Vietnam has been elected as Vice-Chair of the General Assembly of the State Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, bringing the total number of key UNESCO mechanisms in which Vietnam has joined to six.

This appointment, announced at the 10th session of the General Assembly in Paris on June 11, underscored Vietnam's rising international profile and the international community's trust in its ability to contribute to global institutions, said Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc, who led the Vietnamese delegation to the session.

He credited Vietnam's success to the Party and State's sound foreign policy on diversification and multilateralisation of external ties, comprehensive global integration and cultural diplomacy initiatives, especially the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy to 2030.

Ngoc said as Vice-Chair, Vietnam will play a key role in shaping UNESCO's cultural agenda and driving progress on the 2003 Convention. He also emphasised Vietnam's commitment to leveraging UNESCO's programmes, plans and initiatives to support national development, heritage preservation, and ensure the highest national interests in global cultural cooperation.

Vietnam boasts a rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage, with 15 elements inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and 550 recognised nationally. The country continually fine-tunes national policies and laws, most recently the National Target Programme on Cultural Development to 2045 and the amended Cultural Heritage Law, Ngoc affirmed.

Addressing the opening of the General Assembly's 10th session, the Deputy FM called for continued international cooperation and effective implementation of the Convention. He stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building for developing, African and small island developing states, focusing on empowering communities, women and youth in heritage preservation efforts.

The General Assembly is the sovereign of the 2003 convention, which serves as a platform for 183 member states to collaborate on safeguarding the world's living cultural traditions. Vietnam officially joined the 2003 Convention on September 5, 2005, becoming one of the first 30 countries worldwide to adopt this important Convention. Vietnam has been elected twice to the Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Vietnam is in the process of completing and submitting several dossiers for UNESCO recognition, including the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex; the Oc Eo-Ba The archaeological site, Con Moong Cave, the Ba Chua Xu Tem Festival at Sam Mountain, Dong Ho folk painting art, cheo stage art, Mo Muong, Lang Son Geopark, and notably a project to preserve and promote the values of the central sector of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi./.

Hue Festival Week 2024 attracts about 100,000 visitors

The Hue Festival Week 2024 taking place from June 7-12 in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue under the theme of "Cultural Heritage amid Integration and Development" has attracted about 100,000 visitors, said a local official.

Director of the province’s Tourism Department Nguyen Van Phuc said that the festival not only brings about opportunities for the province to attract tourists but also promotes its cultural values, landscape, and people.

A traditional dance and royal performance at Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) in the imperial capital on June 7 sparked the opening ceremony of the festival, marking one of the most successful cultural events organised in Hue city for 24 years.

The festival saw the participation of 30 art troupes from France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and Vietnam, creating a series of art performances and attractive stage space for local residents and visitors.

It also includes a food event and shows of the world famous heritage of the Hue royal court music and songs./.

Vietnam attends 112th Int'l Labour Conference

Vietnam always prioritises promoting social progress and equity, considering this as a goal, a task, and also a measure to boost sustainable development, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung told the ongoing 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva on June 11.

Dung, who is Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organisations in Geneva, highly valued a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Director-General on promoting social justice.

He said Vietnam will continue to reform and perfect the legal system to strengthen the social security and welfare system, promote decent and quality jobs, develop human resources, and build an effective labour market, thereby helping ensure a prosperous life for all people in accordance with the motto of "leaving no one behind".

The International Labour Conference is held annually by ILO with the participation of representatives of governments, employers, and workers from its 187 member states.

This year’s event is taking place from June 3-14, focusing on how to set labour standards, basic rights and principles in the workplace, and the promotion of decent work.

The Vietnamese delegation include representatives of the country's Permanent Mission in Geneva, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance./.

Vietnamese athlete takes Asian cycling silver

Vietnamese female athlete Nguyen Thi That won a silver medal at the 43rd Asian Road Cycling Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on June 11.

That had to defend her title in the women's elite individual road race event which featured 85 competitors from 21 teams. Despite her strong effort and support from teammates, she could only come second in a time of 2 hours 56.51 minutes in a 112.5km stage, reported the Sports Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Song Min-ji of the Republic of Korea took the top podium and Chinese Tang Xin placed third.

That's silver was the only medal of Vietnam at this year's edition.

The Asian championship from June 5 to 12 attracts a record of 619 athletes. It is the last event for cyclists before competing at the Paris Olympics in July.

That is the first Vietnamese cyclist in history to win a berth in an Olympics.

