Hanoi's urban railway and bus systems transported more than 417 million passengers in the first three quarters of the year, equivalent to 96.4% of the set plan, and representing an increase of 56.8% compared to the same period last year.

According to the Hanoi Public Transport Management Centre (HPTC), over 5.45 million bus trips were operated in the period, transporting an estimated 410 million passengers, equaling to 94.7% of the plan and up 57.1% year-on-year. The total revenue from the bus network reached about 410.2 billion VND (16.8 million USD).

The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line alone transported approximately 3.4 million passengers.

Meanwhile, the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line transported more than 7 million passengers in Jan – September with an estimated total revenue of 55.1 billion VND.

The quality of passenger transport service by buses in the capital city has recorded significant improvements in both number and quality, the centre reported.

Old vehicles have been completely phased out and replaced with higher-quality ones. Deteriorated bus shelters have been maintained and upgraded to better serve passengers.

Southern Dong Nai province logs second monkeypox infection

The health sector of southern Dong Nai province on October 12 reported that it has recorded another local resident infected with monkeypox in Bien Hoa city.

The 33-year-old patient has been diagnosed with monkeypox virus, said local health professionals, adding the source of infection remains unknown.

The patient, a photographer, went to Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital on October 3 for a medical checkup following suspected symptoms of monkeypox, and he later tested positive for the virus.

The photographer said he has neither met any foreigner nor travelled abroad in recent times. However, he had sex with a male friend in Binh Duong province where first monkeypox cases have been documented.

After showing initial suspected symptoms, he has stayed at home for a month and only got into contact with his relatives.

Local authorities said five of his relatives have had close contact with the patient and their health is now under scrutiny at home

The patient is now being put in quarantine for medical surveillance and medical treatment.

This is the second monkeypox infection in Dong Nai and the 17th case recorded in Vietnam.

Report on mutual legal assistance activities in 2023 sent to National Assembly

Minister of Justice Lê Thành Long has been recently authorised by the Prime Minister to submit a report to the National Assembly concerning mutual legal assistance activities in 2023.

As outlined in the report, the Government and the Prime Minister have maintained their commitment to overseeing the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and have called upon the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuracy to closely collaborate in comprehensively executing key tasks across all four dimensions of mutual legal assistance: civil, criminal, extradition, and the transfer of individuals serving prison sentences.

Within the realm of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy has led successful negotiations for three bilateral agreements in partnership with various ministries and branches.

Furthermore, in accordance with the President's authorisation, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy has signed five bilateral agreements.

Regarding the field of extradition and the transfer of individuals serving prison sentences, the Ministry of Public Security has overseen and coordinated negotiations for ten bilateral agreements. With the President's authorisation, the Minister of Public Security has signed seven bilateral agreements, including three extradition agreements with Argentina, Iran, Italy, United Arab Emirates, and Laos, and four agreements for the transfer of individuals serving prison sentences with Argentina, Iran, Italy, and Kazakhstan.

Additionally, negotiations have successfully concluded for three agreements.

In terms of implementing judicial mandates, the Justice Minister stated that in 2023, Việt Nam has dispatched 2,385 civil legal mandates to foreign countries and received 1,830 responses. Foreign counterparts have submitted 1,033 legal mandates to Việt Nam and received 1,231 responses. In comparison to 2022, Vietnamese legal mandates sent abroad have increased by 245, while foreign legal mandates sent to Việt Nam have decreased by 29. The number of judicial mandate responses has risen to 184 and 148 documents, respectively, in both directions.

For criminal cases, Việt Nam has dispatched 377 judicial mandates abroad and received 217 responses. Foreign countries have submitted 89 requests to Việt Nam and received 72 responses. This represents a 42.8 per cent increase in criminal justice mandates sent abroad by Việt Nam compared to 2022, with a corresponding increase in responses.

Although the number of foreign legal mandates sent to Việt Nam has decreased, the response rate has increased by 12 per cent.

Regarding the execution of extradition requests, data from the Ministry of Public Security reveals that in 2023, Việt Nam has sent 13 extradition requests to foreign countries. Currently, the Ministry of Public Security is in ongoing discussions with partners to fulfill any necessary document requirements.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has facilitated the extradition of two individuals requesting extradition to the Russian Federation.

In addition to the aforementioned activities, Việt Nam has received four requests to transfer individuals serving prison sentences from Việt Nam to foreign countries and has sent 40 transfer requests from abroad to Việt Nam. According to the minister, these requests are being processed in accordance with legal provisions, including nationality verification and related information. The Ministry of Public Security has already transferred one case to the competent court for consideration.

With respect to cases of transfers from Việt Nam to foreign countries, the Ministry of Public Security has transferred two cases to competent courts, while ongoing discussions are underway for the remaining two cases with foreign counterparts.

Furthermore, the police have coordinated with relevant authorities to repatriate three prisoners (one Korean national and two Australian nationals) for the continuation of their prison sentences in their home countries.

To address limitations and deficiencies, the Government has articulated its intent to provide guidance and proposals for the development of the Law on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters, the Law on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, the Law on Extradition, and the Law on Transfer of Individuals Serving Prison Sentences.

These initiatives will be incorporated into the 2025 law and ordinance building programme. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on promoting research activities and proposing the signing of bilateral international treaties. 

Photo exhibition celebrates female club’s birthday

An exhibition of photographs on Vietnamese people and culture by female artists from the Hải Âu Photography Club is now open in HCM City.

The event celebrates the club’s 33rd anniversary and Việt Nam's Women’s Day on October 20.

It is called Hải Âu Tuổi 33 (Hải Âu Photography Club’s 33rd Birthday) and features 54 black-and-white photos highlighting women and children in remote areas.

They include works by prize-winning photographers such as Đào Hoa Nữ, Ngô Thị Thu Ba, Đoàn Thi Thơ, and An Dung.

Some photos portray images of the country’s historical and cultural sites and achievements in all sectors, as well as the lives of its people.

Hải Âu artists used different tones of gray, ranging from white to dark, to feature their art and leave a very strong impression on viewers.

