On display will be 100 Japanese picture books, also called Ehon in Japanese, for children of different ages. The occasion will help visitors to understand more about the book world of children, and encourage the reading culture among children.

Furthermore, an exhibition of Cosette original paintings by Japanese painter Yasumasa Suzuki will be held at the Vietnam Japan Culture Exchange Center, 27 Quang Trung street in Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, between October 14 and 18.

During the event, the organisers will provide a reading corner where visitors can read picture books freely.

On October 20, a book fair is set to get underway at Du Parc Hanoi Hotel, 84 Tran Nhan Tong street in Hoan Kiem district.

Ehon are illustrated stories for children in which the text and images are integrated to tell a story on a certain topic. Each page contains one or two short sentences which are appropriate for a child's language level. The content and characters in the book are familiar objects and activities which can be found in the daily lives of children, such as eating, sleeping, playing, animals, and plants.

Efforts made to ensure rights of vulnerable groups of women

During the consolidation of its legal system, Vietnam has paid due attention to ensuring the rights of women from vulnerable groups, helping to narrow gender gaps in many spheres.

However, limitations remain in the implementation of policies towards the vulnerable groups of women, including ethnic minorities, the disabled, migrants, and the elderly. 

President of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) Ha Thi Nga said women migrants have been supported in daily activities, emergency cases, and health care, yet more than 37% of them haven’t received any assistance.

She pointed to shortcomings in the organisation of activities for the elderly, and the lack of specific policies for them.

The official noted a range of social issues relating to the groups’ jobs, livelihoods, housing, health care and social welfare, saying there have been cases of abuse and violence against women, which have triggered public outcry.
 
Nga blamed the issues on the inefficiency in the implementation of relevant programmes and plans in some localities and agencies, and the communications work.
 
According to the official, the national target programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas in the 2021-2030 period has included many policies on ethnic groups.

She highlighted the first-ever gender project under the national target programme, approved by the National Assembly and implemented by the VWU, aiming to ensure gender equality and settle urgent issues facing women and children.

Besides, women’s unions in provinces and cities have stepped up communications activities to raise public awareness, and eliminate gender stereotypes and harmful practices.  

Those at southern localities have actively rolled out and maintained a number of models and services in support of women migrants, she said.

The VWU has coordinated with the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies and the State Bank of Vietnam to facilitate women’s access to credit loans, helping them in production and business, Nga added.

Bui Quang Tuan, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission, suggested mass mobilisation commissions of municipal and provincial Party Committees to keep a close watch on the situation of women in their localities, and identify relevant issues, thus raising proposals to better implement policies for them.

CN Traveler names Phu Quoc among world’s top island

Boasting long beaches with gleaming white sand lying serenely along inviting turquoise waters, Phu Quoc island off the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has been honoured by the American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler (CN Traveler) as one of the world’s top islands in 2023.

CN Traveler unveiled the Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 on October 3, with Phu Quoc making it to the list for the second consecutive year.

The Vietnamese island secured a spot in the Asian island category, ranking 8th with 88.89 points. It was followed by Japan’s Okinawa & Ryuku islands, and the Philippinies’ Siargao island.

 In 2015, Condé Nast Traveler’s readers voted Phu Quoc’s Sao beach as one of the ten pristine and tranquil beaches in the world, alongside with other renowned destinations such as Fiji and Maldives.

Besides stunning landscape, the pearl island is among the most alluring destinations in Vietnam, owing to a kaleidoscope of cultural-historical experiences, and various kinds of accommodations – from affordable housing to luxurious resort that it has offered.

Foreign media has praised Phu Quoc as a “rising star” in the global tourism map thanks to its radical changes to attract visitors. Charming Sunset Town, which was recently put into operation in the southern part of the island, has been hailed by Yonhap News of the Republic of Korea as it offers visitors a unique experience to enjoy the Mediterranean beauty in a tropical nation. Meanwhile, Traveller magazine of Australia affirmed that every corner of Sunset Town will amaze visitors.

The iconic attractions of Phu Quoc include the Hon Thom cable car - the longest 3-rope cable car system in the world that takes tourists from the centre of An Thoi town to Hon Thom island, and Kiss The Stars – Asia’s largest show of multimedia technology on water.

Besides, a visit to pepper farms, pearl farms, Ham Ninh fishing village or Phu Quoc National Park, and a try of local food such as “bun quay” (vermicelli with fish cake, shrimp cake, squid and beef) will help travellers get a deeper insight into local culture.

Yonhap News also called Phu Quoc “Vietnam’s Maldives” as the island is housing an array of top-notch resorts that meet requirements of the most fastidious travelers seeking exquisite accommodations, including JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald, New World Phu Quoc Resort and Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort.

