Tourists join a city tour in HCM City (Photo: VNA)

Many localities in the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions have fully tapped their unique strengths and focused on mobilising resources for tourism development, especially investing in key areas and destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City has exerted efforts to attract investment for tourism development, especially in key destinations, as well as built policies to encourage investment in the “non-smoke” industry, said Deputy Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Duong Anh Duc.

According to the official, municipal authorities have concentrated on investing in developing road, waterway, and railway infrastructure to strengthen the connection between local tourist areas and adjacent localities.

Attention has been paid to developing ecological and community tourism areas in Cu Chi and Can Gio districts, he said, adding that a project to develop Can Gio national tourism area has been implemented.

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, HCM City has invested in and developed over 70 ports and terminals to serve passengers and tourists.

In 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the city has developed over 60 tourism programmes with more than 20 new products, covering its strengths in tourism, contributing to realising the southern economic hub's tourism development roadmap to become a leading dynamic and attractive destination in Asia.

By creating favourable conditions and accompanying investors operating in the tourism and service sectors, as well as developing numerous unique tourist resort and adventure destinations, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has so far drawn over 300 investment projects in this field, with a total investment capital of over 393.1 trillion VND (nearly 15.5 billion USD).

Construction on the Hon Thom marine tourism, resort, and entertainment complex worth 50 trillion VND invested by Sun Group officially kicked off in late March.

With its diverse cultural, spiritual, and ecological tourism products, the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has issued a plan to implement its action programme on tourism infrastructure development in 2024.

Identifying transportation infrastructure is a crucial foundation for developing economic sectors, including tourism, An Giang is speeding up the implementation of inter-regional transport infrastructure projects, including calling for investment in Nang Gu, Thuan Giang, An Hoa bridges, and the first phase of Chau Doc - Can Tho - Soc Trang expressway.

The locality has also concentrated on popularising its potential and strengths, and investment opportunities. It has also accelerated administrative reform, and developed solutions to address difficulties facing businesses and investors, thus attracting more investors.

Vice Chairman of the An Giang provincial People’s Committee Le Van Phuoc said the locality aspires to make a comprehensive breakthrough in tourism development and diversify tourism products, aiming to become one of the key centres in the Mekong Delta - one of the nation's key holiday regions./.

Quang Tri flag hoisting ceremony marks national reunification day

A national flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai Banks National Historical Relic Site in the central province of Quang Tri on April 30 to mark the 49th Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-2024).

The ceremony drew leaders of the Party Committee, People's Committee, and departments and sectors of Quang Tri, as well as Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, veteran revolutionaries, and a large number of locals.

Participants sang the national anthem and spent a minute of silence to commemorate people who shed their blood for national independence and freedom, and for happiness of the people.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Tri Hoang Nam said that Ben Hai river was once the border of the north and the south of Vietnam, while Hien Luong bridge crossing the river became a symbol for the pain of separation and the desire for national reunification.

At that time, Quang Tri was the front line of the north, the direct rear of the large front line of the south, and the fiercest battlefield, he noted.

During the war, the US and its puppetry administration launched many battles to turn Quang Tri into a “white belt” and a “land of fire”. However, the army and people of Quang Tri fought bravely to defend the Fatherland towards the reunification day. During those days, the national flag on the Hien Luong flag tower at the beginning of the border bridge still proudly fluttered, representing the belief and will of the people for the reunification the North and South, the provincial leader stated.

Although the war ended long time ago, memories of the glorious days will last forever in the heart of the Vietnamese people, Hoang said, adding that Ben Hai-Hien Luong has been engraved in the history of the nation and the subconscious of humanity as a shining symbol of faith and desire for peace and national reunification, demonstrating the will and strength of the Vietnamese people in the struggle for national liberation and the cause of socialist construction.

Following the ceremony, participants laid flowers at the Truong Son national martyr cemetery, the Road 9 national martyr cemetery and the Quang Tri ancient citadel special national relic site to pay tribute to martyrs.

The same day, the traditional boat racing themed “Thong nhat non song” (reunification of mountains and rivers) was held on Ben Hai river with the participation of teams from localities across Quang Tri and neighbouring provinces./.

Vietnam chairs 14th session of UNCTAD’s Investment, Enterprise, Development Commission

Ambassador Phan Mai Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, WTO, and other international organisations in Geneva, who was elected as the President of the 14th session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission, presided over the session that started in Geneva on April 29.

The session provides an opportunity for member states and investment and development stakeholders to discuss major and emerging issues in the fields of investment, business and technology, and their impacts on the sustainable development process, while exchanging effective solutions and policies for all parties to refer to.

The main contents of this session include the latest developments in trends and policies in the fields of investment, business and science and technology for development, directions in using digital business and investment support tools for e-government activities, and the utilisation of blockchain technology for sustainable development, as well as the challenges that developing countries face in applying blockchain technology.

