Two key transport projects in Tây Hồ District were open for traffic on Friday morning. — VNA/VNS Photos Trung Nguyên

An overpass at An Dương - Thanh Niên intersection and the newly-upgraded Xuân Diệu Street in Hà Nội’s Tây Hồ District opened to traffic on Friday morning.

Ngô Ngọc Vân, director of the management board of Hà Nội transport construction and investment project, said the overpass construction was divided into two phases with total investment of VNĐ815 billion (US$32.9 million).

Expanded Âu Cơ Road has the width of 26.5m to 31m.

The newly-upgraded Xuân Diệu Street, covering 1.1km, starts from Tô Ngọc Vân Street to the intersection with Âu Cơ Road. Its construction began in November 2021 with investment of over VNĐ388.4 billion including over VNĐ291.5 billion for site clearance.

The expanded roads are expected to reduce congestion and better connect the city's centre with Nội Bài International Airport.

The projects have been put into operation in time for the capital city’s 70th anniversary of the Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - 2024)

Dương Đức Tuấn, Vice Chairman of Hà Nội People's Committee, said both projects are located at the main routes connecting the city centre with the northwestern area and Nội Bài International Airport.

The two projects will help improve the city's traffic capacity, enhance traffic connectivity and strengthen the flood prevention capacity of the Red River dyke, he said. 

Top leader receives Honourary Consul, meets Vietnamese community in Ireland

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm received Honourary Consul of Việt Nam in Ireland Patrick McKillen in Dublin on October 3 (local time), within the framework of his state visit to the European country.

He spoke highly of the important role and close coordination of McKillen as the first Honourary Consul of Việt Nam in Ireland, which has significantly contributed to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

To enhance bilateral cooperation and connectivity in the coming time, he expressed his hope that the Honourary Consul will act as a bridge to promote delegation exchanges between localities and businesses from both sides, and encourage Irish companies to continue expanding their collaboration activities with Vietnamese partners in areas of mutual interest, such as education, science and technology, innovation, and renewable energy.

Announcing that Việt Nam is taking steps to establish an embassy in Ireland, the top leader said he wishes to receive McKillen’s support during the establishment and operation of this office.

McKillen, who is Director of Pacific Land Limited, reported to the leader that his company has been actively promoting cooperation activities with Vietnamese businesses.

He affirmed his commitment to supporting the Vietnamese community in Ireland, including students, by organising activities to promote Việt Nam's culture and people in Dublin and throughout Ireland, thereby contributing to expanding mutual understanding and fostering multifaceted bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In his capacity as a business leader, McKillen expressed his desire to develop biotechnology investments in Việt Nam, and actively promote projects related to the cooperation and development of biotechnology initiatives.

He stated that his company has received a decision to establish the Hà Nội Biotechnology High-Tech Park, and is closely coordinating with the Hanoi People's Committee and relevant ministries to complete the necessary procedures for the timely implementation of the project, ensuring its effectiveness and compliance with regulations.

He said he hopes to continue receiving support from Vietnamese ministries and sectors in the coming time to ensure the project is carried out effectively.

Also as part of his state visit to Ireland, Lâm met with 130 representatives of the Vietnamese community residing in Ireland, as well as officials and staff from the Embassy of Việt Nam in the UK and Northern Ireland which also covers Ireland.

During the meeting, Ambassador Đỗ Minh Hùng briefed the leader on the situation of the Vietnamese community in Ireland and the work of the embassy.

With approximately 5,000 members, the Vietnamese community in Ireland continues to uphold its spirit of solidarity, preserving traditional cultural values and the Vietnamese language, while making positive contributions to the country’s development and integration.

Đinh Đình Thuý, representing the Vietnamese Association in Ireland, expressed his desire for continued attention from the Party and State to the overseas Vietnamese community, including regular updates on policies concerning Vietnamese abroad. He also expressed this hope for the establishment of a Vietnamese embassy in Ireland in the near future.

Associate Professor Trần Lê Nam raised proposals on advancing reforms in higher and postgraduate education, with policies that facilitate academic staff in focusing on research, keeping pace with new technologies, and advancing professional development. He also suggested reforming the funding model of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) to better support research initiatives.

Meanwhile, Nguyễn Hải Anh, Chairman of the Vietnamese Student Association in Ireland, expressed his desire for more educational cooperation programmes, scientific research exchanges, and cultural exchange initiatives between the two countries, as well as the expansion of scholarship programmes and learning opportunities for Vietnamese youth.

Lâm thanked the community for their contributions to the compatriots back home, especially those affected by Typhoon Yagi. He affirmed that Việt Nam always stands by its overseas compatriots, and the Party and State consider the overseas Vietnamese community an inseparable part and an important resource for the Vietnamese nation. Many of the Party and State’s policies aimed at supporting the overseas Vietnamese community have been and will continue to be implemented.

The top leader expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in Ireland will continue to grow and thrive, enhancing their reputation and standing within Irish society, and serving as a strong bridge for Việt Nam-Ireland relations.

He also asked the Vietnamese Embassy in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as the future Embassy of Việt Nam in Ireland, to further improve its support for the overseas Vietnamese community. 

Vietnamese, Irish high-ranking Party officials meet

Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations Lê Hoài Trung had a working session with Communist Party of Ireland International Secretary Graham Harrington on Thursday.

The meeting took place within the framework of the state visit to Ireland by Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm.

Harrington spoke highly of Lam’s visit, saying it significantly contributes to consolidating the traditional relationship between the two countries, expanding their cooperation, and promoting the relations between the CPV and political parties in Ireland.

The Communist Party of Ireland stands ready to work to enhance the relations between the two Parties, countries, and peoples, he said.

Trung briefed the host on Viêt Nam’s achievements and lessons drawn in nearly 40 years of Đổi Mới (Renewal), as well as its foreign policy which attaches importance to relations with communist parties and traditional friends.

Highlighting the new develop byments of the Việt Nam-Ireland relations, both welcomed the opening of the Vietnamese Embassy in the host country, which is expected to help strengthen and open cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on some regional and international issues of shared concern. 

Vietnam’s forestry sector leads in achieving net negative emissions

Forestry is now the only sector capable of achieving net negative emissions, thanks to the Government's forestry development policies, including the closure of natural forests, forest protection and development, coupled with international sponsorship, said Director of the Forestry Department Tran Quang Bao.

Bao was speaking at a workshop co-hosted by the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Vietnam Association of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (VIESARD), and sponsored by Forest Trends and UK PACT on October 3.

He highlighted the success of the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) in partnership with the World Bank, which resulted in the transfer of 10.3 million tonnes of CO2 and generated 51.5 million USD during the 2018-2019 period across six north central provinces.

Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is preparing documentation for the Prime Minister's approval to negotiate and sign an emission reduction purchase agreement with the Emergent Forest Finance Accelerator, which will cover 11 Central Highlands and south central provinces, the official revealed.

Ha Cong Tuan, former Permanent Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and VIESARD Chairman, said with international support, Vietnam successfully calculated total forest emissions reductions of 56-57 million tonnes annually during 2011-2018, laying the groundwork for the first ERPA.

While awaiting the launch of an official carbon market by 2028, he urged the Vietnamese Government to take flexible steps to shape the market.

Experts believe that the forest carbon market holds substantial revenue potential for the forestry sector, facilitating investment in forest protection, job creation, and improvements in local income and environmental quality.

However, financial resources for forestry activities remain limited and unstable, meeting only a fraction of the sector's needs.

The Forestry Department and VIESARD were urged to collect feedback from agencies, businesses, and experts to drive the sustainable development of the domestic forest carbon market. The cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders will be crucial to the sector’s success in this new context, the workshop heard./.

Vietnam – active member of Francophone community

Vietnam is always an active member of the Francophone community with commitments to supporting multilateralism, sustainable development goals, climate change response and practical activities contributing to the Francophone community, said Edgar Doerig, Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific Office of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

The Asia-Pacific forum for young Francophones took place in Hanoi last month with the theme "Employment, creativity and innovation - the focus of Francophone in Asia-Pacific". The event saw the participation of dozens of delegates from OIF member countries and territories, including Cambodia, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Nouvelle-Caledonia, Polynesia and Wallis-et-Futuna region (France), he said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) ahead the attendance of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam at the 19th Francophonie Summit to be held in France from October 4-5.

The top Vietnamese leader will lead a delegation to attend the 19th Francophonie Summit where he will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of FrancoTech, a Francophone economic forum and innovation exhibition with the participation of major Vietnamese corporations such as FPT, Vinfast and Vietnam Airlines.

On the sidelines of the event, Vietnam will organise a space to introduce Vietnamese culture at the Francophone village.

