The tourism industry is gradually painting an image of a colourful Vietnam with four vibrant festival seasons, as various culture weeks and months and festivals organised year round across the country have drawn a large number of both domestic and foreign tourists.

At the closing night of the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, the sky in the southern metropolis was lit up by over 1,000 drones which created a spectacular display that drew thousands of spectators to the banks of the Saigon river.

Observing the performance from the rooftop of a restaurant in Thu Duc City’s Thao Dien area, Jonny Buckley, 33, from England, expressed his surprise, saying that the festival is very fascinating and Vietnam could expand its scale, making it even more attractive and renowned.

Before the festival, the city organised a wide range of events such as the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day, the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival, the Vietnamese “Banh mi” Festival, and the upcoming HCMC International Music Festival.

Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai recently said that the city will organise a series of events lasting from 1 to 2 weeks every month, transforming it into a city of festivals.

Domestic and international tourists have also flocked to central Da Nang city to enjoy breathtaking performances at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF), which kicked off on June 8.

The annual event has helped Da Nang build the ‘Fireworks Festival City’ brand and promote itself as a top destination in central Vietnam and Asia. Each festival attracts more than 1 million tourists, creating millions of US dollars in revenue for the city’s tourism industry, according to organisers.

In addition to the DIFF, Da Nang hosts 20 - 30 festivals each year, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere of an energetic destination.

With its rich cultural heritage and history, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue is also striving to become a festival city by implementing the four-season festival initiative with a series of festive activities throughout the year.

Tourists can easily explore a plethora of unique traditional cultural features of Vietnam through a wide range of festivals across the country in all months of the year.

According to the latest report from the Department of Tourism of HCM City, the consecutive festivals and events organised since early this year have attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists, contributing to stimulating domestic tourism demand.

As of June this year, HCM City welcomed nearly 2.7 million international travelers and over 17.1 million domestic tourists, up 38% and 4.4% year-on-year, respectively, raking in 92.6 trillion VND (over 3.6 billion USD).

Statistics from restaurants and hotels in Ho Chi Minh City downtown also show that their revenues during festivals increase sharply compared to those on normal days.

Meanwhile, according to a survey by Booking.com, one of the largest travel e-commerce sites in the world, Da Nang retains the leading position and the most searched domestic destination status this summer. One of the reasons pointed out is thanks to the DIFF 2024 and its festive environment./.

Vietnam secure golds at Thailand's Jujitsu Open Grand Prix

Vietnam won two golds at the 2024 Thailand Open Grand Prix jujitsu tournament which ended on June 23 in Bangkok.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc took her gold in the women's over-70kg Jujitsu Gi category. The Asian and Asian youth champion faced no difficulties beating four rivals from the Philippines and the hosts in a round-robin format event to top the podium.

The other gold went to Tran Hong An in the women's U18 U57kg class.

Vietnamese fighters also took bronze medals in the women's U57kg by Nguyen Thi Minh Vuong and women's U18 U48kg by Tran Thi Hoang Van.

The Thai tournament was held from June 20-23 featuring hundreds of competitors from more than 30 countries and regions. High-ranking athletes would collect points to earn their spots at the World Jujitsu Championships and World Youth Jujitsu Championships later this year.

After the Thailand Grand Prix, Vietnamese martial artists will take part in the Southeast Asian Jujitsu Championship on July 4-8 in Bali, Indonesia./.

Northern provinces urged to respond to African swine fever

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has urged four provinces of Bac Kan, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, and Hoa Binh to implement rigorous measures against African swine fever.

Since early 2024, the disease has severely impacted all eight districts in Bac Kan, resulting in the culling of nearly 10,000 pigs, accounting for over 40% of the national total.

In Lang Son, the fever affects 10 districts, with almost 4,000 pigs culled, or about 17% of the national figure.

Quang Ninh has seen outbreaks in 23 communes, with nearly 1,600 pigs culled.

Hoa Binh has reported outbreaks in 18 communes, resulting in the culling of nearly 1,300 pigs.

Following these outbreaks, the Veterinary Department identified several causes contributing to the disease's spread, including delayed reporting about the disease at district and provincial levels and inadequate implementation of prevention measures.

Despite available vaccines, less than 1% of pigs nationwide have been vaccinated.

In response, the MARD has instructed provincial committees to declare outbreaks, focus on prevention measures, and allocate resources for disinfection and containment efforts.

They are also to enforce strict sanitation and disinfection protocols in affected areas.

Localities are required to guide livestock farmers to rigorously enforce daily sanitation practices, including disinfection using lime powder and chemicals in and around their breeding areas. They are also ensuring that households and breeding facilities affected by the disease thoroughly disinfect to eliminate pathogens and prevent further spread.

Provinces are conducting reviews and mandating all personnel engaged in epidemic prevention to adhere strictly to personal protective measures, sanitation protocols, and disinfection procedures to prevent disease transmission during the handling, transportation, and disposal of infected pigs.

