Germany's website dw.com has published an article describing Vietnam as one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for its diverse landscapes, beaches, mountainous rice terraces and bustling cities.

The article cited a report by Google Destination Insights which assessed that Vietnam was the 7th most searched destination from March to June this year, and the only country in Southeast Asia in the top 20.

Bobby Nguyen, Chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group, a tour agency, said that the boost is coming mainly from Chinese, Indian and Korean tourists. "China has reopened the outbound market to Vietnam and the Indian market has grown since 2022," he was quoted by the article.

Nguyen added that the use of social media and the influence of large travel groups have also helped promote Vietnam's international popularity.

The author also pointed to the Vietnamese Government’s new visa policy for international visitors arriving in the country, tripling visa waivers from 15 to 45 days for selected countries. The changes will come into force on August 15.

Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said the visa changes will boost the tourism sector. "It's picking up, and over the next six months, you will see travelers to Vietnam increase. I think it's going to be very strong, and you'll see growth particularly now the Chinese market is back," he said.

One of Vietnam's selling points is that it's a lesser-known destination, and it offers both tourism and business opportunities, said Bowerman.

Heatwave grips Vietnam, temperatures set to rise past 39℃

Meteorologists are warning of one of the most intense heat waves that has been gripping parts of the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam, with daytime temperatures set to soar past 39℃.

The heat wave that has been baking the northern and north-central regions for the past few days is forecast to reach its peak on July 7 – 8 before subsiding a bit the following days.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the northern mountainous and midland areas are anticipated to record high temperatures of 35-38℃.

Meanwhile, the northern plain, and localities stretching from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen are poised to experience extremely baking heat as the daytime temperatures are likely to reach 36-39℃ or even more than 39℃. Relative humidity is forecast to drop to a low of 45%.

The capital city of Hanoi is among localities that will endure the extreme heat this time, with daytime temperatures set to rise to 39℃ on both July 7 and July 8. The sweltering heat is forecast to last from 10am to 6pm. People hitting the concrete or asphalted road can feel the heat of 42-45℃.

This heat wave is expected to expand across the northern and north-central regions throughout the weekend and last until early next week before it will ease just after July 13.

Meteorologists say the average temperature in July 2023 in all regions across Vietnam is forecast to be about 0.5℃ higher than the average of previous years. Particularly, it will be 0.5-1.0 higher than the average recorded in the northern and north-central regions.

The hot weather is said to affect the northern midland and northern plain in the first 10-15 days of the month and may last longer in the northern and north-central regions.

In July 2023, one or two storms and tropical depressions are likely to form in the East Sea and may affect the northern and north-central regions.

Boat service links Da Nang city and Ly Son islands

Phu Quoc Express JSC has resumed the sea route between the central city of Da Nang and the Ly Son islands, off the coast of central Quang Ngai province, using 286-seater boats for the 152km sea trip from the middle of July.

The company said the re-operation of the route aims to provide safe and comfortable conditions for tourists travelling from Da Nang to the popular islands in a two-and-a-half-hour trip.

It said the double-hull boat allows sea trips even in rough weather with windspeeds at up to 74km per hour.

Tourists can depart for Ly Son islands at 7am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and return to Da Nang from 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

A one-way ticket for the journey ranges between 270,000 VND (10.8 USD) to 450,000 VND (18 USD).

To provide service for residents travelling from the mainland of Quang Ngai province to Ly Son islands, Phu Quoc Express also launched a new high-speed daily boat trip, offering tickets starting from 218,000 (8.70 USD) to 288,000 VND (11.50 USD) with a 35-min travel time.

Local islanders will enjoy a prioritised ticket price from 140,000 VND (5.60 USD) to 275,000 (11 USD) for each trip, while kids will get a ticket price of 160,000 VND (6.40 USD).

It said people with disabilities and the elderly will be reserved at 154,000 VND (6.16 USD) and 175,000 VND (7 USD), respectively.

It’s the first time a sea route uses a double-hull boat in central Vietnam, offering more options for visitors spending time on the islands.

The boats will depart from Da Nang’s Han River port to Ly Son islands.

The islands, 24km off the coast of Quang Ngai, have emerged as a top destination since 2014, and host around 200,000 visitors per year.

Currently, a fleet of six vessels with a total of 1,200 seats is operating from Sa Ky Port in Quang Ngai to Ly Son Islands, able to carry 3,000 passengers to the islands during the high season.

Two other vessels carry 100 passengers between the Islands and An Bình Isle every day.

The Phu Quoc Express JSC is operating sea routes connecting Vung Tau, Can Tho, Ca Mau, Rach Gia, Ha Tien to the islands of Con Dao, Phu Quoc and Nam Du with 300-seat and 600-seat boats.

The company was selected as a qualified logistics and transport supplier providing services for the US naval aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan on their visits to Da Nang in 2017 and 2023, respectively.

The central provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai, and Da Nang city proposed a plan to develop a sea-linked tour from Da Nang to Cham islands and Tam Hai island of Quang Nam, as well as the Ly Son islands, using speed boats.

Party delegation pays working visit to Bolivia

A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Le Hong Quang, a member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, is paying a working visit to Bolivia from July 3-7.

