Young overseas Vietnamese (OVs) have played an important role in maintaining and promoting the national great unity bloc, and are valuable resources for national development.

There are currently around 5.3 million Vietnamese people living and working in more than 130 countries and territories across the world.

The number of OV students and postgraduates has increased rapidly in many countries, with more and more youths and students' associations established. They are the core force contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends.

Therefore, the youth force is always one of the priorities in the OV-related affairs.

Dinh Hoang Linh, Director of the Department of Information and Culture at the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said that Vietnamese youths and students abroad are active in connecting Vietnam with their host countries through the organisation of many important events.

With the Party and State’s consistent policy of encouraging OVs, particularly youths, to strengthen connections with the Fatherland, many activities have been organised in the country, targeting young Vietnamese people living around the world.

Linh said that a lot of mechanisms and policies have been also promulgated to attract and bring into full play resources of the young OV community.

In addition, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs has sponsored startup competitions organised by Vietnamese youths and students' associations abroad, and supported the connection of overseas intellectuals and businessmen with domestic agencies when they return home to work, he said.

Many ministries and sectors such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee have their own centres and programmes to assist innovation and startups. Therefore, young Vietnamese entrepreneurs abroad have also received a lot of support and incentives.

As a result, in recent years, the number of young OVs making contributions to the country has increased significantly, in many diverse and rich formats.

Vietnam beat Nepal 2-0 in ASIAD women's football opening match

Vietnam beat Nepal 2-0 in the first match in the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) women’s football on September 22 in Hangzhou, China.

Two goals for Vietnam were scored by Pham Hai Yen in the 53rd minute and Bich Thuy in the 64th minute.

Vietnam, who have targeted the second-place finish in Group D behind reigning champions Japan, faced significant obstacles from Nepal’s strong defensive formation in the first half.

Vietnam will play against Bangladesh on September 25.

The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, features a total of 40 sports and 481 events.

Vietnam dispatched a 504-strong delegation, including 320 athletes, to the tournament.

Winners of “Heritage Journey” photography contest announced

An award ceremony for the 9th “Heritage Journey” photography contest was held on September 22, honouring the winners of the contest and opening an exhibition of winning works.

The annual contest, initiated by the Vietnam Heritage Magazine in 2013, has contributed to promoting the beauty of the land and people of Vietnam to the world, particularly its internationally-recognised heritages.

Between April 1 and July 31, 2023, the contest received 186 photo series, 536 cover photos, and 19 single photos.

In the category of photo series, a special award was given to photographer Ngo Quang Phuc with photos about Ndam Padhi Bani rituals in Ninh Thuan province while the first prize was presented to photographer Bang Cao with photos about wild beeswax. 

In the category of single photo, the “Vietnam Airlines Moment” award was given to photographer Nguyen Ngoc Thien with a photo capturing a plane’s landing.  

Ly Thanh Huong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Heritage Magazine, said that the contest and the exhibition this year mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the magazine.

The annual photo contest provides materials for the magazine’s publications which join promoting Vietnam’s images to international friends, she said.

Early this month, the World Travel Awards has honoured the magazine as the winner of Asia’s Leading Inflight Magazine.

The exhibition will last until September 26 at 93 Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hanoi.

NA Chairman meets with President of Bangladesh

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin in Dhaka on September 22, during which he said that the Vietnamese State and people will never forget the wholehearted support provided by Bangladesh over the past five decades.

Chairman Hue affirmed that Vietnam is ready to help Bangladesh ensure food security, as evidenced by the recent signing of the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding on rice trade for the 2022-2027 period.

Apart from rice, Vietnam could export other products of Bangladesh’s interest, such as agricultural machinery, raw materials, household appliances, electronics, processed agricultural and aquatic products, and explore new areas of cooperation such as green textile and garment, education, sci-tech, especially climate change adaptation, he said.

Hailing Bangladesh as a promising market with a population of 170 million people, Hue announced a plan to hold a business forum with the participation of hundreds of enterprises from both sides, as part of his ongoing visit.

President Shahabuddin suggested Vietnam encourage firms to invest in Bangladesh's economic zones. He also expressed support for Vietnam's proposal to open direct flights to promote cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

He also agreed with Hue's suggestion to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese citizens to study, work, and do business in the South Asian country.

Lauding the successful talks between Chairman Hue and Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the host highly valued the role and contributions of the two legislatures to developing bilateral relations.

He also highlighted the significance of the signing of cooperation documents between the two legislatures and their offices during the visit, which will lay a foundation to strengthen their cooperation.

On international and regional issues of shared concern, both leaders agreed to offer mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN), the ASEAN and others.

On the back of the traditional friendship between the two countries and Vietnam's regard for Bangladesh's position, Vietnam consistently supports Bangladesh in enhancing its relations with ASEAN, Hue said.

On the occasion, Hue conveyed President Vo Van Thuong’s invitation to President Shahabuddin to visit Vietnam. The leader accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Hue seeks to become creative city of UNESCO

A symposium was held in Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on September 22, seeking measures to help the ancient capital achieve a listing in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) thanks to its culinary artistry.

