PM Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, conduct bilateral activities in the US and pay an official visit to Brazil from September 17-26.

The PM's visit to Brazil will be made at the invitation of President Lula da Silva.

PM to attend China-ASEAN Expo, China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning city, Guangxi province, China, from September 16-17.

The PM’s attendance at the events will be made at the invitation of the Chinese Government, according to an announcement of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnam welcomes initiatives to promote regional connectivity: Spokeswoman

Vietnam welcomes initiatives to promote regional economic connection and cooperation on the basis of ensuring the principles of equality, cooperation, mutual benefit and mutual respect, in accordance with international law and the UN Chapter, towards contributing to the common development and prosperity of all countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said on September 14. 

Responding to reporters’ queries regarding cooperation between Vietnam and China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years at the ministry’s regular press conference, Hang informed that Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung attended the 8th Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong, China on September 13 - 14.

The Vietnam - China friendly relations have maintained a development trend, including frameworks for cooperation and connectivity between Vietnam and China in general and connections within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in particular, the spokeswoman stressed.

The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote the connection between the “Two Corridors, One Belt”  framework of Vietnam and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hang said, adding that for many years, Vietnamese and Chinese businesses have actively cooperated in transporting goods on the corridor running from Chongqing city of China through Vietnam and some other ASEAN member countries, and from Vietnam to Central Asia and Europe through China. 

“Vietnam hopes that the Belt and Road Initiative will continue to contribute to promoting economic linkages and regional connectivity, supporting countries in building infrastructure and expanding markets, narrowing the development gap among countries, and bringing new opportunities to businesses and people in the region and around the world," said the spokesperson.

In the latest meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the two sides agreed to continue promoting strategic connectivity and cooperation in building a high-quality Belt and Road initiative, strengthening road connections, developing a multi-modal, efficient, and durable logistics system to bring new opportunities to businesses and people of the two countries, as well as positively contribute to peace, stability and prosperous development in the region and the world, Hang said.

Vice State President active in South Africa

Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan had a meeting with Secretary General of South Africa’s ruling party African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula in Johannesburg on September 14, within the framework of her official visit to the country.

Xuan affirmed that Vietnam highly values the role of the ANC in South Africa, and expressed her impression with the country’s development achievements under the leadership of the Party.

Mbalula affirmed that he always values the solidarity and friendship that Vietnam had for South Africa's past struggle, and stressed the consistent policy of his Party and the Government in promoting good comprehensive cooperation with the Party and Government of Vietnam in the coming time.

The two sides agreed that in the coming time, the two Parties and States need to increase delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, promote the sharing of experiences in leading and managing the country and in Party building, to closely coordinate at international political party forums of which the two Parties are members, and to facilitate economic cooperation activities for the benefit of the two peoples.

Earlier the same day, the Xuan received leading officials from the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and local enterprises.

She proposed the two countries continue promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation in the coming time to match their potential.

The official also suggested SACCI and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry strengthen collaboration and promote the exchange of ministerial-level delegations, increase information sharing about each country's legal framework, and encourage businesses from both sides to connect and participate in fairs and exhibitions.

Participants showed their hope to have more opportunities to learn about the Vietnamese market.

HCM City, Belgium’s Flanders promote cooperation

Ho Chi Minh City always treasures investment from and trade with Flanders region and many other Belgian localities, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said while hosting Minister – President of the Government of the Belgian region Jan Jambon on September 14.

Mai stressed Jambon's working trip came as the two nations are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – Belgium diplomatic ties, and the 5th anniversary of their strategic partnership in agriculture.

Highlighting HCM City’s strengths and potential, Mai said that the southern hub welcomes investment from enterprises of Flanders and Belgium as a whole in the fields of seaport infrastructure development, clean energy development, and green urban area development.

HCM City stands ready to work with Flanders towards specific cooperation between businesses of both sides, he said, asking Flanders authorities to promote connectivity, and build coordination mechanisms to boost trade and investments between the businesses, contributing to the Vietnam – Belgium trade ties.

Jan Jambon, for his part, underlined the similarities and cooperation potential that HCM City and Flanders are holding, saying their seaports have an important position in sea transport in the region.

He went on to say that boosting the waterways connectivity between HCM City and Flanders is not only that between Vietnam and Belgium but also between Asia and Europe.

Flanders is willing to share experience and promote cooperation with HCM City in the fields of its strengths, including the development of seaport infrastructure, transport, wind power, and circular industrial parks, he said.