Participants gave a number of proposals on all issues.

The Group of 77 and China highly valued UNCTAD's work and analysis on foreign direct investment (FDI) and other investment flows in the annual World Investment Report (WIR), and expressed concern about the insufficient investment capital to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They highlighted the urgent need to increase both public and private investment to achieve the SDGs ahead of 2030 as scheduled.

The Asia-Pacific group supported UNCTAD's initiatives on investment facilitation, welcoming the topic of blockchain technology at the meeting. They noted that although significant progress has been made, the ASEAN region has yet to secure the space to improve, attract, facilitate, and maintain investment.

The African group reaffirmed the need for strategic and sustainable investment in the continent to address FDI volatility, as well as critical infrastructure gaps. Representatives of the group also highly valued the important role of technology and digital trade in helping countries overcome barriers to attract sustainable investment following three pillars of society, economics and environment.

Participants are also scheduled to discuss and approve two reports of the commission, namely one on investment, innovation and entrepreneurship to improve production capacity and sustainable development and the other from an intergovernmental working group that gathers experts on international accounting and reporting standards.

The fact that Vietnam was elected for the first time as the President at a session of a UNCTAD commission shows the high evaluation of this agency and its member states for policies and achievements that Vietnam has applied in attracting investment in sustainable development in recent years, especially priority areas such as digital transformation, green transformation, science - technology, and artificial intelligence.

This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its positive and proactive role at UNCTAD in particular and other international forums of the United Nations in general./.

Vietnam's April 30 victory in memories of Latin American friends

Although 49 years have passed, Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Germán Faría Tortosa has clearly remembered the day when he learnt that the south of Vietnam was liberated.

In the early morning of April 30, 1975, South American time, 11-year-old Tortosa woke up by the sound of "Vietnam ganó, Vietnam ganó" (Vietnam won, Vietnam won) from outside, which was about a country in the stories her father often told about - a distant, small but very heroic Vietnam.

Tortosa ran out and saw his father's radiant and happy face when he said that Vietnam had defeated America and achieved complete independence. The boy clearly felt the family's joyful atmosphere because at that time, Tortosa's father was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Venezuela, who always considered Vietnam a close friend.

In a conversation with the Vietnam News Agency, Tortosa recalled his memories of the unforgettable time when Venezuelan people considered Vietnam's April 30 victory as their own.

That morning, accompanying his father to the Tribuna Popular newspaper office of the Communist Party of Venezuela in Caracas, Tortosa saw a bustling atmosphere full of joy from the Party leaders as well as the reporters and editors as they rushed to broadcast information about Vietnam's victory that took place a few hours earlier in Vietnam time.

After nearly half a century, the images of the fall of the Saigon government, the last helicopter leaving the US Embassy, and each victorious army entering the city with the liberation flag flying on the roof of the Independence Palace have still remained fresh in the mind of the PSUV Vice Chairman.

He said that the great April 30 victory was like a gift that Vietnam sent to the progressive and peace-loving peoples in the world. The Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954 is an example of inspiration and determination for colonial countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to rise up to gain independence from the yoke of old and new colonialism, while the victory in the spring of 1975 awakened national sovereignty, encouraging colonial and dependent countries to fight for independence, he stated.

The April 30 victory was also an aspiration for the success of the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela 24 years later, because late President Hugo Chávez always expressed special admiration for President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the resilient will of the Vietnamese people, said Tortosa.

Meanwhile, Jorge Alcocer Villanueva, former Secretary of Home Affairs of Mexico, told Vietnam News Agency that it was images of cruelty of the war, especially the photo of "Napalm Baby" Phan Thi Kim Phuc, pushed him and many other students to take to the streets to protest the war in Vietnam.

During the fiercest period of the Vietnamese people's resistance against America, he joined protests against the war in Vietnam in front of the US Embassy in Mexico City.

For Villanueva, this was a very prideworthy period for himself as well as many other students of the same generation in Mexico, because anti-war activities strongly demonstrated the noble thoughts of the intellectual youth class at that time, the spirit of love for peace, and awareness of national independence-sovereignty and international solidarity.

Therefore, the victory of Vietnamese people in the struggle for independence and national reunification is a great encouragement to the entire Latin American region, including Mexico, as this victory affirmed the rights to self-determination, which is the right of each nation to establish its political regime and carry out its socio-economic and cultural development on the basis of national sovereignty.

Besides, Vietnam's April 30 victory also opened a new era of world order in which countries cannot arbitrarily use force to interfere in internal affairs of other countries, he stated./.

Vietnam, Japan look to step up culture, education, science, technology cooperation

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on April 29 hosted visiting Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Moriyama Masahito, during which the two sides discussed the possibility of promoting culture, education, science, and technology cooperation in the time to come.