The provinces are urged to allocate funds for vaccinating livestock against diseases and enhance veterinary capacities, ensure timely reporting, and disseminate information on disease prevention and vaccine use./.

Event held to connect OV experts, intellectuals for homeland’s development

The Vietnam Innovation Day 2024 has been held at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium.

The June 21 event, which was organised by the Vietnam Innovation Network in Europe (VINEU), aimed to connect the Vietnamese experts and intellectuals networks in Europe and promote the sustainable development of Vietnam through innovation.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao, head of the Vietnamese Mission to the EU, highlighted the significance of innovation, saying that it is not a trend but the key to development for countries in the world and Vietnam needs international cooperation to promote this field.

He went on to say that it is necessary to take advantage of the resource of OV intellectuals through the innovation network.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh affirmed that the Vietnam Innovation Day is an opportunity to create connections between Vietnamese and international intellectuals, expressing his hope that more similar events will be held in the coming time.

Themed “Innovate to success”, this year's version comprised three sessions on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, the environment and renewable energy, experience in technology transfer to Vietnam and investment capital.

Speaking at the third discussion session related to experience in technology transfer and investment in Vietnam, Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), said that NIC is committed to creating favourable conditions for businesses and start-ups to develop. Meanwhile, Boris Bogaert, Vice President of PitchDrive, a venture capital firm, held that Vietnam is an attractive destination for start-up investors with an increasingly favourable business environment.

One of the highlights of the Vietnam Innovation Day 2024 is promoting connections and cooperation between businesses and research organisations. Through meetings and exchanges, the parties have found new directions and potential collaboration opportunities to develop innovative projects, contributing to the overall development of the country./.

Germany, Poland express love emotions in the sky of Da Nang

‘Rookies’ Pyrogenie Feuerwerk team from Germany and Surex Firma Rodzinna of Poland – described emotions of love in beautiful romantic performances on the third night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2024 (DIFF) – ‘Made of Love Inspirations’ on June 22.

German artist Ramos Celeste Monserrat and the Vietnamese Hoang Thong- Sac Viet Dance Group sparked the third night with the sweet melody of the song ‘Marry You’ in the pre-fireworks launching moment of the third night.

Competing at the DIFF 2024 as a newcomer, Pyrogenie Feuerwerk left a deep impression on global audiences at various fireworks festivals around the world due to their high standards in fireworks production and programme design, as well as their meticulous combination of colours and effects at different levels.

The German team fascinated the fireworks night with their ‘Sacred Love’ performance in a harmonious blend of sound and light in the 20-minute show.

Meanwhile, Surex Firma Rodzinna of Poland, who has long time been associated with good achievements in international fireworks competitions, showed off the art of fireworks not only by spectacular sound and light, but they sent a message of building connections among people, countries, and continents around the globe.

The Polish team stressed that their ‘All In-The Legend of the Dragon’ performance was inspired by the Dragon Bridge – Da Nang city's iconic bridge spanning the Han River.

Earlier, four teams – Vietnam, France, the US and Italy – had staged at the month-long fireworks show.

Teams from China and Finland will be playing in the fourth competition night – the last qualification – with the theme ‘Made of Fairy Tales’ on June 29.

The best two teams will be selected for final show on July 13./.

Ninh Thuan – ideal tourism destination of Vietnam

Located in the south central coastal area, Ninh Thuan is famous for its sprawling vineyards, diverse landscapes, pristine beaches and rich cuisine. This place is becoming an ideal destination for tourists, especially young people who want to find a balance in life and enjoy relaxing moments in summer days.

With the goal of welcoming 3.2 million tourists in 2024 and earning 2.5 trillion VND (98 million USD) in tourism revenue, Ninh Thuan has cooperated with many provinces and cities to develop specific tours, programmes and routes.

Ninh Thuan has a 105km-long coastline, famous breaches such as Ninh Chu, Binh Tien and Ca Nabeaches, and Nam Cuong and Mui Dinh sand dunes like endless silk strips. In addition, Vinh Hy Bay, which was recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national scenic relic site, has been assessed as one of the four most beautiful bays in Vietnam (along with Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city and Lang Co Bay in Thua Thien Hue province). The Nui Chua National Park, which was recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, and the Phuoc Binh National Park have unique ecosystems home to hundreds of rare species of animals, plants, and sea turtles.

The wild and unique sand dunes of hundreds of hectares in Son Hai coastal village of Thuan Nam district has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists to admire the sand drifting in the wind like giant silk ribbons every year. Here, visitors can also swim in the sea, visit the lighthouse built in 1904 on the slope of a high mountain in Dinh Cape, enjoy fresh seafood and grilled lamb. They are also served by service teams to cross the vast sand dunes, then take photos with flocks of sheep grazing on the mountain.

Ninh Thuan is also famous for different ethnic groups with diverse cultural activities such as the annual Kate Festival associated with the relatively intact Cham tower architecture, beautiful customs like the "farewell to the dead" ceremony, the whale worshipping festival, the boat race and the basket shaking ritual, which preserve many unique cultural features.

