Localities in the central region are ramping up efforts to handle the devastation caused by Storm Trami, which made landfall in the early afternoon of October 27.

In the central province of Quang Binh, heavy rains over the past two days have affected over 17,000 households in Dong Hoi city and the districts of Quang Ninh, Le Thuy, Bo Trach, Tuyen Hoa, and Minh Hoa. Floodwaters have isolated 44 villages and submerged 70 locations on national and provincial highways.

Its southern district Le Thuy has been hardest hit, with over 12,361 houses inundated. Roads in the district centre are deeply flooded, with transportation nearly paralysed. Local authorities have deployed personnel to high-risk areas, such as Van Thuy and Thai Thuy communes, and the low-lying communes of Phong Thuy, Loc Thuy, An Thuy, and Phu Tho, to assist residents in relocating to safer places.

In Quang Tri province, heavy rains triggered severe flooding in various areas in the districts of Vinh Linh, Hai Lang, Cam Lo, Trieu Phong, Cam Lo and Gio Linh. The rising floodwaters isolated many villages in the mountainous districts of Huong Hoa and Dakrong. As of October 28 morning, the province had evacuated 937 households with 2,423 people.

As of 10am on October 28, one person was reported missing in Quang Binh province while two others dead in Thua Thien-Hue province and four injured in Quang Nam province. As many as 295 houses in Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam and Da Nang were damaged, while some 15,200 others submerged, and 431ha of crops and fruit trees inundated.

Da Nang city has 177 transformer stations yet to be restored, and some areas still without power. The city is currently making efforts to handle these incidents.

To cope with the storm, the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has requested provinces and cities to strictly implement the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 110/CD-TTg dated October 24, the ministry's Official Dispatch No. 7966/CD-BNN-DD dated October 22, and the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at a meeting in response to Storm Trami on October 27.

Provinces and cities were asked to clean up the environment to stabilise livelihoods, arrange staff round-the-clock, and regularly report the situation to the department./.

Vietnam, Singapore sign treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

Vietnam and Singapore signed the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the headquarters of the Singapore Ministry of Law on October 28.

The treaty was signed by Singapore's Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Murali Pillai SC and Vietnam’s Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy Nguyen Huy Tien.

It sets out a framework for both countries to make requests for and provide legal assistance in criminal matters to each other, such as in locating or identifying persons, taking of evidence, and executing search and seizures.

Murali said “Singapore and Vietnam enjoy close and longstanding relations, diplomatically, as well as in the fields of economic, technical and legal cooperation. Singapore and Vietnam are also parties to the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and we have had close cooperation under that treaty for many years. The treaty builds on this strong foundation and paves the way for even more effective cooperation in the prevention and suppression of crime," according to a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Law.

Nguyen said “the signing of the bilateral agreement is a testament to the comprehensive cooperation results between Vietnam and Singapore, thereby contributing to promoting the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership to become increasingly deeper and more substantial”.

Prior to the ceremony, the officials exchanged views on several topics and looked forward to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

The same day, Tien met with Singapore's Attorney General Lucien Wong, during which they discussed further collaboration and experience-sharing in addressing cross-border financial crimes and the implementation of the treaty./.

Vietnam, UAE should work harder to reach trade target of 10 billion USD: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri in Abu Dhabi on October 28 (local time), during which the Vietnamese leader suggested that Vietnam and the UAE should realise bilateral agreements, especially the to-be-signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), to reach the goal of 10 billion USD in two-way trade at an early date.

Praising the UAE’s achievements with the Minister's contributions in economic restructuring, sustainable development, diversification and digitalisation of the economy, and innovation, PM Chinh said he believed that the UAE Vision 2031, which aims to turn the UAE into a global economic hub and a successful development model for the world, will become a reality.

He congratulated the UAE for successfully hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

Noting that Vietnam is in the process of transforming and restructuring the economy towards higher quality and efficiency, and rapid and sustainable development based on science and technology, innovation, development of digital economy, green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, and knowledge-based economy, the Government leader asked the UAE to share experiences and promote cooperation with Vietnam in these fields.

The PM hailed the role of Al Marri, as Chairman of the UAE Sub-committee of the Vietnam-UAE Inter-Governmental Committee, in promoting the bilateral relations, especially in finalising negotiations for the CEPA.

The leader proposed that in the coming time, the two side should strengthen cooperation and experience sharing for stronger connectivity between the two economies, creating breakthroughs for economic cooperation, promoting complementary strengths, especially in institution building, developing financial centres and enterprises, attracting talents, and increasing research and application of science and technology and innovation, while stepping up the organisation of trade and investment promotion activities, connecting enterprises, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism cooperation, and opening direct flights between the two countries.