During the trip, the delegation met with Bolivian Vice President David Choque Huanca, President of the Chamber of Deputies Jerges Mercado, Minister of the Presidency María Nela Prada, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rogelio Mayta, and Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energies Franklin Molina.

Speaking at the meetings, Quang affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam always remember and appreciate the valuable support and solidarity that the progressive left-wing forces and the people of Latin America in general and of Bolivia in particular have given to Vietnam during its struggle for independence and current nation-building and defence efforts.

The Party official emphasised that Vietnam wants to promote friendly and multifaceted cooperation with Latin American countries, including Bolivia, for the common interests of the nations, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development of the two regions.

He stated that Vietnam and Bolivia share similarities in development goals and have a strong historical relationship. These are favourable conditions to strengthen their bilateral relations.

Bolivian officials said serving the country’s efforts toward national unity, political stability, economic development, and better regional position, Bolivia wishes to learn from Vietnam's experience in state management and peaceful and prosperous development.

Stressing Bolivia's appreciation for the traditional friendship, solidarity, and close ties with Vietnam, they affirmed the nation hopes to promote the bilateral relations through exchanges at various levels, as well as establishing and expanding cooperation in potential areas such as economy, trade, agriculture, energy, and construction.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

At his talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bolivia Ignacio Mendoza Pizzaro, Quang expressed the wish to develop friendly and united relations between the two parties through maintaining party exchanges, strengthening communications work, promoting relations between mass organisations and people, and coordinating support for each other's positions in multilateral party forums.

Quang also delivered a speech at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the communist youth union of Bolivia.

Vietnam always considers France a priority partner: PM

Vietnam always considers France one of its priority partners based on sincerity and trustworthiness in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of ties, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery during a reception in Hanoi on July 6.

Speaking highly of the Ambassador and the French Embassy’s contributions to the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, PM Chinh said France now ranks second among European Union members in terms of investment in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of about 3.57 billion USD, fourth in trade exchange and first in provision of ODA assistance to Vietnam, with a total concessional loan of 3 billion EUR. Two-way trade reached 5.3 billion USD last year, up 10% year-on-year.

Vietnam always values France's role and voice on the international stage, as well as bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums, he said, adding that Vietnam actively supports France's initiatives and ideas aimed at contributing to maintaining peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

In order to bolster bilateral ties, the Vietnamese PM suggested both sides continue facilitating high-level contacts, exchanges and visits between their leaders, and fully and effectively tap opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He proposed that France promptly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to optimise bilateral cooperation potential in investment.

The Vietnamese leader wished for stronger ties in new areas such as renewable energy, high technology, digital economy, green growth, circular economy, climate change response, and greenhouse gas emission reduction, particularly in the production of equipment for renewable energy industry. He also hoped for increased collaboration in culture, education, human resource training, and preservation of architectural heritages in Vietnam.

The host asked France to help push the European Commission (EC)’s early removal of yellow card warning against Vietnamese aquatic products, and continue committing ODA and concessional loans to Vietnam.

The PM said he believes that in any position, the Ambassador will always be a close friend of Vietnam, serving as a bridge to foster traditional friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Warnery, for his part, affirmed that French leaders wish to further deepen relations with Vietnam. He also acknowledged Vietnam's important role in ASEAN and in the implementation of France's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Agreeing with PM Chinh’s proposals, he said he will report and discuss with relevant French authorities to continue reinforcing all-around ties, particularly in politics, trade-investment, education-training, sci-tech, and preservation of French architectural heritages in Hanoi, such as the Long Bien bridge.

Hailing Vietnam's efforts in achieving climate change response goals, especially the recent issuance of the Power Development Master Plan VIII, he said France will actively assist Vietnam in this field, especially in the implementation of the Political Declaration on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

On global and regional issues of shared concern, Warnery affirmed that France supports ASEAN and Vietnam's stance on ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and settling disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PM Pham Minh Chinh hosts Bruneian Ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for the new Ambassador of Brunei to Vietnam, Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah Malai Haji Yussof, in Hanoi on July 6.

The PM affirmed that Vietnam will closely coordinate with the ambassador and create favourable conditions for her to fulfill her tasks, thus contributing to promoting substantial and effective development of bilateral ties.

He proposed that during her tenure, the ambassador will work with relevant agencies of both Vietnam and Brunei to step up the exchange of visits at all levels, strengthen bilateral coordination at multilateral forums and push the implementation of agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders, including the plan of action on the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership during 2023-2027, with a focus on the four important fields, namely oil and gas, chemicals, Halal food, and tourism and people to people exchange.

Chinh also asked the Brunei side to facilitate the import of Vietnamese goods toward a more balanced and diverse development of bilateral trade, and create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to engage in cooperation with Brunei, especially in potential oil and gas projects.   

He called for further advancement of cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries, and suggested Brunei continue to grant scholarships to Vietnamese students.

The Brunei Ambassador pledged to work to promote cooperative activities between the two countries and the effective implementation of bilateral agreements.  

The two sides took note with joy the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation across all aspects. In particular, economic ties have grown rapidly, with two-way trade topping 700 million USD in 2022 and 157 valid projects of Brunei worth 970 million USD in Vietnam.  