The province is one of the few most ideal destinations for kite surfing in the world with wind speeds of 25 nautical miles per hour. With a terrain mainly of sand dunes and high mountains stretching out to the sea, the locality is also a paradise for adventure sports experiences including racing on sand dunes, paragliding, and trekking.

Ninh Thuan has been chosen as a favourite destination by international tourists, and appreciated by the domestic media and travel agencies. It boasts 212 tourist accommodation establishments with 4,686 rooms, with half of them meeting 3-star or higher standards.

To attract tourists, tourist sites, restaurants, and accommodation establishments have invested in upgrading facilities and improving service quality; devised unique and attractive packages and tours with discounts during the summer. In addition, the tourism industry and localities in the province are making efforts to renew tourism products, organising music and culinary activities at night on the walking street of Phan Rang - Thap Cham city.

Nguyen Van Hoa, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, informed that in the first six months of 2024, the province expects to welcome 1.97 million visitors, increasing 15.2% over the same period and reaching 61.6% compared to this year’s plan. Of which, international visitors are estimated at 51,000, up 155% year-on-year, and equal to 51% of this year’s plan. Social income from tourism activities is projected at more than 2.2 trillion VND.

In 2024, Ninh Thuan aims to welcome 3.2 million visitors, including 3.1 million domestic and 100,000 international tourists, with revenue reaching 2.5 trillion VND. To achieve the set goal, the province is cooperating with airlines and many provinces and cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, central coastal, southeastern and Central Highlands provinces to build attractive tours and tourist routes.

Besides maintaining and developing traditional tourist markets in Southeast Asia, Russia, China, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Ninh Thuan will promote tourism in Northeast Asian markets like the Republic of Korea and Japan, India, the Middle East and North America./.

Northern region takes proactive measures against heavy rain

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control on June 21 issued a directive to provincial committees in the northern region, asking them to be prepared for heavy rain accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the northern mountainous region experienced significant rainfall on June 20 night and June 21 morning.

Forecasts indicate the region will continue to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with heavy rain and the potential for tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

The risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding in low-lying areas remains high.

The Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has called on provincial committees to inspect affected areas and promptly deploy response, rescue and support teams to aid residents.

Task forces should review residential areas along rivers and streams, as well as low-lying areas prone to flooding, flash floods, and landslides, to ensure water flow is unobstructed and to organise evacuations if necessary.

Localities are urged to closely monitor warning and forecast bulletins and regularly notify and guide authorities and residents at all levels./.

Forum discusses Vietnam-Japan potential tourism cooperation

A forum to explore potential tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Japan took place in Tokyo on June 21, attracting the participation of various experts, managers, and representatives of businesses in the tourism sector of the two countries.

It was organised by Fuji Travel which provides air ticket services from Japan to Vietnam and vice versa, with the sponsor of the Vietnam Business Association in Japan (VJBA) and the Vietnamese national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Speaking at the event, Vu Nhat Ha, who is in charge of the investment unit under the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, described this as an opportunity for businesses, managers and partners in this sector to meet, exchange ideas and seek new cooperation opportunities.

VJBA President Tong Thi Kim Giao said that the tourism industry is not only a bridge connecting cultures, but also a strong driving force to promote sustainable development and international and people-to-people exchanges. Therefore, the Vietnamese business community in Japan in general and VJBA members operating in the tourism field in particular always strive to find new directions to bring higher values in bilateral cooperation she added.

In his speech, Okamoto Hironobu, Tourism Ambassador of Yachiyo City, Ibaraki Prefecture, made specific suggestions for businesses operating in the Vietnamese tourism sector to pay attention to to attract more Japanese tourists.

Fuji Travel Director Bui Thi Kim Phung expressed her belief that ideas and recommendations at the event will help connect Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises./.

Vietnam always considers US a strategically important partner

Vietnam always considers the United States a strategically important partner and is ready to work with the US to promote the effective, stable and substantive development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at a recent reception in Hanoi for US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink who paid a working visit to Vietnam from June 21 to June 22.

FM Son noted his appreciation for the contributions of Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink to bilateral relations and thanked the US Department of State for accelerating the upgrading of the two countries' relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and boosting close coordination to successfully organize the first Vietnam-US Dialogue at the foreign ministerial level in Washington DC in March.

The nation always regards the US as a strategically important partner, and is ready to work with the North American nation to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in an effective, stable, and substantive manner on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and each other’s political institutions, in accordance with the interests of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, Son told his guest.

Vietnam supports the US in stepping up regional cooperation as a contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the wider world, he added.

Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink reaffirmed his country’s commitment to backing a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam.

Kritenbrink highlighted the FM Son’s visit to the US on the occasion of co-chairing the Foreign Ministers' Dialogue between the two countries as an important step in concretizing the cooperation contents of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He also reaffirmed the US' commitment to supporting a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam.