Being honoured by CN Traveler as among the world’s top islands for the second year in a row, Phu Quoc has affirmed its position in the global tourism . Its recognition on the world travel map has been rapidly increasing. From an unknown island, Phu Quoc has become the apple in the eyes of travel aficionados as it has been praised by prestigious magazines and tourism organisations.

Eighth National Congress of Vietnamese Catholics held

The eighth National Congress of Vietnamese Catholics to Build and Protect the Fatherland for the 2023-2028 term opened in Hanoi on October 12.

Speaking at the event, Priest Tran Xuan Manh, President of the Central Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics (CSVC), said that the congress aims to summarise the CSVC’s operations and national patriotic emulation movements among Catholics in the 2018-2023 term; and set forth orientations, goals and tasks for the following tenure.

Manh said that along with the country’s comprehensive renewal, the national patriotic emulation movement of the Catholic community has developed gradually, thus contributing to the nation's development.

Priest Nguyen Van Rien, Vice President and General Secretary of the CSVC, presented a summary report, saying that over the past five years, thanks to the implementation of the movement, Catholics’ cultural and spiritual lives have improved, and the nation’s cultural identity has been preserved and promoted.

Policy beneficiaries and poor households have received due attention from the State and the society, social welfare has been ensured, and defence security and social order and safety maintained.

On this occasion, the Congress negotiated and appointed 148 people to the CSVC Central Committee.

At the first conference, the CSVC Central Committee for the 2023-2028 term negotiated to nominate 30 people to join the Presidium and nine to the Standing Board of the CSVC Central Committee.

Priest Tran Xuan Manh, President of the seventh-tenure CSVC, continued to be elected as President of the eighth-tenure CSVC.

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien lauded the CSVC for its achievements as well as contributions to the national great unity and the cause of national building and safeguarding.

The Vietnamese Party and State are always consistent in respecting and protecting the right to freedom of belief and religion, identifying this as a legitimate need of the people, Chien said.

He also affirmed the importance of promoting cultural values, good ethics and resources of religions in building and developing the country; as well as paying attention to and creating conditions for people of all religions, including Catholics, to carry out normal religious activities and actively participate in social activities to benefit the country and people, and contribute to building a strong, wealthy, prosperous and happy country.

VNU-HCM promotes publication on international scientific journals

Together with scientific research, the publication on international scientific journals is being stepped up, becoming a key mission of the Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), which is leading the nation in scientific publications, especially on prestigious international journals of two big databases Web of Science (Clarivate) and Scopus (Elsevier).

According to Scopus, the number of VNU-HCM’s published articles shot up 40% annually during 2020-2022.

As many as 4,900 articles were published during 2016-2020, while the figure rose to more than 5,900 during 2020-2022, including nearly 2,300 last year, up 26% from 2021.

The university’s top research articles accounted for some 67% of the total declared on Quartile 1 and Quartile 2 journals. Scientists from the university have joined hands with domestic and international partners to publish their fundamental research works and articles on the world’s leading journals with high impact factors such as Science and Nature.

The published scientific projects and articles are considered a key to bolster the university’s academic reputation, making contributions to improving its position in the international rankings.

It has maintained a position in the top 801-1000 of the world’s universities, and ranked 167th in the list of best universities in Asia by the UK educational organisation Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Under the Politburo’s Resolution No.24-NQ/TW dated October 7, 2022 on promoting socio-economy development and ensuring defence and security for the Southeastern region by 2030 with a vision to 2045, the VNU-HCM is developing a project to turn itself into one of the leading higher education institutions in Asia.

VNU-HCM Chancellor Vu Hai Quan said that the project is aimed at improving the quality of education and training, scientific research, and technology transfer, gradually renewing the higher education.

The university eyes to have some 140,000 bachelors, engineers, architects and postgraduates fulfill their training programmes, and 90% of fresh graduates get employment by 2030, he said, adding the university will publish more than 35,000 articles on Scopus and put a national innovative centre into operation.

Additionally, curricula as well as research programmes on the fields of semiconductor, bio-technology, information technology and AI will be developed under the project, making them in Asia’s top 50, Quan said.

Hanoi takes moves to develop green transportation

Following global trends on green transportation, the capital city of Hanoi has been striving to develop a green transport system.

The city has put into operation the Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway, ten electric bus routes, and four bus routes with CNG-powered vehicles.

The Transport Corporation of Hanoi has also signed an agreement on compressed air supply with a Russian company, laying the groundwork for additional "clean" bus routes.

