The Ministry of Transport has announced that 15 intelligent traffic systems (ITS) will be built along the eastern North-South Expressway, with seven systems expected to be completed this year.

The project will help improve the management and operation of the expressway through the installation of ITS and vehicle load inspection systems. The Vietnam Expressway Authority said that the systems would be integrated seamlessly across the expressway to facilitate efficient traffic management.

According to the plan, each traffic control center will oversee a stretch of 70 to 100 kilometers of expressway. In the first phase, seven traffic control centers will manage 11 sections of the expressway, while the second phase will see eight more centers overseeing 12 sections.

The Transport Construction Investment Management Authority under the Ministry of Transport said that first-phase construction of traffic control centers is scheduled to start in June and expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The second phase of the ITS investment is anticipated to begin in September this year.

Vietnamese archers to compete at World Cup 2024 in RoK

Eight Vietnamese archers will compete at the World Cup 2024 in the Republic of Korea from May 21-26, in both recurve and compound events for men and women.

As the recurve is the Olympic discipline, this is the last tournament that offers Olympic slots to competitors including Vietnam’s best hopes Nguyen Thị Thanh Nhi and Do Thi Anh Nguyet in the women's events.

They took part in the World Cup stage in China in April but did not get the results they expected.

Anh Nguyet and Nguyen Hoang Phi Vu were Vietnam’s competitors in Tokyo in 2021./.

Ho Chi Minh City Days launched in Osaka

A three-day event aiming to strengthen ties of friendship and co-operation between Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka kicked off on May 17 in the Japanese city.

The event opened with a gathering on the morning of May 17 among the Vietnamese business community based in Osaka. Later on the same day a programme was held aimed at introducing traditional musical instruments of the two countries at the Hilton Osaka Hotel.

Furthermore, a music gala is due to take place as part of the Ho Chi Minh City Days in Osaka on May 18.

The event is set to feature a range of cultural and arts activities performed by artists from Ho Chi Minh City, including traditional music performances and Ao dai (traditional long dress) fashion show by local designers Vo Viet Chung and Trung Dinh.

The Ho Chi Minh City Days in Osaka will run from May 17 to May 19 and is to be held in celebration of the friendly relations that exist between the Vietnamese city and the Japanese prefecture of Osaka.

It is also taking part as one of the activities marking the 51st founding anniversary of both nations' diplomatic relations.

HCMC steps up fight against ‘black credit’

Functional agencies in HCMC have been fiercely combating illegal credit activities (‘black credit’), especially those making use of advanced technologies.

On April 24, 2024, the Police of District 4 prosecuted Do Minh Hai and his four accomplices for ‘Lending money with high interest rates in civil transactions’.

Investigation results reveal that Hai operated TM 24H Co. and ATM Online Co., both of which were sited at the address of 261-263 Phan Xich Long Street of Phu Nhuan District. Hai hired two people to take the position of company directors and delivered detailed instructions to each person. Registered as a business for financial consultation and pawning activities, these two companies used high technologies to offer loans online.

Hai and his group made mortgage loan contracts, consultation contracts, and bogus asset mortgage contracts to divide real loan interest rates into the basic rate of less than 20 percent a year, consultation fees, service fees, and asset mortgage fees, all of which add up to over 80 percent a year. They had been able to disburse nearly VND4 trillion ($157.2 million) in 738,000 contracts, earning an amount of VND4.7 trillion ($184.66 million).

Current ‘black credit’ activities are increasingly more cunning, creating challenges to functional agencies in investigating and handling. Many of these organizations have switched from advertising their services via flyers to inviting people to install their own apps via social network sites. They list several kinds of service fees for the loaned money.

This has trapped a large number of needy people as they did not think the interest rate could come to 2.5 – 5 percent a day, or even an incredible 900 – 2,000 percent per year. Debtors without the ability to pay back money would then have their profile sent to specialized debt collectors, severely affecting their reputation.

This new type of ‘black credit’ aims at people using the Internet and smart devices who have a desire to borrow money without any asset for mortgage or are not entitled to formally loan money from banks and prestigious credit organizations. They are mostly poor laborers in industrial parks and export processing zones, small traders.

People in ‘black credit’ organizations normally advertise their services on social network platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, or TikTok. They also use a hotline to seek people in need of finance. Potential customers are consulted about interest rates, loan time, payment methods, and service fees. More importantly, they are lured by the detail of no asset mortgage needed for any loan. All they need is a copy of their citizen ID card, personal sensitive or confidential pictures.

These ‘black credit’ groups work illegally in private groups without transparency, many of which are related to foreigners and take full advantage of available technologies to track money borrowers or to carry out loaning procedures online.

The HCMC Police warns that under no circumstances should citizens contact or make transactions with these ill-intention people. Moreover, people should report to the police any information related to these dangerous organizations (website addresses, phone numbers, threatening behaviors).

If people are falsely asked by debt collectors to pay money, they should record the calls or save the messages as evidence when reporting to the police. When using social network websites, Internet users should be careful to protect their own confidential data to minimize the ability of ill-intention groups using it for scamming purposes.

Facilities providing photocopy services should refuse serving ‘black credit’ organizations or report them to the police. Any people in need of finance should contact formal loan sources such as banks, credit foundations, union foundations for safe money loaning, along with suitable preferential policies.

It is not advisable to come to apps with unclear origin or informal websites to borrow money and later be forced into enduring harassing behaviors or even illegal acts of debt collectors.

Deputy Director Mai Hoang of the HCMC Department of Public Security informed that crimes related to ‘black credit’ are becoming more cunning and complicated. In 2023, the city police detected and handled 404 subjects in 263 such cases. In the first quarter of this year, another 115 subjects in 63 cases were discovered and punished.

Most of them are structured as hi-tech loaning businesses that lend money via apps with unacceptably high interest rates of up to 900 percent a year. Several have been reported to use weapons to collect debt. A total of 27 such apps were detected and eliminated, including Goldvay, sugarvay, findong, wellvay, cfcash, baovay.

Breakthrough ideas needed to redevelop Red River’s alluvial islet

To implement the Red River Zoning Plan, Hanoi's authorities within the planning boundaries, which include the four districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Long Bien, have joined forces to organize a competition for the "Conceptual Planning of a Multifunctional Cultural Park on the Red River’s alluvial islet."

The main goal is to select the best ideas and solutions from the competition to be incorporated into the detailed waterfront zoning plans for the riverbank areas that the districts will implement in the near future.

Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee Pham Tuan Long said that the locality in the central area of Hanoi is a densely populated urban zone with limited land availability.

“The district lacks sufficient public spaces, especially cultural spaces to meet the needs of its residents for recreation, sports, and art exhibitions,” Long added. 
Therefore, the reclamation of the land outside the Red River dike represents a significant opportunity for the district to undertake urban renewal and create a cultural and creative space, ultimately establishing a creative hub for the capital, he noted.

This approach aims to develop the mid-river and riverside areas of the Red River into a cultural park, leveraging the natural landscape, water bodies, greenery, and existing flora and fauna to create sustainable development solutions.

"With clear requirements and comprehensive data, we hope that participants will thoroughly research and propose high-quality solutions that local authorities can use to formulate detailed zoning plans from the ideas raised in the competition," Long expressed.

According to Dr. Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, the Red River’s alluvial islet has been of interest since the French colonial period. Since the inception of the Renewal process in 1986, central authorities, especially Hanoi, have paid attention to the exploitation of the landscape and land reserve along the river. Several major international consulting firms have proposed ideas for developing this area, but none have been realized due to challenges related to river flow, riverbanks, and water levels.

"Hanoi is now in a new development phase, focusing on building a modern capital city and enhancing cultural and civilized elements, particularly improving residents' quality of life. Therefore, this competition seeks innovative solutions to address planning and development issues in the mid-river islets, to enhance living standards and meet the recreational needs of Hanoi's residents," said Nghiem.