Bui Thanh Son on April 29 hosted visiting Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Moriyama Masahito, during which the two sides discussed the possibility of promoting culture, education, science, and technology cooperation in the time to come. 

The two ministers highly valued the comprehensive and substantive development of the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation in various fields, notably the elevation of the relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, and the organisation of over 500 commemorative activities marking the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023.

They applauded the cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, from economy, labour, science and technology, to education, culture, and tourism, which have recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic and been continuously strengthened.

Affirming that cooperation in the fields of science - technology, education, and culture is a important pillar of the cooperation between the two countries in the coming time, Son suggested Japan enhance cooperation with Vietnam in training human resources, strategic-level personnel training, and vocational training; increase the number of long-term and short-term scholarships and provide Japanese language training for Vietnamese students; and support Vietnam in developing human resources in new fields such as digital transformation, green transformation, and semiconductor industry.

He called on Minister Moriyama to support and promote the simplification of visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens by Japan to intensify the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

For his part, the Japanese official expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and support of the Government and people of Vietnam for Japan, which suffered from the earthquake in Ishikawa prefecture and neighbouring areas earlier this year.

Emphasising the importance of promoting cultural, educational, scientific, and technological cooperation within the overall bilateral relationship, Moriyama agreed to consider increasing the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students and offering undergraduate education programmes in English to provide opportunities for Vietnamese students to study in Japan; and continuing to effectively implement study tour programmes for students of the two nations.

He stated that he will propose to the Japanese government to implement preferential policies and facilitate visa procedures and improve living conditions for Vietnamese workers and their relatives in Japan.

The Japanese official also showed his desire to promote cooperation between the two countries in the field of cultural heritage conservation, affirming Japan's willingness to continue supporting Vietnam in preserving current heritage sites such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Hoi An heritage site./. 

FM's trip to promote Vietnam's relations with OECD, France: Diplomat

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son's upcoming trip to Paris is expected to foster Vietnam's partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and France, stated Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang.

Ths diplomat granted Vietnam News Agency an interview on FM's trip to attend the OECD’s Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann, and conduct a number of bilateral activities in Paris from May 2-3.

Ambassador Thang said that the MCM OECD 2024 is to take place amid the sound partnership between the OECD and ASEAN countries in general and Vietnam in particular as Vietnam and Australia are co-chairing the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) in the 2022-2025 period with remarkable achievements.

As a co-chair of the programme, Vietnam has made positive contributions to it and the partnership between OECD and Southeast Asian region. Notably, Vietnam hosted the OECD Southeast Asia Ministerial Forums in 2022 and 2024 with agendas meeting the requirements of the region in the current situation as well as post-pandemic economic recovery, sustainable development, supply chain participation, and FDI optimising.

This year, the MCM OECD 2024 will focus on seeking measures to promote sustainable and inclusive development. The meeting, coincident with the 10th anniversary of the SEARP, is also an opportunity to look back at the relationship between the OECD and Southeast Asia, he said.

The SEARP programme was launched in 2014, aiming to promote cooperation between the OECD and Southeast Asian countries, thus supporting reform and contributing to the sustainable development of countries in this region. In 2024, the programme aims to further strengthen the relationship between the OECD and Southeast Asia through the implementation of the OECD Indo-Pacific Framework, which was adopted at MCM 2023.

Ambassador Thang said that since joining the OECD Development Centre in 2008, Vietnam has implemented many studies on development policy consultations for the country within the framework of bilateral and regional research projects. Vietnam - OECD relations were recently promoted stronger after the two sides signed an MOU in 2021 and an Action Programme to implement the MOU in 2022, he noted.

Within these frameworks, Vietnam has received support from the OECD in building and making recommendations on economic policy, State-owned enterprise governance, tax policy development, and carbon credit market. The two sides are implementing good cooperation in the financial sector, especially through Vietnam signing and ratifying the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS MLI) and the Convention on Multilateral Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC).

Vietnam and the OECD are also continuing to implement many specific projects in the Action Programme to implement the MOU, including the report on the quality of foreign direct investment and the Vietnam Economic Report.

In addition, every year, Vietnam actively participates in the work of the OECD Development Centre, he added.

FM Son, who attended the MCM for the first time in 2023, is scheduled to deliver speeches at the meeting's major discussions, including a session marking the 10th anniversary of the SEARP, and discussions on promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

He will have a meetings with OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann, and some partners and heads of delegations to the meeting.

Son will also conduct other bilateral activities with officials of the host country to promote bilateral cooperation, especially as the two sides just celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership in 2023.

Ambassador Thang underlined that there are many grounds to be optimistic about Vietnam - France relations, which has had an important accumulation in both quantity and quality with a widespread and even partnership system at all levels, from central to local, from ministries to businesses, and from associations to cultural and educational institutions.