Nguyen Ngoc Vu, General Secretary of the Vietnam Cycling and Motor Sports Federation, said the Almaty route was quite difficult with many steep passes. Riders had to overcome a 3.5km hilly road each in eight laps. This was not a route that That could perform her best.

Although she could not defend her championship title, That was praised by the federation leader for her strong effort through the race./.

Vietnam seeks to improve livelihoods to end child labour

To reduce child labour, Vietnam has perfected the legal framework to protect children's rights and prevent this problem, and carried out various measures to improve people’s livelihoods.

A national report on child labour conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in 2020 showed that there were more than 1 million children involved in labour activities, mainly in agriculture, construction and services.

Children forced to work early are concentrated in rural and mountainous areas in the northern, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta regions, where economic conditions are less developed and access to education is limited. According to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam, the rate of child labour in rural areas is nearly 4 times higher than in urban areas.

Experts said that there are many reasons why children have to work early, with the main reason being poverty. A report by the MOLISA shows that 70% of working children come from poor or near-poor families. The second reason is that some children cannot continue to go to school because they have to help their families make a living. According to UNICEF data, more than 20% of working children do not go to school or have to drop out of school early.

Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the MOLISA Department of Children’s Affairs, assessed that over the past decade, Vietnam has gained remarkable achievements in addressing child labour, establishing a solid legal framework to better suit international standards and implementing a number of programmes to reduce child labour at the central and local levels.

The Government has signed and ratified international conventions on children's rights and child labour combat. These include the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Convention on Minimum Age (C138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182). In addition, several national programmes to prevent and reduce child labour for the 2021 – 2025 period, with a vision to 2030 are being implemented to minimise this situation, including support of education and vocational training to improve living conditions for poor families.

Every year, thousands of poor students, students in difficult circumstances, and orphans are given scholarships and tuition support to help them have the opportunity to continue studying. In 2023, the National Fund for Vietnamese Children granted 13,877 scholarships worth 9.4 billion VND (nearly 370,000 USD), and assisted 17,800 children living in difficult circumstances with a total cost of more than 20 billion VND.

According to experts, international cooperation is one of the most effective measures to help solve the main cause of the increase in child labour: poverty. International projects have focused on supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable families, helping children participate in labour appropriately and safely in accordance with laws.

For example, the Technical Support for Enhancing the National Capacity to Prevent and Reduce Child Labour in Viet Nam (ENHANCE) project, implemented in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta province of An Giang since 2015, has brought about positive results.

After more than eight years, nearly 6,000 children have been supported with education and vocational training and nearly 550 children have received non-educational support such as health insurance. Some 1,600 households have received assistance to improve their livelihoods.

Experts assessed that over the past three decades, Vietnam has seen a lot of achievements in poverty reduction. The rate of child labour is 2% lower than the Asia Pacific region’s average. The country's efforts in reducing child labour have been recognised by the international community, including a positive assessment from the ILO.

The country is working to complete the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7 towards eliminating child labour in all its forms by 2025./.

Vietnam issues national plan to eliminate ozone-depleting substances

Vietnam will promote the transition to technologies that utilise substances with low or zero global warming potential, and roll out sustainable cooling solutions to cut emissions by 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2045 under a national plan on the management and elimination of ozone-depleting substances signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on June 11.

Ozone depleting substances (ODS) include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform.

The plan aims at effectively managing and gradually eliminating the substances in line with the Montreal Protocol.

Accordingly, the country will honour the commitment on being free of products that contain or are made from bromochloromethane, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), CFC, Halon, HBFC, methyl chloroform, HCFC 141b, and will not import other HCFCs from 2040.

As planned, it will cut the consumption of HFCs, and phase down the substance’s consumption to 20% from 2045.

Furthermore, the controlled substances will be collected, kept, transported and recycled in accordance with technical requirements. Meanwhile, mechanisms on carbon credit generation from recycling and treatment of the substances will be popularised.

Regarding sustainable cooling solutions, they should be integrated into the national- and provincial- levels urban area development programmes, action plans in response to climate change, and relevant planning.

An array of missions and solutions were sketched out to complete the set targets, comprising building and completion of mechanisms and policies, improvement of human resources quality, promotion of scientific research, development of technologies, and enhancement of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field./.

Back to nature for 9 wild animals at U Minh Ha National Park

In a collaborative effort between the Forest Protection Department of the southern province of Bac Lieu and Phat Quang Pagoda, nine wild animals were released back into their natural habitat at U Minh Ha National Park in the southernmost province of Ca Mau on June 11.