Discussing regional issues of common concern, the two sides agreed to continue coordinating with ASEAN countries to maintain the bloc’s unity and central role in regional issues, including the East Sea matter, promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and work towards early finalization of a substantial and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

OVs in Australia look towards to homeland’s seas, islands

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa, who is President of the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and head of the “For beloved Hoang Sa-Truong Sa” Club, on July 5 visited Vietnamese Embassy in Australia and met overseas Vietnamese in the country during her trip to promote humanitarians activities by the fund and the club.

Speaking at the meeting, former Vice President Hoa said that after 24 years of operation, the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund has given more than 125,000 scholarships to students of ethnic minorities, children of naval soldiers, coast guards, fisheries surveillance officers, border guards, and fishermen, who overcome difficulties and study well across the country. 

Hoa shared that in 2012, overseas Vietnamese in Australia were the first to contribute to a programme to support students in Truong Sa, which was the starting point of a large supporting movement in Vietnam and among overseas Vietnamese communities across the world.

In August 2014, the "For beloved Hoang Sa - Truong Sa" Club was established to connect people and mobilise resources for Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. After nearly 9 years of operation, the club has attracted 3,692 individual members, and 142 collective members, including 16 chapters in Australia. The club has become a bridge to bring messages of love to the homeland’s sea and islands.

On the occasion, participants at the meeting donated more than 7,000 AUD (4,666 USD) to the scholarship fund and the club./

HCM City hopes to cooperate with UNDP in more specific projects: Municipal leader

Ho Chi Minh City hopes to continue to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in specific cooperation projects, contributing to implementing the collaboration framework between the Vietnamese Government and the agency, said Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Van Mai while receiving UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi.

Mai expressed his delight at the great contributions that the UNDP has made to Vietnam over the past 45 years through its support in completing institution and policies as well as development programmes, especially in social areas.

HCM City is the economic hub of Vietnam with a high level of openness, and the city needs information sharing and support from the UNDP to enhance its resilience against outside factors as well as the adaptation capacity of the local economy, he said.

Besides, the city hopes to coordinate with the UNDP in areas of the city’s demands, including improving governance capacity, dealing with challenges in urban management, coping with climate change, and strengthening waste treatment, he said.

Mai underlined that the city pays special attention to energy and circular economy, expressing his hope for more assistance from the UNDP in these fields.

For her part, Ramla Khalidi said she is impressed by the dynamic development and pioneering role of HCM City in many areas. She said that the fruitful cooperation outcomes between the UNDP and the city will pave the way for the growth bilateral partnership in the future.

The UNDP has been present in Vietnam right after the war ended in the country, assisting Vietnam in overcoming war aftermaths and promoting its national construction and development over the past 45 years, she noted.

The official said that interests and priorities of the city are also those of the UNDP in Vietnam currently, especially those in sustainable development, net-zero emission, and social development.

This shows that cooperation opportunities between UNDP and HCM City, especially in prioritised areas such as circular economy, waste treatment, green transition and public governance, are abundant, she said.

Khalidi stressed that her organisation is ready to cooperate with Ho Chi Minh City to strengthen discussions at the technical level, thus turning the potential of bilateral cooperation into specific and practical projects.

Hanoi Council devises key tasks, measures to foster development

The Hanoi People’s Council has adopted a resolution on its socio-economic development and budget collection and spending tasks in the second half of 2023, with seven groups of key implementation measures.

The resolution was approved at the 12th session of the 16th-tenure municipal People’s Council that wrapped up on July 6.

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the People’s Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said that this resolution outlines seven groups of key tasks and measures so as to fulfill socio-economic and budgetary targets, including boosting administrative reforms, increasing the decentralisation of power, maintaining administrative discipline, improving the investment and business climate, and tackling difficulties facing enterprises to aid socio-economic recovery and development.

During the three-and-a-half-day session, the municipal People’s Council considered and approved 21 reports and 22 specialised resolutions covering many important issues, including orientations, mechanisms, policies, and solutions for fueling socio-economic development and ensuring social security, he noted.

Deputies of the council highly valued efforts by all-level authorities, sectors, and the entire political system; analysed shortcomings and weaknesses; and proposed feasible solutions to difficulties and obstacles so as to help reach the socio-economic targets for 2023 and the whole tenure.

The municipal People’s Council also held a question-and-answer session on two groups of issues: the realisation of officials’ commitments and promises, and some issues that haven’t been handled effectively; and administrative reforms, e-administration building, and digital transformation at state agencies of Hanoi.

In addition, it also dealt with personnel affairs of the municipal People’s Committee.

Hanoi-based General Nguyen Chi Thanh Museum starts soft opening

A Hanoi-based museum dedicated to General Nguyen Chi Thanh, an outstanding politician, military advisor, and talented general of Vietnam, opened to visitors on a trial basis on July 6, as part of the activities to mark his 56th death anniversary (July 6, 1967-2023).

General Nguyen Chi Thanh, whose real name was Nguyen Vinh, was born into a poor peasant family in Quang Dien district, Thua Thien-Hue central province. His name is associated with the Vietnamese Party and people's struggles for national liberation in the 20th century. He was an excellent student of President Ho Chi Minh.

|The museum's official opening is scheduled for early 2024 on the occasion of the General’s 110th birthday (January 1, 1914-2024). 