Experts, businesses and individuals shared experiences of UCCN cities to help Thua Thien - Hue meet the criteria and soon enroll in the network.

Many said that cuisine is a feasible and suitable approach for the locality to build a creative city when joining the UCCN.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Director of the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies, said  that if Hue chooses the culinary field, the process of preparing data for the application in 2025 or 2027 will need a systematic implementation roadmap from now, and the city should gain experience from the Republic of Korea’s Jeonju city.

Permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Phan Ngoc Tho said that Hue's cuisine had as many as 1,700 out of 3,000 dishes in Vietnam recorded in the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945)'s documents.

Over the past years, the province has made efforts to preserve and promote traditional values, as well as the creativity for culinary development, thus contributing to creating livelihoods and income for local people as well as unique local cultural and tourism products.

This is in accordance with the requirements that UNESCO sets for candidates to join the network, he added.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a flagship city programme of UNESCO launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities which highlight culture and creativity as strategic drivers of sustainable urban development. As of 2022, there were almost 300 cities from around 90 countries in the network.

Forum promotes implementation of Vietnamese village project in RoK

A forum on the development of the “K-Vietnam valley” project was organised in Bonghwa county, North Gyeongsang province, the Republic of Korea (RoK) on September 21-22 to promote the construction of a Vietnamese village in the county.

The project is a strategic vision in enhancing culture, history and tourism-based exchanges between Vietnam and the RoK in the next 30 years.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung affirmed the embassy's support for the Vietnamese village project in Bonghwa, while hihglighting its significance in carrying out the county’s socioeconomic development plans, developing the Vietnamese community in the host nation as well as contributing to the Vietnam – RoK comprehensive strategic partnership through people-to-people exchange.

Deputy Governor of North Gyeongsang province Kim Hak-hong said that the village will become a tourist destination and cultural exchange site that makes contributions to the sound bilateral relations.

He said leaders of North Gyeongsang province will exert efforts to develop the village into a historical space, and expand collaboration between Vietnam the RoK.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Bonghwa county Park Hyeon-guk said that the village will help address the serious population decline in the county, while opening up a new space for the bilateral exchange over the next 30 years.

The 150-million-USD village project, now named “K-Vietnam valley”, is developed based on the historical exchange between the Ly dynasty and the RoK years ago. It is expected to breath fresh air into Bonghwa’s development through creating new jobs in rural areas and promoting tourism, among others.

The village will be developed on a area of 38,350sq.m, including a Vietnamese culture and history centre, a multi-cultural international school and a performance room.

The Korean province is home to a hall of the Ly Hoa Son (Lee Hwasan) clan, who are descendants of Ly Long Tuong, a prince of the Ly dynasty that ruled Vietnam between the 11th and 13th century.

After the Ly reign of the country fell in to the hands of the Tran dynasty in 1225, Tuong fled to Goryeo, now the Korean Peninsular, where he and his followers received a warm welcome by local King Kojong.

Goryeo was by then being threatened by the Mongol Empire. The Vietnamese prince allied with King Kojong in fighting the Mongolian aggression.

The defeat of the Mongolians earned him the king’s trust and respect. Tuong lived in the RoK until the day he died and became the founder of the Ly Hoa Son clan there.

A musical named “Ly Long Tuong” will be staged in Bonghwa village on September 22 as part of the local efforts to nudge the project closer to the public.

Da Nang fosters communications cooperation with China

Secretary of the Party Committee of the central city of Da Nang Nguyen Van Quang hosted a reception on September 22 for a visiting Chinese delegation led by Sun Yeli, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Underlining the need for the press and media sectors of the two countries to work more closely together to popularise the friendship between Vietnam and China, Quang hoped that Sun will continue to pay great attention to strengthening communication cooperation between the two nations.

For his part, Sun expressed his impression at the socio-economic development of Da Nang, and spoke highly of the city leaders’ vision.

He noted that Chinese media channels have signed media cooperation and information coordination agreements with their Vietnamese counterparts, including press and media agencies in Da Nang.

Both the CPC and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) follow the socialist orientation in order to bring happiness to the people, he said, noting that China and Vietnam have enjoyed sustainable and stable socio-economic development.

Communications activities on the building of the Party and State should be modernised to meet the demand of the reality, said the Chinese official, who suggested the need for press and media agencies of the two countries to increase exchanges and experience sharing and cooperation to enhance efficiency.

At the meeting, Quang and Sun shared experience and good practices in information and communications activities.  

They agreed on the necessary to guide the information flows, ensuring that all people access positive information, creating favourable conditions for social development. The two sides affirmed that the common goal of socialist-oriented countries is to work towards the interests of the people and make people's lives better and better.

US chicken festival 2023 takes place at BRGMart supermarkets

The US Embassy, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council in Vietnam, and the BRGMart supermarket chain jubilantly celebrate the commencement of “U.S. Chicken Festival 2023”.