While in Vietnam, Jan Jambon is scheduled to attend and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the 4th Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum to be held on September 15 under the theme of “Green growth – The Journey to Zero Emissions”.

Workshop looks into 50 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties

A scientific workshop on Vietnam-Japan relations was held in Hanoi on September 14, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

The event was co-hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Foundation (JF).

Speaking at the event, VASS President Dr. Phan Chi Hieu said over the past five decades, the Vietnam-Japan ties have been growing rapidly, with significant and comprehensive achievements in politics-diplomacy, economy-trade and national defence-security.

The event provides a platform for experts, scientists, policymakers and businesses from both countries to discuss research findings and practical experience related to Vietnam-Japan relations in various fields, thereby identifying new challenges and opportunities and contributing to deepening bilateral cooperation.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said the Japanese Government will assist the Vietnamese Government in energy transition, including biomass, hydro and ammonia, through the "Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)" initiative. Japan will also collaborate with partner countries to support carbon reduction process through renewable energy, as part of the "Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP)".

According to him, the connection between Vietnamese IT engineers and the Japanese manufacturing sector may be a promising form of cooperation and deserves more attention from both countries.

A majority of delegates at the event agreed that Vietnam-Japan relations in politics and security not only positively impact the development of both countries but also have the potential to drive new trends of cooperation and development in the region.

PM receives outgoing Lao ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 14 for outgoing Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang.

PM Chinh congratulated Houngboungnuang on his excellent performance during the tenure and the honour of being awarded Vietnam’s first-class Labour Order in recognition of his important contributions to fostering Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

He also hailed the ambassador and the Lao Embassy in Vietnam for their role as a bridge to effectively promote the implementation of bilateral high-level agreements, contributing to stepping up all-around cooperation, especially in such key areas as national defence-security, economy, culture, education and locality-to-locality cooperation.

Two-way trade grows by 10% on average annually, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Laos has also emerged as the biggest outbound investment destination of Vietnam, he said.

Vietnam will continue sharing its experience with and providing support for Laos in personnel training, including increasing the number of scholarships in short and long-term courses for Lao students, PM Chinh said, adding that Vietnam also supports Laos in fulfilling its role as the ASEAN Chair 2024 and jointly steps up cooperation, unity and the central role of ASEAN.

Houngboungnuang, for his part, affirmed his enduring commitment to nurturing the "unique and special" relationship between Vietnam and Laos for the common interests of both nations and their people.

On the occasion, he also extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the fire incident in Hanoi on September 12, and the flash flood in Lao Cai province.

Public security minister To Lam meets Chinese officials in China

Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam met with Chen Wenqing, Politburo member and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in Beijing on September 14. 

Chen hailed the outcomes of cooperation between law enforcement agencies of China with Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security and wished that in the near future, both sides would continue stepping up cooperation in areas of strength, particularly in the fight against crimes, to implement common perceptions reached by leaders of the two Parties and further reinforcing their cooperative ties.

Lam, for his part, said following the orientation of the top leaders of the two Parties, especially the results of the China visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong immediately after the 20th National Congress of the CPC, the relations between the two Parties and countries have made positive progress with fruitful results, benefiting the people of both countries.   

He stressed that the two sides have rolled out security and law enforcement cooperation across the fields, and have worked together to effectively prevent and fight trans-national crime, protect citizens and train personnel.  
         
He suggested that in the coming time, specific measures should continue to be taken to improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms as well as establish and expand new cooperation mechanisms. 
         
The Vietnamese minister proposed strengthening multilateral security cooperation in multilateral mechanisms; jointly maintaining an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world while effectively preventing and combating transnational crimes. He asked the Chinese side to assist the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in personnel training and capacity building in law enforcement.

The same day, Lam also had a meeting with Chinese Minister of Justice He Rong, during which the two officials discussing future cooperation orientations, and agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, personnel training and sharing of experience in the management of detention facilities and law building in both countries. They also vowed to accelerate negotiations and signing of an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between Vietnam and China.
     
Minister Lam also suggested the Chinese Ministry of Justice offer all possible support to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese prisoners serving sentences in Chinese detention facilities.

Also on September 14, Lam visited and talked with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in China.

Top legislator welcomes leaders of Inter-Parliamentary Union

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 14 for President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong, President of the IPU Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden, and President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians Cynthia Lopez Castro.

Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese NA highly values the role played by the IPU - a prestigious multilateral organisation in the world that operates with the goals of peace, cooperation, development, democracy, human rights, gender equality, progress and social justice.

The Vietnamese top legislator expressed his pleasure to welcome the guests to Vietnam to attend the 9th Global Conference for Young Parliamentarians (GCYP) in Hanoi. 

He thanked the IPU for choosing the Vietnamese NA to host the conference with the theme “The role of young people in promoting the realisation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) via digital transformation and innovations”, saying that with the close coordination of the IPU Secretariat, the Vietnamese legislature has established an organising committee and made early preparations for the event.

The IPU plays an increasingly important role in promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms, working with the United Nations to discuss solutions to current global problems, contributing to preserving peace, stability and sustainable development in the world, Hue said.

Since joining the IPU in 1979, the NA of Vietnam has always made efforts and actively and responsibly participated in IPU activities, Hue noted, adding that Vietnam is ready to work with the IPU and its member parliaments to implement IPU resolutions and initiatives, thus contributing to promoting peace and sustainable development for the common benefit of humanity.

The Vietnamese NA supports the movement "Say Yes to Youth in Parliament" launched by the IPU, and hopes that more and more young parliamentarians will join  parliaments around the world.

Expressing his great impression of this slogan, Hue said Vietnam has a very young population and the Vietnamese legislature has up to 124 young deputies in line with IPU standards, accounting for over 25% of the total number of legislators.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese legislature is ready to host other important events of the IPU, send appropriate delegations to attend events organised by the Union,  and nominate candidates for positions of the IPU Secretariat, the IPU, the IPU Forum of  Young Parliamentarians, and the IPU Bureau of Women Parliamentarians.

The NA Chairman took the occasion to suggest the IUP continue promoting programmes to build capacity for parliamentarians and the supporting apparatus of parliaments in general, and the Vietnamese NA in particular, and enhance the sharing of operational experiences among IPU member parliaments. He expressed the belief that the 9th GCYP will be a success.

For his part, IPU President Duarte Pacheco expressed his joy to witness what the NA of Vietnam has done to organise the conference, saying that along with the success of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) in Hanoi in 2015, the hosting of the 9th GCYP shows that the Vietnamese NA clearly understands the operation mechanism of the IPU and always has high commitments to contributing to the success of the IPU agenda.

The Vietnamese legislature always inspires and creates operation space for young NA deputies, he said, expressing his impression of the enthusiastic and energetic participation of Vietnamese young delegates at the seminar on strengthening digital capability for young people in Hanoi September 14 afternoon.

The agenda for the next three days of the 9th GCYP will make an important contribution to sustainable development by mobilising young people to join hands in overcoming difficulties after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to implement the SDGs until 2030, he stressed.

IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong said the 9th GCYP offers an opportunity to review and promote the implementation of the SDGs by mobilising the participation of youths, expressing his belief that with the enthusiasm and great interest of Vietnamese and global delegates, the results of the conference will be shared and used to promote the implementation of the SDGs, thus bringing real changes to the world.

At the meeting, President of the IPU Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden showed special impression of the number of young Vietnamese NA deputies, and shared her views on the need to listen to the voices of young people, look at problems from the perspective of young people to solve challenges.

Meanwhile, President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians Cynthia Lopez Castro congratulated Vietnam on its important achievements in empowering women.

“Make in Vietnam” innovative products introduced to global young parliamentarians

An exhibition themed “Khat vong Viet Nam” (Aspirations of Vietnam) kicked off at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on September 14 as part of activities in the framework of the 9th Global Conference for Young Parliamentarians (GCYP).

Jointly hosted by the National Assembly and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee, this is an important event to  introduce and promote innovative and creative products imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity and traditions, and scientific and technological achievements in Vietnam's digital transformation process.

In his opening speech, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha emphasised that from a backward agricultural country suffering from severe consequences of wars, Vietnam has made strong development steps since implementing the Doi Moi (renewal) policy.

Vietnam completed millennium development goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule and the country is actively implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said, adding that sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been included in and concretised in Vietnam's socio-economic development programmes and strategies.

In the context of complicated developments in the world and the risk of not realising SDGs in line with the set roadmap, digital transformation and innovation are the opportunity for countries, especially those at lower levels of development, Ha stated, noting that that the Vietnamese Party and State have issued many policies to promote innovation and digital transformation.