The animals, which included six wildcats and three toothed turtles, were handed over by local residents following a call to action by Phat Quang Pagoda in Bac Lieu. The pagoda later worked with the Forest Protection Department to ensure their safe return to the wild, said its Abbot Venerable Thien Phuc.

U Minh Ha National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is home to a variety of wildlife, including many endangered species. The release of these animals marks a significant step toward preserving the park's biodiversity./.

Localities respond to blood donation campaign

A programme was held in the northern province of Bac Giang on June 11 to respond to "Hanh trinh Do" (Red Journey), the country’s largest-scale blood donation campaign.

The campaign, initiated in 2013, is being rolled out in 51 cities and provinces, aiming to raise public awareness of the work, with at least 120,000 units of blood expected to be collected in June and July.

Bac Giang province has responded to the campaign for 11 consecutive years. With activities carried out from May 1 to August 31, the locality expects to collect 4,800 units and encourage some 20 residents to join the standby blood donation team during this year’s drive.

Speaking at the event, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) Bui Thi Hoa, who is also Deputy Head of the Standing Board of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation, asked Bac Giang to encourage the participation of economic groups, businesses, and religions in the campaign, while stepping up the communications work.

On this occasion, 110 outstanding collectives and individuals in the efforts received certificates of merit from the VRC Central Committee and the provincial People’s Committee.

The province collected more than 27,300 units of blood last year, surpassing its target by 70.82%, and over 15,100 units so far this year, fulfilling 86.52% of the plan.

A similar event was held in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau the same day, during which the VRC Central Committee and the provincial People’s Committee presented certificates of merit to six collectives, a family, and 12 individuals for their significant contributions to the campaign.

The organisers also granted gifts to 18 disadvantaged patients who are under treatment at the provincial general hospital, each worth 500,000 VND (19.65 USD).

The province collected 33,690 units of blood between 2007 and 2023, and 2,729 units in the first half of this year./.

Vietnam to diversify tourism products to attract more visitors

To meet the diverse needs of domestic and international visitors, Vietnam will focus on different types of tourism products, including developing more sea and island tourism, culture tourism, ecotourism, including community-based tourism, urban tourism, and MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

At the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival in April, nearly 400 products and services were introduced to visitors, while the 2024 Vietnam International Travel Mart in Hanoi offered more than 1,000 promotional tours and products.

Many businesses have also organised stimulus and discount programmes during summer holidays, and launched many new product lines to attract tourists.

The VNAT forecast that in the coming time, the number of domestic holidaymakers will continue to grow but at a slower pace. The trend of applying information technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation will promote the formation of new methods of tourism.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in 2024, the number of foreign tourists to Vietnam is forecast to reach the same level as in 2019, at around 17-18 million. The country is also aiming to serve 110 million domestic visitors, and earn around 840 trillion VND (33 billion USD) from future holidaymakers.

In the first five months of this year, Vietnam served nearly 7.6 million international holidaymakers, up 64.9% year-on-year and 3.9% compared to the same period in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Meanwhile, the number of domestic visitors reached 52.5 million.

Revenue from accommodation and catering services in the reviewed period was estimated to reach 296.3 trillion VND, an increase of 15.1% over the same period last year, while travel tourism revenue totaled an estimated 24.2 trillion VND, marking a year-on-year rise of 45.1%.

By 2025, the country is expected to welcome 19 - 20 million international visitors, and serve 120 million domestic visitors. Tourism will directly contribute 7 - 9% of GDP, and create 5.5 million jobs, including about 1.8 million direct positions of employment./.

Thanh Hoa plans to promote tours connecting with Lao province

The north central province of Thanh Hoa plans to develop and exploit tours that connect it with Houaphanh province of Laos.

According to Thanh Hoa's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it will focus on developing tourism products that feature local culture, history, the local community’s values and nature.

The department will coordinate with units to organise a field trip for business and media representatives to survey and develop tours connecting Thanh Hoa and Houaphanh provinces.

Previously, in 2019, Thanh Hoa province announced Quan Son-Vieng Xay tour that promotes popular destinations in the two provinces. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism connection was disrupted.

Sharing the borderline with Thanh Hoa province, Houaphanh province has 157 tourist areas, including 64 landscapes, 64 historical tourism areas and 29 cultural tourism areas. Among them, the province's important tourism highlight is Vieng Xay district with nearly 500 spectacular caves.

