Rare muntjacs detected in Thanh Hoa’s Pu Hu Nature Reserve

Forest rangers in the central province of Thanh Hoa have detected around 5,300 muntjac individuals of two species Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis and Muntiacus rooseveltorum in the Pu Hu Nature Reserve, according to a 2022-2024 survey.

Do Ngoc Duong, Director of the nature reserve’s management board, said that the survey result shows that the locations where traces of muntjac species are spotted are far from residential areas and trails. Currently, these species are inhabiting at altitudes of 400-800 metres on mountain slopes, and quite close to water sources.

In the coming, the unit will continue surveying to define the number of muntjacs, and then put forward measures to preserve these rare species, stated Duong.

In addition, forest rangers will exert efforts to improve the awareness of local people and authorities of preserving muntjac species by providing information on boards, and via posters, leaflets, and a video clip.

Resolution 98 empowers HCMC to attract resources from overseas Vietnamese

Under specific policies and mechanisms of Resolution 98, HCMC strives to attract high-quality human and financial resources from abroad to participate in building and developing the city.

Since Resolution 98 for HCMC’s development was approved by the National Assembly, HCMC has promptly concretized the resolution and introduced new mechanisms and policies to domestic and foreign businesses, the Vietnamese communities abroad to attract resources from the communities of overseas enterprises, intellectuals and Vietnamese in countries and territories around the world to invest in the city.

Accordingly, a delegation of HCMC high-ranking officials led by Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai had a business trip to South Korea and Japan to strengthen relations between the southern metropolis and localities of the two countries and introduced to partners specific policies and mechanisms of Resolution 98 for HCMC’s development, including policies to attract strategic investors, construction of a startup center, green development goals, carbon credits.

The Chairman of HCMC People's Committee affirmed that the city always accompanies investors and creates favorable conditions for them to implement new projects as well as expand production, especially in the context of implementing Resolution 98.

Many overseas Vietnamese investors and businessmen in South Korea and Japan expect that Resolution 98 will create a strong development for the southern economic hub, especially in the fields of science, technology, startups, and semiconductor technology, he added.

A delegation of HCMC high-ranking officials led by Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Thi Le paid visits to Cuba and the US on August 18-31. The Chairwoman informed localities of the two countries of the specific policies and mechanisms.

Additionally, another delegation from the HCMC People's Council led by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Van Dung worked in Australia and New Zealand to strengthen the relationship between HCMC and Melbourne and Victoria states. The city’s leader presented the National Assembly’s Resolution 98 with specific mechanisms and policies for the city's development to partners and the Vietnamese communities in the two countries.

An in-person and virtual conference about Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 on piloting several specific mechanisms and policies for the development of HCMC was held by the Overseas Vietnamese Committee of HCMC on October 10 with the participation of the Vietnamese business communities in the US, Australia, China, Taiwan (China), Thailand, the UK, and Switzerland.

HCMC has always taken the lead in attracting the highest number of more than two million overseas Vietnamese to participate in investing, working, and cooperating.

The city currently has more than 3,000 businesses invested by overseas Vietnamese, with a capital of more than VND45 trillion (US$1.8 billion). It also attracted more than 400 overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to work for the long term, and nearly 200 intellectuals participating in research cooperation in education and training, science, and technology.

The overseas Vietnamese community highly appreciated the improvement of HCMC’s investment environment, especially after Resolution 98 on piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of HCMC was approved, and affirmed their willingness to join hands in implementing the resolution.

According to businesses, the city needs to have supporting policies to help enterprises access capital, tax incentives, and business protection policies.

In addition, the city needs to have a mechanism for overseas Vietnamese to participate in buying local bonds, green bonds, green credits, carbon credits, and carbon trading markets with remittances.

Deputy Secretary Nguyen Ho Hai acknowledged the great role of Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs at home and abroad, especially overseas Vietnamese people in introducing the country’s policies and guidelines, especially Resolution 98 with international friends. Experts, intellectuals, businesses, and overseas businessmen would be a bridge to connect and draw international financial institutes and economic groups to the city.

Dien Bien Airport to be reopened in December after expansion

Dien Bien Airport in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien has been scheduled to be reopened on December 2 after the expansion project finishes.

Work on the airport expansion project began on January 22 last year, with a total investment capital of VND1.47 trillion (USD62.30 million).  Once expanded, the airport can serve aeroplanes A320 and A321, instead of ATR72s as before. Its terminal’s annual capacity will be raised to 500,000 passengers from 300,000 earlier.

The airport’s runway will be lengthened and widened to 2,400 metres and 45 metres respectively. The project will build more taxiways and install lighting systems.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has asked the Airports Corporation of Vietnam and airlines to build their plan on flights from and to Dien Bien Airport.

Hundreds of Kon Tum forest rangers quit due to low pay

More than 400 forest rangers in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum have quit over the past five years due to low salaries according to the local Forest Ranger Department. 

Forest rangers during a patrol in a forest in Kon Tum Province.

"Forest protection is hard and dangerous work," the department explained. "Moreover, they only receive a salary for an eight-hour working day but have to be responsible for forest protection around the clock."

Talking to the Tien Phong Newspaper, the Director of Kon Plong District Forestry MTV Company, Le Van Thoan, said that many staff have left due to low pay and high work pressure.