He asked the UAE to open its market more widely for Vietnam's strong products such as agricultural and aquatic products, fresh vegetables, and processed foods, and promote cooperation and support the development of the Halal industry in Vietnam, helping to achieve the goal of 10 billion USD in two-way trade.

For his part, Al Marri highly evaluated Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements in recent years, and expressed his impression of the country’s economic policies, especially in tax exemption and investment attraction.

He shared the UAE’s experiences in business development, investment attraction, development of economic zones and free trade zones, talent attraction, intellectual property, and visa policy, especially how to process procedures for business registration and deployment of investment projects in an exceptionally short time.

The Minister thanked PM Chinh for his support during negotiations for the CEPA, underlined that the UAE is delighted at and looks forward to the signing of this agreement with the hope of promoting cooperation to optimise the opportunities brought by the deal, thereby creating breakthroughs in economic relations between the two countries.

He said that the UAE hopes to organise a large-scale investment conference in Vietnam with the participation of leading regional and international enterprises and prestigious speakers to share experiences, promote economic cooperation and attract investment from the UAE and the world to Vietnam.

PM Chinh welcomed the idea and said that he will assign the Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant agencies of Vietnam to coordinate with the UAE side to organise the event./.

PM meets with National Security Advisor of UAE

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on October 28 (local time), as part of his official visit to the the Middle East country.

PM Chinh praised the National Security Advisor's instrumental role in maintaining security, ensuring social order, and promoting development, innovation and prosperity in the UAE, particularly in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Vietnam welcomes and stays ready to create favourable conditions for investors from the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular, he said, wishing that Zayed Al Nahyan would encourage UAE corporations and investment funds to consider investing in large-scale projects in sectors where the UAE has strengths, such as energy, renewable energy, oil and gas, logistics and materials production.

PM Chinh suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation and share experiences in high-tech science and information technology.

He also proposed promoting security cooperation; exploring the possibility for expanding cooperation in technology and science in service of crime prevention; and advancing cooperation in combating human trafficking, and exchanging information on criminal activities.

Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the significance of the Vietnamese leader's official visit to the UAE, affirming that UAE leaders value the bilateral cooperation and hope that the two sides will continue to promote it in order to implement cooperation projects in new areas in the near future.

As Chairman of G42 Group, which specialises in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his desire to invest in Vietnam to promote the application of technology solutions in various fields and foster the development of digital services in the Southeast Asian nation./.

Top leader attends traditional day of Party Central Committee’s external relations commission

General Secretary of the Party Central Committee To Lam attended a ceremony in Hanoi on October 28 to celebrate the 75th traditional day of the committee’s Commission for External Relations (November 1, 1949-2024).

Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the commission, affirmed that the party’s external relations work has become one of the three key pillars of Vietnam's comprehensive and modern diplomacy. It has played a crucial role in firmly protecting the nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as maintaining a peaceful and stable environment conducive to the national building and safeguarding cause, and the implementation of strategic tasks related to socio-economic development.

The Communist Party of Vietnam has established relations with 253 political parties in 115 countries, including over 100 ruling parties or those participating in governing coalitions. The Vietnam Fatherland Front and various mass organisations have developed relations with approximately 1,200 people’s organisations and other foreign partners. The contributions and dedication of the commission have been recognised by the Party and State with prestigious awards, such as the Ho Chi Minh Order (2019), the Golden Star Order (2003), and many other noble honours.

Congratulating the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations on its traditional day, Lam affirmed that over the past 75 years, the commission's work has always played a core role in shaping the strategic orientation and external policy of the Party.

This work has helped effectively mobilise the national strength, international support, and the assistance of progressive peoples and peace-lovers around the world, thus creating a vast resource that has contributed to taking the Vietnamese revolution through challenges to achieve successive victories and remarkable milestones, he stated.

Recalling the significant achievements of the Party and nation over the past 79 years of revolutionary history and nearly 40 years of renewal, the leader emphasised the sound and appropriate foreign policy of the Party throughout different historical periods, highlighting the important role and contributions of the Party’s external relations.

The world is currently undergoing a historic transformation, bringing about not only new opportunities and advantages but also numerous challenges, Lam said, adding that this situation imposes new and greater demands on the planning and implementation of the Party’s foreign policy in the new era, which is also a glorious mission for the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.