The caves were chosen as a revolutionary base during the wartime for Lao leaders between 1964 and 1972. The natural caves run deep into the mountains, creating tunnels leading to ‘meeting rooms’ and ‘dining rooms’, where Lao President Khamtay Siphandone and other revolutionary leaders once lived and worked.

The caves were turned into a tourist destination for both domestic and foreign visitors in Laos./.

International artists converge on Thua Thien-Hue’s art fest

Artists from many corners of the globe have collectively orchestrated a multi-cultural artistic symphony, harmonising traditionality and modernity at the ongoing Hue International Arts Festival Week, an annual signature event of Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

Themed "Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development", the programme lasts from June 7 to 12, bringing together nearly 30 troupes from eight countries, namely France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam. Participating artists serve as ambassadors conveying the culture and art of their homelands, treating locals to a colourful cultural feast.

Janick Appelmans, 51, a member of the Belgian royal stilt walkers troupe Koninklijke Steltenlopers Merchtem – which is joining the festival for the 5th time, said it's quite challenging to purchase tickets for a large group of 47 people along with bulky luggage like musical instruments and stilts. According to him, the troupe had to travel on special trains and flights, but they are extremely satisfied with this journey.

Mariana Neto Brito Luz, a member of the Hiphop Cergy team from France, said that they came here as part of an exchange programme between Hue and Cergy – a commune in the French department of Val-d'Oise, to the northwest of Paris. Since the two sides established cooperative relations in April 2019, many exchange programmes for artists have been organised.

Ooshiro Yuuga, the leader of Japan’s Eisa Urakaji drum dance troupe, noted that this is their first time setting foot on Hue, but everyone is eager to introduce Vietnam and other nations to the art of Eisa drum dance.

In addition, the Vietnamese team has showcased the “don ca tai tu” art form (southern amateur singing), considered one of the country’s main music genres. Originating from Hue court music and folk music of the southern region, the art was listed in the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

It can be said that the festival has facilitated cultural diplomacy among art troupes and contributed to building friendship among countries and localities involved./.

“Sport and Fraternity” exhibition promotes Olympic & Paralympic 2024

As the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games draw near, the Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City opened a photo exhibition themed “Sport and Fraternity” in the city on June 11 to welcome the special sporting events.

The exhibition features 13 pictures by the French news agency Agence France Presse (AFP), showcasing the spirit of martial arts in various sports, values of the Paris 2024 and Paralympic Games while showing how sports unite communities and individuals, fostering friendship and solidarity.

French Deputy Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Grégory Robert said the exhibition is an invitation for people to come to the office or France to share the spirit of the games.

The exhibition runs until September 2024./.

Vietnam clinches first gold at 2024 Asian Youth Chess Championship

Dinh Nho Kiet topped the ranking of rapid chess in the Boys U16 category, earning the first gold medal for Vietnam at the ongoing Asian Youth Chess Championship in Almaty.

Seeded 9th, the boy finished seven rounds with the best result of 6.5 points, securing the first place, followed by his team mate Tran Ngoc Minh Duy with six points. Duy ranked second and won a silver medal.

The Vietnamese squad also gained four bronze medals in the Boys U8, Boys U10, Boys 12, and Girls U8 categories.

The championship lasts from June 9 to 21 and brings together over 640 young players of 32 teams from different countries and territories competing in age groups ranging from U8 to U18. It features the three categories of rapid chess, blitz chess, and standard chess for both genders.

Vietnam has 48 contenders, covering all age groups and categories. This tournament has attracted seven international grandmasters, none of whom are Vietnamese./.

Vietnam desires stronger all-around cooperation with Dominican Republic

Vietnam always places importance on fostering the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with the Dominican Republic.

The affirmation was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at a reception in Hanoi on June 12 for General Secretary of the United Left Movement (MIU) Party and Minister of Regional Integration Policies of the Dominican Republic Miguel Mejia, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

At the function, FM Son told his Dominican guest that the nation greatly values the Dominican Republic's government for appointing a resident ambassador to Vietnam in 2022 and opening its embassy in the country in 2023.
The efforts have served as a bridge to strengthen increasingly effective and substantive development of the bilateral relationship.

FM Son also conveyed State President To Lam's congratulations to President Luis Abinader on his re-election for the second consecutive term in the general election held on May 19.

He noted his appreciation for the contributions by Mejia to the development of relations between the two nations .

In reply, Mejia stated that his visit is designed to further deepen the fruitful political and diplomatic relations, and expand the economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, especially in potential fields such as trade, agriculture, telecommunications, construction, energy, and oil and gas industry.