“The art of black and white pictures presented by the Hải Âu Photography Club is very different and will surprise viewers,” said Nguyễn Gia Phúc, a student of the HCM City University of Fine Arts, who attended the exhibition’s opening ceremony.

Hải Âu is well-known as one of the most famous photography clubs in Việt Nam where women photographers learn and improve their skills and present beautiful photos to the public.

It consists of dozens of artists who are of all ages and working different jobs, but have a deep love for photography. Many of them have won local and international prizes.

The club’s members have organised more than 120 solo and group exhibitions at home and abroad, as well as released photo books.

Veterans such as Nữ, Thơ and Nguyễn Hồng Nga hold the EFIAP title granted by the International Federation of Photographic Art for excellent photographers. They offer training courses for young artists.

The exhibition at the HCM City’s Cultural House for Women, 194 Lý Chính Thắng Street, District 3, and will remain open until October 18. 

Contemporary short-story collection released

A collection of Vietnamese short stories featuring the country’s contemporary literature from 2022-2023 has been printed by the Sbooks Publishing Company in HCM City.

The publication, Truyện Ngắn Đặc Sắc 2023 (Best Short Stories 2023), includes 31 short stories by young writers such as Trần Thị Tú Ngọc, Nguyễn Thị Kim Hoà and Lữ Mai.

Well-known female authors Y Ban, Nguyễn Ngọc Tư and Võ Thị Xuân Hà are also included.

These works were selected from many of the writers’ best stories in newspapers, magazines and books featuring Vietnamese history, culture and lifestyle. The themes of love and women are also featured.

Highlighted works include Hoà’s Hương Thôn Dã (Rural Flavours), Hà’s Cơn Gió Nghiêng (The Wind), and Tư’s Giữa Vật Chất Này (Living).

The three writers feature their views about life, love, and the challenges that young people face today.

While Hoà is a newcomer, Tư and Hà have more than 20 years writing.

Many readers will enjoy the writing style of Tư through her latest work titled Giữa Vật Chất Này. Her work portrays the culture and lifestyle of southern farmers.

Tư became famous after her novel, Cánh Đồng Bất Tận (Endess Field) was released in 2005. It was a bestseller when nearly 2,000 copies were sold after two days of release.

The book was honoured at the Southeast Asian Writers Awards by the Thai Royal Family in 2008. The prize aims to encourage and honour poets and writers in the ASEAN region.

The Việt Nam Writers Association nominated the book for the award, with the aim of introducing a slice of Việt Nam’s contemporary literature.

The book is still fresh today and has been republished several times. It was also adapted to film and theatre.

“We are working to give Vietnamese writers, particularly young talents, a chance to develop their career and meet the tastes of readers,” said Nguyễn Anh Dũng, founder of Sbooks Company.

“We believe that many new and good works should be introduced to young readers at home and abroad.” 

Cao Bang sets record for number of people performing Then singing, Tinh musical instrument

A mass performance of Then singing and Tinh musical instrument took place at Ban Gioc waterfall tourism area in the northern province of Cao Bang on October 7 with the participation of 1,000 people, setting a Vietnam record for the largest number of participants.

Under the theme “Cao Bang’s Then singing and Tinh musical instrument”, the record performance was recognised by the Vietnam Record Organisation.

This is the highlight of the Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival in 2023 which was kicked off in Cao Bang on October 6, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. The activity aims to promote the beauty of Ban Gioc waterfall in particular and Cao Bang province in general.

Besides, the event is also an opportunity to propagate, preserve and promote cultural values of the traditional art forms of Then singing and Tinh musical instrument, contributing to widely promoting this unique traditional art form and local tourism development as well as the value of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, which was recognised as a global geopark by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council in 2018. It is home to various fauna and flora species and gives an insight into more than 500 million years of Earth’s history.

The number of tourists to the area reached nearly 227,000 people in the first nine months of this year.

Thanh Hoa’s student becomes winner of 23rd Road to Olympia Peak contest

Le Xuan Manh, a student of the Ham Rong High School of the northern central coastal province of Thanh Hoa was the winner of the 23rd Road to Olympia Peak which ended in Hanoi on October 8.
 
The winner of the 23rd Road to Olympia Peak receives a 24K gold-plated laurel wreath and a US$50,000 university scholarship.
Manh had an excellent performance and triumphed over competitors with a highest point of 220.

The second position went to Nguyen Trong Thanh of the Tran Phu High School for the Gifted in the northern coastal city of Hai Phong. Nguyen Viet Thanh of the Soc Son High School in Hanoi and Nguyen Minh Triet of the Quoc Hoc-Hue High School for Gifted Students in Thua Thien-Hue Province got third place.
 
Khanh won a 24K gold-plated laurel wreath and a US$50,000 university scholarship. Cash prizes of VND200 million (US$8,200) and VND100 million (US$4,100) were offered to the second and third places.

“The Road to Olympia Peak” began in 1999 as the country’s biggest knowledge contest on TV for high-school students.

The competition includes four parts, “Warm-up”, “Overcoming obstacles”, “Speed-up” and “Finishing”. Participants have chances to win valuable prizes in weekly, monthly, and quarterly rounds.

Nguyen Thuy Linh competes in 2023 Finnish Open

Vietnam’s top female badminton player has arrived in Finland to participate in the Clash of Clans Arctic Open 2023 (2023 Finnish Open).

Thuy Linh is the sole female representative from Vietnam joining the tournament. This tournament takes place from October 10 to October 15 and is a part of the BWF World Tour Super 500 badminton series.

According to the draw, Thuy Linh will compete in the first round of the women's singles event against her opponent Beiwen Zhang from the US, who is the 4th seed. This tournament gathers world-class badminton players, such as Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand and Tai Tzu Ying from Chinese Taipei.

The 2023 Finnish Open is Nguyen Thuy Linh's first international tournament since her participation in the recent 19th Asian Games (ASIAD 19). At ASIAD 19, Thuy Linh did not make it to the medal round in the women's singles event. Currently, on the BWF rankings, Nguyen Thuy Linh holds the 28th position.

