More than 10,000 samples for the second COVID-19 testing of delegates to and personnel serving the 13th National Party Congress turned out negative for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 as of 8pm on January 24.

According to regulations, all delegates to and personnel serving the event must undergo two tests: the first conducted within seven days prior to the congress and the second within one or two days.

Both tests of the more than 10,000 people showed negative results.

The COVID-19 testing aims to ensure a safe environment for the 13th National Party Congress, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from January 25 to February 2.

Amid the pandemic’s complex developments around the world, the Ministry of Health recommended all anti-COVID-19 measures be complied with to ensure safety for the congress and the Lunar New Year holiday.

The COVID-19 tally in Vietnam stood at 1,548 as of late January 24, including 1,411 recoveries and 35 deaths./.

Vietnam Airlines performs nearly 30 flights on Jan 24 serving 13th Party Congress

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines operated nearly 30 flights on January 24 to carry nearly 400 delegates attending the 13th National Party Congress.

This was the peak day during the period from January 20 to January 25 when the airline transported Congress delegates to Hanoi for the big event.

Vietnam Airlines has concentrated resources, including modern aircraft and experienced and skilled personnel, to well perform the task of transporting delegates and ensure safety during the process.

The airline built flight schedules in accordance with the traveling needs of delegations, as well as scenarios and plans to ensure the highest efficiency of its service.

Vietnam Airlines performs nearly 30 flights on Jan 24 serving 13th Party Congress hinh anh 2
The airline builds flight schedules in accordance with the traveling needs of delegations, as well as scenarios and plans to ensure the highest efficiency of its service (Photo: VNA)

On the occasion, Vietnam Airlines has prepared 10,000 standard masks decorated with the Party’s flag for the delegates attending the Congress.

To ensure absolute flight safety, Vietnam Airlines also strictly abides by security regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

Previously, CAAV issued a decision requesting aviation security control be raised to Level 1. Accordingly, aviation security control measures will be enhanced at all units in the sector, including airport authorities, airports, aviation service providers, air traffic service suppliers, Vietnamese airlines, and foreign carriers operating in Vietnam./.

Vietnamese people continue to place trust in ruling party

With the upcoming 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam set to take place from January 25 to February 2, the event has captured the attention of experts, scholars, as well as international media that believe the occasion will prove to be a great success.

Over recent days, Reuters news agency of the UK has published several articles detailing ongoing preparations for the country’s most important political event, noting the feelings of local people about the role of the Communist Party in charting the national development course.

According to Reuters, Vietnamese people continue to hold strong opinions about the leadership of the Party, with many expecting the congress to be a great success and further consolidate the ruling party’s leadership role.

Presenting economic figures, the article noted that under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam has achieved an impressive annual GDP growth rate of 6% over the past five years, even reaching 2.9% in 2020 despite the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic globally.

Reuters quoted Tran Si Chuong, former professional staff member of the Banking Committee for the United States House of Representatives, as saying a large number of foreign businesses have shifted their capital into the country, and this FDI wave serves as a driving force behind its positive economic growth.

Asia Today of the Republic of Korea commented that the 13th National Party Congress is poised to bring fresh impetus to the nation’s socio-economic development goals, in addition to its multilateral goals revolving around peace, security, and prosperity, both regionally and globally.

According to the Asia Today, despite still facing challenges relating to infrastructure, human resources, and sustainable development, the country harbours great ambitions to transform its economy into an innovation-based digital economy. This will serve to boost reforms relating to inclusive development whilst keeping pace with ongoing global trends.

Concurring with this point of view, Edward Teather, ASEAN economist at UBS Research Institute, noted that despite suffering some pain  caused by the impact of COVID-19, Vietnam’s future outlook is “looking like one of the brightest in the region.”

“Vietnam is growing and is well-positioned to continue to take a global market share in terms of exports going forward, so pretty bright prospects exist in a relative sense in the region,” Teather told CNBC, a world leader in business news and coverage of the financial markets in the US.

Furthermore, the Asia Times based in Hong Kong ‘decoded’ Vietnamese people’s trust in their ruling party following the successful containment of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Vietnam’s success story has been attributed to effective closures and lockdowns, high levels of masking, aggressive contact tracing, and clear communication of risk to the public. These measures have been made possible because of high public trust in the Communist Party of Vietnam.”

Finally, Multipolar World magazine of Russia recently ran an article written by Dr. Evgeny Kobelev, first vice president of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, shedding light on the Communist Party of Vietnam’s role in leading the nation to victory over the pandemic.

The leading Russian scholar on Vietnam studies noted that the 6th National Party Congress in 1986 created a historic turning point due to the approval of the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) policy that ensured successful development and social stability moving forward. Over the past three decades, Dr. Kobelev stressed that Vietnam has been able to sustain growth of between 5% and 7%. Despite COVID-19, the Vietnamese economy continues to grow, while most other countries recorded contractions to their GDP.