Both sides consented to boost closer coordination and actively roll out measures to foster the bilateral relations in the time ahead through Party-to-Party, State-to-State, and people-to-people diplomacy channels, including  intensifying high-level delegation exchanges, connecting and supporting businesses, augmenting cooperation, and offering mutual support for each other at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially the United Nations.

Red River Festival 2024 promotes cultural exchange between Vietnam and China

The Red River Festival 2024 will be held from September to November in Lao Cai province, with invitations to Yunnan province, China, and provinces along the river in Vietnam.

The festival themed Nơi Con Sông Hồng Chảy Vào Đất Việt (Where the Red River flows into Vietnam) will include participation of a delegation from China's Yunnan province and provinces along the river.

The event will be centred in Lao Cai City, Bat Xat district, and many cultural and tourism activities will take place in other places like Sa Pa and Bac Ha district.

It will feature cultural and art exchange programmes between Vietnam and China, along with performances and exhibitions from other provinces in the North.

Visitors can experience the cultural and culinary uniqueness of ethnic groups living in Lao Cai province, provinces along the Red River in Vietnam and Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, China. There will be exhibitions of captivating photographs, stories and artefacts about Lao Cai and the Red River.

To further strengthen the relationship between China and Vietnam, there will be special sporting events including the marathon 'Friendship Road' from Lao Cai province to Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the international bicycle race 'One Track - Two Countries' and the Lao Cai Provincial Open Golf Championship 2024.

Part of the festival will also be an international conference 'Solutions to promote cooperation and development between the Red River provinces - Vietnam and Yunnan Province - China' to encourage business partnerships and a competition about composing theme songs about the Red River.

The Red River Festival aims to demonstrate the strategic position of Lao Cai province, linking the history of the civilisation of the Red River with the province, promoting its potential and strengths in terms of economic, cultural and social development.

The Hồng (Red) River, which is over 1,100 kilometres long, originates in China and flows through Vietnam.

The river section that flows through Vietnam is about 510 kilometres long, flowing across ten northern provinces, where agriculture plays an important role in the country's economy. The Red River has three tributaries in Vietnam – the Đà, Lô and Thao rivers.

The festival is always a popular tourist attraction, bustling with weekend campers and visiting cruise ships.

Along the Red River, tourists can enjoy the fresh open air with views of the fields of sugarcane and maize along the river banks.

Da Nang official granted Laos’s third-class Freedom Order

Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Council Tran Phuoc Son was granted a third-class Issara (Freedom) Order of Laos on June 11 for his remarkable contributions to the cooperation between the central city and Sekong province of Laos during the 2017-2022 period.

Authorised by the Lao Prime Minister, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Sekong province Leklai Sivilay presented the decoration to Son.

The Lao official said that Laos and Vietnam have stayed united and cohesive during both wartime and socio-economic development periods, and so have their localities.

Da Nang has considerably assisted Sekong in socio-economic development, especially in the fields of tourism, trade, infrastructure development, and human resources training. The Lao province appreciated this valuable support and will make constant efforts to continue intensifying the bilateral cooperation, he said.

Son expressed his honour to receive the third-class Issara Order of Laos, pledging continued efforts to maintain the solidarity and promote cooperative ties between Vietnam and Laos, as well as between Da Nang and Laos localities.

The friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos are special and long-lasting relations. The Party, State and people of Vietnam in general and Da Nang city in particular always attach importance to and nurture this traditional friendship, he said.

Son added Da Nang boasts fruitful cooperation with southern and central provinces of Laos, including Sekong. It also appreciated the attention and coordination from the Sekong Party organisation and administration to support, exchange and cooperation programmes between the two localities.

Japan shows interest in Vietnam’s US$70 bln North-South express railway

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki during his recent meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in Hanoi said Japan shows its keen interest in Vietnam’s North-South express railway project worth approximately US$70 billion.

At the meeting on June 10, MoT Nguyen Van Thang thanked Japan for having provided preferential loans to Vietnam to undertake infrastructure construction projects over the years, noting Japan is always the leading ODA donor to Vietnam, having granted up to US$15 billion to 52 ODA projects in the country.

Transportation infrastructure projects funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are all large sized, actively contributing to promoting socio-economic development and giving the local transportation system a facelift, said Thang.

Naoki for his part said Japan is keen to increase cooperation with Vietnam in the field of infrastructure development, especially transportation infrastructure.

Japan is willing to share experiences and support Vietnam in developing transportation infrastructure projects, including new ones such as the North - South express railway, Ho Chi Minh - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, and Lien Chieu port, said the ambassador.

