Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Saturday chaired the Government’s regular meeting to review the socio-economic situation in April and the first four months of 2024, public investment allocation and disbursement, and the implementation of the three national target programmes.

Chính required Government members to focus on discussing the socio-economic development situation in the past months as well as main tasks for May and the coming time.

It is necessary to clarify achievements gained in all fields and find out shortcomings, weaknesses, and difficulties facing ministries, sectors, localities, businesses, and people, he stressed.

They were also required to discuss tasks of preparing for the upcoming meeting of the Party Central Committee and the seventh plenary sitting of the 15th National Assembly and responding to emerging problems such as drought, storms, and floods.

At the meeting, participants agreed that the socio-economic situation in April continued to change positively and achieved important results. Macro-economy was stabilised, inflation controlled, and major balances of the economy guaranteed. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.07 per cent month-on-month and rose by 3.93 per cent in the first four months over the same period.

In the period, State budget collection rose 10.1 per cent year-on-year, completing 43.1 per cent of the yearly projection. Import-export revenue was estimated at nearly US$239 billion, up 15.2 per cent year-on-year, with trade surplus reaching $8.4 billion.

Public investment disbursement reached 17.46 per cent of the yearly plan, 1.81 percentage points higher than that in the same period last year.

In the four months, the country attracted nearly $9.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), and the FDI disbursement was estimated at $6.3 billion, up 4.5 per cent and 7.4 per cent year-on-year respectively.

The Index of Industrial Production (IPP) expanded 6 per cent over the same period last year. The nation lured 6.2 million foreign visitors, up 68.3 per cent year-on-year.

Transport ministry demands inspection into surge in flight ticket prices during recent holidays

Minister of Transport Nguyễn Văn Thắng on Friday requested the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) conduct a thorough review and immediate inspection into flight ticket sales amid reports of high prices affecting travel demands.

The activities under examination include the implementation of declaration, pricing, transparency and disclosure of information regarding airfares, according to the document that the transport chief signed.

Minister Thắng said the recent surge in domestic airline ticket prices has directly impacted the travel demand of citizens, especially during peak periods such as the recent five-day April 30 - May 1 holiday.

The inspections aim to strengthen State management, closely manage airfares, contribute to stabilisation of prices and ensure the harmony between economic and social development objectives in accordance the Government's orientations.

Air authorities must promptly give directions, rectify and handle violations if any abnormality is found, as well as make sure that airfare do not increase beyond regulations.

The Department of Transportation proactively monitors, timely advises the Ministry to direct agencies, units to strengthen inspection of transportation activities, serve passengers, and implement the best solutions to meet the travel needs of citizens, stabilise ticket prices, prevent unauthorised price increases, especially during the upcoming peak summer season, on the principle of harmonising the interests of businesses and the needs of citizens.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam, the Department of Transportation are requested to report to the Ministry of Transport on the results before May 10.

Airports under the management of the CAAV said they welcomed nearly 1.8 million passengers, including 667,631 international visitors (up 31.16 per cent compared to 2023) during the recent holiday.

A total of 11,039 landings and take-offs were recorded – with international operations reaching 4,118, up 17.19 per cent year on year.

"Level 1 security measures were applied at the two largest airports in the country, Nội Bài (Hà Nội) and Tân Sơn Nhất (HCM City), ensuring absolute security, safety and service quality for passengers," stated CAAV leadership.

A number of airports have successfully conducted trials of automatic toll collection systems, enabling vehicles with ETC cards to quickly pass through; combined with enhanced security measures, closely coordinated with functional forces operating at airports; traffic regulation, guidance and lane assignment were smooth, creating a spacious movement environment, minimising local congestion at terminals.

Also according to CAAV, nearly 7,000 officers, engineers, workers, along with thousands of equipment and machinery, were busy working at the construction site of the new Terminal 3 for Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport and the Long Thành International Airport throughout the holidays to ensure projects are completed on schedule. 

Photo exhibition spotlights Vietnam’s strength in Dien Bien Phu Campaign

Ho Chi Minh City is hosting a photo exhibition highlighting Vietnam’s strength during the Dien Bien Phu battle in the northern province of Dien Bien 70 years ago.

