam’s teachers do their job well because they are well-managed. They receive frequent training and are given the freedom to make classes more engaging. To tackle regional inequality, those posted to remote areas are paid more. Most important, teacher assessment is based on the performance of their students.”

In addition, it wrote that provinces are required to spend 20% of their budgets on education, which has helped regional equity. That the Communist Party of Vietnam pays such close and relentless attention also ensures that policies are adjusted to update curriculums and teaching standards.

“All this has reaped rich rewards. As schools have improved, so has Vietnam’s economy,” concluded the article.

Vietnam names 23 players for 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals

Coach Mai Duc Chung and his assistants have agreed on the list of 23 players who will depart for New Zealand to compete in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals, according to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

The Vietnamese women's national team will have two more days for training at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre before departing for New Zealand on the afternoon of July 5.

The team will have nearly two weeks to adapt to the conditions at the venue for Group E matches in the tournament.

They will also have two friendly matches to test the lineup, against the host nation, New Zealand, on July 10, and Spain on July 14.

Vietnamese athletes compete in Asian Breaking Championship

Five Vietnamese athletes are competing in the WDSF Asian Breaking Championship 2023 in Hangzhou city, China, on July 1-2.

The tournament is being organised by the Chinese DanceSport Federation, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and the DaceSport Asia (DSA).

This year’s edition consists of confrontational "battles" among 81 B-Boy and 49 B-Girl groups from 30 different countries and territories across Asia.

The Vietnamese team have a chance to compete for a ticket at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, if they win the tournament.

The team members include, head coach Pham Khanh Linh, “Raw2” Ha Thanh Tung, “K6” Luc Do Tan Khoa, “Sailor D” Nguyen Thanh Dat, “Shun” Tran Huynh Nhu, and “Tinie Rawk” Nguyen Thi Hong Tram.

Chu Thi Bich Van, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam eSports Federation, led the team to the tournament.

Vietnamese, German localities beef up ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh on June 30 held a working session with Nadja Zivkovic, Mayor of Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough of Berlin, to discuss ways to beef up its cooperation with Vietnamese localities via specific projects in the near future.

Minh hoped that Marzahn-Hellersdorf would continue offering support to the overseas Vietnamese community there, enabling them to grow stronger and make even more positive and diverse contributions to the borough's development, including the Pacific Trade Centre or Vietnamese pagodas within the borough.

Speaking highly of a cooperation agreement between the borough and Hanoi’s Hoang Mai district, he underlined the need to resume cooperative relations after over two years of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in education, vocational training, nursing and green technology.

According to the diplomat, the amendments to the Immigration Law recently approved by the German federal parliament will provide good opportunities for Vietnamese people to integrate even further into their second homeland.

Vietnam is ready to partner with the borough to materialise these opportunities, especially in education, vocational training, nursing and more, he said.

As several German states and cities are fostering relations with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam, the ambassador suggested that apart from Hoang Mai district, Marzahn-Hellersdorf should consider expanding collaboration with districts in Ho Chi Minh City - a dynamic and rapidly developing city with several underway German projects.

Zivkovic, for her part, lauded the OV community's integration and contributions in the borough and committed to provide all possible support for them for common development.

She hoped to visit Hoang Mai district in November together with a delegation of businesses working in areas where both sides have interest.

Hoang Mai is one of the six districts/cities worldwide with which Marzahn-Hellersdorf has established a partnership. The borough also named a street "Hanoi" (Hanoier Strasse) in compliance with the regulations to name streets after cities rather than districts.

According to preliminary statistics, there are close to 5,000 Vietnamese people residing and working in Marzahn-Hellersdorf at present.

Vietnam, Australia seek to reduce carbon emission

A workshop on using clean and renewable energy to reduce carbon emission was held in Hanoi on June 30.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Vietnamese Association of Intellectuals and Experts in Australia (VASEA), the Australian’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and University of Technology Sydney (UTS). It aimed to share challenges in reducing carbon emission, ensuring energy security and strengthening future collaboration in innovation ecosystems between scientists and institutions of the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski highlighted the Australian Government's activities to reduce carbon and support Vietnam to promote the development of an innovative startup ecosystem and accelerate technology transfer in this regard.