He asked the Vietnamese side to provide detailed information about the North - South express railway project so that the Japanese side would consider the possibility of cooperation.

In response, Thang said that the project is being submitted to competent authorities for consideration, and after approval, relevant information will be provided to the Japanese side to examine the possibility of cooperation.

In his opinions, currently Vietnam has met the conditions to develop high-speed railways. Accordingly, the country’s GDP is now 4 times higher than in 2010; its financial potential has increased significantly; and its public debt equals to about 37% of GDP.

In the immediate future, the minister asked the Japanese side to consider providing scholarships for short-term and long-term training courses on railway engineering, especially high-speed railway, in Japan for Vietnamese engineers.

This is not the first time Japan has made Vietnam an offer to develop the North-South express railway project.

During a working trip to Japan in March 2024, Vietnamese Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc met with his Japanese counterpart Shunichi Suzuki who expressed Japan’s readiness to engage in the project, as well as other infrastructure projects to be undertaken in future.

Meeting the Japanese Minister in Hanoi in January 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the Government of Japan support Vietnam in building the North-South high-speed railway.

In response, Suzuki affirmed that the Japanese side will study and coordinate with Vietnam to soon come up with a feasible solution.

The North–South express railway is a proposed high-speed railway in Vietnam running through 20 cities and provinces across the country. The line would begin in Lang Son province in the north and end in Ca Mau province in the south, connecting the two most urbanised areas in the country – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Ministry of Transport has so far suggested three options to the Government with regard to developing the North-South high-speed railway route.

The first option will see Vietnam build a double-track railway with a track gauge of 1,435m at a total length of 1,545km for only passenger trains that are designed to run at a maximum speed of 350 km/h. The existing railway route that has a track gauge of 1,000m will be upgraded to transport goods. Total investment capital would be about US$67.32 billion.

In the second option, the country will construct a new double-track railway with a track gauge of 1,435m for both passenger and freight trains to run at a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The existing North-South railway line will be modernized to transport goods, tourists and passengers for short distances. Total investment capital would be about US$72.02 billion.

The third option will see Vietnam build a new double-track railway with a track gauge of 1,435m for passenger trains to run at a maximum speed of 350km/h, and for freight trains if necessary. At the same time the existing North - South railway line will be upgraded for goods transportation. Total investment capital would be about US$68.98 billion (without freight trains) and US$71.69 billion (with freight trains).

Vietnam desires to expand sci-tech, training cooperation with Hungary, Armenia

Vietnam wants to increase cooperation in scientific research and personnel training with Hungary and Armenia, a Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam told the Ambassadors of Hungary and Armenia during separate receptions in Hanoi on June 11.

Receiving newly accredited Hungarian Ambassador Baloghdi Tibor, Nguyen Xuan Thang, president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, recalled the top Vietnamese leaders’ recent visits to Hungary which he said testify to the close bilateral cooperation as well as the determination of the two countries’ leaders to constantly cultivate and promote the close relationship between Vietnam and Hungary.

He expected that the Ambassador would continue to contribute to the increasingly deep and substantive relationship between the two countries, while further expanding cooperation between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Hungarian partners in the fields of training and scientific research.

He expressed his belief that the Ambassador would have a successful working term and serve as a bridge to further spur comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Hungary in general, and between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and relevant Hungarian organizations and agencies in particular.

Tibor for his part acknowledged Thang’s proposals and said he would try his best to strengthen the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, as well as between the Academy and Hungarian partners commensurate with the potential for cooperation and in accordance with the interests of the two peoples.

At another reception for newly accredited Ambassador of Armenia Suren Baghdasaryan, Thang affirmed that both Vietnam and Armenia still has much room for further development. According to the Politburo member, political relations between the two countries develop well but bilateral economic and trade cooperation is yet to meet their potential.

The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics is ready to organize seminars with Armenian partners to improve mutual understanding and create a solid basis for expanding relations between the two countries across various fields, he assured his guest.

In reply, Baghdasaryan underscored the need to strengthen exchange and information sharing activities between the Embassy and the Academy. The Ambassador agreed on elevating the relationship between the two countries, and said he would make efforts to deepen the good relationship between the two countries as well as between Armenian partners and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

AFP's 13 incredible Olympic-themed photos on display in Ho Chi Minh City

The Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City debuted an exhibition on June 11 with the theme of “Sport et Fraternité” (Sports and friendship) to celebrate the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The exhibition introduces 13 images snapped by Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographers, illustrating impressive moments of previous Olympic competitions and events leading up to the 2024 Games in Paris this summer.