The 10-day exhibition starting from May 3, is part of events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

Ninety-seven photos exhibited Nguyen Hue walking street, Dong Khoi Street depict historical contexts, strategies, decisions, and tactics of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and the Command of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign; glorious battles associated with historical places such as Him Lam, Doc Lap, A1 Hill, and Muong Thanh airport; and the spirit of great solidarity among officers, soldiers, youth volunteers, and other forces.

Some of them show economic, cultural, and social cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Dien Bien province, contributing to enhancing exchanges and promoting trade and investment cooperation between the two localities.

Meanwhile, 55 artistic photos on display in the area opposite Chi Lang Park introduce the beauty of famous landscape, historical sites, and tourist destinations in the northwestern provinces of Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai; and places closely associated with the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

The Dien Bien Phu Victory 70 years ago was a triumph that resonated across continents and shook the world.

Over 56 days and nights, from March 13 to May 7, 1954, Vietnamese soldiers and citizens, through relentless courage and determination, overcame a barrage of bombs and bullets to shatter France’s Navarre Plan, bringing an end to French colonial rule in Vietnam./.

Vietnam attaches importance to all-round cooperation with Morocco

Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation with Morocco, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui.

Meeting with the Moroccan Minister on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Paris on May 2, Son expressed his impression of Morocco’s socio-economic development achievements in recent times, especially in the fields of renewable energy and car manufacturing.

He congratulated Morocco on playing host to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup 2030 tournaments.

On this occasion, the diplomat invited the Moroccan Minister to make an official visit to Vietnam.

Alaoui for her part agreed to further promote Morocco - Vietnam cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as agricultural product processing, renewable energy, tourism, along with increasing business delegation exchanges, and actively participating in international exhibitions and trade fairs in each country.

She also proposed that both countries create favourable conditions for their businesses to access each other’s markets, and strengthen cooperation in the fields of banking and finance.

The two sides emphasized the need to increase delegation exchanges, effectively deploy the results of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Airports serve 1.8 million passengers over five-day holiday

Airports across Vietnam received approximately 1.8 million passengers during the five-day holiday period from April 27 to May 1 marking National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1).

Statistics indicate that the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)’s airports catered to 11,039 flights, with international flights increasing by 17.19% year on year to 4,118.

In the reviewed period, Vietnamese carriers transported approximately 1.8 million passengers, including 667,631 foreign passengers, up 31.16% against the same period last year.

Furthermore, the volume of air cargo in the domestic market saw an annual rise of 18.81% to reach 7,331 tonnes during the holiday period.

Airports also handled 13,964 tonnes of international cargo, up 7.61% from the previous year.

The ACV’s airports, including Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports, deployed aviation security control enhancement measures at Level 1, which is the lowest in the three-level scale, from April 27 through May 1 in order to ensure absolute security and safety for all flights.

The airports also carried out different solutions during peak hours to quickly deal with any issues, avoid congestion, and serve flights safely.

Traffic accidents leave 845 deaths in a month: traffic safety committee

A total of 1,995 traffic accidents occurred nationwide in the month from March 15 to April 14, killing 845 people and injuring 1,537, according to the Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee.

Compared to the same period in 2023, the number of accidents increased by 334 while the number of deaths decreased by 62, and the number of injured people increased by 431.

Of the accidents, 1,979 accidents occurred on the road, killing 834 and injuring 1,535 people; 12 on the railway, killing nine and injuring two; four on waterways, causing two deaths.

In April, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam received 14 mandatory safety reports, and seven level D incidents including one relating to a technical failure, one due to a bird strike, four due to flight crew, and one due to technical staff.

From December 15, 2023, to April 14, 2024, a total of 8,548 accidents occurred nationwide, killing 3,569 people and injuring 6,783 people. Compared to the same period of last year, the number of accidents increased by 1,528 or 21.77%, the number of injuries increased by 2,278 or 50.57%, and the number of deaths decreased by 547 or 13.29%.

Specifically, 8,475 road accidents killed 3,520 people and injured 6,774 people; 52 railway accidents killed 39 and injured seven; 18 waterway accidents killed nine and injured two; three marine accidents killed one person./.

South to remain in sizzling heat until mid-May

The Central Highlands and Southern regions are forecast to continue to broil in sizzling heat throughout May.