Furthermore, the city has licensed thousands of electric taxis and has introduced bicycles and electric bike-sharing in selected urban districts.

The Nhon - Cau Giay section of the urban railway line No.3 is expected to be put into operation in 2024, further increasing the share of green public transportation.

Despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges, Hanoi's transport department is confident that the city is moving in the right direction in transitioning to sustainable public transportation methods.

Phan Truong Thanh, an urban expert, said the integration of electric buses, taxis, and public electric bicycles with urban railways will significantly enhance connectivity and modernise Hanoi's transportation system.

These diverse forms of clean-fuel public transportation not only complement each other in terms of connectivity and mobility but also contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive green transportation ecosystem, he said.

“The biggest challenge is not the lack of funds or infrastructure but public awareness and collective action for the interest of the community,” Thanh noted.

To build a civilized, modern, livable Hanoi with green transportation, policies are needed to limit private vehicles, further invest in public transportation, and develop vehicles running on clean fuel.

The expert suggested that the city should provide more incentives to encourage public transportation businesses to adopt natural gas and electric buses. Simultaneously, measures should be taken to restrict the use of private vehicles and encourage people to use public transportation to ensure economic efficiency and reduce congestion on the roads.

Moreover, both the government and the city administration should develop policies to attract private investment in urban railways and other green transportation models.

Le Trung Hieu, deputy head of the Metropolitan Railway Management Board, suggested that public agencies and businesses in Hanoi must set an example in reducing the use of gasoline and oil-powered motorcycles and cars while promoting bicycles, clean buses, trams, and electric vehicles.

Traffic safety must be ensured: Minister of Transport

In light of recent data on traffic accidents, Minister of Transport Nguyễn Văn Thắng urged officials to "be persistent and more determined" in ensuring solutions to traffic safety.

In the first 9 months of 2023, there were 8,335 traffic accidents nationwide, resulting in 4,765 fatalities and 5,802 injuries.

Compared to the same period in 2022, the number of accidents decreased by 90 cases (1.07 per cent) and there were 60 fewer fatalities (1.24 per cent), but there was an increase of 216 injuries (3.87 per cent).

This information was provided during a national online conference to review traffic safety work for the first 9 months and outline the direction and tasks for the fourth quarter of 2023, held on Tuesday morning in Hà Nội.

Thắng, who is also deputy chairman of the National Council for Traffic Safety, said that traffic safety had seen positive data during recent years, thanks to the efforts of the Government as well as local authorities.

However, serious traffic accidents still occurred in many places. For example, an accident in Đồng Nai Province resulting in the deaths of 5 people was attributed to the lack of traffic awareness by the involved parties, after a truck encroached into the wrong lane leading to a horrific accident. Another tragedy occurred in Hà Giang involving two motorcycles, resulting in the deaths of 3 students.

Public awareness of traffic laws and regulations was still low, and some violations had not been thoroughly addressed. Therefore, in the coming time, it was necessary to be more persistent and determined in ensuring solutions for traffic safety, the Minister emphasised, requesting clear analysis of the causes and responsibilities of relevant parties in ensuring traffic safety.

Together with the experiences and practices of ensuring traffic safety in various agencies and localities, additional feasible solutions should be proposed to contribute to reducing traffic accidents.

The Minister asked the conference to focus on discussing two issues that had caused concern recently.

Firstly, activities to ensure traffic safety in commercial transport vehicles must clarify where weaknesses were, whether in legal regulations or in enforcement. If the weaknesses were in enforcement, it should be clarified at which level the functions and tasks had not been clearly defined.

Secondly, the phenomenon of underage teenagers without a motorcycle driving licence causing traffic accidents in some localities must be addressed.

Saigon Opera House to be renovated

The HCM City People’s Council has approved the renovation of the Saigon Opera House, an iconic city landmark.

The plan is to preserve and turn the theatre into a reception venue to welcome international delegations, and a place for important events and festivals.

The renovation will focus on improving the main building and auditorium, and installing modern equipment to serve art performances.

It is expected to begin in 2025 and finish in 2026, and cost VNĐ337 billion (US$13.8 million).

The Saigon Opera House, built in 1898, was designed by French architects Felix Oliver, Ernest Guichard and Eugene Ferret.

The 2,000sq.m has three floors and an oval auditorium with 500 seats.

It opened in 1890 for concerts and cải lương (reformed opera) shows, but closed down for good during World War II.

It reopened in 1975 and has become a venue for hosting important city events and concerts and other performances by the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera.

It was renovated in 1998 to celebrate the 300th birthday of HCM City.

It was recognised as a national relic in 2012. 