Located at 81 Tan Nhue street, Thuy Phuong ward, Bac Tu Liem district, the museum was designed based on the model of the General's house at No.34 Ly Nam De street, Cua Dong ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi where his family lived from 1958 to 1986 and received President Ho Chi Minh many times. On August 6, 1964, President Ho Chi Minh convened a meeting of the Politburo to discuss measures for liberation of the South at the house.

Exhibits include 200 photos, 220 items and documents, ten scientific documents, six documentary films, 100 books, and 23 bronze casts. 

Caring for national contributors a regular task: PM

The Party and the State have always paid due attention to war invalids, families of martyrs, social policy beneficiaries, and those who rendered great service to the nation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed on July 6.

At a Hanoi meeting with a delegation of 40 national contributors from the northern province of Nam Dinh on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947-2023), the PM said many exclusive policies and guidelines to this end have been worked out and adopted, stressing that caring for national contributors forms an important part of the social welfare work which, at the same time, is also a crucial, regular, political task.

According to the leader, movements launched towards families of war invalids and martyrs, and revolution contributors have received warm response from the public over the past time.

He hailed the individuals who have overcome pains from the past war to set examples in production and studying, saying many war invalids have outstandingly contributed to poverty reduction, creating jobs for thousands of labourers.

During the war, tens of thousands of people from Nam Dinh province went to battlefields, many fell down or were exposed to Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin, Chinh said.

He also used the occasion to ask ministries, agencies and localities to carry forward the tradition of “Drinking water, remember its source”, and to effectively materialise the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress and the directive by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat on strengthening the Party leadership towards revolution contributors, along with an ordinance on them.
 
The PM stressed the need to further consolidate and enforce relevant policies and laws, ensuring that none of them is left behind, and suggested raising social allowances for them.

Chinh expressed his hope that war invalids, martyrs’ relatives and revolution contributors in Nam Dinh will uphold the noble virtues of Uncle Ho's soldiers, and make more contributions to national construction and defence.

The Government will make greater efforts in improving the material and spiritual life of national contributors, he pledged.

Nam Dinh is home to more than 36,000 martyrs, 2,902 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, over 25,000 war invalids, and 16,000 sick soldiers.

Youngsters’ role in implementing SDGs in Vietnam highlighted

A conference was held in Hanoi on July 5 to discuss the role of the youth in the implementation of sustainable development goals in Vietnam.

A survey released by ActionAid Vietnam and partners showed that nearly 57% the of youngsters held that a lack of knowledge and career skills is one of the factors hindering their engagement in sustainable development.

The survey is part of a project to support Vietnamese youngsters in enhancing capacity to become global citizens and encouraging them in realising sustainable development goals regarding climate change and environment.

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Communist Youth Union (HCMYU) Central Committee Ngo Van Cuong said that the youth play an important and indispensable role in the sustainable development of the country, and the development of the youth should go along with the country’s development.

Stressing that environmental protection is a crucial need and a foundation for sustainable development, he said that the issue has received great attention from the union at all levels and youngsters across the nation.

Notably, a programme called “For a Green Vietnam” has been implemented with a hope to plant 100 million trees in the 2021-2025 period, along with a campaign to clean beaches and a festival to encourage youngsters to limit plastic waste, he said.

Particularly in 2023, the HCMYU Central Committee has launched a project to promote the union’s participation in environmental protection and climate change response in the 2023-2027 period, he said.

Participants agreed that youngsters are the key factor in changing public awareness and behaviors on environmental protection and climate change response in Vietnam amid many challenges facing the country.

They underlined the need for closer coordination among the ActionAid Vietnam, the Fund to Support Social Security Programmes and Projects in Vietnam, and the HCMYU in organising activities to protect the environment, thus contributing to realising sustainable development goals in Vietnam.

France, Italy ready for Da Nang int'l fireworks festival final

Fireworks teams from France and Italy who have entered the final of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023 are now ready for their last performances on July 8.

Edouard Gregoire, head of the French team, said the team has made thorough preparations in both techniques and music, aiming to leave strong impressions on spectators and the jury.

Meanwhile, their Italian rivals will light up the Da Nang sky with a “firework dance” carrying a message of encouraging people to overcome difficulties after the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, more than 63,000 tourists, of them 19,000 foreigners, are expected to stay in the city on the final night.

Da Nang is the only locality in Vietnam to host a fireworks festival, making it a magnet for the best fireworks producers from around the world each year since 2008. It has been building a "Fireworks Festival City" reputation to promote it as a top destination in central Vietnam and Asia.

The festival has helped the city win recognition as Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination in 2016 and 2022 by the World Travel Awards.

Vietnam, Greece look to expand friendship, cooperation

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 Greece from July 2 to July 6.

During the trip, the delegation met with and had working sessions with Vice President of the  New Democracy Party and Minister of Labour Adonis Georgiadis; General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece Dmitris Koutsoumpas; and Secretary General of Justice & Human Rights Panos Alexandris, among others.

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, congratulated Greece on its legislation election’s success and achievements in economic recovery and development after the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the energy crisis.

He informed the hosts of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past nearly four decades of renewal, goals, and development strategies following the 13th National Party Congress, and the results of anti-corruption work in recent years.