Regarding this summit's theme on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in French language, Doerig said it is in line with the general orientation of the dynamic Francophone community which
brings opportunities, encourages creativity, innovation and offers employment opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship.

The summit will focus on issues that determine the future of young people in the Francophone community, he said, adding that the community need to find solutions in the context that the community's population increases from 321 million to 715 million between now and 2050.

It will leave a huge impact on the teaching and learning of French and learning in French, he said.

In addition, while some parts of the world are at risk of division, the Francophone community remains a unique dialogue bloc, present on all five continents, sharing a language and many common interests. Under the leadership of the OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo and the leaders of the countries, the OIF is growing stronger and more influential.

On the other hand, French-speaking countries are increasing trade and expanding foreign relations. One of the priority orientations of the Francophone Economic Strategy for the 2020-2025 period is to promote trade and investment in the Francophonie community through sustainable employment opportunities for young people and women, bringing revenue to the countries, Doerig noted.

According to statistics from the Economic Francophonie Observatory (OFE), French is the third most used language in business, and the Francophone region accounts for 14% of the world's energy and mining reserves, 17% of the gross domestic product and 20% of the world's trade market, creating many opportunities by promoting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Francophone summit is an opportunity for member countries and governments to connect with new partners, discuss on decisive topics for people, especially young people and women. At the coming summit, along with the delegations, there will be young people from 88 member countries and governments of the OIF participating in dialogues and exchanges to find solutions for the Francophone community.

To promote the OIF’s activities in the Asia-Pacific region effectively, Doerig said that the year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the Regional Representative of the OIF for Asia-Pacific (REPAP).

Its new programme for 2024-2027 period covers three key strategies and 20 projects, including those relating directly to the Asia-Pacific region.

Doerig said that since the beginning of this year, many activities have been implemented and generated positive results.

For examples, in Ho Chi Minh City, the CREFAP has continued to support the teaching and learning of French and in French to improve the linguistic and professional skills of teachers in French, and to compile textbooks for sixth and ninth graders. In addition, 10,600 young people who know French have participated in cultural and sports activities organised by the CREFAP, contributing significantly to the dynamism of the French-speaking environment.

In the cultural field, two film events, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in Hanoi and the Francophone Film Festival in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have become annual events introducing Francophone culture and promoting Francophone cinema talents in Vietnam.

The "Young Francophone Reporters” competition this year organised by Le Courrier du Vietnam of the Vietnam News Agency and OIF, in collaboration with Francophone partners, will be also themed "Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in French"./.

Soc Trang to host week of cultural extravaganza, sporting thrill

The Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang is gearing up for the first Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, with the 6th Ooc Om Boc festival - Ngo boat race scheduled from November 9-15.

Tran Van Lau, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee and head of the festival organising board, said the festival has become a unique cultural hallmark that defines the distinct "brand" of Soc Trang over the past years.

It is a great opportunity to popularise the image of its people, land, cultural identity as well as its potential and advantages to friends both inside and outside the province, he said.

It is also to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Khmer ethnic community in Soc Trang, as well as the broader southern region of Vietnam. It reflects the aspirations and spiritual needs of the Khmer people, offering them a platform to engage in and preserve their cultural heritage.

The festival's highlight will be the highly anticipated Ngo boat race, expected to draw between 55 and 60 male and female teams.

Throughout the week, a myriad of events will unfold across prominent locations in Soc Trang city, including Bach Dang square, Maspero river, and the freshwater lake cultural area.

Other highlights include a moon worshipping ceremony, the Loi Protip water lantern release contest, and a performance of the Ca Hau boat.There will be the 10 booths set up by Soc Trang and adjacent provinces to display and introduce OCOP products and regional specialties.

This event will also witness a historic moment as Soc Trang aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest performance of traditional Khmer music.

In a significant move, the provincial Department of Planning and Investment has compiled a list of 17 projects open to investment for the 2025-2030 period, which has been submitted to the provincial People's Committee for approval. These projects span various sectors, ranging from industry and industrial infrastructure, energy and electricity, agriculture, healthcare, to education and environment.

At the same time, to expedite the completion of project procedures, the department worked with various agencies to advise the provincial People's Committee on six key projects that require fast-tracking and are ready for investment calls. They include a vocational school, a shopping outlet, a commercial service and residential complex, a 9ha hi-tech agricultural project at Thi Doi canal, a waste-to-energy solid waste treatment plant in My Tu district, and a commercial residential and market complex in Nga Nam town./.

Digital exhibition on Hoang Sa, Truong Sa held at Binh Thuan schools

A digital exhibition named “Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa: Historical and legal evidence” is being held at Ly Thuong Kiet and Nguyen Truong To high schools in La Gi township, the south-central province of Binh Thuan, on October 3-4.

The activity aims at introducing and disseminating historical and legal documents and evidence affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) to the schools’ teachers and students.

Dang Thi Hong Lam, Vice Chairwoman of the La Gi People's Committee, stated the digital exhibition is very suitable in the context that the province is focusing on digital transformation.

It helps raise the awareness among officials, teachers, and students on the role, importance, and potential of Vietnam's seas and islands, particularly in Binh Thuan province, and enhance the awareness and responsibility of each citizen in protecting the country's sacred sovereignty, she added./.

Can Tho to host int’l forum on sustainable development of Mekong Delta

The People’s Committee of Can Tho city has announced a plan to hold an international forum on the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta (SDMD) on November 29 - 30.

The event, to be organised in coordination with the Can Tho University, will focus on industrialisation and modernisation as a driver for sustainable development in the region.

It aims to connect domestic and international stakeholders to share insights and propose measures for developing key areas of the Mekong Delta, support building strategies and policies for the region’s sustainable development with a vision towards 2045, and enhance cooperation among relevant sides to create and implement programmes and projects helping with scientific - technological, socio-economic, and environmental development.

The SDMD 2024 is expected to gather around 500 participants, including government officials, leaders from Mekong Delta localities and Ho Chi Minh City, experts, scientists, representatives from universities and associations, as well as international guests from Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, Belgium, Denmark, and the US.

Discussions will focus on advancing industrialisation, modernisation, and sustainable development in the region. Experts will present research and analyses on current challenges and potential solutions.

The forum will also foster collaboration through the signing of agreements between the 13 Mekong Delta localities, Can Tho University and partners, as well as memoranda of understanding between local governments and businesses.

An exhibition will showcase the region’s industrialisation and modernisationi achievements, including logistics hubs and products of the One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme. Participants will also tour industrial parks in Can Tho.

The SDMD 2024 is part of a broader initiative called the SDMD 2045 that was launched in 2022 by the Government to support sustainable development in the Mekong Delta through 2045./.

HCM City event marks 71st anniversary of Cuba's Moncada Barracks battle

A get-together was held by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and the Cuban Consulate General in the city on October 3 to mark the 71st anniversary of the Moncada Barracks attack in Cuba (July 26, 1953 - 2024).

Seventy-one years ago, the attack on the Moncada Barracks by young Cuban patriots led by Fidel Castro, the great leader of Cuba, opened up a new stage of development for the Cuban revolution. It brought the just struggle of the Cuban people to victory on January 1, 1959, heralding a new era for the country - the era of independence, freedom, and socialism.

Speaking at the get-together, Chairwoman of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association of HCM City Truong Thi Hien highlighted the significance of the attack and the Vietnam - Cuba relationship, founded and cultivated by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro, and fostered by generations of leaders and people of both countries.

Reflecting on the recent state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, she said it demonstrates the traditional solidarity and special friendship between the two countries, as well as the great importance Vietnam attaches to Cuba and its position in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

According to Hien, HUFO and the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association of HCM City have coordinated with the Consulate General in organising multiple activities with the participation of students and locals, contributing to promoting the bilateral ties.

Sharing Hien’s views, Consul General Ariadne Feo Labrada said the special and unique friendship between Vietnam and Cuba is a model of international relations. She also emphasised people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries.

She thanked the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for their solidarity with and support for Cuba over the past time.

On this occasion, the Consul General awarded an order from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples to the liaison board of Battalion 261 in HCM City, which was presented with the flag of the Giron victory by Fidel Castro in 1964 after their victory in the Ap Bac battle in early 1963. Since then, this unit is also called Battalion 261 - Giron, becoming a symbol of the special Vietnam - Cuba friendship./.

350-kg wartime bomb discovered in Quang Binh

A 350-kg bomb left over from the war was discovered in Hoa Thanh commune, Minh Hoa district, the central province of Quang Binh, reported local authorities on October 3.

On September 29, a local resident found the bomb while farming near Khe Thui bridge in Thanh Long village and reported to the authorities. In response, local officials cordoned off the site, placed warning signs, and assigned guards to prevent public access.

