Nearly 2,000 young volunteers of Hanoi on July 6 fanned out to nearby cities and provinces, kick-starting the first phase of their Green Summer campaign 2024.

The campaign launched by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Students Association of Hanoi will be carried out in 31 cities and provinces, with the participation of more than 16,000 young volunteers of 339 teams, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

About 70 teams of young volunteers will fan out to seven key provinces, namely Thai Binh, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan.

The campaign is expected to benefit communities with a total value of more than 33.6 billion VND.

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Tien Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hanoi and head of the Hanoi Students’ Association, recalled the “Three Ready” Movement launched 60 years ago that lit up the revolutionary spirit of Hanoi’s youth, pupils and students.

In the first week of the campaign, more than 80,000 young people and students of Hanoi registered to enlist in the people’s armed forces to the battlefields against American imperialists, and in a short period of time, the registered number increased to more than 200,000.

That “Three Readiness” movement was the precursor to later volunteer campaigns of Hanoi’s youth, including the present-day student volunteer campaign of Green Summer, said Hung.

He called on participants in the 2024 campaign to uphold the traditions, promote creativity and successfully do the task, helping to actively spread meaningful stories about the campaign./.

Government reviews six-month performance, works out solutions in second half

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 6 chaired a monthly regular Government meeting to review socio-economic gains in the first half of the year, identify shortcomings and work out solutions in the coming months.

The meeting held both physically and virtually was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of Government agencies, Party secretaries and chairmen of centrally run cities and provinces, as well as leaders of a number of State-owned economic groups.

In his opening speech, Chinh noted that Vietnam has gone through the first half of 2024, with more challenges outweighing opportunities, and that the local economy remains vulnerable to dual impacts from both external factors and internal problems.

Thanks to great efforts by the entire political system, ministries, agencies, localities, businesses and people, he said local economic recovery is on the right track, with economic growth maintaining the upward trajectory quarter on quarter.

He cited statistics saying the national economy expanded 5,66% in the first quarter and 6.93% in the second quarter, helping to fuel its first half growth to 6.42%, which exceeded the developed scenario and was a high level in the region and the world.

Vietnam has maintained the macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, and guaranteed major balances. Social security and people’s lives have been improved, while political security and social order and safety have been well guaranteed. Foreign relations have been promoted, elevating our country’s prestige and position.

However, he pointed out challenges facing the economy, including high inflationary pressure, and difficulties in production and business activities. In addition, many deadly fires/explosions and traffic accidents occurred, causing a headache to authorities. There remains Hypengyophobia or fear of responsibility among officials and civil servants.

The Prime Minister asked delegates to further analyze the situation, draw lessons and introduce solutions in order to redress limitations and shortcomings, maintain growth momentum, and achieve better results in the coming months.    

PM Pham Minh Chinh’s recent visit grabs Korean headlines

Major media outlets of the Republic of Korea (RoK) continued to highlight the results of the recent RoK visit by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the invitation of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
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Donga Ilbo published an article, recalling Chinh’s speech at the Asian Research Centre of the Seoul National University, in which he affirmed Vietnam is willing to cooperate more closely with the RoK, and further develop the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2022.

The newswire quoted Seoul National University President Yoo Hong-lim as saying that over the past 10 years, about 600 Vietnamese students have studied at the University. Yoo said that the University plans to continue to maintain and expand cooperation into research fields with Vietnam in the near future.

Meanwhile, Hankuk Kyongjae published an article, stating that Vietnam is trying to attract Korean investment in the semiconductor industry. Chinh, during his visit from June 30 to July 3, met with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, examining a possible plan to attract semiconductor investment. The Vietnamese leader made a field trip to Samsung’s semiconductor cluster in Pyeongtaek province.

Hankuk Kyongjae quoted Chinh saying Vietnam welcomes and encourages investment in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). He also emphasized that Vietnam will make efforts to foster high-quality talent, improve systems and develop infrastructure to best support companies investing in the semiconductor industry.