The alluvial islet area, approximately 328 hectares, and the riverbank area from Tu Lien Bridge to Tran Hung Dao Bridge, around 63.2 hectares, span the districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Tay Ho, and Long Bien.

This significant land reserve contrasts with the cramped living spaces of the inner city. It is the last remaining area in central Hanoi that can be transformed into a green, ecological, and culturally rich public space for both the community and tourists visiting the capital.

Recognizing the importance of this space for the future development of the capital, Hanoi has initiated a project to develop the alluvial islet and riparian areas of the Red River into a multifunctional cultural park, led by the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee.

The project requires clearly defined objectives, scope, boundaries, research areas, approval procedures, land use management, investment mechanisms, and specific infrastructure components.

It must comply with the Urban Planning Law, the Law on Dykes, and the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and be in line with the adjustment of the Hanoi Master Plan up to 2045 and vision to 2065, and other approved plans.

To ensure the feasibility of the project, Hanoi has instructed the four districts to organize a competition for ideas for the multifunctional cultural park in the alluvial islet and riparian areas of the Red River.

Experts suggest that a feasible planning proposal must take into account the area's topography, hydrology, population, and socio-cultural characteristics.

Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Director of the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), highlighted that the alluvial islet of the Red River is not only economically valuable but also rich in natural ecosystems, hosting 209 species of higher plants and serving as a bird sanctuary on the East Asia-Oceania migration route. It is also a habitat for several globally endangered species.

In particular, the area is currently home to a diverse population engaged in agriculture, livestock, hospitality, ecotourism, and various other activities.

Given these characteristics, urban expert Le Quoc Binh, coordinator of the network “For a Livable Hanoi”, proposed that the alluvial islet area should be planned, managed, and sustainably developed, taking into account both environmental and social factors.

"Reclamation of the alluvial islet area should focus on the conservation of wildlife, plants, and nature-based educational activities. Agricultural practices should be integrated with cultural and tourism activities, considering changes in livelihoods and incorporating existing community activities into the city's development plans," suggested Binh.

Linh and Thanh chosen as ambassadors for Strong Việt Nam marathon

Lương Thùy Linh and Hoàng Nguyên Thanh have been selected as ambassadors for the Strong Việt Nam marathon.

Thanh is a member of the national athletics team, while Linh was Miss World Việt Nam 2019. As ambassadors, they will play a crucial role in promoting the tournament to the sports-loving community, particularly those interested in marathon running.

Thanh currently holds the national marathon record, completing the 42km run in an impressive time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 43 seconds. This achievement broke athlete Nguyễn Chí Đông's 21-year-old record of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 51 seconds.

Strong Việt Nam is a marathon aimed at encouraging participation in sports training and competition in general, with a specific focus on running. The event aims to contribute to improved health, a better quality of life, and the development of a healthy and active cultural environment.

"Strong Việt Nam is a prestigious running race organised in collaboration with the Việt Nam Athletics Federation and HCM City Athletics Federation. Prior to the tournament, I always set the highest goals and strive to do my best. With Strong Việt Nam, I hope to break my personal record," said Thanh.

Linh said: "Strong Việt Nam features a breath-taking route that passes through scenic coastal roads and famous tourist destinations. I am eagerly looking forward to reuniting with the runners on this route."

The race is scheduled to take place on September 20-22 in Vũng Tàu City, with more than 10,000 runners. The event will include various exciting activities. 

Asian champion Việt Nam to vie for trophy at Beach Handball World Championship

Việt Nam will compete in the Women's Beach Handball World Championship 2024 taking place from June 18-23 in Pingtan, China.

Việt Nam, the Philippines and the hosts are three Asian representatives at the 16-team tournament.

Việt Nam, the Asian champions, are in Group B with Spain, Argentina and Croatia in the preliminary round.

Argentinian coach Leticia Brunati said after the draw: “It's a very tough group. Spain are one of the best teams in the world and they have achieved the finals in all tournaments – IHF World Championship, EHF European Championship and European Games – since 2022. They have a lot of good players in attack and defence, plus really good goalkeepers too.

“Việt Nam are also a very good team. The team plays very well, very fast and their attack is very strong. I had the opportunity to see them in competition in Asia last year.

“Finally, Croatia are a great team too. They have some players who were in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and the Croatian team is growing – like us – with young players. The group will be very close.”

Group A features Portugal, China, the Philippines and Australia. Group C has the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and the US. Group D features defending champions Germany, Brazil, Greece and Puerto Rico.

Three top teams of each group will advance to the main rounds consisting of two groups of six, facing the teams they have not met in the previous round. The last-placed teams will play a consolation round.

In the main round, teams will compete in round robin format with top four of each group qualifying for the quarter-finals and subsequent semi-finals, bronze medal, placement and final matches.

Currently, the Vietnamese coaching board are working with the best players picked from the 2024 national championship which closed in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province last month.

Piloting solutions to ensure traffic safety in Hà Nội school areas has initial positive results

The Hà Nội Department of Transport (DOT), with support of the Partnership Programme for Healthy Cities (PHC), the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) and the Hà Nội People's Committee, has launched a pilot programme to enhance traffic safety around schools.  

This pilot programme targets several schools in the districts of Hà Đông, Bắc Từ Liêm, and Quốc Oai. Notably, the Xuân Đỉnh School cluster in Bắc Từ Liêm, Nguyễn Du Primary School in Hà Đông, and the Sài Sơn School cluster in Quốc Oai. The Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) have provided technical support and expertise in designing the safety measures.

The pilot programme introduced several infrastructure improvements to reduce speeding and enhance safety in school zones. For example, 30 km/h speed limit signs were installed at school gates areas. Raised crosswalks were installed to ensure safe pedestrian crossings. Pedestrian crossings were repaved with white and yellow lines to increase visibility.

In areas lacking sidewalks, walkways were expanded and marked with reflective plastic cones. Parents’ parking areas were reorganized to reduce congestion. Roundabouts and refuge islands were installed at intersections to manage traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety. Dedicated cycling lanes were created to ensure safe routes for students riding bicycles (at Sai Son school cluster).

In parallel with infrastructure improvements, the Hà Nội Department of Transport also engaged in extensive communication efforts. This included announcing the pilot programme through press and media and coordinating with schools to educate teachers and parents on safety measures. The department also involved traffic inspectors and police to manage traffic and guide the public during peak hours.

The programme's initial results, assessed through surveys, pictures, and videos by GDCI, indicate significant improvements in traffic safety and public perception.

Post-renovation surveys at Sài Sơn School cluster show a notable decrease in vehicle speeds with no reported crashes or collisions. Student utilisation of sidewalks increased by 18 per cent, while there was a 5 per cent rise in cycling to the site and a 4 per cent increase in daily cycling for commuting. Public perception of safety improved significantly, with 27 per cent more respondents feeling very safe, 18 per cent more considering the street safe for children, and a 16 per cent increase in parental comfort allowing children to walk and bike alone. Additionally, cycling mode share increased by 4.5 per cent, and motorcycle usage decreased by 5.5 per cent. Pedestrian behaviour improved, with a 43.4 per cent reduction in roadbed walking and a 31.6 per cent increase in using marked crossings.

At Nguyễn Du Primary School, vehicle speeds decreased, and no crashes or collisions were reported post-renovation. Student sidewalk usage increased by 41 per cent. The number of road users choosing cycling increased by 18.9 per cent, with a 20.6 per cent rise in daily bicycle commuting. The project attracted 31.1 per cent more daily visitors, with 46.5 per cent of users spending over two hours on the site. Safety perceptions improved significantly, with 49 per cent more respondents feeling very safe and 86.7 per cent considering the street exceptionally safe for children. Parental confidence increased, with 70.6 per cent expressing strong comfort in allowing their children to walk and bike alone. Pedestrian behaviour also improved, with a 5.3 per cent reduction in roadbed walking and a 14.5 per cent decrease in unmarked crossing use.