Through the exhibition, Vietnam wants to introduce its achievements in the field to international friends, thus inspiring international delegates and young global parliamentarians in upcoming debates on measures and policies, especially the role of parliamentarians, in perfecting the legal framework for promoting the implementation of SDGs through digital transformation and innovation, Ha went on.

On display are many "Make in Vietnam" products, which have earned recognition in the world, including unmanned aircraft using AI technology developed by CT Group, or 5G network equipment provided by Viettel Group.

Notably, a multilingual platform - Vietnam.vn - introducing Vietnam in seven languages developed by the Ministry of Information and Communications attracted attention of visitors.

The exhibition is expected to serve as an useful bridge for young parliamentarians to share experiences on digital transformation, flexible adaptation solutions after the COVID-19 pandemic and market fluctuations.

94 works receive National Press Awards on Culture, Sports and Tourism

Some 94 works by journalists from across the country have been praised for outstanding contributions to the national development of culture, sports and tourism.

The awarded works are the winners of the National Journalism Award titled "For the Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism," held for the first time this year, which include four first prizes, 15 second prizes, 25 third prizes and 50 consolation prizes.

A ceremony was held on Tuesday night by the event organiser – the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) – to honour the winners.

The contest received 1,084 works of individuals and groups of journalists, published and broadcast in five categories of press, including print, online, radio, television, and photo essays. 

Journalist Lê Quốc Minh, Chairman of the Việt Nam Journalists' Association and Chairman of the Final Council, said: “With more than 1,000 participating works, we consider it a success for a specialised journalism award, even in the first time of organisation."

"The number of participating works demonstrates meticulous attention from news agencies to the fields of culture, sports, and tourism, contributing to the overall success of the awards for the first time.” 

Trịnh Thị Thủy, Deputy Minister of MoCST, said: “Culture, sports and tourism have achieved accomplishments and positive changes. The responsible companionship of press agencies and a team of journalists has once again affirmed that the fields of culture, sports and tourism are of great interest to leaders of the State and all levels and sectors.”

The winning works that highlight achievements in culture, sports, and tourism have been meticulously prepared and comprehensively reflected with profound and meaningful messages.

In the television journalism category, the work that won the first prize was Discussion: 80 Years of Vietnamese Cultural Outline by journalists Nguyễn Quý Mạnh Minh and Lê Quang Nga from Việt Nam Central Studio of Documentary Scientific Film.

Discussion: 80 years of Vietnamese Cultural Outline tells the cultural flow throughout Việt Nam from the birth of the Vietnamese Cultural Outline in 1943 to the present time. The work paints a picture of Vietnamese culture through cultural works and specific cultural activities and achievements.

"In this era of information explosion, we want our work to spread in life. We always hope to create television works that not only adhere to real life but also are attractive to viewers," Minh said.

Trần Văn Huấn, a reporter at Báo Văn Hóa (Culture Newspaper), was awarded first prize in the Press Photo category with the photo essay themed A Person Who Brought The Land to Life and Became a World Heritage Site. 

His work tells a story about Bàu Trúc Village in the southern province of Ninh Thuận - the oldest pottery village by Chăm people in Southeast Asia. The village was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection by UNESCO.

"The award is an opportunity for journalists to exchange professional expertise. Our journalists always want to bring readers comprehensive news and new perspectives on the fields of culture, sports and tourism," Huấn said.

The first National Journalism Award "For the Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism" successfully honour the outstanding contributions of collectives and individuals of journalists to develop culture, sports, tourism, and family.

This is also an opportunity for journalists, reporters, and editors to exchange professional experience and expertise, contributing to improving the quality and efficiency of information and journalism activities.

Ca Mau continues facing coastline erosion

The southernmost province of Ca Mau has 105 of its 254 kilometres of coastline facing erosion.According to the latest report from the Ca Mau People’s Committee, the erosion has affected 33 kilometres of the western coast and 72 kilometres of the eastern coast.

The province recently declared a state of erosion emergency for 29 kilometres of six coastline sections in Nam Can, Ngoc Hien and Dam Doi districts with Ngoc Hien hardest hit.

Tran Hoang Lac, chairman of Ngoc Hien District People’s Committee, said that four local areas had been listed among the most severely-eroded localities. People in these areas have been relocated to safe places.

He added that the most effective measure is to build dykes.

The prime minister instructed Ca Mau to focus on tackling erosion, including dyke construction.

Due to capital shortages, the province is seeking government support to build coastal dykes.