He said that this is a chance for Australian and Vietnamese businesses to cooperate with each other. In the context that the Fourth Industrial Revolution technology is developing rapidly, clean energy and digital transformation have brought many cooperative opportunities for businesses of the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy emphasised that theme of the workshop is very meaningful as , Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the COP26 which took place in Glasgow, Scotland, said Vietnam would adopt drastic measures to reduce emissions with its own resources and support of the international community to meet the target of net-zero emission by 2050.  Thus, he said, it is necessary for the sci-tech sector to work together to research, connect and learn from Australia's experience in technology transfer, and promote efficient energy transition, contributing to reducing carbon emission in the near future.

Presentations at the event focused on carbon reduction issues and goals, especially carbon-related electricity.

Australia used to strongly produce electricity from coal, but it had to shift to other resources and Vietnam is also gradually working towards this goal.

Like Vietnam, Australia has also committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, therefore the partnership between Vietnam and Australia, along with technology transformation, is expected to contribute to stronger promotion of energy transition to cut carbon emissions in the coming time.

Ho Chi Minh City tightens connection with Canadian localities

A delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, organised a Vietnam-Canada business forum in Toronto on June 30 to introduce the city's position and potential and connect businesses of Vietnam and Canada.

The forum is part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and marks the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan emphasised that the city - Vietnam's largest economic hub is home to more than 200,000 businesses. It has a stable growth rate and a per capita income of nearly 7,000 USD in 2022.

Currently, the city is continuing to promote administrative reform, digital transformation, and business and investment environment and ensure socio-political stability in order to create favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Canada.

Hoan said the cooperation relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Canada is still modest and yet to commensurate with the potential of the two sides. Canada ranked 22nd out of 117 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total investment capital of about 130 million USD, although Vietnam and Canada are both members of the CPTPP and Vietnam is Canada's largest partner in ASEAN with a two-way trade turnover of more than 10 billion USD.

Senator Victor Oh, Chairman of the Canada-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, said that the two countries need to better make use of the CPTPP and that Vietnam is a favourite destination for Canadian businesses thanks to its rapid growth.

Tran Thu Quynh, Vietnam Trade Counselor in Canada, said that the two countries have a lot of potential for cooperation and connectivity, not only in terms of supply chains but also production chains.

She called on Canadian businesses to promote investment in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region through the Vietnamese market and committed that her office will support businesses of both sides.

At the forum, business representatives from Ho Chi Minh City and Canada raised and discussed many topics including the need for market connectivity and specific measures to strengthen business relations between localities.

One of the remarkable connectivity plans is the Port of Montreal's desire to cooperate with seaports in Ho Chi Minh City to form a shipping route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the entire North American region.

Rome seminar talks path towards socialism in Vietnam

Vietnamese and Italian experts looked into theories on the path towards socialism in Vietnam at a roundtable seminar in Rome on June 30.

The event was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Prof. Dr. Pham Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theory Council, presented theories on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam.

He said developing a socialist-oriented market economy is a fundamental, innovative theoretical breakthrough of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which is an important theoretical achievement after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal).

Linh also emphasised the parallel between economic and social policies, and economic growth and social progress and equality in Vietnam, saying thanks to Doi Moi, Vietnam has posted an average economic growth rate of 7% over the past nearly four decades.

Last year, its GDP reached about 400 billion USD, and per capita income stood at 4,100 USD, he added.  

General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party Mauro Alboresikl spoke highly of outcomes of 13th National Congress of the CPV, saying Vietnam is creative in national development.  

The path to socialism in Vietnam has revived ideals and perspectives of socialism on a global scale, helping raise the country’s reputation in the international arena, he continued.

Other Italian participants lauded Vietnam’s strong economic growth and Doi Moi, stressing that Vietnam is on the right path towards socialism.

Japan-style bridge inaugurated in Da Nang city

Mikazuki Group and authorities of Da Nang city on July 1 inaugurated a pedestrian bridge as part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations (1973-2023).

Odaka Yoshimune, Chairman of the Mikazuki Group, said the overpass connects Da Nang Mikazuki entertainment complex and a beach across Nguyen Tat Thanh street. The bridge will allow local people and visitors to safely reach the beach and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the locality.