Many localities have braced for the first hottest 20 days of the month. In the last ten days of May, both regions will see rising rainy events under the impacts of the southwest monsoon in the Southern region, making the climate in these regions cool and milder.

The National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting has just released a report identifying the weather trends nationwide in May and evaluating the weather situation in April.

According to Deputy Head of the Office for Weather Forecasting under the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting Nguyen Duc Hoa, the average temperature across the country remains 1.5-2.5 degrees Celsius higher than the average level during the same period in the previous year to beat previous records.

Some parts of the Northern region and provinces from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen are forecast to suffer further highs of 40 degrees Celsius throughout this month.

On the early morning of May 2, a rainfall occurred in large parts of Binh Phuoc Province, cooling off persistent sizzling heat.

According to statistics, eight out of 11 districts in Binh Phuoc Province have been bracing for drought and intense heat, with 3,195 households being under shortage of domestic water and 10,171 hectares of crops suffering from lack of irrigation water that caused a productivity reduction by 30 percent to 70 percent.

Over the passing time, the province recorded five forest fires in an area of over 1.1 hectares.

On the same day, some places in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong enjoyed coooling rains.

Vietnam, Russia seek joint literate, art projects

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi on May 2 hosted a reception for Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats Igor Khalevinsky, and writer-poet Svetlana Savitskaya.

Savitskaya, who is also founder of the Golden Pen of Russia National Literary Award, expressed her special sentiments to Vietnam, and a hope that her work, penned after her Vietnam visits, will be translated into Vietnamese.

The writer-poet said she is ready to engage in joint literature and art projects, suggesting her Vietnamese and Russian colleagues actively participate in relevant festivals in both countries.

For his part, Khalevinsky affirmed the Russian side’s support for such joint projects, which are expected to contribute to enhancing contacts and understanding of Vietnamese and Russian culture and arts between the two countries’ people.

Ambassador Khoi highlighted the traditional literature and art cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, saying it should be stepped up, especially through joint projects.

On this occasion, Savitskaya presented the Vietnamese versions of her two works to the embassy./.

Argentine press spotlights significance of Dien Bien Phu Victory

Several major Argentine newspapers on May 2 ran articles about Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7,1954), affirming that the triumph not only influenced Vietnam's history but also changed the face of the world, and stemmed from the strength of the great national solidarity under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

The ABC Mundial website emphasised that the victory not only put an end to the French colonialism in Vietnam but also left an indelible mark in human history.

Seventy years ago, from March 13 to May 7, the Vietnamese people and army, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) headed by President Ho Chi Minh, conducted the decisive strategic battle of Dien Bien Phu, creating the victory which “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe”, marking a great turning point in the history of the Vietnamese people's struggle to build and defend the country.

The author of the article affirmed that the victory is a symbol of the comprehensive resistance of the Vietnamese people. From the resistance on the battlefield to political, economic, and diplomatic struggles, all sectors of the Vietnamese society joined together to expel the invaders.

Meanwhile, the ReporteAsia newspaper stressed the leadership role of the CPV and President Ho Chi Minh in this resistance war, gathering the great national solidarity bloc, and promoting patriotism to make the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

After 56 days and nights of courageous, smart, and creative combat, the Vietnamese army and people destroyed the entire complex of Dien Bien Phu strongholds, killed and captured the French army here, and shot down dozens of planes, vehicles and all weapons, warehouses, military equipment and supplies of the French army.

The Ámbito Internacional newspaper ran an article affirming that the Dien Bien Phu Victory marked the worst defeat of colonialism, and that 70 years have passed, the great stature and historical significance of this victory still retains its value. The victory contributed greatly to the progress of humanity, and proved the truth that oppressed and invaded peoples will definitely win if they have a strong will and a correct and creative path, and know how to unite and fight for independence and freedom./.

HCMC police expel Malaysian phone scam group

After their entry into the country, a group of Malaysian individuals was accommodated and worked at a rented villa in Binh Trung Tay Ward in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

There, these individuals made phone calls using pre-established scripts to scam and defraud the assets of Malaysian citizens and citizens from other countries.

On April 29, the HCMC Immigration Office made the deportation of these nine Malaysian individuals from Tan Son Nhat Airport back to their home country.