The bomb, coded M117, measures 1.1m in length and weighs 350kg. Experts from the Mine Action Group (MAG) and local authorities safely removed the bomb, pending detonation in line with regulation.

According to the Technology Centre for Bomb and Mine Disposal under the Engineering Command, up to 7,645 of the 8,686 communes in Vietnam’s 63 provinces and cities are polluted with unexploded ordnance (UXOs).

Statistics from the National Steering Committee for Recovery over Postwar Bomb and Landmine Impacts showed that some 800,000 tonnes of UXOs are scattered across 6.6 million hectares, or 20.12% of the country’s land, mainly in the central region, putting people in danger everyday./.

Three arrested in Tay Ninh’s border district for illegal exit

Competent forces in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh have detained three men attempting to exit Vietnam illegally, during their patrol in Ben Cau district that borders Cambodia.

The provincial Border Guard Command said on October 3 that the men are Truong Trong Loi, 41, residing in Tien Thuan commune, Ben Cau district; Nguyen Vu Linh, 32, from Vinh Thuan district, Kien Giang province; and Nguyen Van Tuan, 23, from Tan Ky district, Nghe An province.

Loi confessed that he rode a motorcycle without a licence plate to guide the others on another motorbike across the border to Cambodia, with each to pay Loi 2 million VND (80.79 USD) if the exit is successful.

Both Linh and Tuan are being hunted by police in Ha Tinh’s Loc Ha district for their roles in an online gambling operation.

The illegal exit case is under further investigation./.

General Vo Nguyen Giap lives on in people’s mind: Algerian Ambassador

General Vo Nguyen Giap was a military leader of the greatest stature, a strategist of the “people’s war” and a faithful representative of the thought of President Ho Chi Minh, said Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Sofiane Chaib.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of General Vo Nguyen Giap’s passing (October 4, 2013-2024), the diplomat highlighted that besides the prestige and respect he won through his victories on the military field, the General devoted his entire life to serving his homeland and his people.

His destiny as a hero who gloriously accomplished his patriotic duty is intertwined with the most significant stages in the history of Vietnam, Ambassador Chaib said.

“This is undoubtedly the reason why General Giap remains present in the memory of the friendly Vietnamese people, as I was able to notice during the recent funeral of his late wife, which I personally attended. He is also present for the Algerian people who will never forget this friend whose name will always remain engraved in their memory.”

For the Algerian people, General Giap represents a central link in the historic relations of solidarity between Algeria and Vietnam, serving as a key figure in the most beautiful chapters of the two countries’ shared history, both before and after Algeria’s independence, according to the diplomat.

“This military hero of Vietnamese independence had special ties with Algeria, which he visited several times and where he delivered his famous speech in 1980 declaring that colonialists are bad students of history. This formula has remained proverbial in Algeria and my country always strives to perpetuate this collective memory which represents an inestimable heritage in the historical relations of friendship, solidarity and cooperation uniting us with Vietnam.”

He added that the relationship between the two nations is rooted in Algeria’s support for Vietnam during its national liberation struggle and after its independence, as well as Vietnam’s assistance to Algeria during its fight for sovereignty and unity, and in its post-war reconstruction efforts.

Ambassador Sofiane Chaib highlighted that the major episode of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954, of which General Giap was the mastermind, serves as an influential example and a great encouragement to the Algerian Revolution which was triggered only a few months later.

He said this historic battle continues to be taught in Algerian school textbooks and its force of attraction was conceptualised, in 1958, under the expression of “guide territory” by Algerian activist and thinker Frantz Fanon who wrote: “Between colonized peoples, there seems to exist a kind of enlightening and sacred communication which makes each liberated territory promoted for a certain time to the rank of ‘guide territory’. The independence of a new territory, the liberation of a new people is felt by other oppressed countries as an invitation, an encouragement and a promise.”

Through his impressive literary heritage, General Giap has also bequeathed to future generations, both in Vietnam and those belonging to countries which know the price of independence and freedom, a clearer vision of the character of the Vietnamese people, its cultural traditions, and its capacity for resilience, the diplomat added.

“We are also delighted that Vo Hong Nam, son of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and Tran Van Binh, son of Major General Tran Van Quang, whose fathers both contributed significantly to the victory of Dien Bien Phu, were elected members of the executive committee of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution. This association, founded in Algiers in July 2023, aims precisely to promote the activism of the friends of the Algerian Revolution,” the diplomat said.

The memorial segment of the bilateral relations is a unique foundation crucial to promote and popularise for the present and future generations of the two countries, the diplomat said, adding that during each visit to Hanoi, Algerian ministerial delegations ensure that memorial activities are included, with a special tribute to General Vo Nguyen Giap.

“I also think that Algeria is the only country with two avenues named after former President Ho Chi Minh. There is also the film ‘Lotus’, jointly produced by Algeria and Vietnam, on the human ties woven between our two peoples during the battle of Dien Bien Phu, as well as the theatrical work of the famous Kateb Yacine entitled ‘The Man with Rubber Sandals’. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in May this year, Algeria hosted a film crew from the Vietnam Military Radio and Television Center, as part of the production of a documentary entitled ‘Dien Bien Phu seen from Africa’,” the diplomat said.

In Africa in general, General Giap’s military successes have been a major reference for peoples fighting for their independence, according Ambassador Sofiane Chaib. In particular, the victory of Dien Bien Phu was a catalyst that led to an irresistible dynamic movement towards the armed struggle of countries under colonial domination in order to gain their independence, he concluded./.

Experiences recommended by Lonely Planet for first-time visit to Ha Long

In addition to cruising - a typical experience for visitors to Ha Long Bay, getting the bird’s eye view of the world's natural heritage site on a cable car ride and enjoying hot spring bathing and diverse cuisine are among experiences that leading travel guide Lonely Planet recommends for travellers.

Lonely Planet, a travel guide considered the "bible" of the global travel community, has recently published an article introducing unmissable experiences for visitors to Ha Long Bay for the first time.

"Today, Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination for its otherworldly beauty – it was the filming location for some scenes in the 2017-movie Kong: Skull Island – with caves, beaches and range of outdoor activities, all just a few hours from Hanoi,” Lonely Planet praises Vietnam's famous heritage bay.

While the most typical experiences in Ha Long are taking an overnight cruise to visit the bay or outdoor activities such as kayaking and swimming, Lucas Nghia Vo, the author of this article, realised that this heritage land can offer many other great experiences. He called those experiences “A first-time guide to Ha Long Bay”.

According to him, the first experience is to take a sightseeing flight over the bay.

From water level, the islands are impressive, with their unique formations and imaginative names like Fighting Cock, Calf’s Head, Stone Dog and Incense Burner (featured on the back of the Vietnamese 200,000 dong note). However, for a completely different perspective, take to the skies on a 25-minute scenic seaplane flight and the islands start looking more like mini mountain ranges snaking through the sea. The water landings and take-offs alone are almost worth the money.

Alternatively, the Queen Cable Car is a great way to get panoramic views of Ha Long Bay and Ha Long city from above. Part of the Sun World Ha Long complex, the cable car system can fit a record-breaking 230 passengers per cabin and travel between the two halves of Ha Long city, with Sun World’s Amusement Complex on one side and Ba Deo Hill on the other, with lots of outdoor games and theme park activities on either end.

Families will enjoy the Sun World Ha Long theme park, with games, roller coasters, a ferris wheel, and one of the largest water parks in Southeast Asia, Lucas wrote.

Lonely Planet also suggests that visitors spend time visiting Ha Long city to explore Bai Tho Mountain, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, which are all unique architectural works.

Other than cruising (which is a bucket-list experience), there is so much to do on land as well. One of Lucas’s favourite places to relax is at the Japanese-style Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, about 15 minutes from Ha Long.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, this onsen is known for its natural, mineral-rich water. As a bonus, this experience costs a fraction of what a comparable onsen stay would be in Japan.

Before being recommended by Lonely Planet, Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh is also famous as an ideal stopover for tourists after exploring Ha Long for days, allowing themselves to fully recover after long days of continuous travel. Not only hot mineral baths, Yoko Onsen also offers comprehensive health care treatments, from salt and cedar saunas to the most quintessential Japanese massage therapies.

In addition to destinations, Ha Long cuisine also attracts Lucas. He said he also loves sampling all the Ha Long specialties like “bun cu ky” (stone crab soup) made from stone crabs found in the mangroves around Ha Long. The soup comprises rice vermicelli, tomatoes and fresh herbs in a fragrant broth, all topped with stone crab meat. Other favorites include grilled squid and Halong-style squid cakes, made of minced squid that’s formed into chewy patties and deep-fried. They can be eaten as a snack or with steamed rice flour crepes as a meal.