Gov’t reports on progress of Ka Pét Reservoir project

The Government has submitted a report to the National Assembly on the progress of the Ka Pét Reservoir project in southern Bình Thuận Province, in which the reforestation plan will be accelerated by one year compared to the initial plan.

This project has recently garnered significant public attention. The Ka Pét Reservoir project was approved for investment in Resolution No. 93 issued on 26 November 2019, and the investment plan was adjusted in Resolution No. 101 last June.

The Ka Pét Reservoir, with a designed capacity of over 51 million cubic metres, aims to provide irrigation water for agricultural production, supply raw water for industrial zones and the daily needs of residents, flood control, environmental improvement, and water regulation for the low areas of Hàm Thuận Nam District and the whole province as well.

As planned, the project will cover a total of over 697 hectares, including over 679 hectares of forest land and 18 hectares of agricultural land. The required total reforestation area will be 1,844 hectares.

The total investment amount is expected to reach more than VNĐ874 trillion (US$35.7 billion), with a Government budget of VNĐ519.9 trillion ($21.2 billion) and a local budget of VNĐ354.1 trillion ($14.4 billion). The project will be implemented from 2019 to 2025.

In the report signed by Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng on behalf of the Prime Minister, the inventory and assessment of the current forest status had been completed and approved by relevant departments and agencies in Bình Thuận Province.

Regarding the reforestation plan, the People's Committee of Bình Thuận Province instructed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to review the entire 1,844 hectares of reforestation required for the project and ensure native species such as black star trees and star oil plants are planted in the reforestation area.

The report stated that currently, forest management units in the province were conducting surveys and reviewing forest land that meets the reforestation criteria to submit to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval as the basis for implementing reforestation.

This was to ensure completion in sync with the Ka Pét Reservoir project by the end of 2025, it stated.

The reforestation plan was ahead of the previous plan presented to the National Assembly. The initial plan was divided into three phases and was planned to be completed in 2026. The total investment for reforestation in the project was expected to be over VNĐ176.8 billion ($7.2 million).

Regarding the environmental impact assessment report, Minister Dũng stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had not yet received the environmental impact assessment report for the project. The ministry would carefully review and evaluate the measures to mitigate adverse environmental impacts during the review and approval of the project's environmental impact assessment report.

According to the report from the People's Committee of Bình Thuận Province, the consulting unit responsible for the environmental impact assessment report currently lacks the capacity to implement the dam break response model and assess the project's biodiversity as required by regulations.

Therefore, the project’s management board for agriculture and rural development infrastructure in Bình Thuận Province has worked with the contractor to reach a consensus on terminating the contract. Based on this, it will seek the authority's approval to select a capable contractor to complete the environmental impact assessment report for the Ka Pét Reservoir project.

Dũng also said that the provincial People’s Committee had submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development the project’s feasibility study report and was finalising the report as per the ministry’s requirements.

The report also highlighted two challenges the Ka Pét Reservoir project is currently facing.

Bình Thuận Province completed the environmental impact assessment report in September 2020. However, due to the project's adjustment in investment direction presented to the National Assembly in June of this year, a new environmental impact assessment report must be prepared.

This report must include additional documentation on the dam break response model and biodiversity assessment. This process would affect the timeline for approving the environmental impact assessment report and the decision-making process for investing in the project, he said.

Another challenge came from conflicting information regarding the use of hundreds of hectares of forest for the water reservoir. On September 6, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a meeting to address issues on the reservoir and organised a field trip for experts, environmentalists, and officials to the location of the Ka Pét Water Reservoir project. 

HCMC proposes using its budget for VND10 trillion anti-flooding project

Ho Chi Minh City proposed using its state budget for the VND10 trillion (US$411 million) anti-flooding project.

Talking about the VND10 trillion long-awaited anti-flooding project, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai informed that the project has reached over 90 percent of its volume but to finish the rest of the project, it needs about VND1,800 billion. The project’s investor is facing difficulties in finance; thus, the city is proposing using its public investment budget to support investors in restarting the project this year. If everything takes place smoothly, the project’s completion will only take about 6 months.

Ho Chi Minh City National Assembly Delegation's Group 9 including Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai, Chief Justice of the Central Military Court Lieutenant General Duong Van Thang, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union Nguyen Tran Phuong Tran had a meeting with voters in districts 4, 7 and Nha Be before the sixth session of the 15th National Assembly.

At the meeting, local voters raised many opinions and complained about the complicated traffic in the districts and the conditions of buying social housing for workers. Voters are also concerned about the progress of the project to resolve flooding caused by high tides in the Ho Chi Minh City area or the VND10 trillion anti-flooding project and environmental hygiene in rivers where boats are moored.