In the Xuân Đỉnh School cluster, vehicle speeds decreased, and no crashes or collisions were reported post-renovation. Student street usage increased by 22 per cent. There was a significant shift towards sustainable transportation, with a 25 per cent increase in cycling and a 14 per cent rise in walking to access the site, while motorcycle usage decreased by 35 per cent. Safety perceptions among 165 respondents improved, with 51.5 per cent feeling very safe and 47.5 per cent considering the street very safe for children. Caregivers' comfort levels increased, with 36.4 per cent strongly agreeing and 19.3 per cent agreeing that they felt comfortable with their children walking or biking alone. The welcoming nature of the street improved by 52.9 per cent, and there was a 10.4 per cent reduction in roadbed walking and a 51.5 per cent increase in marked crossing use.

Overall, the pilot programme to ensure traffic safety in school areas has yielded promising initial results, enhancing traffic safety and improving public perception. These successes provide a hopeful outlook for the future expansion of such initiatives. 

Quảng Bình handed over 95%of the site for the North-South expressway project

The central province of Quảng Bình has completed and handed over more than 95 per cent of the total ground allocated to the construction of the North-South Expressway project in the 2021-25 passing through the province.

Specifically, the province has handed over 120 out of total 126.43km to the Project Management Boards to carry out construction.

Along with that, Quảng Bình has also completed compensation payments of more than VNĐ1.9 trillion (US$74.6 million), reaching more than 93 per cent of the approved plan.

The province had built 26 resettlement zones on an area of ​​nearly 70ha for 551 households in 19 communes who were affected by the project.

Up to now, eight resettlement areas have completed construction, and the remaining 18 zones have an average construction volume of about 89 per cent.

Along with that, the province had to build 13 new cemeteries to serve the relocation of nearly 4,000 graves. To date, 11 cemeteries were handed over to the local people and the remaining two cemeteries are also being completed.

Currently, the local authorities are promoting people to agree and strictly comply with the compensation and support policy to clear the remaining land for the project as soon as possible.

The section of North-South Expressway project in the period of 2021-2025 passing through Quảng Bình Province has three component projects with a total length of more than 126km, with eight intersections.

The total land area occupied to implement the project is about 1,128.9ha.

There are about 3,772 households affected by the project, of which 551 households are subject to relocation. And about 4,642 graves needed moving out, of which nearly 4,000 graves had to be relocated to new locations.

Many technical works and infrastructure were also affected and had to be relocated. 

Cần Thơ advances rural occupations, craft villages

The Cần Thơ People’s Committee has outlined a plan to develop rural occupations and craft villages until 2030, with a vision extending to 2045, aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and preserving traditional craft villages.

The plan seeks to support the development of rural occupations and craft villages to preserve and promote the values and potential of rural areas, as well as the traditional identities of craft villages.

It aims to enhance the production efficiency of craft villages, improve the competitiveness and added value of their products, create more job opportunities, and enhance the lives of rural residents.

Additionally, it aims to protect the environment in rural areas, fostering their development alongside ecological and modern agricultural practices and promoting smart farming.

According to the plan, the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city will preserve and develop four traditional craft villages, while developing one to two craft villages in conjunction with offering rural tourism services and constructing new-style rural areas by 2030.

The plan targets the effective operation of over 80 per cent of traditional craft villages, with all workers trained in vocational skills, occupational safety and health, and basic information technology knowledge.

It also aims for at least 50 per cent of traditional craft villages having a brand name for their products by 2030.

The plan outlines production growth of 10 per cent a year for traditional craft villages, with all their establishments and households meeting environmental regulations by 2030.

Rural occupations are targeted to achieve a growth rate of 6-7 per cent annually, with the average income of rural workers in 2030 projected to be 2.5-3 times higher than in 2020.

The plan also aims for 80 per cent of rural workers possessing vocational skills by 2030, with 35 per cent holding vocational skill certificates.

By 2030 the city plans to establish concentrated raw material areas to meet 70 per cent of the demand for them.

With over 114,000 hectares of farmlands, accounting for 79 per cent of its total area, it wants rural occupations to continue generating incomes and jobs for locals by 2045.

The city plans to develop rural occupations and craft villages in a sustainable, smart and environmentally-friendly manner in conjunction with building green, clean and beautiful rural areas.

To achieve these goals, its People’s Committee will intensify advocacy efforts to raise awareness among Party members and the public about the plan, promote the roles of artisans and outstanding workers and preserve and develop traditional craft villages.

Investment in production infrastructure, mobilisation of loans for rural occupations and increased transfer of technology for production are among the proposed initiatives.

The city also intends to provide financial support for human resource training, participation in the national “One Commune - One Product” programme, environmental protection, production development coupled with tourism services, concentrated raw material area development, trade promotion, and industrial extension activities.

The city currently has 12 craft villages, including the Thuận Hưng rice paper village and Thơm Rơm net weaving village in Thốt Nốt District, and the Phó Thọ - Bà Hộ flower village in Bình Thuỷ District.

Thuận Hưng was also recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage site last year. 

President Ho Chi Minh’s 134th birthday celebrated in Cuba, Cambodia

Representatives of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) and the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba have paid floral tribute to the Ho Chi Minh Park in Havana to mark the 134th birthday of the Vietnamese late leader (1890-2024).

Those in attendance at the ceremony included ICAP President Fernando González Llort, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam Nguyen Van Tien, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long, as well as representatives of many agencies and organisations of Cuba and the Vietnamese community in the Caribbean nation.

In his address, Ambassador Long laid stress on the legacy left by President Ho Chi Minh, a national liberation hero, an eminent revolutionary of the national liberation movement and international communist and workers' movements, a world figure of culture, and the beloved leader of Vietnamese people.

The desire for freedom and independence of each nation and the progressive ideology of each nation's historical leaders formed a solid foundation for Vietnam and Cuba to cultivate a faithful and lasting friendship, the diplomat said.

For his part, Vice President of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association Ruvislei González Sáez affirmed that the ideology of President Ho Chi Minh, one of the most important figures of the 20th century, has remained alive among the 100 million people of Vietnam and revolutionaries worldwide.

González Sáez honoured the late leader as a figure with universal stature, a great revolutionary who fought tirelessly for the best cause of Vietnam and humanity.

The Cuban scholar said that his organisation and the ICAP as well as the Havana University hope to study more deeply into the Ho Chi Minh ideology and promote the Vietnamese leader's legacy in the new era.

He expressed his confidence that both nations’ future generations will inherit the eternal values left by the leader, boost the growth of the two countries in peace, head to socialism, while fostering the special ties between Vietnam and Cuba.

At the ceremony, a sing and dance performance was put on to honour President Ho Chi Minh and the special solidarity between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the 134th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh was also celebrated by the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia on May 17, with an incense offering ceremony.

In his speech, Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang applauded the fruitful development of relations between Vietnam and Cambodia with substantive and effective achievements across a variety of fields from political, diplomatic, defence - security, and economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Party organisations of Vietnamese representative agencies have performed successfully political tasks in all aspects from politics, economics, national defense and security, culture, citizen protection, and those related to people of the Vietnamese origin in Cambodia.

He called on Party members, officials, the business community, and the Vietnamese community in Cambodia to continue studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and lifestyle; and make efforts to fulfill all tasks of 2024.

He asked the Vietnamese community in Cambodia  to uphold the tradition of solidarity and mutual support to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strictly comply with laws of the host nation.

The Vietnamese diplomat also urged them to make greater contributions to the homeland, and continue to serve as a firm bridge fostering the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship.

Brazil sanguine on huge potential for cooperation with Vietnam

Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Luciana Santos highlighted Vietnam as an attractive destination for foreign businesses operating in chip and semiconductor manufacturing and underscored the great potential for cooperation between the two countries at a recent working session with Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi.