Audiences will be able to experience and relive some of the most memorable moments from these major sporting events thanks to AFP’s distinctive perspective, which combines expertise, creativity, and innovation.

Grégory Robert, deputy consul general of France in Ho Chi Minh City, said this is the third time in French history that the country would host the global sporting event.

The Olympic Games provides an opportunity for athletes to meet, share experiences, and express friendship among various individuals, he added.

Nearly 15 million visitors are expected to come to Paris and around four billion viewers will watch the sporting competition on TV. In addition to competitions, many cultural exchanges will be organised to introduce French culture to international friends, he noted.

AFP has operated in Vietnam for more than half a century. It is a renowned global news agency that provides timely, comprehensive, and verified coverage of the events happening around the world.

With 4200 journalists and editors in over 100 countries, AFP covers the world in six languages, drawing on an extraordinary news-gathering network across 151 countries with a distinct quality of storytelling spanning video, writing, photographs, and graphics.

The exhibition “Sport et Fraternité” is scheduled to run until late September.

Tram Chim National Park fire brought under control

Relevant forces have controlled a fire that broke out in the forest of Tram Chim National Park dubbed a haven for several rare and protected species of bird in Tam Nong district of Dong Thap province on June 11.

More than 200 people, including firefighters, militiamen and on-site forces, were deployed to pump water to put out the fire, according to authorities of Dong Thap province.

The fire started in area A1 of the cajuput forest at noon, creating a towering column of smoke that significantly reduced visibility along the provincial road, thereby bringing traffic to a grinding halt.

The fire then spread quickly due to the hot weather and strong winds, said the park's management board, adding the full extent of the damage is not yet clear.

Relevant forces have evacuated local residents near the site to safe areas and have kept watering to completely extinguish the fire, said Nguyen Van Vu Minh, director of the Dong Thap provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It is estimated that about 20ha of cajuput forest have been burned by the fierce fire, said Minh, adding relevant forces are evaluating the damage.

Tram Chim National Park spans an area of nearly 7,500 hectares and was designated as Vietnam's 4th Ramsar site in 2012, underscoring its significance in conserving rare flora and fauna, both nationally and globally.

The park serves as a sanctuary for various endangered species, most notably the red-crowned crane.

National Assembly to vote on zero tolerance policy for drink driving

Deputies to the ongoing session of the National Assembly are expected to vote on a total ban on alcohol consumption for drivers (zero tolerance policy) – a contentious issue that has grabbed the headlines domestically in recent times.

Many deputies have voiced their support for the total ban while some have suggested a drink driving limit, reported Le Tan Toi, chairman of the National Assembly’s National Defense and Security Committee, at the 34th sitting of the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi on June 11.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on June 11 discussed the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, with a provision regarding the control of the alcohol concentration in blood or breath for vehicle drivers hitting the road.

According to Toi, the National Assembly Standing Committee has made an indepth analysis on the advantages and disadvantages of each option to report to full-time National Assembly deputies and to seek opinions from National Assembly delegations and relevant agencies.

Most deputies and National Assembly delegations have agreed on the total ban option, and none of National Assembly delegations have proposed consulting with National Assembly deputies on two options.

Toi said his committee supports the total ban option and has requested the National Assembly Standing Committee press ahead with the regulation.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh pointed to the fact that the absolute ban has been effective in reality and it has received strong support from the Government, the National Assembly Standing Committee and many deputies.

However, he said as some deputies are still confused about this issue, it is recommended that when the National Assembly separately vote on the issue when it passes the law.

Sharing the same opinion, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Legal Affairs Committee Hoang Thanh Tung also proposed a separate vote with a full explanation, in order to create consensus and to make legislation effective.

War veterans of Vientiane visit Ho Chi Minh City

A delegation of war veterans of Laos’ Vientiane capital led by Major General Phalom Linthong visited Ho Chi Minh City on June 11.

Receiving the Lao guests, Nguyen Phuoc Loc, deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, highly appreciated the results of cooperation between the War Veterans Association of Ho Chi Minh City and the War Veterans Association of Vientiane in the recent past.

He welcomed the guests’ working visit to the city which he said would contribute to concretizing the agreements of the leaders of the two Parties and the two States on further developing the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Loc proposed that the two associations increase visit exchanges to share information and experiences in veterans’ affairs, especially in raising funds to support war veterans in difficulty to escape poverty and develop sustainable economic development.