On behalf of the National Assembly Delegation's Unit 9, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai listened to voters’ opinions. At the same time, he requested the Office of the National Assembly Delegation to write voters’ opinions and then transfer them to competent agencies for handling.

Regarding the results of implementing Resolution 98/2023/QH15 on piloting a number of specific policies to develop Ho Chi Minh City, the Chairman announced that in the fourth quarter, the city has urgently deployed 14 contents to materialize Resolution 98. The city also strives to basically complete the implementation of the contents of Resolution 98 in 2023 to focus on synchronous and effective implementation in 2024.

Lai Chau to host cultural festival for ethnic minority groups

The first cultural festival of ethnic groups with populations of fewer than 10,000 will take place in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau from November 3-5.

Participating in the festival will be people representing 14 ethnic minorities, namely the peoples of O Du, Brau, Ro Mam, Pu Peo, Si La, Cong, Bo Y, Co Lao, Mang, Lo Lo, Chut, Lu, Pa Then and Ngai from 13 northern, central and Central Highlands provinces.

The festival will feature a vibrant array of events, including performances of traditional cultural rituals of ethnic groups, a grand cultural festival, and a showcase of traditional ethnic costumes.

It not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities but also nurtures patriotic values, instills a sense of national pride, and fosters unity.

The festival is also chance for Lai Chau to promote its unique cultural identity and attract more tourists.

Digital technology takes Nguyen Dynasty heritage into new era

A workshop on digital transformation and new technologies in supporting ancient relic preservation work and cultural festivals was held in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on October 12 by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.

Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam for hundreds of years, is home to five heritage items recognised by UNESCO, including the ancient citadel relic complex (a World Cultural Heritage site), Hue royal court music (an intangible cultural heritage item), Nguyen Dynasty’s wood blocks (a documentary heritage item), Nguyen Dynasty’s royal administrative documents (part of the Asia-Pacific Register of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme), and literature on Hue royal architecture (another documentary heritage).

Along with these five heritage items, the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre is also managing 38 relic sites.

At the event, both domestic and foreign experts shared new technologies to digitise tangible and intangible heritage to create digital database, as well as ways to promote and introduce cultural products to users in digital space.

Director of the centre Hoang Viet Trung said that the application of digital technology in managing, spreading and increasing heritage values is an inevitable trend of the day.

The centre is implementing 3D digitisation for about 11,000 antiques of all kinds to create a database to serve the process of exploiting this rich resource in digital space, he added.

Over 5.5 billion VND nutrition programme to aid 200 disadvantaged kids

The National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC) and Nestlé Vietnam Limited Company sealed a cooperation agreement in Hanoi on October 12 to offer nutritional products worth over 5.5 billion VND (224,994 USD) to kids with special and difficult circumstances.

The programme will run from 2023 to 2024, providing 9,600 nutritional products to approximately 200 children under 24 months of age, who are being nurtured in protection centres in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

At the signing ceremony, NFVC Director Dinh Tien Hai expressed his hope that the meaningful gift from Nestlé Vietnam will help provide better nutritions for the children, improving their physical health and alleviating challenges faced by the childcare facilities.

He said with increasing attention from the authorities and community, Vietnamese children have seen their fundamental rights better ensured. The country’s goals related to the protection, care, education, recreation, development, and participation of children are also well implemented.

Since 2022, Nestlé Vietnam has sponsored children with special and difficult circumstances through the NFVC, with the total funding amounting to approximately 1.4 billion VND.

According to the most recent report submitted to the National Assembly by the government on May 8, out of about 25 million children under 16 years old in the country, there are still around 1.7 million living in special circumstances and over 2 million at risk of falling into the situation.

Hanoi hopes to learn from Fukuoka’s urban development experience

Chairman of the People's Committee of Hanoi Tran Sy Thanh on October 12 received a visiting delegation from the Japanese city of Fukuoka.

Mentioning that the capital is currently in the process of urban planning with numerous significant plans for economic and environmentally-friendly smart urban development, Thanh hopes to receive cooperation and assistance from international friends, including Japan and the city of Fukuoka.

The official said Hanoi wishes to learn from Fukuoka’s valuable experiences in urban development, especially regarding public transportation infrastructure, the transition to clean energy for buses, digital traffic management, and community healthcare.

Expansion plans for Hanoi's development space, including new urban areas, the Belt Road No. 4 project, and the Hoa Lac high-tech zone, open up great potential for cooperation with Japanese investors, he said.