According to her professional schedule, she is making efforts to compete and earn points to secure direct qualification for the 2024 Olympics. After the 2023 Finnish Open, she will compete in a series of European tournaments, including Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This is the first time Thuy Linh will be participating in a sequence of European tournaments to this extent. Her most recent achievement was winning the women's singles title at the Vietnam Open 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Promotional events in Hanoi spread the value of craft villages

Hanoi, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, will host the Vietnam Craft Village Festival 2023 (October-November) to help promote the value of traditional crafts.

 Promotion events for craft villages will create a strong dissemination force not only for the people of the capital but also for a large number of international friends, said Le Duc Thinh, Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

He said the promotion of handicraft products aims to boost the city's socio-economic development as it is on the way of transformation into a handicraft hub for other localities and internationally.

He emphasized the need to cultivate more young, passionate and creative artisans for craft villages, thus creating new perspectives and thinking in their preservation and development.

Ta Van Tuong, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the permanent agency and coordinator of the promotional events, said that Hanoi has focused events that are highly distinctive and related to various departments and sectors, such as those promoting the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program.

In addition, according to Tuong, craft villages in Hanoi and the whole country cooperate and support each other to promote products nationwide and for export.

"Many handicraft villages in Hanoi, such as bamboo weaving, cooperate with provinces to develop raw material areas. Hanoi-based Bao Minh Company has signed cooperation agreements with 37 rice-growing areas nationwide to link rice cultivation and processing," he said.

As one of the venues for the Vietnam Craft Village Festival, Van Phuc Village (Ha Dong District) is actively preparing to host the Worship and Procession Ceremony of the Ancestor of Craftsmanship and the Van Phuc Tourism - Culture - Trade Craft Village Week in 2023 under the theme "Van Phuc - Colors of Integration," said Nguyen Van Du, Chairman of the Van Phuc Ward People's Committee.

The event will be held from October 29 to November 5 and aims to honor traditional crafts, artisans and craftsmen in the village, promote products and attract visitors.

Hanoi leads the country in the number of handicraft villages and artisans. With a long tradition, the city's handicraft villages have made significant contributions to the economic, cultural and social development of the city and the country.

The city's handicraft villages are highly creative, with diverse and unique handicraft products rich in cultural identity, such as Ngu Xa bronze casting, Dinh Cong jewelry, Phu Vinh bamboo weaving, Thach Xa bamboo dragonfly, Chuong conical hats, Ha Thai lacquerware, Chang Son fans, Dao Thuc water puppets, Tay Tuu flowers, Quat Dong embroidery, and many others throughout the country.

Thinh, from the Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development, said that Hanoi is the cultural center and home to the artistic essence of traditional crafts in Vietnam. With a long history of development, Hanoi's craft villages have produced many high-quality economic and cultural products. Many products of Hanoi's craft villages are classified as "national treasures", such as horizontal lacquered boards and couplets preserved as historical relics in Bac Giang and Thua Thien-Hue provinces, he added.

Many handicraft villages in Hanoi have also adapted well to the market economy. Many artisans and craftsmen have set up businesses and invested in modern production lines.

Thinh stressed that many products are not only sold domestically but also exported, such as bamboo woven products, ceramics, lacquerware, and mother-of-pearl inlays.

"With Van Phuc Silk Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village, and Me Tri Young Sticky Rice Village recognized as national trademarks, craft villages have become an important economic sector," he stressed.

According to statistics from the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the city now has more than 800 craft villages, the highest number in the country.

The city’s  traditional crafts are also very diverse, with 47 out of 52 crafts in Vietnam practiced in Hanoi. It is also the locality with the highest number of artisans awarded by the State, with hundreds more receiving this honor.

Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association convenes 5th congress

The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association (VLFA) held the fifth congress for the 2023-2028 term in Hanoi on October 9 with the presence of 150 delegates.

In his remarks at the event, Standing Vice chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, who is President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Parliamentarians Group, spoke highly of the exciting, regular and practical activities of the association.

Appreciating the important contributions that the VLFA has made to cultivating the traditional friendship between the two countries, Man suggested that during the new term, the association continues to attract the participation of outstanding individuals and relevant organisations in people-to-people diplomacy activities with new methods of operation along with the application of information technology.

A report presented at the congress showed that the past term has witnessed many important events in Vietnam - Laos relations including the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and 45th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. In that context, the VLFA has conducted many diverse activities, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos with highlights being large-scale people-to-people exchanges and thematic activities "following the leader's footsteps" which attracted young generation of the two countries.

The congress elected a new executive board of 73 members, with Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Culture and Education, elected as Chairman of the association for 2023-2028.

On the occasion, organisations and individuals of the VLFA were commended for their contribution to people-to-people diplomacy activities in the 2024-2024 period.

43rd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management opens

The 43rd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) opened in Ha Long city, the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 9.

The event drew the participation of more than 80 delegates from the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), and leaders from natural disaster prevention and control agencies of ten ASEAN members states. Timor Leste attended the event as an observer.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep highlighted that the ASEAN members have attained practical achievements in natural disaster prevention and control over the past time, from evaluation, supervision and mitigation to enhanced resilience capacity.

At the 43rd meeting, participants will be updated on the outcomes of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme for the 2021-2025 period, discuss to submit the Ha Long declaration on enhancing early activities in natural disaster management in ASEAN to the Ministerial Meeting for approval, and talk about financial regulations of the ASEAN Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (ADMER) Fund as well as cooperation with ASEAN development partners - China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, among others.

Vietnam commits further efforts to proactively and responsibly engage in natural disaster management activities in the ASEAN bloc, he stressed, expressing his belief that with their resolve and support from partners and international friends, ASEAN member states will be able to build a strong ASEAN Community which leads the globe in terms of natural disaster management.

An array of events is scheduled in the framework of the event, including bilateral meetings between the committee and ASEAN development partners, 19th meeting of the AHA Centre’s management board, and 4th ASEAN Disaster Resilience Forum.

An event in response to the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management, and International Day for Disaster Reduction in 2023 will be held at Bai Chay Primary and Secondary School in Ha Long city.

At the 42nd committee in Da Nang city in June, participants amended the financial regulations of the ADMER Fund which helps mobilise resources from the community for early actions to prevent natural disasters, organised rehearsal in response to natural disasters, and discussed the participation of Timor Leste in ACDM meetings.