According to the newswire, all eyes are on whether this move will actually lead to the development of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam. If semiconductor investment becomes a reality, the northern province of Bac Giang near Hanoi is considered as one of the favourable locations for Korean companies to enter the market.

As Samsung Electronics produces nearly 50% of the world’s total smartphones in Vietnam, it’s highly likely that the country will be a venue for the company’s semiconductor investment.

Samsung Electronics has so far poured approximately US$22.4 billion into projects in Vietnam. With more than 90,000 workers working locally, Samsung Vietnam’s export turnover reached about US$55.7 billion last year. The firm currently produces not only smartphones but also network equipment, TVs, screen displays and batteries in Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen.

Hankuk Kyongjae quoted Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong as saying that the company is planning to invest in screen displays, and Vietnam will become the largest screen manufacturing base in the world in the next three years.

“Friendship Pine Garden” inaugurated to mark HUFO’s 35th anniversary

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO), in collaboration with with the Consulates General of countries in the southern metropolis, held an inauguration ceremony of the "Friendship Pine Garden" at Suoi Tien tourist area in Thu Duc city on July 6.

The opening of the garden, covering 10,000 sq.m with more than 700 pine trees, is to mark the 35th founding anniversary of the HUFO (July 29, 1989 - 2024).

At the event, 35 selected pine trees were attached with nameplaces of 25 Consulates General of countries in Ho Chi Minh City and 30 friendship associations members of the HUFO.

According to HUFO President Do Viet Ha, over the past 35 years, the union has implemented many activities that have vividly demonstrated Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations.

Through activities, the union has perfomed well the close combination of people-to-people diplomacy and Party diplomacy and State diplomacy in the city.

The "Friendship Pine Garden" is a vivid symbol of solidarity and cooperation between the people of the city's dwellers and diplomatic organisations of other countries in the city, thus encouraging local residents and foreign communities in the city to join environmental protection.

After the ceremony, representatives of the Consulates General of countries and the HUFO participated in a cultural exchange programme, learned about traditional Vietnamese culinary culture and visited Suoi Tien tourist area./.

Vietnam ready for 2024 Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championship

A golf team of Vietnam will compete at the 2024 Southeast Asian Amateur Team Championship from July 9 to 12 in Singapore, according to the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA).

Golfers will compete for individual and team trophies in four categories, namely the 61st Putra Cup for male athletes, no age limit; the 13th Santi Cup for female athletes, no age limit; the 15th Lion City Cup for young male athletes 16 years old and under; and the ninth Kartini Cup is for young female athletes U16, aged 16 and under.

The tournament is expected to attract golfers from countries in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and a guest delegation from Hong Kong (China).

Vu Nguyen, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association, said that Vietnam boasts plenty of young golfers who have great potential to show their ability in the international arena.

The Vietnamese team targets to win four - five medals, including one - two golds.

Vietnam won one gold and one silver at the 2023 Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championship held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia./.

President To Lam offers incense at President Ho Chi Minh temple in Tra Vinh

President To Lam on July 6 offered incense at the temple dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Long Duc commune, Tra Vinh city in the Mekong Delta province of same name.

At the memorial site, President Lam and his entourage respectfully laid a wreath and burned incense to express their gratitude to the late President, the great leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese people and the hero of national liberation.

President Lam wrote in a guest book that the temple in Tra Vinh province not only shows the feelings of the Southerners in general and the people of Tra Vinh in particular towards the beloved leader of the nation, but also is a symbol of the strength of great solidarity, heroic struggle and resilience of Vietnamese army and people.

Construction of the temple started on March 10, 1970, and completed on January 26, 1971.

The 16sq.m temple was recognised as a national historical and cultural relic in 1989 - the first of its kind in the province. The temple is on an area of more than 4.5 ha with the main items being the temple and an exhibition house. In 2012, a version of Uncle Ho's stilt house in Hanoi was built in the temple campus.