The Vietnamese Party, State, and people treasure the traditional relations with Greece, he said, expressing gratitude for Greek people’s support for Vietnam during its revolutionary struggle for independence in the past and the national construction and defence at present; and the European country’s approval of the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

He showed his joy at the fruitful development of bilateral relations, stressing that there remains large room for the two countries to further strengthen multi-faceted cooperation in the coming time.

For their part, Greek leaders highlighted the traditional relations with Vietnam and the support of Greek people for Vietnam, and thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people’s solidarity for Greece.

The hosts congratulated Vietnam on its development achievements, saying that the country is a model of success.
 
They affirmed that Greece attaches importance to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam, especially in economy, trade, tourism, shipping, and receiving Vietnamese workers to Greece.

The two sides shared experiences, policies, and solutions in anti-corruption work, agreed to boost cooperation among relevant agencies in this field, and discussed international issues of common concern.

UNESCO to accompany Hanoi in cultural heritage conservation: Official

Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha on July 5 received Assistant Director-General UNESCO Firmin Edouard Matoko who pledged that the organisation will accompany Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular in preserving and promoting cultural heritage values.

Matoko spoke highly of Vietnam’s great attention to cooperation with UNESCO, highlighting that the fruitful collaboration between the two sides has become a partnership model in the world, serving Vietnam’s sustainable development and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Noting that Hanoi has received the title of City for Peace and become a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, he stressed that Vietnam's capital city is a typical success of UNESCO projects in the country.

Matoko affirmed that UNESCO will continue to support and cooperate with Vietnam in the time to come.

For her part, Ha said that Hanoi’s breakthrough in cultural development is rooted from the promotion of the thousands-year traditional culture and the absorption of the world cultural quintessence, making culture a strength and a great spiritual motivation for sustainable development.

Hanoi has been working on many plans to promote the values of cultural heritages with an aim to provide the community with a deeper insight on the country’s heritages and promote them to the world in combination with developing cultural tourism.

Ha said that she hopes UNESCO will continue to accompany Hanoi in cultural projects, affirming that the city will fully implement commitments with the organisation.

On the occasion, Ha presented a certificate of merit to Matoko in recognition of his contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Thang Long-Hanoi cultural heritage.

Vietnam attaches importance to ties with Israel: FM

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has told Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer that Vietnam attaches importance to its friendship and cooperation with Israel, one of its important partners in the Middle East.

At a reception in Hanoi on July 6 for the Israeli diplomat, Son hailed his efforts to bolster multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year, Son proposed the two sides jointly prepare for the exchange of delegations at all levels as well as cultural and sport events to raise mutual understanding between the two countries’ people.

He stressed that the signing of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year is a significant milestone that is hoped to contribute to improving the effectiveness of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.

The FM suggested the two sides promptly organise the third meeting of the Vietnam-Israel Intergovernmental Committee, and  expedite negotiations and signing of agreements, including a labour cooperation agreement.

Additionally, he proposed considering the possibility of opening a direct air route between Vietnam and Israel, stepping up promotional activities, and creating favourable conditions for the travel of citizens of each country to promote economic and tourism cooperation.

Agreeing with Son’s cooperation directions, Mayer spoke highly of the positive development in the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Israel over the past three decades.

Affirming that there remains ample potential to further boost the bilateral ties in all areas of strength such as economy, sci-tech, tourism and more, he pledged to continue working closely with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, localities and businesses to effectively implement the soon-to-be-signed FTA, thus make a breakthrough in the cooperative relations between the two countries.

Deputy Defence Minister visits Russia

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien is leading a high-ranking delegation of the Defence Ministry on a working visit to Russia from July 5-7 at the invitation of the Russian Defence Ministry.

Making a courtesy visit to Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu on July 6, Deputy Minister Chien affirmed that the Vietnamese Defence Ministry attaches importance to developing cooperation with the Russian Defence Ministry in line with the joint statement on the vision of Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership by 2030 signed by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President Putin on November 30, 2021 during President Phuc’s visit to Russia.

He conveyed regards and an invitation to visit Vietnam from Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang to the Russian Defence Minister.

For his part, Minister Shoigu said he will regularly direct bilateral defence cooperation with Vietnam, particularly exchange of high-level visits, training and military technical partnership. He accepted the invitation to visit Vietnam, saying he will arrange the visit as early as possible.

Also on July 6, Deputy Minister Chien co-chaired the sixth Vietnam-Russia defence strategy dialogue to review defence cooperation in the recent past and lay out directions for cooperation in the time ahead. 

In his capacity as chairman of the Vietnam sub-committee of the  Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee for the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Centre, Chien is scheduled to co-chair a meeting of the committee's standing members on July 7.

Proper attention needed to develop Vietnamese culture

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on July 5 listened to a report on the progress of drafting the National Target Programme on Cultural Development and Human Resource Development in Vietnam from 2026 to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Ha stressed that cultural development and human resource development are the focal points highlighted at the 13th National Party Congress, as well as in resolutions, conclusions of the Party Central Committee, Politburo, and opinions of Party and State leaders.

Cultural development and human resource development are important, ongoing tasks that have been implemented through many programmes, projects, plans, and strategies for each specialised field, according to the Deputy PM.

However, a comprehensive programme has not yet been formulated to calculate resources and set goals for each phase.

To truly give the appropriate level of attention to culture, Ha said the draft programme needs to be built on the basis of summarising "what has and has not been achieved" when implementing target programmes, strategies, and plans related to culture, and clearly identifying limitations, challenges, and emerging issues.