The festival, which is taking place from September 22-30, will introduce the signature and amazing cuisine made from US chicken imported directly by BRGMart.

This festival is designed to introduce unique dishes suitable for Vietnamese taste from the main ingredient being clean - fragrant - delicious US chicken, thereby promoting the unique culture and lifestyle of the “Land of the stars and stripes”.

The United States has been known as a highly developed agricultural powerhouse with a variety of famous agricultural and meat products exported across the world, such as apples, grapes, chicken, beef, etc. Among them, US Chicken is a unique product that is preserved by modern technology to maintain good quality. Put in attractive packages, this product is rich in nutritional value and particularly suitable for Vietnamese taste.

During this festive season, BRGMart specially introduces to customers a culinary festival showcasing dishes made from the US Chicken, namely Honey Grilled Chicken, Crispy Fried Chicken, Stir-fried Chicken with Lemongrass and Chili, Salt Roasted Chicken, and Fried Chicken with Fish Sauce, along with cooking demonstrations by BRGMart's top chefs.

Customers to BRGMart supermarkets have a chance to explore and enjoy great dishes made from the US Chicken, as well as interact with top chefs and shop for delicious US Chicken Drumsticks, along with various attractive promotions.

Ralph Bean, Representative of the US Embassy in Vietnam, said "We highly appreciate the recent cooperative relationship of the U.S Poultry & Egg Association with BRGMart. Today's event contributes to promoting one of the greatest products of American agriculture. Thanks to the great efforts of reputable retailers like BRGMart, the output of US chicken imported into Vietnam is increasing, affirming the quality of products and the trust of Vietnamese consumers."

“The BRGMart supermarket chain brings consumers high quality products at the lowest price, many of which have been imported directly and ethically from leading countries around the world, aiming to fully caters for consumers’ needs in just one shopping trip,” Nguyen Thi Hien, Deputy General Director of BRGMart, shared.

The BRGMart supermarket system belongs to the Hanoi Export - Import and Retail Consumer Goods Company Limited, with nearly 50 supermarkets under the brand name BRGMart/ Minimart Haprofood BRGMart in 7 provinces and major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen.

Vietnam’s Top 10 digital technology companies named for 2023

Vietnam’s Top 10 digital technology companies in 2023 were announced at a ceremony in Hanoi on September 22.

Among them are Viettel Solutions, OneMount Group, VNPT, Mobifone, Rang Dong and FPT.

Launched 2 months ago, the organising board selected 104 nominations in various fields to honour the top 10 digital technology enterprises in Vietnam.

According to statistics, the total revenue in 2022 of these 104 businesses reached 164 trillion VND (6.7 billion USD), accounting for 43.75% of the total revenue of Vietnam's software and information services sector.

According to statistics of the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association, the IT sector posted nearly 34 billion USD in revenue with 440,000 workers in 13,800 companies in 2013. Those figures increased five-fold after 10 years, with total revenue reaching 148 billion USD and a workforce of 1.3 million.

Minister calls for preparation of workforce for AI ecosystem

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat has called for preparing a workforce for artificial intelligence (AI), thus contributing to the sustainable development of the AI ecosystem in Vietnam.

Addressing the opening of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Festival 2023 (AI4VN) in Ho Chi Minh City on September 22, Dat said the building of this workforce aims to achieve the goal of making Vietnam an innovation and AI hub in ASEAN and the world, as outlined in the national strategy on research, development and application of AI till 2030.

Via the two-day event, he said the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) wants to connect Government officials, experts, scientists, businesses and investors interested in AI at home and abroad.

The UK Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Emily Hamblin, said the solutions on display have demonstrated the development of Vietnam's technology sector with the active involvement of numerous enterprises. The event provides a platform to promote AI application in daily life.

Initiated by MoST, the event was held for the first time in 2018. This year, it took the theme “AI: Power for Life" with the plenary session discussing hot topics to help the community and businesses gain a better understanding of AI technology applications in daily life. It also serves as a bridge for Government agencies, departments and businesses to discuss policies for AI development in Vietnam.

The event also featured a business leaders' conference on technology, discussions on AI trends in finance, AI and big data application in healthcare, and a showcase area where nearly 30 domestic and foreign exhibitors introduced prominent AI products.

PM’s visit hoped to lift Vietnam-Brazil ties to new height: Ambassador

The official visit to Brazil by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to contribute to lifting the relations between Vietnam and the Latin American country to a new height, stated Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Pham Thi Kim Hoa in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

According to the diplomat, Brazil is the number one partner in the Latin American region of Vietnam. With a population of more than 211 million, Brazil is a promising market for Vietnam. The country is also the gateway for Vietnam to enter the Latin American market, she said, adding that Vietnam is also a door for Brazil to ASEAN and other Asian countries.

Ambassador Hoa said that PM Chinh is the first leader of Vietnamese Party and Government to pay an official visit to Brazil since the trip by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh in 2007. Therefore, it bears great significance to the promotion of bilateral partnership in the future, she said, holding that it will mark the opening of a new period of cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.