The two countries' foreign policies also see an important intersection in the context of rapid changes and many challenges in the world. In recent meetings, high-ranking leaders of the two countries shared many similarities in terms of bilateral cooperation and on many important international issues, valuing and giving high priority to each other in initiatives for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

High-ranking leaders of the two countries agreed to continue strengthening political trust and people-to-people exchanges, promoting and creating progress in cooperation in fields such as diplomacy, defence-security, economics, trade, investment, aviation, energy transition, science and technology, culture, local cooperation, and within the Francophone community.

According to Ambassador Thang, during his stay in France, Minister Son will meet with the Secretary General of the International Organisation of Francophonie on cooperation between Vietnam and the Francophone community as well as preparations for the 19th Francophone Summit slated for October in France.

He said that Vietnam and France are eying many opportunities to promote strong growth in their relations in following years and decades.

The positive results achieved and the common perceptions between the two countries about the vision of bilateral relationship are important foundations for the two sides to continue to develop their connections more deeply and widely, he added./

Vietnam chairs UNCTAD’s 14th session in Geneva

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organisations in Geneva, has been elected President of the 14th session of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission under the framework of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung (middle), Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organisations at the session
The event featured the participation of representatives of all member countries, intergovernmental and investment promotion agencies, and non-governmental groups.

The meeting offered an opportunity in which member states and investment and development stakeholders can come together to discuss major and emerging issues   related to investment, business, and technology. This is along with focusing on their impacts on the sustainable development process and exchanging views on effective solutions and policies for all parties to refer to.

The major content of this session focuses on the latest developments occurring in trends and policies on investment, business, and science and technology for development; best practices in implementing business and investment support policies to serve sustainable development; as well as development directions in using digital business and investment support tools for launching widespread e-government activities.

This is along with exploiting blockchain technology for the purpose of sustainable development, as well as challenges which developing countries are facing when adopting blockchain technology.

Under the chair of Ambassador Dung, delegates held discussions and proposed many specific solutions to the main contents. The Group of 77 and China appreciates UNCTAD's work and analysis on foreign direct investment (FDI) and other investment flows mentioned in the annual World Investment Report (WIR). The also used the event as a platform in which to express concern over insufficient investment capital needed to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They underlined the urgent need to significantly increase both public and private investment to achieve the SDGs before the 2030 deadline.

The Asia-Pacific Group moved to support UNCTAD's initiatives on investment facilitation and welcomed the topic of blockchain technology at the meeting, noting that despite significant progress, the ASEAN region does not yet have the space to improve, attract, facilitate, and maintain investment.

The group of African countries reaffirmed the need for strategic and sustainable investment in the continent in order to address FDI fluctuations, as well as gaps which hold back the development of critical infrastructure.

Representatives of the group of African countries also evaluated the important role of technology and digital trade in terms of helping countries to overcome barriers in attracting sustainable investment based on the three pillars of society, economics, and the environment.

The commission is set to continue to discuss the main contents of the session in upcoming meetings. In addition, countries will also listen to presentations; discuss and approve two reports of the commission, including a report on investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship to improve production capacity and sustainable development; and a report of an intergovernmental working group consisting of experts on international accounting and reporting standards.

Vietnam being elected for the first time as chairman at a meeting of a commission within the UNCTAD framework shows the great appreciation of this agency and its member states for policies and achievements in the nation’s investment attraction, and sustainable development over recent years. Indeed, it focuses on Vietnamese priority areas such as digital transformation, green transformation, science - technology, and artificial intelligence.

This is also viewed as an opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its proactive role at UNCTAD, as well as at other UN international forums.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang hosts Deputy FM of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) recently received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkic to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues.

At the meeting, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang proposed that the two sides intensify delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones, as well as business and people-to-people exchanges.

The Ambassador also suggested both sides promote economic and trade ties, which remain modest, and consider the possibility of signing a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. He said Vietnam recognizes Bosnia & Herzegovina’s candidacy to the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2025-2027 term.

For his part, the Deputy FM of Bosnia & Herzegovina agreed with the proposal made by the Vietnamese side and said that the two sides still boast huge potential to foster bilateral relations across a variety of fields, while showing his hope that Vietnam will actively support his nation's bid to become a member of the UN Economic and Social Council.

Three bodies found in Bình Phước boat capsize

Local rescue teams in the southern province of Bình Phước discovered three bodies after a boat overturned on the Bé River on Monday evening (April 29).

The Bình Phước Provincial Police, in coordination with the Lộc Ninh District Police, are currently conducting an examination and investigation to clarify a tragic drowning incident that resulted in three deaths.

The victims have been identified as Nguyễn Minh Đức, 27, Lâm Khang, 10, both residents of Lộc Quang Commune, Lộc Ninh District, and Ngô Triệu Vi, 20, a resident of Hớn Quản District.