With a total investment of 42 billion VND (nearly 1.8 million USD ), the bridge is nearly 13 metres tall and over 140 metres long, with a floor area of approximately 655 sq.m. The pathway leading up to the bridge is designed as a knot in the art of Japanese weaving, symbolising the strong bond between the Vietnamese and Japanese cultures.

The structure’s shape is inspired by ocean waves, creating a sense of lightness, tranquility, and integration with the surrounding landscape. On the outside, two observation decks are complemented by spiral steel staircases and elevators, providing easy access for people with disabilities to cross the bridge.

According to the chairman, after one year of operation, the complex has welcomed more than 490,000 guests to stay at the hotel, play at the water park and enjoy events and wedding services. The Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & Spa has gradually become a favorite destination for both domestic and foreign holiday-makers, helping the local tourism sector recover and develop faster.

Currently, Japan is the leading foreign investor in the number of FDI projects in Da Nang with 222 projects and total investment capital of more than 1 billion USD.

The city has planned several programmes through out this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations, including meetings, cultural exchanges, festivals, Japanese film festival, investment and trade cooperation promotion conferences, among others.

Thua Thien-Hue: Over 1,000 people participate in 9th International Yoga Day

More than 1,000 people took part in a mass yoga performance in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on July 2 to mark the 9th International Day of Yoga.

The event, the biggest of its kind in the province so far, was jointly held at Ngo Mon Square in the former imperial city of Hue by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and Bao Viet Insurance Corporation.

Monica Sharma, Director of the Indian Embassy’s Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre, emphasised that yoga contributes to creating harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, and promoting overall well-being.

Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, said this was not only a sporting event but also aimed to spread the spirit of living happily, healthily, and positively, thus making people’s lives more vibrant.

In the future, the department will continue to collaborate with the embassy and relevant parties to further promote the development of the Yoga movement.

On the occasion, the Bao Viet Insurance Corporation presented 40 bicycles to diligent students in the locality, aiming to encourage them to continue their efforts to overcome difficult circumstances and pursue a brighter future.

CPV delegation pays working visit to Switzerland

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Politburo member and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac paid a working visit to Switzerland from June 26 to July 2.

During the visit, the delegation met with and held working sessions with First Vice President of the Swiss Council of States Eva Herzog; Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan; head of the Swiss Interdepartmental Agency on Anti-Corruption Alexandra Baumann; General Secretary of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Markus Seiler; Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried; Co-President of the Swiss Labour Party Amanda Loset; General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland Massimilano Ay; and President of the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association Anjuska Weil.

Trac, who is also Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena and Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, informed the hosts about Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past nearly four decades of renewal, goals and development strategies following the 13th National Party Congress. He also learned about Switzerland's experience in combating corruption.

He thanked the Swiss Government, people, and political parties that have ties with the CPV for always supporting Vietnam’s construction and development.

The Vietnamese official suggested the two sides continue maintaining the exchange of delegations at all levels via the Party, State and people-to-people diplomatic channels in the near future.

He also proposed the swift completion of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the effective implementation of the Vietnam-Switzerland cooperation programme for the 2021-2024 period, and other signed agreements. He called for stronger cooperation at global and regional forums for the benefit of the two countries' people, thus contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s role and position in the region and the world, the Swiss leaders affirmed that Switzerland considers Vietnam a top important partner in Southeast Asia and wanted to further promote ties in different areas, especially in economy, trade, investment and global issues for the common benefit of the two countries.

They also introduced Switzerland’s anti-corruption strategy for the 2021-2024 period with specific measures and real-life experience.

Hailing Vietnam’s achievements in economic development, poverty reduction, health care and education as well as its active and responsible contributions to the international community, UNCTAD Secretary-General Grynspan promised to continue working closely with Vietnam on specific projects in the coming time.

On this occasion, Trac also met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to Geneva, and representatives of the overseas Vietnamese community in the European country.

Vietnam attends 43rd Session of Ministerial-level FAO Conference

A Vietnamese delegation led by Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is attending the 43rd Session of the Ministerial-level FAO Conference in Rome, Italy, from July 1-7.

The event, held biennially, is to approve the working agenda and budget of FAO for the next two years, as well as provide recommendations on food and agriculture, and consider global governance policy issues.

Addressing the opening session, Singaporean Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Co-chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted the need to improve the effectiveness of water resource management to achieve the global goals related to poverty reduction, climate change response and global environment.