Talks and meetings between PM Chinh and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, leaders of the Federal Senate and authorities of a number of states of Brazil as well as local businesses are hoped to beef up bilateral cooperation and deepen the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, making it more substantial.
   
Ambassador Hoa said that promoting bilateral ties is the main content on the agenda of PM Chinh's visit. According to the diplomat, Vietnam and Brazil have their own strengths and potential, which when the two countries work together will produce resonant effects benefitting each country's development and international integration.

The Vietnamese Government leader’s visit is taking place on the thresholds of the 35th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2024, she said, asserting that the outcomes of the visit will add meaning to this milestone, guiding the elevation of bilateral relations to a new height in the future.

The ambassador said the visit is hoped to open up new cooperation opportunities for both sides in areas of climate change response, new energy development, digital transformation, energy and food security, regional integration and security, sustainable growth and equality in international relations.

These are issues on which the two countries share many similar viewpoints and can learn from each other’s experience and support each other for common development, she said.

Within the visit’s framework, a Vietnam-Brazil business forum will be held, providing a chance for businesses of the two countries to seek cooperation opportunities and possibilities. This will be a good chance for the two sides to explore each other’s business culture and the demands of consumers in each country to design specific cooperation and investment plans, including in coffee production.

Highlighting economic cooperation potential between the two countries, Ambassador Hoa noted that two-way trade reached 6.78 billion USD in 2022. Vietnam exports to Brazil seafood, animal fat, rice, iron and steel, ceramics, electronic components, garment and footwear, while importing zinc, plastic, all kinds of meat, food processing by-products, rubber and fibre from the Latin American country.

The diplomat said she hopes PM Chinh’s visit will help facilitate the trading of more products between the two countries, especially farm produce towards more balanced trade.

Particularly, the two sides are expected to propose effective policies and measures to expand their export products to balance bilateral trade, thus benefiting both Vietnam and Brazil, especially in the context that the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is considering the signing of a free trade agreement with Vietnam, she stated.

Vietnamese FM meets with Iranian, Mexican counterparts in New York

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had separate meetings with his Iranian and Mexican counterparts in New York on September 22 on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

At his meeting with Iranian FM Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the two ministers agreed to make greater efforts to implement specific agreements reached during Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue’s official visit to Iran in August, especially improving the effectiveness of economic and trade cooperation as a priority in the bilateral relations to soon increase two-way trade to 2 billion USD.

Hossein Amir Abdollahian affirmed Vietnam is an important partner of Iran in Southeast Asia, hoping that the two countries will strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums.

He also proposed measures to promote bilateral trade cooperation in the coming time, including the effective implementation of periodic consultation mechanisms between the two sides.

At the meeting between the Vietnamese and Mexican ministers, the two sides expressed their delight at the positive development of the bilateral relations in recent years on both bilateral and multilateral aspects.

Son proposed the two countries continue promoting economic and trade collaboration to a new height, and showed his hope to continue fostering multi-faceted cooperation with Mexico.

Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Barcena affirmed that Mexico attaches special importance to its friendship and cooperation with Vietnam. She said that the two sides need to maintain close coordination at international and regional mechanisms, including the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.

The two sides also discussed preparations for delegation exchange activities at all levels, especially high-level ones, in the coming time.

At these meetings, Son affirmed the common stance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Vietnam on the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and ensuring safety and security of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

NA Chairman meets with Vietnamese community in Bangladesh

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Bangladesh on September 22 within the framework of his official visit to the South Asian country.

The top legislator said this is the first visit by a Vietnamese NA Chairman to Bangladesh, and described it as a significant activity when the two nations are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He reviewed the Vietnam – Bangladesh relations, and briefed the overseas Vietnamese of the outcomes of his talks with the Speaker of the Bangladeshi Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, during which the first-ever cooperation deal between the two legislative bodies was signed in the past five decades.

Leaders of both countries affirmed efforts to increase two-way trade from 1.5 billion USD to 2 billion USD, and to a higher level in the coming years, he said, adding they expected that a direct air route between the two nations will be opened soon, helping to promote economic, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchange activities so as to bring benefits to both sides.

Briefing Vietnamese nationals in Bangladesh of the home country’s socio-economic situation with robust results as well as vibrant foreign affairs, Hue highlighted the new visa policy, which took effect from August 15 with the duration of an electronic visa increasing from 30 to 90 days for single or multiple entries, will create favourable conditions for the tourism sector.

He went on to say that Vietnam is envisaged to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income nation by 2045 under the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress.

To achieve the mighty aspiration, Vietnam should seize every opportunity, including promoting the economic diplomacy’s role, enhancing internal strength, and capitalise on external resources, he added.

The Party and State always consider overseas Vietnamese communities as an integral part of the Vietnamese people, he stressed, saying solidarity, persistence, as well as concerted efforts have helped them overcome challenges, and well integrate into the host nations.