According to initial reports, on the evening of April 29, Đức, Vi, and Khang, along with two others, were rowing a boat on the Bé River near Tân Hai Hamlet, Lộc Phú Commune, Lộc Ninh District, to catch snails.

When they were about 50 meters from the shore, the boat suddenly capsized, causing everyone on board to fall into the water.

Two individuals from the group managed to swim to shore, while the remaining three disappeared underwater.

Upon receiving the report, the firefighting and rescue forces, along with the Bình Phước Provincial Police, mobilised two specialised vehicles and dozens of officers and soldiers who quickly arrived at the scene to implement a search and rescue plan.

At midnight on April 30, the rescue team discovered the bodies of the three victims, approximately 40 metres from the scene.

The incident is currently under investigation. 

Fatal collision between two sleeper buses leaves one dead, 16 injured

A collision between two sleeper buses at the intersection of the Hồ Chí Minh bypass road and National Highway No. 25 in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai early Tuesday morning (April 30) resulted in one death and 16 others injured.

According to initial information from the Gia Lai Provincial Traffic Safety Committee, the incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday in Chư Sê Town.

A sleeper bus operated by Cô Hai Bus Company, traveling from Hà Nội to Krông Pa, driven by Nguyễn Công Dân, collided with a sleeper bus from Quốc Cường Bus Company, driven by Đinh Văn Hùng, en route from Đà Nẵng to Đắk Lắk.

The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles. The scene was littered with debris from the vehicles, and a traffic signal pole and median barrier were knocked over. The Quốc Cường bus veered off the road into a nearby field.

Upon receiving the report, emergency services promptly arrived at the scene. The victims were transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

According to information from the hospital, the 16 injured individuals are currently undergoing intensive treatment, with several suffering from multiple traumas. The deceased victim's identity has been confirmed.

Lý Minh Thái, director of the Gia Lai Province Health Department, stated that the Gia Lai Province General Hospital immediately activated a code red response, mobilising a team of experienced medical professionals to receive and treat the victims.

Highly skilled doctors conducted patient triage at the scene and at the Chư Sê District Health Centre. The provincial general hospital prepared various plans for receiving and treating the victims.

Currently, two cases of traumatic brain injury have been prioritised for emergency treatment and transferred to the special care unit for monitoring.

The Gia Lai Province Traffic Police are deploying traffic control measures. 

Rikunov wins the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament

Petr Rikunov successfully defended his title in the national HCM City Television Cycling Tournament on April 30.

Martin Laas of 620 Châu Thới Vĩnh Long clinched victory in the final stage from Cao Lãnh District in Đồng Tháp Province to HCM City over 163km.

With a time of 3 hours and 50.47 minutes, Laas crossed the finish line first, securing his eighth stage win in the tournament.

Vietnamese veteran Lê Nguyệt Minh of HCM City New Group and Quàng Văn Cường of Military Zone 7 finished second and third, respectively.

Although Rikunov of Lộc Trời Group didn't make it to the top three in this stage, he was among the cyclists in the leading group at the finish line. This performance was sufficient for him to claim the yellow jersey as the overall winner.

Over the course of the tournament, he covered more than 2,700km, spanning 18 cities and provinces, with a total time of 16 hours and 32.08 minutes.
The Russian rider also claimed the blue jersey for accumulating the most points across the 25 stages.

"This marks the second consecutive year that I've clinched victory in the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament. However, this year's win holds a special place in my heart, as it was an emotional journey filled with challenges," Rikunov expressed.

"The competition was tougher this time around, with stronger opponents and my own share of misfortune. A fall during stage 4 set me back, requiring a determined effort to narrow the 1.40-minute gap with the leading rider.

"Then, another fall during stage 14 felt like a sudden disaster. Sustaining multiple injuries and enduring excruciating pain, I questioned my ability to continue. Yet, the unwavering support from my teammates and coach Lê Thanh Liêm propelled me forward. I knew I couldn't afford to give up.

"I felt the weight of people's expectations upon me. Despite the pain, I remained focused on my cycling, using it as a means to push past the adversity and pursue victory," he recounted.

In other categories, Nguyễn Tấn Hoài of Lộc Trời Group claimed the orange jersey for the best Vietnamese rider.

Phạm Lê Xuân Lộc of Military Zone 7 clinched the white jersey for the best young rider, while the King of the Mountain title, represented by the polka dot jersey, was awarded to Igor Frolov of HCM City New Group.

In the team rankings, HCM City VINAMA secured the top position, followed by Lộc Trời Group and Domesco Đồng Tháp.

During the closing ceremony, organisers disbursed over VNĐ2 billion (US$79,000) to the top-performing athletes. Additionally, they allocated VNĐ770 million to local units to enhance their facilities for the community.