Being a major tourist destination, getting to Ha Long is very easy. It takes about 2 hours if taking the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway to travel 170km from Hanoi to Ha Long. Ha Long city is also served by Van Don International Airport, located about 50km from the city, with domestic flights from several major Vietnamese cities.

According to Lonely Planet, Ha Long’s scenery changes with the season and there is beauty to be found practically year-round.

For adventurers, summer is ideal for water sports, including kayaking and swimming. The colorful Ha Long Carnaval is also held at the end of April/early May. However, photographers might prefer visiting in winter, as early mornings regularly see misty conditions, creating eerie scenes of fog-shrouded islands in the distance./.

Vietnamese kickboxers to compete at Asian Kickboxing Championships

Vietnam will send 32 fighters to the Asian Kickboxing Championships, scheduled to be held in Cambodia from October 4 to 10, according to the Vietnam Kickboxing Federation (VKF).

The Vietnamese athletes will compete in 34 events of ring and tatami disciplines. They include some Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) champions such as Nguyen Quang Huy, Trieu Thi Phuong Thuy, Huynh Van Tuan, Nguyen The Huong and Nguyen Hoang.

This is the third time Vietnam has taken part in the championships.

VKF President Vu Duc Thinh said that the federation sends the strongest fighters to the tournament with the hope of winning medals, adding that it is expected to help them to sharpen their techniques and be more confident in upcoming events.

The tournament is also an opportunity for coaches and fighters to introduce the beauty of Vietnamese culture, country and people to international friends, he added.

Kickboxing came to Vietnam in 2009 and has been growing nationwide, particularly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Dinh, Thai Nguyen and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Vietnamese kickboxers have obtained many achievements. In two recent SEA Games, they won nine gold medals./.

Vietnam proposes five major cooperation areas for Asia Cooperation Dialogue

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang attended the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, on October 2-3, during which she proposed five focal points for the ACD to focus cooperation on, including upholding multilateralism, together with regional mechanisms and forums, including ASEAN, to contribute to maintaining peace, stability and promoting Asia's leading role.

The Vietnamese representative suggested that the ACD should give higher priority to enhancing cooperation to promote new growth drivers, supporting countries in green transition, digital transformation, technological transformation, and developing new technologies and energy sources.

At the same time, it needs to ensure sustainable regional supply chains by promoting the signing and implementation of free trade agreements, limiting trade barriers, and ensuring self-reliant Asian supply chains, especially food and energy supply chains, she said.

Highlighting heavy losses caused by recent Typhoon Yagi to Vietnam and some regional countries, Hang held that ACD cooperation needs to transform to adapt to future issues and contribute to effectively addressing global challenges, with focus on ensuring food security, energy security and water security, while enhancing capacity to prevent and adapt to climate change.

It is necessary to promote connections and exchanges between people of different countries through cultural and sports exchange programmes and tourism days, Hang said. She clarified that culture and sports need to become new pillars in the ACD cooperation framework, which must be concretised through sports exchange activities, training and youth sports development. Countries need to integrate culture and sports into their overall national development strategies and allocate appropriate resources to develop these two important areas, she stated.

Hang also shared Vietnam’s external policies and major development orientations, affirming that Vietnam is ready to actively and responsibly contribute to the activities of global, inter-regional and regional cooperation organisations and mechanisms for peace, cooperation and development.

Themed sports diplomacy, the third ACD Summit emphasised the important role of sports in promoting dialogue, cooperation, contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development of the continent. The summit released a joint statement affirming the commitment of member countries to continue promoting dialogue and cooperation, effectively implementing the ACD Action Plan for the 2021 - 2030 period and the ACD Vision 2030 with six key pillars of water security, energy security, food security, multi-dimensional connectivity, science and technology and innovation, education and training and human resource development, culture and tourism, sustainable and inclusive development.

On this occasion, Deputy FM Hang had meetings with Kyrgyzstani Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, Omani Minister of Economy Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Affairs Ambassador Hong Seok-in, Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi, as well as Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud and leaders of several large-scale corporations in Qatar in the fields of real estate and agriculture.

Leaders of governments, ministries, sectors and businesses of the countries highly valued Vietnam's development potential and strong efforts in transforming the growth model and promoting innovation, affirming their desire to bolster cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, especially investment, trade, agriculture and energy.

At the meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi and Qatari partners, Hang invited representatives from ministries, agencies and businesses of Qatar to the first international Halal conference that Vietnam will host on October 22 in Hanoi. She expressed her hope that the QIA and Qatari corporations will increase research and investment in Vietnam, creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to attend important international conferences and exhibitions in Qatar such as Web Summit 2025, AgriteQ Agricultural Exhibition, and ExpoDoha.

At their meeting, Hang and Kyrgyzstani Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov agreed to continue promoting delegation exchanges at all levels to continuously consolidate the good traditional relations between the two countries in an increasingly effective and substantive manner, and to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Receiving Omani Minister of Economy Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, Hang affirmed that Vietnam wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Oman, especially through the exchange of delegations at all levels and promotion of cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, investment and culture, and asked Oman to support Vietnam in developing the Halal industry. The Omani official underlined that his country attaches importance to relations with Vietnam, saying that the two countries share many similarities in implementing foreign policies. He agreed to expand the scale of investment in Vietnam by the Vietnam - Oman Investment fund.

Meeting the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Affairs Ambassador Hong Seok-in, Hang said Vietnam hopes that the RoK will share its experience with and support Vietnam in successfully organising the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in 2025. She suggested that the two sides promote cooperation in trade, labour, investment in high-tech and innovation industries, and that the RoK grant more scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in the RoK./.

Bac Ninh, Cuba’s localities strengthen cooperation

A delegation of the northern province of Bac Ninh led by member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Secretary of the Bac Ninh provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan, paid a working visit to Cuba from October 1-3 to exchange experience in Party building and seek opportunities to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with Cuban localities.

Receiving the Vietnamese delegation, Gladys Martínez Verdecia, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and first Secretary of the Artemisa provincial Party Committee, highlighted the province’s advantages and affirmed its support to Vietnamese investors.

She expressed her desire to promote cooperation between Artemisa and Bac Ninh in particular and other Vietnamese localities in general in promising areas like agriculture, education and biotechnology.

For his part, Tuan expressed his willingness to share Bac Ninh province's experience in managing, developing and attracting foreign investors to industrial parks. He emphasised the feasibility of cooperation in agriculture and microbiology between Bac Ninh and Artemisa provinces.

On this occasion, the delegation visited Cuba's Mariel Special Development Zone and the ViMariel Industrial Park invested by Vietnam's Viglacera Corporation. During the meeting with ViMariel representatives, Tuan and Martínez Verdecia highly appreciated Viglacera's efforts and pioneering spirit in investing in Cuba despite the difficult situation, considering this one of the evidence of the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

Also within the framework of the visit, the delegation had a meeting with Politburo member and Permanent Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Roberto Morales Ojeda, during which the host hailed the delegation’s visit, saying that it helps strengthen cooperation between Bac Ninh and Cuban localities, and once again affirms special solidarity and friendship between the two countries' people of the two countries.

During their stay in Cuba, Tuan and the delegation also met with representatives from Cuban businesses, agencies and organisations, visited the Vietnamese Embassy and laid wreaths at the Ho Chi Minh Monument in the park named after him in the capital city of Havana./.

NA defence-security committee delegation visits Bulgaria, Italy

A delegation from the National Assembly (NA) Committee for National Defence and Security, led by its chairman Lieut. Gen. Le Tan Toi, conducted a working visit to Bulgaria and Italy from September 26 to October 3.

In Bulgaria, the delegation, also grouped representatives of the Vietnam-Bulgaria and Vietnam-Italy friendship groups, met with Rositsa Lyubenova Kirova, Vice President of the Bulgarian National Assembly and Chairwoman of the Bulgaria-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group. They also held talks with Hristo Georgiev Gadzhev, Chairperson of Bulgaria’s NA Committee on Defence, while working with Bulgarian Minister of Defence Atanas Dimitrov Zapryanov.

During their stay in Italy, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Anna Ascani, Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. They also engaged in working sessions with Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU); Chiara Gribaudo, Chairwoman of the Italy-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group; Antonino Minardo, chairperson of the Italian Chamber of Deputies’ Defence Committee; and Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Undersecretary of State to the Italian Ministry of Defence.

At the meetings, Toi stated Vietnam treasures its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Bulgaria and its strategic partnership with Italy.