At the same time, the draft programme needs to seek input from administrators, scientists, and practitioners in culture and arts to determine priority issues in a transparent and open manner.

The programme also needs to address its relationship with other national target programmes in terms of coverage and integration of cultural programmes, plans, and strategies in each cultural sector to ensure no overlap.

The programme's output products can be cultural values and heritage (tangible and intangible); cultural environments, institutions, creative spaces, or mechanisms and policies, he said.

Regarding solutions, Ha said there is a need to build and perfect policies and regulations to fundamentally change the perception and management of sectors and levels in cultural development and human resource development, clearly defining the role of the State, society, and people, diversifying investment resources for the programme from public investment, and promoting digital transformation to serve management, promotion, and communication activities.

The Deputy PM also outlined several urgent and prioritised goals, such as protecting and preserving cultural heritage and values (tangible and intangible) that are in a state of decline, being seriously degraded, or may be lost altogether; as well as building a cultural environment that includes cultural products, activities, designs, landscapes, behaviours, and lifestyles in public places, offices, organisations, families, and schools; and developing creative and cultural industrial spaces.

"The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism must be the 'conductor' to build the outline and framework of the Programme," Ha suggested, while also requesting a scientific approach to the programme that is appropriate for each specialised cultural field.

Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said the most essential part of the programme is the nine projects that include the development of Vietnamese people's characteristics and culture, promoting the development of literature and arts, the development of cultural industries, international integration, and others.

Hung said the programme aims to draw in resources for the development of culture and arts, which have suffered many challenges and limitations when it was not placed in the same regard as socio-economic development.

He also suggested a review of the budget that the National Assembly allocated for this programme because the cost, calculated based on other small-scale programmes, "would be mere drops in the ocean" and won't be able to enable impactful changes.

Vietnam, Chile push forward trade

Vietnam highly values Chile’s role and always considers Chile one of its top important partners in the region, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien told Ambassador of Chile to Vietnam Sergio Narea during a reception in Hanoi on July 6.

To further push forward bilateral trade, Dien underlined the importance of effectively maintaining the Vietnam-Chile Free Trade Commission mechanism to review the progress of the implementation of the Vietnam-Chile FTA and seek measures to address obstacles in bilateral economic, trade and investment relations.

He suggested that the next meeting of the commission should focus discussion on issues such as cooperation towards rapid economic recovery and sustainable development, and jointly shaping new global production and supply chains that are resilient to future crises.

The minister also called attention to the possibility of expanding cooperation in foundational industries such as materials and support industries, manufacturing, chemicals and renewable energy; as well as in breakthrough sectors that are in line with international trends, such as green technology, the use of new energy, digital economy with high technology content, and e-commerce.

Regarding trade promotion activities, Dien proposed increasing the exchange of business delegations to share market information and encouraging each other's firms to join in their trade fairs and exhibitions.

On the occasion, he asked the Chilean side to send a business delegation to the Vietnam International Sourcing 2023 slated for September 13-15, adding that the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) will also organise a delegation of around 18 companies from the national key trade promotion programme to make a visit to Chile.

Minister Dien wished to receive support from the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam and relevant Chilean agencies for the organisation of a Vietnam-Chile Business Forum within the framework of the visit.

Ambassador Narea, for his part, affirmed that Chile always values and wishes to bolster cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, especially in the economy, trade and investment.

He promised to work closely with the MIT and relevant Vietnamese agencies to promote exchanges on issues raised by Vietnam, particularly in successfully holding the fifth meeting of the Vietnam-Chile Free Trade Commission.

Chile wants to strengthen bilateral trade ties in the near future, with the goal of lifting two-way trade, he said.

Last year, two-way trade between Vietnam and Chile hit 2.15 billion USD, up 9% annually. In the first five months of this year, the figure reached 697.5 million USD, down 25.1% year-on-year. Chile is now one of the four biggest trade partners of Vietnam in Latin America, behind Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, according to the MIT.

Seaplane service linking Tuan Chau, Co To launched in Quang Ninh

The Hai Au Aviation JSC announced on July 6 that it has launched a new seaplane service linking Tuan Chau in Ha Long city to Co To island in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.

The flight takes roughly 35 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to a high-speed boat that takes around 2 hours.

The ticket price for each flight is 2.4 million VND (approximately 100 USD) per passenger. Each flight accommodates a minimum of 6 passengers and a maximum of 8 passengers. The service does not accept children under 12 years old, people over 65 years old, and those requiring assistance in travel.

During the flight to the pristine Co To island, passengers could enjoy the beautiful sceneries such as Ban Sen, Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and Bai Tu Long Bay.

In 2014, the company launched a seaplane service in Tuan Chau, with 1 to 3 round-trip flights between Hanoi and Ha Long, and 5-10 sightseeing flights over Ha Long Bay each day.

Thuy Linh qualifies for quarter-finals of Canada open badminton tournament

Vietnamese player Nguyen Thuy Linh earned a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Canada open badminton tournament following her strong performance recorded in the qualification round.

In the women’s singles which took place on July 6, Linh defeated Vivien Sandorhazi of Hungary 2-0 after a 31-minute game.