Kritenbrink affirmed that the US welcomes and appreciates Vietnam's increasingly important role at multilateral and regional forums, adding that his nation values ​​and supports ASEAN’s centrality in the regional structure, and will continue to pay attention to enhancing the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Mekong-US Partnership.

Host and guest discussed specific measures to effectively implement the new relationship framework in the coming time, in which they agreed to step up contacts and high-level delegation exchange, maintain the development momentum of economic - trade - investment cooperation, overcome war consequences, respond to climate change, and enhance areas of cooperation in emerging industries such as innovation, semiconductors, and clean energy transition.

The two sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern, underlining the importance of settling disputes through peaceful means on the basis of compliance with the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, including the East Sea issue, thereby actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

During the visit from June 21-22, US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink had a working session with Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to discuss issues within the framework of the Vietnam - US comprehensive strategic partnership and other matters of mutual concern.

New Vietnamese Ambassador pledges best efforts to boost ties with Thailand

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung presented his letter of letter to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at a ceremony held on June 22.

The Vietnamese diplomat pledged his best efforts to contribute to fostering the strategic partnership and close friendship between the two nations.

Hung also showed his honour to be appointed as the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand amid the flourishing bilateral relations, which are set to be elevated to a new level soon. He also expressed his confidence in the strong development of Vietnam - Thailand ties in a multitude of fields.

The King of Thailand, in turn, applauded the good friendship between the two nations and hoped that both countries will continue to further enhance ties across multiple areas at all levels, from bilaterally and regionally to multilaterally.

The King said he believes that the bilateral friendship will continue to be solidified for the benefits of the two countries' people, thereby contributing to peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

He said he and the Thai Government will offer optimal conditions for the ambassador to successfully fulfill his duties.

Deputy FM receives new ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Iceland

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang held separate meetings with the newly-accredited ambassadors of Turkmenistan and Iceland to Vietnam in Hanoi on June 21.

At a reception for Turkmenistan Ambassador Parakhat Hommadovich Durdyev, Hang suggested both sides continue to strengthen exchanges and contacts at all levels in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks to deepen mutual trust and understanding, and create a basis for expanding cooperation in economics, tourism, education - training, and energy.

The two sides can consider the possibility of negotiating and signing an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports to facilitate delegation exchanges and bilateral contacts, she went on to say.

Parakhat Durdyev pledged to consider and propose to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Turkmenistan measures to bolster cooperation in aspects the two nations have strengths and demand, such as trade, investment, information technology, agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, and education and training.

Meeting with Icelandic Ambassador Thórir Isben, the Vietnamese diplomat agreed with the need for the two sides to augment political and diplomatic cooperation and mutual consultations at multilateral forums and the United Nations.

Highlighting Iceland's role in negotiating a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), she asked Iceland to pay attention to enhancing bilateral trade, and incentivize more Icelandic enterprises to do business and invest in Vietnam.

She also proposed studying and promoting collaboration in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, high technology, renewable energy, education - training, tourism, and culture.

The Icelandic Ambassador affirmed that Iceland is appreciative of cooperation with the Asian region, including Vietnam.

He suggested both sides continue to realise the Memorandum of Understanding on clean energy cooperation signed during the President of Iceland's visit to Vietnam in 2015, create optimal conditions for big Icelandic businesses in the geothermal field to operate in Vietnam, effectively carry out cooperation in such traditional fields as fisheries, education - training, culture and tourism, and expand it to new ones like gender equality, science and high technology.

Vietnam looks to broader cooperation with Italy’s Calabria region

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung paid a working visit to the southern region of Calabria on June 20-21 to find ways to augment cooperation between localities of the region and Vietnam.

The Vietnamese diplomat had a working session with Vice President of the region Giuseppina Princi who voiced her hope that the visit will open up specific opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam.

Calabria greatly values Vietnam’s development and innovation models as well as socio-economic development achievements over recent years, especially digital transformation and innovation, which are also priority areas that the region desires to strengthen the exchange of experience and cooperation, alongside trade, investment, tourism, culture, and education, Princi told her guest.

Hung applauded the strategic partnership and good traditional friendship between the two nations, with positive results in politics, economics, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. These advantages, along with similarities in development priorities and policies of the two sides, will be positive conditions to help them beef up cooperation in line with their full potential.

On this occasion, Ambassador Hung met leaders of Cantazaro and Vibo Valentia cities, and attended economic connection activities such as the Vietnam-Calabria Connection Forum organized by the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria) of the Calabrian region in Cantazaro city, and a roundtable on economic cooperation with typical businesses in Vibo Valentia.

He glowingly spoke of Calabrian businesses’ plans to dispatch working delegations to visit Vietnam in the time to come and pledge to always support them in the process of learning about and carry out cooperation activities in Vietnam.

Vietnam to compete in 27 sports at AIMAG 6

A Vietnamese sporting delegation consisting of more than 300 elite athletes will head to Thailand to participate in 27 events at the Asian Indoor & Martial Art Games (AIMAG6).