This financial support is part of the tournament's commitment to donate VNĐ2.5 billion to the localities along the race route, starting from Hà Nội since April 3. 

Marathoner Long completes second cross-country running

Ultra marathoner Nguyễn Văn Long accomplished his second cross-country run on April 30th in HCM City.

Arriving at the gate of the Độc Lập (Independence) Palace at 10:18 am, he successfully concluded his 20-day journey covering nearly 2,000 km.

"Honestly, there were moments when I worried that I wouldn't be able to complete this journey. So, I am truly overjoyed to have made it," Long expressed.

"I firmly believe that my run will inspire others to start running, helping them realise the value of running for a happy and healthy life.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone, especially the running community, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my marathon," said the 39-year-old, who believes he is currently the happiest runner.

Long commenced his journey on April 11th at Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hà Nội. Covering nearly 100 km each day, he traversed numerous cities and provinces from the North to the Central region, continuing through the Central Highlands and eventually reaching the South.

His final leg began at 2:30 am on April 30th, spanning from Đồng Nai to HCM City, covering a distance of 75 km.

Throughout his expedition, Long received steadfast support from volunteers who assisted with logistics, live streaming, reporting activities, and ensuring safety. He was warmly welcomed by running clubs in all the localities he passed through.

His initiative aims to raise funds for underprivileged children in his hometown of Gia Lai, while simultaneously advocating for the development of sports, particularly running, in Việt Nam.

In 2022, Long embarked on his first cross-country run, starting from the easternmost point of the country at Sa Vĩ Cape in Trà Cổ Ward, Móng Cái City, Quảng Ninh Province, and concluding at the southernmost point of Cà Mau Cape in Ngọc Hiển District, Cà Mau Province.

Covering a distance of over 2,846 km in 34 days, he raised VNĐ400 million for children in need. The fundraising campaign will conclude on May 2nd.

Long plans to organise an auction of the watches, running shoes, and shirts worn during his journey to raise funds for the "Warm Clothes For Children" Fund.

Donations can be made to account 9368112151 - Nguyen Van Long at Vietcombank to support children in need. 

Brazilian Footvolley introduced in Đà Nẵng

The Brazilian football legend team wrapped up the Brazil-Việt Nam Football Festival 2024 with an impressive demonstration of Footvolley – a form of football played in the style of volleyball that originated in Brazil – in the central tourism hub.

This event also marked the first time Footvolley was introduced to the beach city, showcasing the skillful performances of Brazilian legends.

Local football fans had the opportunity to interact and play with World Cup winners and football stars on the pristine sandy beach at Furama Resort Đà Nẵng, where the all-star Brazilian team stayed during the Brazil-Việt Nam football festival in Đà Nẵng.

Brazilian footballers showcased their skills and had fun with local fans and tourists visiting the city during the hot summer days.

Carlos Dunga, who lifted the World Cup in 1994, said, "We had a fun and engaging game in Đà Nẵng. The Brazil team received a warm welcome from passionate fans both on and off the field during the first football festival. We are delighted to bring people together through sports."

Zé Carlos, a member of the Brazilian football legends team, shared, "It's been so interesting for us to participate in the Brazil-Việt Nam football festival. Đà Nẵng is truly a beautiful city in Việt Nam. We've fallen in love with it. Please come to Đà Nẵng; everyone is welcome."

Andre Pierre Gentzsch, General Manager of Furama-Ariyana International Convention Complex, remarked, "Đà Nẵng takes pride in being recognized as one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet. The exchange in Footvolley play with Brazilian ex-World Cup winners will help promote Đà Nẵng's tourism worldwide."

The Brazilian football legends, including Dunga, Rivaldo, Edmilson, Kleberson, Giovanni, Zé Carlos, and Paulo Sergio, secured a 7-1 victory over the Vietnamese ex-stars team in a friendly match as part of the festival celebrating the 35th anniversary of Việt Nam-Brazil diplomatic ties. The event aimed to foster exchanges in sports, tourism, and business between Đà Nẵng and Brazil.

Earlier, Brazilian ex-stars showcased their free-football skills with the ball at the playing ground of Đà Nẵng Rubber Company.

Vietnam a significant partner in Czech's foreign policy: Minister

The Czech Republic always considers Vietnam as a significant partner in its overall foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told Vietnamese Ambassador to the European country Duong Hoai Nam who paid him a courtesy visit on April 29. 

Lipavsky highly valued Vietnam's role at and contributions to multilateral forums, stressing the need for the two countries to strengthen coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, particularly in promoting relations between ASEAN and the European Union (EU), including the Czech Republic, as well as cooperation within the framework of the UN and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

In the context of the approaching 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic (1950-2025), he said this is a significant milestone for the two sides to deepen cooperation in various fields, especially in politics, economy, trade, and investment, through effectively implementing the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU- Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thus contributing to elevating bilateral relations.