In 2023, Vietnam takes the rotary role as the ACDM Chair, as well as hosts the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) and ACDM annual meetings.

This is an opportunity for the nation to promote its role within the ASEAN bloc in managing natural disasters and building the ASEAN Community and developing relations between ASEAN and partners at large. Besides, it also helps Vietnam gain experience and mobilise resources from international community for natural disaster prevention and control work, making contributions to the development of the country and the region.

Hanoi commends emulation exemplars, outstanding citizens in 2023

Role models in patriotic emulation movements and the outstanding citizens of Hanoi in 2023 were honoured at a conference held on October 9 in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The event, organised in celebration of the 69th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - 2023), was attended by the persons granted with the “Outstanding Citizen of the Capital” title since 2010 and 800 role models this year.

Mass organisations in the city reported that many patriotic emulation campaigns and the “Good person, good deed” movement have been promoted in the city in tandem with the enhancement of studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, moral example, and style.

Many practical movements and activities have been carried out fruitfully and helped boost livelihood development, poverty reduction, thrift practice, wastefulness prevention, and new-style countryside building. They have won strong support from local agencies, units, and people, thus contributing to the implementation of the city’s socio-economic development and defence - security tasks.

The over 800 exemplars of patriotic emulation and “Good person, good deed” movements honoured at the conference are representatives of tens of thousands of others city-wide. Among them, 10 were selected to be rewarded with the “Outstanding Citizen of the Capital” title in 2023.

At the event, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh, who is also head of the city’s emulation and commendation council, launched the “Good person, good deed” movement and the emulation campaign for 2024 towards the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day.

In his remarks, PM Chinh said that over the last 75 years, since President Ho Chi Minh issued an appeal for patriotic emulation (June 11, 1948 - 2023), under the Party’s leadership and with the engagement of the entire political system and people from all social strata, patriotic emulation has developed into a widespread movement and produced enormous results, serving as an important impulse for the Vietnamese revolution to reap continuous successes.

Praising Hanoi’s attainments in patriotic emulation and congratulating the exemplars honoured at the conference, the Government leader asked Hanoi to strongly bring into play its tradition of taking the lead in emulation movements so as to act as an example for other localities to follow.

He requested the capital city to keep promoting patriotic emulation movements to inspire each cadre, Party member, and people’s will, pride, and sense of responsibility towards local and national development.

The PM suggested Hanoi focus its emulation movements on restructuring the economy and reforming the growth model, turning science, high technology and innovation into a key driving force of development, developing culture into a new resource of development, and overhauling mechanisms to meet local development demand in the new period.

HCM City seeks broader co-operation with Australian and NZ localities

A delegation from Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council led by Nguyen Van Dung, vice chairman of the southern city’s People’s Council, is on a working visit to Australia and New Zealand with a view towards boost ties between the city and localities of the two nations.
 
During their trip to Australia, the delegation is set to hold working sessions alongside leaders of Melbourne and to promote linkages between the two cities on startups, innovation and creativity, urban planning, and sustainable urban development.

The Australia visit is designed to further boost the relationship that exists between Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne, as well as with Victoria state in general.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs, the southern city and Victoria State have signed a memorandum of understanding for co-operation to focus on fields such as hotel and tourism vocational training, innovation and startup, trade promotion, and urban development.

Following the Australia visit, the delegation will then travel to New Zealand where they are scheduled to meet with leaders of the Wellington Capital Council and NEC Group to gain experience in smart urban development.

Vietnam wins two silver medals at Asia Pickleball Games 2023

Local athletes brought home two silver medals during their first participation at the Asia Pickleball Games 2023, with the sporting concluding in Taiwan (China) on October 9.

Nguyen Anh Thang bagged the nation’s first silver medal in the men's singles event in the group of competitors above 35-years-old.
  
The Vietnamese player caused a surprise when he defeated strong players from Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan (China). He came second in the competition after eventually losing out to Vishal Jadhav of Indonesia 2-1 in the final match.

Thang and his teammate Le Ba Thanh Xuan clinched another bronze medal in the men's doubles above 35-years-old.

Elsewhere, a bronze medal went to two Vietnamese players, including Truong Quang Vu and Tran Thi Kim Loi, in the mixed doubles event following their loss against Kai Fen Yi and Yao Cheng Wang, the strong duo from the host country.

The Asia Pickleball Games took place in Taichung city of Taiwan (China) from October 6 to October 9. This premier event served to bring together pickleball enthusiasts from across the continent, showcasing their skills, sportsmanship, and passion for the game.

The tournament featured a range of exciting categories, including men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and the thrilling team challenge. With a diverse range of competitions on offer, the tournament caters to players of all genders and skill levels.

Pickleball is a sport which uses a paddle and plastic ball with holes, with the strokes in pickleball and tennis being similar.

This marks the first time that the nation has competed in the Asia Pickleball Games.

Earlier, on September 21, Truong Quang Vu made history by earning the first gold medal for the country at the World Pickleball Championship 2023 which was held in Bali, Indonesia.

Hanoi art photography contest honours 22 winners

The award ceremony of the 53rd Hanoi art photography competition and the opening of its associated exhibition took place at the exhibition hall at 45 Trang Tien street in the capital’s downtown on October 10, as part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2023).

The contest is held annually by the Hanoi Association of Photographic Artists to encourage local photographers to record the city’s long history.

Nguyen Van Toan, head of the association, said this year’s edition featured two themes on Hanoi’s craft villages and charms from every corner of the fatherland.

After more than two months, the organising committee received 1,712 entries from 227 photographers. The judging board selected 112 outstanding works from both themes to be displayed at the exhibition and awarded prizes to the top 22.

In the craft villages category, 16 awards were granted, including one first, two second, three third, and ten consolidation prizes. The first prize was awarded to the work “Nguoi luu giu hon tranh dan gian Hang Trong” (the person preserving the soul of Hang Trong folk painting) by Vu Bao Ngoc.