On the morning of the same day, President Lam offered incense at the grave of Nguyen Sinh Sac, father of President Ho Chi Minh at his relic site in Cao Lanh city, Dong Thap province./.

Model built for conservation of rare orchids

Scientists have successfully built a model for conserving and developing two endangered orchid species in Vietnam, expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation.

The project on investigating, assessing, and proposing technical processes for conserving and building a conservation and development model for “lan hai chai” (Paphiopedilum callosum (Rchb.f.) Stein) and “lan hai dai cuon” (Paphiopedilum appletonianum (Gower) Rolfe) was carried out by scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Leading the study, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Van Sinh from the IEBR said the two species are found in the central provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien - Hue and Quang Nam, Da Nang city and the Central Highlands. However, they have completely disappeared in Thua Thien - Hue.

“Lan hai” (Paphiopedilum) is one of the orchid genera indigenous to deep forests and high mountains of Vietnam where the vegetation remains almost intact and unaffected by human activity. Therefore, the study of these two orchids is scientifically and practically critical to devising measures for protecting rare species on the verge of extinction, he noted.

Through the study, scientists managed to add important information about the species’ distribution areas, light requirements, soil conditions, the microorganism composition of the soil where they grow, as well as parasites to serve conservation efforts.

Sinh went on to say that apart from the conservation model, scientists have developed a set of data about the biological and ecological characteristics and status of the two species. They also proposed regulations and technical processes for preserving and developing the orchids.

In particular, a handbook detailing cultivation, caring, and conservation techniques was compiled. It is the first of its kind to provide all-round information about the conservation of “lan hai chai” and “lan hai dai cuon” in Vietnam.

For the first time, these species are grown from seeds for the purpose of conservation. This is also the first time the groups of main molds, fungi, bacteria, and organisms parasitising “lan hai dai cuon” have been identified.

The study’s findings are useful for the conservation and development of these two threatened orchids, according to Sinh.

Both “lan hai chai” and “lan hai dai cuon” are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Vietnam, they are also named on the list of wild flora threatened with extinction./.

A chance to empower Hà Nội's craft communities

Conical hats, toy figurines, lacquerware and embroidery, are just a few of the many unique and traditional crafts made in and around Việt Nam's capital city.

Authorities in Hà Nội know this, and want to ensure such work is protected and exploited for the benefit of all that work in the sector.

A conference was held on July 5 giving crafts men and women the opportunity to discuss their concerns and address future challenges.

The Conference on Dialogue to Overcome Difficulties and Promote Business Production for Enterprises, Cooperatives, and Business Households Operating in Craft Villages in Hà Nội in 2024 was held at the headquarters of the Hà Nội People's Committee.

Chaired by Trần Sỹ Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, and Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Committee, the conference discussed various issues such as planning, infrastructure, tourism and the environment of craft villages; support policies for craft villages; science and technology, trade promotion, branding and linking raw material regions to find practical solutions for the city's sectors and levels.

According to Deputy Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Committee Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền, the conference demonstrates Hà Nội's commitment to always accompany the business community and entrepreneurs of the capital; continue to implement drastic solutions to support and resolve obstacles for enterprises, especially to overcome difficulties in administrative procedures, improve the business investment environment; implement digital transformation in the government system and support enterprises.

Speaking to Việt Nam News on the sidelines of the seminar, Hà Thị Vinh, chairman of the Hanoi Craft and Artisans Association expressed her happiness and having the opportunity to discuss in detail issues faced.

“This is a golden opportunity for craft villages to overcome difficulties," she said.

"City leaders have deeply analysed every detail to understand the challenges faced by craft villages, businesses, cooperatives, and individuals in this sector, including areas such as planning, training, trade promotion and infrastructure. Through the conference, we hope that the villages will bring new ideas, and the city can better collaborate with them.”

The preservation and development of craft villages have always been of concern and supported by the city. The programme dated March 17, 2021, by the Hà Nội Party Committee for the 2021-2025 period considers "promoting the development of rural industries and rural economy" as an important content in the economic development of the capital.