Deputy Mayor of Fukuoka, Eiichi Nakamura, affirmed that Fukuoka is ready to share information and experiences with Hanoi.

In November, Hanoi plans to send a working delegation to Fukuoka.

Vietnamese students join exchange programme in UK

Students from the Reigate Grammar School (RGS) Vietnam joined their peers at the RGS school in Surrey, UK in a musical performance on the evening of October 12 (local time).

The concert was an activity within the two schools’ student exchange programme, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of RGS in Vietnam and the 50th anniversary off the UK – Vietnam diplomatic relations.

Students of both sides performed Vietnamese and English musical pieces as well as Vietnamese folk dances.

Under the exchange programme, the Vietnamese students had a chance to experience the learning environment in the UK through visiting nine universities there, including the two prestigious Oxford and Cambridge.

RGS is a high school in the UK's leading school group with more than 350 years of development history. The establishment of RGS Vietnam, the first private school in Vietnam with the British education brand reflects the long-term educational cooperation relationship between the two countries.

Currently the school has more than 400 students at three levels with international education programmes from the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge.

New momentum for Vietnam-Slovenia collaboration

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon have recently co-chaired the third meeting of the Vietnam-Slovenia Inter-Governmental Committee in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The meeting was expected to create new momentum for bilateral relations in all fields, especially trade activities, in the coming time.

The two sides reviewed the implementation of bilateral cooperation activities since the second meeting in 2019, in which two-way trade increased twelve-fold from 46 million in 2012 to 573 million USD last year.

However, they agreed that the economic and trade relations fail to meet potential and prospects of the two countries. Therefore, they stressed the need to promote cooperation in all aspects, especially in economics - trade, tourism, transportation and logistics, to help Vietnamese goods access the Slovenian market in particular, the EU market in general and vice versa in a more convenient way.

Vietnam proposed Slovenia soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination at regional and international forum, and maintain the exchange of delegations, particularly in 2024 when the two celebrate the 30th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

They then signed the minutes of the third meeting of the Vietnam-Slovenia Inter-Governmental Committee.

Within the framework of his working visit to Slovenia, Minister Dien also co-chaired a roundtable on cooperation between the two countries’ enterprises with Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia Marjana Majeric who said that Slovenia's economy depends heavily on exports and Vietnam is a very potential market for Slovenian businesses.

At Dien’s meeting with Slovenian Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han, the two sides expressed their hope to promote cooperation to improve competitiveness in the field of tourism, business development and internationalisation.

Slovenia is currently looking for workers and is ready to cooperate in the fields of labour and sustainable development with Vietnam, Matjaž Han said.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese minister also met with Prime Minister Robert Golob who affirmed that Slovenia always considers Vietnam as its important partner, and wants to strengthen bilateral ties in all fields.

In't science film festival calls for Vietnamese filmmakers

Twelve films are being shown at the 13th Science Film Festival in Vietnam, held by the Goethe Institute in Hanoi.

The festival is a celebration of science communication in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in cooperation with local partners. It promotes science literacy and facilitates awareness of contemporary scientific, technological, and environmental issues through international films with accompanying educational activities.

The festival takes place internationally from October to December 20 and invites viewers to enjoy the best in international science communication.

It is an official supporting partner of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration this year. The theme is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world.

"We believe that films not only open doors to different cultures, but films also bring a lot of useful scientific knowledge," said Oliver Brandt, director of the Goethe Institute in Hanoi.

"Combining films with practical experiments helps absorb knowledge in a playful and easier way. Science is for all people, and this festival is the contribution of the Goethe Institute to achieve this goal."

The institute and the jury of this year's film festival selected the 12 films from a total of 1,700 entries from 102 countries. For the first time in the history of the festival, a film with the participation of Hanoi Goethe Institute in the production was submitted to the film festival.

Bình Yên, Come Home directed by Nguyen Hoang Viet is about the situation of bears in captivity in Vietnam, and the efforts of the animal conservation organisation Four Paws to rescue them.

The 30-minute film is suitable for secondary-school audiences and is shown in Vietnam.

As in previous years, the films will be available to view online throughout the festival on the Goethe Institute's VIMEO platform. Vietnamese audiences can easily access the VIMEO link to watch the films by registering at https://www.goethe.de/ins/vn/vi/kul/fim/sff/sff22/af22.html

The festival presents scientific issues in an accessible and entertaining manner to a broad audience and demonstrates that science can be fun. The event has grown considerably since its first edition in 2005, becoming the largest event of its kind worldwide.

The science film festival has become an educational event for teachers, aiming to widen their perspectives and giving them a chance to connect with other international networks around the world, according to the institute's director.