Hue expressed his hope that the Vietnamese nationals in Bangladesh will always turn their hearts to the homeland, work to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two nations, and pay due attention to building the community and cultural institutions towards bolstering exchanges with the Vietnamese people communities in other countries.

President visits families affected by flash flood in Lao Cai province

President Vo Van Thuong on September 22 paid a field trip to and presented gifts to families affected by a recent serious flash flood in Lien Minh commune of Sa Pa township in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai.

The flash flood on September 12 night killed five people, left two missing, injured seven others, and caused damage to local production and business, particularly aquaculture and homestay services.

On behalf of Party and State leaders, President Thuong extended his condolences to families of the deceased and missing, and his sympathy to those who suffered asset losses.

He asked local authorities to continue mobilising resources to search for the missing people, and review the damage to promptly support affected people.

The President presented gifts to the flood victims, encouraging them to overcome difficulties, soon stablise their lives and resume their production and business.

On this occasion, individuals and organisations provided necessities and cash to assist local people.

Lien Minh is a poor commune of Sa Pa township with four out of its seven villages in extremely disadvantaged areas. The commune is home to 3,739 people from five ethnic groups. It still has 168 poor households, and 255 near-poor families.

Vietnam, Bangladesh foster people-to-people exchanges

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue received President of the Bangladesh-Vietnam Friendship Society (BVFS) Shamsher M. Chowdhury in Dhaka on September 22 as part of the top legislator’s visit to Bangladesh.

Hue described the establishment of the BVFS in early 2023 as a milestone, helping to enhance understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, as well as the bilateral relationship.  

The NA leader pledged that after the visit he will instruct the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) to coordinate with the BVFS in cooperation activities, and consider the formation of the Vietnam-Bangladesh friendship association.

Hue also suggested the BVFS work harder to contribute to trade and investment promotion, helping Vietnamese and Bangladeshi businesses explore each other's markets.

For his part, Chowdhury, who is also former Foreign Minister and former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, stressed that Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam at the ambassador level.

Vietnam is one of the countries that have played an important role in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

He emphasised that Hue’s official visit to Bangladesh will contribute to strengthening the bilateral political, diplomatic and economic ties, while fostering the friendship, cooperation and exchange between the people of the two countries.

Chowdhury said the BVFS will propose the Bangladeshi government name a road in Dhaka after President Ho Chi Minh.

Seminar honours Vietnam-Cuba special fraternal solidarity

The Vietnam- Cuba Friendship Association of Hanoi and the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh district on September 22 co-organised a seminar on the Vietnam-Cuba special solidarity, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Leader Fidel Castro's historical visit to Vietnam (September 1973 - 2023).

The event was an opportunity to review historical moments, honour the fraternal solidarity and arouse the pride in the valuable support of Leader Fidel Castro and the Cuban people for Vietnam. It was also a chance to pay tribute to generations of leaders and people of the two countries who have continuously consolidated and developed the special fraternal solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba over the past six decades.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Van Hay, President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association of Hanoi, said the image of Leader Fidel Castro in an olive military uniform and raising the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam in September 1973 has become a symbol of revolutionary heroism as well as the faithful and pure Vietnam-Cuba relations.

Fifty years have passed, Fidel's affection still has a deep impression in the minds and lives of many Vietnamese people, continuing to be a symbol of revolutionary heroism, undaunted spirit and aspiration for freedom and happiness, a symbol of close relations with the Vietnamese people, he said.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén said he believed that the seminar will help the young generations of the two countries have a better understanding about meaningful milestones in the history of the bilateral ties, thereby fostering and preserving Vietnam-Cuba relations.

He affirmed that in his position he will continue to make efforts to further strengthen and expand the good traditional relationship between the two countries.

President hosts Japanese Crown Prince, Crown Princess

President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 22 for visiting Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.

Thuong expressed his belief that the visit by the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will significantly contribute to enhancing understanding between people of the two countries, and creating a firm foundation for the bilateral friendship and cooperation to grow further in the future.

The President noted with pleasure positive results in the bilateral collaboration in all spheres, from politics to economy, trade, investment, culture, and education-training, as well as cooperation between localities and people-to-people exchange.

The Vietnam-Japan relationship is at its best ever, Thuong affirmed, adding that there is adequate basis for the two countries to elevate it to a new high in the time ahead.

The President suggested Japan create more favourable conditions for nearly 500,000 Vietnamese to live, study and work in the host country, and pledged that Vietnam will create optimal conditions for Japanese businesses and people to operate and live in the Southeast Asian nation.

For their part, the Japanese couple conveyed the message from Emperor Naruhito and the Empress to President Thuong and his spouse, in which the Emperor extended his regards to the Vietnamese couple and expressed his hope that the visit by the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will contribute to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
 
For his part, Crown Prince Akishino expressed his impressions on quick and great changes and development in Vietnam since his visit to the country 11 years ago, and rejoiced at the strong, comprehensive and outstanding development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership over the past time.

He stressed that similarities in culture and mutual respect have created a firm friendship foundation of the two countries, which has been inherited, cultivated and strengthened by successive generations.