To date, the city has 1,350 craft villages and villages with crafts, and 745 out of 2,711 (27.48 per cent) OCOP products of the city are products of these villages. The revenue of these craft villages is estimated to exceed VNĐ24,000 billion, with diverse products of beautiful designs and good quality. Some craft villages with substantial revenue include the Sơn Đồng sculpture village, the La Phù confectionery and knitting village, the Minh Khai agricultural product processing village, the Phùng Xá agricultural machinery village, the Hữu Bằng woodworking and tailoring village, the Thiết Úng traditional crafts village and the two leather shoe villages of Giẽ Thượng and Giẽ Hạ in Phú Yên commune. The craft villages have been actively contributing to the restructuring and development of the rural economy, laying the groundwork for successfully implementing the one-commune-one-product (OCOP) programme and the new rural construction programme in the city.

Director of Hà Nội Promotion Agency Nguyễn Ánh Dương told the conference: “The City Party Committee and the People's Committee have directed various departments to implement synchronised measures to support craft village enterprises, promoting their products to different markets.

"Our craft village products have received significant attention, notably from major commercial centres such as AEON, LOTTE, CGV, where transactions and contracts have been successfully concluded. Recently, the Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Committee has directed the selection of prominent craft villages for international introductions. Additionally, there have been numerous other promotion activities in Hà Nội and provinces, including regional specialty programmes and events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital.”

Information from the conference indicates that the Hà Nội Promotion Agency (HPA) will soon collaborate with relevant agencies to organise delegations for overseas trade promotion under the city's support mechanisms and policies. These include the Ambiente Frankfurt 2025 Fair in Germany, a fair in Hong Kong (China), and others.

Emphasising the importance of trade promotion, Hà Thị Vinh said: “Trade promotion is one of the crucial issues for us. We believe there are ample opportunities in foreign markets, but the challenge lies in how we enter these markets.

"For our handicrafts to sustainably enter the global arena, the manufacturing facilities in craft villages must meet international standards. This is both an important issue and a difficulty we face. We hope that the city can establish exemplary models that meet international standards, so that other facilities can learn and increase their chances of exporting abroad.”

Lê Văn Nguyên, an embroidery artisan, shared his views on the role of information technology in developing business for handicraft products.

He said: “Applying new technology throughout the production and consumption chain is crucial for profitability in craft villages, reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness. From production processes to operations, management, online and direct sales and trade fairs, technology plays a pivotal role.

"These factors can be unfamiliar to producers and small business owners, highlighting the need for specific, verified guidance and targeted support from both central and local levels.”

According to the municipal People's Committee, the city's traditional crafts and villages captivate both domestic and international tourists with their rich cultural heritage and the ingenuity of skilled artisans.

These unique products include Phú Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving, Chuông conical hats, Hạ Thái lacquerware, Tây Tựu flowers, Quất Động embroidery, Vạn Phúc silk, Bát Tràng ceramics, Xuân La toy figurines, Mễ Trì green rice, Chàng Sơn fans, Đào Thục water puppets, Thạch Xá bamboo dragonflies, Ngũ Xã bronze casting, and Định Công silver carving.

The preservation and development of these craft villages, integrated with cultural, agricultural, and rural tourism, provide multifaceted economic benefits to the local community. This approach is a vital strategy for Hà Nội, both now and in the future.

State leader highlights development potential of An Giang

President Tô Lâm highlighted the considerable development potential and conditions of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang while talking to key local officials on July 6.

At the meeting in Long Xuyên City, part of his working tour of the Mekong Delta, the State leader said An Giang boasts considerable potential and conditions for strong development.

He expressed his hope that the province will continue tapping into its natural and human advantages more strongly and effectively to contribute to the development of the Mekong Delta and the country at large.

President Lâm also requested all-level Party committees and administrations of An Giang to enhance the Party building and rectification, bring into play the strength of the great national solidarity, boost consensus among and determination of the public and the administration, guarantee the respect for law, and properly exercise democracy at the grassroots level.