In the Vietnamese charms category, six works won one first, two second, and three third prizes. The first prize went to “Hoan thanh cong tac long Rotor vao Stator trong nha may thuy dien” (Completing the assembly of rotor into stator at a hydroelectric plant) by author Pham Hai Vinh.

The exhibition lasts until October 14.

Hanoi honours 96 valedictorians from universities

A ceremony to honour 96 valedictorians from Hanoi-based universities this year was held in Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) on October 10 night.

This is the 21st year that Hanoi has honoured valedictorians from tertiary establishments in the city, demonstrating the city's attention to education. 

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh said the valedictorians are potential young officers of the city in particular and the country at large. They are also typical examples of young, creative and dynamic intellectuals who are also active in scientific research, startups and community activities.

Over the past years, the municipal Party Committee and authorities have issued policies to attract and nurture talents for the development of the capital city. The city is working together with the Ministry of Justice on a draft revised law on the capital city, which will include specific policies to attract and use talents. 

The valedictorians vowed to uphold the national tradition of keening to learn while contributing to the city’s innovation and development in all socio-economic areas in order to achieve the goal of rapid and sustainable development, toward a green, smart, modern city with high competitiveness in the country and the region.

Wartime bomb in Yen Bai safely defused

Sappers in the northern province of Yen Bai on October 10 safely defused a 340-kg bomb left from the war.

The bomb, which has a diametre of 0.42m and is 1.2m in length, was detected on October 7 by local residents after heavy rain on the previous night. It was located at the edge of a stream in Tan Thanh village, Yen Thai commune.

Decades after the end of war, Vietnam still suffers from the deadly threat from bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) left by war.

According to the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre, all 63 provinces and centrally-run cities in Vietnam are contaminated with UXO, with 5.6 million hectares of land in total (17.71% of the country’s acreage) affected. It is estimated that between 600,000 – 800,000 tonnes of UXO are still hidden underground, and 110,000 people have so far become victims of UXO.

Traffic accidents controlled and reduced

According to Khuất Việt Hùng, Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, traffic accidents continued to be controlled and reduced compared to the same period in 2022 in terms of the number of incidents and fatalities.

The number of accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI) during peak times decreased significantly compared to previous years.

The results of handling DUI violations had been reported by many newspapers, broadcasters and social media platforms, and had received support from the public.

In addition, the number of traffic jams during peak periods had been reduced compared to the same period in 2022 after implementing nationwide non-stop toll collection. Violations related to overloading of vehicles and modifications to vehicle structures in certain localities had been addressed fundamentally.

Hùng also acknowledged shortcomings in traffic safety, especially in the number and impact of traffic accidents, as well as a rise in resistance against traffic police officials.

The Deputy Chairman of the NTSC attributed these situations to lack of awareness and compliance from people, and the abuse of alcohol or substances while driving.

Some local authorities and police officials still had incorrect or insufficient awareness and lacked determination in their guidance.

The effectiveness of law enforcement on traffic safety in some units and localities was still limited, and coordination among agencies and forces in ensuring traffic safety was sometimes not tight, especially in inspecting compliance with traffic safety regulations by commercial transport businesses. Funding for traffic safety work was also limited.

Regarding the directions and tasks for the fourth quarter of 2023, Hùng emphasised that authorities should focus on implementing solutions to achieve the objectives set by the Party, National Assembly and Government, which are to reduce traffic accidents in all three criteria: the number of accidents, the number of fatalities and the number of injuries, by at least 5 per cent compared to 2022. 

HCM City painter sends a little love for Hà Nội through new exhibition

Watercoloured paintings depicting ancient architectural structures of Hà Nội and the lifestyles of locals are showcased at an exhibition that is being held in Hà Nội.

The Little Love for the City is organised by the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hà Nội Old Quarter Management Board on the 69th anniversary of the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2023).

It is a gift of love from HCM City-based painter Hoàng Phong to the capital city whose beauty has charmed him since his first visit six years ago.

The exhibition introduces to the public 54 artworks from the collections of 100 watercolour paintings depicting Hà Nội through the eyes of the 36-year-old painter. They will take viewers on a journey back in time to the old Hà Nội where they once lived, passed through and bonded.

The paintings blend the lines of French colonial architecture with everyday modern life, creating enchanting poetic corners of Hà Nội. Visitors will be overwhelmed with nostalgia on seeing the familiar scenes of autumn in the city with its flower vendors, bustling Hàng Mã Street on the eve of Tết (Lunar New Year) and Châu Long Street bathed in golden sunlight.

Hà Nội has become Phong’s source of inspiration since he first arrived in the city in 2017.

One of the interesting features of the exhibition is that the paintings will not include any titles or descriptions. Phong understands that anyone has their own love, perspective, and personal story with the capital city. The paintings themselves will resonate with their individual stories, creating a new source of inspiration for the painter to continue nurturing his love for Hà Nội and creating new artworks.

The exhibition is free of charge at the Hồ Gươm Information and Culture Centre until October 29.

Khánh Hoà organises competition for designing tourism gifts

Khánh Hoà Province will host a contest for designing souvenirs for tourists visiting the area.

The “Designing Tourism Gifts for Nha Trang - Khánh Hoàn 2023” competition aims to find high-quality, diverse, and colourful designs for tourist gifts that align with the new direction of Khánh Hoà’s tourism development.

This is an opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their artistic creativity and design skills to create tourist gift products, while enriching the local identity, brand, and promotion of tourism.

Since the artworks will be used for promotional activities, both domestically and internationally, local authorities have set a requirement for the submitted works to be aesthetically pleasing and to capture the distinctive features of the province's tourism, especially emphasising the connection with Nha Trang – Khánh Hoà’s sea beach tourism.

Designs that use environmentally friendly materials, are convenient for mass production, and have reasonable prices for tourists and all consumer groups, are encouraged as well.

The submitted products can be individual designs or a collection, with the inclusion of the text "Du lịch Nha Trang - Khanh Hòa" in Vietnamese and "Nha Trang - Khánh Hoà Tourism" in English, presented in a logical and harmonious layout.

The designs for gifts must be original concepts, never before featured in any public media, and must not have been part of any previous contests, whether at the national or international level.