He also commended Vietnam's successful innovations in reducing water usage in agriculture through the use of sensors and innovative irrigation practices, citing the VnSAT project as a successful model in water-saving irrigation.

The election of the new FAO Director-General for the 2023-2027 tenure will take place through a secret ballot on July 2.

Vietnam strengthens science, technology cooperation with Belgium, Luxembourg

A delegation of the Ministry of Science and Technology made working trips to Belgium and Luxembourg from July 26 to 30 to promote cooperation in science and technology between Vietnam and the two countries.

In Belgium, the delegation participated in the 6th meeting of the Belgium-Vietnam Joint Committee for Scientific Research and Development, following the fifth held in 2016.

The Belgian side in the committee, the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), introduced the EU Research and Innovation Programme (Horizon Europe), focusing on the prospects of science policy and priorities for science, technology, and innovation development, including the Southeast Asia-Europe Joint Funding Scheme.

Belgian experts presented the results of recent cooperation in scientific research between Belgium and Vietnam. Belgian universities and research institutes have worked together with Vietnamese universities in cooperation projects in agriculture, industrial wastewater treatment, new materials, and climate change responses.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese delegation informed the partner about developments in scientific research, the promotion of creativity and innovation in Vietnam, as well as the implementation of conclusions at the committee’s 5th meeting.

In Luxembourg, the Vietnamese delegation worked with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Economy to exchange information and learn about the implementation of innovation and creativity in the European country.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation Ly Hoang Tung said that both Belgium and Luxembourg are strong in science and technology, especially the key technologies of the 4th scientific revolution. Therefore, Vietnam will continue to promote cooperation projects with the countries, especially in artificial intelligence, information communication, and automation.

According to him, Vietnam hopes to sign science and technology cooperation agreements with Luxembourg soon.

The delegation’s visit is within the framework of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam-Belgium and Vietnam-Luxembourg.

US considers Vietnam one of its key partners in region, say US officials

A delegation of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, led by its head Le Hoai Trung, paid a visit to the US from June 28 to July 2 at at the invitation of the Department of State.

In Washington D.C., the delegation had meetings with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Administrator of the US Agency for International Development Samantha Power, Assistant Secretary of State in charge of East Asia - Asia and Pacific Daniel Kritenbrink, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council Ted Osius, and other former US officials and senators who support the development of Vietnam-US relations.

In New York, the delegation worked with United Nations Under Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, had an online exchange with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and met with close American friends, leftist friends and representatives of the Communist Party of the United States of America.

During the meetings, the two sides agreed that the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Partnership has developed positively in various fields over the past years. US officials affirmed that the US considers Vietnam one of its key partners in the region, and that the two countries’ relations receive support of both Democrats and Republicans.

Appreciating the recent exchanges and contacts between the two sides, especially the successful phone conversation between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden in March 2023, Secretary Blinken, Security Adviser Sullivan and other officials emphasized the desire to maintain exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially high-level meetings, this year when the two countries are celebrating 10 years of their comprehensive partnership. They also vowed to ramp up bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, climate change response, green energy, education - training, settlement of war consequences, people-to-people exchanges, as well as joint effort to solve global problems.

Meanwhile, UN leaders highly appreciated Vietnam’s development success, cooperation and contributions within the UN framework, and expressed their wish that Vietnam would further promote its important role in solving global problems.

Leftist friends and those from the Communist Party USA also spoke highly of Vietnam’s development achievements and voiced their support for Vietnam as well as the development of Vietnam – US relations.

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung for his part affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to relations with the US and it wishes to continue developing relations with the US in the interest of the two peoples, and for peace, friendship, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

He suggested that the two sides continue implementing the outcomes of the phone talks between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden, increasing high-level exchanges and contacts, and improving the efficiency of bilateral cooperation through Party channels, State diplomacy and people to people exchanges.

During his meeting with the UN leaders, Trung assured them that Vietnam highly values the UN’s role and it will continue to make active and responsible contributions to the common affairs of the international community.

For leftist friends and those from the Communist Party USA, Trung thanked them for their support to Vietnam in its past struggle for national liberation and construction. He also put forwards directions to promote cooperation between the two sides in the coming time.