She will move on to face Michelle Li of the host nation Canada in the quarter-finals after the talented Canadian easily beat Rachael Darragh of India 2-0 recently.

The two have previously played before at the world badminton championships in 2018, with Thuy Linh overcoming Michelle Li 2-1 in the qualifiers.

The 2023 Canada open badminton tournament takes place in Calgary, Canada, from July 4 to July 9 and has a total prize money of US$420,000 on offer.

Thuy Linh is the only Vietnamese badminton player competing at the event, with the local player aiming to accumulate points ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. 

Ho Chi Minh City to host “A night of Spanish music” concert

“A night of Spanish music” concert is scheduled to take place on July 7 at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, marking the return of Vietnamese-French violinist Stephane Tran Ngoc.      

The event is set to feature 12 Spanish dances for string orchestra by Enrique Granados, Carmen Fantasy, op.25 by Pablo De Sarasate, and Symphonie Espagnole for violin and orchestra in D Minor, op.21 by Édouard Lalo.

The concert will be led by conductor Tran Vuong Thach and will be performed by members of the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera.

It will also see the return to a Vietnamese stage by talented violinist Stephane Tran Ngoc who graduated in violin and chamber music at the Paris National Superior Conservatory of Music when he was just 15 years old.

He claimed some of the top prizes at several international competitions, such as the Lipizer Competition and the Long-Thibaud 1990 International Competition.

Ngoc has performed as a soloist in over 30 countries with orchestras, including the Radio-France Philharmonic, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic, the Danish Chamber Players, and the Shinsei Symphony Orchestra.

France regarded as a priority partner of Vietnam

Vietnam always regards France as one of its priority partners based on sincerity and trustworthiness in its external policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was speaking this at a July 6 reception in Hanoi for outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery

Hailing the Ambassador and the French Embassy’s contributions to the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, the Vietnamese cabinet leader said France now ranks second among European Union members in terms of investment in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of roughly US$3.57 billion, fourth in trade exchange and first in provision of ODA assistance to Vietnam, with a total concessional loan of 3 billion EUR. Last year’s two-way trade hit US$5.3 billion, up 10% on-year.

Vietnam greatly values France's role and voice on the international stage, as well as bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums, Chinh said, adding that the country actively supports France's initiatives and ideas aimed at contributing to maintaining peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

To further bilateral ties, the Vietnamese Government chief suggested both sides continue facilitating high-level contacts, exchanges and visits between their leaders, and fully and effectively tap opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He asked France to swiftly adopt the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to optimise bilateral cooperation potential in investment.

The Vietnamese leader wished for stronger ties in new areas such as renewable energy, high technology, digital economy, green growth, circular economy, climate change response, and greenhouse gas emission reduction, particularly in the production of equipment for renewable energy industry. He also hoped for increased collaboration in culture, education, human resource training, and preservation of architectural heritages in Vietnam.

He asked France to help push the European Commission (EC)’s early removal of yellow card warning against Vietnamese aquatic products, and continue committing ODA and concessional loans to Vietnam.

PM Chinh voiced his hope that in any position, the Ambassador will always be a close friend of Vietnam, serving as a bridge to strengthen traditional friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

In response, Warnery affirmed that French leaders desire to further deepen relations with Vietnam. He also acknowledged Vietnam's important role in ASEAN and in the implementation of France's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Agreeing upon PM Chinh’s proposals, the French diplomat said he will discuss with relevant French authorities to continue boosting all-around ties, particularly in politics, trade-investment, education-training, sci-tech, and preservation of French architectural heritages in Hanoi, such as the Long Bien bridge.

Applauding Vietnam's efforts in achieving climate change response goals, especially the recent issuance of the Power Development Master Plan VIII, he said France will actively assist Vietnam in this field, especially in the implementation of the Political Declaration on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Regarding global and regional issues of shared concern, Warnery affirmed that France supports ASEAN and Vietnam's stance on ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Airports conduct regular inspections to remove foreign debris: authorities

Speaking on recent cases of nails pierced into airplane tyres, authorities said that the situation is hard to avoid due to the heavy traffic at the airports. 

The Northern Airports Authority said that airports occupy a large area with hundreds of vehicles travelling on a daily basis, and therefore there is a high possibility of objects falling on the road. 

The unit added that every plane goes through technical and safety inspections before and after flights and can only operate if it meets the requirements. 

Nội Bài International Airport said that its operation centre constantly scans for and collects foreign object debris (FOD), and cleans up the airport area periodically and when the situation requires. 

On July 3, an Airbus A321 arriving at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport (HCM City) from Cam Ranh (Khánh Hòa Province) had a nail pierced into its tyre. Technicians had to change the tire before the plane could continue operating. 

At 8.32pm on June 30, technicians at Nội Bài Airport (Hà Nội) found that an Airbus A321 flying from Phú Quốc to the capital city had a nail in one of its rear tyres. 

On June 28, an Airbus A350 scheduled to fly from Hà Nội to Melbourne (Australia) also had a nail in a rear tyres.

The airport operation centres and aviation safety units conducted an inspection of the runways, aprons and maintenance areas following the route the planes travelled and found no abnormality. 

Workshop tackles dog, cat meat consumption, trading

Measures to combat dog and cat meat consumption and trade were the main topics of a workshop jointly organised by Soi Dog Foundation International, advocacy group Intelligentmedia and the National Assembly on July 4.