He outlined four key objectives of the delegation’s visit, which are to strengthen cooperative ties between the NA committee and its Bulgarian and Italian corresponding committees, to enhance Vietnam’s legislative cooperation with the two countries, to bolster ties between their respective parliamentary friendship groups, and to gain insights and experience on legislation related to UN peacekeeping activities, defence industry development, and new potential areas for collaboration.

Both Bulgaria and Italy expressed their readiness to share insights and legislative experience on topics of Vietnam’s interest.

Italy’s Ministry of Defence accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam and attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo in December 2024, further advancing defence and security cooperation within the sides’ existing frameworks and other areas of mutual interest. Italian parliamentary leaders, including Pier Ferdinando Casini and Anna Ascani, also expressed their willingness to visit Vietnam in the near future to strengthen legislative cooperation.

For his part, Toi lauded Bulgaria and Italy’s ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and encouraged them to further leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) for mutual benefit.

He also called for their support in urging remaining EU countries to soon ratify the EVIPA, lift the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood, and ensure favourable conditions for the Vietnamese diaspora to integrate and preserve their cultural heritage./.

Top leader’s visit to further deepen Vietnam-France ties

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visit to France from October 6-7 aims to demonstrate the high evaluation of the Vietnamese Party and State for the Vietnam-France strategic partnership and to further deepen the bilateral relationship.

Since Vietnam and France set up their diplomatic relations on April 12, 1973, the two sides have seen progress in their partnership. French President Francois Mitterand’s visit to Vietnam in March 1993 marked an important milestone in the Vietnam-France relations, especially in the strategies and policies that France implemented in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2013, the two sides issued a joint statement on upgrading bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

Bilateral sound political relations have been reinforced through many high-level visits. Leaders of the two sides have also kept regular contacts.

Last year, Vietnam and France celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and 10-year strategic partnership with various activities.

Vietnam and France have maintained many regular exchange mechanisms on politics, economics, and defence at all levels.

In the current world context, Vietnam and France have many favourable conditions to further strengthen their relationship. France is a key power in Europe with global role and important interests and influence in Asia, while Vietnam is a fast-growing and dynamic economy playing an important role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia. The two countries also share many similar views and interests in international issues. Therefore, strengthening bilateral cooperation relationship has become an objective and necessary requirement for the benefit of both countries.

The two sides have coordinated with and supported each other at international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Economic and trade is an important cooperation pillar in the relationship between the two countries. France is currently the fourth largest trading partner, the second biggest investor and the leading ODA provider of Vietnam among EU members. Two-way trade increased 42% over the past 10 years to 5.33 billion USD in 2022, 4.8 billion USD in 2023, and 2.96 billion USD in the first seven months of 2024.

The two countries are currently utilising the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which has facilitated Vietnamese goods’ position in the European market and opened the door for Vietnamese goods to enter the French market.

Regarding investment, as of August, France had invested in 692 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 3.93 billion USD, ranking 16th out of 149 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, mainly on the areas of information and communication, processing and manufacturing industry, production and distribution of electricity, gas, water and air conditioning.

Meanwhile, France has provided Vietnam with 3 billion EUR (3.3 billion USD) so far.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang held that Vietnam and France can expand cooperation in energy, aerospace, green hydrogen technology development, semiconductor applications, rare mineral use, and undersea cables. Regarding green development goals, the two countries can promote cooperation in the fields of ecological agriculture, circular agriculture, green tourism, climate change response, and carbon markets, he added.

At the same time, strong progress has also been recorded in bilateral education-training, culture, and locality-to-locality cooperation.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said that France hopes to see more Vietnamese students choosing to study in France, while it is also pleased to see more French students participating in exchange programmes, spending one or two semesters at Vietnamese universities partnered with French institutions

Noting that the Vietnamese Government has identified the development of cultural and creative industries among key objectives for driving growth, he affirmed that France, with its expertise in this field, is capable of assisting Vietnam in relevant projects.

Locality-to-locality cooperation is also a unique feature in the Vietnam-France relationship. To date, France is the only country where Vietnam has elevated the mechanism of meetings among localities to the conference level, which is held alternately in the two countries' different localities every 2-3 years and is considered a major event and activity in the bilateral relationship.

Ambassador Brochet asserted that the upcoming official visit to France by Vietnam’s top leader will provide an opportunity for both nations to continue their shared efforts in strengthening the bilateral partnership, with new areas of cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, as well as their international roles in promoting global security.

He said that during the visit, the two countries are expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement on education. This document is anticipated to facilitate closer coordination between France and Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training on boosting French language teaching in Vietnamese schools, in a bid to increase both the quality and number of French language speakers in Vietnam.

Ambassador Thang said that the top Vietnamese leader’s visit is an important milestone, creating a new framework and momentum to bring the Vietnam-France strategic partnership to a new height for the benefit of both peoples as well as for peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world./.

General Vo Nguyen Giap in int'l friends’ heart

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a prominent military strategist in Vietnam’s history renowned for his leadership in the victorious Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954, a crucial event that marks the end of the French colonial rule in Vietnam.

General Giap’s legacy transcends borders, not only holding a deep place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people but also resonating globally.

For Djoudi Noureddine, Chairman of the International Association of Algerian Revolution Friends, the memories of the legendary General remain fresh in his mind despite his old age.

The 90-year-old Chairman shared that he had the privilige to meet Giap once in Algiers and once in Hanoi, saying the General left a very strong impression on the Algerian people.

General Giap is an outstanding historical figure and a reference for the liberation movements, not only a military man who organised the Vietnamese liberation army and succeeded in defeating the army of colonisers, Noureddine said.

“So, for us, obviously, the name of General Giap and Dien Bien Phu are closely linked. We had the opportunity to see him when he came to Algeria several times and we always had a lot of respect for him because he is truly an icon on the international level.”

Noureddine quoted General Giap’s speech in Algeria during his historic tour to 12 African countries in October 1980: “Colonialism and imperialism are bad students, they have never understood history, the lesson of history.” Giap’s words served as a source of inspiration for numerous Africans who strived to rise and struggle for their independence.

“For example, the Mozambicans, the Angolans, and the Guinea-Bissaus, they were inspired by both the action of General Giap in Vietnam and the liberation war in Algeria. He was a man who went beyond the borders of Vietnam and a man of the international community.

“Along with President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap remains forever in the memory of the African peoples and especially those who fought for their independence,” Noureddine said.

Carl Thayer, Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales, described General Giap as a self-taught military strategist who combined elements of Vietnamese military tradition and the theory of the people’s war, adding Giap learned through battlefield experience how to conduct people’s war.

It was General Vo Nguyen Giap who defeated the French, one of the most modern military forces in the world at his time, Thayer said.

The Dien Bien Phu victory under General Giap’s command brought to an end the Anti-French resistance war, and this sounded not only the death knell of the French rule in Indochina but also the beginning of the end of colonialism in Asia and Africa, Thayer said.

Pierre Asselin, Professor of History at San Diego State University said General Giap is often lauded as a brilliant military leader, particularly thanks to his role in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. His standout quality during this battle was his flexibility.

“He was very flexible,” Asselin said, elaborating that initially aiming for a quick victory, Giap adjusted his tactics multiple times in response to the evolving situation. He transitioned from a rapid, high-casualty approach to a more measured one, eventually leading to success.

“This adaptability and willingness to change plans in the face of adversity were crucial to the Vietnamese victory,” Asselin said.

He added that Giap’s ability to acknowledge and rectify mistakes sets him apart as a great leader, embodying a Vietnamese bamboo strategy characterised by adaptability and utility.

“This flexibility was instrumental in securing victory over the French forces at Dien Bien Phu,” Asselin emphasised.

Meanwhile, Thayer said because of these accomplishments, General Giap is widely respected by international leaders and friends as the military strategist who mastered the art of the people’s war by combining political struggle with military one in a protracted war that defeated both France and the US in the cause of Vietnamese independence against foreign aggression.

He is also widely viewed as a symbol of the Vietnamese nation thanks to his remarkable lifelong contributions to the cause of national building and defense, as well as the nation’s peaceful socio-economic development./.

Vietnam treasures traditional friendship with Sri Lanka: diplomat

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam had a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on October 3 during which she affirmed that Vietnam always attaches much importance to the traditional friendship with the South Asian country.

The Vietnamese diplomat highlighted that the two nations have enjoyed sound ties between their parties, states and parliaments, hoping both sides will step up mutual visits and contacts at high level, promote the implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, expand collaboration across potential areas such as tourism, culture, education and agriculture, among others, encourage people-to-people exchanges, while continuing their traditional cooperation and support for each other at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, as they will celebrate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.

She also said she wishes that the Sri Lankan Government will keep creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese people living, working and studying in the nation.