First Festival Vietnam in Larmor-Plage

The Festival Vietnam took place at Salles des Algues in the city of Larmor-Plage, in the Morbihan region, France, between June 30 and July 2.

The event aimed to promote Vietnamese culture and was held as part of the Toucher Arts project, commemorating 50 years of Vietnamese-French diplomatic relations.

It was organised by the City Hall of Larmor-Plage in collaboration with three associations: Art Space, Vietnam Bretagne Sud, and Appel Lorient. 

A series of large-scale activities, such as an art exhibition featuring children's artwork from nearly 20 countries around the world, was organised along with a concert to promote Vietnamese culture and art, a parade in the city centre and along the Larmor-Plage coastline to showcase traditions and customs, as well as festival stalls serving Vietnamese street food.

As many as 500 Vietnamese Ao Dai (traditional costume) were presented to French friends attending the festival. In return for receiving an Ao Dai, attendees volunteered to make a contribution to the project's fund, which will be utilised to support four orphanages and centres for the disabled in three regions of Vietnam.

Various creative and large-scale workshops were continually organised at the festival to promote Vietnamese culture and traditions. These workshops included: making bamboo leaf decorations, which provide insights into Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations; workshops on creating Dong Ho folk paintings; workshops on calligraphy, allowing the French participants to experience using pen brushes and ink; as well as engaging question-and-answer sessions on Vietnamese cultural knowledge, accompanied by interesting gifts.

In addition, the exhibition showcased nearly a hundred selected paintings out of more than 400 artworks contributed by Vietnamese-origin children from nearly 20 countries, as well as international children, in response to the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations.

Young artist Thao Nguyen also presented her photo collection titled "Dreamy Hoi An".

There were over 10 booths introducing Vietnamese street food such as bánh mì, bún bò (beef noodle soup), bánh bao (steamed buns), savoury sticky rice, nem (spring rolls), bánh giò (rice dumplings), and chè ba màu (three-colour sweet soup).

These offerings attracted a large number of interested visitors who came to enjoy the food. French friends have continuously expressed their love and admiration for Vietnamese cuisine as well as the dishes introduced at the festival.

Under the theme of "Customs and Traditions", a collective of more than 100 international students, alongside Vietnamese residents in France and their French counterparts, adorned in traditional attire and Ao Dai, paraded together to introduce the traditional wedding customs and Lunar New Year festivities of Vietnam.

The French locals had the opportunity to gain further insight into marriage rituals, bride selection, the betrothal ceremony, and the formal introduction of the two families. Additionally, the procession showcased vivid scenes reminiscent of Tết (Lunar New Year) festival, such as the representation of the Kitchen God rituals and the exchange of lucky money in red envelopes. The grandeur and scale of the procession were further enhanced by the participation of ten large-scale lion dance troupes.

On the evening of 1 July, more than 50 non-professional artists participated in a concert titled "Toucher Arts - Les Traditions et Légendes du Vietnam" (Embracing Traditions and Legends of Vietnam) to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese music to the French audience at the festival.

Through captivating songs and mesmerising dance performances, the French audiences had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese culture and traditions. Notably, the concert also featured the participation of young Vietnamese born and raised in France, as well as international students from various countries, showcasing exceptional acts including traditional musical instrument performances, singing, and traditional dance.

Additionally, Vietnamese-Belgian fashion designer Ella Phan presented her collection of áo dài at the festival as a special contribution.

The Mayor of Larmor-Plage, Patrice Valton, expressed his delight and optimism, not only regarding the established collaborations between Larmor-Plage and several cities in Vietnam but also in light of the events taking place in his city, such as the Festival Vietnam.

He expressed great joy and pride in offering the people of Larmor-Plage the opportunity to explore the diverse and distinctive cultural heritage of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Dinh Toan Thang, shared his profound emotions upon witnessing the widespread dissemination and warm reception of Vietnamese culture among the French people.

He commended the remarkable success of the Art Space, Vietnam Bretagne Sud, and Appel Lorient associations in strengthening cultural connections and exchanges between the two nations, as well as promoting the beautiful image of Vietnam to French friends.

"This event marked a perfect milestone for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations," he said.

Family health insurance brings more benefits for its beneficiaries

VN Social Security has urged citizens to participate in household health insurance, affirming that the model provides practical benefits to all family members, especially those with low incomes and cases of illness.