Ambassador Nam said Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to further deepen the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasised the importance for the two nations to maintain delegation exchanges at all levels, thus enhancing political trust and mutual understanding, and boosting the bilateral relations in a deep, comprehensive, substantive, and effective manner.

The diplomat said there is a great potential for cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, trade, defence, renewable energy development, digital transformation, mining, education, labour, and tourism, suggesting the two sides promptly sign agreements to create a legal framework for promoting cooperation in these areas.

He called for Minister Lipavsky's attention to facilitate the issuance of visas for Vietnamese citizens, especially students and workers, saying that this will contribute to promoting people-to-people exchanges and the traditional friendship between the two countries./. 

Long-awaited key road developments completed in time for national holiday

Several long-awaited key road projects in HCM City were finally completed just in time for the National Reunification Day (April 30) celebration, bringing much-needed relief to city commuters and residents during the holiday.

These include the drainage system project on Võ Văn Ngân Street in Thủ Đức City, along with the expansion of Tạ Quang Bửu Street in District 8 and Phạm Hữu Lầu Street in Nhà Bè District.

The Võ Văn Ngân drainage system project in Thủ Đức District was finished on April 27 after four years of construction with an investment of over VNĐ248 billion (US$9.8 million) from the city’s budget. 

Originally planned for completion in 2022, the project faced delays due to the pandemic and slow progress by previous contractors. 

However, the project management board switched to a new construction company to expedite the remaining work and successfully completed it before the rainy season.

The Tạ Quang Bửu street expansion project in District 8 with an investment of VNĐ330 billion  ($13 million) was completed after 23 years since its groundbreaking. 

The newly upgraded 700m section is part of a larger project to expand Tạ Quang Bửu Street to 31 metres wide, improving traffic connectivity in the area.

Similarly, a project to expand a section of Phạm Hữu Lầu Street in Nhà Bè District started operations on April 26 after three years of construction, easing traffic congestion in the area. 

The 1.5km-long section was expanded to 30 metres from 6-7 metres wide, enhancing connectivity and traffic flow.

Phạm Hữu Lầu Street is a main thoroughfare in Nhà Bè District connecting traffic from Nhà Bè District with neighbouring residential areas. 

Võ Phan Lê Nguyễn, deputy chairman of Nhà Bè District People’s Committee, said these completed projects have significantly improved traffic flow, accessibility, and connectivity in the city.

Future infrastructure projects are also in the pipeline to further enhance the city’s traffic system, contributing to its socio-economic development, he added. 

Event connects Vietnamese students with Korean businesses

About 450 students from universities in the Republic of Korea (RoK), including over 250 Vietnamese students, took part in an event held on April 28 to connect them with 15 companies and 20 business leaders from both countries.

The event was part of the Beyond forum of career orientation for the youth. The Vietnamese students’ associations in three famous Korean universities, namely the Yonsei University, Seoul National University and Korea University, coordinated to hold the forum under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK.

Organisers said the forum provided a platform for students and business leaders to discuss opportunities and challenges in doing business and developing careers, along with support for students to start a career in the two countries.

A career orientation fair also took place to help expand the job network and opportunities for students.

Concluding the event, a representative of Woori Mobile presented gifts to students and expressed the hope that the forum will be held annually to help intensify relations between Vietnamese and Korean students, as well as others from around the world in the RoK, so as to boost their connectivity with enterprises./.

New show on Vietnamese history  staged

The private Sen Việt Theatre has returned with a new show of musical and southern theatre featuring Vietnamese historical events and national heroes. 

The show, entitled Lá Cờ Thêu Sáu Chữ Vàng (Embroidered Flag With Six Golden Words), targets children and young people. 

It tells the story of young hero Trần Quốc Toản of the Trần Dynasty, who was 16 and well known for his active role in the war of resistance of Đại Việt (now Việt Nam) against the Mongol invasion in 1282.

Themes of monarchist loyalty and patriotism will be highlighted. 

The combination of traditional songs, dances and musical pieces is directed and produced by Meritorious Artist Lê Nguyên Đạt, theatre director of Sen Việt. 

The actor-singers will be accompanied by Vietnamese folk instruments, such as tranh (Vietnamese zither), bầu (Vietnamese monochord) and nguyệt (two-stringed long neck moon flute). 

Unique styles of cải lương (reformed opera) and tuồng (classical drama), two special theatre genres that originated in south and central Việt Nam, will be featured. 

Young talents Thái Vinh, Đăng Khoa and Hoài Thanh are working with their older colleagues, including Meritorious Artist Vũ Luân and Lê Trung Thảo, to offer a quality performance that meets the taste of young people. 

“We want to bring Vietnamese theatre closer to young audiences, while helping our young actors develop their careers,” said the play’s director Đạt. “Our show will provide young fans with images, sounds and music that provide them with useful insights about their history and culture.” 

Sen Việt Theatre is composed of 20 skilled actors, mostly graduates of leading art schools in the region.

One of the theatre’s highlighted shows is Hương Sắc Phương Nam (The Colour of the South), a special programme that includes tài tử music, considered the prototype for vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) and cải lương, a theatre form that originated 100 years ago in the south. 

The 60-minute show tells the stories of southern people, their history, culture and lifestyle in different periods. The artists use their art to depict images of beautiful rivers, green fields and forests, villages and animals.

Another production is Truyền Tích Cổ Loa Thành (Story of the Cổ Loa Citadel), a cải lương play about Vietnamese history and culture in the period ruled by King An Dương Vương, founder of the Âu Lạc Kingdom in the third century BC.

It highlights patriotism and honesty, as well as love and betrayal.

It won a silver medal for Best Play and two silver medals for Best Artists at the 4th Hà Nội Theatre Festival organised by the Việt Nam Theatre Association in co-operation with the Hà Nội Department of Culture & Sports in 2020. 

The new show Lá Cờ Thêu Sáu Chữ Vàng will enter the first National Theatre Festival for Children and Teenagers, which is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in Hải Phòng City from May 13-20.

It will be staged on weekends, starting from April 30, at the city’s Theatre Association at 5B Võ Văn Tần Street in District 3. 

Việt Nam take silver at regional beach volleyball champs

Việt Nam finished second in the Southeast Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championship on April 28 in Thailand.

Nguyễn Hoàng Long and Danh Chanh Sa May successfully advanced to the men's final match against Rueangrit and Suranath of the hosts.

They went ahead to win the first set at 21-19 and had a chance to take the championship title when taking lead in the second set. However, the Thais came back strongly to level the score at 20-all before winning two last points to level the score of the match.

Under strong support of local fans, Rueangrit and Suranath dominated the third set before winning 15-7 to take the tournament's gold medal.

The women's matches will be held from May 1-5 with Vietnamese duo Huỳnh Diễm Cát Linh and Thạch Thị Phúc. 

70 years of Dien Bien Phu Victory commemorations held in France

The Vietnamese Embassy in France and the French Communist Party (PCF) branch of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps city on April 28 held a memorial ceremony for female communist Raymonde Dien, who on February 23, 1950 lay on the tracks in a train station to block a train carrying weapons to Indochina in protest of the French war in Vietnam.

In the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7), the ceremony took place at the February 23, 1950 Street, next to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train station, where 74 years ago, Raymonde Dien, then just a 21-year-old female Communist party member, tried to stop a train full of weapons heading to Indochina.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang called Raymonde Dien's action "a historical symbol, that inspires a global movement against war and supporting peace and independence for the Vietnamese people".

The Ambassador expressed the deep appreciation of the State and people of Vietnam to Ms. Raymonde Dien as well as to French friends who have contributed to peace for Vietnam. He expressed his hope that "both sides will maintain this tradition in the coming years to engrave in the minds of future generations the values of friendship and cooperation that bind the two peoples of Vietnam and France".

Gilles Moindrot, Secretary of the PCF Party Cell of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps city, said these events show the importance of activities fighting for peace and contributing to ending hostile acts, and their historical significance remains valid in today's world.

20 die due to traffic accidents on Sunday

Việt Nam saw 71 road traffic accidents on Sunday killing 20 people and injuring 68 others, said the National Traffic Safety Committee.

Railway and waterway traffic did not see any accident.

The Ministry of Public Security reported that traffic police nationwide punished more than 14,500 people for violating traffic order and safety regulations with total administrative fines of VNĐ31.8 trillion (US$1.2 million).

Of these, 3,916 cases related to alcohol concentration, 15 ones related to drugs; 3,736 ones concerned overspeed and 165 others were overloading.

The police withdrew nearly 3,000 driving licences of different kinds, temporarily seized 158 automobiles, 5,407 motorbikes and 125 other vehicles.

On inland waterways, 146 cases were handled with total fine of VNĐ124 million ($4,800).

No violations were detected on the railway.

On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, many gateway roads of two major cities - Hà Nội and HCM City - experienced prolonged congestion such as the Ring Road 3 and Pháp Vân-Cầu Giẽ in Hà Nội, the Long Thành-Dầu Giây Highway in HCM City.

Typically, on the road from HCM City to Đồng Nai, traffic jam lasted for more than 7km. Sometimes vehicles stopped completely, unable to move.

The National Traffic Safety Committee assessed that many agencies and businesses worked on Saturday, thus workers started their holiday from Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning causing prolonged traffic jams on a number of gateway roads.

The Traffic Police Department has maximised its force to coordinate with local police to proactively guide vehicles in gateway areas, on key highways and national highways.

Therefore, the traffic situation was quickly stabilised helping people travel smoothly and safely. 

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