Tam took the occasion to convey Vietnamese high-ranking leaders’ congratulations to Sri Lanka on its successful organisation of the 9th presidential election on September 21, expressing her belief that under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka will overcome difficulties and challenges soon, continue stable development and become an attractive destination of tourism, trade and foreign investment.

Harini Amarasuriya, for her part, said she admires Vietnam’s achievements in all areas, and that Vietnam boasts a development model that Sri Lanka could learn from, given the two nations’ similarities in geography, history and culture.

Sri Lanka always respects the sentiments that Vietnam has given to it, she said, adding as the new Government of Sri Lanka wants to bolster ties with Vietnam, she will direct competent ministries and sectors to enhance discussions with the latter about measures to boost collaboration in potential domains, including trade, investment, culture, education and Buddhism.

She acknowledged Tam’s recommendations on facilitating the import of Vietnamese goods, encouraging Sri Lankan businesses to land investment in Vietnam and working closely to organise cultural exchange activities to mark the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, helping raising public awareness of the bilateral relations as well as the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, who made stops in Sri Lanka for three times during his journey seeking ways for national salvation./.

Vietnamese, Irish high-ranking Party officials meet

Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung had a working session with Communist Party of Ireland International Secretary Graham Harrington on October 3.

The meeting took place within the framework of the state visit to Ireland by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

Harrington spoke highly of Lam’s visit, saying it significantly contributes to consolidating the traditional relationship between the two countries, expanding their cooperation, and promoting the relations between the CPV and political parties in Ireland.

The Communist Party of Ireland stands ready to work to enhance the relations between the two Parties, countries, and peoples, he said.

Trung briefed the host on Vietnam’s achievements and lessons drawn in nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), as well as its foreign policy which attaches importance to relations with communist parties and traditional friends.

Highlighting the new developments of the Vietnam-Ireland relations, both welcomed the opening of the Vietnamese Embassy in the host country, which is expected to help strengthen and open cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on some regional and international issues of shared concern./.

Vietnamese top leader wraps up state visit to Ireland, heads to France

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam left Dublin on October 3 late afternoon (local time), concluding his state visit to Ireland, and heading to Paris for his attendance at the 19th Francophonie Summit and his official visit to France from October 3-7.

While in Ireland, Lam held talks with President Michael Higgins, met with Prime Minister Simon Harris, and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Éireann (speaker of the upper house) Jerry Buttimer, received Honourary Consul of Vietnam Patrick McKillen, attended a business forum, witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements, visited the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training, and met with the Vietnamese community and the Embassy of Vietnam in the UK and Northern Ireland’s staff.

During the meetings, leaders of both sides affirmed that this state visit marks an important milestone nearly 30 years after the establishing bilateral diplomatic relations. They emphasised the significance of further strengthening the Vietnam-Ireland relations, and agreed to cooperate for the prosperity and comprehensive development of both nations, as well as for peace, cooperation, and global development, in line with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Regarding the enhancement of political, diplomatic, and security cooperation, both sides reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing security threats, and agreed to intensify exchanges and promote cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity and combating transnational organised crime. They acknowledged the significance of promoting human rights, to be implemented in accordance with the circumstances, laws, and international commitments of each country.

The two sides welcomed the establishment of a strategic partnership on higher education between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vietnam National University - Hanoi and leading universities of Ireland.

Lam thanked the Irish Government for providing aid packages for Vietnam, helping the country achieve many Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, and realise the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prime Minister Simon Harris affirmed that Ireland will continue to support Vietnam in areas such as climate change adaptation, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance to address bomb and mine consequences, nutrition, higher education, and governance.

Vietnam highly values Ireland's support in research and technical assistance in the field of agriculture. Both sides welcomed the signing of an MoU on cooperation in the transition to a sustainable food system between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine of Ireland during this visit.

Regarding science and technology cooperation, they recognised the potential for collaboration in promoting innovation, digital transformation, climate change adaptation, the development of high-quality human resources, and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides agreed on the importance of cultural and artistic exchanges, tourism promotion, and people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the two nations.

On international and regional issues, they reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

They emphasised the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and stressed the necessity of establishing a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the United Nations Charter and international law and the principles of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, and emphasised the need for enhanced humanitarian aid efforts.

During the visit, General Secretary and President To Lam witnessed the signing ceremony of several cooperation documents. He and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris jointly attended the signing ceremony of cooperation agreements involving several ministries and sectors./.

Top leader receives Honourary Consul, meets Vietnamese community in Ireland

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam received Honourary Consul of Vietnam in Ireland Patrick McKillen in Dublin on October 3 (local time), within the framework of his state visit to the European country.

He spoke highly of the important role and close coordination of McKillen as the first Honourary Consul of Vietnam in Ireland, which has significantly contributed to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

To enhance bilateral cooperation and connectivity in the coming time, he expressed his hope that the Honourary Consul will act as a bridge to promote delegation exchanges between localities and businesses from both sides, and encourage Irish companies to continue expanding their collaboration activities with Vietnamese partners in areas of mutual interest, such as education, science and technology, innovation, and renewable energy.

Announcing that Vietnam is taking steps to establish an embassy in Ireland, the top leader said he wishes to receive McKillen’s support during the establishment and operation of this office.

McKillen, who is Director of Pacific Land Limited, reported to the leader that his company has been actively promoting cooperation activities with Vietnamese businesses.

He affirmed his commitment to supporting the Vietnamese community in Ireland, including students, by organising activities to promote Vietnam’s culture and people in Dublin and throughout Ireland, thereby contributing to expanding mutual understanding and fostering multifaceted bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In his capacity as a business leader, McKillen expressed his desire to develop biotechnology investments in Vietnam, and actively promote projects related to the cooperation and development of biotechnology initiatives.

He stated that his company has received a decision to establish the Hanoi Biotechnology High-Tech Park, and is closely coordinating with the Hanoi People's Committee and relevant ministries to complete the necessary procedures for the timely implementation of the project, ensuring its effectiveness and compliance with regulations.

He said he hopes to continue receiving support from Vietnamese ministries and sectors in the coming time to ensure the project is carried out effectively.

Also as part of his state visit to Ireland, Lam met with 130 representatives of the Vietnamese community residing in Ireland, as well as officials and staff from the Embassy of Vietnam in the UK and Northern Ireland which also covers Ireland.

During the meeting, Ambassador Do Minh Hung briefed the leader on the situation of the Vietnamese community in Ireland and the work of the embassy.

With approximately 5,000 members, the Vietnamese community in Ireland continues to uphold its spirit of solidarity, preserving traditional cultural values and the Vietnamese language, while making positive contributions to the country’s development and integration.

Dinh Dinh Thuy, representing the Vietnamese Association in Ireland, expressed his desire for continued attention from the Party and State to the overseas Vietnamese community, including regular updates on policies concerning Vietnamese abroad. He also expressed this hope for the establishment of a Vietnamese embassy in Ireland in the near future.

Associate Professor Tran Le Nam raised proposals on advancing reforms in higher and postgraduate education, with policies that facilitate academic staff in focusing on research, keeping pace with new technologies, and advancing professional development. He also suggested reforming the funding model of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) to better support research initiatives.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Hai Anh, Chairman of the Vietnamese Student Association in Ireland, expressed his desire for more educational cooperation programmes, scientific research exchanges, and cultural exchange initiatives between the two countries, as well as the expansion of scholarship programmes and learning opportunities for Vietnamese youth.

Lam thanked the community for their contributions to the compatriots back home, especially those affected by Typhoon Yagi. He affirmed that Vietnam always stands by its overseas compatriots, and the Party and State consider the overseas Vietnamese community an inseparable part and an important resource for the Vietnamese nation. Many of the Party and State’s policies aimed at supporting the overseas Vietnamese community have been and will continue to be implemented.

The top leader expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in Ireland will continue to grow and thrive, enhancing their reputation and standing within Irish society, and serving as a strong bridge for Vietnam-Ireland relations.

He also asked the Vietnamese Embassy in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as the future Embassy of Vietnam in Ireland, to further improve its support for the overseas Vietnamese community./.

Vietnamese leader visits Ireland's National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam visited Ireland's National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training in Dublin on October 3 during his state visit to the European country.

Impressed by the institute's modern facilities, professional working environment, and achievements in training and research, the leader shared that biotechnology in Vietnam has already been widely applied across various sectors, including health care, agriculture, food, industry, energy, and the environment. Among these, the pharmaceutical sector is developing the fastest and has the largest market size, as it addresses emerging infectious diseases.