The Party chief requested the commission to continue enhancing research and advisory work to help formulate the Party’s foreign policy in the new phase; organising the effective implementation of the Party’s foreign policy in the political system; maximising the dialectical relationship between Party, state, and people-to-people diplomacy under the unified leadership of the Party; and upholding the guiding and leading role of the Party’s external work for the highest goal of national interests for the well-being and happiness of the people.

The Party's external relation sector should continue to positively contribute to the global revolutionary movement, promoting peace and stability in the region and the world, and participating in solving common global issues, Lam noted.

He emphasised the need for external relations to be integrated with national defence and security to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development and the firm protection of the homeland early and from afar.

The leader also urged the commission to continue focusing on building a contingent of officials who own strong political mettle, exemplary moral qualities, and good expertise, and always put the interests of the nation and the people above all else./.

Seventh working day of 15th NA’s eighth session

The 15th National Assembly (NA) on October 28 concluded the seventh working day of its 8th session under the chair of Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

In the morning sitting, Vu Hong Thanh, member of the NA Standing Committee, Chairman of the NA's Economic Committee and deputy head of the NA's supervisory delegation, presented a report of the delegation on the results of the thematic supervision on the implementation of policies and laws regarding the management of the real estate market and the development of social housing from 2015 to the end of 2023.

Most deputies agreed with the report and the draft Resolution of the legislature on the results of the thematic supervision, stating that the report provided detailed and comprehensive information; accurately and objectively assessed existing problems, and proposed appropriate solutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Hong, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Do Duc Duy, and Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi provided explanations, and clarified several issues raised by lawmakers.

In the afternoon, lawmakers listened to a report and a verification report regarding the draft law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Officers of the Vietnam People's Army, which were respectively presented by Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang, and Chairman of the NA Committee for National Defence and Security Le Tan Toi; and then discussed this draft law in groups.

On October 29 morning, the NA will hold a plenary session in the hall to hear reports and verification reports on the revised Law on Public Investment Law; the the draft law amending several articles of the Law on Securities, the Law on Accounting, the Law on Independent Audit, the Law on State Budget, the Law on Management and Use of Public Assets, the Law on Tax Management, and the Law on National Reserves; and a report on explanation, acceptance and revision of the draft Law on Value Added Tax (amended).

They will discuss in groups these bills in the afternoon./.

Party leader welcomes French Communist Party delegation

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 28 for a high-ranking delegation from the French Communist Party (PCF) led by its National Secretary Fabien Roussel.

The delegation is in Vietnam to attend the fourth theoretical workshop between the CPV and the PCF.

Welcoming the delegation, General Secretary Lam highlighted the visit's importance in reinforcing political trust and bolstering the century-old solidarity and special relationship between the two parties.

He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the support and solidarity extended by the PCF, French communists and people to the CPV and the Vietnamese people, particularly amid the continuously evolving global landscape.

Expressing his delight at the growing bilateral ties, particularly the recent elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Lam acknowledged the pivotal role of party-to-party relations in fortifying the political foundation and advancing Vietnam-France relations, as well as in promoting the framework of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

He provided an overview of Vietnam’s achievements over nearly four decades of renewal under the CPV’s leadership, with particular emphasis on efforts to successfully realise the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, towards the 14th one.

The top leader of Vietnam suggested that the two parties continue increasing cooperation in existing areas, including the theoretical workshop mechanism, which facilitates the sharing of theoretical issues and practical experience to improve each party's operational capacity. The host also recommended directions and measures to further deepen relations between the two parties.

Roussel, in turn, stressed that the PCF highly values and prioritises the strengthening of its relationship with the CPV. He expressed a wish to maintain and uphold existing areas of cooperation, particularly through the theoretical workshop mechanism.

The PCF always strives and stays ready to make practical and effective contributions to advancing the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership, including collaboration in economy - trade, rail and waterway transportation, locality-to-locality partnerships, and parliamentary cooperation, as well as joint efforts within the OIF, he said.

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung also chaired talks with the PCF delegation to review the recent progress in party-to-party relations and outline specific ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two parties.

The talks also mentioned specific strategies to enhance political, economic, trade, cultural, and educational ties, and other areas of collaboration between Vietnam and France, as well as global and regional issues of shared concern./.

Kien Giang continues measures against IUU fishing

The southern province of Kien Giang continues to carry out drastic measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lam Minh Thanh has asked the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to complete the registration, the granting of technical safety certificates and fishing licences for vessels, as well as the installation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) according to regulations.

