Situated in the central province of Quang Binh, Son Doong Cave has been ranked seventh among the world’s best subterranean sights worth a visit, by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) of Hong Kong (China).

Tim Pile, a lifestyle and travel journalist of SCMP, retold the discovery of the cave by a team of British cave explorers led by cave expert Howard Limbert, through a local farmer, in 2008. The cave, which is at least five kilometres in length, has been recognised as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records.

The SCMP reported that besides underground rivers and lakes, a thriving jungle ecosystem, 400-million-year-old fossils, and spectacular geological formations, the cave is home to a series of rare species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

Topping the list of the world’s seven best subterranean sights was Tham Luang Nang Non in northern Thailand, which became famous worldwide after the drama of a youth football team’s rescue by divers made global headlines in 2018.

Other places to feature on the list were the Paris Catacombs in France, Cold War bunkers in Albania, Reed Flute Cave in China, Malinta Tunnel in the Philippines, and the National Coal Mining Museum for England in the UK.

Vietnam and Australia co-host online course on sustainable tourism

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) are co-running an online course aimed at earning a micro-certificate on sustainable tourism.

The course helps to improve learners’ understanding regarding the principles and application of sustainable tourism, as well as measures to promote co-operation among businesses and their capacity to adapt to climate change.

The course is designed specifically for the managers and employees of travel firms who wish to implement or enhance sustainable practices in their operations. It focuses on practical and strategic measures which tourism firms can take to effectively manage their own sustainable development.

Through the course, learners are expected to gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to create positive and impactful changes in their organisations and the local tourism industry as a whole.

Students can self-study for between four and five hours with the online course being completed before June 8.

Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 to take place in June

The 2024 Nha Trang Tourism Sea Festival in the South-Central province of Khanh Hoa will take place from June 13 - 16 with a wide range of events, organizers said at a press conference in the province on May 23.

This year's festival will include a variety of outdoor activities and events, offering a close interaction to locals and visitors to experience the unique features of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa tourism, Director of the Tourism Department of Khanh Hoa Province Nguyen Thi Le Thanh said.

There will be about 200 stalls displaying and selling tourism products and services, local specialties of regions throughout the country, and music and dance performances.

It is an opportunity for businesses to promote their brands, products, and services to the people of Khanh Hoa Province, domestic and international tourists as well as boost tourism growth of Khanh Hoa Province aiming to become a centrally-run city by 2030, she added.

At the press conference, the Director of the provincial Department of Tourism also announced that the Ever Glamor Nha Trang (EGN) 2024 (also known as Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival) is scheduled to take place in July.

The EGN 2024 themed “Brilliant Galaxy” will attract four teams from South Korea, China, France, and the UAE. In the competition, each pair of teams will compete against each other in one night.

HCMC’s Southern Fruit Festival 2024 to take place next week

The HCMC annual largest fruit festival 2024 will return to Suoi Tien Cultural Park in Thu Duc City on June 1- August 31.

This year’s event themed “Happy Farming Journey” features a series of activities calling for the spirit of solidarity, joining hands to protect and take action for a green, clean, and healthy environment.

The event will have various activities including an exhibition of unique fruits from countries around the world that are planted in Suoi Tien Farm, a fruit market, a food fair, a delicious fruit contest, carving art with fruit and vegetables, and art performances.

Notably, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase fruits at discounted prices and free admission for children under 1.4m, and a 50-percent discount on the full price of the ticket for students with certificates of merit for their excellent academic performance.

The event is organized by the Suoi Tien Culture Tourism Joint Stock Company, the Union of Friendship Organizations of HCMC, the HCMC Department of Tourism, the People’s Committee of Thu Duc City, and relevant departments.

Vietnam posts nearly 11 billion USD in tourism revenue

The number of international visitors increased by 68% over the same period last year, according to statistics of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

In April alone, the country welcomed over 1.5 million foreign holidaymakers. In particular, the number of travelers to Vietnam in the four months was 3.9% higher than the pre-COVID-19 period, indicating positive recovery and development of the tourism sector.

The Republic of Korea remained Vietnam’s largest source of foreign tourists with 1.6 million arrivals, accounting for some 26% of the total international arrivals. It was followed by China, Taiwan (China), the US and Japan.

Quang Ninh was among localities with the biggest foreign arrivals in the period. The province has set a target to attract over 17 million visitors, including 3 million international ones this year./.

High-demand overseas jobs in Vietnam

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) revealed that 48,363 Vietnamese people were sent to work abroad in the first four months of 2024, marking an increasing labor force outflow.

The agency said it is seeking new markets to provide more options for those interested, especially in the higher-income labor markets.

According to the MoLISA's Center of Overseas Labor, foreign demand for Vietnamese labor is rising, especially in large markets like South Korea. The number of workers registered for the first round of the Korean language exam is three times the annual quota, reaching nearly 45,000 people, making a record in all Korean language exams.

However, the center reported that South Korea's quota for workers from Vietnam is only 15,400 people in 2024. The manufacturing sector accounts for more than 80% of the total number of language test takers, with over 36,000 people, while the recruitment quota is only over 11,000 people.

Pham Ngoc Lan, Deputy Director of the Center for Overseas Labor, said that only 58% of candidates in the three categories of construction, agriculture, and fishing passed the Korean language exam, but over 90% successfully completed the skills test. Workers who pass the two rounds of exams can then apply for recruitment and be introduced to Korean employers.

"The exam is strictly organized, with South Korea overseeing the entire process. Candidates caught cheating will have their results annulled and be banned from taking the exam for four years. Despite the stringent requirements, the number of registered candidates has far exceeded the allotted quota, underscoring the immense demand among Vietnamese workers to secure employment in South Korea," Lan said.

Despite the depreciation of the Japanese yen, which has resulted in lower incomes, the interest of Vietnamese workers in the Japanese job market has continued to grow unabated, Executive Director of Tadashi Manpower JSC Le Thuy Hang told Cong an Nhan dan Newspaper.

She added that the Japanese market still has a strong appeal for workers because of its welfare system, culture and work environment, and easy and convenient visa extension policy, which allows them to pursue higher salaries and longer-term employment in Japan.

The yen's depreciation is only temporary, and wage levels are still attractive for workers, she stressed.

"Another reason is the benefits offered by Japanese companies to workers, so the number of workers going to Japan is constantly increasing," she said. "In recent years, Vietnamese workers going to Japan have always accounted for more than half of the annual number of Vietnamese guest workers."

The MoLISA said that one of the key tasks of this agency is to maintain a firm foothold in traditional markets and open up new ones.

For large traditional markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China's Taiwan, the parties have conducted regular exchanges and promoted cooperation in labor relations.

The ministry has proposed expanding Japanese visa categories for Vietnamese workers in the restaurant and food processing industries, where recent surveys show Vietnam has clear advantages and immense demand.

Meanwhile, for new markets such as Hungary, the ministry has asked partners to clarify legal issues to support the deployment of Vietnamese workers.

At the same time, the partner can support Vietnamese workers by facilitating the issuance of work visas and providing language training to Vietnamese recruitment agencies.

Expanding potential markets is one of the key tasks for the overseas worker program in 2024, according to the agency. The Saudi Arabian market is new and promising for Vietnamese guest workers. Currently, there are about 5,000 people laboring in Saudi Arabia, mostly in domestic work, construction, and restaurant services. This number does not fully reflect the huge potential for labor cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy Minister of MoLISA Nguyen Ba Hoan said the potential for labor cooperation between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia is enormous, but the results have not been commensurate.

Therefore, he added that these potential markets will also be a focus for expansion to provide more opportunities for Vietnamese workers who want to work abroad.

In 2024, Vietnam plans to send about 125,000 workers abroad under contract. By the end of April, the number had reached 48,363.

The MoLISA will continue to strengthen and improve the quality of Vietnamese contract workers sent abroad.

Phu Quoc hosts int’l culinary week to celebrate World Wellness Day

Renowned JW Marriott chefs from Vietnam and Thailand will join a special gastronomy extravaganza to take place in Phu Quoc Island to mark World Wellness Day.

The special week-long event, where gastronomy and sustainability converge to create an unforgettable experience for all food connoisseurs, aims to showcase a curated selection of the finest sustainable dishes crafted by the renowned chefs dedicated to preserving the planet while delighting palates.

The Sustainable Culinary Week, running June 6-10 at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, promises to tantalize the taste buds and ignite a passion for environmentally conscious dining like never before.

Foodies will have the opportunity to savor the finest dishes, from sea- and farm-to- table delicacies to innovative plant-based creations, prepared with ethically sourced, organic ingredients, complemented by a selection of wines, creative cocktails, and artisanal beverages that embody the spirit of sustainability.

Engaging in the event are JW Marriott resident chefs from Hanoi and Phu Quoc Island with guest chefs from JW Bangkok and Khao Lak.

Each food and beverage outlet will showcase its exclusive and innovative culinary delights. The all-day dining extravaganza at Tempus Fugit serves up a mesmerizing fusion of Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and international dishes, curated by the resort’s resident chefs and guest chefs from JW Marriott Bangkok and Khao Lak.

At Red Rum, the beachfront restaurant entices with a unique blend of Latin American and Japanese cuisine, showcasing delicacies like An Thoi shrimp maki and Phu Quoc cobia sashimi.

Guests also can dive into the vibrant tapestry of Phu Quoc’s local culture through a series of enriching experiences. They can explore the island's agricultural wonders on chef-guided tours to local honeybee farms, pepper plantations, and the iconic fish sauce village or engage in hands-on cooking classes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase Phu Quoc's rich culinary heritage.

Coffee enthusiasts can indulge in coffee-making workshops, where they'll discover the art of brewing Vietnamese coffee./.

HCM City Oncology Hospital's new branch overrun within a year of opening

Thousands of cancer patients are awaiting check-ups and treatment at the branch of the HCM City Oncology Hospital in Thủ Đức City, causing a persistent overload at the largest oncology hospital in the South.

The 1,000-bed hospital, opened in February last year, gets 4,700-4,800 patients a day and has 950 patients at a time, according to statistics it released.

Around 1,000-1,100 patients undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy every day.

Nguyễn Mai Hà Vy, 45, arrived at the hospital for radiotherapy at 8am on May 18, but had to wait until afternoon.

Vy has been getting treatment for cervical cancer for the past year.

“I have to wait hours to see the doctor every time I travel to the hospital from Bình Phước Province,” she said.

Nguyễn Thị Quê, 65, travelled through the night from Phú Quý Island off Bình Thuận and arrived at the hospital in the morning, but was told to wait until 2:30pm to get ultrasound.

“I had to spend a night at a rental room nearby to wait for the endoscopy,” she said.

“There is no specialised cancer hospital in my hometown. That is why I have to travel far from home.”

Dr Trần Đặng Ngọc Linh, head of the department of gynaecological radiotherapy, said the 13 radiotherapy machines at the hospital operate at full capacity from early in the morning until 9pm every day, but have yet to meet the demand.

A cancer patient has to wait at least three weeks for radiotherapy, and around 500-600 of them are in the waiting list, she said.

In 2023, nearly 800,000 patients visited the hospital for examination, and doctors performed nearly 37,000 surgeries and more than 180,000 people received radiotherapy.

Nearly 300,000 patients were treated with internal medicine.

Dr Diệp Bảo Tuấn, deputy director of the hospital, said the number of cancer patients visiting the hospital has increased steadily over the years.

More than 80 per cent of patients admitted to the hospital come from other cities and provinces, resulting in a severe overload, he said.

As some cancers are likely to be managed routinely and many patients live long with cancer due to improved treatment, the number of patients has increased over the years, he said.

The hospital has taken a number of measures to reduce its load, including booking appointments online and extending the working hours from 4:30am to 10pm.

It has speeded up technology transfer and training for hospitals in Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta, southeastern region and Central Highlands to enhance their treatment capacity.

Dr Lê Tuấn Anh, director of Chợ Rẫy Hospital’s oncology centre, said the patient overload affects the quality of treatment.

It is necessary to set up cancer treatment centres at other cities and provinces to prevent patients from travelling to HCM City for treatment, he said.

Around 345,000 people live with cancer in Việt Nam.

The most common are cancers of the breast, liver and lung, according to the Ministry of Health.

With around 180,000 new cancer cases and 120,000 deaths each year, Việt Nam is among the countries with a moderate cancer rate but high mortality rate, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) statistics for 2022.

Friendship orders, medals bestowed upon Russian citizens

Vietnam’s friendship orders and medals have been conferred upon members of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association who have made significant contributions to the bilateral solidarity, friendship, and cooperation.

According to a decision signed on December 27, 2023 by the President of Vietnam, the two vice presidents of the association were presented with the friendship orders, while four members of its executive board were awarded the friendship medal, including one posthumously.

At the awarding ceremony held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Moscow on May 23, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam -Russia Friendship Association Trinh Quoc Khanh read out the decision, acknowledging the contributions of the six laureates to fostering the traditional friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding shared between the two countries' people. The awardees include a military expert who assisted Vietnam during the war, a lecturer of Vietnamese language, a professor of Oriental studies, and a long-time activist.

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son stressed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people always remember and are grateful for the significant, comprehensive, selfless, sincere, and noble assistance of the former Soviet Union and the present Russian Federation to Vietnam during its past struggle for national liberation as well as its current cause of national construction and defence process.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi stressed that regardless of circumstances, the friendship and loyalty between the two countries will never change.

On behalf of the recipients, Vladimir Ruvimov, a former military expert in Vietnam and Vice President of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, expressed his pride in standing shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people and helping the country to put an end to the war and restore peace and freedom./.

Vietnamese culinary delights shine at Seoul Friendship Festival

Vietnam’s food booth has made a strong impression at the 2024 Seoul Friendship Festival, which takes place from May 24-26 and gathers representatives and residents from over 70 countries living, working, and studying in the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Vietnam is presenting its popular dishes such as Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Nem Ran (fried spring rolls), prepared by staff from Vietnamese representative offices in the East Asian nation.

The Seoul authorities said that the festival is a global event celebrating diverse cultures from around the world, with this year’s theme spotlighting the capital city and the world through culture. The 2024 edition also sees the highest number of participating countries since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual event has been held since 1996./.

UNESCO report on technology in education launched

The 2023 Southeast Asia Report – Technology in Education was launched in Hanoi on May 24 by UNESCO and the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences in partnership with the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report Team based in UNESCO.

Themed “Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms”, the 2023 GEM Report for Southeast Asia covers analysis of 11 countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. It stated that technology has changed the organisation of education in the region, and recognised that technology has helped enhance learning access to students in mountainous and remote areas and in emergency case. Besides, it highlighted that technology is not a comprehensive tool to handle major challenges in the sector.

At the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said the report’s findings put forth a framework to review the use of technology in Vietnam in a comprehensive manner, adding its recommendations help the country head towards a fair, integrated and quality education for all learners amidst rapid digital transformation.

It is necessary to share experience and discuss strategies and solutions to tap on technology to the fullest extent in education with the participation of stakeholders, from managers, researchers, teachers and organisations, to ensure a fair and quality education.

Meanwhile, Director of the GEM Report Manos Antoninis described the report as a material to shape up digital transformation in Vietnam and the whole region and assure that learners are put at the centre of the decision to integrate technology into education.

The report called on policymakers to understand education challenges before choosing suitable technologies to handle them, he stressed.

Participants at the event also discussed the current use of technologies as well as ways ahead to promote digital transformation in the education sector.

According to the report, Southeast Asia experienced a fast growth rate in the use of internet in the past ten years, with 400 million Internet users. However, there is a yawning gap in access between the rich and the poor, with 95% children from wealthy families benefit from the Internet at home as compared to 18% of those from impoverished ones./.

First book on Party chief published overseas

With its launch taking place in the Republic of Korea, a book on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, authored by Cho Chul-hyeon, is the first dedicated to the Vietnamese leader published outside Vietnam.

The book closely follows the significant stages of the Party chief's career, providing detailed information about his youth and university years, which are not widely known. It also includes many articles the Party General Secretary wrote while working as a reporter for the Communist Review, the official publication of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency's correspondents in Seoul, the author shared that the longstanding relationship between the two countries has sparked a special interest in Vietnam among Koreans. The Party General Secretary particularly attracted Cho's attention because Trong is a leader with a background in literature, a rarity among global leaders. In the RoK, they often come from law, economics, or political sciences.

Impressed by the Vietnamese leader’s exceptional skills in writing commentaries and essays, the author delved deeper into his life, starting from his school days. His research process, which began in 2014, faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, as the two countries celebrated the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations, Cho made multiple trips to Vietnam and began writing the book intensively for a year and a half.

According to him, plans are in place to translate the book into Vietnamese to make it accessible to local people. The author expressed his desire that the book will help younger generations in both nations better understand the Vietnamese leader.

Cho noted that since its release nearly a month ago, approximately 6,000 copies have been sold. A Korean businessman investing in Vietnam purchased 1,200 copies as presents to Vietnamese students studying the Korean language. Meanwhile, several Korean companies have also shown interest in the Vietnamese version to present it to their employees and their partners in Vietnam./.

Nha Trang city moves toward sustainable marine tourism

Nha Trang, the capital city of the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, is leveraging its strengths in marine and island tourism toward sustainable development.

The tourism industry in Khanh Hoa, particularly in Nha Trang, is on a rapid recovery trajectory following the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the province served over 7 million tourists, with the beach city accounting for approximately 70% of the total figure.

The rapid growth of Nha Trang’s tourism can be attributed to the unique value of Nha Trang Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, featuring 19 large and small islands that create a magnificent and picturesque landscape. The area also preserves many unique cultural heritage values closely related to the marine and island environment.

On March 31, the Prime Minister approved a project on adjustments to the master planning scheme for Nha Trang to 2040. The goal is to enhance its brand as a premier national and international beach resort city. This will be achieved by improving the quality of urban and tourism spaces, attracting top-tier international tourism investors, diversifying tourism products, sustainably exploiting existing tourism resources of coastal, island, and ecological spaces, and elevating the city’s international reputation.

Nguyen Tan Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Khanh Hoa provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said Nha Trang needs to prepare and implement appropriate mechanisms and policies that ensure scientific validity and maintain practical value and conservation.

The province has also built a brand with the biennial Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Sea Festival, boasting a 20-year history with 10 events held since 2003. Recently, it initiated the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival, along with numerous annual cultural and tourism events. They have so far helped the city draw large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists to explore the local culture and festivities./.

Vietnam hopes to further reinforce ties with Africa: official

A Vietnamese official underlined the country’s wish to further reinforce multifaceted ties with Africa while addressing a celebration of the Africa Day (May 25) in Hanoi on May 24.

The event, organised by the African countries’ embassies in Vietnam, saw the presence of Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu; representatives of the embassies of Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa and Nigeria; along with officials from the diplomatic corps in Hanoi and many Vietnamese ministries and sectors.

In his remarks, Vu highlighted the historical significance of the Africa Day, which honours the African countries’ unyielding and enduring spirit of struggling for national liberation in the past, as well as their progress and achievements in the building of a peaceful and prosperous continent nowadays.

Vietnam highly values the stature and prestige of the African Union (AU) in the continent’s political-security, economic, and social life. It wishes to congratulate African people, under the AU’s leadership, on having obtained many enormous development attainments recognised by the United Nations and the international community as seen in the AU’s permanent membership of the Group of 20 (G20), he noted.

He voiced his belief that thanks to the countries’ strong implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa will soon become a dynamic development hub of the world.

The official affirmed that Vietnam always treasures and hopes to further intensify multifaceted relations with Africa, at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Vietnam became an observer of the AU in December 2023 and has practically contributed to the initial achievements of the AU’s Agenda 2063 with the vision of “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”.

Bilateral trade posted impressive year-on-year growth of 8.9% to 8.92 billion USD in 2023 despite difficulties in Vietnam’s trade with the world, according to Vu.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Jamale Chouaibi, head of the group of African countries’ ambassadors in Hanoi, said Africa is emerging and undergoing economic and systematic transition with the ultimate goal of ensuring a just and sustainable future. As a growth powerhouse of the world and a land of opportunities, it is actively cooperating with partners to secure sustainable economic development, despite considerable difficulties relating to political instability, climate change, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic facing the world.

He held that with Vietnam’s strengths and experience along with Africa’s demand and great natural advantages, the two sides boast much cooperation potential, particularly in the fields of food security, health care and energy, to work towards a prosperous and cohesive world./.

Nghe An reburies martyrs' remains repatriated from Laos

The central province of Nghe An on May 24 held a memorial and burial service for the remains of 87 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos.

The remains were found in the Lao provinces of Xaysomboun, Xiangkhouang and Vientiane by a repatriation team of the provincial Military Command during the 2023-2024 dry season.

At the ceremony held at the war martyrs’ cemetery in Nghi Loc district, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Bui Dinh Long stressed that the search and repatriation of fallen soldiers' remains is a major policy of the Vietnamese Party and the State, and demonstrates the tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source.”

The Vietnamese Party, State, people and army are proud of the sacrifice of volunteer soldiers and experts, who greatly contributed to the victories of the two countries’ revolutions as well as their great friendship and special solidarity, he stressed.

A representative from the working delegation of the Lao provinces thanked the Vietnamese Party, Government, army and people for their wholehearted, valuable support for the Lao revolution, and volunteer soldiers and experts for their sacrifice for the national liberation struggle of Laos.

The Vietnam-Laos friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation will grow further in the time ahead, he believed.

Over the past time, Nghe An has closely coordinated with the three Lao localities in finding and repatriating the remains of 12,600 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died during wars in Laos. /.

Vietnam defeat Kazakhstan, storm into AVC Challenge Cup semi-finals

Vietnam cruised to the ongoing 2024 Asian Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup semi-finals after stunning Kazakhstan 3-1 in a Group B match on May 24, though they still have another group stage game yet to play.
 
Without captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy in the initial lineup due to injury, coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet decided to send in experienced players such as of Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Tran Tu Linh, Nguyen Khanh Dang, and Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen who helped Vietnam trounce their opponents in the first and second sets, scoring 25-14 and 25-19, respectively.

In the third set, the Kazakh team showed greater enthusiasm and strong determination, making it challenging for the Vietnamese blockers. At the crucial moment of the set, Kazakhstan turned the tables on the Vietnamese team to secure a 25-14 win.

However, the fourth set concluded with a decisive 25-23 victory for Vietnam with a smash made by outside hitter Bich Tuyen, resulting in a 3-1 overall win.

After recording three consecutive wins, Vietnam now topped Group B and earned a place in the semifinals. They will take on Indonesia in their last Group B match on May 26.

The AVC Women's Challenge Cup is an international competition in Asia and Oceania for unranked senior women's national teams of the members of the Asian Volleyball Confederation, the continent’s governing body for the sport.

The tournament was founded in 2018 and is held every two years. The first competition due to take place in Hong Kong (China) was not held due to unforeseen reasons. The second edition two years later was also cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The winners of the Cup will receive a place at the FIVB Women's Challenger Cup.

Deputy PM Le Minh Khai receives Japanese partners

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai on May 25 received leaders of Japan’s Gunma Prefecture, Idemitsu Group, and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (MOECO), as part of his trip to Japan to attend the 29th Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo.

Receiving Governor of Gunma Yamamoto Ichita, Khai encouraged the prefecture to continue promoting investment made by its business community in Vietnam, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, high-tech agriculture, and tourism.

He suggested Gunma collaborate with Vietnamese localities, including the northern province of Ha Nam, engage in joint human resource training projects, expand acceptance of Vietnamese apprentices and workers, and support nearly 15,000 Vietnamese living, studying, and working in the prefecture.

For his part, the governor said that Gunma has the highest proportion of Vietnamese residents among Japanese prefectures and praised their contributions to the local economy and society.

He pledged to advance related commitments, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation agreements to strengthen the prefecture’s friendly and cooperative relations with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities.

Investment from Gunma businesses in Vietnam currently exceeds 8 billion JPY (approximately 60 million USD). As planned, the governor will lead a business delegation to Vietnam this year, with a focus on the country’s IT and digital transformation areas.

At his meeting with Executive Vice President of Idemitsu Sakai Noriaki, the Deputy PM commended the group’s investment and cooperation efforts in Vietnam, particularly its role in the Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical (NSRP) project.

He encouraged Idemitsu to expand its business activities in Vietnam, especially in energy transition and technology transfer to help Vietnamese enterprises integrate more deeply into regional and global supply chains.

The Japanese business leader stated that Vietnam is Idemitsu’s largest investment destination globally, with ventures in seven fields. He confirmed that the group will continue to expand its operations in the country and work closely with the National Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and other stakeholders to ensure the effective and stable operation of the NSRP project, benefiting all parties involved.

At his meeting with MOECO President and CEO Harada Hidenori, the Deputy PM urged the company to scale up its capital channeled into Vietnam to match its financial capacity and technological expertise. He also called for increased cooperation and technology transfer.

Expressing his satisfaction with MOECO’s involvement in big energy projects in Vietnam, such as the Block B - O Mon gas project and the O Mon 3 thermal power plant, Harada assured that MOECO will continue to team up with Petrovietnam and relevant ministries to expedite the projects, ensuring their timely, high-quality, and effective completions./.

Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp makes goodwill visit to Vietnam

HNLMS Tromp (F803), the second De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy, docked at Chua Ve port in the northern city of Hai Phong on May 24, beginning a four-day goodwill visit to Vietnam.

The vessel’s commander and crewmembers were welcomed at the port by Hai Phong leaders and officers of the High Command of Region 1 of the Vietnam People’s Navy, and the High Command of Region 1 of the Vietnam Coast Guard.

The visit is expected to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries in general and the two militaries in particular, in accordance with the framework of the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

It will also help to promote friendly exchanges, cooperation, mutual understanding and trust between naval officers and sailors of the two countries.

During their stay, the commander and crewmembers of the Royal Dutch vessel will pay a courtesy visit to leaders of the Hai Phong administration and the High Command of Region 1 of the Vietnam People’s Navy. They will also play a friendly football match with local navy officers and soldiers.

Vietnamese and Dutch naval ships are scheduled to take part in a drill at sea.

Vietnam strongly condemns genocide crime: Ambassador

Vietnam strongly condemns the crime of genocide and has made various specific efforts and taken meaningful actions to end this crime and punish genocidal criminals, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), affirmed on May 23.

Addressing the UN General Assembly (UNGA)'s meeting on the culture of peace, Giang said that these efforts and actions originated from Vietnam's policy of always respecting the value of human life, its commitment to protecting people, and its consistent stance of upholding the UN Charter and international law.

As a member state of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Vietnam has seriously implemented its national obligations under the convention and international commitments in this field, he said.

Vietnam's role as Chair of the UN Security Council's Working Group on International Courts in the 2020-2021 tenure, its support for the activities of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and its unanimous adoption of the UNGA Resolution on "International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime”, together with other countries, are some specific examples of the country’s stance and contributions over the past time, the diplomat stressed.

The ambassador also emphasised that as peace, stability and development are prerequisites for eradicating genocide from its root, strengthening dialogue, reconciliation and national unity in related countries should be a top priority

Vietnam believes that the UNGA is the most suitable forum to promote consensus and solidarity among countries in the fight against genocide and other serious crimes, added Giang.

Within the framework of this meeting, the UNGA passed a Resolution, sponsored by Germany and Rwanda, designating July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica of Bosnia vand Herzegovina./.

Vietnam regards Japan as important, long-term partner: Deputy PM

Vietnam consistently regards Japan as an important and long-term partner, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai told Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at their brief meeting on May 23 as part of his working visit to Japan to attend the 29th Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo.

At the meeting, Khai expressed his wish that the two nations will further work together to effectively implement their recently established comprehensive strategic partnership as well as important agreements and common perceptions between the two PMs.

With appreciation of Vietnam's participation and contribution to the Tokyo conference, Kishida affirmed his commitment to further promote the substantive and effective development of the bilateral partnership across all fields in the time to come.

Khai took the occasion to convey Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s invitation for his Japanese counterpart to visit Vietnam at the earliest opportunity.

Earlier the same day, the Deputy PM received President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tanaka Akihiko.

Khai proposed Japan consider providing new ODA loans to Vietnam with more favourable lending conditions and simplified procedures, possibly in the form of budget support, to help the Southeast Asian country carry out its large-scale strategic infrastructure development projects.

He also recommended the provision of ODA for projects in digital transformation, green transition and urban railway in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the continued implementation of those in high-quality human resources training and such new areas as green transition, among others.

Expressing satisfaction with the results of the sides’ ODA cooperation last year, which logged a total volume of 100 billion JPY (over 636 million USD), Tanaka affirmed that JICA wishes to further the joint work in quality infrastructure projects in line with Vietnam's needs and legal regulations.

He also pledged to continue with joint projects in human resources training, digital transformation, green transition, semiconductors, and innovation./.

Four groups of issues to be raised at NA’s upcoming Q&A session

Issues related to natural resources and environment, industry and trade, auditing, and culture - sports and tourism will be the focus of an upcoming question and answer (Q&A) session, as part of the ongoing seventh sitting of the 15th National Assembly (NA).

The Q&A session will take place from June 4-6 and be broadcast on national television and radio channels.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man will deliver the opening and closing remarks at this session, and preside over the questioning of each field.

The Minister of National Resources and Environment will answer queries on the management, exploitation and protection of national marine resources; the implementation of policies and laws on water security; measures to prevent and combat drought, saltwater intrusion, and the lack, decline, and pollution of water sources; solutions for research, exploration, exploitation and use of mineral resources as construction materials, and rare resources and minerals.

The Minister of Industry and Trade will be questioned about the management, supervision, and protection of consumer rights in e-commerce activities; solutions to boost exports, promote the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) and remove difficulties for businesses amidst of the complicated and unpredictable world situation; the implementation of policies and laws to develop supporting and mechanical industries, especially in serving agricultural, forestry, and fishery processing, and agricultural and rural development.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) will clarify issues related to responsibilities and solutions to overcome the situation where businesses and projects are audited but violations still occur; the implementation of conclusions and recommendations of the SAV, the prevention and combat of corruption and negative phenomena in state audit activities; and solutions to overcome overlapping inspections and auditing work.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism is scheduled to be questioned about the recruitment, training and policies for athletes and artists; the generation of jobs for them after they reach the peak in their career; the implementation of tasks and solutions to stimulate demand and restore tourism in 2024 and the following years; measures to develop night tourism products; and specific policies to attract investment in cultural, sports and tourism activities in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and other ministers will give further explanations on relevant issues.

On June 6 morning, the Prime Minister (or an authorised Deputy Prime Minister) will clarify related issues and answer questions raised by NA deputies./.

HCM City, Laos’ Houaphanh province seek deeper cooperation

Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Phuoc Loc on May 23 received visiting Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Laos’ Houaphanh province Khamsay Saysompheng.

Highlighting the sound relations between HCM City and Lao localities such as Vientiane, Champasak and Savannakhet with many cooperation deals signed, Loc said that the ties have been expanded to all departments, sectors, the front systems and armed forces, benefiting both sides.

Briefing the guests on local socio-economic development, he affirmed that HCM City always treasures and does its best to maintain, reinforce and develop the great amity with Laos and its localities, including Houaphanh, thereby contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Khamsay Saysompheng expressed his delight at the growth of the special friendship between Laos and Vietnam in general, and between Houaphanh and HCM City in particular.

He appreciated the southern Vietnamese metropolis's wholehearted support for his province over years, particularly in building infrastructure, including the provincial administration's headquarters.

The Houaphanh leader introduced his province's development potential, voicing his hope that in the coming time, Houaphanh and HCM City will continue promoting their comprehensive cooperation in a substantive manner.

He proposed that HCM City leaders encourage local businesses to invest in his province, especially in the areas matching Houaphanh's demand and HCM City's strength such as agriculture, infrastructure construction and human resources development./.

Royal Netherlands Navy’s frigate makes port call in Hai Phong city

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the northern port city of Hai Phong Hoang Minh Cuong hosted a reception on May 24 for crew members of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Frigate HNLMS Tromp that is anchoring at the local Chua Ve port.

At the event, Cuong briefed the guests of the city’s socio-economic achievements as well as the city cooperation with its Dutch partners to bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, elaborating the Netherlands has injected some 301 million USD into Hai Phong, most of which funnelled to the domains of maritime, warehouse for lease, animal food production, among others.

He went on to say that the Vietnam – Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association, which was established in Hai Phong on February 26, 2016, has carried out various activities helping promote people-to-people diplomacy, while bolstering trade and investment between the two nations.

Cuong expressed his belief that the frigate’s visit, the first to Hai Phong, will contribute to strengthening the Vietnam – Netherlands comprehensive partnership as well as the naval collaboration in particular.

Meanwhile, Yvonne ban Beusekom, Commanding Officer of HNLMS TROMP, expressed his delight to have a chance to visit the city, saying the visit is in the framework of the bilateral cooperation, making contributions to boosting friendship exchange and mutual understanding and trust.

During their stay in Hai Phong from May 24-27, the Dutch delegation is scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to the leader of the Naval Region 1 Command under the Vietnam People’s Navy, have exchange activities with Vietnamese naval soldiers, and visit local historical and cultural relic sites./.

Lawmakers discuss revisions to security guard, weapon management laws

The 15th National Assembly held group discussions on the proposed revisions to the Law on Security Guard Force and the Law on the Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Supporting Tools during the ongoing seventh session in Hanoi on May 24.

Speaking at the event, President To Lam said the world leaders hold Vietnamese guard force in high regard. The proposed amendments aim to refine the existing law and ensure it aligns with current practical needs.

He urged the drafting body to continue perfecting the bill before submitting it to the legislature for approval.

Deputy Le Nhat Thanh from Hanoi proposed to list highly lethal knives in the group of rudimentary weapons, when used for the purpose of harming human life and health.

He cited a report by the Ministry of Public Security, revealing that over 16,000 cases involving roughly 26,000 individuals using knives and similar instruments for criminal activities were apprehended nationwide over the past five years.

Deputy Nguyen Van Thuan from Can Tho city said it is necessary to include highly lethal knives in the category of rudimentary weapons. He pointed out that these dangerous blades, produced and sold by businesses and individuals, lack sufficient government control. The easy purchase or self-manufacturing of such knives poses a significant threat to public safety and security.

Vice Chairman of the NA Committee for National Defence and Security Nguyen Minh Duc emphasised the need for further research to define the concept of "weapons" more precisely. This refined definition, he argued, would allow for a more accurate categorisation encompassing all weapons capable of endangering human life./.

Bac Giang envisions futuristic digital society

From now until 2025, the northern province of Bac Giang will pay more attention to developing a digital society and improving the efficiency of digital transformation, said Director of the provincial Department of Information and Communications Tran Minh Chieu.

The official said the locality will work to ensure a safe and reliable digital environment for the community by devising digital safety mechanisms and policies, and providing information about digital environment safety for the public.

Besides, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are expected to help businesspeople and residents stay updated on digital technology and transformation, with free Wifi services will be available at 100 sites at tourist destinations, hospitals and bus stations.

Specifically, in 2024 and 2025, Bac Giang will launch digital services, covering administrative procedures, healthcare, education, transport, real estate and employment, and other fields, targeting public satisfaction.

Notably, residents can participate in and supervise the building and enforcement of policies and laws, and decision making of state agencies, and receive support in digital transformation through an artificial intelligence (AI) centre.

Efforts will be made to ensure the entire coverage of the fiber optic cable system to the communal level, accelerate the installation of Internet and electronic devices throughout the province, and facilitate cashless payments by residents and enterprises.

Through smart phones, Bac Giang aims to promote the popularisation of policies and laws, raise public awareness of gender issues and human rights, and matters regarding child and consanguineous marriage among ethnic minorities, and provide career consultations for them.

Community digital technology groups have been set up in all of the 209 communes, wards and towns, and all of the 2,128 villages and residential areas in the province, with more than 17,000 members.

The groups have helped local residents access online administrative services, and other digital services in health care and education, and other spheres, and activate their electronic identification accounts.

The standing board of the municipal youth union has coordinated with the city centre for culture, information and sports in releasing a digital map of historical and cultural relic sites in Bac Giang city.

The provincial youth union is also in charge of running the digital tourism website: dulichso.bacgiang.gov.vn.

Chieu said last year, Bac Giang continued paying attention to developing human resources for digital transformation, with the organisation of 66 training and refresher courses on digital transformation for civil servants and public employees of state agencies.

In particular, those courses equipped members of women’s unions at the grassroots level with digital skills, improved the awareness of digital transformation among culture workers, and gave guidance on the use of digital certificates and signatures for the staff of the education - training and health sectors.

The personnel of the single-window divisions of communes and towns were given with instructions in the use of online public services and the digitisation of papers. Socio-political organisations at the communal level were trained in using document management software and administering via the internet, Chieu elaborated.

Earlier, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son said from now to 2025, the province will press on with developing human resources to serve digital transformation.

The provincial Department of Information and Communications will enhance efforts to carry on training human resources for digital transformation in Bac Giang towards 2030.

Training courses on digital transformation, including information safety and leadership skills, will be held for leaders of state agencies from the provincial to communal levels. Advanced refresher courses on new technologies, digital transformation, information system building, and information safety will also be organised for information technology personnel of state agencies./.

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