Thuong and his spouse asked the guests to convey their invitation to the Emperor and the Empress to visit Vietnam at an early date.

Top legislator receives leaders of Bangladeshi political parties

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue received leaders of political parties in Bangladesh on September 22 as part of his official visit to the country.

At the meeting with President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Shah Alam, Hue expressed his hope that the visit will contribute to consolidating and enhancing the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in different spheres, including in the channels of political parties and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnam always treasures the valuable support of the CPB and the people of Bangladesh during the Southeast Asian nation’s past struggle for national independence, as well as its present cause of national construction and development, he said, praising contributions by CPB members in this regard.

On this occasion, the NA leader conveyed regards from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong to the President and other leaders of the CPB.

Hue affirmed that to achieve its set targets, Vietnam needs support and solidarity of international friends, including Bangladesh and political parties in the country.

Having affirmed that the CPV always treasures its traditional friendship with the CPB, the NA Chairman wished the CPB will successfully fulfill the set targets and tasks and continue to uphold its pioneering role in the communist, left-wing movement in Bangladesh.

For his part, Alam noted his hope that Vietnam will soon become a development partner of Bangladesh.

Both leaders also agreed on the need to enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in general and the two Parties in particular, promote investment and trade ties, and open direct air routes between the two countries soon.

Alam said he hoped that there will be more Vietnamese businesses to operate in Bangladesh for mutual benefits.

Vietnam and Bangladesh will continue to support each other’s views and stances at multilateral and international forums, with the respect for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), thus ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea, and addressing disputes by peaceful measures, they affirmed.

Meeting with President of the Workers Party of Bangladesh (WPB) Rashed Khan Menon, who is also Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Welfare Ministry, Hue also conveyed regards from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the WPB leader and members.
 
Menon emphasised that the relationship between Vietnam and Bangladesh has been developing across fields, with remarkable achievements seen in the bilateral trade and investment ties over the past time.

He suggested the two countries strengthen their cooperation as ample room remains and the two economies are reciprocal, and increase the exchange of delegations, especially those of youths and women.

Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always attach importance to and want to foster the traditional friendship with Bangladesh in all channels and sectors.    

The leader suggested the CPV and the WPB increase experience sharing in the Party building, and national construction and development, and agreed with Menon’s view on the need to enhance the exchanges of young people.

On this occasion, the NA Chairman invited the President of the WPB to pay a visit to Vietnam in the time ahead.

Vietnam, UK enhance cooperation in law enforcement

A high-ranking delegation of the Ministry of Public Security led by its Deputy Minister Lieutenant General Le Quoc Hung paid a working visit to the United Kingdom from September 16-21 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in law enforcement.

The delegation held talks with Minister of State (Minister for Immigration) at the Home Office Robert Jenrick, visited the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), worked with the Metropolitan Police (Met) and visited several Met units.

In the talks with Jenrick, the two sides appreciated close cooperation in crime prevention and control, contributing to ensuring national security, social order and safety in each country.

Some areas of cooperation are becoming the key to law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, including in immigration management, and prevention and control of crimes related to human trafficking and illegal immigration.

The two sides agreed to boost cooperation in an extensive, effective and practical manner, helping to build political trust and deepen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the UK.

They pledged to maintain and promote the exchange of delegations at all levels; share experience and information in immigration, repatriation and entrance-exit; and coordinate in investigations into cases related to human trafficking, illegal immigration, use of high technology, fraudulent appropriation of property, financial crimes, and money laundering.

Hung suggested the two sides soon negotiate and sign an agreement on the extradition of criminals to complete the legal corridor and create favourable conditions for future cooperation activities.

After the talks, the two sides conducted expert-level discussion sessions on several cooperation areas of mutual interest, including the issue of receiving citizens, fighting falsification of visa application documents, communications about safe migration, and the organisation the 2nd Vietnam - UK Migration Dialogue in London, and the consideration of organising an online appeal hearing for Vietnamese citizens whose asylum requests denied by the British side, and the fight against human trafficking.

To increase the effectiveness of information exchange and serve investigation and verification, the UK's Home Office proposed the two sides research, build, negotiate and sign an agreement on the sharing of criminal records in the near future.

Visiting the NCA, Deputy Minister Le Quoc Hung and Rob Jones, Director General for Operations at the NCA, committed to working closely to exchange and share experiences and information in the fields of crime prevention and control, especially those related to illegal migration, cybercrimes, and those using high technology, and money laundering; and coordinating in holding seminars, and capacity building training courses.

Working with the Metropolitan Police, the Vietnamese officer suggested the two sides promote coordination and share experiences in ensuring security and order, especially for high-level delegations, special events, and important and key targets of each country.
 
He proposed the British side organise training courses to improve the capacity of officers and soldiers of the Ministry of Public Security, and share experiences in building criminal databases, and consider the possibility of establishing cooperative relations between Met and the Hanoi Department of Public Security.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Public Security'S delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

President attends ceremony marking 65 years since Uncle Ho’s visit to Lao Cai

President Vo Van Thuong on September 23 attended a ceremony in Lao Cai to celebrate 65 years since Uncle Ho’s visit to the northern mountainous province.