Among the 27 sports, the nation has not registered to compete in volleyball.

This year will see AIMAG 6 consist of a total of 38 sports, including swimming, badminton, baseball, 3x3 basketball, BMX cycling, bowling, cheerleading, climbing, fencing, floorball, futsal, indoor hockey, jujitsu, kickboxing, netball, pencak silat, sepak takraw, shooting, skateboarding, volleyball, air sports, teqball, athletics, billiards, chess, dance sports, e-sports, indoor rowing, kabaddi, karate, kurash, mixed martial arts, muay Thai, roller, sambo, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

The event represents an ideal platform for Vietnamese athletes to hone their skills and to gain greater experience in preparation for upcoming international tournaments.

AIMAG, held every four years since 2013, was postponed back in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

After being rescheduled several times, AIMAG 6 will be held from November 16 to November 30 in Chonburi and Bangkok in Thailand.

Thanh Hoa busts drug trafficking ring

Police operating in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa reported on June 22 that they have successfully halted a drug trafficking ring operating between Hanoi and the locality.

According to the investigation, the masterminds behind the ring were Chu Son Vuong, 31, and Le Minh Tu, 33, both residing in Hanoi.

Vuong and Tu co-operated with other suspects in Thanh Hoa in order to carry out their drug trading activities.

Police revealed that when receiving orders from drug addicts, Vuong contacted Tu to send the drugs from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa via passenger coaches.

Vuong and his accomplices then received the shipments, put them in public places, and then informed the buyers to come and collect them.

Upon expanding the case, the police also arrested nine other suspects who are living in Thanh Hoa and Hanoi and moved to confiscate 500 amphetamine pills, more than 100g of meth, one gun, 14 bullets, and other related exhibits.

An investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

Swedish ambassador awarded insignia for contributions to political theory education

The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) has conferred an insignia for the cause of political theory education – its highest honour – upon Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Ann Måwe, accrediting her practical contributions to the academy's operation and development.

Presenting the insignia to the diplomat at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 21, HCMA Permanent Vice President Assoc. Prof., Dr Nguyen Duy Bac noted that the growth of the Vietnam – Sweden cooperation includes the partnership between the academy and Swedish partners. He praised the ambassador's key contributions and strong support for an open economy, innovation, and sustainable growth in Vietnam.

Måwe initiated the "Pioneer the Possible" programme, fostering collaboration between Swedish and Vietnamese entities. This programme has facilitated technology transfer and the implementation of green, sustainable solutions in various sectors, such as smart cities, renewable energy, and green transition. Additionally, she has been a dedicated cultural ambassador in enhancing exchanges between the two countries.

The ambassador has also played a pivotal role in promoting academic and policy dialogue exchanges between Vietnamese experts and scientists, including those from the HCMA, with Sweden and other Nordic partners. A notable example is the annual Nordic seminar, which has been held in collaboration with Denmark, Finland, and Norway throughout her tenure. Furthermore, she has actively worked to strengthen connections between the academy and Swedish government agencies and policy research institutes.

Expressing her honour and appreciation for the recognition, Måwe affirmed that, regardless of her future positions after returning to Sweden, she will continue to contribute positively to the development of the countries’ friendship and cooperation.

PM works with editorial teams of 14th National Party Congress’s subcommittees

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 21 attended a working session between standing members of the editorial teams of the subcommittees in charge of documents and socio-economic affairs of the 14th National Party Congress. ​

At the meeting, participants discussed several important issues expected to be included in the political report and the socio-economic report to ensure consistency between those two documents.

The focus of discussion was on assessing the five-year implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, and viewpoints, development goals and main tasks and solutions for the next five-year period.

PM Chinh, who is head of the Subcommittee in charge of socio-economic affairs, requested the editorial teams, in the process of making the reports, to supplement and complete the essential points of the road to socialism in the coming period, with focus on economic goals, scenarios, tasks, and solutions.

Regarding solutions, the Government leader stressed the need to continue to renew conventional growth drivers and drastically implement new growth drivers such as green growth, digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, knowledge economy, and sharing economy.

PM inspects 500kV transmission line project in Nghệ An

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Sunday inspected the section of the 500kV Circuit-3 Quảng Trạch-Quỳnh Lưu power transmission line project crossing the central province of Nghệ An.

According to a report on the progress of the 500kV power line project in Nghệ An as of June 21 by the Nghệ An Provincial People’s Committee, the project spans from Quảng Trạch in Quảng Bình Province to Quỳnh Lưu in Nghệ An Province, with a total length of approximately 82.33km. It includes 168 pole foundations corresponding to 169 pole sections in the districts of Nam Đàn, Nghi Lộc, Diễn Châu, Yên Thành, and Quỳnh Lưu.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) also reported as of June 20, the 500kV Circuit-3 power line projects from Quảng Trạch to Phố Nối had met the planned progress.