Before this, the ASEANAPOL had exchanged information and requested support from Vietnamese authorities, including the HCMC Police, to apprehend a group involved in a Malaysian-led phone scam ring. Through investigation, it was found that this group comprised nine individuals, aged 25 to 38, all Malaysian nationals.

The group entered Vietnam under the pretext of tourism, visiting relatives, or exploring business opportunities, and signing contracts. However, upon their arrival in HCMC, they were gathered for accommodation and work at a rented villa in Binh Trung Tay Ward, Thu Duc City.

At this location, the group made phone calls using pre-established scripts, impersonating authorities such as the police, courts, and prosecutors' offices to deceive and defraud the assets of Malaysian citizens and citizens from other countries. The police determined that the group leader covered all expenses, including food and accommodation, and provided a monthly salary of around VND20 million per person.

Utilizing their expertise, the HCMC Police carried out inspections and apprehended individuals along with related evidence. After consolidating the case files, finalizing the procedures, and addressing violations related to "Foreigners entering, working, or engaging in other activities in Vietnam without permission from Vietnamese authorities," the HCMC Police imposed the additional penalty of deporting the nine individuals back to Malaysia.

An Giang uses firefighting drones to fight off wildfires in Co To Mountain

Authorities in the Mekong Delta Province of An Giang used firefighting drones carrying water to fight off wildfires in Co To Mountain.

Firemen controlled and localized the forest fire on Co To Mountain in Tri Ton District of An Giang Province on the morning of April 27, but the fire smoldering under a thick layer of vegetation broke out again yesterday morning. Worse, the fire spread to neighboring mountain areas in An Tuc and O Lam communes in Tri Ton District with dramatic speed.

According to the People's Committee Tri Ton District, due to the dry and hot weather in combination with strong winds, the fire smoldering under the thick layer of vegetation on Co To Mountain flared up again.

Chairman Nguyen Van Be Tam of Tri Ton District People's Committee said that on the afternoon of April 28 and morning of April 29, the locality continued putting the fires on Co To Mountain down.

Currently, Tri Ton District has mobilized nearly 400 forest rangers, firefighters and local inhabitants to continue battling the flames in Nui To, An Tuc, and O Lam communes.

In addition to shoulder-mounted fire extinguishers and mountain water pumps, Tri Ton District will mobilize additional drones to carry water to extinguish fires in locations where firefighters are difficult to reach.

Hanoi focuses on cultural and historical tourism

Having owned more than 6,000 historical and cultural relics, with many of them listed by UNESCO, Hanoi is not only a leading tourist destination in Vietnam but also a cultural and historical hub of the Asian region, according to Bui Duy Quang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion (HPA).

The Hanoi People's Committee, therefore, has made a plan to accelerate the effective and sustainable development of tourism in the city for the 2023-2025 period to make full use of the relics.

"The development of cultural and historical tourism is a top priority for Hanoi. This is demonstrated by the development of unique and high-quality plans, projects, cultural tourism products and handicraft villages," Quang said.

In recent years, Hanoi has been consistently voted by international tourists as the top destination in the country and can compete on a global scale. In 2024, Hanoi was voted the 4th most attractive place in the world and the world's leading culinary destination by Tripadvisor magazine.

"Hanoi has long been famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage. However, despite steady progress in tourism development, Hanoi's cultural wealth is still not fully exploited," the deputy director said.

He stressed that human resources training, infrastructure, and tourism services are important to attract investment and tourists.

Le Hong Thai, Manager of Hanoitourist Travel Company, said Hanoi needs to build attractive and unique tourism products, as well as cultural and historical tours, to match the advantages of resources, location, and policies.

"It is necessary to have more tourism offers along the Red River with new experiences; more night tours to Hoa Lo Prison relics, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Temple of Literature; introduce new tourist products on traditional cultural arts such as Cai Luong and Cheo (Vietnamese traditional art). In addition, Hanoi can build some new packages around traditional handicraft villages associated with historical relics, such as Chuong Cone Village and Quang Phu Cau Incense Village," Thai suggested.

Echoing Thai, Pham Diem Hao, Deputy Head of  Planning and Tourism Resource Development under the Hanoi Tourism Department, suggested focusing on investment, preservation and restoration of relics, promoting heritage values, and creating high-quality cultural tourism destinations.