During his visit to the province on September 23, 1958, Uncle Ho asked the provincial Party Organisation and ethnic groups to promote solidarity, step up production, ensure social order, protect their cultural identity, and make efforts to turn Lao Cai into a more prosperous and happier province.

More than 30 years since its re-establishment, Lao Cai has been developing strongly, from a war-ravaged locality and one of the country's six poorest provinces, to lead the Northwestern region in terms of socio-economic development, with average economic growth during 1991-2022 reaching nearly 10%, and GRPD per capita hitting nearly 90 million VND (3,690 USD) per year.

Congratulating Lao Cai on its major achievements over the past years, President Thuong asked the province to exert greater efforts to realise its set goals as the achievements have yet to be commensurate with its potential and strengths.

Weak competitive capacity, asynchronous socio-economic infrastructure, and poor structure and quality of human resources and environmental protection have failed to meet sustainable development requirements, he said, adding that more work should be done to narrow income gap between rural and urban areas, improve livelihoods of people in mountainous areas, and stabilise local security and order.

He asked local officials, party members and people to follow President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle, and strive to build Lao Cai into a developed province in the nation by 2045.

Due attention should be paid to bolstering socio-economic development, enhancing the application of scientific-technological advancements, and capitalising on local potential and strengths to build Lao Cai into a growth pole of the northern mountainous and midland region, a centre to connect trade and investment between Vietnam and other ASEAN countries with China’s southwestern region, and a key area for tourism development, border gate services, metallurgical and chemical industries, and medicinal materials, he said.

Additionally, the province should focus on the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultures and healthcare, reduction of the number of poor households, and boosting environmental protection.

He particularly stressed that the province must pay heed to the party building work; enhance party rectification, criticism and self-criticism; promote the responsibility for setting examples of officials and party members; and strengthen anti-corruption work.

At the event, 65 typical individuals in following President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle were commended and rewarded.

The same day, President Thuong visited and presented gifts to teachers and students of Lao Cai boarding high school for ethnic minorities.

Vietnam always facilitates innovation activities: PM

The Vietnamese Party and State always support and facilitate innovation activities, and continue perfecting related institutions, mechanisms and policies, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has told members of the Vietnam Innovation Network (NIC) in the US.
 
At a meeting with the NIC members in New York on September 22 afternoon (local time), PM Chinh, who has been in the US to attend the high-level week of the UN General Assembly’s 78th session, proposed the network's innovation activities focus on new fields such as digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, sharing economy and infrastructure (including hard, soft and digital infrastructure), and education and training.

Innovation is not only in socio-economic development but also in cultural development, including the cultural industry, he stressed.

Recalling the country's development goals to 2030 and 2045, the leader said that to achieve these goals, each person's efforts and contributions are needed in the spirit of inheriting and promoting the tradition of “turning nothing into something, turning difficult into easy, turning impossible into possible”.

The PM shared about the fundamental factors in the process of national safeguarding and development, major directions and outstanding achievements of Vietnam in socio-economic and cultural development, foreign affairs and international integration. He emphasised the need to always be in a state of innovation, because resources originate from thinking and awareness, motivation from innovation and creativity, and strength from people and businesses.

Appreciating the establishment of the NIC, which has received support from many people, the Government leader said that for the network to continuously grow, it is important to harmonise benefits, share risks, and bring practical benefits to members and participating parties.

Innovation must be linked to the reality and must bring greater efficiency that can be measured, he said, asking the network's members to continue staying united and inspire innovation and creativeness for others.

At the meeting, the network's members shared experiences, and proposed ideas, programmes and plans to expand the network, mobilise more resources from the network, and tighten the relationship of the intellectual community in the US with Vietnam, as well as providing policy suggestions for socio-economic development, especially in high-tech fields and emerging industries.

Vietnam, Bangladesh foster people-to-people exchanges

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue received President of the Bangladesh-Vietnam Friendship Society (BVFS) Shamsher M. Chowdhury in Dhaka on September 22 as part of the top legislator’s visit to Bangladesh.

Hue described the establishment of the BVFS in early 2023 as a milestone, helping to enhance understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, as well as the bilateral relationship.  

The NA leader pledged that after the visit he will instruct the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) to coordinate with the BVFS in cooperation activities, and consider the formation of the Vietnam-Bangladesh friendship association.

Hue also suggested the BVFS work harder to contribute to trade and investment promotion, helping Vietnamese and Bangladeshi businesses explore each other's markets.

For his part, Chowdhury, who is also former Foreign Minister and former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, stressed that Bangladesh was the first country in South Asia to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam at the ambassador level.

Vietnam is one of the countries that have played an important role in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

He emphasised that Hue’s official visit to Bangladesh will contribute to strengthening the bilateral political, diplomatic and economic ties, while fostering the friendship, cooperation and exchange between the people of the two countries.

Chowdhury said the BVFS will propose the Bangladeshi government name a road in Dhaka after President Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnam attends IAEA Board of Governors meeting

A Vietnamese delegation led by Ambassador Nguyen Trung Kien, Governor - Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has attended a regular meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.

The meeting, from September 11-15, reviewed the IAEA’s annual reports, which will be submitted to the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, scheduled to take place from September 25-29 in Vienna, Austria, and looked into other issues.

In his remarks, Kien affirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance on supporting non-proliferation, towards the complete and thorough disarmament of nuclear weapons, and stressed the need to ensure the balance among the three pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Vietnam always supports the role of the IAEA, he said, speaking highly of technical cooperation programmes, especially the ongoing ones, between Vietnam and the IAEA such as the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC).

He called on the IAEA to step up its technical support and cooperation with Vietnam in the areas of shared concern.
 
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation hosted a party to thank international friends for their support and cooperation during its 2021-2023 membership of the Board of Governors, which is expected to end after the board’s October meeting.

Seminar honours Vietnam-Cuba special fraternal solidarity

The Vietnam- Cuba Friendship Association of Hanoi and the People’s Committee of Ba Dinh district on September 22 co-organised a seminar on the Vietnam-Cuba special solidarity, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Leader Fidel Castro's historical visit to Vietnam (September 1973 - 2023).

The event was an opportunity to review historical moments, honour the fraternal solidarity and arouse the pride in the valuable support of Leader Fidel Castro and the Cuban people for Vietnam. It was also a chance to pay tribute to generations of leaders and people of the two countries who have continuously consolidated and developed the special fraternal solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba over the past six decades.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Van Hay, President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association of Hanoi, said the image of Leader Fidel Castro in an olive military uniform and raising the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam in September 1973 has become a symbol of revolutionary heroism as well as the faithful and pure Vietnam-Cuba relations.

Fifty years have passed, Fidel's affection still has a deep impression in the minds and lives of many Vietnamese people, continuing to be a symbol of revolutionary heroism, undaunted spirit and aspiration for freedom and happiness, a symbol of close relations with the Vietnamese people, he said.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén said he believed that the seminar will help the young generations of the two countries have a better understanding about meaningful milestones in the history of the bilateral ties, thereby fostering and preserving Vietnam-Cuba relations.

He affirmed that in his position he will continue to make efforts to further strengthen and expand the good traditional relationship between the two countries.

Heat move closer to fourth VBA championship with second finals victory

With a second victory against the Nha Trang Dolphins by a score 77-72 in the VBA 2023 Finals best-of-five series, defending champion Saigon Heat inched closer to its fourth championship in the row.

The second game was held on Thursday (September 21) at Nha Trang University Arena, Nha Trang City.

Just like in Game 1, the Dolphins took the early lead thanks to their control of the painted area.

However, after just a few minutes, Kentrell Barkley of the Heat gradually found a way to break the home team's defence and helped the guest take back the lead (18-14) after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Dolphins could not break the strong defence of the Heat.

The host had to play outside the three-point line. However, their shooters did not have good form and they missed most of their three-pointers in the second quarter.

Poor shooting caused coach Predrag Lukic and his team to fall behind the guest.

The Heat's shooters, meanwhile, had a better performance.

After Lê Quang's three-point play in the seventh minute of the second quarter, the guest created a double-digit lead for the first time, 32-22.

In the remaining time of the second quarter, the Heat took advantage of many turnovers of the Dolphins and the defending champion increased the lead to 17 points at 39-22 before the break.

After the break, Võ Kim Bản and Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh once again helped the Heat to dominate the opponent and create a 20-point lead.

With five minutes to go in the quarter, Dominique Tham of the Dolphins had to leave the court due to injury.

However, top scorer Robert Sampson had a poor performance so Tham had to come back on the court.

Tham quickly helped the host reduce the deficit to 59-43 before the final quarter.

In the final quarter, Robert Sampson was on the bench. Rookie Hứa Kỳ Anh surprisingly played his best game while Dominique Tham was forced to work hard at both ends of the court to keep the hopes of the home team.

Tham made his first three-point shot of the match which helped the Dolphins narrow the gap to 10 points, 61-51.

Point guard Madarious Gibbs made a counterattack after a turnover from the Heat to bring the score to a one possession game at 67-65 

However, that was the best they could do. The Saigon Heat quickly gained a safe lead of 75-68 thanks to Phú Vinh and Kim Bản's clutch shots.

With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, the home team had to commit fouls to get the ball back.

However, Kentrell Barkley shut the last hope for the host and sealed the 77-72 victory for the Heat by making his free throws.

Player of the Game Barkley had another double-double in the Finals with 30 points and 11 rebounds. 
After this match, the defending champion Saigon Heat is only one victory away from their fourth consecutive championship.

As for the Nha Trang Dolphins, coach Predrag Lukic and his team needs to quickly recover if they do not want to be swept in their first appearance in the VBA finals. 

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