The department has also been asked to update fishing vessel information on the National Fisheries Database (VNfishbase) and the VMS, and to regularly monitor the situation of local fishing vessels, especially newly-registered ones.

The department and relevant units have been asked to verify information, strictly punish vessels that violate regulations on the VMS connections and those that cross the operation boundary at sea from October 2023 to present, especially those with a length of 24 m or more.

To date, Kien Giang has 9,069 registered fishing vessels updated on VNfishbase; of which 3,625 measure from 15-24 m or more in length; 8,694 have been granted fishing licences; 3,450 got food safety certificates; more than 3,600 with the length from 15 metres or more have installed VMS, while the rest have not installed the device because they remain on shore.

Local border guards were asked to tighten control over fishing vessels when they leave ports as well as strictly punish those that violate foreign waters.

So far this year, Kien Giang has recorded 10 cases involving 14 fishing vessels violating foreign waters. Over 1,330 instances of vessels staying unconnected from their VMS at sea have been identified. In addition, authorities have inspected more than 1,000 vessels, discovered and handled more than 160 with signs of violations./.

UNESCO official applauds Ninh Binh for heritage value promotion

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations Firmin Edouard Matoko on October 28 applauded the northern province of Ninh Binh for its determination, commitment and direction in preserving and promoting the value of Trang An heritage site.

Speaking at a meeting with the Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Doan Minh Huan, the official who is leading a UNESCO delegation on an official visit to Vietnam from October 25-30, affirmed that UNESCO will always accompany the locality in preserving and promoting heritage values.

He voiced approval and appreciation of the province's goals, visions and development orientations, saying that Ninh Binh has the foundation to become a millennium heritage city and a creative city in the future.

He said UNESCO will connect Ninh Binh with international experts in related fields and organise forums for the province to learn from similar models in the world.

At the same time, UNESCO will consider selecting Ninh Binh to host UNESCO conferences and share the province's experiences in heritage preservation and promotion as well as in the successful coordination with UNESCO and countries in the region.

For his part, Huan assessed that the visit by the UNESCO delegation is of great significance as it takes place when Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex celebrates the 10th anniversary of its UNESCO recognition as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Huan said that he hopes that UNESCO will organise a forum in Ninh Binh to announce a manifesto or charter on Trang An and deliver specific messages about the heritage site development model that harmoniously combines conservation and community-based tourism development, as well as the close coordination between the State, businesses and people.

The provincial official called on UNESCO to continue to support Ninh Binh's efforts to have more cultural and natural heritage sites recognised by 2035 such as Phat Diem Stone Church, Hoa Lu Great Wall, Thien Ton pagoda, or poetry engraved on Duc Thuy Son stone./.

Vietnam sends sympathy to Philippines over typhoon consequences

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan sent a message of sympathy to her Philippine counterpart Sara Duterte on October 28 over the aftermath of Typhoon Trami, which has caused significant losses of life and property in the country's northwestern region.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also extended his sympathy to Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique A. Manalo.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) of the Philippines, catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Trami have left at least 116 dead and 39 missing in the country./.

Vietnam - Laos combat alliance a testament of special bilateral ties

With the spirit of proletarian internationalism and following President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching that “helping the friend means helping ourselves”, volunteer soldiers and experts of Vietnam in Laos made substantial contributions to excellently fulfill the duty of joining hands with the Lao army and people to secure complete victory in the resistance wars against the French and US invaders.

Shortly after the August 1945 Revolution came to success, in October the same year, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the Lao Issara Government signed a treaty on mutual assistance between the two countries and another on the organisation of the Laos - Vietnam combat alliance. On October 30, 1949, the Standing Board of the Central Committee of the Indochinese Communist Party decided that the military forces of Vietnam fighting in and assisting Laos would be oganised into a separate system in the name of “volunteer soldiers”.

This was an important historical milestone marking the development and maturity of the military forces on the Lao battlefield, and also affirming the Commust Party of Vietnam (CPV)’s righteous policy and viewpoint on performing the noble international mission. Since then, October 30 was designated as the Traditional Day of the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Bounhom Thedthany, Vice Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Committee of Xiengkhouang province, described the establishment of the Laos - Vietnam combat alliance in the time of their struggles for national liberation as a highly significant landmark which came as a result of the all-round and long-standing cooperation between the two Parties and States.

Thanks to this cooperation, he said, Vietnam and Laos were liberated, and the two peoples now can live in prosperity and happiness and continue developing their countries in a new socialist-oriented era.