Therefore, a documentary production project on sustainability stories titled "Sustainability in Documentaries 2023" was launched by the Goethe Institute.

The two-year 2023-24 project aims to foster collaboration between civil society organisations (CSOs) in Vietnam and documentary filmmakers to tell stories of sustainable development through documentary footage.

Filmmakers are encouraged to utilise their best knowledge and skills and make use of the material provided by the CSOs to motivate society towards global sustainable goals. This also aims to prepare Vietnamese documentary filmmakers to present their quality documentaries on an international platform.

Entries can be sent to the Goethe Institute's branch in HCM City, N18, Road 1, Cu Xa Do Thanh, District 3 until November 27. Jurors, veteran directors Trinh Quang Tung, Trinh Dinh Le Minh, and Ha Le Diem will select the three best projects, and each of them will receive VND210 million (US$8,500) to produce the film.

These films will receive support to be showcased at international film festivals and the science film festival held by the Goethe Institute.

Foreign travel operator launches solo tour to Vietnam and Cambodia

Newmarket Holidays, one of the UK's leading and independently-owned tour operators, has launched a new tour to Vietnam and Cambodia specifically aimed at solo travelers.

According to the Khmer Times, the 14-day long-haul adventure has been named “The Heritage of Vietnam & Cambodia” and is the sixth tour included in the operator’s Exclusively Solos range.

The Cambodian newspaper revealed that The Heritage of Vietnam & Cambodia is a guided group trip that starts in captivating Hanoi.

Foreign visitors will have the chance to explore some of the nation’s historical sites, including the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the serene Temple of Literature, and the sobering Cu Chi tunnel complex. In addition, they can take part in a number of activities such as starlit squid fishing, a sunrise tai chi session, and cooking classes.

“On day eight, the tour crosses to Cambodia to visit the capital, Phnom Penh, the Mekong River, and attractions, including the remarkable Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, and the enchanting vine-clad ’lost city’ of Angkor Thom,” says the Khmer Times.

To conclude the expedition, solo travelers will have the chance to visit Kok Sangke to experience the community’s traditions and skills.

Newmarket Holidays is offering an attractive tour price which starts from £4,135 per person, including accommodation, selected breakfasts, lunches and dinners, tours, transfers, and return flights from Heathrow.

A wide range of optional activities can be added to the experience from September, 2024, to November, 2025.

Richard Forde, head of Newmarket Holidays’ Trade Sales, shared that the trip to the two countries promises new learnings, flavours, and experiences.

“The tour has been specially crafted so that guests engage with local communities, sample regional delicacies and delve into each country’s enthralling past – it’s a really exciting addition to our solo travel range,” he concluded.

HBSO to perform classical ballet Giselle

The HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) will stage the classic ballet Giselle, which is considered one of the great Romantic ballets, at the Opera House on October 20 and 21.

The two-act ballet about love, deception and human nature was originally choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot and music composed by Adolphe Adam.

The work was first performed by the Paris Opera Ballet in 1841 and quickly appeared on stages all around the world.

The HBSO’s version is staged by French dancer and choreographer Chloe Glemot and Japanese dancer Yuki Hiroshige, who collaborated with HBSO in many productions such as Cinderella and The Nut Cracker.

The ballet is set in a small village where Giselle, a young peasant girl, falls in love with a nobleman, Albrecht. She then finds out her lover has promised to marry someone else, and dies of a broken heart.

In her afterlife, Giselle becomes a member of The Wilis, a group of ghostly spirits of an unmarried woman who dies after being betrayed by her lover and takes revenge by dancing men to death.

The ballet reaches its climax as Giselle finds Albrecht and must decide if she should enact her revenge or show forgiveness.

The performance will feature Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh as Giselle, and Meritorious Artist Hồ Phi Điệp as Albrecht.

Ninh, one of the youngest ballet artists of HBSO ballet department, was trained in South Korea and Norway, while Điệp joined HBSO in 2006 and is currently the deputy head of the department.

The performance will also feature Meritorious Artist Đàm Đức Nhuận, La Mẫn Nhi, and dancers of the HBSO ballet department.

The ballet will begin at 8pm. The Opera House is at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the venue and at www.tickebox.vn. 

Exhibition showcasing worship of Hùng Kings and xoan singing in Đắk Lắk Province

Two intangible heritages of the northern province of Phú Thọ – the worship of Hùng Kings and xoan singing – are being introduced to the public via an exhibition taking place in Buôn Ma Thuột City, the central province of Đắk Lắk.

The exhibition includes 31 images and panels, together with artefacts and ritual objects, that showcase the two intangible cultural heritages of humanity.

Particularly, xoan singing is performed within the framework of the event.

According to the Director of the Hùng Vương Museum in Phú Thọ Province, Ngô Đức Quý, the exhibition aims to promote the cultural heritage and unique tourism products of Phú Thọ, as well as strengthen the exchange and connection between cultural heritage regions across the country.

It is also expected to raise awareness of ancestral traditions and community spirit. It also affirms the commitment of the Phú Thọ provincial government, the Vietnamese government and the international community to protecting these two heritages and ensuring their continued vitality, which is celebrated by humanity, he added.

The worship of Hùng Kings and xoan singing in Phú Thọ were inscribed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2012 and 2017, respectively. Xoan singing is an integral and inseparable part of the worship of Hùng Kings, the founders of the nation. The folk verses and melodies of the singing convey messages of gratitude to ancestors, praise the spirit of unity, and foster community cohesion within the cultural space of villages and communities.

The exhibition runs until 3 December.

Argentine Week celebrates diplomatic ties with Viet Nam

The 8th Argentine Week is taking place in Hà Nội from October 9-13, featuring a series of activities, to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Argentina and Việt Nam (October 25, 1973 - October 25, 2023).

One of the highlights was the Argentine Beef and Wine Day organised on Thursday by the Argentine Embassy.

The event took place at the restaurant “Los Fuegos - Argentinian Steak and Grill " located in the heart of Tây Hồ District by the renowned Argentine Chef Emilio Fusé.

It was also an opportunity for networking between importers, distributors, retailers, food and beverage managers of hotels and restaurants, as well as meat and wine enthusiasts and selected personalities from Hà Nội and expatriates.

Argentine meat and wine importers and distributors had an opportunity to present, promote and disseminate their brands while participants could taste a selection of the highest-quality Argentine meats, wine, seafood and yerba mate herbal tea.

"At the heart of Argentine cuisine is the love of beef. Argentina is famous for its high-quality grass-fed beef, and the country has a long lasting ¨asado¨ tradition," said a press release from the Argentine Embassy in Hà Nội.

'“Argentine asado” are legendary gatherings where delicious cuts of meat, such as beef ribs, sausages, and tender filets, are cooked over low fire or on hot charcoal grills. The “Argentine asado” places an emphasis on simplicity that allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine."

The Argentine culinary panorama goes beyond delicious meats. Argentina is also known for its exceptional wines. The country's unique terroir, with its sunny days, cool nights and mountainous terrain, provides the perfect conditions for vinifera grapes to flourish. 

Kiên Giang develops more large-scale rice fields

Kiên Giang Province has developed more large-scale rice fields that have linkages with companies to guarantee sales for farmers.

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province has planted 1,334 large-scale rice fields with a total area of 167,225ha so far this year, up 641 fields from last year.

Of the 1,334 fields, 1,026 with a combined area of 120,696ha are planted under the linkages between farmers and companies.

In the summer-autumn rice season, Kiên Giang, which is the country’s largest rice producer, has grown 544 large-scale rice fields with a combined area of 76,390ha, according to the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It also has 300 rice growing areas with a combined area of more than 6,000ha which have been granted production codes for exporting to the EU, Japan and other markets.

In the summer-autumn rice season, the province has harvested more than 237,630ha, or more than 85 per cent of the total growing area.

Nguyễn Văn Bé in Gò Quao District’s Thuỷ Liễu Commune said he has completed harvests of 2.6ha of in the summer-autumn rice season.

He grew two high quality varieties, Đài Thơm 8 and ST24, which traders have bought at high prices this year.

“After deducting production cost, I estimated to get a profit of VNĐ1.7 million (US$70) per 1,000 sq.m, about VNĐ600,000 ($25) higher than the summer-autumn rice season of last year,” he said.

Lê Hữu Toàn, deputy director of the department, said agricultural production is forecasted to face difficulties and challenges in the last months of this year because of complicated weather.

Low pressure, storms, hot weather, drought and irrigation water shortages may occur and affect agricultural production, he said.

Besides spreading high-quality farming techniques, the department has instructed relevant localities and agencies to operate sluices properly to prevent possible flooding, drought and salt water intrusion.

The department’s Irrigation Sub-department is operating the Cái Lớn – Cái Bé irrigation system, the largest of its kind in the delta to serve agricultural production.

The system provides irrigation water for 280,000ha of farm land in Kiên Giang and the delta’s Hậu Giang, Cà Mau and Bạc Liêu provinces.

Kiên Giang has grown a total of 712,000ha of rice and aims to harvest more than 4.4 million tonnes this year, according to the department.

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