Thriving tourism has contributed to the preservation of indigenous cultures and created an impetus for growth and economic restructuring in the northern mountainous region.

The Mu Cang Chai terraced fields in Yen Bai province, covering a total area of around 2,200ha, were designated as a special national relic by the Prime Minister in 2019.

Earlier, the UK newspaper, The Telegraph, listed Mu Cang Chai among the 12 most beautiful terraced fields in the world. These fields not only provide local residents with a stable livelihood but also represent a unique indigenous cultural aspect, making Mu Cang Chai an attractive tourist destination.

Since 2015, Yen Bai has held various activities to honour the beauty of Mu Cang Chai terraced fields and showcase the cultural values of the Mong ethnic group. These efforts aim to raise public awareness of heritage preservation and attract more tourists. Notably, the annual paragliding festivals "Flying over the Golden Season" and "Flying over the Water Season" have become attractive tourism products.

Apart from ecotourism and community-based tourism, Yen Bai is expanding into adventure tourism, with activities such as mountain climbing, paragliding, and kayaking.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai district, Sa Pa town and Bat Xat district of Lao Cai province, and Hoang Su Phi district of Ha Giang province have been classified as national heritage and scenic landscapes with over 2,076ha in the protected zone.

Recently, the eight provinces in the expanded northwestern region and Ho Chi Minh City announced two regional tourism products for 2023, namely the journey connecting national terraced fields Hanoi - Phu Tho - Nghia Lo, Cang Chai (Yen Bai) - Than Uyen. Tam Duong, Phong Tho (Lai Chau) - Sapa, Bac Ha (Lao Cai) - Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), and the “majestic northwest" product linking Hanoi - Hoa Binh - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau - Sapa, Bac Ha (Lao Cai) and Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang).

400-hectare forest park project in Ha Long proposed

A private firm has proposed to invest in a 400-hectare forest park project in Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

The project will stretch on hills in the two wards of Ha Khau and Viet Hung located in the west of Ha Long. 

Ha Long authorities have asked the investor to ensure sufficient green space and to guarantee that the environment will not suffer when implementing the project.

The investor proposed two plans for the construction of Ha Long Forest Park. The first one will be divided into three areas ecological tourism, geological tourism and landscapes. The second will focus on eco-tourism, adventure tourism and community health care services.

The investor has also been urged to ensure the right plants are selected so they thrive in the artificial forest and that the project is sufficiently well-thought-out in terms of cultural offerings.

Hanoi targets halving traffic deaths and injuries reduced by 50% by 2030
 
Hanoi has set a goal to reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries by half by 2030 compared to 2020.

This is part of the city’s traffic safety and traffic congestion plans for the 2022-2025 period.

Under the plan, the city will address eight to 10 frequent traffic-congested spots and prevent traffic jams longer than 30 minutes.

Municipal authorities have asked concerned agencies to arrange parking spots within inner city areas as well as lanes for bikes only. It is also necessary to develop disabled and elderly transport options in urban areas.

The city will tighten control over licensing apartment buildings and commercial centres to ensure they have the required parking lots and transport infrastructure.

Hanoi will continue expanding and improving the public transport network to help ease traffic congestion and protect the environment. The city’s public passenger transport system is expected to meet around 30-35 percent of travel demand by 2025.

Hanoi authorities have also identified better pavement management to deal with encroachments.

Existing irrigation works facing serious degrading

Built and in use for a long time, many irrigation lakes, dams have shown signs of severe degrading and posed threats to the safety of nearby residents. New irrigation projects take too long to launch, negatively affecting the livelihood of dwellers.

In Dak Lak Province, the construction project of Yen Ngua Reservoir and Buon Biep Reservoir in Cu Kuin District was approved in 2018 to be completed in 2022, with an investment of over VND305 billion (US$12.5 million). These lakes are planned to provide irrigation water for 750ha of crops and domestic water use for nearby households.

Until now, the project only installed an iron frame for the foundation, which has become rusty. The equipment allocated for this project is unused and stored inside a worker camp. This has made local residents frustrated and annoyed because for 5 years, they have expected the lakes to distribute much-needed water for their agricultural as well as domestic activities and have willingly handed over the necessary land.

Three months after the landslide incident, the area near Dong Thanh Reservoir project (sited in Dong Thanh Commune of Lam Ha District in Lam Dong Province) experiences yet another similar landslide, severely affecting daily activities and traffic of local residents in Dong Anh Hamlet. The street leading to this hamlet is under high risk even though workers have already reinforced the excavated area to make the lakebed.

Being a key project, the work receives a total investment of VND495 billion ($20.3 million). However, an investigation by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep reveals that the geology of this area shows a landslide location, along with other existing ones for a long time inside the to-be lake. The building has sped up this landslide, causing property damages to both the construction unit and residents there.

On the surface of a dam surrounding Da Ron Reservoir (sited in Da Ron Commune of Don Duong District in Lam Dong Province), there are tens of termite mounds. In addition, the dam’s aggregate base is eroded, while the lakebed has been silted up for a long time and reduced the water storage capacity. A similar story can be found in Nam Phuong Reservoir in Bao Loc City of Lam Dong Province. The Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Lam Dong Province shared that it is not easy to obtain the repair cost of about VND100 billion ($4.1 million) for the two lakes. The province also reports 66 irrigation works with a high need of repair or upgrade.

Ta Hoet Reservoir project in Hiep An Commune of Duc Trong District (under the charge of the Lam Dong Province People’s Committee) has an investment of VND982 billion ($40.28 million) to provide water for over 2,000ha of crops and domestic use of 65,000 residents as well as regulating floodwater for the downstream area. Starting on February 20, 2023, the land compensation task is still unfinished.

Deputy Director Nguyen Cong Hanh of Dak Lak Irrigation Co. Ltd. informed that his organization is responsible for 345 irrigation works to provide water for agricultural activities. Being used for a long time, 57 works show signs of degrading. Therefore, the company has asked for the necessary budget to repair them to ensure a sufficient water supply for the area.

In Gia Lai Province, many irrigation works cannot work at full capacity owing to infrastructure inconsistency. For example, Ia Mlah Reservoir, supposed to serve 5,000ha of crops in 5 communes of Krong Pa District, cannot distribute water to fields as there is a lack of a suitable canal system.

Similarly, Ia Mor Reservoir aims at supplying water for 12,500ha of crops in the provinces of Dak Lak and Gia Lai; however, it can serve only 5,350ha because 10.76ha of forest land has not had its use purpose changed to build agricultural canals. Gia Lai Province is working with functional agencies to complete this procedure.

Monsoon Music Festival: Hanoi to have 'Hang Nhac Street'

The Monsoon Music Festival 2023 will provide audiences with a unique musical experience and serve as a platform for cultural exchange between Vietnam and the rest of the world.

Monsoon Music Festival 2023 will be held from October 14 to 22 at Thang Long Imperial Citadel and other venues in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

According to musician Quoc Trung, head of the organizing committee and general director of the program, the theme of Monsoon Music Festival 2023 is "Hang Nhac Street" (Street of Music), inspired by the names of 36 commercial Hang streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter, with each Hang denoting a trade.

"We bring music to every corner of Hanoi's streets, fully satisfying the community's need to enjoy the arts," said Trung.

The Monsoon Music Festival 2023, which will be held simultaneously at different venues in Hanoi, will spread a festive atmosphere throughout the city, allowing the public and tourists to feel the vibrancy of Hanoi with its iconic 36 streets.

The opening night will be held on October 14 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

The "Hang Nhac Street" Music Week (October 15-20) will take place at various locations in Hanoi's Old Quarter, including the Cultural and Arts Center (22 Hang Buom), Old Hanoi Street Cultural Exchange Center (50 Dao Duy Tu), Golden Bell Theater, Nguy Nhu Kon Tum Auditorium...

Thang Long Citadel Night will be held on October 21-22 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, with musical performances and art exhibitions.

The festival will feature 40 Vietnamese and international artists and bands, including Buc Tuong, Ngot, Vu, Lope Dope, Meow Lac, Phao, Suboi (Vietnam); Xinh Xo, Forgotten Future (USA); Sun Jun, Fergessen (France); Dust&Metal (UK-US); Lydmor (Denmark); Andreas Tilliander (Sweden); Munan (Korea), Club Mild (Singapore) and Rome in Reverse (Italy).

In addition to the performances, the Monsoon Music Festival will offer three seminars on the music and cultural industry, including Policies for Cultural Projects in Hanoi, Safety and Health in the Performance Production Industry, What Direction for Young Artists and Bands in Finding Their Own Market?

There will be a conference sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for experts in culture, arts, and music to share their perspectives with the aim of helping artists and troupes expand their development opportunities.

The participation of regulators, record companies and artists will help promote the development of the capital's music and cultural industries.

Beginning in 2023, Monsoon Music Festival will launch an art promotion fund called Inspire Your Next to introduce quality music products by famous Vietnamese and international artists and present potential young artists to the Vietnamese public.

Through the Inspire Your Next Fund, selected artists will have the opportunity to participate in short-term training programs and professional development workshops. The organizing committee will help them connect with record labels, media regulators and production organizations.

For a long time, the Monsoon Music Festival has become one of the prestigious brands contributing to the promotion of Vietnam's music industry to become more professional, creating conditions for Vietnamese artists to have opportunities to exchange and collaborate with international artists.

Nearly 4,000 runners to participate in Phan Thiet Marathon 2023

Nearly 4,000 runners have registered to participate in the Phan Thiet Marathon 2023 which will be held for the first time at the southern coastal city on October 22. 

According to the organiser, runners will start between 3.30-10.30 am on October 22, taking 5km - 10km - 21km - 42km distance through some of the most beautiful coastal roads along Phan Thiet-Mui Ne, and Nguyen Dinh Chieu to enjoy the sunrise sceneries and the atmosphere at local fishing villages.

"This will be a good chance for runners to explore the beautiful sites, cultures and food of the city," the organiser said. "

Runners will start and finish at the Mui Ne Summerland Resort on Vo Nguyen Giap Street.

Speaking at the launching ceremony held on October 6, Vice chairman of Phan Thiet City People's Committee, Nguyen Nam Long who is head of the organising board said that through this sport event, they want to promote physical activities among the communities at the same time introduce the beautiful sceneries and rich cultures of Phan Thiet and Binh Thuan to more visitors.

"We want to make it an annual event to further advertise Phan Thiet tourism," Long said.

To make the event more meaningful, the organiser will co-operate with Enjoy Sport in their photography services to raise funds for the Operation Smile Organisation to provide free surgery for children with cleft lip, cleft palate. 

Traffic accidents second largest cause of child deaths in Vietnam

Road traffic accidents are the second leading cause of death and serious injuries among Vietnamese children and adolescents, just behind drowning.

According to Nguyen Cong Bang, Deputy Director of the Transport Department under the Ministry of Transport, traffic accidents involving people aged below 18 accounted for around 10.63 percent of the country's road traffic accidents in Vietnam in 2021 against 6.75 percent previously.

This shows that road traffic accidents ranked second among causes of Vietnamese child and adolescent deaths, only after drowning.

Road traffic accidents also made-up half of deaths among people aged 15-19 in Vietnam in the 2016-2021 period.

Bang added that every day, roughly 17 million children in Vietnam travel between home and school 2-4 times. Among those, many must walk to school along roads without pavements or on routes with mixed traffic lanes, posing dangers.

Vietnam has set a goal to reduce the annual number of accidents, deaths, and injuries by five to 10 percent, the Ministry of Transport said.

A report made by the National Committee for Traffic Safety was cited by Vietnam News Agency as saying that, last year, 11,457 traffic accidents occurred nationwide, causing 6,397 deaths and 7,804 injuries.

The numbers represent a drop of 38 accidents (0.33 percent), an increase of 598 fatalities (10.31 percent) and a reduction of 214 injuries from the previous year.

On screen will be twelve scientific films on ecosystem restoration

In response to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, this year's Science Film Festival on Ecosystem Restoration will be held in Vietnam from October 10 to the end of December.

On stage of the Science Film Festival 2023 in Vietnam will be 12 motion pictures selected by the Goethe-Institut Hanoi and the jury of this year's film festival. 

The films will be shortlisted from a total of 1,700 submissions from 102 countries, including, for the first time in the festival's history, a film with the participation of the Goethe-Institut Hanoi in its production.

The Vietnamese documentary "Binh Yen, Come Home" by director Nguyen Hoang Viet is about the situation of bears in captivity in Vietnam and the efforts of the animal welfare organization Four Paws to rescue them.

Other documentaries include "The Plastic Challenge" (Chile); "Pia and Wild Nature - The Miraculous Creatures of the Namib Desert" (Germany); "Wild Hope - Coffee for Water" (USA); "Sea Foam: What Causes this Land Bubble Bath" (Australia), and others.

As in previous years, the films will be available online throughout the festival on the Goethe-Institut's VIMEO platform. Schoolchildren, students, and the interested public are invited to explore this year's theme: Ecosystem Restoration.

The Science Film Festival is a celebration of science communication in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In collaboration with local partners, it promotes science literacy and awareness of contemporary scientific, technological, and environmental issues through international films and accompanying educational activities.

The festival presents scientific topics in an accessible and entertaining way to a wide audience and shows that science can be fun. Since its first edition in 2005, the event has grown considerably to become the world's largest event of its kind.

The festival presents a wide range of films for all ages, with a focus on content for young audiences, in five categories: Family Edutainment; Ecology & Environment; Natural Science, Life Science & Technology; Non-Verbal & Science Shorts; and Culture & History.

Ha Long Bay among best tourist destinations for 2024: OvationNetwork

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province, has been named one of the top destinations for 2024 by luxury travel experts at OvationNetwork, a US-based travel agency specializing in high-end and experiential travel.

"As a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility, Ha Long Bay is one of the world's most unique ecosystems and geological formations. Next year, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations off the beaten path," said Zane Schafer, Vice President and General Manager of OvationNetwork.

"The unprecedented demand for travel we saw last year continues into 2023, and as the New Year arrives, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations that are off the beaten path," he commented.

"Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something for everyone. The unique rock formations of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of this unduplicated location," advises travel consultant Andrew Lewis Harrison.

Visiting Ha Long Bay via a junk boat excursion and a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay are also recommended by the OvationNetwork experts, who added that the best times to visit are between March and April and from September to November. "During these periods, the weather is temperate, rainfall is minimal, and sailing conditions are favorable," they said.

Ha Long Bay, about a two-hour drive east of Hanoi, features a variety of limestone karsts and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Endowed with clear blue waters and more than 1,900 islands of all sizes that create magnificent and fascinating scenery, the bay is a not-to-be-missed destination for nature lovers.

Tourists can take sightseeing tours by boat to enjoy the serene and romantic atmosphere of this elegant place or experience impressive moments by taking special tours with helicopters and hydroplanes to view the bay from above.

The bay has long been celebrated for its natural beauty and geological formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, offering an authentic experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the bay's landscapes.

For the discerning traveler who wants to avoid the crowds, an alternative worth considering is venturing north to Bai Tu Long, a hidden gem that mirrors the splendor of Ha Long Bay but with fewer tourists.

On September 21, 2023, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, located in Vietnam's Northern province of Quang Ninh and the neighboring city of Haiphong, was officially recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site.

Ha Long Bay was twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000 and was named one of the seven new natural wonders of the world by the Swiss-based New Open World Corporation in 2011.

Hanoi students win gold medals at International Applied Chemistry Olympiad

Hanoi students won two gold and one silver medals at the International Applied Chemistry Olympiad (IAChO), which was held in Bandung, Indonesia from September 28 to October 1.

La Chau Giang, a 12th grader, and 11th grader Nguyen Minh Phuong, both from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, bagged the gold medals, while Pham Minh Quan, also from the school, won the silver medal.

The IAChO is held annually by the Indonesia Regional Science Association (IRSA), aiming to enhance students’ capacity in science, especially chemistry.

This year, three Vietnamese students competed in the IACho final round, during which candidates were asked to complete a written test and do a presentation, both on chemistry knowledge.

Three fatalities reported as floods hit northern province

Prolonged heavy rainfall over the weekend has resulted in three deaths as well as damaged properties across some northern mountainous localities.

Downpour persisted in the northern province of Yên Bái from the night of October 6 through October 7, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

According to data provided by the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control of Yên Bái province, as of 11am on Saturday, three people - Nguyễn Quyết Tiến (64 years old), and Phạm Bích Liên (61 years old), and Hoàng Thuỳ T. (12 years old), all residing in Văn Yên District - died due to the heavy rain.

A total of 379 houses suffered severe damage and approximately 90.7 hectares of agricultural land were adversely affected.

The estimated overall cost of damage exceeded VNĐ5 billion.

Continuous heavy rain led to extensive flooding, erosion and prolonged traffic congestion on a number of national highways and provincial roads in the province.

In Yên Bái City, several streets were submerged, rendering them impassable for vehicles and hundreds of residences were inundated as a result of the rapidly rising water levels, causing significant damage to personal property and vehicles.

The Hà Nội-Lào Cai railway, particularly the section passing through Yên Thái Commune, was affected by a landslide, causing the temporary suspension of all train operations.

Nguyễn Văn Cường, director of Yên Lào Railway Joint Stock Company, said that the landslide affected a section spanning approximately 30 metres underneath the railway bed. The company has prepared the requisite materials and equipment but accessing the landslide area has proven challenging.

The company is currently mobilising its resources to rectify the situation promptly and restore railway traffic, he said. 

Also on Saturday evening, the Office of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in Lào Cai Province issued a statement confirming the discovery of another victim's body, who lost their life due to heavy rain and flooding that occurred in Lào Cai Province during the night of September 12.

The search and rescue team operating in Sa Pa Town located the victim's remains within the vicinity of the Nam Sài hydropower reservoir area, situated in Liên Minh Commune.

Local authorities, in conjunction with the victim's family, were able to confirm the identity of the deceased as Tẩn Vần Phấu, born in 1979, from Nậm Cang Village in Liên Minh Commune. The family has since taken custody of the victim's body for proper burial. 

P'apiu Resort in Ha Giang honoured as Asia's leading romantic resort

P'apiu Resort in Yen Dinh commune of Bac Me district in the northern province of Ha Giang has been given the title as Asia's leading romantic resort and Asia's leading unique architectural resort.

The information was unveiled at the ASIA International Economic Forum and the 6th ASIA award ceremony held on October 6 in Singapore.
  
Since being put into operation back in 2019, P'apiu has become the first luxury resort model for couples in Vietnam. Covering a total area stretching across more than 30 hectares, P'apiu boasts five villas featuring separate and romantic spaces.

Apart from savouring scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape, visitors to P'apiu can experience tea culture on the top of Yolo mount, soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi, as well as enjoy the morning mist and the fresh dawn.

Architecture is also an important factor in creating a unique romance for the resort. Inspired by indigenous culture such as the stilt house of the Tay people, P'apiu has five villas and own the first underground villa in Vietnam, containing 600 drawers to store memorabilia like a unique love museum.

Furthermore, visitors can admire the longest brocade street in the nation with a winding design and vivid hand-painted motifs, bearing the cultural imprint of the ethnic groups who reside in Ha Giang.

With two important titles recently recognised, P’apiu Resort once again affirms its position as the first luxury resort brand in Ha Giang, while simultaneously contributing to improving the effectiveness of tourism promotion and further building the national tourism brand.

Singing contest for Vietnamese students in Australia held

The final of MOVSA GALA 2023, a singing contest of Vietnamese students in Australia, took place in Melbourne city on October 7.

The final round featured performances by 12 contestants from universities in Melbourne, which ranged from folk songs to pop ballads, rock, or rap songs.

Hosted by Melbourne Overseas Vietnamese Student Association (MOVSA), the annual event aims to create an artistic playground, connecting overseas Vietnamese students with a passion for singing and a desire to show off their talents.

The gala left a strong impression on the contestants and more than 500 attendees. It has succeeded in connecting the Vietnamese student community in Melbourne city in particular and in the "land of kangaroos" in general.

Vietnamese, Polish artists jointly showcase art works

Nearly 170 paintings and sculptures are on display at a joint exhibition in Hanoi, featuring unique watercolour paintings and sculptures showcasing scenery, people and cultures by Polish and Vietnamese artists.

Themed "The Reunion of Colours 2", the exhibition is organised by the Hanoi Watercolour Artists Club to celebrate its first founding anniversary, with honorary patronage from the Embassy of Poland in Hanoi and the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.

Last year, the first exhibition of The Reunion of Colours featured nearly 20 artists and more than 80 artworks.

This year, with 50 Polish artists and 58 Vietnamese artists showcasing a total of 169 paintings and sculptures, the exhibition has expanded significantly, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate the unique cultural connection between Vietnam and Poland.

The exhibition features Vietnamese watercolour artists from across the country such as Dinh Duc and Pham Thom, as well as renowned Polish artists including Stanislaw Zoladz, Michał Suffczynski, and Michal Jasiewicz.

Most of the works on display are watercolour paintings, but there is also a wooden sculpture by artist Le Ngoc Thuan from Hoi An with a marine environment protection theme.

Each artist's work not only showcases their talent and creativity but also captures the cultural characteristics and artistic spirit of Vietnam and Poland.

The Reunion of Colours 2 is also a culturally rich and diverse platform for talented Polish and Vietnamese artists to share their experiences and engage in meaningful discussions about the art world.

The is taking place from October 7 – 13 at Exhibition Hall 29 Hang Bai Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

Vietnam triumphs at ASEAN Army Men’s Volleyball Tournament 2023

Vietnam won the championship at the ASEAN Army Men’s Volleyball Tournament 2023 after beating the Royal Thai Army team 3-1 in the final match in Ho Chi Minh City on October 8.

The Indonesian team came third. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony after the final, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Van Nghia said the tournament holds a significant meaning, showing solidarity, friendship and development of armies in the regional bloc.

The event is an opportunity for military personnel from ASEAN member states to strengthen collaboration, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and mutual growth of the region as well as the world, he added.

Underway from October 3-8, the tournament featured the participation of 160 coaches and athletes from Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and the host nation, Vietnam.

It was divided into two groups, with host Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in Group A while Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand in Group B.

During the tournament, athletes had a chance to participate in cultural and art exchange activities and tours to some historical and cultural relic sites in HCM City.

Vietnamese group helps improve health care in Cambodia

Medlatec Group on October 7 opened a clinic in Cambodia with the hope of providing high-quality medical services to local people in the neighbouring country.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang said that cooperation between the two countries has been promoted in various fields, in which medical collaboration always plays an important role and is increasingly being enhanced.

He expressed his hope that authorities, medical facilities and medical staff in Cambodia will trust and accompany Medlatec, creating favourable conditions for it to well carry out its mission of taking care of people's health with high-quality services, contributing to the medical development of Phnom Penh capital city and Cambodia at large.

On this occasion, Nguyen Xuan Dinh, Director of Medlatec Cambodia, presented 5,000 test packages worth 55,000 USD to screen and early detect liver cancer to people in Phnom Penh.

Dinh also signed strategic cooperation agreements with three partners, namely Mekong Clinic, RCRC and BIDC, with the hope that the cooperation between the parties will bring more value in health care for officials and employees of the units in particular and the health of Cambodian people in general.

Vietnam-UAE Inter-Governmental Committee convenes 5th meeting in Hanoi

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Vietnam-UAE Inter-Governmental Committee in Hanoi on October 8.

Dien affirmed that the meeting was an important and significant event in celebration of the 30th founding anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations this year.

Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said that the UAE Government always considers Vietnam an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region, and wishes to strengthen cooperation with the country in all fields. He recommended both sides to continue coordinating closely in implementing measures to promote friendship and multifaceted cooperation in the coming time.

The two sides reviewed the outcomes of bilateral cooperation since the fourth meeting in 2019, and discussed issues of mutual concern as well as new solutions to promote the bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Regarding trade cooperation, the scale of two-way trade has been maintained at 5 billion USD per year since 2019, helping Vietnam rank in the top 10 largest import partners of the UAE and in return, the UAE become one of Vietnam's largest trading partners in the Middle East region.

They agreed that the two countries still have a lot of potential to continue expanding and developing cooperation, especially in the context that both nations are actively promoting negotiations towards the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The two sides discussed and agreed to actively promote the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, and continue to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations.

It is also necessary to closely coordinate to review and strengthen the legal framework to create favourable conditions for cooperation such as the comprehensive economic agreement, the agreement on cooperation and mutual support in customs, the agreement on extradition, and the agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.

Attention should be paid to studying investment and business cooperation opportunities in potential industrial and energy fields such as chemical production, fertiliser, textiles and footwear, electronics and mechanics, automobile, and energy.

On this occasion, Ahmed Al Zeyoudi held talks with Dien to discuss bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Dien Bien expects to receive WIPO training on IP

A working delegation from the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien, led by head of the provincial Party Committee's Board for Mass Mobilisation and President of the province’s Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Lo Van Mung, had a working session with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) as part of their trip to Switzerland from October 4-7.

Briefing WIPO officials of the province’s activities to promote intellectual property (IP), Mung said Dien Bien has paid due attention to and issued various policies on IP development which has played an important role in developing local fields with typical products.

The province has approved a project to carry out the IP strategy until 2030, he said, suggesting WIPO, through the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, open online training courses on IP so as to equip Vietnamese officicals, including those from Dien Bien, with necessary knowledge on IP management.

He took this occasion to invite WIO leaders and experts to visit Dien Bien and experience local culture and products.

Andrew Michael Ong, WIPO Director of the Division for Asia and the Pacific, introduced the Dien Bien delegation measures to build local brands.

He also highlighted WIPO’s policies to promote local tourism in tandem with IP protection and development.

Meanwhile, Altaye Tedla, head of the WIPO Academy’s Distance Learning Programme said that WIPO stands ready to provide and share documents on building local brands with Dien Bien province, while introducing several models that WIPO has supported to develop.

During their stay in Switzerland, the delegation also had a meeting with David Fernandez, a representative from the University for Peace, and Hiba Qasas, Executive Director of the Principles for Peace Foundation, during which they discussed the possibility for coordination to organise activities to mark the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory and the Geneva Accords 1954.

PM appreciates initiatives helping Vietnam overcome pandemic

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a ceremony in Hanoi on October 8 to summarise a programme on 1 million initiatives to overcome difficulties and fight the COVID-19 pandemic launched by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL).

According to the VGCL, the programme, launched on September 1, 2021, has received more than 2 million initiatives, with many producing high profit values which totalled up to 33 trillion VND (1.35 billion USD).

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said that the initiatives have demonstrated the creativity and intelligence of Vietnamese workers to promptly adapt to living and working conditions in the context of the pandemic’s complicated developments, and in the new normal period, making important contributions to stabilising and restoring production and business activities of enterprises and implementing the political tasks of agencies and units.

Vietnam has gone through unforgettable days of preventing and fighting the pandemic which were full of pains and losses, but also extremely emotional and prideworthy. The country has flexibly adapted to, effectively controlled the pandemic, and is stepping up socio-economic development recovery and development, which has been highly appreciated by the international community, he said.

However, in the coming time, as many difficulties and challenges will continue, it is necessary to have the engagement of the entire political system, people and businesses to successfully implement the 2023 socio-economic development plan, the 2021-2025 socio-economic development programme and the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for 2021-2030, PM Chinh stressed.

At the event, the Government leader, and leaders of ministries, sectors and agencies presented awards to 33 collectives, 46 authors and groups of authors with outstanding initiatives selected in the programme.

Deputy FM meets with Vietnamese community in Japan’s Kyushu

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang on October 7 met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Japan's Kyushu region, as part of her visit to the East Asian country to attend the second Overseas Vietnamese Economic Forum.

At the event, representatives from the business association, intellectuals’ association, students’ association and women’s union in Kyushu region highlighted their activities, and expressed their hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) Affairs and the Consulate General will continue support for the associations, helping to promote connectivity among the Vietnamese community as well as improve their position in the host nation.

They also expect further assistance in the teaching of Vietnamese language for younger generations, and connection with Vietnamese ministries and agencies so as to bring Japan’s state-of-the-art technologies to the homeland.

Speaking highly of the Vietnamese community’s contributions to the foreign affairs over the past time, Hang, who is also head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, affirmed that the ministry and the committee always stand ready to support and accompany the OVs, as well as continue to devising initiatives to better meet the demand and aspirations of the OV community.

She suggested the community urge local administrations to teach Vietnamese as a foreign language at schools, organise activities in response to the day to honour the Vietnamese language in OV communities, and popularise Vietnam’s sovereignty over seas and islands, among others.

The same day, Hang visited a class that teaches Vietnamese language to Vietnamese kids in Fukuoka. The class is organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General and the Vietnamese community in Fukouka on Saturdays at GAG Japanese Institute, drawing the participation of some 30 Vietnamese children.

Presenting gifts and Vietnamese books to the children, Hang said she hoped that parents will pay more attention to the Vietnamese language teaching to their kids, and organise exchange activities for them to practice Vietnamese regularly.

She also hailed the Consulate General and the Vietnamese community for maintaining the class, and spoke highly of the teachers’ enthusiasm and devotion.

Last farewell to Prof. Wilfried Lulei – a great friend of Vietnam

Prof., Dr. Wilfried Lulei, a German researcher on Vietnamese studies who made great contributions to forming the Germany-Vietnam friendship, passed away in Berlin at the age of 85.

Wilfried Lulei was born in Láryšov, the Czech Republic, on September 7, 1938. His life from the beginning of his study, research and career were all related to Vietnam, giving the country and people of Vietnam an important place in his heart.

As one of the founders of the German-Vietnamese Society (DVG), he wrote many books about Vietnam.

Prof. Lulei also participated in many seminars, conferences, and talks on Vietnam to help German and international friends better understand the country's history as well as its current changes.

CPV constitutes development model for Latin American parties: PT leader

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is always a model of development for many political parties in Latin America, General Secretary of the Mexican Labour Party (PT) Alberto Anaya Guitiérrez has said.
 
Guitiérrez made the comment while hosting a banquet in Mexico City on October 6 for a CPV delegation attending the annual international conference themed “political parties and a new society”, led by Vice Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs Nguyen Thai Hoc.

The PT leader expressed his admiration for the struggle for national liberation of the Vietnamese people and President Ho Chi Minh, affirming that the success of Vietnam today depends on the key role of the CPV which has brought Vietnam from a poor, backward and war-affected country to a rich and strong nation with an increasingly important position and role in the region and the world.

Thanking for the special affection and practical support that the PT leader as well as left-wing parties and progressive forces in Mexico and Latin America have given to the Vietnamese Party and people, Hoc emphasised that these are actions that clearly demonstrated the position and increasing influence of the PT in particular and the left-wing movement in Latin America in general.

While in Mexico, the CPV delegation also worked with Mexican Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Carmen Moreno Toscano, and Sofia Carvajal, member of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and secretary of international affairs of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

At the meeting with Carmen Moreno Toscano, the two sides affirmed their determination to bring the bilateral relations to a new height.

While meeting Sofia Carvajal, Hoc said that the CPV always attaches importance to its cooperation with the PRI which has always supported Vietnam in the past and at present.

On the sidelines of the conference hosted by the PT, Hoc also had working sessions with Alfredo Femat Bañuelos, Chair of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Affairs Committee, and Chairman of the Mexico-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group; Citlalli Hernandez Mora, Secretary General of Mexico's ruling party National Regeneration Movement (MORENA); Deputy Head of the Ideological Department of the Communist Party of Cuba Ludmila Alamo; Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Rander Peña Ramírez; and General Secretary of the Dominican Republic's United Left Movement (MIU) Miguel Mejia.

Forum promotes youth’s engagement in digital transformation

The role of the youth in digital transformation was highlighted at the 7th International Students Science Forum, which was held in Ho Chi Minh City from October 6-8.

The event drew the participation of 100 students from 37 universities in 10 countries, namely Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, who came for high-quality academic exchanges, and to promote their role in the digital transformation process in their nations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City and Chairwoman of the municipal Students’ Association Tran Thu Ha said that the forum, among the outstanding activities of the students’ association, aimed to create a venue for students to share experience in scientific research as well as academic issues.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc said digital transformation, which creates substantial changes in production, management and consumption, poses both opportunities and challenges to all sectors, adding HCM City is making unceasing efforts to shape up a business climate and digital infrastructure system, and devise incentives to encourage investments in IT and AI, creating favourable conditions for startups.

The youth has played an important role in the digitalisation process as their creativity, devotion and knowledge will help countries overcome challenges to realise their digital transformation targets, he said, stressing that the forum was expected to encourage students to better engage in the process, helping their countries develop prosperously in the digitalisation era.

In the framework of the forum, an array of research works on digital transformation were delivered by researchers and lecturers from Vietnamese and foreign universities.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chandra Setiawan, former Rector of President University in Indonesia, digital transformation is the application of advanced technologies to carry out business activities in a faster and more effective fashion, thus it is necessary for education establishments to give digitalisation training to their students.

The 1st International Students Science Forum was organised in 2016 to welcome the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. The annual forum spotlights an array of issues, including sustainable development, the fourth industrial revolution, and digital economy.

Party Central Committee discusses ways to improve contingent of intellectuals

Members of the Party Central Committee have made proposals to build a contingent of intellectuals that can meet the requirements of national development in the new period and in the context of globalisation, at the committee’s 8th plenum held from October 2-8.

Discussing the 15-year implementation of the 10th Party Central Committee’s Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW on building a contingent of intellectuals in the period of stepping up industrialisation and modernisation, they stressed the importance of issuing a new resolution on this issue.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that the intellectual force will be the pioneer in leading the major transformation of the economy as well as the application of scientific and technical achievements.

Building a contingent of intellectuals must be implemented concertedly with the revolution in transforming the economic model from resource-based economy to knowledge economy, green economy, and circular economy, Ha stressed.

Some members of the Party Central Committee proposed promoting decentralisation, self-reliance, and self-responsibility; defining the leading role of the state in funding scientific research; and continuing to improve the training of leading scientists and experts, and increase incentives and allowances for them.

They also stressed the need to build an integrated centre for science, education and culture; increase investment in higher education; and carefully listen to recommendations from scientists and intellectuals.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Tran Quoc To said it is essential to attach importance to building mechanisms to attract and encourage Vietnamese intellectuals abroad, especially outstanding talents in leading industries and fields, to return and devote to the homeland.

Da Nang works to attract more visitors from potential markets

The central city of Da Nang is stepping up tourism promotion in India and the Republic of Korea (RoK) to attract more visitors from these potential markets and diversify sources of international travellers.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the municipal Tourism Department, said the department recently had meetings with airlines and travel companies of India to discuss the opening of direct air routes to Da Nang.

Meeting Indian carriers of Air India, Vistara, and Indigo, the department provided them with information about local destinations, potential, the impressive growth in the number of Indian tourists to Da Nang, and incentives for international airlines to open direct routes to the city. It also listened to their proposals about air route opening.

Hanh noted that Da Nang is a new and attractive destination for Indian visitors as it boasts numerous advantages such as marine tourism, world-famous hotel brands, theme parks, night entertainment activities, diverse cuisine, the connectivity with world heritage sites in neighbouring provinces, and its recognition as the leading festival and event destination in Asia.

During the first nine months of 2023, this city has welcomed more than 95,000 tourist arrivals from India, accounting for almost half of the total visitors from the South Asian country to Vietnam, statistics show.

The Tourism Department also met with many travel firms of India such as Motherson Air Travel, Dream Trip4U, Luxury Vacations & Holidays and ATG Holidays. These companies specialise in MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Event), FIT (Free Independent Traveller) and the hi-end family tourism segment, which also match Da Nang’s priorities.

Anuj Anand, Sales Director of Motherson Air Travel, said his business plans to arrange trips to new destinations, and Da Nang is a must-visit place.

Meanwhile, Director of ATG Holidays Vinay Arora noted he is surprised at and also satisfied with the quantity and quality of Indian hotels and restaurants in Da Nang. Vinay and Aishwarya Arora from Luxury Vacations & Holidays also spoke highly of the local treatment for MICE tourist groups.

Joining a recent tourism promotion programme in Seoul, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Council Tran Phuoc Son said the RoK has continually been a leading source of international visitors to the city.

He noted the local tourism sector has actively carried out promotion activities in the RoK and also worked to offer new and quality experiences to travellers from this Northeast Asian market. Particularly, the new visa policy of Vietnam, coming into force on August 15, will also make it more favourable for international tourists, including those from the RoK, to travel in the city.

During the programme, the city updated Korean travel and service businesses about its destinations along with new products and services, with a focus on marine, MICE, and golf tourism.