For the 500kV Quỳnh Lưu-Thanh Hóa power line project, the land clearance had been handed over to the investor. The local authorities had handed over the entire area for pole foundations and the entire route corridor.

The projects had completed the approval of the cadastral maps, issued land acquisition notices and were continuing to determine land origins, price valuations and postings for the approval of compensation plans for some remaining pole foundations and corridors. Compensation plans had been approved for 186 out of 202 pole positions, with 16 positions remaining and for 89 out of 110 corridors requiring compensation.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the completion of the 500kV Circuit-3 power line would enhance electricity supply for Nghệ An, improve the integrated transport system and facilitate the province's rapid and sustainable development.

He directed the project to be completed by June 31, 2024, urging efforts to accelerate progress with a clear focus on responsibilities, timelines and deliverables, ensuring quality, environmental cleanliness and close coordination with EVN, EVNNPT and local authorities.

He also encouraged the involvement of youth, women, veterans and the support of local residents for the project.

Visiting and presenting gifts to workers at the construction site, PM Chính expressed his delight at the bustling working atmosphere there and hailed the workers and engineers as well as local residents and youngsters for their hard work and support for the project.

On Saturday, PM Chính inspected the power transmission line project's section in the central province of Thanh Hoá.

He directed that the project be completed by June 30, 2024 despite some current difficulties affecting progress.

While visiting and presenting gifts to workers at the 500kV transformer station in Thiệu Phúc Commune, Thiệu Hóa District and Cầu Lộc Commune of Hậu Lộc District, PM Chính highlighted the project's significance.

He stressed the need for high determination, decisive actions and mobilisation of resources, especially for ground clearance. He asked contractors to prioritise resources, equipment, and personnel, and encouraged workers to overcome difficulties and work continuously to complete the Nam Định-Thanh Hóa section by June 30 and the 500kV Thanh Hóa transformer station by June 28.

He also urged ministries, sectors and localities to coordinate closely to address arising problems and ensure worker safety. 

Government presses for 15% increase in pensions and social insurance benefits

The Government is pressing for a 15 per cent increase in pensions and social insurance benefits that would take effect on July 1.

The increase would be applied to pensioners and social insurance beneficiaries across the board. However, for pensioners who retired before 1995, their monthly pensions would be increased additionally by VNĐ300,000 (US$12) if being lower than VNĐ3.2 million and be increased to VNĐ3.5 million if being between VNĐ3.2 million and VNĐ3.5 million after the adjustment.

The Government also proposes raising the standard monthly allowance for veterans from VNĐ2.055 million to VNĐ2.789 million. At the same time, the monthly social assistance to disadvantaged people would be lifted from VNĐ360,000 to VNĐ500,000.

Additionally, the Government proposes a 6 per cent increase in minimum wages for the private sector, effective July 1. For the public sector, a bonus system would be introduced, financed by a bonus fund equivalent to 10 per cent of the salary fund.

The system of basic salary and salary coefficients will be abolished in the future and replaced with a new system based on job positions and performance that still needs to be thoroughly studied and considered. However, in the meantime, the Government proposes adjusting the basic monthly salary from VNĐ1.80 million to VNĐ2.34 million (up 30 per cent) starting from July 1.

The overall impact of the measures is expected to be substantial, affecting approximately 18 million social insurance beneficiaries, 50 million people receiving state-subsidised health insurance, 30 million people covered under provincial-level social assistance policies, and 16 million students.

The 30 per cent increase in the basic monthly salary marks the highest such increase in history. This significant step reflects the government's recognition of the need to address rising living costs and improve the well-being of its citizens. It is also seen as a measure to boost productivity, enhance work efficiency, and promote social stability. 

Deputy PM demands absolute security and safety for high school graduation exam

Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long has asked ministries and departments to closely direct and coordinate in organising the 2024 high school graduation exam.

During a meeting with various ministries and departments on Friday afternoon regarding the preparations for the exam, Deputy PM Long highly praised the preparation of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), as well as other ministries and relevant agencies.

He underscored the special importance of this exam, given the significant societal concern for education and examinations.

He asked all those involved continue to proactively fulfil their assigned tasks including applying information technology to facilitate the exam, ensuring the security of exam questions, and enhancing measures to prevent and combat exam fraud.

Students must not be allowed to bring technological devices into the exam rooms for cheating purposes.

There should also be a strong emphasis on inspection, supervision, and auditing both before and during the exam.

Deputy PM Long also emphasised the need for proactive measures to address unexpected situations, such as abnormal weather conditions.

He directed the health sector to focus on disease prevention, environmental sanitation, food safety, and ensuring medical care for candidates and exam personnel.

The Ministry of Public Security will ensure absolute security and safety for the exam.

The deputy PM also requested the Central Youth Union to actively support candidates, ensuring full and safe participation.

MoET reported that the 2024 high school graduation exam will follow the 2006 General Education Programme for the last time before transitioning to the 2018 programme in 2025.