“They have to work far from home and are often threatened by illegal loggers," Thoan said. "And their income is quite low."

Talking about the issue, the Chairman of Kon Tum Provincial People's Committee, Le Ngoc Tuan, said that they have just proposed to the government to provide better salaries and allowances for forest protection workers.

"We're also planning to assign forest and forest land to forest rangers to protect and manage," the official said. "They can develop the forest better and improve their income."

Vietnam’s culture, cuisine introduced in Brunei

Vietnamese culture and cuisine are being introduced to Bruneian and international friends as the “Vietnam Culture and Cuisine Week” is co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy, Radisson Hotel Group and Brunei Music Group in Bandar Seri Begawan city from October 27 to November 4.

At the opening ceremony on October 27, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Tran Anh Vu laid stress on the significance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to the development of each nation, and the integration process of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The two fields are important in the action plan to carry out the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Brunei during the 2023-2027 period, which was adopted during the official visit to Brunei by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in February 2023, he stressed.

The Vietnamese diplomat said he hopes to continue receiving close coordination from competent agencies of Brunei and partners to enhance friendship exchanges between the two nations in the time ahead.

Introducing Vietnam’s cultural and culinary tourism potential, Vu expressed his belief that more tourists from Brunei and Borneo island and other nations will visit Vietnam in the coming time, adding the Vietnamese Government’s issuance of e-visa for all foreigners from August 15 and Royal Brunei Airlines' resumption of direct flights between Brunei and Ho Chi Minh City will facilitate their travel.

Together with stellar art performances on the stage, a special menu of Vietnamese foods will be delivered to Bruneian visitors by Radisson hotel, including Pho, spring rolls, summer rolls and crispy pancakes.

Besides, visitors to the event have an opportunity to get access to a culinary-tourism promotional programme, including air tickets and accommodation at Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc.

HCM City, Italy’s Turin city step up collaboration

Ho Chi Minh City wants to promote cooperative ties with Italy’s Turin city across the prioritised fields of economy, culture, education and tourism, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan has said.

At a working session with Vice Mayor of the City of Turin Michela Favaro as part of his trip to the European country from October 26-27, Hoan introduced the Vietnamese southern hub’s potential, strengths, and priority for development both in mid and long terms.

Mutual understanding between the two nations and two cities has been enhanced over time, he affirmed, elaborating that exchanges between the two sides have been promoted through the channels of tourism, education and business community.

Besides, he said the Honorary Consul of Vietnam and the Italy-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce in Turin have served as a bridge to boost the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Italy, and recommended Turin leaders continue joining hands with HCM City to carry out specific cooperative activities in the time ahead.

Favaro, for her part, expressed her delight at the fruitful development of the twinned relations between the two cities over the past time, and agreed that both sides need to bolster cooperation to capitalise on the potential of the relations.

Turin hoped to strengthen collaboration with HCM City in heritage preservation, culture and tourism, she said, affirming that the city stands ready to work with the Honorary Consul of Vietnam to concretise cooperative activities.

In a working session with Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Torin Sandra Scagliotti, Hoan spoke highly of her contributions to the Vietnam – Italy relations in the past time, and welcomed her study and issuance of publications about Vietnam, helping Italian and European friends get a deeper insight into Vietnam’s tradition, culture, history and people.

Scagliotti said that she fell in love with Vietnam when she was a student engaging in the movement against the US imperialists' war in Vietnam in the early 1970s, adding that President Ho Chi Minh was a shining example for patriotism and aspirations for national independence, freedom and peace.

Scagliotti affirmed that she will do her utmost to contribute to the Vietnam – Italy cooperative relations.  

In a meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy, Hoan briefed Ambassador Duong Hai Hung of the outcomes of his working sessions with the Italian sides, and expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Embassy will continue support to strengthen bonds between HCM City and Turin as well as other Italian localities.

Hung hailed HCM City’s strengths and highlighted Italian businesses’ interests when landing investment overseas.

He pledged support for HCM City and Turin to carry out specific cooperative activities, thus promoting the multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Italy.

President visits soldiers, people in Co To island district

President Vo Van Thuong visited soldiers and people in Co To island district on October 28, as part of his trip to attend a ceremony marking the northeastern province of Quang Ninh’s 60th founding anniversary.

President Thuong visited and presented gifts and national flags to fishermen at the anchorage and storm shelter area of the Fisheries Logistics Service Centre of Co To island which holds a particularly important position in defence and security in the northeastern waters of Vietnam.

He expressed his hope that local people always pay attention to ensuring safety and fishing in permitted fishing grounds; strictly comply with the provisions of international law and Vietnamese law on seafood exploitation; and strive to achieve high yields, contributing to the socio-economic development of the district and protecting the sovereignty over the Fatherland’s sea and islands.

Visiting officers and soldiers of Co To island Battalion of Brigade 242, Military Region 3, the President acknowledged and praised their efforts to overcome all difficulties and hardships to firmly protect the country's sovereignty over sea and islands.

Showing his delight to witness positive changes of Co To compared to what he saw more than 10 years ago, the State leader asked the island district to continue making the most of its potential and strengths, especially in aquatic product exploitation and farming, and sustainable protection of aquatic resources; become a solid logistics area for ships; protect the environment; and turn it into an ecological centre for preserving and promoting biodiversity.

The district's Party Organisation, administration, armed forces and people must always be deeply aware of the importance of the strategic and key position of the northeastern waters, thus considering the protection of the sovereignty over Co To island as the most important task, regularly raising the spirit of vigilance, and resolutely handling violations related to the sea and island sovereignty, he stressed.

Vietnam calls for end to acts of violence, avoiding casualties for civilians in Gaza Strip

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), expressed great concern at the current escalating situation in the Middle East and extended his deep condolences to the families of victims of recent attacks while addressing the UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Special Session held in New York on October 26-27.

As a country that had experienced decades of war and loss, Vietnam strongly condemns attacks against civilians and essential civil infrastructure, Giang stressed.

He also emphasised the need for all parties to comply with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, cease fire, release hostages immediately, and stop and restrain acts of violence.

Vietnam calls for urgent humanitarian assistance, especially water, food, and medicine, for people in the Gaza Strip, and relevant parties need to make efforts to support and create conditions for humanitarian relief operations, he said.

The Vietnamese representative also welcomed and supported international mediation efforts towards a sustainable and fair peace solution, while emphasising Vietnam's stance to support a two-State solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine and based on the pre-1967 borders, on the basis of compliance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Giang also called on the UN and the UN Security Council to make efforts to have a unified and constructive message to help reduce tensions, end conflicts, protect civilians and support the parties to resume dialogue and negotiations.

On this occasion, the UNGA adopted a Resolution entitled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, which calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities; and demands that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in regard to the protection of civilians and civilian objects, as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat, and humanitarian facilities and assets, and to enable and facilitate humanitarian access for essential supplies and services to reach all civilians in need in the Gaza Strip.

New marine spatial planning aligns with sustaining environment, marine resources

The newly-approved national marine spatial planning project is an important tool to firm up the National Master Plan and create a basis for managing natural resource exploitation and use, protecting the environment, and conserving the marine ecosystem.

It aims to ensure harmony between socio-economic development, and national defence and security, with the preservation of natural and ecological values and biodiversity, environmental protection, and the promotion of socio-cultural values, historical traditions, and the maritime cultural identity.

Dr. Ta Dinh Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, said Vietnam boasts huge potential for offshore wind power development, especially south-central coastal provinces such as Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Binh Dinh.

He stressed that, to realise target of net zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam needs to accelerate the development of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and focus on energy conversion with an appropriate roadmap, while ensuring environmental protection.

Developing renewable energy is a major policy of the Party, National Assembly and Government of Vietnam, in which offshore wind power is considered one of the breakthrough solutions to promote energy transition and ensure national energy security, he said.

Dr. Dinh Van Nguyen, a member of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts Global (AVSE Global), said that in reality, the maritime space has many concurrent activities, which are increasing day by day. Therefore, the planning process needs to ensure good reciprocation in various aspects, including data, human resources, equipment and infrastructure.

Marine spatial planning needs to be developed in harmony with renewable energy and other marine economic sectors, and requires the engagement of relevant parties such as the maritime, and oil and gas sectors, national defence, and the fishery sector.

Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, said that accelerating marine spatial planning is essential to unlocking the great potential of offshore wind power development in Vietnam, contributing to implementing sustainable development goals and climate change response goals.

The participation of all stakeholders in the scheme, especially the local community, plays an important role in ensuring that benefits are shared equitably and vulnerable groups are protected, she said.

Those who engage in the work have also consulted the guidance of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO), and the Partnership for the East Asian Sea (PEMSEA) on planning approaches and methods. They have also sought support from international experience in developing and implementing coastal zone planning of the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Australia, China and some countries in ASEAN.

Deputy FM co-chairs Vietnam-Cambodia political consultation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Soeung Rathchavy co-chaired the 8th political consultation between the two foreign ministries in the Cambodian city of Preah Sihanouk on October 26.

The two sides reviewed the implementation of agreements and directions of senior leaders of the two countries, the outcomes of the 20th meeting of the Vietnam-Cambodia Joint Commission for Economic, Cultural, Scientific-Technological Cooperation in Hanoi from March 20-22, and the 12th Conference on Cooperation and Development of Border Provinces in southwestern Tay Ninh province from April 23-25.

They agreed to continue with thorough preparations for high-level visits and important cooperation mechanisms in the near future, and work closely with relevant ministries, agencies and localities to carry out high-level agreements.

The two officials vowed to continue reinforcing collaboration in politics, national defence-security, economy-trade and investment. The two sides will work together effectively to manage and complete the land border demarcation and marker planting, resolve legal documentation issues for people of Vietnamese origin and ensuring their smooth relocation and resettlement. Education, culture, and tourism cooperation will also be further enhanced.

The two sides also discussed the East Sea issues and recent developments concerning security and stability. They pledged to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They also promised to strengthen cooperation in the Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.

The 9th political consultation is scheduled to take place in Vietnam at an appropriate time in 2025.

On October 27, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet paid a courtesy call to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea.

Informing the host about the outcomes of the 8th political consultation, Viet said Vietnam attaches great importance to this cooperation mechanism as it provides an opportunity for both sides to review their cooperation in various areas and discuss ways to beef up the bilateral friendly neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability in the future.
           
Chenda Sophea stressed that Cambodia places special importance on its close neighbourliness with Vietnam, adding that the stability, development, safety and security of each country are in the interests of the other.

He proposed that both sides should work closely together to prepare for upcoming high-level visits by their leaders, as well as activities that help the younger generations understand the long-standing relationship between the two countries and contribute to its further development.

With this spirit, both sides pledged to continue offering mutual support at bilateral frameworks and multilateral forums like the United Nations, ASEAN and the Mekong Sub-region.

Meeting with Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province Long Dimanche, Viet suggested the provincial authorities work closely with the Vietnamese Consulate General and relevant Vietnamese agencies to address issues related to people of Vietnamese origin in Cambodia and illegal migration in the locality.
 
Dimanche affirmed his commitment to dealing with Viet’s suggestions and proposed Vietnam encourage its businesses to invest further in Preah Sihanouk, particularly in tourism and transportation connectivity via waterway and roads.

FM receives special advisor to Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for visiting Tsutomu Takebe, special advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance in Hanoi on October 27.

Son expressed his delight that the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership continues to develop strongly and comprehensively with high political trust.

Since the beginning of this year, the two sides have organised about 500 activities to mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, including 100 visits and exchanges, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, especially the young generations, he said.

The FM thanked Takebe for his attachment and continued efforts in consolidating and strengthening Vietnam-Japan relations through practical activities such as the building of Vietnam-Japan University and the promotion of cooperation in the fields of labour and internship. He also lauded Takebe's coordination with Quang Ninh province to organise the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long in November with a range of activities including cultural exchanges and events promoting investment, trade, agriculture, labour and tourism.

For his part, the Japanese special advisor expressed his pleasure to visit Vietnam to prepare for the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long, saying that it will be one of the important activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He also took the occasion to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create favourable conditions for and support the festival organisation and the activities of Vietnam - Japan University.

PM: Vietnam considers WB significant development partner

The Vietnamese Government always considers the World Bank (WB) a close friend and a significant development partner, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told WB Country Director in Vietnam Carolyn Turk during a reception in Hanoi on October 27.

Speaking highly of the WB’s support and active contributions to Vietnam's socio-economic development since 1993 through policy consultation and financial assistance for ODA projects and concessional loans, PM Chinh thanked the Country Director and her collaborators for their contributions to Vietnam.

The PM and the WB Country Director discussed specific issues related to innovative thinking and simplification of administrative procedures to step up significant, large-scale and ongoing projects.

PM Chinh informed his guest that Vietnam still has room for new ODA loans, as the Government is effectively controlling public and Government debts, and budget overspending within acceptable limits.

He suggested that the WB consider various flexible funding methods and models to meet Vietnam's diverse needs, give priority to key projects in the development of strategic transport infrastructure, such as the North-South high-speed railway, the Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho and the Hanoi-Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park railways. Other priorities include renewable energy, smart agriculture, low-carbon emission, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Turk, for her part, agreed with the PM’s directions and priorities for key projects. She also commended Vietnam's vision, development orientations and commitments, especially in areas related to climate change adaptation and emission reduction.

She also highlighted several important issues that need further attention, such as ensuring energy security in a rapidly growing economy, exploring the potential of carbon trading, advancing digital transformation agenda, responding to climate change in the Mekong Delta, and implementing a programme to cultivate 1 million ha of high-quality rice aimed for low emissions. She believed that if successful, Vietnam could become a leader in this field.

The guest proposed specific measures to remove difficulties in the implementation of projects, especially large-scale ones. She promised to actively work with relevant Vietnamese agencies and accompany Vietnam in its socio-economic development, especially in areas suggested by the PM.

In reply, the PM agreed to establish a working group to review regulations and procedures with the aim of simplifying and streamlining processes between the two sides. This initiative is intended to remove bottlenecks, reduce implementation time, and improve the efficiency of projects.

He also assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang to lead the efforts to clear obstacles, hasten the progress of projects and disburse the WB’s capital effectively.

Deputy Minister of Public Security on working trip to Australia

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieut. Gen Le Quoc Hung visited and held working sessions with Australian law enforcement agencies from October 22-28, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties.

On October 25, Hung held talks with Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for International and Specialist Capabilities Lesa Gale, during which they vowed to working closely together and with other countries in the region to prevent, combat and suppress various types of crimes while respecting the existing laws of each country and international law. They emphasised the importance of early prevention of criminal threats, enhancing law enforcement cooperation and strengthening bilateral collaboration in the fight against transnational organised, cyber, human and drug trafficking, and money laundering crimes.

The Vietnamese delegation suggested that the AFP continue partnering with Australian judicial agencies to facilitate the extradition of sentenced persons from Australia to Vietnam as proposed by Vietnam, in line with international law and the laws of both countries.

Discussing joint work in digital transformation, the Vietnamese wished that Australia, a leading nation with experience and modern digital transformation infrastructure, would help the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) build an information centre and a population database.

The host expressed willingness to assist the MoPS in sharing expertise and experience in building e-Government, data centres and databases for digital transformation; developing the necessary skills to step up digital transformation through training courses, workshops and knowledge exchange initiatives. Both sides agreed to explore the building of a cooperation agreement to provide a legal framework for collaboration in this field.

The same day, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Canberra Data Centres and the National Situation Room (NSR) of Australia.

On October 26, they held a working session with the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ Security Intelligence Organisation, during which they pledged to tighten their relationships, enhance experience sharing, and improve the capability of their cybersecurity personnel.

Hung proposed that both sides consider building a bilateral agreement on enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity and combating cyber and high-tech crimes, via the envoy in charge of important cyber and technology issues at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Working with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Vietnamese official suggested that ACIC, through the AFP Office in Vietnam, share information with the MoPS regarding the activities of criminals in both countries, especially in cyber and economic crimes, money laundering, human trafficking, and other areas of ACIC’s strength.

HCMA seeks international cooperation in human resources training

A delegation from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), led by its Permanent Vice President Assoc. Prof., Dr Nguyen Duy Bac, has paid a working visit to Switzerland since October 19 to survey and learn international experience in human resources training and development.

The results of the visit will serve as a national key study in the 2021-2025 period on the development of Vietnamese people – the subject of the fast and sustainable national development process in a new stage.

During the visit, the delegation worked with representatives of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Olten City, and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne city.

At the meeting with UNITAR and ILO representatives, Bac introduced the hosts to the HCMA’s establishment and development process, its functions and important role in training and building capacity for the management staff of the Party and the State of Vietnam. 

To contribute to the goal of sustainable growth and developing the country into a high-income country by 2030, the academy wants to promote international cooperation to further equip management staff with proper knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of Vietnam's deeper international integration.

He highly evaluated the support from international organisations like UNITAR and ILO for Vietnam during the past time and hoped that they will continue backing the country in education and training, experience sharing, particularly in human development, policies to attract talented people, social security, employment, green transition, and digitalisation.

Bac Ninh wants to cooperate with US in developing semiconductor industry

Bac Ninh wants to cooperate with the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) to build a high technology ecosystem for the North of Vietnam in the province, especially in semiconductor and chip production, Secretary of the provincial Party’s Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan said when receiving SIA President John Neuffer on October 27.

At the reception, Tuan briefed the guest on the province’s advantages and socio-economic development.

He stressed that Bac Ninh plays a key position in the Hanoi Capital Region and is one of seven provinces in the northern key economic zone. Its export value reached 46.9 billion USD, ranking 2nd in the country while its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) per capita was 166.9 million VND, ranking 3rd in the nation, and its foreign direct investment was more than 2.22 billion USD, ranking 4th nationwide.

US investors are running 19 projects in the province with combined investment capital of over 644.3 million USD, the official said.

The province is now home to 16 industrial parks with 24 investment projects to build and develop industrial park infrastructure. To date, Bac Ninh province currently has more than 2,000 valid projects with total registered investment capital reaching more than 24 billion USD from 40 countries and territories.

Tuan emphasised that, on the foundation of the good relationship between Vietnam and the US, Bac Ninh always prioritises developing friendship relations and cooperation with US localities and organisations.

In the coming time, the province hopes to promote friendship and cooperative relations with US localities, associations, and organisations to deepen the achieved cooperation results and expand cooperation in new fields, he said.

Noting that the province is currently focusing on attracting investment in the field of semiconductor and chip manufacturing, the official hopes that the SIA will work with the province to build a high technology ecosystem.

He urged the association to help with high-quality human resources training for the semiconductor industry. Bac Ninh has attracted Amkor and Micro Commercial Components which are considered an initial foundation to form the ecosystem, he said, calling on the SIA to help connect and support its member corporations and businesses to increase and expand investment in Vietnam.

For his part, Neuffer affirmed that the semiconductor industry is developing vibrantly in the US, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said Vietnam already has some experience in the semiconductor industry and there are still many opportunities ahead, which is the premise for the US to explore and cooperate in the field.

Neuffer suggested that Vietnam in general and Bac Ninh province in particular should not only promote assembly but also move towards chip design - an extremely potential field.

Emphasising that Vietnam is a particularly attractive market for cooperation and development of the semiconductor industry, Neuffer said that the SIA has been studying cooperation and investment opportunities in the field in Vietnam.

Prime Minister welcomes OECD Secretary-General

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Mathias Cormann in Hanoi on October 27, on the occasion of his attendance at the OECD-Southeast Asia Ministerial Forum 2023 the OECD and activities of the OCED Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP). 

PM Chinh expressed thanks for the OECD's partnership and support to Vietnam in its role as the Co-Chair of the SEARP, especially its contributions to the success of the the OECD-Southeast Asia Ministerial Forum 2023 and the OECD-Vietnam Investment Forum 2023, which took place on October 26-27.

He welcomed the OECD's approval of the Indo-Pacific Strategy in June and wished that the OECD and the Secretary-General would continue their support for the region by allocating resources to enhance regional cooperation.

The host suggested Vietnam and the OECD further intensify their substantive and effective cooperation.

Sharing Vietnam's strategic development directions, he sought the OECD's assistance in formulating policies to attract high-quality investments. This will enable Vietnam to integrate more deeply into the global value and supply chains, protect investors’ interests, and efficiently adapt to new standards, particularly the global minimum tax. 

He also called on the OECD to assist Vietnam in promoting new growth drivers such the green transition, digital transformation, carbon market development, green standards, emission reduction, and innovation, which align with the strengths of the OECD and are currently in high demand and prioritised for development in Vietnam.

Cormann, for his part, spoke highly of Vietnam's key role in its capacity as the Co-Chair of the SEARP, especially the initiative to organise the OECD-Southeast Asia Ministerial Forum 2023. 

He hailed the forum's theme “Sustainable and Quality Investment: New Momentum for OECD- Southeast Asia Partnership”, which he said, accurately reflects the interests and attracts the participation of many ministerial-level representatives from various countries.

In his view, Vietnam still has many opportunities to attract high-quality investments towards green and sustainable development amid the global changes.

Reaffirming the significance of the Southeast Asia and Vietnam in particular for OECD, he agreed to elevate the Vietnam-OECD relationship and expressed readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in fields of shared interest.

Conference discusses how AI changes modern marketing

AI is the next big shift in modern marketing, the MMA Impact conference titled "AI-Powered Business Innovation: Navigating Impact" heard in Ho Chi Minh City on October 26.

Organised annually by MMA Global, this year’s conference was regarded as a "monumental event" and keenly anticipated by the marketing industry.

It saw top industry executives discuss the newest ideas and initiatives as well as the amazing growth of contemporary marketing in the Vietnamese market in the context that AI is dominating modern marketing.

Participants agreed that AI is changing modern marketing as it is able to multiply creativity, productivity and performances.

Roopa Dhawan, industry head, brand solutions, Southeast Asia, at Google, told the conference that marketers can harness the capabilities of AI to help them at scale of setting bids, finding audiences, generating insights, optimising real-time performance and scaling creatives.

“You are not competing with AI. You are competing with marketers using AI.”

Speaking about AI applications, she pointed out that smart reply in gMail accounts for 12% of all responses sent on mobile phones, and Google Maps uses AI to predict travel time by analysing historical traffic patterns and current conditions.

Google photos are organised by the places and things in them with no tagging required, she said.

While it is an inevitable trend, participants said, “Artificial intelligence must be our ally, not our replacement.”

Naoyuki Kawakita, group president of Hakuhodo International Vietnam, said: “We are living in an era where machines can compose music, paint portraits and even write poetry.

“AI, with its vast capabilities, is often regarded as the solution for modern business challenges.

“Let’s harness its power, guided by our heartbeats and continue to build brands that resonate, relate and most importantly, loved.”

At the day-long conference, top executives and specialists offered insights into many sectors.

They also spoke on topical subjects related to contemporary marketing and how technology in this era transforms marketing.

They reviewed the most outstanding advertising campaigns of the year listed in the Smarties nominations run by leading companies to rising startups.

Complex challenges and seamless collaboration between human creativity and technology to find solutions were shared.

Greg Stuart, CEO of MMA Global, told Vietnam News: “World technology trends run in 13 year cycles…. If you think about those trend lines, in 2020, most believed that AI was that next trend, and I think we are experiencing that now.”

“…2020 is the marking point but CHAT GPT and generative AI became popular two-three years later. I think there's still more to come. That's what’s going on. This is the trend that will define and dictate all the opportunities in the next 10 years.”

In addition to the most in-depth insights in the area, the event offered a stimulating venue for energetic networking and business matchmaking.

Attendees got the opportunity to meet industry executives, managers and marketing specialists, establish partnerships, and explore collaborative prospects.

On the same day as the MMA Impact 2023 event, the SMARTIES Awards Vietnam 2023 was organised to honour the year's top campaigns and highlight innovation and diversity in the marketing sector.

Vietnamese players jump in world badminton rankings

Vietnamese badminton players Nguyen Thuy Linh and Le Duc Phat made remarkable strides in the Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s world rankings thanks to their recent impressive performance.

According to the latest BWF rankings announced on October 26, Linh has a total of 45,550 points, rising four places to the 20th globally, the highest by the 1997-born

In an interview with the BWF's website in July this year, Linh affirmed her determination to enter the top 20 this year. Last year, she ranked 60th globally.

Meanwhile, Phat climbed 10 places to the 74th globally in the BWF men’s rankings.

This month, Phat also entered the quarterfinals of the Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 - Super 100.

Both players are nurturing hopes of participating in the Summer Olympics in Paris next year. 

In the qualification rankings for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Linh also climbed to the 15th place in the women's singles category. Meanwhile, Phat ranked the 32nd in the men’s singles category.

The official list of badminton players participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics will be finalised in April 2024.

Programme ​helps bring smile to children with lip, palate deformities ​

A cleft lip and palate surgery programme was kicked off in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on October 27 by Operation Smile Vietnam and the provincial Fund for Children.

The programme, now in its seventh year, is expected to provide screening for 300 children from five months old and give free surgeries and treatment for 100 children with each case costs up to eight million VND (326 USD).

In addition, the patients will be supported with travel and accommodation expenses during surgery and treatment. The estimated cost of the programme is about 800 million VND (33,000 USD).

Speaking at the programme's opening, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Phuong said that since 2006, Operation Smile Vietnam has sponsored surgery costs for children with maxillofacial deformities in the province. In particular, from 2014 to now, the organisation has coordinated with the provincial Fund for Children to provide checkups and operations for nearly 1,000 children with lip and palate deformities, at a total cost of over six billion VND. 

The Fund for Children of Dak Lak has implemented the cleft lip and palate surgery programme since 2002. Over the last two decades, it has sponsored 25 direct consultation programmes in caring for sick children from birth and after surgery. Besides, 2,238 poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged children have received financial support for orthopedic surgery and 5,252 children have received free medical examination in 15 districts, towns, cities with a total cost of more than 6.3 billion VND thanks to the fund.

Two cruise ships carry 1,200 foreign tourists to Quang Ninh

Two cruise ships carrying foreign tourists to Ha Long city of the northern province of Quang Ninh arrived at Hon Gai international port on October 27 morning.

Specifically, 900 tourists from Europe and the US travelled to Ha Long on board German-flagged Viking Orion ship. They are scheduled to visit the UNESCO-recognised World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, Hanoi capital city, and Ninh Binh province before coming back to the ship and leaving the port on October 28 afternoon.

Meanwhile, Bahamas’s Silver Muse ship brought 300 European tourists to Ha Long where they will tour Ha Long Bay and Cai Bau pagoda, and leave the city in the evening of the same day.

Also on October 27, leaders of the provincial Department of Tourism welcomed a famtrip delegation from India. The delegation, including representatives from travel agencies, is aiming to build tours bringing Indian tourists to Quang Ninh.

Deputy head of the department Nguyen Huyen Anh said that India is a new and potential market for Quang Ninh’s tourism. In the coming time, the province continues to invite experts to train locals on the Islamic culture to better serve visitors from this market.

HCM City, China’s Liaoning beef up cooperation

Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Ngo Thanh Son on October 27 held talks with Wang Mingyu, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of Liaoning province, who is on a working visit to the city, to discuss future cooperation orientations between the two localities.

Son highlighted the traditional friendship between the two nations, saying that in recent years, high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and states have maintained regular meetings and friendly exchanges, and enhanced win-win cooperation across fields.  

He briefed the guest on HCM City’s achievements and front activities, saying that the VFF Committee of HCM City has engaged in various cooperation activities and delegation exchanges with front organisations of Chinese localities such as Shanghai and Beijing cities, and Zhejiang province.

Based on the traditional relationship between Vietnam and China, the cooperation between HCM City and Chinese localities, the working session between the delegations of the VFF Committee of HCM City and Liaoning province’s CPPCC will open up new opportunities for expanding friendship cooperation between the two organisations in the future, he affirmed.

Wang expressed his joy at the close and friendly relations between China and Vietnam, and HCM City and Chinese localities, saying that the Chinese delegation’s trip aims to strengthen the friendship between Liaoning and the southern metropolis of Vietnam, contributing to the implementation of cooperation agreements approved by leaders of the two countries.

He introduced the structure and activities of the CPPCC of Liaoning, and the potential and socioeconomic strengths of the locality, stressing that there are potential areas for HCM city and Liaoning to further foster cooperation, including industry, agriculture, and education - training.

He expressed his hope that the two localities, as well as their respective front agencies, will soon firm up these potentials in the time to come.

Vietnamese legislature supports operations of foreign business communities

The National Assembly (NA) wants to create a favourable legal corridor for investment, production, and business activities of domestic and foreign firms in Vietnam, affirmed Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue while receiving Chairman of the Korean-based SK Group Chey Tae-won in Hanoi on October 27.

Lauding the group’s cooperation with Vietnamese partners and practice of social responsibility, Hue welcomed its investment in a high-tech biodegradable materials factory in Hai Phong as well as its proposals for collaboration in the fields of energy, semiconductors, and ICT in the time to come.

SK has significantly supported the National Innovation Center (NIC) of Vietnam, which will officially open on October 28. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it donated 1 million USD for Vietnam's vaccination fund.

The top legislator expressed his hope that the group will share its experiences, contributing to the building of a practical legal framework for the improvement of Vietnam’s business climate.

He suggested SK make further contributions to Vietnam’s economic growth and team up with Vietnam in the nation’s processes of energy transition and carbon emission reduction toward the net-zero goal for 2050.

Hue went on underscoring the NA’s willingness to accompany SK and facilitate its effective, successful and sustainable investment and business operations in Vietnam.

 Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and Chairman of the Korean-based SK Group Chey Tae-won at their meeting in Hanoi on October 27 (Photo: VNA)
In response, the SK Chairman showed his delight at outcomes gradually formed following the signing of memoranda of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea during Hue’s 2021 official visit to the latter.

Chey affirmed that the group stands ready to work with Vietnamese partners in green energy transition, helping Vietnam capitalise on its potential and be proactive in energy production.

In his position as Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he informed his host of the chamber’s ongoing teamwork with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) regarding the development of private enterprises. Chey said he hopes that small-scale but innovative firms will take a more active role in setting up shop in Vietnam.

Binh Duong named Intelligent Community of the Year

Vietnam’s Binh Duong Smart City has been named the 2023 Intelligent Community of the Year by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

The announcement was made at the annual Intelligent Community Awards Dinner in New York on October 26 (local time), the culminating event of this year’s ICF Global Summit conference.