He went on to highlight Vietnam’s two main objectives in biotechnology, which are to develop into a globally recognised biotechnology hub and a leading centre for biotechnology production and smart services in Asia, and to build the sector into a key economic and technical industry with a significant contribution to the country's GDP.

On this occasion, the Party General Secretary and State President expressed his hope that Vietnam and Ireland will strengthen biotechnology research cooperation in pharmaceuticals to serve public health care, with a focus on next-generation vaccine technology and the diagnosis and treatment of emerging, re-emerging, and zoonotic diseases.

He said it is necessary to enhance joint research programmes and training initiatives between the two sides’ institutes, universities, and scientists, with the national institute of Ireland playing a key role in fostering this collaboration./.

Vietnamese, Irish leaders seek ways to strengthen relations

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris compared notes on cooperation orientations and measures to deepen the traditional friendship and multi-faceted collaboration between Vietnam and Ireland during their meeting in Dublin on October 3.

PM Harris expressed his belief that the top Vietnamese leader’s state visit will create new momentum for the bilateral relations to grow further in the time ahead.

He congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements over the past time, and shared huge losses caused by Typhoon Yagi to the Southeast Asian nation, pledging to support its recovery efforts. The host leader also affirmed Vietnam is an important partner in the Asia-Pacific.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam emphasised that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to enhance the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Ireland.

The two leaders rejoiced at the pragmatic and effective development of the relationship over the past nearly three decades.

Ireland is an important trade partner of Vietnam in Europe with two-way trade growing constantly over the past years to reach 3.5 billion USD in 2023.

The Irish Government has provided aid packages for Vietnam, helping the country achieve many Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, and realise the Sustainable Development Goals.

Progress has been made in cooperation in such areas as education-training, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

To enhance mutual political trust and optimise cooperation potential of both nations, the leaders consented to step up delegation exchanges and meetings at the high level and between ministries and agencies, effectively implement the existing cooperation mechanisms, and consider the establishment of new cooperation frameworks that match the new situation.

Lam told hist host that the Vietnamese Government is working on the opening of the Vietnamese Embassy in Ireland.

For economic cooperation, he suggested the two sides continue their close coordination and utilise the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), facilitating the access of their key products to respective markets.

He appreciated Ireland’s incentives to Irish investors in Vietnam in spheres like digital transformation, renewable energy, and high-tech agriculture, and urged the European country to soon complete procedures for the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) for the equal and mutually beneficial investment ties between the two countries.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in ecological agriculture, circular agriculture, sustainable food system transformation, aquaculture, digital transformation, green transition, and climate change response. They also stressed the need to enhance cultural, sport, and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Lam spoke highly of Ireland’s focus on forging relations with Southeast Asia, affirming Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a bridge between Ireland and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He also suggested Ireland help Vietnam strengthen its ties with the EU.

Host and guest concurred to maintain close coordination at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations and ASEAN-EU, and boost cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Regarding regional and international security, both expressed their concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling on relevant sides to exercise restraint, not use force, and hold dialogues to seek peaceful resolutions to the conflicts, for stability, cooperation, and development in the regions and the world.

For the East Sea, they reiterated the importance of peace, stability, safety, security, and freedom of navigation in the waters, and stressed the need to resolve disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, the two sides issued a joint statement on strengthening the Vietnam-Ireland relationship. The document says Lam’s visit is an important milestone, contributing to advancing the relationship to a new height.

The two sides agreed to work for the prosperity and comprehensive development of both countries, and for peace, cooperation and development globally, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The joint statement also sets out directions for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics-diplomacy, security, education-training, trade, investment, and development cooperation, focusing on education, agriculture, socio-economic development in remote areas, and the settlement of bomb and mine consequences.

The leaders then witnessed the signing of an agreement on the establishment of strategic partnership on higher education between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Irish Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Earlier, also within the framework of the visit, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment inked a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in economy, trade, and energy. The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reached another on cooperation in food system transformation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland./.

Vietnamese leader meets with high-ranking legislators of Ireland

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on October 3 met with high-ranking officials of the Oireachtas – the legislature of Ireland, namely Jerry Buttimer, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Éireann (speaker of the upper house), and Catherine Connolly, Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Dáil Éireann (deputy speaker of the lower house).

Hosting the Vietnamese leader, Buttimer stated that Lam's state visit to Ireland is an important event in the countries’ relationship, helping to further strengthen their diplomatic relations, established in 1996.

He expressed admiration for Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and welcomed its decision to open an embassy in Ireland.

Experiencing challenges in the past, both Vietnam and Ireland now have growing influence on the international stage, he noted.

Meanwhile, Lam affirmed that Vietnam treasures its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Ireland, and wishes to enhance bilateral parliamentary cooperation.

Lauding the establishment of the Vietnam-Ireland parliamentary friendship group within Vietnam's National Assembly and the corresponding Ireland-Vietnam group within the Irish parliament, he stressed that they serve as crucial bridges to reinforce ties between the two legislative bodies, as well as between the two nations.

Both sides agreed to deepen bilateral relations through increasing delegation exchanges, particularly between their parliamentary committees and friendship groups, sharing legislative experience, and organising policy dialogues and theoretical seminars.

They pledged that Vietnam and Ireland will work closely and support each other at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP). They agreed on promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality, and response to climate change and global challenges, while expanding people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education-training, agriculture, tourism, and sustainable development.

Lam asked the Irish parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to further facilitate bilateral investments and called on the European Commission (EC) to swiftly lift its “yellow card” warning regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing against Vietnamese seafood.

The leaders of the Irish parliament appreciated the contributions made by the Vietnamese community to Ireland's socio-economic development, affirming a commitment to supporting the community in integrating into the host society, thus enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the two nations.

Both sides expressed their pleasure at Vietnam's upcoming opening of its embassy in Dublin, viewing this as a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between the two countries and between their parliaments in particular.

They also agreed on the need to enhance collaboration in responding to climate change, particularly for coastal nations like Vietnam and Ireland.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides voiced their support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s stance on ensuring peace, stability, safety, security, and freedom of navigation, and resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.

PM outlines tasks to boost strategic infrastructure development

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 3 chaired a meeting between permanent Government members and representatives from various construction associations and enterprises to address challenges and accelerate nationally important projects.

During the meeting, participants proposed the Government focus on improving regulations on investment, contracts, and bidding processes, raising credit limits for construction companies, and facilitating partnerships between domestic and international firms for project implementation, among other works.

Following responses from ministers, sector leaders, and deputy PMs, the PM concluded that despite positive results, there remain certain shortcomings in the legal framework for the implementation of projects, as well as in the training of human resources.

The leader sketched key tasks to overcome obstacles and accelerate the development of strategic infrastructure. He stressed that making infrastructure breakthrough is essential for driving national industrialisation and modernisation, opening up new development spaces, forming new urban areas and services, reducing logistics costs, creating jobs, and fostering enterprise development.

To achieve this, it is important to devise mechanisms and policies to mobilise all resources, including those of the State, businesses, people, and investors, while ensuring harmonious interests among the State, people, and businesses, he noted. It is also necessary to leverage the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, advance technology transfer, and enhance human resources training to meet development demand in the new period.

Chinh went on to request continued improvement of the legal framework, particularly on site clearance, construction materials, and bidding standards and processes, so that regulations become more streamlined and business-friendly. Additionally, he stressed the importance of stronger decentralisation, together with the allocation of resources and the development of monitoring and evaluation tools. Administrative procedures should also be reformed to reduce unnecessary burdens on citizens and businesses.

He called on businesses, with the State's assistance in terms of regulations, resources and international cooperation, to uphold the spirit of self-reliance and bring into play their own capacity to grow strongly.

Directing ministries, sectors, and local authorities to proactively perform key tasks within their purview, the PM tasked the Ministry of Construction with refining urban planning and developing criteria, standards, and quotas that ensure harmonious benefits. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with localities involved, was assigned to resolve issues related to material resources and land-use purpose conversion, especially for forested land.

He also farmed out tasks to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Vietnam, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Education and Training.

The Government leader asked localities to engage the entire political system in accelerating nationally important projects, particularly concerning site clearance and land-use purpose conversion./.

Top leader witnesses exchange of Vietnam-Ireland cooperation agreements

Party General Secretary and President To Lam witnessed the exchange of several cooperation pacts between Vietnam and Ireland in Dublin on October 3, shortly after meeting with Irish businesses during his state visit to the European nation.

In the top leader’s witness, Le Quan, Director of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Dolores O'Riordan, Vice-President for Global Engagement at University College Dublin, exchanged a framework agreement on promoting cooperation in education and scientific research, as well as staff, lecturer, and student exchanges.