Over 3,300 tonnes of rice allocated for localities during lean season

More than 3,300 tonnes of rice from the national reserve will be allocated to six provinces to support local people in light of the lean season in 2023.

Under Decision No.1049/QD-TTg recently signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, Lai Chau province will get nearly 472 tonnes of rice, Dien Bien 825 tonnes, Ha Giang 386 tonnes, Bac Kan 107 tonnes, Dak Lak 586 tonnes, Cao Bang 933 tonnes.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Ministries of Finance, and Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to take prime responsibility for rice allocation and make reports on the work.

Meanwhile, the People’s Committees of the six localities are responsible for provide support for the needy in a timely fashion and in line with regulations.

Book fair promotes reading habit to return to HCMC

The fourth book fair promoting reading habit among people will take place at the HCMC Book Street on September 13-17.

The fair will be divided into three areas, including Tram Tri Thuc (Knowledge Station), Tram Thien Nhien (Nature Station) and Tram Nghi Chan (Rest stop) with the participation of 25 display booths.

The book show’s organizers, Thai Ha Books and Thai Ha Book Club, hope to create a book shopping space for book lovers.

Participating stalls will donate 25 percent of their book sales to the Vietnam Fund for Reading Promotion which is operated by the Book Club and the Book ATM project to offer books and build book shelves in provinces and cities nationwide.

The third book fair promoting reading habit among people that was organized last December supported VND50 million (US$2,087) to the Vietnam Fund for Reading Promotion.

Vietnamese fashion designer showcase designs at New York Fashion Week

A Vietnamese fashion designer showcase designs at New York Fashion Week 2024 which took place at Spring Studio, USA.

The show of SIXDO - fashion brand of designer Do Manh Cuong at New York Fashion Week Spring - Summer 2024 (New York Fashion Week SS 2024) just took place at Spring Studio, USA.

At the show, designer Do Manh Cuong introduced 50 new designs performed by 30 models.

According to New York Fashion Week's standard regulations, each show usually lasts 9 minutes. However, the organizer agreed that Do Manh Cuong's show lasted about 15 minutes.

While performing, models walked along an S-shaped catwalk, instead of walking straight as usual because designer Do Manh Cuong wanted to make show viewers know more about Vietnam.

Vietnamese beauties and international stars attended the show such as:Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe Thailand 2007 Farung Yuthithum, actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, model Le Xuan Tien, Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 Ngoc Chau.

Thousands of lanterns and mooncakes of unknown origin seized in HCMC

The Ho Chi Minh City Market Surveillance Department seized thousands of lanterns and mooncakes of unknown origin on September 12.

On the afternoon of September 12, the Ho Chi Minh City Market Surveillance Department said that the Market Surveillance Team collaborated with the police force to check a toy store for kids in Chau Van Liem Street, District 5 and detected some 1,500 lanterns of unknown origin which would not meet safety requirements for consumers.

According to the business owner, all lanterns were traded in the market without any invoice or documents.

Previously, the market surveillance forces also detected and seized more than 600 mooncakes with their brand names Bei Yue Wan and Pamiriter without origin or invoices at food facilities in the districts of Phu Nhuan and Binh Thanh.

HCMC Police raze huge Polyester fiber smuggling ring worth about US$6.2 mln

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security launched a criminal probe into a ring smuggling Polyester fiber worth millions of US dollar from China into Vietnam on September 12.

On the same day, the HCMC Police also prosecuted and held in custody offenders Bach Tan Cuong, Nguyen Vinh Hoa, Huynh Thi Huyen Tram, Vo Thanh Tuan for the act of smuggling together with Truong Thi Le Hang, Nguyen Xuan Tung, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, Nguyen Tien Dung for the act of receiving bribes.

Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security detected the ring illegally importing Polyester fiber from China to Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Phuoc Province by Chinese in collaboration with Vietnamese.

During the investigation process, the police force identified that several officers and staff of Chon Thanh Customs Division in Binh Phuoc Province received bribes to skip customs clearance procedures.

The police identified that the Chinese offenders directed Cuong to establish Sunview Production and Trading Company, based in Dong Xoai City, Binh Phuoc Province. Tuan was assigned to open Long Tan Vina Production and Trading Company, based in Dong Phu District, Binh Phuoc Province to do import procedures. In reality, the two companies were “ghost” ones.

The offenders adjusted cargo information from Polyester fiber with an anti-dumping duty of 17.45 percent to mono-pylamen polyurethane fiber with an anti-dumping duty of zero percent.