The competition is open to all organisations and citizens living and working in Việt Nam.

Participants can submit their works to the Khánh Hoà Tourism Promotion Information Centre at 61 Yersin Street, Phương Sai Ward, Nha Trang City.

The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2023, and the results will be announced in December this year.

An Giang to celebrate Sen Dolta Festival

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang will host its annual Bảy Núi (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival in Tri Tôn District on October 14.

Around 56 pairs of oxen from the province and Kiên Giang Province will compete in the race.

The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annual festivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a good harvest.

The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of Khmer ancestors and wishes for happiness and peace for their souls.

Sen Dolta is held from the last day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 14-16 this year.

During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work.

Many religious rituals and several cultural activities will take place at the Khmer pagodas to preserve the cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

The ox racing is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the event, which will begin at 7:30 am at the Tà Pạ - Soài Chek Sports and Tourism Area.

Two tourists lie about being robbed in Cao Bang

Local police have said that two tourists lied about being robbed in the northern province of Cao Bang as part of an attempt to get an insurance payout.

Cao Bang Provincial Police were informed by an Australian and a New Zealander that a backpack had been stolen from them when they were in Song Hien Ward, Cao Bang City. The two tourists said that the bag included a laptop, flycam, and some VND10 million in cash.

Cao Bang police investigated the claims and found no evidence of the incident.

At the police station, the two foreign tourists admitted that they had invented the case in order for local police to sign report papers so that they could get an insurance payment on their return to Australia.

The tourists had bought travel insurance before visiting Vietnam and the insurance company was liable to pay between 80-90 percent of the value of their lost belongings. 

Hundreds of Gia Lai households isolated in floods

Over the past few days, torrential rain has submerged Plei Du Village in Chu Rang Commune and Mo Nang 2 Village in Kim Tan Commune in Ia Pa District, putting up to 528 local households under water.

Among those, 217 households with a total of 946 people are in Plei Du Village and 311 households with 1,374 people are from Mo Nang 2 Village.

Local authorities have warned people to avoid flooded and vulnerable areas to ensure safety. They have also arranged security officers in these areas to prevent people and vehicles from entering.

Students from the two villages currently have to stay at ho.

Nguyen Minh Truong, party secretary of Ia Pa District, said the two villages often flood during the rainy season because of their low-lying location. Therefore, when it rains heavily, water from the upper reaches of Dak Pi Hao Stream usually flows into them, causing inundation.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, central localities from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri may face a widespread rainy front during October 10-13.

Long An records first monkeypox case

The Health Department of the Mekong Delta province of Long An announced on October 11 that the southern locality had detected its first case of monkeypox.

This represents the first case of monkeypox in the region and the 16th case in the country as a whole.

The case involves a 42-year-old resident of Can Giuoc town who is currently working as a sous chef at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Every day he goes to work in Ho Chi Minh City and then returns home at night.

The patient has shown symptoms of monkeypox such as a fever, nausea, and blisters, leading him to self-medicate, although he did not recover. Five days ago the Long-An born man went to the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital for medical checkups. The patient then had samples taken, with his results coming back positive for monkeypox, resulting in him now being isolated for treatment.

According to the epidemiological investigation, the patient is living with a 31-year-old man who works as an auto repairman. He was found to have stable health and has so far displayed no unusual symptom, although he has been instructed to remain home and self-monitor for a total of 21 days.

Monkeypox is currently listed as a Group B infectious disease in the nation, meaning it is capable of spreading quickly and possibly causing death, according to information provided by the municipal Department of Health.

The disease is capable of spreading from person to person via large respiratory droplets and direct contact, including sexual intercourse.

Vietnam currently has no vaccine or cure for monkeypox.

Doctors have warned that anyone experiencing a fever; headache; muscle aches and backache; swollen lymph nodes; chills; respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough, and a rash like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus; should immediately report the issue to their local health station.

Long An province launches new rural tourism product

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Long An has launched the province’s first rural tourism product in Tân Trụ District.

The tour, entitled “Tân Trụ quê hương em” (My hometown Tân Trụ), takes visitors to Vàm Nhựt Tảo historical relic, An Nhựt Tân mat-making village, and Bình An drum-making village.

Visitors can explore the beauty of peaceful unexplored village scenes and experience the local way of life, local specialties with dishes like canh chua cá (sour fish soup), cá kho tộ (caramelised fish in a clay pot), and cháo gà (chicken porridge).

On-site guides for the tour are students from primary and high schools in the province, making it more enjoyable for young visitors to join the tour.

Speaking at the tour launching ceremony on October 8, Lê Thị Cẩm Tú, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the new tour would lay a foundation for the development of rural tourism in the province.

Surrounded by the Vàm Cỏ Đông and Vàm Cỏ Tây rivers, Tân Trụ District is home to many historical relics and craft villages which have been preserved for hundreds of years.

Nguyễn Vũ Đạt, a visitor from HCM City’s Phú Nhuận District, said his daughter who is a fourth grader was very excited to take the tour, which gave her hands-on experience of craft villages and rural life.

More than 10,000 students visit the Vàm Nhựt Tảo historical relic a year, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. 

Agencies, localities urged to increase quality, efficiency of external information service

The Steering Committee for External Information Service on October 11 organised a national conference on studying and implementing the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 57-KL/TW dated June 15, 2023, on continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of external information service in the new situation.

Conclusion No.57-KL/TW is an important legal document, affirming the Party's consistent policy on the role and importance of external information work. It has a strategic orientation and a basis for agencies and units to develop and perfect mechanisms, policies, and apparatus for external information service.

In February 2012, the Politburo issued Conclusion No. 16-KL/TW on the external information service development strategy for the period of 2010 - 2020. After ten years of implementing Conclusion No. 16-KL/TW, the external information work achieved many important results, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position and reputation in the international arena, protecting the Party's ideological foundation, protecting the regime, and serving the cause of national construction and development.

The Steering Committee for External Information Service made changes, achieving many important results in both organisation and implementation of political tasks. The coordination between member agencies of the steering committee and between the central steering committee and localities and press agencies has been increasingly strengthened and proved effective.