This would help share the financial burden for people in case of illness or inability to work, it said on the occasion of Việt Nam Health Insurance Day (July 1).

Currently, the premium for household health insurance is set at 4.5 per cent of the basic salary. Starting from July 1, when the basic salary increases to VNĐ1.8 million per month according to the Government’s Decree 24/2023/NĐ-CP, the premium for household health insurance will also rise.

When participating in this model, participants will receive a partial reduction in premiums for family members who also join during the fiscal year, it said.

Specifically, the first cardholder of the household will have to pay 100 per cent of the insurance cost of VNĐ972,000 per year. The second person will pay 70 per cent of the premium of the first person, equivalent to VNĐ680,400 per year. The third, fourth and fifth cardholders will pay 60 per cent, 50 per cent and 40 per cent of the premium of the first person, equivalent to VNĐ583,200 per year, VNĐ486,000 per year, and VNĐ388,800 respectively.

Cardholders will have their medical expenses, including fees for health examinations and stays in hospital beds, paid for within the scope of benefits and limits specified.

Household health insurance will cover 100 per cent of total medical expenses for outpatients receiving medical treatment at their communal health clinics if the medical expenses are lower than 15 per cent of their basic salary, or after patients’ participating in health insurance for five consecutive years or more and having the same amount of payment for medical expenses exceeding six months of the basic salary.

Household health insurance will cover 80 per cent of hospital fees for health examinations or hospital beds for other cases.

For cases receiving medical treatment outside the designated level of health insurance, if the patient does not have a referral document but provides complete health insurance procedures, they will receive 100 per cent coverage of outpatient medical expenses at district-level hospitals and 100 per cent coverage of inpatient medical expenses at provincial or district-level hospitals, and 40 per cent coverage for inpatient treatment at central-level hospitals.

Citizens can submit the prescribed declaration form and register at the headquarters of the provincial or district social insurance agency, social insurance service providers, healthcare insurance providers, or the National Public Service Portal on www.dichvucong.gov.vn, or the Social Insurance Portal on www.dichvucong.baohiemxahoi.gov.vn.

Participants in household health insurance should note that the card will be valid 30 days after the health insurance premium payment.

When seeking medical treatment with health insurance, participants need to present the health insurance card or the image of the health insurance card on the VssID application, as well as personal identification documents with photos or chip-embedded citizen identification cards, it said. 

JICA, Kawasaki Frontale introduce football centre in Bình Dương

The Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and J.League Kawasaki Frontale football club launched a sports facility centre in Bình Dương, aiming to improve training and education facilities for children. 

The centre, which includes an indoor football pitch and educational sites, is one of a series of investments and activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Japan diplomatic ties.

The J.League football club and Becamex Tokyu, a joint venture of the Japanese Tokyu Group and local Becamex Investment and Development Corporation, hope to train aspiring young players in the new facility. 

It’s the first football school that a J.League team has debuted in Việt Nam, promoting Japanese football among local clubs.

JICA said it has been cooperating with J.League, the premier football championship in Japan, in bringing the Japanese standard football training system to Việt Nam through J.League teams as part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Becamex Bình Dương is one of the leading teams in the football championship V.League 1, winning four national titles from 2007 to 2015.

In 2013, the Vietnam-Japan Soccer Star Sports Centre (VJSS) was founded to provide football and education courses for 5,000 children in Hà Nội, HCM City, Vũng Tàu and Đà Nẵng.

The VJSS centre, which is run by Vietnamese, Japanese and international coaches, aims to get children closer to football, and physical training, while contributing to the development of youth football in the country. 

Saigon Heat unbeaten at the VBA Regular Season’s first stage

Saigon Heat remain undefeated and top the table after the first stage of the 2023 VBA season.

The Heat beat Cantho Catfish 83-89 at the centralised venue Cầu Giấy Gymnasium in Hà Nội.

Prior to the stage's last match, the Heat have won all five games, proving their higher level over the rest.

Meanwhile the Catfish won two and lost three. With the remarkable form of Brachon Griffin, Indonesian league 2022's most valuable player, the team expected to secure a more comfortable win.

Matt Van Pelt asked his players to be strong in defence and kept close eye on left-handed Griffin. The towering American was on form outside the three-meter line but he met strong resistance when trying to break closer to the basket.