After that, they performed customs declaration to import the goods at the Chon Thanh Customs Division to illegally import a huge number of Polyester fiber.

Some customs officers of Chon Thanh Customs Branch confirmed to receive bribes of VND3.5 million (US$145) per container.

During the expansion of the investigation, the functional forces raided companies and relevant warehouses in District 8, District 11, Binh Tan District and Binh Chanh District in HCMC where documents, e-signature and data related to Polyester fiber import activities of Sunview Production and Trading Company and Long Tan Vina Production and Trading Company were detected and seized.

Additionally, the police seized more than 700 tons of fiber without any invoice.

From March, 2023 to the detection period, the offenders illegally imported 258 containers of Polyester fiber with a total value of nearly VND150 billion (US$6.2 million) to gain illegal profits of more than VND500 million (US$21,000).

The case is under the investigation expansion process.

Vietnam’s National Day marked in UK, Morocco

The National Day of Vietnam (September 2) has been celebrated in the UK and Morocco.

Speaking at a ceremony in London on September 12, Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long recalled the historic moment on September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, opening up a new chapter in national history.

Since then, the Vietnamese people have overcome countless difficulties to safeguard the nation, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, making Vietnam one of the most dynamic economies in the Indo-Pacific, and a country of peace, friendship, cooperation and development which enjoys good relations with other countries and actively contributes to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world, Long stated.

Regarding the Vietnam-UK relationship, the diplomat stressed that it is at the best ever development stage in all fields, and consolidated through cooperation mechanisms and visits by senior leaders.

Sharing the same view, Minister of State in the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Anne-Marie Trevelyan showed her belief that the bilateral relations will grow further in the coming time.

Leaders, businesses and people of the two countries will continue to promote the warm and mutually beneficial friendship between the two countries, she affirmed.

A similar ceremony has also been organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Rabat capital of Morocco.

Measures suggested to deepen Vietnam-Laos friendship, solidarity, cooperation

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung outlined measures to help Vietnam and Laos further preserve, nurture, and deepen their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation in a recent interview to the Vietnam News Agency regarding the 61st anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations.

Hung noted that the world and regional situations are undergoing unprecedented and rapid developments coupled with the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, creating a complex mix of opportunities and challenges. The ambassador said he believes that Vietnam and Laos need to continue standing side by side, enhancing the effectiveness of their cooperation and, in the immediate future, focusing on three priorities.

First, they should continue to deepen their political relations, effectively implement high-level agreements, and maintain and improve the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between their top leaders. It is crucial to promote and raise the common understanding of the special relationship among their people from all walks of life.

Secondly, they should elevate their economic cooperation by expanding and upgrading the east-west transportation connectivity, establish cohesive cooperation mechanisms, and special policies to unleash resources. It is also necessary to create the most favourable conditions for Vietnamese and Lao businesses and peoples, resolve issues through breakthrough solutions, utilise new cooperation models, and lever free trade agreements serving better commercial efficiency, market expansion, and investment attraction. And

Thirdly, they should focus on the quality and effectiveness of human resources development to meet development needs and strengthen the bonds and solidarity between the two peoples.

Both countries have a solid foundation to maintain confidence in a bright future for their sustainable and special solidarity, the diplomat stated.

According to him, the bilateral political and diplomatic ties are becoming increasingly close and trustworthy, with high-level exchanges and interactions held regularly through all channels. Cooperation in defense-security and border affairs continues to be a vital pillar in the overall cooperative relationship, with the countries effectively teaming up in preventing and combating organised crime, transnational crime, and drug-related offenses.

Economic, investment, trade, cultural, and scientific-technical collaboration has been expanded, becoming more substantial and effective. Vietnam remains one of the largest investors in Laos. The connection of the two economies, especially infrastructure, transport, and energy, has been vigorously promoted. A significant strategic achievement is that Vietnam has facilitated Laos's access to the sea through its Vung Ang port, opening up new development prospects for the nation.

Joint work in education and human resource development are also a highlight. Over time, tens of thousands of Lao students have studied and conducted research in Vietnam, while thousands of Vietnamese students have studied in Laos.

Notably, Vietnam and Laos have focused on enhancing mutual support and assistance within regional and international forums, making a significant contribution to boosting each country's role and position regionally and internationally.

New format MTR: One King - Victory in Pride delivers big bonuses to winners

The second event of the professional Muay Thai Rampage (MTR) will return to HCM City on September 17 with a new format and huge bonuses for the winners.

The event entitled MTR: One King - Victory in Pride, will see thrilling fights between local and international martial artists at the Saigon Sports Club. 

It will be the first time a four-man-tournament format has been held in Việt Nam. There are only 60kg and 68kg categories with the participation of four fighter in each. 

Fighters will be randomly drawn and compete in knock-out matches. The winners will advance to the final. The champion will walk away with US$5,000.

According to organisers, participants are from world famous Muay Thai clubs such as Tiger Muay Thai Elite Team, Bangtao MMA and Soma MMA, which produce world-class UFC and One Championship winners such as Australian Alexander Volkanovski, Kyrgyzstani Valentina Shevchenko, Chinese Zhang Weili of China, Polish Joanna Jędrzejczyk, American Glover Teixeira, Russian Petr Yan and Brazilian Fabricio Andrade.

Vietnamese representative in the 60kg group is Nguyễn Văn Đức Nghĩa. The young fighter has only taken part in one pro match prior to this tournament, which he won.

He will face Amirhossein Kaviani of Iran, Julian Leo Gravinese of Japan and Ismail Al Kadhi of Cyprus.

Among them, Kaviani is the most favourite athlete as he won a gold medal in the International Federation Muaythai Association European Cup. He has competed 20 matches and recorded 16 wins and four losses.

In the 68kg pool, Vietnamese Trần Quốc Tuấn who is the WBC Muay Thai Việt Nam champion will fight Mahmoud Ali Moussa of the UK, Mukhammad Omonov of Uzbekistan and Mikhail Baranov of Russia.

There will also be six matches between Vietnamese Lý Đươl vs Nguyễn Võ Minh Quý (54kg); Nguyễn Thành Nam vs Huỳnh Văn Cường (50kg); Phan Trọng Hiếu vs Nguyễn Hữu Lực (60kg); Nguyễn Hoàng Hải Triều vs Diệp Thanh Tùng (62kg); South African Armando De Crescenzo vs Vietnamese Văn Minh Hùng Quân (81kg); and the only one bout of women Võ Vũ Lê vs Dương Thị Hồng Nhung (52kg).

The MTR: One King - Victory in Pride is organised by Shadow Entertainment, a company operating in the field of managing and training professional boxers and martial artists and organising events.

Shadow Entertainment is home to more than 30 local and international athletes such as WBA Asia champions Trương Đình Hoàng, Eric Pen and Lê Hữu Toàn as well as Muay Thai WBC winner Nguyễn Kế Nhơn, WBC Muay Thai International champion Trương Cao Minh Phát and WBA Asia South champion Nguyễn Ngọc Hải. 

Songbook featuring Vietnamese soldiers released

A songbook featuring Vietnamese soldiers by Meritorious Artist and veteran musician Thế Hiển has been released in HCM City. 

The book, Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers - The Wild Orchid), includes 40 of the best songs that the artist has written and composed during his 40-year-long career.  

It is published by the HCM City General Publishing House. 

Hiển selected these songs from his works about the country and soldiers, mothers and children, love and childhood. 

The book includes famous songs from the 1980s-90s, such as Hát Về Anh (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers), Khi Người Lính Trở Về (When Soldiers Return Home), Người Mẹ Và Hoa Sứ Trắng (Mother and White Frangipani), which are still fresh today. 

Songs about love and women are also included. 

Competency evaluation programme for prospective UN peacekeepers opens in Hanoi

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on September 13 to open the competency evaluation programme for prospective United Nations peacekeepers (CEPPP) under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of National Defence, the embassies and military attachés of the ADMM-Plus countries in Vietnam, the ASEAN Secretariat, and 18 delegations of the ADMM-Plus countries (Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the US, Vietnam, and Japan).

Addressing the event, Sen. Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, said the programme drew the participation of nearly 300 experts, trainees, and observers from ADMM-Plus members. It is the last activity of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations Cycle 4 (2021 - 2023) under the co-chairmanship of Vietnam and Japan.

This is the first time Vietnam has hosted such a large-scale multilateral activity on UN peacekeeping operations, helping affirm the country’s role, stature, and contributions to multilateral cooperation mechanisms on UN peacekeeping operations in the region and within the ADMM-Plus framework, he emphasised.

Co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations Cycle 4, Col. Nguyen Nhu Canh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations under the Ministry of National Defence, and Matsuzawa Tomoko, Director for Defence Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region at the Japanese Ministry of Defence and head of the Japanese experts’ working group, affirmed that the two sides have coordinated closely and obtained targets of the events they jointly organised, including the CEPPP.

The CEPPP closing ceremony is slated for September 21.

Science, education to foster Vietnam-Russia cooperation: Official

Evgeny Vlasov, Vice President for International Relations at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) of Russia and President of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association in the Primorye region, has highlighted prospects for cooperation in digitalisation and education between the two countries.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the 2023 Eastern Economic Forum (EEF 2023) in Russia’s Vladivostok city, Vlasov said in April, his university, the Vietnam National University - Hanoi, and Russia’s Sberbank agreed to establish a joint science group to study Artificial Intelligence (AI) and application programmes that affect Vietnam’s economic development.

AI-related tech projects with impact on different fields like agriculture, bio-tech, big data, information-technology, linguistics, and biology, among others, need the engagement of both Russia and Vietnam, he stressed.

The official suggested the two countries pay more attention to developing a contingent of experts in Vietnamese and Russian studies, and personnel training for businesses in order to boost their economic development as well as their bilateral cooperation, pledging FEFU will stand ready to play a role in this regard.

About President Vladimir Putin’s statement at 2023 EEF that developing the Far Eastern region is Russia's top priority for 21st century, Vlasov held that science and education will be main tools for Russia to cooperate with the region.

Both Vietnam and Russia have their own strengths, and once they work together to optimise them, the bilateral cooperation will grow further, he said.

Contemporary dance Sunset to be staged at HCM City Opera House

Vietnamese contemporary dance Hoàng Hôn (Sunset) will be performed at the Opera House on September 15.

The production consists of three parts – Hy Vọng (Hope), Tình Yêu (Love) and Ánh Mắt Hoàng Hôn (Sunset Eyes), reflecting people’s love, faith and loyalty during war time.

It is written and directed by experienced choreographers Nguyễn Phúc Hải and Nguyễn Phúc Hùng of the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO).

Both artists have choreographed and performed many dance pieces such as Những Mảnh Ghép Của Giấc Mơ (Dream Puzzles), Chạm Tay Vào Quá Khứ (Touching the Past), Đi Qua Tình Yêu (Gone Through Love), and Ru Đêm (Night Lullaby).

Hải, head of the HBSO’s Ballet Department, said: “The dance piece tells stories of war, but not recreating its cruelty or sorrow. We just want to highlight beautiful tales about people and things. However, there is still pain behind the stories because war is not a joke.”

The choreography is created by Hùng, a graduate in choreography of Fontys Dance Academy in the Netherlands, and Meritorious Artist Trần Hoàng Yến, one of the country’s leading dancers, who joins with Hùng in the choreography of many works such as the musical Dế Mèn Phiêu Lưu Ký (Adventure of a Cricket).

The performance will include Yến, young dancers Sùng A Lùng, Đặng Minh Hiền and Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh, and dancers from HBSO Ballet.

The show will also present vocalists Duyên Huyền and Phạm Trang, who will give performances in special moments to create drama for the dance.

The dance’s music is written by veteran composer Vũ Việt Anh, who earned his Master’s Degree majoring in composition at Waikato University, New Zealand.

Anh is popular among local music fans for his pop songs such as Dòng Sông Lơ Đãng (Wandering River) and Đêm Nằm Mơ Phố (Dreaming of Town).

He received national prizes for his instrumental works, such as Spring Prayer Suite for orchestra and choir and Trường Sơn Suite.

He composed music for HBSO’s works such as the musical Dế Mèn Phiêu Lưu Ký, and Ballet Kiều, which won top prizes at the 2021 National Dance and Music Festival in June.

The dance Hoàng Hôn premiered last November, and was highly regarded by critics and audiences.

The production is sponsored by the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports as part of its programme promoting Vietnamese works with high artistic value.

The performance will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. 

Fishing boat in distress towed to Song Tu Tay island

A naval vessel under Navy Region 4 on September 14 completed towing a fishing boat with an engine failure to Song Tu Tay (Southwest Cay) island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, the central province Khanh Hoa province.

At 3:00 pm the same day, the region received an SOS from the boat with the number plate of BD 7845TS drifting in the water due to an engine fault. It assigned Vessel 468 to search for and tow the boat with 13 fishermen aboard to the area.

Earlier the same day, Vessel 408 supported and towed another fishing boat with the number plate of PY92476TS with a rudder problem to Sinh Ton (Sin Cowe) island.

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