Standing on a hill in the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang, Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tien Long, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association Central Committee, recounted that in April 1964, he was a soldier of Battalion 51 of Regiment 148 under the Northwest Military Region and deployed to Laos to perform the international duty. After the Vietnamese unit excellently fulfilled the task and returned to the homeland, Battalion 51 was assigned to stay in Laos and turned into volunteer troops safeguarding the Plain of Jars, which witnessed fierce battles of the Vietnam - Laos alliance against the common enemy.

Long, who spent nearly 10 years serving in Laos, shared that the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers received considerable care and assistance from the Lao Party, State, and people to fulfill their mission.

Vietnam now has friendship and relations with almost all countries around the world, including time-honoured and close-knit ties with tens of them, but Long said he is proud and appreciates that the Vietnamese and Lao Parties and States identified the two countries’ relations as great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

He considered this as a summary of the bonds between the two nations dating back hundreds of years and beyond, voicing his firm trust in the two Parties and States’ path of staying united and supporting each other.

Sen. Lt. Col. Vanhthong Ouanthanongsing, a war veteran of Laos who used to coordinate with Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in Xiengkhouang, said the enormous assistance from the Vietnamese people performing the international mission of helping his country regain independence was an enormous and great one found nowhere else in the world.

He said he will never forget this help but continue to educate younger generations on the Laos - Vietnam special relations, particularly in the struggle for the liberation of Laos as well as the development and safeguarding of the country nowadays.

The creative application of historical experiences, especially those from activities of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos, is critically important to the continued solidification of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples, Vanhthong opined.

For his part, Phetsamone Davongsone, Secretary of the Xiengkhouang provincial Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, said the committee has been working to raise the local youth’s understanding of the bilateral relations, especially the Laos - Vietnam combat alliance, which helped bring about prosperity and happiness for the people today.

Vietnam, a close and unique friend, sent volunteer soldiers and experts to assist with the liberation of Laos, he went on, adding that Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong laid the foundation for young generations of both countries to join hands in fighting to regain independence.

Phetsamone affirmed that the Youth Union Committee of Xiengkhouang will push ahead with communications so that young people of Laos are thoroughly aware of and treasure the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries./.

Ship sailing to RoK for coast guard exchange

The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG)’s CSB 8004 ship is on its way to the Republic of Korea (RoK) for a visit to and an exchange with the Korean Coast Guard (KCG), a move to implement the sides’ memorandum of understanding on cooperation signed in 2007.

Aiming to boost the friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between the two forces, the trip will see the Vietnamese delegation meeting with local authorities and joining exchange and experience-sharing activities with the KCG’s academy and several other units as well as joint exercises in search and rescue and fire prevention. They are scheduled to tour a number of cultural sites in the RoK.

At the send-off ceremony held in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 27, Major General Tran Van Tho, Commander of VCG Region 1 Command, said the visit translated into reality the directions on international integration and diplomacy issued by the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defence’s leader. It is expected to cement cooperation between the VCG and the KCG.

The journey will also help the Vietnamese crew enhance command ability, operational skills, and proficiency with weapons and equipment for prolonged activities at sea, he noted./.

PM attends ceremony launching Vinfast vehicles in UAE

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a ceremony to launch Vinfast vehicles in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 27 as part of his official visit to the Middle East country.

At the event, Vingroup introduced VinFast smart electric vehicle (EV) models, VF3, VF8, VF9, VFWild, showing its commitment to a green future, while offering after-sales service and other preferential policies for customers using Vinfast vehicles.

Addressing the event, PM Chinh emphasised that based on the foundation of good cooperation over the past 30 years, the two countries will upgrade their relations and sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during his visit to the UAE.

Digital transformation, green transition, and circular economy are inevitable trends in the world, in which Vietnam, together with the UAE, is pioneering in implementing strategies to green the economy, striving for cutting emissions to net zero by 2050, he said. VinFast's presence in the UAE to introduce EV models not only demonstrates the vision of a pioneering enterprise, but also clearly shows Vietnam's determination and desire to rise.

He believed that the UAE people will love and use Vinfast's modern, comfortable, environmentally friendly, affordable, good after-sales car products, as well as more Vietnamese products, thereby further promoting and creating connections between the two economies, between production chains and supply chains to create conditions for people to experience each other's quality products.

He hoped that in addition to electric vehicles, Vigroup will cooperate with UAE partners in other fields such as digital transformation, strategic infrastructure development, thus contributing to realising the Vietnam – UAE CEPA, to be signed./.

Vietnam wins first two gold medals at World Shuttlecock Championships

Local athletes brought home two gold medals on the first competition day at the World Shuttlecock Championships held on October 27 in Tianjin in China.