Da Nang’s tourism has been showing strong recovery recently. Since the beginning of 2023, local accommodation facilities have served over 5.8 million tourists, equivalent to 115% of the figure recorded in the same period of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The visitors include 1.56 million foreigners, of which over 1 million are from the RoK, data show.

Sản, Tình win 2023 VPBank Hanoi International Marathon

SEA Games duathlon champion Phạm Tiến Sản left thousands of runners behind to win the 2023 VPBank Hanoi International Marathon (VPIM 2023)'s 42km category yesterday in Hà Nội.

Sản, who secured two SEA Games golds in 2021 and 2023, finished his race in 2hr 36.58min.

He was nearly a minute faster than Kenyan Kipsang Charles in second place and about 10 minutes ahead of amateur runner Đặng Anh Quyết.

On the women's side, pro runner Lèo Thị Tình had no worthy rival in the full marathon category. She won in a time of 3:04.53.

Amateur Nông Thị Chang (3:21.27) and Thái Thị Hồng (3:23.50) came second and third, respectively.

In the half marathon, Hà Văn Nhật (1:15.24), Hà Văn Dược (1:16.46) and Nguyễn Hoàng Hưng (1:17.36) took top three in the men's side.

Phạm Thị Huệ (1:18.44), Hà Thị Hậu (1:20.59) and Lê Minh Tuân (1:30.34) were winners of the women's side.

The organisers also presented awards to Lê Văn Thao and Khuất Phương Anh, champions of the men's and women's 10km and Trần Lê Hoàng and Nguyễn Thị Thành who crossed the finish lines of the men's and wonen's 5km categories.

The VPIM 2023 lured more than 11,000 local and international, pro and amateur runners.

Within the framework of VPIM 2023, the first Mastercard Kids Run race took place with about 500 athletes aged from five to 10 years old running a 600m race and overcoming obstacles on Saturday.

All four disciplines of the tournament, which met international standards recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), started from the Hoàn Kiếm Lake and guided participants to run through the city's famous Old Quarter before touring through Hà Nội's iconic landmarks.

Athletes can use the results of VPIM 2023 to register for major races under the Six Majors system.

A total value of nearly VNĐ2 billion (US$82,000) including nearly VNĐ800 million in cash and many gifts from sponsors such as Anta, TH True Juice, California Fitness&Yoga and LynkiD, was delivered to the high-ranking athletes.

Other sideliner awards include VNĐ 40 million for the most impressive cosplay and VNĐ50 million for the fastest running club.

VPIM 2023 was an annual event of Hà Nội, one of the key sports activities to celebrate the city's Liberation Day on October 10.

Trúc defends title, Cashwell secures belt at LION Championship

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Trúc has defended her belt of the national largest mixed martial arts series LION Championship 10 on Phú Quốc Islands, Kiên Giang Province.

National Muay Thai champion Trúc proved her higher level over the rest of the competitors in the women's 52kg belt on Saturday.

She showed her top techniques from the bell in the rematch with challenger Hồ Thị Ngọc Bích. Trúc pushed her rival, who rose up strongly in recent months with three wins in a row in the LC events, to the corner before landing a series of punches.

Trúc also mastered pulling Bích to the floor and locking her legs, aiming for a submission win.

Bích escaped from dangerous situations in the first round but failed to fight back while still making mistakes in the second round.

As both fighters grappled to lock each other's legs, Trúc managed to switch to a heel hook and wrapped up the match, securing a submission win as expected.

Last year, Bích also lost to Trúc by submission with a rear-naked choke.

Trúc is the third champion who defended the title after Trần Quang Lộc and Phạm Văn Nam in the LC series. She secured VNĐ120 million plus an additional bonus shared with Bích as their fight was voted the Match of the Night.

In the earlier bouts, the women's 60kg belt finally found its owner after one year of sitting vacant.

American fighter Chelsey Cashwell dominated her Vietnamese rival Nguyễn Thị Hương from the off.

Hương could only resist Cashwell in the first round but the second and third ones were her worst nightmare.

Cashwell delivered heavy ground-and-pound attacks on Hương, who failed to offer a suitable defence.

In the third round, Cashwell made a tight armbar from mount and Hương had to accept a submission loss, watching the belt and a purse of VNĐ200 million given to Cashwell.

In the men's 65kg, Brazilian jujitsu black-belt fighter Felipe Negochadle proved his higher level against Việt Nam's Asian MMA champion Nguyễn Tiến Long.

Negochadle used his grappling skills to push Long on the floor. Despite his strong resistance Long could not get out of Negochadle's rear-naked-choke.

After three quick wins in the LC series, Negochadle advanced to the belt bout fighting against defending champion Nghiêm Văn Ý in the LC's Grand Finale in December in Hà Nội.

In the men's 84kg, world silver sanda (Chinese kick-boxing) medallist Phạm Công Minh secured an easy win over Ngô Hồng Giang.

Giang could not stand for long under Minh's heavy low kicks and asked to quit near the end of the first round.

A technical knockout win for Minh was a strong motivation for him before the belt bout against Trần Quốc Toản in December.

In the men's 60kg, Nguyễn Hợp Hải recorded a submission win against Đinh Chí Công in the third round.

Hải's ground-and-pound attacks were so heavy that Công had to tap out.

In the men's 56kg, Phan Thanh Tùng beat Võ Thanh Tùng by points after both two fighters fought neck-and-neck in all three rounds. 

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