This year, 1,071,393 candidates have registered, an increase of over 45,000 from 2023. Of these, 46,978 are independent candidates. About 94.66 per cent of candidates registered online.

About 200,000 personnel, including educators, police, military, health workers, and power company staff, will be mobilised.

In Hà Nội, 15,115 educators will proctor, and nearly 600 will grade. Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng, head of the national steering committee for the exam, affirmed readiness for a safe, serious, thorough, and friendly exam, with special support for candidates from disadvantaged areas. He reiterated the strict prohibition on bringing technological devices into exam rooms.

Ngô Văn Cương, Secretary of the Central Youth Union, reported the establishment of 1,593 exam support teams with over 58,700 volunteers. These volunteers will assist with traffic control, help candidates find their rooms and complete procedures, provide free water and meals, and support disadvantaged candidates.

Every exam site will have youth volunteer teams on standby to support candidates.

Medical supplies handed over to provinces as support from USAID, UNICEF

More than 1,500 items of medical equipment were handed over to Việt Nam's health authorities on Friday as part of the support from the United States and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and UNICEF have provided 680 patient vital signs monitors, 810 electronic syringe pumps and 150 refrigerators to health departments across nine provinces in the country -- Thái Bình, Sơn La, Nghệ An, Đồng Tháp, Sóc Trăng, Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Gia Lai and Thái Nguyên.

The vital sign monitors and syringe pumps are being distributed to hospitals to increase their ability to effectively monitor and treat patients suffering from infectious diseases.

The vaccine refrigerators, which maintain the required temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius for safe vaccine storage, will be distributed to commune health centres to ensure the availability of vaccines from the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for community members.

This equipment will empower healthcare professionals to provide timely and precise care, improving patient treatment.

The symbolic handover ceremony took place in Đồng Tháp Province on Friday, with the attendance of Dr Hany Helmy, Deputy Office Director, USAID/Việt Nam Office of Health; Anjanette Saguisag, Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF Việt Nam; Dr Dương Đức Thiện, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, Ministry of Health; and Dr Đoàn Tấn Bửu, Director of Đồng Tháp Department of Health.

Dr Helmy said: "The US Government is proud to continue our strong collaboration with the government and people of Việt Nam in jointly addressing the national and global challenge of infectious diseases.

"The critical commodities provided by USAID through UNICEF will help Việt Nam to strengthen the country's capacity to effectively monitor and treat patients suffering from infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and to further improve cold chain systems for routine immunisation and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns."

Anjanette Saguisag, UNICEF Việt Nam Acting Deputy Representative, added: "Access to reliable medical equipment is essential for effective healthcare delivery.

"This contribution will significantly improve the capacity of hospitals at both national and sub-national levels to manage and treat infectious diseases, ensuring better health outcomes for children, women and communities across Việt Nam.

"With USAID’s support, UNICEF is pleased to work with the Ministry of Health and help strengthen its immunisation systems, ensuring that families in remote areas have strengthened access to safe vaccines."

Dr Dương Đức Thiện extended appreciation to USAID and UNICEF "for the timely support from the Government and people of the United States, and from UNICEF in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic."

He said: "USAID and UNICEF are among the countries and organisations that have provided the most support to Việt Nam, including COVID-19 vaccines/vaccination supplies, cold chain equipment for vaccination, treatment equipment, ventilators, vital sign monitors, liquid oxygen systems, and more, for hospitals, helping Việt Nam to control and reduce COVID-19 mortality rates."

The nine locations receiving the equipment have been identified as requiring additional support to cope with healthcare burdens associated with infectious diseases.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by USAID and UNICEF to enhance global health security and strengthen healthcare systems in countries facing public health challenges.

The provided medical equipment and cold chain supplies will provide long-term services, improving the resilience and preparedness of Việt Nam's healthcare system. 

Digital transformation of journalism the pathway for future development

The Ministry of Information and Communications has recommended that the Government and the Prime Minister prioritise directing press agencies to invest in the digital transformation of journalism to modernise their operations.

To celebrate the 99th anniversary of Việt Nam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2024), Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Information and Communications, shared some insights on the future direction of journalism on Friday.

Journalism was the leading and primary disseminating force of the Party, he said, and investment in the press should be prioritised.

In the past, the tools of journalists were paper and pen, but now they have expanded to include technology, particularly digital technology.

“The press now must have technological instruments to assess information trends and public sentiment in cyberspace to write relevant articles. This too, is technology,” he said.

A press agency was considered digitally transformed when 30 per cent of its expenses, including both investment and operational costs, were allocated to technology.

Press agencies needed investment to implement digital transformation, he added.

Investment in digital technology does not require significant costs, but it yields substantial and rapid benefits.

According to Hùng, recently, the State budget allocated for press investment had been modest (only 0.22 per cent of total State investment expenditure), and even after the Digital Transformation Strategy for Journalism was established, it has not increased.

A significant advantage in digitally transformation and modernisation of journalism technology was that we had many strong digital technology companies that could be tasked to carry out these efforts if allowed.