Additionally, Chairman Truong Gia Binh of Vietnam’s tech giant FPT Corporation and Professor Cathal Gurrin, head of the ADAPT Research Centre at Dublin City University, exchanged a memorandum of discussion regarding collaboration between FPT University and ADAPT in developing high-tech workforce in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Dublin City University will send lecturers to Vietnam to train students at FPT University in Da Nang, organise teaching experience exchange workshops, and provide PhD scholarships for young FPT lecturers as well as short-term internships for AI-majoring students.

FPT CEO Nguyen Van Khoa and Chris Davis, Managing Director of the IT infrastructure services provider Kyndryl Ireland, exchanged a framework agreement regarding cooperation in digital transformation and AI application development. The two sides plan to discuss the signing of a contract to jointly develop AI technologies and digital transformation solutions for clients in sectors such as banking, insurance, and retail in Ireland. FPT and Kyndryl have previously collaborated in expanding customer bases in markets like the US, Japan, the UK, and Germany.

Nguyen Thanh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese carrier Vietjet, and Sankalp Garg, head of Asia-Pacific at Castlelake Aviation, exchanged a framework agreement on the leasing and purchasing of aircraft. Accordingly, Castlelake will finance four modern A321neo aircraft from Vietjet’s existing order with Airbus, with delivery scheduled for 2024./.

PM to attend 44th, 45th ASEAN Summits, related meetings in Laos

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Vientiane, Laos, from October 8-11.

The trip will be made at the invitation of Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, according to an announcement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs./.

Parliamentary cooperation helps boost Vietnam – Canada comprehensive partnership

The visit to Canada by a Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) delegation from September 27 to October 2 has reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary cooperation in contributing to further promoting the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.

The visit, led by NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai, aimed to implement a foreign affairs programme focusing on exchanging experiences to improve the quality of the law-making work.

It also provided an opportunity for the NA’s committees and the State Audit Office of Vietnam’s units to engage in direct discussions on expertise.

During a meeting between representatives of the NA's Ethnic Council and the chairman of the Vietnam – Canada Friendship Parliamentary Group (VCFPG) with the Canada-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group (CVFPG), the Canadian side highly valued the importance of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries, noting that Vietnam is a crucial link in the global supply chain of Canada.

According to Congressman Shaun Chen, Chairman of the CVFPG, the two sides can do much more to further promote existing trade, cultural, and social relations thanks to the power of people-to-people exchanges.

He affirmed his commitment to maintaining such dialogues based on the progress the two sides have reached during the meeting.

Y Thanh Ha Nie Kdam, Chairman of the NA’s Ethnic Council, who is also Chairman of the VCFPG, said that the two sides proposed to continue promoting people-to-people diplomacy, economic and trade links, and cooperation in natural resources and environment, digital transformation, and green economy through the groups’ activities.

Canada can also support Vietnam in many areas, and help the Southeast Asian country improve its capacity in the region and the world, he said.

The relationship between Vietnam and Canada, particularly economic and trade ties after overfulfilling the 10-billion-USD target, has become a key foundation for the two sides to strengthen cooperation and delegation exchange. Canada has become one of Vietnam's most important partners in the Americas, while Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner in ASEAN, serving as a gateway for Canadian businesses to enter Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific.

Chen stated Vietnam is a crucial part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, stressing that visits like this are very beneficial as they allow lawmakers to observe the work that each side is undertaking.

For his part, Y Thanh Ha Nie Kdam said through information and delegation exchange activities between the friendship parliamentary groups, Vietnam can improve the capacity of its parliamentarians in areas related to legislation, supervision, finance, economics, and natural resources and environment.

During his stay, NA Vice Chairman Hai chaired a meeting between the Auditor General of Canada and the State Auditor General of Vietnam. He also had courtesy meetings with the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons of Canada, and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Ottawa and Toronto./.

National politics academy fosters cooperation with WB

Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang had a meeting with World Bank (WB) Country Director in Vietnam Mariam Sherman in Hanoi on October 3.

Briefing the WB representative on the HCMA’s functions as the training centre for mid- and high-ranking officials of the Party and State of Vietnam and a leading national policy research and consulting hub, Thang expressed his wish to foster cooperation between the academy and the bank, especially as Vietnam is summarising the 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) cause and the WB is developing and perfecting reports on the Vietnamese economy, including the Vietnam 2045 report.

For her part, Sherman said that one of the bank’s missions in Vietnam is to provide the country with policy advisory services and technical assistance, especially in the field of public investment. In carrying out this mission, the WB has established a close, long-term, and effective partnership with the UNMA in two aspects - training and research, she said.

Regarding the Vietnam 2045 report, Sherman said she hopes to cooperate with the academy in completing the report and organising events to release it.

The report has been actively developed and completed with important information and data on Vietnam's important achievements in politics, economy, culture, society, education, and environment, providing policy recommendations for its long-term development vision, especially in the context where many changes in the world and the region are affecting the country’s development goals to 2030 and vision 2045.

Affirming that Vietnam always accompanies the WB to effectively implement the commitments reached by both sides, Thang noted that the WB has had a positive assessment of the changes in Vietnam today, and expressed his hope that this organisation will be a bridge to share with the world about the success story in Vietnam's socio-economic development according to the socialist-oriented market economy model, thereby contributing more voices to help the world understand more about Vietnam. The WB's reports on Vietnam also need to supplement and update new developments in Vietnam such as human resources, science and technology, and small- and medium-sized enterprises, he suggested.

Thang proposed that the WB in Vietnam design cooperation programmes with the academy in policy research and consultation to support localities to develop sustainably, and give recommendations on new directions for Vietnam in the coming time, with a vision to 2045 when Vietnam enters a new starting point, an era of growth.

He affirmed the academy’s support to WB in completing the Vietnam 2045 report and organising the announcement event.

Sherman stated that the WB highly values Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development achievements. The country is playing an increasingly important role in the international arena as well as the global economy, and has a solid foundation to attract large-scale international investors, she said, adding that like economies with successful economic development models in the world, Vietnam's economic development model will be a useful knowledge for the WB to share widely based on professional and technical perspectives./.

Vietnam tops medal tally at Ju-Jitsu World Cup Beach 2024

Local athletes dominated the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) World Cup Beach 2024, securing a total of 22 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze medals, thereby placing them at the top of the medal table.

Among the outstanding players was SEA Games champion Dao Hong Son who won a gold medal in the Newaza Nogi category. This therefore marks the third consecutive time that the local martial artist has bagged a gold medal whilst competing in the tournament.

Elsewhere, Vietnamese fighter Phung Thi Hue took a gold medal in the women’s 45kg category.

The JJIF World Cup Beach 2024 was organised in Thailand from September 26 to September 29. The hosts Thailand ranked second and Palestine was placed in third position in the medal table.

Soc Trang to host week of cultural extravaganza, sporting thrill

The Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang is gearing up for the first Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, with the 6th Ooc Om Boc festival - Ngo boat race scheduled from November 9-15.

Tran Van Lau, chairman of the provincial People's Committee and head of the festival organising board, said the festival has become a unique cultural hallmark that defines the distinct "brand" of Soc Trang over the past years.

It is a great opportunity to popularise the image of its people, land, cultural identity as well as its potential and advantages to friends both inside and outside the province, he said.

It is also to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Khmer ethnic community in Soc Trang, as well as the broader southern region of Vietnam. It reflects the aspirations and spiritual needs of the Khmer people, offering them a platform to engage in and preserve their cultural heritage.

The festival's highlight will be the highly anticipated Ngo boat race, expected to draw between 55 and 60 male and female teams.

Throughout the week, a myriad of events will unfold across prominent locations in Soc Trang city, including Bach Dang square, Maspero river, and the freshwater lake cultural area.

Other highlights include a moon worshipping ceremony, the Loi Protip water lantern release contest, and a performance of the Ca Hau boat.There will be the 10 booths set up by Soc Trang and adjacent provinces to display and introduce OCOP products and regional specialties.

This event will also witness a historic moment as Soc Trang aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest performance of traditional Khmer music.

In a significant move, the provincial Department of Planning and Investment has compiled a list of 17 projects open to investment for the 2025-2030 period, which has been submitted to the provincial People's Committee for approval. These projects span various sectors, ranging from industry and industrial infrastructure, energy and electricity, agriculture, healthcare, to education and environment.

At the same time, to expedite the completion of project procedures, the department worked with various agencies to advise the provincial People's Committee on six key projects that require fast-tracking and are ready for investment calls. They include a vocational school, a shopping outlet, a commercial service and residential complex, a 9ha hi-tech agricultural project at Thi Doi canal, a waste-to-energy solid waste treatment plant in My Tu district, and a commercial residential and market complex in Nga Nam town.

Source: VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV