Saurin Dilipbhai Shah, Chairman of Adani Group, will be Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in India’s Gujarat state for a three-year term.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai on November 15 handed over Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son’s decision on the appointment to Shah. The decision will take effect from October 21.

In his remarks, Hai emphasised the important role of the Honorary Consul in enhancing economic, tourism and cultural cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and India, and Gujarat in particular.

For his part, Shah pledged to make all-out efforts to promote Vietnam in Gujarat, intensify tourism links and explore new cooperation potential between the Indian state and Vietnamese localities, especially in economy, while working to boost people-to-people exchanges.

Shah said as a senior leader of Adani Group, he will do his best to foster trade ties between the two countries. Both Vietnam and India hold important geo-political positions with long coastlines, he said, noting that the two countries have a lot of potential for collaboration in seaports, logistics, IT, finance, garment and textile, and agriculture.

The Honorary Consul also stressed that he will utilise his networks to promote strategic connection projects, particularly in infrastructure and pharmacy, as Gujarat is a centre of pharmaceutical production of India.

Adani Group is an integrated business conglomerate in India, and the first Indian group to have committed 10 billion USD in investment in Vietnam.

East Sea symposium emphasizes peace maintenance for post-pandemic recovery

Nearly 500 delegates are physically and virtually attending an international symposium on the East Sea, which opened in Da Nang city, central Vietnam, on November 16.

The two-day symposium, the 14th of its kind, has brought together approximately 40 speakers from 20 countries and territories, and nearly 50 representatives of foreign countries in Vietnam. Correspondents from 25 local and foreign news agencies have registered to give coverage of the event.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu pointed out recent dramatic changes in the region and the wider world, saying global geopolitical risks and competition between major powers have exacerbated existing problems such as energy security, food security, inflation and recession, posing a big threat to peace and stability. These are multidimensional and multi-layered challenges that are difficult to identify, he stressed.

He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy on the East Sea that is to fully respect and comply with the provisions of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and settle disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, in order to promote maritime cooperation.

Vietnam attaches great importance to the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources, the official stressed, adding maintaining peace at sea is the prerequisite for sustainable recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Deputy Minister suggested that the international community put forward creative solutions to improve transparency and promote strategic trust between stakeholders. It is necessary to take specific actions to maintain political stability and economic recovery, and take initiatives to promote multilateralism, especially the central role of ASEAN, he said.

Dr. Pham Lan Dung, acting director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam that hosts the symposium, said in the context of the global complications, the Da Nang gathering aims to examine the impact of new global geopolitical changes on the East Sea, identify potential risks and seek to restore trust, promote dialogue and cooperation.

Defence Ministry ready to support Cambodia to organise 32nd SEA Games

Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense, within its capacity, is ready to support Cambodia in successfully organising the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), said Deputy Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong.

Cuong, also Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), made the remarks while receiving General Khim Bunsong, Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence and Chairman of the Royal Cambodian Army’s military sports council in Hanoi on November 15.

He stressed that training cooperation has always been a focus of the two countries' defence ministries and militaries, considering this a matter of strategic significance.

The official took the occasion to congratulate Cambodia on recent successes in hosting a series of politics-diplomacy and military-defence events in its ASEAN chairmanship year 2022.

For his part, Khim Bunsong thanked Vietnam for its valuable assistance to Cambodia over the past time and expressed his delight at activities held in the ongoing Vietnam-Cambodia and Cambodia-Vietnam friendship year.

He informed his host of outcomes of his talks with Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang, Deputy Chief of the VPA General Staff, stating that experiences exchanged at the meeting are helpful for Cambodia’s organisation of the 32nd SEA Games next year.

Hanoi: UNFPA event marks world population hitting 8 billion

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam held an event in Hanoi on November 15 in response to a new milestone in the world population, spreading a message of ‘8 Billion: A World of Infinite Possibilities’.

The global population reached 8 billion today. This milestone is both a cause for celebration and a clarion call for humanity to find solutions to the challenges the world is facing.

In her speech, Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, said the fund will continue to advocate for the fundamental right for individuals and couples to freely and responsibly make their own decision on the number, timing and spacing of having children.

On the occasion, UNFPA and the national Vietnam Television awarded winners of the drawing contest ‘I am in the 8 billion’ that the sides co-organised from October 28 to November 14. Themed “People are the solution, not the problem”, the competition received nearly 100 entries from Vietnamese citizens, with its special prize presented to Le Bao Linh from Hanoi for a work titled “City of Lights”.

In addition, the organiser has planned two intercity buses to carry the message “8 Billion Hopes, 8 Billion Dreams, 8 Billion Solutions” from  the north to the south between November 16 and 30.

According to the GSO, Vietnam’s population will reach 100 million between April and May 2023. The Southeast Asian nation is among the 15 countries with the largest labour potential in the world.

Agriculture Ministry has new Deputy Minister

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has decided to appoint Mr Nguyen Quoc Tri as new Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Nguyen, born in 1967, was former General Director of the Viet Nam Administration of Forestry, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was established since 1995 based on combination of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Irrigation.

Agriculture – a basis of Vietnam - New Zealand relations: PM Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern viewed agriculture as a basis for relations with Vietnam while addressing an agriculture connection event (AgriConnectioNZ) in Hanoi on November 15.

In her remarks, she said agriculture is not only a crucial sector of the two economies but also part of the countries’ cultural identities, noting that farmers are a key factor of the economy of New Zealand.

Describing New Zealand and Vietnam as destined partners in agriculture, the PM noted with the common commitment on free trade and their reputation in food production and export, both countries are proud to be providers of food for the whole world.

She also pointed out considerable challenges to the two countries’ food systems and global food security, adding the demand for cooperation among food exporting countries is now more urgent than ever.

The strategic partnership between Vietnam and New Zealand, set up in 2020, is a solid foundation for them to confront these challenges and gain benefits together, Ardern went on.

The New Zealand leader noted that both countries own effective food production systems, and this will continue a focal area of their cooperation.

She also highly valued bilateral cooperation in applying high food safety standards, which are important to a sustainable global food system, as well as in improving the resilience and sustainability of farmers, rural communities, and ethnic minority groups.

Concluding her speech, PM Ardern stressed that agricultural connectivity marks a historic milestone in their fruitful and mutually beneficial relations, and that it’s now the time for the countries to launch a partnership in agriculture for the next century.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan also said agricultural cooperation is an important pillar in bilateral cooperation. Vietnam appreciates New Zealand’s attention to agriculture, which focuses on knowledge and technology transfer regarding the development of the farm produce market and high-quality crop varieties, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, dam safety and reservoir operations, food safety, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in animal farming.

In 2021, their agro-forestry-fishery trade approximated 550 million USD, accounting for 41% of total bilateral trade.

He expressed his hope that enterprises of Vietnam and New Zealand will partner in developing high-tech agricultural value chains, and promoting connectivity between the two countries as well as their connectivity with global markets. Vietnam’s agricultural sector will create optimal conditions for New Zealand businesses to make investment and do business successfully, sustainably, and in the long term, the official affirmed.

At the event, PM Ardern, Minister Hoan, and Minister for Trade and Export Growth and Minister of Agriculture of New Zealand Damien O'Connor witnessed the signing of a document on the implementation of a plan to export Vietnam’s lime and pomelo to New Zealand, along with a memorandum of understanding on cooperation prioritisation between the TH True Milk company of Vietnam and the Waikato milk company of New Zealand.

NA passes revised anti-money laundering law, thrift practice resolution

The National Assembly (NA) adopted the revised Law on Money Laundering Prevention and Control and a resolution on promoting the implementation of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention on November 15.

The revised Law on Money Laundering Prevention and Control won the votes of 483 among the 488 legislators present at the plenary sitting, part of the 15th parliament’s fourth session.

It consists of four chapters with 66 articles and will take effect on March 1, 2023.

The law stipulates measures for preventing, detecting, and dealing with organisations or individuals involved in money laundering; the responsibility of agencies, organisations, and individuals towards money laundering prevention and control; and international cooperation in this regard.

The fight against the money laundering that aims at sponsoring terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will also be conducted in accordance with this law, as well as criminal law and legal rules on prevention and combat of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Meanwhile, the resolution on promoting the implementation of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention received support from 487 of the 488 legislators.

It stated that a campaign on thrift practice and wastefulness control will be launched nationwide from 2023.

The Government will organise an emulation movement on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention in production and consumption activities at all levels, in all sectors, and among the public in a practical and effective manner. It will also make timely commendations and rewards while expanding role models in the task, according to the resolution.

Vietnamese beauty crowned Mrs Grand International 2022

Phan Kim Oanh was named winner of Mrs Grand International 2022 after successfully beating off competition from contestants of 35 countries worldwide in the pageant’s grand final held on November 14 in Myanmar.

The win means that the 34-year-old businesswoman from Hai Phong becomes the first-ever Vietnamese beauty queen to win the title of Mrs Grand International. 

Along with receiving the crown, she also won the Best Body Award.

Elsewhere, representatives of Suriname, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines were awarded the four runner-up prizes.

Mrs Grand International was held in Myanmar from November 9 to November 14, with the event being the first time that Vietnam has sent representative to the global pageant.

Khanh Hoa issues master plan for Nha Trang Bay restoration

The People's Committee of Khanh Hoa south-central province has just issued a master plan to preserve and restore coral reefs in Nha Trang Bay.

Provincial authorities have set out specific tasks and solutions, including raising awareness and changing the behaviours of individuals, communities and businesses. Scuba diving tourism at degraded reef sites in Hon Mun and other locations will be suspended, as well as activities that infringe on habitats and coral reefs in the Hon Mun sea area and other core areas in Nha Trang Bay.

They will strengthen control over aquaculture activities in Nha Trang Bay; patrol and strictly protect Hon Mun conservation area, and promptly detect and handle violations of the environmental law in the Nha Trang Bay area.

In order to restore corals in Hon Mun and Nha Trang Bay, the provincial authorities will conduct environmental cleaning.

The province will conduct surveys on the current status of coral reefs at scuba diving tourist sites around Hon Mun, to determine the extent and causes of degradation; and then implement appropriate restoration solutions for coral reefs.

The Nha Trang city People's Committee and Nha Trang Bay Management Board will co-organise the plan implementation.

The Vietnam - Russia Tropical Centre’s Nha Trang branch, in collaboration with the Institute of Oceanography, will be responsible for researching the restoration of coral reefs.

The Institute of Fisheries Science and Technology under Nha Trang University will test coral restoration by using "Biorock" technology in Nha Trang Bay.

Nha Trang Bay covers an area of over 500 sq.km with 19 islands. It has distinct ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass.

Local beauty unveils national costume for Miss Tourism International 2022

Nguyen Nga, the Vietnamese representative at Miss Tourism International 2022, has released the outfit she will wear during the upcoming national costume competition, which is currently taking place in Malaysia.

The outfit has been carefully designed by Doan Phuc Thien, drawing inspiration from Hue’s royal court music known as nha nhac.

Hue’s royal court music was officially recognised by UNESCO as the first Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam back in 2003. Therefore, Nga’s performance whilst wearing the national costume at the global pageant is expected to promote Vietnamese culture to viewers from around the world.

Nga hails from Phu Tho province and stands at 1.74 metres tall with measurements of 89-62-92. She is currently an emcee, model, and actress.

She finished as second runner-up at Miss Globe Vietnam 2022 and is representing Vietnam at Miss Tourism International.

The international pageant was first held in 1994, with this year’s edition drawing the participation of 80 beauties from across the world. Its grand final is scheduled to take place on November 25 in Malaysia.

Vietnam has so far sent a total of 12 representatives to the pageant over the years, with Hoang Thu Thao, Thuy Linh, and Giao Linh winning the Best National Costume award in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. In addition, Hoang Thu Thao also finished among the top 10 in the 2016 contest.

Most notably, 2021 saw Hoang Huong Ly named among the Top 5 of the competition, whilst also won the Miss Tourism Metropolitan International title.

Vietnam tourism wins 16 categories at World Travel Awards

Vietnam's tourism destinations and brands have been named in the top 16 award categories of the 2022 World Travel Awards, with the country accredited as World’s Leading Heritage Destination for the third time since 2019.

Popular Vietnamese locations also won a series of prestigious titles, with the capital city Hanoi and Phu Quoc island in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang being named World's Leading City Break Destination and World's Leading Nature Island Destination, respectively.

Moc Chau district in the northern mountainous province of Son La won the title of World's Leading Regional Nature Destination, while the Hoi An Memories Land in the central province of Quang Nam’s Hoi An city was listed as World's Leading Entertainment Destination.

The Tam Dao area in the northern province of Vinh Phuc has been recognised as World's Leading Town Destination for its first-time nomination this year.

In addition, many famous Vietnamese brands in the fields of hotel, resort, airline, and travel agency have also won the first place in the awards’ world top categories.

The WTA was launched in 1993 to acknowledge excellence in the travel and tourism industry. Heralded as the “travel industry’s equivalent of the Oscars” by the Wall Street Journal, the awards are based on votes from the public and travel professionals across the globe.

HCM City urges Tan Son Nhat expansion land handover

HCM City authorities have instructed that 4.5 hectares of military land be handed over for construction of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to HCM City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong, the HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment needed to ensure the handover of 4.5 hectares of land to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam to carry out the project.
 
Authorities of Tan Binh District are responsible for submitting the compensation proposal to the city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment before being sent to the municipal people’s committee for consideration.

HCM City planned the handover of 16.05 hectares of military land to AVC in October. However, due to sluggish procedural issues, this has not yet been finished. Site clearance for this area will cost around VND1.15 trillion (USD46.37 million).

Once put into operation, the terminal with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers can help to ease the overload for Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Tram Chim National Park investment project approved

The Dong Thap People’s Committee has approved a project for forest management and sustainable ecosystem development at the Tram Chim National Park for the 2021-2025 period, according to the local media.

The project will cost VND73 billion, of which VND50 billion will come from the State budget. It is intended to conserve the melaleuca forests, natural ecosystems and biodiversity, and strengthen the management and fire prevention at the park.

The project will help to enhance ecotourism, promote local culture, improve transportation, and create comfortable living spaces for the forest protection forces.

Series of exhibitions to honor Hanoi contemporary artists

A series of exhibitions and installations of contemporary Vietnamese works are on display until the end of November within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2022.

Being displayed at the Center for Culture and Art No.22 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, is a unique series of contemporary art exhibitions and installations inspired by the Vietnamese heritage and history of 40 individuals and groups of contemporary artists in Hanoi.

The exhibition features eight major art spaces, including the art installation "Fairy Skites"; the artifact show "Memories of 22 Hang Buom", the lantern installation "Past and Present Meeting", the art installation "Five Elements", the 3D Game installation space "Air Skylen", among others.

Accordingly, the “Fairy Skites” features images of kites created by artists Quan Hang Cao and Le Thanh Binh combined with a sound installation by Artist Tri Minh.

The lacquer, silk, and artworks made from Do paper (the paper is made from the powder of a tree named “do”) in the “Fairy and Dragon” painting exhibition are created based on the image of a fairy riding a dragon in the ancient village communal house carvings in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the lantern installation “Past and Present Meeting” uses 36 lanterns with the theme of folk paintings. They are drawn with a pencil in combination with the graphic technique by Hanoi-based artist Xuan Lam, awakening a cultural beauty that has been forgotten in modern life.

The installation of “Five Elements” introduces a series of works made by cyanotype printing technique on silk, demonstrating Vietnamese artisans' skillful craftsmanship and aesthetic ability.

The series of exhibitions and installations will run until the end of November 30 with free admission.

Can Tho, US step up health, education cooperation

Authorities of Can Tho and representatives of the US Consulate General in HCM City agreed to boost their comprehensive cooperation in health, education and renewable energy at their November 15 meeting in the Mekong Delta city.

Lauding the US’s capacity in these fields, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Hong stated Can Tho encourages the implementation of US programmes and projects in the city and the enhancement of regular cooperation between the two sides.

He asked the US to grant more scholarships and provide related information for eligible students, teachers and civil servants from Can Tho to further their study and research in the North American nation.

In response, US Consul General Susan Burns said in addition to promoting trade and people-to-people diplomacy, she will make efforts to help Vietnam realise its climate change and clean energy targets.

She added that she will continue to introduce US businesses to invest in Can Tho in the fields of processing, infrastructure and healthcare.

The diplomat unveiled that the US will also launch many undergraduate and graduate programmes in the city and expand related programmes and the exchange of students between Can Tho and leading US universities.

Seventh Italian Food Week in Vietnam kicks off in Hanoi

The Italian Food Week in Vietnam 2022 is being held from November 4 to November 20 in Hanoi as part of efforts to give the public the opportunity to sample a range of authentic Italian dishes.

The event will include several diverse activities, including an opening dinner at La Fiorentina Restaurant, with Squizzato preparing a special menu that showcases the wholesomeness of the Mediterranean diet.

Furthermore, coffee culture will be the theme for the event co-hosted by Segafredo Boncafe' Vietnam brand, Buon Ma Thuot Coffee World Museum, and Trieste International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology on November 16 at Casa Italia.

Throughout the week foodies will have the chance to attend the Gelato Ice Cream Festival, an event which will showcase Italy's artisanal ice cream traditions.

Moreover, the Casa Italia Wine Festival, an Italian wine tasting event, will be held for two days with the participation of major distributors in Vietnam.

Valpolicella Wine Tasting Competition, raining course, and an exhibition themed “Taste of Italy” will also take place in early December.

For the duration of Italian Food Week in Vietnam, a number of Italian restaurants in Vietnam will also introduce “Special Menus” which combine traditional, sustainable, and innovative elements for guests to enjoy. This therefore represents a prime opportunity for local food lovers to discover the unique features of Italian culinary culture.

International Experimental Theatre Festival opens in Hanoi

The fifth International Experimental Theatre Festival kicked off on November 15 in Hanoi, drawing the participation of 16 local and foreign art troupes from the Republic of Korea, Poland, Singapore, Italia, Pakistan, and hosts Vietnam.

The festival is set to get underway between November 15 and November 26, with audiences having the chance to watch plays for free in many venues across both Hanoi and Hai Phong City.

Immediately after the opening ceremony artists from LucTeam of Vietnam performed a play with the theme of “Antigone”, which is widely considered to be a masterpiece of global theater and literature dating back 2,500 years by Sophocles, a great playwright of ancient Greece.

Vietnam earlier held the festival four times in 2002, 2006, 2016, and 2019 under the auspices of the Vietnam Stage Artists' Association and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Performing Arts Department.

Park Hang-seo to call up players ahead of 2022 AFF Cup

Head coach Park Hang-seo is scheduled to call up 36 footballers to the Vietnam national team to prepare for the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup slated for late December.

Most of the players will gather together at the National Youth Football Training Centre in Hanoi on November 22, while those from Hanoi FC, Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, and Binh Dinh FC will convene later as they are participating in the National Cup on November 23.

The national team are due to take on Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund at 7 p.m. on November 30 at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi - a major test for Vietnam ahead of the 2022 AFF Cup due to run from December 20, 2022 to January 16, 2023.

They will also play a friendly match against the Philippines in December before starting the AFF Cup campaign.

Vietnam ranks fifth among foreign students communities in US

Vietnamese students ranked fifth among foreign students communities at higher education institutions in the United States, with 20,713 students studying at American universities in the 2021 - 2022 academic year.

According to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) annual “Open Doors” Report released on November 14, of the figure, 67.3% were undergraduates, 17.4% graduates, 13.2% enrolling in Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the remaining 2.1% pursuing non-degree programmes.

The data also reveal that before COVID-19 broke out in 2019, the number of Vietnamese students in the US had recorded increases for 18 consecutive years.

For the 2020 - 2021 academic year, the country is placed sixth with 21,631 students studying at American institutions.

Most notably, Vietnamese students continue to demonstrate a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as business and management studies.

This year sees China retain top spot, followed by India, the Republic of Korea, and Canada.

Body of suspected killer found in Hoa Binh forest

A body suspected to be the man who fled after attacking his wife's family has been found in a forest in Hoa Binh Province.

Police in the northern province of Hoa Binh on Tuesday afternoon announced that local people found a body suspected to be Bui Van Phien who fled after attacking his wife's family in late August.

Bui Van Phien, 38, fled to a local forest after stabbing his wife, parents-in-law, and sister-in-law after a quarrel at their house in Tan Lac District on August 25. His 15-year-old son was also stabbed when trying to stop him.

Phien only stopped and fled when local residents heard the screams and rushed in to restrain him.

The wife managed to escape. But the 65-year-old mother-in-law died of serious injuries while the 70-year-old father-in-law and 43-year-old sister-in-law were badly hurt. His son also suffered from slight injuries.

Hoa Binh Provincial Police Department deployed hundreds of policemen on the manhunt for Phien after the incident but they failed to find him.

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