The meeting saw the Ambassador affirm that science and technology co-operation is one of the priority areas between the two countries, especially telecommunications, high technology, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI), big data, quantum science, aerospace, and aircraft.

Ambassador Nghi underlined the need to establish and put into operation the Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation of the two countries as part of efforts to further foster bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese diplomat also expressed a keen desire to learn from Brazil's experience in ethanol biotechnology, the agricultural processing industry, mining, climate change response, and space technology in the near future.

Amid the Vietnamese side launching a regional development strategy and promoting tourism, Ambassador Nghi highly appreciated Brazilian aviation technology, including a narrow-body aircraft produced by Embraer which is suitable for Vietnam's air transport and tourism development needs.

He also noted that the nation has sent messages of condolences to the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rio Grande do Sul state government and the families of the victims of the current historic flood in Brazil that caused great damage to people, property, and infrastructure facilities.

The Government and people of Vietnam always pay attention to and stand alongside Brazilian friends during this difficult time, Ambassador Nghi emphasized.

For her part, Minister Santos affirmed that Vietnam is a country that boasts strong growth and great potential for co-operation in science and technology.

Science, technology, and innovation are one of the foreign policy priorities of President Lula da Silva's administration, with Brazil making every effort to fast-track the implementation of agreements signed with Vietnam.

As planned, a delegation of Brazilian experts will come to work with the Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology at the end of this month, she added.

Minister Santos also outlined her positive impression of Vietnamese scientific and technological development achievements through her working visit to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in November, 2023.

France, Vietnam hold annual high-level economic dialogue

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong and Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, Francophonie and French Nationals Abroad Franck Riester co-chaired the 8th session of the annual high-level economic dialogue between Vietnam and France on May 17 in Paris.

The event featured the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang, representatives of the Government Office, alongside relevant agencies and French partners.

In his speech, Minister Riester underlined the importance of this year's annual dialogue for the two countries, which enjoy a dynamic relationship formed through decades of effective co-operation across a variety of fields.

However, he noted that although there have been significant achievements recorded over the past 11 years of strategic partnership, the two countries still need to make greater efforts in order to continue to make new progress and face global challenges together. This should be done while simultaneously taking bilateral relations to new heights in a more sustainable and comprehensive manner.

According to Minister Riester, the Vietnamese side is increasingly present in value chains in the Indo-Pacific region whilst both countries are in a key region for global balance at present.

Vietnam represents also a major strategic economic partner of France in the Indo-Pacific region and throughout the wider world. Trade exchanges between the two countries has more than doubled after 10 years with EUR7.6 billion recorded in 2023.

Bilateral investment has also increased significantly over recent years with EUR1.5 billion of French foreign direct investment (FDI) going to the nation.

He said he believes that French businesses can support the country in achieving its ambitions and expressed his desire to join the Vietnamese side in fulfilling the set climate goals, including the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) which France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), has mobilized EUR 500 million for implementation.

Minister Riester voiced his hope that fruitful exchanges during the session will further contribute to deepening mutual understanding, strengthening bilateral relations, and paving the way for closer and more dynamic co-operation between the two countries.

In response, Deputy Minister Phuong emphasized the special significance of the eighth session which is the first meeting held directly after the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the joint strategic partnership continuing to enjoy strong developments across multiple fields, ranging from politics, diplomacy, security-defence, to trade-investment, culture-education, science-technology, and many important landmarks in the traditional co-operative relationship between the two countries.

This session is also a follow-up after many meetings and phone calls conducted in 2023 between senior leaders of the two countries. It is viewed as an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth exchanges on strategies, related economic policies, and issues regarding multilateral and bilateral relations, including investment co-operation programmes and projects which have captured special attention in recent times.

According to Deputy Minister Phuong, despite facing many uncertainties and challenges in terms of the world economic and political situation since the seventh session, economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries have always been a pillar in the strategic partnership, achieving several remarkable developments.

France remains the nation’s fourth largest trading partner, whilst also being its second largest investor in the EU and taking the lead in Europe in providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam.

The fact shows that the two countries still boast huge potential for co-operation that needs to be exploited and developed in many aspects and through diverse forms.

The Vietnamese Deputy Minister outlined that relevant bilateral co-operation mechanisms, including the annual high-level economic dialogue, need to be actively promoted as a way of contributing to deepening the strategic partnership. This will contribute to bringing practical results consistent with orientations and conditions in each country towards an equal and mutually beneficial co-operative relationship in the future.

On the occasion, Deputy Minister Phuong also shared with his French partners the efforts made by the Vietnamese Government in promoting economic restructuring, proactive international integration, and improving the quality of economic growth based on increased productivity, innovation, creativity, and digital economic development.

At this meeting, the two sides stated that the mutual relationship has greatly progressed in a multitude of fields and also identified priority directions for future ties, including climate change response, green transformation, digital transformation, science and technology application, and semiconductor industry development.

The French side pledged to support Vietnam in training human resources and sharing experience moving forward, along with meeting Vietnam's development priorities.

At an earlier working session with the AFD, Deputy Minister Phuong and the French delegation discussed projects using AFD capital.

The French side is keen to accelerate projects that meet the selection criteria of the two sides for early implementation.

For projects that still have problems, the AFD hopes that the Vietnamese Government, through the Ministry of Planning and Investment, will create the best possible conditions for the projects to be deployed soon.

The Vietnamese side also expressed high hopes that the AFD will continue to support projects that the country is interested in and having difficulty with in terms of resources.

Vietnam therefore asked the AFD to continue to collaborate alongside the Ministry of Planning and Investment to improve and simplify administrative procedures, thereby bringing projects to life. The aim of this is to continue to attract special resources from the EU such as non-refundable aid, along with continued support for projects using AFD loans moving forward.

Six Vietnamese fencers competing in grand prix in China

Six Vietnamese athletes are participating in a fencing grand prix foil, scheduled to take place from May 17 to 19 in Shanghai, China.

According to the initial registration list, the team consists of female fencers Ha Thi Van Anh, Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, and Tran Hong Hanh, as well as male athletes Nguyen Minh Quang, Nguyen Van Hai, and Nguyen Truong Giang. Giang is assessed as a prominent figure.

Securing no spot in the official roster for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Vietnamese fencing team is preparing its squad to compete in the Asian championship to be held in Kuwait from June 22 to 27.

Acting President receives new Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on May 17 received newly-appointed Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki who came to present his credentials.

Congratulating the ambassador on starting his tenure in Vietnam, Xuan believed that with his experience in diplomacy and his contributions to the Vietnam-Japan ties in various previous positions, the ambassador will continue to contribute to promoting bilateral relations in the coming time.

She affirmed that the State, ministries, agencies, and localities of Vietnam will create favourable conditions for the ambassador to complete his duties.

Stressing Vietnam considers Japan a leading and long-term partner, the leader noted that in the coming time, the two sides should continue to practically and effectively implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded in November 2023, ensuring the interests of the two countries' people and making positive contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The two countries will enhance political trust through contacts and exchanges of delegations at all levels; continue to coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums, and promote Mekong - Japan cooperation.

Regarding economic cooperation - the main pillar of the two countries' relationship, the Acting President asked the two sides to continue to strengthen economic links and ensure economic security through investment and trade cooperation.

She hoped that Japan will continue to support Vietnam in its industrialisation and modernisation process, building an independent and self-reliant economy and implementing three strategic breakthroughs; provide new generation official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam in the fields of strategic infrastructure development, climate change response, and health care. Besides, the two countries will promote cooperation in new fields such as semiconductors, digital transformation, and green transition.

Welcoming Xuan’s suggestions, the Japanese ambassador stated that Japan will support Vietnam at the United Nations and regional and multilateral cooperation mechanisms to which Vietnam and Japan are members.

The diplomat said that the Japanese Government supports Vietnam in realising its goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045 with ODA loans as well as expanding cooperation in the fields which are strengths of both sides. He expressed his wish that Vietnam will continue to improve the business and investment environment and create more favourable conditions for Japanese businesses to operate in the country.

Painting exhibition on sentiment of OVs for President Ho Chi Minh opens in Hanoi

Up to 55 artworks by painter Dao Trong Ly on overseas Vietnamese’s (OVs) sentiment for President Ho Chi Minh are on display at an exhibition that opened in Hanoi on May 17.

Jointly organised by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Thailand-Vietnam Association in Nakhon Phanom province of Thailand, the event was held on the occasion of the 134th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (19/5/1890-2024).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum Nguyen Minh Anh noted that during his revolutionary life, President Ho Chi Minh lived in Thailand from July 1928 to November 1929. During the period, he expanded and strengthened the mass base of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, educated Vietnamese in Thailand to respect the customs of the Thai people and encouraged them to learn Thai and Vietnamese languages.

An emphasised that along with building revolutionary organisations, President Ho also instructed Vietnamese cadres who were operating in Thailand to help OVs improve their living conditions. The life and moral example of the late President always live on in the hearts of all Vietnamese people, whether living at home or abroad.

The exhibition featured the spirit of patriotism and respect for President Ho of the OVs community in general, overseas Vietnamese community in Thailand, Nakhon Phanom province and the painter in particular to remember and appreciate the great merits of President Ho.

The exhibition runs until May 22, after that all the paintings will be gifted to the museum.

Painter Dao Trong Ly was born in 1951 into a patriotic Vietnamese family in Nakhon Phanom. He used to be chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Thais in the province and teach Vietnamese to OV children. He has been managing the relic site dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Nakhon Phanom since 2018.

Hanoi voters confident in Party’s corruption fight

Voters in Hanoi have expressed their support and confidence in the Party and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during the fight against corruption.

At a May 17 meeting between the city's delegation of National Assembly (NA) deputies and permanent members of the municipal People’s Council, People’s Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee, Pham Ngoc Quynh from the VFF Committee said voters shared the view that the anti-corruption combat has been conducted under the drastic instructions, reflecting the strong determination of the Party and the State, with no tolerance to wrongdoing officials.

Local residents and voters are delighted at the socio-economic situation of the country and the city in particular, which is on track of recovery, the official said, adding they pay special heed to the appraisal of the Hanoi master plan for 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050 which has great importance in the long-term development of the capital city.

Quynh noted the voters' concern about the delayed projects in Hanoi and the country as a whole, badly affecting the lives of local residents, along with illegal construction on agricultural land. According to him, the relocation of residents for projects in some areas also poses problems, causing discontentment among the public. He said resettlement work of some projects, notably the Belt Road No. 4, has faced roadblocks in tracing land origin and land pricing, triggering public concern.

Other issues of public concern include pending projects, the Land Law, which will begin to take effect on July 1, ahead of the schedule set for January 1, 2025, along with soaring apartment prices, he continued.

The city VFF Committee’s Standing Board proposed the Government, ministries and agencies soon issue decrees and circulars guiding the implementation of the amended Land Law, and review and roll out social housing policies.

The board also suggested the Government supervise business activities in some fields that would greatly affect production and finance security like gold trading, and the NA closely monitor major public projects, including Belt Road No. 4, to avert wastefulness and other negative phenomena during the implementation.

The meeting took place ahead of the seventh session of the 15th legislature, scheduled to begin on May 20 and conclude on June 27.

"Meeting Korea 2024" programme marks 30 years of diplomacy with RoK

A "Meeting Korea 2024" programme was held in the southern province of Binh Duong on May 17 to mark the 30th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Upon addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang emphasised that the Vietnamese Government has always highlighted ​the contributions made by foreign investors, including those from the RoK, to the country’s ongoing socio-economic development.

She expressed her hope that both countries will continue to ramp up co-operation in spheres such as high-tech electronic equipment manufacturing, semiconductors, renewable energy, smart city development, tourism, and high-tech agriculture.

For his part, Vo Van Minh, chairman of the Binh Duong provincial People's Committee revealed that the locality has so far attracted nearly 4,300 foreign-invested projects capitalised at US$40.6 billion from 65 countries and territories worldwide.

Among them, the RoK represents the fifth largest investor with nearly 800 projects valued at US$3.4 billion. In line with this, Binh Duong has established bilateral co-operative relationships with 13 foreign localities,  including two RoK localities. 

Currently, the province aims to attract more foreign investors, especially Korean financiers who boast extensive experience in the hi-tech field, semiconductor chip industry, and advanced electronic products.

Minh pointed out that the province is constantly making strides to develop the digital economy and accelerate the green transformation process, whilst making use of clean and renewable energy to become a high-tech industrial center and a smart, civilised, and livable city.

On the occasion, the locality signed a co-operation agreement with Korean partners and hosted an exhibition displaying typical products from businesses of both countries.

Southern metropolis boosts comprehensive co-operation with RoK’s province

Nguyen Thi Le, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, welcomed a delegation on May 17 from the Gyeongsangbuk Provincial Council of the Republic of Korea (RoK), led by its chairman Bae Han Chul.

Le showed her elation at the strong development recorded in the mutual relationship, demonstrated through exchanges in many areas such as politics, economics, trade, investment, culture, and education.

Both nations officially upgraded ties to the level of “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in December, 2022, 30 years after the official establishment of their diplomatic relations on December 22, 1992.

The Southern metropolis regards the RoK as being one of its closest and most trustworthy partners, Le said, adding that the country is currently the city’s fourth largest investor, with nearly 2,200 projects under operation at a total investment value of US$5.5 billion.

Around 80,000 Korean citizens and 2,000 Korean businesses are based in the city, thereby contributing to its development and ramping up co-operative relations between the two countries.

Ho Chi Minh City has established friendly and co-operative relations with eight localities in the RoK, including Gyeongsangbuk province.

During the past few years the southern city and Gyeongsangbuk have launched a broad range of effective co-operation activities, such as working trips, supporting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, cultural exchanges, and trade facilitation.

Le said she hopes that the Gyeongsangbuk Provincial Council will incentivise Korean businesses and investors to seek greater co-operation activities in the southern city in key areas such as infrastructure development, innovation, bio-technology, automation, green economy and clean energy.

Bae Han Chul said that the both nations have a rich history of cultural exchanges, with the two country’s relations growing ever stronger.

Gyeongsangbuk has advantages in industry, information technology, high-tech agriculture, and tourism. Gyeongsangbuk’s strengths are areas that Ho Chi Minh City is paying attention to, which makes for great co-operation opportunities between the two localities.

The province also has a provincial representative office in the southern city, whilst many businesses from the province are partners with RoK corporations in Vietnam. This will further facilitate investment, trade, and cultural exchange activities between Ho Chi Minh City and Gyeongsangbuk.

Italian region, Vietnam keen to develop all-around co-operation

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung made a working visit to the Sardinia region from May 13 to May 15, meeting with local leaders and engaging in a string of activities aimed at bolstering economic, cultural, and educational co-operation.

During their meetings with the Vietnamese diplomat, the region’s leaders expressed high hopes that his visit will open up specific co-operation chances with the Vietnamese side in areas such as commerce, investment, maritime affairs, tourism, and education.

Alessandra Todde, president of the region, revealed a plan to send a delegation of local officials and businesses to visit Vietnam in order to explore further collaboration and investment opportunities moving forward.

For his part, Ambassador Hung pledged the Embassy’s co-ordination and support to serve with the organisation of the trip. He said that the nation is set to hold a co-operative conference between the localities of both countries in Italy at the end of the year, which will see invitations sent to Sardinian localities and businesses.

Giuseppe De Matteis, prefect of Sardinia's capital of Cagliari, applauded the contributions made by the Vietnamese community. He said both Sardinia and Italy currently require more labour, therefore urging the two countries to study and beef up linkages in this field.

Mayor of the city of Olbia Settimo Nizzi suggested intensifying locality-to-locality collaboration efforts, especially in tourism, cultural exchanges, and sports.

While in the region, the Ambassador partook in an event introducing Vietnam held by Cagliari’s chamber of commerce and business associations, as well as holding working sessions with the Confindustria of central-northern Sardinia, the Sardinia port authority, and the University of Cagliari.

The visit was part of the Embassy’s activities which seek to augment co-operation between Vietnam and southern Italian localities.

Hanoi seeks to build stronger links with Beijing

Nguyen Van Phong, vice secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, is leading a high-ranking municipal delegation to pay a working visit to China from May 15 to May 24.

Meeting with Liu Wei, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing and president of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee School, on May 16, Phong said that Hanoi has always taken heed to developing ties of friendship and co-operation with all Chinese localities, especially Beijing.

He therefore thanked Beijing for supporting the organisation of training courses for officials for the Hanoi Party Committee in the 2025 to 2030 tenure on the basis of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Hanoi Party Committee’s Organization Commission and the Beijing Municipal Party Committee School.

Phong hailed the relations between both countries in general, as well as the partnership between Hanoi and Beijing in particular, while voicing his hope that the Hanoi-Beijing relationship will become a model for future locality-to-locality co-operation between the two countries.

Briefing the host on Hanoi’s socio-economic situation, he said that during this visit, the delegation is keen to learn of Beijing’s experience in preserving and promoting values of heritages, developing cultural industries, and local press management.

Phong therefore proposed future collaboration orientations between the two cities, including maintaining bilateral exchanges and meetings at all levels and expanding linkages in culture. Hanoi has asked for Beijing’s assistance to the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre in restoring ancient palaces serving the research, conservation, and promotion of values of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage, specifically focusing on restoring Kinh Thien palace.

He also suggested that both sides should foster a partnership in personnel training, while working together to step up communications on the significance of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership and the Hanoi-Beijing relations through people-to-people exchange activities, especially with the involvement of youngsters, he said.

Phong also emphasized the need for the two cities to promote the bilateral economic and investment partnership. Hanoi welcomes and backs Beijing’s enterprises to invest and expand operations in the capital, especially in new fields such as digital transformation, green growth, renewable energy, the circular economy, and environmental protection.

He used the occasion to invite leaders of the Party Committee and administration of Beijing to visit Hanoi in October to mark the occasion of the 30-year partnership between the two cities and celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Liberation Day of Hanoi.

In reply, Liu highlighted the Hanoi delegation’s visit as a means of contributing to realising the common perceptions reached between leaders of the two cities and expanding the co-operation between the two sides.

Beijing and Hanoi boast huge potential and conditions to enhance their friendship for common benefits, he said, adding that Beijing consented to work alongside Hanoi to further deepen bilateral ties.

Agreeing with Phong’s proposals, Liu requested that the two cities focus on increasing collaboration through the Party channel; exchanging experience in city governance; maintaining exchanges; and boosting co-operation in economics, digital transformation, training, youth exchange, and expanding partnership to new areas such as culture, communications, and tourism.

The two sides agreed to continue boosting the bilateral relationship, making it a model for locality-to-locality co-operation between the two nations.

Following the meeting, the Hanoi delegation and Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai attended the closing of a training course for officials planned for the Hanoi Party Committee in the 2025 to 2030 tenure at the Beijing Municipal Party Committee School.

Later on the same day, they attended an art programme and a photo exhibition to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hanoi-Beijing friendship.

Vietnamese Pho leaves impression at Czech cook show

Pho, a Vietnamese traditional noodle soup, left an impression among diners at ASEAN Cook Show 2024, which was hosted by the ASEAN Committee in Prague (ACP) on May 16.

The event saw the participation of a large number of chefs from famous restaurants and hotels of ASEAN member countries in Prague and guests from diplomatic corps in the Czech Republic.

Vietnamese chefs showed participants how to prepare, process, and enjoy Pho, and its meaning.

Chefs from other ASEAN countries brought typical dishes of Southeast Asia such as Laab Gai (Thailand), Suman (Philippines), Bebek Betutu (Indonesia), Roji Jaja & and Kari Ayam (Malaysia), and Shwe Htamin (Myanmar).

Addressing the event, Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam said Pho is one of the most typical dishes of Vietnam, chosen to represent Vietnam on the world culinary map.

The diplomat applauded the ACP's initiative to promote the quintessence of Southeast Asia's culinary culture to Czech people and international friends.

Along with the history of formation and development of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, Vietnamese cuisine is also becoming increasingly popular in the European nation with more and more Vietnamese restaurants opening./.

President Ho Chi Minh's birthday celebrated in Germany

The Vietnamese Embassy in Germany has organised several activities to celebrate the 134th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 - 2024), a great leader of the Vietnamese people and the working class and an eminent soldier of the workers' movement and the international communist movement.

One of the activities was a visit by the embassy delegation to the family of Le Duc Duong who met the leader twice.

Duong, who now resides in Hoppegarten city, Brandenburg state, recounted the story of his meetings with the leader in 1955 when he was preparing to study in German, and two year later on the occasion of President Ho Chi Minh's state visit to the European nation.

On May 17, an incense offering ceremony was held at the embassy to commemorate the late president.

The same day, members of the embassy's Party organisation attended an online conference held by the Party committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the implementation of Conclusion No. 01-KL/TW dated May 18, 2021, of the Politburo on promoting the work of studying and following late President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality, and style in 2021 - 2024.

Organisations and individuals that made outstanding achievements in the movement were commended and rewarded at the event./.

Vietnamese embassy in Poland proactively supports OVs affected by fire incident

The Vietnamese Embassy in Poland on May 17 started receiving and processing documents for Vietnamese nationals who lost their papers in the fire at the Marywilska 44 shopping centre in Warsaw, with many people getting new documents in as little as one hour after submitting their applications.

Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai, immediately after the incident, the embassy promptly dispatched a delegation to the scene to coordinate with local authorities and the Vietnamese association in Poland to visit and support affected individuals, and took citizen protection measures.

The embassy has also collaborated with local authorities to request an investigation of the cause of the fire and ensure the full legal rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens in the country, he said.

For those who lost their personal documents in the fire, the embassy has promptly provided assistance by swiftly issuing replacements, enabling them to continue their legal residence in the Central European nation, thus restoring business activities, and gradually stabilising their lives.

Liwiusz Laska, a representative of the Polish Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy, highly valued the information sharing and cooperation of the Vietnamese Embassy, saying that relevant Polish agencies and authorities are actively supporting traders affected by the fire incident which occurred on May 12.

The Marywilska 44 shopping centre housed an estimated 400 Vietnamese small traders with nearly 600 stalls. Additionally, hundreds of Vietnamese workers found employment in stalls, nail salons, and restaurants within the complex.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Poland can be reached via the following hotlines: 48 782 257 359 and 48 601 925 288./.

Ninh Binh looks to promote trade cooperation with France's Paris Ile-de-France region

Ninh Binh commits to providing the most favourable conditions for all foreign investors and businesses, including French ones, to explore investment opportunities in the northern locality, Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council Mai Van Tuat has said.

In a meeting with representatives from the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France) as part of his working visit to France from May 15-17, Tuat briefed the host on Ninh Binh's potential and advantages for investment attraction, saying that the locality has been consistently and effectively implementing its green and sustainable economic development orientations.

With its strategic location, open policies, competitive incentives, and unique identity, Ninh Binh is said to be a safe and attractive destination for foreign investors, he stressed, noting that with its sustainable development, Ninh Binh prioritises projects of high-quality and value-added products.

The official expressed his hope that Ninh Binh will have an opportunity to expand development cooperation with French companies in areas such as processing and manufacturing industries, high-tech agriculture, ecotourism, and logistics.

He called on CCI Paris Île-de-France to support Ninh Binh in human resources training, environmental protection, preservation and promotion of heritage values, and tourism development, thus helping the locality take new steps in economic cooperation and investment with French investors.

Represenatives from CCI Paris Ile-de-France introduced operating models and services provided by the agency, saying that it plays a crucial role in promoting innovative initiatives.

It works to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises in penetrating new markets, protecting economic interests of businesses, and providing solutions to unleash potential and promote growth, they said.

According to Pierre Mongrué, Deputy Director General in charge of international cooperation at CCI Paris Ile-de-France, there are many potential areas for further cooperation between the two sides in the future.

He expressed his belief that France will serve as a gateway for Ninh Binh to access the EU market with over 400 million people, and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will provide a legal basis and create favourable mechanisms to help Vietnamese businesses in general, and those in Ninh Binh in particular, penetrate this market.

During their stay, Ninh Binh's delegation met with representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in France, visited and laid flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Montreau Park, and toured the Ho Chi Minh Space in the Living History Museum in Montreuil city./.

President Ho Chi Minh's birthday marked in Cambodia

An incense offering ceremony was held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia on May 17 in celebration of the 134th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 - 2024), a great leader of the Vietnamese people and the working class and an eminent soldier of the workers' movement and the international communist movement.

In his speech, Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang highlighted the fruitful development of relations between Vietnam and Cambodia with substantive and effective achievements across fields from political, diplomatic, defence - security, and economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Party orrganisations of Vietnamese representative agencies have implemented successfully political tasks in all areas, from politics, economics, national defense and security, culture, citizen protection, and those related to people of the Vietnamese origin in Cambodia.

He took the occasion to call on Party members, officials, the business community, and the Vietnamese community in Cambodia to continue studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality and lifestyle; and exert efforts to fulfill all tasks of 2024 in all aspects.

He suggested the Vietnamese community in Cambodia uphold the tradition of solidarity and mutual support to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strictly abide by laws of the host country.

The diplomat also urged them to make more contributions to the homeland, and continue to serve as a solid bridge for the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship./.

Vietnam eyes to boost science, technology cooperation with Brazil

Ambassador of Vietnam to Brazil Bui Van Nghi has emphasised that cooperation in science and technology is one of the priority areas between the two countries, especially in telecommunications, high technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, quantum science, aerospace, and aviation.

During a recent working session with Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Luciana Santos, the Vietnamese diplomat underlined the necessity of establishing a joint commission on science, technology, and innovation between the two countries to promote bilateral cooperation, saying that Vietnam desires to learn from Brazil's experience in bioethanol technology, agricultural product processing industry, mining, climate change adaptation, and space technology in the near future.

He highly valued Brazil's aviation technology, including narrow-body aircraft produced by Embraer, which are suitable for Vietnam's aviation and tourism transportation demand.

Regarding the historic floods that caused significant human, property, and infrastructure losses in Brazil in recent times, the ambassador emphasised that the Government and people of Vietnam always stand in solidarity with Brazil during this difficult time.

For her part, Minister Luciana Santos said Vietnam has become an attractive destination for foreign enterprises and companies specialising in producing chips and semiconductors, therefore, potential for cooperation between the two countries is enormous.

She expressed her impression for Vietnam's achievements in science and technology after her working visit to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in November 2023.

Santos affirmed that science, technology, and innovation are among the priorities in Brazil's foreign policy, and her country is making efforts to promote the implementation of agreements signed with Vietnam.

The official revealed that a delegation of Brazilian experts will visit and work with the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam at the end of this month./.

President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday marked in Havana

Representatives of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) and the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba have laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Park in Havana to mark the 134th birthday of the Vietnamese late leader (May 19, 1890-2024).

The ceremony drew ICAP President Fernando González Llort, Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam Nguyen Van Tien, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long, as well as representatives of many agencies and organisations of Cuba and the Vietnamese community in the country.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Long highlighted the legacy left by President Ho Chi Minh, a national liberation hero, an eminent revolutionary of the national liberation movement and international communist and workers' movements, a world figure of culture, and the beloved leader of Vietnamese people.

Also on May 19, 129 years ago, Cuban hero José Martí fell down during the struggle for national liberation of Cuba, he noted, holding that this was a coincidence of the two leaders. Vietnam and Cuba also share the common spirit of patriotism and ideology values, he stated.

The desire for freedom and independence of each nation and the progressive ideology of each nation's historical leaders formed a solid foundation for Vietnam and Cuba to cultivate a faithful and lasting friendship, the diplomat emphasised.

For his part, Vice President of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association Ruvislei González Sáez affirmed that the ideology of President Ho Chi Minh, one of the most important figures of the 20th century, has remained alive among the 100 million people of Vietnam and revolutionaries in the world.

González Sáez honoured the late leader as a figure with universal stature, a great revolutionary who fought tirelessly for the best cause of Vietnam and humanity, and a very great man who was also very humble.

The Cuban scholar said that his organisation and the ICAP as well as the Havana University hope to study more deeply into the Ho Chi Minh ideology and promote the Vietnamese leader's legacy in the new era.

He expressed his belief that the future generations of the two countries will inherit the eternal values left by the leader, promoting the growth of the two countries in peace and heading to socialism, while fostering the special ties between the two nations.

At the ceremony, local children performed songs, dances and poems honouring President Ho Chi Minh and the special solidarity between the two nations./.

Vietnam to search for medals at Sepaktakraw World Cup

Vietnamese athletes are in Malaysia and ready to compete at the International Sepaktakraw (rattan ball kicking) Federation World Cup from May 18 to 26 at the Titiwangsa Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.

Twenty-one countries will take part in the tournament. Vietnam are among 12 teams in the top Premier Division with nine are in Division One.

Vietnam are in Group B with China and India in the double event while they play powerhouse Thailand and Indonesia in the regu (three players in each team) category.

At the last event, Thailand won four golds in both two classes for men and women. Vietnam took two silvers in the women's competitions.

This year, no women's tournament is taking place./.

Ninh Binh enhances trade links with Paris Ile-de-France region

The northern province of Ninh Binh pledges to offer the best possible conditions for all foreign investors and businesses, including those from France, to explore investment opportunities in the locality.

Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council Mai Van Tuat made the statement at a meeting with representatives from the Paris Île-de-France Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France) as part of his working visit to France from May 15-17.

Tuat briefed the host on Ninh Binh's potential and advantages for investment attraction, saying that the locality has been consistently and effectively carrying out its green and sustainable economic development orientations.

With its strategic location, open policies, competitive incentives, and unique identity, Ninh Binh is said to be a safe and attractive destination for foreign investors, he emphasized, adding that with its sustainable development, Ninh Binh prioritizes projects of high-quality and value-added products.

The official voiced his hope that Ninh Binh will have an opportunity to expand development cooperation with French companies in such fields as processing and manufacturing industries, high-tech agriculture, ecotourism, and logistics.

He called on CCI Paris Île-de-France to support Ninh Binh in human resources training, environmental protection, preservation and promotion of heritage values, and tourism development, thus helping the locality take new steps in economic cooperation and investment with French investors.

Representatives from CCI Paris Ile-de-France introduced operating models and services provided by the agency, saying that it plays a crucial role in promoting innovative initiatives.

It works to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises in penetrating new markets, protecting economic interests of businesses, and providing solutions to fully tap potential and promote growth, they said.

According to Pierre Mongrué, Deputy Director General in charge of international cooperation at CCI Paris Ile-de-France, there are many potential areas for broader cooperation between both sides in the time ahead.

He expressed his confidence that France will serve as a gateway for Ninh Binh to access the EU market with over 400 million people, and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will provide a legal basis and create favourable mechanisms to help Vietnamese businesses in general, and those in Ninh Binh in particular, penetrate the potential market.

During their stay, Ninh Binh's delegation met with Vietnamese Embassy representatives in France, laid flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Montreau Park, and toured the Ho Chi Minh Space in the Living History Museum in Montreuil city.