"In addition, it is necessary to attach importance to training and nurturing human resources and to utilize typical elements of Hanoi culture to develop unique and attractive tourism products," Hao said.

She added that Hanoi needs to focus on attracting private resources to build tourism infrastructure and services at tourist monuments and heritage sites. Then, further promote the city's potentials and strengths, contribute to tourism development related to the preservation and maintenance of cultural heritage values, and build the capital's tourism brand in line with international standards.

"Culture is the foundation of tourism development. Tourism development, in turn, serves as a driving force and creates resources to enhance cultural values' protection, preservation, and promotion. Hao stressed that this is the two-way development of tourism and the preservation of historical and cultural values.

Football tournament kicks off for overseas Vietnamese in Russia

The overseas Vietnamese community at Sadovod Shopping Centre in Moscow, Russia, kicked off the Sadovod Football League 2024 on May 2.

The tournament – the fourth of its kind - this year attracts the participation of five teams, competing in a round-robin format.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament, Vu Son Viet, head of the Consular Department and deputy head of the Community Affairs Board of the Vietnam Embassy in Russia, said that the sports event helps consolidate solidarity - an important factor in the Vietnamese community in Russia in the current situation.

Sports, cultural and other artistic activities will help Russians understand Vietnamese people better, and the Vietnamese community integrate more deeply into Russian society.

For his part, a representative of Sadovod shopping centre Aleksandr Yakovlevich said that the football tournament has become a good tradition, and strengthened friendships between Vietnamese businessmen and the centre’s managers./.

Vietnam among Koreans’ most favourite destinations in 2024 summer

Vietnam is witnessing an increasing number of hotel bookings from Korean travelers for this year's peak summer tourist season, according to data from the Booking platform Yeogi Eottae of the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Accordingly, the number of hotel bookings by RoK visitors in the Philippines and Vietnam for the June - August period increased by 3.1 times and 3 times, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023.

Statistics from the Yeogi Eottae website released on May 2 indicated that as of late April, the number of hotel bookings in the two Southeast Asian countries is leading in the region.

The Southeast Asian countries are emerging as popular tourist destinations of Koreans in 2024 summer.

Kim Yong-gyeong, head of Yeogi Eottae, said the increase in demand for travel to Southeast Asian countries is very noteworthy.

Meanwhile, Hanoi topped the trend index ranking of Vietnam's favourite tourist destinations by the end of April released by Rankify Korea with 1,788 points.

It was followed by Da Lat and Ha Long Bay with 1,379 points and 796 points, respectively.

According to Rankify Korea’s ranking, favourite tourist destinations in Vietnam are currently receiving significant attention of Korean visitors.

The trend index is calculated by adding the search volume of keywords and Google Trends data from the previous week./.

Hanoi prepares for water shortages

Hanoi's water supply companies are preparing tankers to provide water for residents who may face shortages this summer.

Hanoi People's Committee Vice Chairman Duong Duc Tuan instructed Hanoi water companies to ensure a daily water capacity of 1.4-1.6 million cubic metres.

This would include 547,000-578,000 cubic metres from Hanoi Clean Water Service Company, 323,000 cubic metres from Song Da Water Investment JSC and 300,000 cubic metres from Song Duong Surface Water Treatment Plant.

Hanoi's water demand will increase by 6.5 percent compared to last summer. Therefore, water supply issues would be in areas at the end of pipes or located on higher ground.

The Hanoi Clean Water Service Company said the firm was struggling with supplying 16 districts that are home to four million people due to the groundwater shortages.

Hanoi's People Committee has urged water supply companies to work at full capacity and prepare tankers to ease summer water shortages in residential areas, schools, and hospitals.

Hanoi authorities have instructed water companies to upgrade their facilities, apply high-tech technology in customer management, and call on people to save water.

Danang coffee shops offer heat shelter

Coffee shops in the central city of Danang have allowed customers to take a nap or even stay overnight to escape the blistering heat.

Zone Six Café on Luong Nhu Hoc Street in Cam Le District has seen a considerable increase in customers during the recent heatwave, particularly at weekends. Most of the customers are students who bring their laptops there to study.

The coffee shop is divided into small rooms with separate spaces. Each room has a long table where people can gather in groups.

Tra My, a staff member from the café, said that on intensely hot days, some customers napped or even spent the whole night there.

24/7 Café on Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street arranges mattresses for customers to rest. It can accommodate 350 people and is always packed on hot days or near university exams.

According to Tran Minh Tri, the café owner, many students come there to learn, nap, or sleep.

“We don't have curtains or doors for the rooms, so it's easy to manage. We see this simply as a place for people to relax and escape the scorching sun in the summer,” Tri noted.

Nguyen Thi Ly, a local student, said that her 10-square-metre rented room lacks air conditioning. So she and her roommate go to coffee shops to escape the heat. They only need to buy a cup of tea or coffee at VND30,000-40,000 and can stay at the coffee shop for many hours.

Most coffee shops permitting customers to nap or stay overnight are near universities.

Doan Hong Quan, 21, from Lien Chieu District, said he often takes his laptop to SeVenTeen Café on Ngo Thi Nham Street to relax and avoid the sweltering heat in his rented room.

National television programmes honour Điện Biên Phủ Victory

Việt Nam National Television (VTV) will air a series of programme to mark the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

A live broadcast will be aired on channel 1 at 8pm on May 5 from five locations; Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument at Hill D1 in Điện Biên Province; Ba Đình Square; Lam Sơn Square in Thanh Hóa Provine; Kon Klor Communal House in Central Highland Province of Kon Tum and Thủ Ngữ Flagpole Relic Area in HCM City.

The show will highlight the importance and the role of the victory, pay tribute to the older generation and inspire patriotism among young people.

A theatre will be set up at Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument with 56 stairs symbolising the "56 days and nights of tunnelling through mountains, seeking refuge in bomb shelters, enduring pouring rain and surviving on rice balls".

"Popularising the 70th celebration of Điện Biên Phủ Victory is our important mission," said Đỗ Đức Hoàng VTV's deputy-general director at the press release recently in Hà Nội.

"We have carried out a comprehensive plan early on a large scale with key programmes which will be developed synchronously on the digital platforms."

An art show Điện Biên Phủ - Mốc Vàng Lịch Sử (Điện Biên Phủ - A Golden Milestone) will be held on May 6 with nearly 1,000 artists and amateurs. Along with popular singers, the show will feature artists who once performed on the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield.

The show will be live at 8.10pm on channel 1 at May 7 Square in Điện Biên Province and aims to honour the sacrifices made during the wartime and highlight the value of independence and freedom today, sending out a message of the desire for peace around the world.

On 7.30am on May 7, a parade featuring armed forces from national defence, public security and art troupes will be broadcast live on channel 1.

VTV's channel 1 will broadcast a special programe Điện Biên Phủ - Nhìn Từ Nước Pháp (Điện Biên Phủ - View from The France) at 8.10pm on May 7 to bring valuable and never-before-disclosed information to the audience about Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

The programme was made over four months in Việt Nam and France. Producers from VTV's Foreign Department researched and exploited a huge database at the French Ministry of Defence's record centre Defence Historical Service.

During the production, the producers met with witnesses from France and Việt Nam, consulted with experts, processed a huge information sources and used many images in combination with graphics in the programme. 

Russia wishes to promote economic cooperation with Vietnam

Russia wishes to increase mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, from traditional to new ones, said Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko at a press briefing in Hanoi on May 2.

Bezdetko admitted that current western sanctions on Russia are impacting its relations with traditional partners, including Vietnam, especially in economic transactions.

However, the governments of Russia and Vietnam are working to surmount difficulties and it is believed that joint efforts will pay off, said the diplomat.

According to him, both Russia and Vietnam that have treasured their traditional friendship for more than seven decades have great potential to further promote bilateral cooperation, especially in economics and trade because the two countries still maintain political interaction at the highest level.

Russia is keen to cooperate with Vietnamese partners in many different fields, from traditional fields such as energy, fuel, oil and gas, and electricity, to new ones like green energy and industrial expansion. These fields of cooperation receive common attention from business communities of both countries, said Bezdetko.

He revealed that Russian state owned oil company Zarubezhneft is undertaking a project to develop offshore wind power plants in central and southern Vietnam. Meanwhile, Novatek, Russia’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer, is interested in accessing Vietnam’s growing gas market. Negotiations are underway between interested parties towards the construction of joint projects.

In addition, he said the two countries should ramp up bilateral cooperation in agriculture, finance-banking, science-technology and education.

TH True Milk is operating efficiently with its Russian partners and it is expected that the Vietnamese dairy product company will open a new facility in Kaluga province, said the diplomat.

Education-training is a traditional field of cooperation between the two countries. Each year the Russian Government reserves 1,000 scholarships for Vietnamese citizens to study at different levels in the Russian Federation. Russia is also ready to consider Vietnam’s proposals to diversify the training industry and teaching forms.

Scientific and technological cooperation is a major pillar in bilateral relations. The Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center in Hanoi is a large scientific and technological research center, one of the major cooperation agencies of the two countries, that has conducted many research projects in various fields, bringing benefits to the people of the two countries.

The Vietnam - Russia Committee on Educational, Scientific and Technological Cooperation held the fourth meeting in Hanoi last year, and agreements reached at the meeting are expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in this field.

The ambassador also revealed that the Vietnam Cultural Day will be held in Russia this July as part of activities to mark 74 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries (1950 – 2024).

Ho Chi Minh City exhibition highlights Dien Bien Phu Victory milestones

As many as 97 photographs highlighting the significance, stature, and value of the Dien Bien Phu Victory over French colonialism 70 years ago are on display at an exhibition which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on May 3.

The exhibition is part of events that are getting underway to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024).

All of the exhibits demonstrate the strength of the great national solidarity bloc, the clear-sighted leadership of the Party, and the growth of the military, all of which are seen as locomotives for the nation’s renewal, development and international integration.

The exhibition is set to run from May 3 to 12 in three venues - Nguyen Hue Street, Dong Khoi Street in District 1, and the area opposite Chi Lang Park.

Furthermore, Dong Khoi street is also hosting a photograph exhibition featuring the culture and tourism of northwestern region.

Through the event, visitors will have the chance to tour around sightseeing spots which are associated with the Dien Bien Phu Victory, such as Muong Phang Forest, a relic of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign; and Fansipan peak, the roof of Indochina.

OECD should make headway in global cooperation, says Vietnamese diplomat

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) should be at the forefront of promoting global cooperation amid intertwined challenges and opportunities, says Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at a plenary session of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) in Paris on May 2.

Addressing the meeting, Son stressed the organization should build a creative global ecosystem that takes good advantage of two parallel trends: green transformation and digital transformation, with a primary focus on innovation, artificial intelligent and just energy transition.

He suggested that OECD create a mechanism to share experiences and build capacity to help countries maximize human potential, unlock growth drivers and promote inclusive prosperity.

He called on OECD countries to provide financial, technical and technological support for non-OECD countries to implement strategic breakthroughs, especially in human resources, infrastructure and institutions.

The diplomat shared Vietnam’s development policy and orientations, stressing the country Vietnam does not achieve growth at all costs and it always puts people at the center of development.

At the meeting, the Ministers discussed measures to create a sustainable and inclusive economy and society, promote free and fair global trade and investment, strengthen solid and self-reliant economic foundations, and foster the transition to a low-emission, circular economy that is favourable to nature, while stepping up AI application and global data management coordination.

They recommended that countries cautiously deploy monetary policies to facilitate long-term inflation control, ensure balance of payments to increase resources for climate and development goals, strengthen the foundations to increase productivity through science and technology, innovation, and AI application.

They also stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation, especially in boosting global trade and developing green infrastructure and digital transformation.

The same day, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son attended a ceremony marking 10 years of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP). He highly appreciated Japan’s initiative on the establishment of the programme, saying after 10 years, the SEARP has become the most successful regional programme of the OECD with many outstanding achievements, including the admission of Indonesia and Thailand into the OECD.

With an important geostrategic position and dynamically developing economies, Southeast Asian countries will play an increasingly important role, contributing to growth and solving global development challenges, he noted.

He proposed that in the next 10 years, the SEARP should further promote its role as a bridge for Southeast Asian countries to engage more deeply and substantially in global governance, especially in areas such as green transition, tax and AI cooperation, to become a destination for high-quality investment capital, while promoting reform towards economies with high governance standards, environmentally friendly and social harmony.

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