They need to work harder to ensure social security and increase per capita income to unceasingly improve the material and spiritual lives of locals, especially those in remote, border, and ethnic minority areas, he added.

The President said that he believes with their development aspiration and resolve, the Party organisation, administration, and people of An Giang will achieve and surpass the targets set by the provincial Party Congress to join nationwide efforts in successfully implementing the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress.

Reporting on the local situation, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Lê Hồng Quang said despite many difficulties, An Giang has made relatively comprehensive progress over the past years.

The local economy expanded 6.6 per cent during the first half of 2024, higher than the national average. Meanwhile, social security has been guaranteed, and people’s living conditions continually improved.

The household poverty rate has been brought down to 2.07 per cent, lower than the national average of 2.93 per cent. The ethnic minority and religious situations remain stable while defence, security, border, and sovereignty firmly safeguarded, according to Quang.

On this occasion, President Lâm paid tribute to President Tôn Đức Thắng at the late leader’s memorial site in Mỹ Hòa Hưng Commune, Long Xuyên City.

He visited Võ Đại Nhân and Võ Thị Vân, who are outstanding veteran revolutionaries in Long Xuyên.

The President also visited the family of and paid homage to Lê Phước Thọ, former Politburo member, former Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and former Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission. 

National museum to host outdoor opera concert

Well-known opera singer Đỗ Vũ Lan Nhung will perform with the Việt Nam National Symphony and Orchestra (VNSO) at an outdoor concert at the city's fine arts museum.

She will perform Summer Melodies in the outdoor space at Việt Nam Fine Arts Museum on July 7, featuring music pieces and opera extracts by Mozart, Schubert, Bizet and others. 

Nhung will entertain music lovers singing extracts from G.Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess, G.Bizet's Carmen and C.Gounod's Romeo & Juliette. 

Nhung is currently a singer with the Việt Nam National Opera and Ballet. She received full scholarship in University of Music Bucharest in 2016 and while studying in Romania, Nhung won prizes for singing, piano and violin competitions.

She was also soloist at Italia Culture Centre in Bucharest in 2018-19. In 2021, Nhung was soloist at the George Enescu International Festival, one of the most popular music festivals in Europe. 

She had a leading role singing Carmen in Việt Nam early this year. 

The concert will be held from 4pm to 6pm at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học Street. 

International experts share experience in film co-production at DANAFF

Leading international film experts and local agencies have gathered to promote and come up with ideas on how to better support the Vietnamese film industry.

At a seminar entitled 'International  Experience and Development Solutions' held on Friday at the the Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), directors and producers stressed how important the cinema is, not just to the national economy, but to enriching peoples' lives.

The seminar aimed to promote cooperation, best practices and explore innovative solutions to enhance Việt Nam's appeal as a leading destination for film production and develop the film industry further.

Ngô Phương Lan, the executive director of DANAFF emphasised that the film industry not only has great potential to contribute to the national economy but also plays an important role in improving people's lives.

"Therefore, we need to learn a lot from countries with developed cinema industries. This seminar is the place for us to listen and learn, thereby improving the quality of Vietnamese-branded films together."

In addition to executive and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the seminar also welcomed international experts from Hollywood, regional film producers and experienced Vietnamese filmmakers.

Representing one of the world's largest film studios, Jared Dougherty, Vice President, Director of Public Policy and External Affairs, at Sony Pictures Entertainment Asia-Pacific Region, said that international practices can be applied in Việt Nam.

Experienced speakers from both the domestic and international film industries also participated in the discussion.

They included Sirisak Koshpharashin, a representative of the National Federation of Thai Film Associations, Winnie Tsang, Founder and CEO of Golden Scene Film Company from Hong Kong, diplomat Phạm Quang Vinh, and Lý Phương Dung, Deputy Director of the Cinema Department. 

The event marks an important step forward in enhancing Việt Nam's position on the international cinema map, affirming the commitment of agencies and organisations to support and develop the nation's film industry. 

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