His teammates DeAngelo Hamilton also faced the same problem as the Heat's tall players Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh, Hassan Thomas and Kentrell Barkley set up a strong wall to guard their basket.

In the front line, the Heat's forwards did good job with 10 three-pointers in the first two quarters. Despite focusing on defence, the defending champions maintained their lead throughout the first half.

It was Tăng Minh Trí's two three-pointers in a row seconds before the half time helped the Catfish narrow the gap to 35-48.

In the second half, 2.03m-tall Vinh was sidelined due to repeated personal fouls. At the same time, his forwards could not score from three-meter line.

It was time for the Catfish to fight back.

Michael Soy opened consecutive attacks to narrow the gap. He also caused Barkley to be sent off after two technical faults.

The absence of play-maker Barkley was seen as a rare chance for the Catfish to be the first team to beat Heat this season.

Their strong attacks brought them within three points of the Heat with just a minute left on the clock.

However, former national defender Dư Minh An made his mark at right time. He lured three Catfish defenders before throwing the ball to Hassan Thomas who scored a perfect three pointer for the Heat in the last seconds, wrapping up the game at 89-83 for his team.

Thomas's impressive performance gave him his first Player of the Game award. He scored 34 points and made 11 rebounds along with eight three-pointers, as many as the VBA's record by Võ Kim Bản in VBA 2020's final match.

After the first stage of the Regular Season, the Heat are on top with six wins, followed by Nha Trang Dolphins and Hanoi Buffaloes.

The Catfish sit in fifth place with two wins and four losses. Danang Dragons stay at the bottom, losing all six games.

Teams will have one week rest before taking part in the home-and-away second stage on July 8.

The opening match is between the Dolphins and Thang Long Warriors at the Nha Trang University Gymnasium. 

Hanoi Police keep top ranking after in V.League 1

Despite their third defeat of the season, Hà Nội Police topped the V.League 1 ranking after the end of the first period on July 2.

The Police lost 0-1 to SHB Đà Nẵng in the first match after introducing their blockbuster contracts, midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải and goalkeeper Filip Nguyễn, at Hòa Xuân Stadium in Đà Nẵng City.

Goncalves Silva Lucas Vinicius scored the only goal of the match in the 62nd minute, ruining the debut of the US$760,000-worth Nguyễn.

Meanwhile, the talented Hải played his first match since returning home from France. His performance, however, did not leave a positive impression for supporters. He was replaced about 10 minutes before the end of the match.

The loss wasn't enough to push the Police out of the top place in the table. The new team has 24 points after seven wins, three draws and three losses.

Meanwhile, Đà Nẵng enjoyed their first win of the season, jumping away from their familiar bottom place. 

After 13 matches of the first period, the former champions have 10 points from one win, seven draws and five losses. They place at No 12 among 14 teams.

Second place went to defending champions Hà Nội FC who also suffered a 0-1 loss to Sông Lam Nghệ An on home soil.

Đinh Xuân Tiến scored the winning goal of the game 17 minutes after the interval.

Bozidar Bandovic of Hà Nội confirmed that the absence of key players, including defender Đỗ Hùng Dũng and captain Nguyễn Văn Quyết, strongly affected his team's performance.

He said Hà Nội tried to manage the game well and had several opportunities but the lack of connection between players led to their poor play and, ultimately, their loss.

Đông A Thanh Hoá came in third place after a 1-0 defeat to Hải Phòng on July 2 with the only goal by Yuri Souza Almeida just two minutes into the game.

In other matches, Viettel beat HCM City 1-0; Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh tied Khánh Hòa 0-0; Becamex Bình Dương lost 2-3 to Nam Định, and TopenLand Bình Định won 2-1 over Hoàng Anh Gia Lai.

After the first period of the league, the top three teams are joined by Viettel, Hải Phòng, Bình Định, Nam Định and Hà Tĩnh to compete for the championship trophy.

They will play in a round-robin format with dates to be confirmed later this month.

The remaining six teams will form a group, also taking part in a round-robin tournament, to avoid relegation.

Currently, HCM City and Bình Dương are the two teams in the bottom and candidates for the lower division next season.

The V.League 1 will pause for the National Cup's matches from July 6-12. 

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