In the men's singles, Ho Phuoc Sang took home a gold medal after defeating a rival from Hong Kong (China) 2-0.

Elsewhere, Pham Thi To Nguyen clinched a gold medal in the women's singles following her victory over her Chinese rival in the final match.

Following these good result, the Vietnamese shuttlecock team completed their target of winning at least one gold medal earlier than planned.

The 11th World Shuttlecock Championships will last through to October 30, gathering together hundreds of athletes to compete in seven categories of men's and women's singles, doubles and teams, and mixed doubles.

This comes after the Vietnamese shuttlecock team dominated the Asian championships with a total of eight gold and six silver medals, thereby topping the medal table.

Hanoi to host Voices for Tomorrow: Documentary Film Festival for Sustainability

The Voices for Tomorrow: Documentary Film Festival for Sustainability will take place from October 30 to November 3 at the National Cinema Center in Hanoi, with the event showcasing 10 exceptional documentary works from different countries, including those from Vietnam.

The event is jointly organised by Goethe Institute Vietnam and the Center for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents (TPD) and aims to introduce stories about how people worldwide struggle to adapt to rapid environmental and social changes. 

According to Oliver Brandt, director of the Goethe-Institute Hanoi, the festival’s films form a multifaceted picture of sustainable development, thereby illustrating the ability of documentaries to raise awareness and inspire action in order to transform our way of life today as a means of building a better future for future generations. 

The festival will feature a total of three Vietnamese documentaries, including “Madame Lien’s Factory”, “Flowing with the currents”, and “The Hungry River”.

International documentary films such as “Blue Carbon: Nature's Hidden Power” from the UK, “When the Floods come” and “Starving for Change” from Pakistan, “The Dolphin Dilemma” from the US, “Tourism in Times of Climate Change” and “The Dust of Modern Life” from Germany, and “Planet Killers: The Forest Destroyer” from France will be screened at the event.

German director Franziska von Stenglin will hold an exchange with film makers in Hanoi on November 2. She will then continue to meet with local audiences the following day to share stories related to her documentary film “The Dust of Modern Life”.

Concert to mark 35th anniversary of Vietnam-Brazil diplomatic ties

The Embassy of Brazil in Vietnam is set to host a concert entitled “Saudades do Brasil” at the Ho Guom Opera House on the evening of October 30 as part of celebrations for the 35th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations.

Brazilian pianist Cristian Budu will be performing, together with the Sun Symphony Orchestra under the baton of French conductor Olivier Ochanine.

Vietnam will serve as the starting point of the first Asian tour of Cristian Budu. The concert will also feature famous pieces of works written by composers Camargo Guarnieri and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as well as by French composer Darius Milhaud.

Cristian Budu was the grand winner of the Clara Haskil international competition in Switzerland. He was also honoured with prizes from a public vote and from young critics.

The Brazilian pianist debuted in the internationally-renowned magazine Gramophone, which specialises in classical music.

His latest solo CD was awarded the “Editor’s Choice” prize in England and the “5-Diapasons” prize in France, whilst it was also included in the latest update of two of the most prestigious lists by Gramophone: “Top 10 Recent Beethoven Recordings” and “Top 10 Chopin Recordings”.

Hanoi warns of rising measles cases

The capital has so far recorded a total of 35 cases of measles, although so far there has been no deaths caused by this disease, according to the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Last week saw Hanoi record an additional seven cases of the disease, with six of them being unvaccinated.

Hanoi CDC said that measles is highly contagious and has the potential to infect 100% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to a carrier of the disease.

It noted that measles cases are on the rise in the capital and more infections are expected ahead in the rest of the year.

To cope with the complicated developments caused by the disease, the centre has urged local authorities to work hard to strengthen supervision to early diagnose infection cases occurring in the community. Elsewhere, work should be done to review all non-vaccinated children and those who have not received enough doses in order to organise catch-up vaccination programmes.

Hospitals in the city are therefore required to strictly adhere to regulations as part of efforts to prevent cross-infections, while also ensuring that sufficient medical supplies are available for both examination and treatment.

Vietnam calls for action for peace, development, and women's progress

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, emphasised the importance of Resolution 1325 in promoting the role of women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding, thus ensuring women's full, equitable, and meaningful participation in peace processes.

From October 24 to October 25, the UN Security Council held its annual debate on women, peace, and security focusing on the theme of "Women building peace in a changing environment" under the chairmanship of the President of Switzerland, who is currently the Security Council President. Representatives of more than 110 UN member states spoke at the event.