The event, bringing together nearly 50 NA deputies, government officials and specialists, highlights the value of the National Assembly uniting various stakeholders in Vietnamese society to tackle the issue as a serious and urgent problem and build momentum toward responsible pet guardianship.

At the event, participants heard about how five million dogs and one million cats are brutally traded and killed for meat yearly in Việt Nam. The World Health Organisation warns that the trade, slaughter, and consumption of dogs pose public health risks that include trichinellosis and cholera and particularly the deadly rabies virus. Despite the increasing number of citizens who are fighting to end this practice, some groups still consider dog and cat meat a delicacy. This motivates traders to continue their work in wet markets.

The discussions encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the existing situation of the dog and cat meat trade in Việt Nam, the efforts of various authorities and ministries on pet management, associated legal frameworks, and communication attempts.

“Dog and cat meat trade and consumption are increasingly pressing issues that draw the attention of authorities and the community. Animal management and welfare have also been discussion topics of the government’s supervisory sector. Việt Nam has a legal framework on the issue, but enforcement contains many loopholes," said Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, Vice Chairman of the Board of The Deputy Affairs under the NA’s Standing Committee.

Participants also discussed a strategy and roadmap to develop Hà Nội to become a dog and cat meat-free city. They heard that dog and cat meat consumption was rooted in local culture. Public education and awareness strengthening should be at the forefront of tackling the issue. In the long run, an evidence-based, comprehensive, and targeted social and behavioural change initiative should be employed to initiate and sustain a change of practice.

Tạ Văn Tường, Vice Director of Hà Nội Agriculture Department, said that phasing out dog and cat meat trading was key to attracting more tourists who are increasingly caring for environmental tourism services and animal welfare conditions.

"In the short term, Hà Nội should adopt anti-rabies measures, establish a safety zone for vaccinated dogs, and strictly control the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat. Additionally, local authorities should work hard to increase education, public awareness, control unleashed dogs and enhance animal welfare regulations and settle violations. This contributes to making the image of a modern and civilised city,” said Trường.

Live show features cải lương stars

A live show featuring cải lương (reformed opera) stars Ngọc Huyền and Vũ Luân will open in HCM City this weekend.

The event will star Vietnamese-American actress Huyền and veteran actor Luân – who have played a role in the development of Vietnamese theatre.

The artists will stage a unique cải lương, the 100-year-old art genre of the South. Young talents from Vũ Luân Troupe, one of the city’s leading private traditional theatres, will be included.

Luân’s troupe opened in 2000 and has faced many challenges to develop and bring cải lương closer to young audiences. Luân and his actors have offered experiment shows with images, sounds and music aimed at young people.

In 2007, he won a gold medal at the National Competition for Cải Lương Young Talents, organised annually by the HCM City Theatre Association. He spent 20 years working before taking home his first national prize.

Luân has worked for leading theatres in the region, including Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre of HCM City.

Similar to Luân, actress Ngọc Huyền will sing original traditional tunes for theatre lovers. She is hoping that this weekend's event, which will feature an orchestra of traditional instrument players, will please her fans.

During her stage debut for the Thanh Nga Troupe in 1985, Huyền wowed the audience with her voice, looks and performance. She quickly became one of the region’s brightest stars in cải lương.

In 1992, she performed pop songs in cải lương plays and left a very strong impression on young audiences.

In 2002, her first live show, Mãi Mãi Một Ước Mơ (Forever Dream), staged cải lương for three nights and attracted more than 5,000 people.

She has performed in several hundred cải lương plays, videos and movies at home and abroad.

She has won dozens of top prizes at national traditional theatre festivals and contests, including the Trần Hữu Trang Award and Mai Vàng (Golden Apricot) Award presented by HCM City Theatre Association and Người Lao Động (Labourer) newspaper.

The live show featuring Luân and Huyền will open at 8pm on June 8 at Bến Thành Theatre, 6Đ Mạc Đĩnh Chi Street, District 1.

Two children die in Dien Bien flash flood

Two children died after being swept away in a flash flood which occurred in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on July 5.

According to a report from authorities in Tuan Giao District, the two sisters Sung Thi and Sung Thi Pang aged five and three were swept away by a flash flood while on the way home on a motorbike with their parents on the afternoon of July 5.

The father Sung A Vang was carrying his wife and their four small children on a motorbike through a dried stream when the flash flood suddenly swept them away. The couple managed to save their two children aged seven and five months while the other two disappeared in the torrent. Their bodies were later found some 300 metres away from the site.

The northern region has been seeing heavy rains that have mainly occurred in the afternoons and evenings over the past few days.

On the early morning of July 7, a landslide triggered by heavy rains hit a stilt house in neighbouring Ha Giang Province, leaving two people dead and two others seriously injured.

Rescue forces at the house collapse in Ha Giang Province on July 5.  

The landslide also damaged 14 other houses, a suspension bridge, and some roads in Ha Giang's districts of Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man, and Vi Xuyen.

Heavy rains have also caused serious landslides in many areas of Thai Nguyen Province, blocking traffic on many roads in Dai Tu, Dinh Hoa, and Phu Luong districts. Over 19 hectares of rice fields have also been damaged.

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