Overseas Vietnamese artist displays President Hồ Chí Minh pictures at national museum

Việt Nam Fine Arts Museum (VNFAM) has opened an exhibition displaying President Hồ Chí Minh paintings by overseas Vietnamese artist Đào Trọng Lý.

The exhibition entitled The Sentiment of An Overseas Vietnamese Artist towards Uncle Hồ is held by VNFAM in collaboration with the Vietnamese Association in Nakhon Phanom Province in Thailand. It celebrates the 134th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh’s birthday which falls on May 19.

Some fifty paintings illustrate Uncle Hồ’s revolutionary career, from the early days as he left to find a path to save the country, through every step and milestone of his special history.

"We see from these artworks the image of an outstanding leader with his simple life, compassionate love and care for people from all walks of life," said Nguyễn Anh Minh, the VNFAM's director at the opening ceremony.

All the paintings were drawn by Lý, a collection started in 2018, when he started managing the Memorial Site of President Hồ Chí Minh in Nakhon Phanom Province.

With his heartfelt love and profound gratitude towards Uncle Hồ and based on the photos and documents he found, Lý created the artworks hoping to provide Vietnamese people in Thailand, as well as Thai people themselves, with a better understanding of President Hồ Chí Minh’s life and career.

During his revolutionary career, President Hồ Chí Minh used to live in Thailand and was active there between July 1928 until November 1929, devoting himself to teaching Vietnamese expats of his patriotism and revolutionary ideals.

“I hope that the exhibition visitors will have a good impression of Uncle Hồ. It is a chance for me to express my respect to him, " Lý said.

Lý was born in 1951 in Nakhon Phanom. He used to be chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Nakhon Phanom Province and is currently one of the heads of the Vietnamese Association's Consultation Section in Thailand.

Lý will present all the paintings to the museum after the exhibition.

The exhibition opens daily at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học Street. 

Tiền Giang Province seeks to climate-proof aquaculture

Tiền Giang Province is seeking to develop aquaculture adapted to climate change to improve efficiency and create more rural livelihoods.

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province has developed farming models for a number of aquatic species suitable for various localities.

They include advanced extensive shrimp farming, intensive shrimp farming, shrimp - rice farming, and high - tech shrimp farming in the coastal Gò Công Đông and Tân Phú Đông districts.  

In Tân Phú Đông, also a riverine island, it has zoned major aquaculture areas.

These localities breed mostly white-legged shrimp, black-tiger shrimp and other brackish water and saltwater aquatic species of high value. 

Gò Công Đông District is developing concentrated aquaculture areas for farming black tiger shrimp and white-legged shrimp for export, and a 2,200ha clam breeding area on the coast in combination with ecological-marine tourism.

To cope with climate change, the province has established shrimp - rice farming areas on a total of 130ha in Tân Phú Đông District.

Under the model, farmers breed shrimps in the dry season to cope with saltwater intrusion and grow rice in the rainy season on the same fields.

They earn average profits of VNĐ50 - 70 million (US$2,000 – 2,700) per hectare per year.

Cai Lậy and Cái Bè districts and Cai Lậy Town, in the upstream areas of the Tiền river, are expanding breeding of freshwater species with high value such as bighead catfish, tra and carp.

The province targets a harvest of 320,000 tonnes of seafood -- from both aquaculture and fishing -- this year, according to its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

That will be from more than 14,700ha and with an estimated output of more than 200,000 tonnes.

The prices of the province’s key aquatic species have increased this year, bringing high profits and helping stabilise the lives of farmers, he added.

The price of black tiger shrimp is VNĐ175,000 - 200,000 ($7-8) a kilogramme, up VNĐ10,000 - 25,000 from last month.

The price of tra fish is VNĐ27,500 - 28,000, up VNĐ1,500 - 2,000.

Farmers who breed shrimp under the high-tech farming method have had a bumper harvest and high prices during the last off-season harvest.

The province has 38ha ofcatfish bred up to good agricultural practices (GAP) standards and 2,000ha of clam with Aquaculture Stewardship Council quality certification.

Shrimp - rice farmers in Tân Phú Đông District grow rice to GlobalGAP standards and meet shrimp biosafety standards.

The province’s seafood exports mostly include tra fish, shrimp, clam, cuttlefish, and frog. 

New bicycles delivered to disadvantage students in Quảng Nam

Another round of new bicycles has been delivered to disadvantaged students in the underprivileged districts of Phước Sơn and Duy Xuyên districts in the central province by the not-for-profit charity Lifestart Foundation (Australia), in partnership with the provincial Union of Friendship Organisations.

Lifestart Foundation said the programme provided a total of 55 bicycles, valued at VNĐ100 million (US$3900), to help secondary school students facing hardships in the two districts.

All students in the mountainous Phước Sơn District belong to the Giẻ Triêng ethnic group.

According to a report from the province, Phước Sơn and Duy Xuyên are still struggling with disadvantages, finding it hard to learn and to get in to classes.

The mountainous district of Phước Sơn alone is one of the six impoverished districts of the province, as defined by the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index for the period from 2021 to 2025.

The district has 27 schools at all levels with over 8,000 students, 75 per cent of whom are from ethnic communities.

The primary goal of this initiative is to facilitate easier school commuting for these students who come from families facing significant financial burdens, including single-parent families, orphans, families with illnesses or unstable job conditions, low-income earners and parents working far from home.

Living in remote villages, these students faced exhausting daily journeys to and from school, either being forced to walk long distances, or needing to beg lifts.

Karen Leonard OAM, founder of Lifestart Foundation, said: "Apart from supporting disadvantaged students with Lifestart Foundation Education Scholarships, we are thrilled to provide transportation to the broader community. The provision of much-needed bicycles will enable these students to travel to school safely and conveniently, maximising their learning potential. We also hope this provision will motivate them to overcome life's difficulties."

The bicycle donation for disadvantaged students in the province is one of many community projects undertaken by Lifestart Foundation every year.

In 2023, the Foundation provided bicycles to students in the Phước Sơn and Nam Giang districts, donated smart televisions and facilitated clean water systems in remote schools across Quảng Nam, along with presenting gift sets to Ca Dong ethnic students and milk to disadvantaged patients at the province General Hospital.

Earlier this year, they donated essential items to ethnic minority students at Phan Châu Trinh Secondary School, while also awarding General Medicine and Residency Scholarships to exceptionally talented students from central Việt Nam.

The charity plans to continue to support many more community projects, including installing clean water systems in remote districts of Bắc Trà My and Phước Sơn.

Last year, more than 2,500 children from kindergartens and primary schools in the mountainous districts of Tiên Phước, Quế Sơn, Nông Sơn and Phước Sơn were able to access clean and drinkable water thanks to new systems installed with support from the Lifestart Foundation. 

Swiss reporter shows impression with Vietnam’s outstanding position

Vietnam has never received such attention, reflected through the establishment and signing of economic deals and partnership agreements with foreign partners, according to an article highlighting Vietnam’s outstanding position in the region, posted on the Tribune de Geneva newspaper by Alain Jourdan.

The author affirmed that a series of economic reforms initiated from 1986, along with globalisation, have transformed Vietnam from one of the poor countries in the world to a middle-income country in just one generation.

Vietnam attaches great importance to multilateral mechanisms and forums, as its foreign policy, built over the past decades, has looked towards becoming a friend of every country in the world, most specifically the agreements with the US and China in 2023.

It can be said that Vietnam is on track to become a key country at the heart of the region that the world is looking towards, the reporter wrote. He also shared more impressions with Vietnam's economic development situation, highlighting his expectation that the country will record the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia in 2024, at 6-6.5%.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency reporters in Geneva, Jourdan shared his assessment about Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy.

He said that Vietnam shows ingenuity in managing its relations with major countries, and its hope to establish balanced relationships to increasingly demonstrate its role in the international arena and at multilateral forums./.

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