Upon addressing the event, Minister Counsellor Nguyen said that in the face of the negative impacts of war, poverty, and increasing inequality, ending war and addressing the root causes of conflict represents an urgent task and the most effective way to ensure women's rights.

Adherence to the UN Charter and international law is therefore the key to creating a peaceful environment, in which the UN Security Council needs to play an active role.

In addition, it can be viewed as necessary to ensure financial resources to implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda according to Resolution 1889, as proposed by the nation in its role as President of the UN Security Council in October, 2009.

The Vietnamese representative also called on the UN, regional organisations, and relevant parties to bolster ties in this area through technical assistance, training, and resource sharing, as well as taking advantage of technological advances in a bid to enhance women's voices, while also protecting them from threats in cyberspace.

Minister Counsellor Nguyen also shared and highlighted Vietnamese efforts and achievements in implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as demonstrated by the increasing proportion of women holding leadership and management positions and participating in peacekeeping activities.

Last August, the Vietnamese Government for the first time launched the National Action Program on Women, Peace and Security in a bid to ensure the full and comprehensive implementation of this Agenda at all levels, he added.

Hà Nội proactively preventing forest fires in the dry season

Hà Nội is entering dry season. With thick vegetation, just a little carelessness among the trees with an open flame can cause a forest fire.

To proactively prevent forest fires, the capital city has implemented many solutions to enhance the role and responsibility of forest owners, rangers and local residents.

Hà Nội has a total forest area and sub-forest area of ​​nearly 27,100ha, across seven districts and towns including Ba Vì, Sóc Sơn, Mỹ Đức, Sơn Tây, Chương Mỹ, Quốc Oai and Thạch Thất.

Forests in Hà Nội are mainly planted ones, including trees such as pine, acacia and eucalyptus, highly flammable plant species, so the risk of forest fires is very high.

With hot, dry weather and low humidity over a long period, the city's forest fire prevention and control must always be in readiness to minimise any damage.

Ngô Xuân Thanh, a worker of the mobile team for forest fire prevention and fighting under the Hà Nội Preventive Forest Management Board, said that in the dry season (from early October to the end of May), Sóc Sơn District is always a 'hot spot' for forest fires.

The most worrying issue is that fire fighting equipment is rudimentary. Fire fighting measures are simple, mainly using hoes and shovels to clear vegetation to prevent any fire from spreading and using fresh branches and blowers to put out the flames.

Deputy Head of Forest Protection Department No 4 under the Hà Nội Forest Protection Department (FPD) Lê Văn Đức said: "In the dry season, although there have been warnings at different levels, many people, especially tourists, still bring fire sources or light fires near forests. If not detected and extinguished early, the fire spread is inevitable."

Statistics from the FPD show that from the beginning of this year, two forest fires have been recorded in the city.

Of which, one blaze was across an area of ​​1.5ha in Thạch Thất District, whereas another with an area of ​​0.5ha occurred in Sóc Sơn District.

The fires were detected and promptly extinguished, thus they caused no major damage to forest resources.

Compared to the same period last year, the number of forest fires decreased by 32 and the fire damaged area fell by more than 38ha.

Deputy Head of the FPD Nguyễn Tiến Lâm said that the number of forest fires was down sharply because localities had done a good job of forest management and protection.

It is also because this year Hà Nội has had a lot of rain, the thick vegetation has accumulated water and humidity, making areas less flammable.

But the weather forecast from now until the end of the year is for it to be dry with little rain, so localities with forests need to proactively develop plans to prevent and fight forest fires.

The Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued many documents requesting departments, branches, military units, police, districts and towns with forests to coordinate well in forest protection work and minimise the chance of forest fires taking hold.

Deputy Director of the DARD Nguyễn Mạnh Phương said most recently, local areas with forested areas have been given drills about fire fighting, raising awareness of responsibility in conducting State regulations on forest protection and development, along with fire prevention and fire fighting for officials and people from of all walks of life.

He requested districts and towns to regularly inspect and urge departments, units, people's committees of communes and towns to strictly realise forest fire prevention measures.

At the same time local authorities have been strengthening the command committee and forest fire prevention and fighting teams in communes, guiding and strictly managing the vegetation clearing according to the plan.

In addition, the FPD directed forest rangers to coordinate with local authorities to guide communes and forest owners to strictly implement the established forest fire prevention and fighting plan.

They must regularly review and adjust it as the seasons and local developments change over time.