Major General Phalom Linthong, who is also chairman of the War Veterans Association of Vientiane, thanked the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City for directing the local War Veterans Association to carry out effective cooperation and support activities for the Vientiane association in recent times.

He briefed his host on the results of a working session between the two associations, and expressed his desire to receive experience sharing and support from the Ho Chi Minh City War Veterans Association as well as relevant sectors of the city in realizing its action programme, especially in raising funds, developing businesses, supporting veteran members to reduce poverty, and building a strong association.

Vietnam dominate Asian Aerobic Championships

Vietnam topped the medal tally of the ninth Asian Age Group Aerobics Championships which closed on June 10 in Hanoi.

The hosts which were also a strong force in the world bagged eight golds, four silvers and five bronzes after three days of competitions at the Quan Ngua Sports Palace.

Vietnam had no worthy rivals in the senior group of five, gathering Nguyen Che Thanh, Le Hoang Phong, Tran Ngoc Thuy Vi, Vuong Hoai An and Nguyen Viet Anh. The reigning world champions persuasive judges with their beautiful and syncronised performance to take gold.

The hosts also won in the senior aerobic dance event. Their juniors also showed their potential as they won in the groups of three in the 12-14-year-old and 15-17-year-old and froup of five in the 12-14-year-old categories.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) team came second with seven golds, four silvers and one bronze. Japan placed third with one gold, four silvers and two bronzes.

Vietnam Gymnastics Federation General Secretary Phan Thuy Linh said among 14 participating countries and regions, the RoK and Japan were continental leaders. They were especially strong in categories for juniors and groups.

However, Vietnam showed remarkable progress, jumping from No 5 in Asia to No 3 after taking top position this year.

It was a good sign that scores for Vietnam's performances, even in non-favourite categories, were as good as those from other countries.

Yagi Kitagawa Tammy, Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee President of the International Gymnastics Federation, appreciated the hosts' effort in organisation. She said it was Vietnam's positive contribution in developing and popularising aerobics in Asia.

"The tournament successfully comes to the end. I believe that all participants have had great experience in Hanoi. Your city impresses us with people's friendliness and hospitality as well as beautiful landscape and delicious cuisine," she said.

"I hope that Hanoi will be an attractive destination for the Asian major sport events in the future.

After Asian championships, teams will have chance to vie for medals again at the world championship which will be held in September in Italy.

Vietnam prioritises enhancing partnership with China, says President To Lam

Vietnam considers developing friendly and cooperative relations with China to be a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy, said newly elected President To Lam during his reception in Hanoi on June 11 for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo.

Lam said the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and China, founded and cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and President Mao Zedong of China and generations of leaders of the two countries, is a valuable common asset of the two peoples, which needs to be preserved, inherited and promoted well.

Through the ambassador, he thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for his congratulations and said he stays ready to join Xi in maintaining regular exchanges and contacts between senior leaders of the two Parties and two countries.

Xiong for his part congratulated General To Lam on his recent election as President of Vietnam and affirmed that the Party, Government and people of China attach great importance to friendly, neighbourly relations and comprehensive cooperation with the Party, State and people of Vietnam, considering this as a priority direction in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.

He voiced China’s strong support for Vietnam’s efforts to maintain its stability, promote rapid development, smoothly implement the development goals set by the 13th National Party Congress, and prepare for the coming Party Congress.

Both sides spoke highly of the positive developments in Vietnam – China relations in recent times, especially after the historic reciprocal visits of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to China in October 2022 and General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to Vietnam in December 2023, in which the two leaders agreed to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Lam proposed that the two countries maintain high-level visit exchanges and contacts, effectively deploy cooperation mechanisms, and improve the effectiveness of practical cooperation in all fields, including promoting cross-border railway connections and developing standard gauge railways in the northern provinces of Vietnam.

He also proposed that China continue to open its market for Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products, as well as increasing local cooperation and strengthening friendly exchanges between organizations, people, and young generations of the two countries.

With regard to the East Sea issue, Lam emphasized that the two sides need to seriously implement high-level agreements and common perceptions; better control and resolve disagreements at sea; respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests; and actively seek satisfactory solutions to disagreements in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

To mark 75 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and China in 2025, Lam proposed that the two sides strive to develop bilateral relations more substantially and effectively.

In response, Xiong affirmed that the Chinese side will make efforts to well implement high-level common perceptions and implement specific cooperation measures proposed by the two sides.

China is willing to promote and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields; better control and resolve disagreements at sea; and develop the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a healthy and stable manner, bringing practical benefits to the two peoples, said the diplomat.

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