However, the external information work has been facing difficulties and limitations, especially in the new situations with complicated unpredictable changes in the world and the region. Thus, the external information work is required to keep innovating to catch up with trends of the era of science and technology.

The issuance of Conclusion No.57-KL/TW shows the attention that Party and State leaders have paid to the external information work.

Speaking at the conference,  Nguyen Trong Nghia, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Chairman of its Commission for Information and Education, and head of the Steering Committee for External Information Service, asked agencies and localities to further enhance their roles and responsibilities in directing and organising the study and implementation of Conclusion No. 57-KL/TW.

He emphasised the need to raise awareness among officials, Party members, and people about the importance of the external  information work and Vietnam's foreign policy and guidelines.

Agencies and localities were asked to develop action programmes and plans to effectively implement the Conclusion. It is also necessary to continue to focus on building and training a force working in the foreign information work, he said.

He emphasised the need to mobilise resources in all three aspects of human resources, material resources, and financial resources, both domestically and internationally, to effectively serve foreign information tasks, contributing to the successful implementation of national development goals until 2030 with a vision to 2045 set at the 13th National Party Congress.

Vietnam, Japan eye stronger defence cooperation

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Defence Minister had a meeting with Japanese Minister of Defence Kihara Minoru in Tokyo on October 11.

The Vietnamese officer informed the host of the outcomes of the talks between the delegations of the VPA’s General Staff and the Japan Self-Defence Forces Joint Staff, expressing his hope that Minister Kihara will provide guidance for relevant agencies of both sides to comprehensively and effectively implement the agreed defence cooperation contents, contributing to deepening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Humanitarian assistance and overcoming post-war consequences are areas of cooperation that both sides consistently value, Cuong stressed, showing his desire that the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Cooperation Agency of Japan and related agencies continue promoting cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence in these works, particularly in projects related to landmine clearance and provision of equipment for dioxin decontamination.

He conveyed the congratulatory message and invitation to visit Vietnam from Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang to the Japanese officer.

For his part, Minister Kihara thanked for Defence Minister Phan Van Giang's invitation and congratulatory message, and said that he will visit Vietnam as soon as possible.

The Vietnam–Japan defence cooperation is entering a new phase of development, opening up opportunities for collaboration in numerous areas between the two defence ministries, Kihara said.

He hoped for a higher, deeper, and more effective level of the cooperative relations.

Earlier the same day, Cuong held talks with General Yoshida Yoshihide, Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces Joint Staff.

Both sides agreed that their defence cooperation has deepened and become more collaborative over the past time on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Defence Cooperation and Exchanges in October 2011, and the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Cooperation towards the next decade in April 2018.

The two countries have promoted delegation exchange, effectively maintained consultation and dialogue mechanisms, worked together in defence industry and settlement of post-war consequences, and supported each other at multilateral forums in the region, particularly the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM).

Particularly, both sides joined hands to organise the Competency Evaluation Programme for Prospective United Nations Peacekeepers (CEPPP) in Vietnam last September, fulfilling the role of co-chairs of the 14th meeting of the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations Cycle 4 for the 2021-2023 period within the framework of the ADMM.

Cuong and Yoshida reached consensus on several measures to promote the bilateral defence ties, with a focus on delegation exchange, maintenance of existing consultation mechanisms, human resources training, implementation of a programme to improve capacity in the fields of diving medicine and clearance of naval mines, UN peacekeeping activities, recovery of post-war consequences, and bolstered coordination at multilateral mechanisms.

They compared notes on international and regional issues of shared concern, and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, security, safety, and aviation and navigation freedom in the East Sea, and settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Official stresses importance to increase effectiveness, pervasiveness of external information

Entering the ninth edition, the National External Information Service Awards have affirmed its prestige and quality, and attracted big attention from Vietnamese and foreigners who both engage in and do not engage in the external information service.

The statement was made by Le Hai Binh, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, and Standing Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee for External Information Service, on the threshold of the awarding ceremony of the ninth edition to be held at the Hanoi Opera House on October 12 evening.

According to him, the external information service has received increasing attention of all levels and sectors, while the national awards have been expanded to various categories, for not only outstanding press and media works, but also ideas and activities that help spread the image of Vietnam in the international arena.

In addition, the awards have been organised more professionally, and broadcast live on a Vietnam Television (VTV) channel with the participation of senior Party and State leaders.

 Le Hai Binh, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, and Standing Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee for External Information Service (Photo: VNA)
To ensure the prestige of the Awards, Binh proposed continuing to improve the effectiveness and pervasiveness of external information and use them as criteria for scoring and award consideration.

There may be very good and profound articles, highly appreciated by many experts, but if there is no way to help them reach a large number readers or spread to the international community, they cannot be considered perfect external information works, he stressed.

As many as 112 works, including 10 first, 21 second, 30 third and 51 consolation prizes, were honoured at the awarding ceremony of the eighth National External Information Service Awards.

ASEAN Committee in US marks bloc’s 56th anniversary

The ASEAN Committee in New York held a ceremony to mark the bloc’s 56th founding anniversary at the United Nations (UN) headquarters on October 10 (local time).

The event saw the attendance of President of the 78th UN General Assembly Dennis Francis, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, ambassadors and heads of delegations from UN member countries.

As the rotating Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Mansury affirmed the central role of ASEAN as a regional cooperation model which has spared no efforts to maintain peace and stability, promote dynamic growth and effectively cope with global challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the 78th UN General Assembly Dennis Francis asked ASEAN to continue demonstrating its leading role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking action to respond to climate change, and dealing with poverty and inequality.

He also expressed his gratitude for ASEAN's support and contributions to the common affairs of the UN and to the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly, adding that for the first time a Vietnamese representative has been working at the office.

Meanwhile, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder emphasised that amid the current challenges, ASEAN continues to play an important role in and make positive contributions to ensuring peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Delegations of ASEAN member states to the UN have regularly maintained close contact, conversations, and meetings and shared views and information about issues of common concern on the UN agenda.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967 under the Bangkok Declaration, marking an important milestone in the region's development process.

HCM City, New Zealand’s Wellington cooperate in smart city building

Ho Chi Minh City and New Zealand’s Wellington city should join hands and support each other to successfully develop smart urban areas as soon as possible, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Van Dung has said.

At a meeting with member of the Wellington City Council Sarah Free in Wellington on October 11 (New Zealand time), Dung stressed that the Vietnamese southern hub is carrying out the National Assembly’s Resolution No.98 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for HCM City’s development, with highlights being urban area, investment attraction, startup and innovation.

He expressed his hope that the city and Wellington will continue working together and cooperate in the fields.

Dung pointed out several challenges that HCM City has faced when carrying out the smart urban area building project, including limitation in IT infrastructure, poor engagement of locals and enterprises in the project.

Sarah Free, for her part, said that climate change response and expenditure for implementation are among the challenges of Welling during the process to smart urban area development.

She hoped that both sides would continue to exchange information in the field so as to better serve local residents and businesses, while affirming that Wellington stands ready to share experience with HCM City in smart urban area development.

The same day, Dung visited the Vietnamese Embassy, during which he said he wishes the embassy will work to help HCM City promote collaboration with New Zealand localities.

Communist Parties of Vietnam, Colombia tighten relations

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs Nguyen Thai Hoc held talks with leaders of the Colombian Communist Party (PCC) in Bogota on October 11, as part of their working visit to Latin American countries.

This was an activity of foreign affairs via the Party channel to tighten the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Latin American countries and look towards the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Colombia in 2024.

Appreciating the great results that Vietnam has achieved in the struggle for national independence and reform under the leadership of the CPV, PCC leaders expressed their wish to study and learn more about the model and the path to socialism in Vietnam, especially in the Party building and ratification work and fight against corruption and negative phenomena.

PCC President Jaime Cayedo Turiago described the Vietnamese delegation’s visit as an important milestone in promoting the traditional relationship between the two Parties in particular and the two countries in general.

Briefing the guests about the PCC and the political, economic and social situation of Colombia, the PCC leaders emphasised that thanks to the solidarity spirit, a left-wing force, of which the PCC is a member, has held power in Colombia for the first time thanks to the Historical Pact for Colombia's victory in the 2022 election.

For his part, Hoc noted with pleasure the achievements that the PCC in particular and the Colombian left-wing force in general have obtained in recent times, believing that they will continue to win even greater victories in the near future.

He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to promoting traditional relations with Latin American countries, including Colombia.

To continue promoting relations between the two Parties and the two countries in the coming time, Hoc proposed the PCC increase the sending of leaders' delegations to visit and work in Vietnam to exchange experience on all fronts, while maintaining mutual support at bilateral and multilateral forums, actively connecting businesses of the two countries as well as planning to establish the Vietnam - Colombia Friendship Parliamentarians' Group.

While in Colombia, the CPV delegation met with leaders and members of the PCC Youth Union during which Hoc introduced the heroic struggle history of the CPV and the Vietnamese people, the culture and people of Vietnam, and the good traditional relations between the CPV and PCC. He hoped that the PCC Youth Union will continue to learn more about Vietnam, thereby contributing to preserving and developing the sound relationship between the two Parties and the two countries.

Vietnam qualified for AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024

The Vietnamese futsal team has landed a 5-2 win over the Republic of Korea (RoK) in their final match of Group D on October 11 during the qualifiers of the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup.

From the opening whistle, both teams showed plenty of intent to attack and score the opening goal.

Duong Ngoc Linh eventually opened the score for Vietnam in the 14th minute, and two minutes later Nhan Gia Hung doubled the score.

Meanwhile, Korean players pulled one back to make it 2-1 in the first minutes of the second half.

The Vietnamese players then scored three more goals before the RoK scored a consolation goal, with the final score of 5-2.

Vietnam finished first in Group D, followed by the RoK, advancing to the final round of the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup which is scheduled for April 17 to April 28, 2024, in Thailand.

The 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals will also serve as the qualifying round of the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

The Vietnamese team played in two FIFA Futsal World Cups in 2016 and 2020, entering the knockout-stage in both tournaments.

At the most recent World Cup, they ended their campaign in the round of 16. They are now placed 39th in the global rankings.

Work begins on century high altitude marker to serve urban planning

Construction of a century high altitude marker started in Soc Son district of Hanoi on October 11.

It is part of a project on modernising the national system of high altitude markers to serve planning and construction works, socio-economic development and climate change response in some large cities and coastal areas.

Under the project, 99 high altitude markers will be built in 40 provinces and cities, with the aim of ensuring the accurate and consistent determination of high altitudes at every point and every location in the country.

Work on the century high altitude marker is expected to be completed on March 12, 2025. Once operational, it will provide accurate high altitudes for urban planning and development as well as construction of auxiliary works such as traffic systems, drainages and pipeline systems, thus helping to increase the effectiveness of flood prevention, and arrange planning in accordance with the terrain.

OV entrepreneurs contribute ideas to serve HCM City’s development

Ho Chi Minh City wishes to continue receiving recommendations of Vietnamese entrepreneurs abroad on solutions for the city’s development, Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Ho Hai said on October 10.

Speaking at a conference on Resolution 98/2023/QH15 piloting special mechanisms and policies for the development of HCM City, which officially took effect on August 1, with overseas Vietnamese (OV) entrepreneurs, Hai also expressed his hope that they will help connect and attract financial institutions and economic groups to seek investment opportunities in the city.

He affirmed that the city is always well aware of the big role of Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those living abroad, in popularising policies of the Party and laws of the State in general and those of HCM City in particular to international friends.

Mai Phan Dung, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, emphasised that the overseas Vietnamese community, including OV entrepreneurs, are abundant resources that need to be attracted to join hands in implementing the development tasks set for Ho Chi Minh City in the coming time.

At the event, Vietnamese entrepreneurs from Poland, the UK, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China) and Japan contributed their ideas to attract more foreign investment and boost international cooperation in calling for and implementing projects in the fields of technology, renewable energy and education.

They pledged to maintain support for the city during the process of carrying out Resolution 98, and well serve as a bridge connecting the city with reliable international partners.

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