"We are always proactive in all situations, including means and forces, promptly handling forest fires to minimise damage, ensuring absolute safety for people and property," said Lâm. 

Body of young man found in Quảng Bình

The People's Committee of Thái Thủy Commune in Lệ Thủy District said on Monday morning that local search teams have discovered the body of 22-year-old Lê Ngọc Hơn.

He was swept away by floodwaters while wading into a submerged area to assist residents on Sunday afternoon.

His body was found at 7.05am on Monday, approximately 200 metres from the spot where he went missing.

Arrangements are currently being made to hand over his remains to his family for a funeral.

According to accounts from witnesses, recorded in a video prior to the incident, residents indicated that many houses in a nearby village downstream from Thanh Sơn irrigation dam were severely flooded and required urgent help with clean-up efforts.

"Anyone who is young and strong, please lend them a hand," one local was heard saying.

In response, Hơn volunteered along with two other young men from his village.

However, to reach the affected area, they had to wade through a low section of road, where water from upstream was flowing rapidly.

As the three young men reached the middle of the current, with water levels rising to about chest height, they were unexpectedly swept away. Two managed to swim to safety, but Hơn did not resurface.

Residents who witnessed the event immediately realised what was happening but were unable to assist due to the strong currents.

It is reported that Hơn had recently returned home after a year of service in the military.

HCM City to host Chợ Lớn culinary fair

HCM City’s District 5 will organise the annual Chợ Lớn Food Story culinary fair at the District 5 Culture – Sports Centre from December 8-12.

The second edition of the fair will feature 50 booths showcasing the most popular dishes in Chợ Lớn (Big Market) and food prepared by popular eateries in the district.

The event is aimed at promoting the local culinary culture and bolster the image of District 5 as a unique cuisine tourism destination in the city.

Visitors can enjoy typical dishes in District 5 such as hủ tiếu (noodle soup), sủi cảo (dumplings), vịt quay (roasted duck), mì vịt tiềm (stewed duck noodle soup) and chè (sweet soup).

Cooking workshops will be held during the event, guiding visitors on how to cook delicious dishes from skilled cooks and introducing ingredients and food.

A series of talk shows and roundtables on local cuisine and tourism development will also be included.

Last year, the fair attracted more than 25,000 tourists and city dwellers.

Vietnamese players hunting abroad for international badminton titles

Vietnamese badminton players are hoping to win some international titles this week in Indonesia and in Germany.

National number two Nguyễn Hải Đăng has been seeded number five in the men's singles event at the WONDR by BNI Indonesia Masters II 2024, which will be held from October 29 to November 3 in Surabaya.

The Vietnamese has a bye card to compete in the second round, when he will be up against the winner of the match between Saran Jamsri of Thailand and a qualifier who will be decided on October 29.

Another Việt Nam representative, Bùi Thành Đạt, begins his title challenge in the qualification round. He will face Varot Uraiwong of Thailand in his first match.

On the women's team, Vũ Thị Anh Thư and Lê Ngọc Vân will represent Việt Nam.

Thư, world number 144, will play number 122 Bilqis Prasista of the hosts in the first main round match.

Vân will compete against Malaysian Yi Xing Ung in the qualification round.

Nearly 300 athletes will be competing in the Indonesian tournament which has five categories, men's and women's singles and doubles and mixed doubles.

A total of US$100,000 in prize money and points for world rankings are up for grabs.

Meanwhile in Germany, two-time Olympian Nguyễn Thùy Linh, is seeded number four in the Hylo Open 2024's women's singles class, competing from October 29 to November 3.

It is her second international event this month, after taking part in the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024, where she was stopped in the second round.

Linh landed in Saarbrucken and has two days of training before her first game, which she has high hopes for.

In the first match, she will play Rachael Darragh from Ireland.

Linh, who is world number 32, is expected to cruise through the match with Darragh, who is much lower in the rankings, sitting at number 96.

If she wins, her next match will be against either No 65 Amalie Schulz of Denmark or No 75 Keisha Fatimah Azzahra of Azerbaijan.

The first big challenge for Linh will be in the quarter-finals where she could be up against Indian Malvika Bansod who is ranked number six in the tournament and is world number 35.

Linh easily defeated Bansod 21-13, 21-12 at the VICTOR Denmark Open's second round two weeks ago.

Initially, Việt Nam champion Lê Đức Phát planned to compete in the men's singles event, but he withdrew at the last minute due to personal issues.

The Hylo Open, which is one of the World Tour's Super 300-leveled event, offers US$210,000 in prize money and world ranking points to winning athletes. 

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