The ministry had also advised the Prime Minister to issue the Digital Transformation Strategy for Journalism and established the Digital Transformation Support Centre for Journalism, which also serves as the focal point for State management of digital technology.

“The Ministry is committed to accompanying and supporting press agencies in their digital transformation,” he said.

Also at the event, Hùng noted that the founder of Việt Nam Revolutionary Press was President Hồ Chí Minh.

Since establishment, revolutionary journalism reflected the 'mainstream' of Vietnamese society, creating consensus and social trust, spreading positive energy, and fostering the aspiration for a strong and prosperous nation, generating the spiritual strength to realise the goal of Việt Nam becoming a high-income developed country by 2045.

“We have performed the tasks well in the past,” he said.

Surveys on occupational prestige in society ranked journalism ninth in 2018, rising to third in 2022, just behind teaching and medicine.

The workforce in journalism in our country comprises 41,000 people, with 23,000 holding press cards.

There are currently 797 press agencies, including 127 newspapers, a 40 per cent reduction compared to before the issuance of the National Press Development and Management Plan by 2025.

Annually, press agencies produce approximately 40 million articles, 20,000 hours of radio and 50,000 hours of television, with policy communication accounting for 20 per cent.

Regarding the "dual mechanism" of journalism, he said press agencies are both public service units and businesses.

They are public service units because they perform the disseminating duties for the Party and State.

However, press agencies now must compete with digital platforms and go along with market mechanisms.

“A breakthrough reform for journalism is allowing press agencies to have dual operating mechanisms. However, journalism businesses exist to conduct journalism, not for profit,” he said.

Hùng, on behalf of the ministry, wished the press agencies, journalists and reporters good health and encouraged them to work with a spirit of service to the nation and people.

He wished the revolutionary press to always be pioneering, leading and continuously innovating.

“Vietnamese journalism has been, is, and will always be loyal to the Party's cause for a wealthy, strong, democratic, civilised and happy Việt Nam,” he said.

Exhibition in honour of Trường Sa Island opens in HCM City

A photo exhibition to honour Trường Sa Island, its soldiers, residents and the DK1 offshore platforms is being held in HCM City from June 20 to 24.

Organised by the HCM City Photography Association, it features 105 photos taken by 15 photographers who visited Trường Sa since April this year.

They show the lives of the soldiers stationed there and local people, and the DK1 platforms, which are economic, scientific and technical service stations on Việt Nam’s southern continental shelf, and their efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty over its maritime region and islands.

They also convey the nation’s appreciation for the people living in Trường Sa.

​Phạm Đức Minh, one of the 15 photographers, said he got to meet the soldiers during his trip to Trường Sa and hear the stories of the people there.

“The trip was an opportunity for us to honour the heroes who gave their lives to protect our islands and home.”

The exhibition aims to help the public get a better understanding of Việt Nam's islands, and motivate them to help protect the country’s sovereignty and borders, he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Vũ Văn Đoàn, permanent member of the Naval Political Department in HCM City, said the association has been playing a big role in connecting people in the city and across the nation with those living in Trường Sa.

He hoped their love would spread even further.

After June 24 the exhibition, on at the Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street in District 1, will move to the association’s office in District 1. -

Cà Mau Province to establish marine reserve

The southernmost province of Cà Mau has decided to establish a marine reserve covering more than 27,000ha, part of which will surround the island cluster of Hòn Khoai, Hòn Chuối and Đá Bạc.

The reserve will have a 3,000ha strictly protected zone, a 11,230ha ecological restoration zone, 3,970ha service/administrative zone and a 9,000ha buffer zone, according to the province People’s Committee.

The reserve aims to protect and preserve aquatic resources, marine species, rare and endangered species, species with economic and scientific value, the environment, ecosystem and natural landscape.

It will preserve marine biodiversity associated with sustainable eco-tourism development, improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities, contribute to the development of the marine economy, and strengthen the participation of communities in preserving and developing marine biodiversity.

It will preserve coral reefs in Hòn Chuối and Hòn Hàng islands, the biodiversity and natural landscapes of Hòn Khoai, Hòn Chuối and Đá Bạc islands, and serve scientific research, education, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and relaxation.

Huỳnh Quốc Việt, chairman of the People’s Committee, said the province would prioritise investing in essential infrastructure and implementing communication programmes and projects, livelihood transformation and community development.

It would release artificial reefs to provide shelter for aquatic species and develop a programme to conserve Hòn Khoai squirrels and psychedelic rock geckos, two indigenous species in Hòn Khoai Island, he said.

The People’s Committee had assigned the Fisheries Surveillance Sub-department to co-operate with relevant agencies to manage the reserve, he said.

The province has a large fishing ground covering 80,000 sq.km and it is one of the country’s four important fishing grounds.

However, the province is facing difficulties such as the overexploitation of aquatic resources and the impact of climate change causing a decline in the quality of ecological environment. 

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