Mai Hung Dung, Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, received the award for Binh Duong.

According to the ICF, Binh Duong had been previously named a Smart21 Community five times and to the prestigious list of Top7 three times since 2019.

“Binh Duong has methodically executed ICF’s Community Accelerator Strategy while participating in our annual awards. The city is a great example of the power of teamwork, focus on a clear and persistent strategy and a passionate dedication to creating a place that honours its people and is part of a nation preparing its citizens for the 21st Century,” said ICF Co-Founder Louis Zacharilla.

Starting on October 25, the Summit featured two days of programming, workshops and panel discussions around New York City

The ICF, headquartered in New York, is a global network of 197 cities, metro regions and counties. It has developed a unique economic development framework called the Community Accelerator Strategy, based on its work with over 200 communities around the world, and offers training, consulting, community certification and international awards.

The ICF said in the heart of Vietnam’s southeastern Binh Duong province is a brand new city in development. Binh Duong Smart City has worked tirelessly, assisted by ideas such as the “triple helix” collaboration method from ICF alumnus Eindhoven, the 2011 Intelligent Community of the Year, to transform a traditionally agrarian, low-population area into a core of Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Zone.

Plastics network leverages innovation to tackle single-use pollution

Innovative ways to reduce plasticsa pollution took center stage at the Plastic Innovation Hub Vietnam (Hub Vietnam) Demo Day 2023 held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 27.

The innovations were the outcome of the eight-week training programme from the Indo-Pacific Plastics Innovation Network (IPPIN). 

Australian Consul General in HCM City Sarah Hooper said that IPPIN is an important programme in the region, which helps promote innovation to reduce plastics pollution and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Both Vietnam and Australia face formidable challenges of climate change and the environment, with critical impacts on food security and the economy’s prosperity, she said, highlighting cooperation between science agencies and the private sector as significant to bring about practical measures.

Meanwhile, Dr Kim Wimbush, senior advisor at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Vietnam, said that the event created opportunities for stakeholders to enhance connectivity in the innovation ecosystem, while honouring the startup skills of local innovators.

He said that IPPIN’s programmes aim at improving capacity of the local innovation ecosystem by connecting innovators, researchers, the Government and industries to take action in the chronic and ongoing fight against plastics pollution.

Vietnam wants to introduce a ban on single-use plastic products by 2031, he added, pointing out that it is events like the Demo Day that support this initiative.

An estimated 3.1 million tonnes of plastic waste is dumped on land in Vietnam each year, and at least 10% of this ends up in the ocean.
According to the National Plastics Action Partnership Programme in Vietnam, the amount of plastic leaking into rivers and seas could double by 2030 if current waste collection, recycling and treatment processes are not implemented.
 
The Plastic Innovation Hub Vietnam, part of the Mekong Innovation Alliance, is committed to changing these statistics to create a cleaner, more prosperous future for all.

Vietnamese Student Day to get underway in RoK

Approximately 1,000 Vietnamese students across the Republic of Korea (RoK) will come together for the 16th Vietnamese Student Day which will be held on October 29 at Soongsil University in Seoul.

Nguyen Tran Hung, president of Vietnamese Students’ Association in the RoK (VSAK), said the event aims to create a venue for Vietnamese and Korean students to boost solidarity and popularise the image of the Vietnamese land, people, and culture to international friends.

he VSAK’s branches from across the country will bring a total of 35 art performances to the event.

A wide range of activities will take place during the course of the function, including a talent contest, folk games, and a ceremony aimed at honouring students who have made great contributions to activities organised by the VSAK and the Embassy of Vietnam in the RoK.

Furthermore, the organising board will grant a total of 10 scholarships from Hanshin Construction Company, which is funding the occasion, to outstanding Vietnamese individuals.

The Vietnamese Student Day has been held annually by the VSAK since 2005 and acts as a bridge helping develop Vietnam-RoK relations. The event was disrupted for three years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hanoi honoured as Asia's best emerging culinary city

The capital city of Hanoi won the “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary city 2023” title at the World Culinary Awards 2023 recently.

Hanoi surpassed strong rivals such as Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Kyoto of Japan, and Taipei of Taiwan (China) to win the prestigious title.

Hanoi is widely viewed as a rising star on the culinary tourism map as three out of the nation’s first four Michelin-starred restaurants are located in the capital. The award continues to affirm the attraction of Hanoi cuisine to international tourists.

Upon addressing the award ceremony, Rina van Staden, director of the World Culinary Awards, emphasised that the winners are representatives of excellence in the culinary industry, all of which has helped to raise the industry's overall standards to even greater heights.

The World Travel Awards system were first launched back in 1994 with the aim of honouring excellent units and brands in the tourism industry.

This year saw Dubai named as the “World's Best Culinary Destination” and “Best Culinary Destination in the Middle East”.

France was voted “Best Culinary Destination in Europe”, with Paris being honoured as the “Best Culinary City Destination in the World”.

Peru was voted “Best Culinary Destination in Latin America” while Cape Town of South Africa was named as “Best Culinary City Destination in Africa”.

Elsewhere, Jamaica won “Best Culinary Destination in the Caribbean”, with Thailand claiming the title of “Best Culinary Destination in Asia”.

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