The scholar also voiced his belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnam will achieve the goal of becoming a prosperous and happy nation and, by the mid-21st century, will be a socialist-oriented developed country.

Tour the 500-year-old pottery village in Hội An

Clay buffaloes are featured at Thanh Hà Pottery Village in Quảng Nam Province’s Hội An City.

With just three weeks to go before the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, the Thanh Hà craft Village in Quảng Nam Province’s Hội An Town is busy making sets of clay buffaloes, in the hope that the zodiac sign of the 2021 Lunar New Year will bring about a year of prosperity and luck.

The 500-year-old craft village is famous for its traditional pottery products and is a tourism hot spot in central Việt Nam.

Thanh Ha pottery has distinguished itself from others thanks to its diverse colors. The villagers use clay from the Thu Bồn River to make pottery products.

To celebrate the 2021 Lunar New Year which ushers in the Year of the Buffalo, they have created clay buffaloes in a variety of sizes and designs.

Vietnam reports no COVID-19 case on January 24

Vietnam reported no new COVID-19 cases on January 24, announced the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

The national count remained at 1,548.

As many as 1,411 patients were given the all-clear from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 while the number of deaths related to the disease was kept at 35.

Among patients undergoing treatment at medical establishments across the country, nine tested negative for the virus once, 15 others twice and seven thrice.

A total of 20,536 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or entered Vietnam from pandemic-hit areas are under quarantine, including 128 in hospitals, 19,202 in state-designated establishments and 1,206 at their homes.

The committee requested continuing with prevention and control measures to prevent the resurgence of the virus in the community./.

Russian scholar: CPV – a Party of people, for people

Prof. Alexander Sokolovsky from the Far Eastern Federal University has affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is always a Party of the people and for the people.

Sokolovsky, who is also Chairman of the Russia – Vietnam Friendship Association of Primorsky province, made the affirmation in his article published on the Russian Spring (Rusvesna) e-newspaper on January 23. He had 40 years of close connection with Vietnam in science, education, socio-culture and visited the country many times.

In the article, he not only highlighted Vietnam’s achievements in all social aspects but also expressed appreciation for the country and people. He said the beauty and richness of Vietnam is not only endowed by the nature but the diligence and high responsibility of people also, which help them achieve the goal of peace, stability and prosperity.

According to him, generations of the Vietnamese people trust on the power of the CPV founded by legendary President Ho Chi Minh nine decades ago. The maintenance of economic growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic is a remarkable proof of Vietnam’s stability.

He wrote that the CPV’s sound leadership was also demonstrated in external affairs. Vietnam hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2017, served as ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. The country also actively worked with partners within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The scholar expressed his belief that the 13th National Party Congress will be the next lighthouse with clear plans to take the country to a new development period, and wished that the event will be a success./.

Vietnamese, Swiss educational establishments partner in hospitality training

At the signing ceremony, which saw the attendance of Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland Le Linh Lan (centre)

Cityland Education (CE) and Switzerland’s famous hospitality management school École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) recently inked a cooperation agreement at a ceremony which saw the attendance of Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland Le Linh Lan.

Under the deal, CE has become a partner of the training programme that follows EHL's world-renowned quality-assurance standards in hotel management.

In her remarks, Lan welcomed CE’s vision that contributes to a peaceful future, stable society and economic growth of Vietnam via capacity and skill development for the country’s high quality young human resources. 

The Vocational Education & Training Licensing (VET) programme by EHL is a blended skills training model based on a Swiss competency framework. 

The curriculum emphasises practical learning, designed to enable graduates to be work-ready upon completion. 

The programme will comprise four courses and be held in Phu Quoc island city in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.

CE is a member of CityLand Investment Company Limited (CityLand) which develops and operates a multi-industry business.

Switzerland is the sixth largest European investor of Vietnam, with a total investment worth about 2 billion USD. Meanwhile, Vietnam is the fourth leading trade partner of Switzerland in ASEAN.

Two-way trade surpassed 3.6 billion USD in 2019.

The countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2021.

Flower decoration sets Vietnamese record

Tourists take photo with the giant flower bouquet in Sa Đéc City.

A giant flower bouquet made of florist’s daisies and crown of thorns flowers has been recognised as the biggest of its kind by the Vietnam Book of Records.

The model is on display at the food zone located on Sa Nhiên - Cai Dao flower street, Tân Quy Đông Ward, Sa Đéc City in the southern province of Đồng Tháp.

According to Trần Thanh Điền, the bouquet's creator, the bouquet is 10m long, 12/1m wide and more than 5m high. It was made by 20 people in two months and finished on January 5.

It is composed of 1,200 bamboo plants, 400kg of iron, 260 pots of florist’s daisies and 50 pots of crown of thorns. The end of the bouquet is set up into a spring-themed miniature scene.

The display of the giant original flower bouquet has attracted many visitors to the area.

Its recognition presented by the Vietnam Records Organisation will be included in the annual record publications jointly published by the organisation and the Vietnam News Agency.

Gathering with Vietnamese from the RoK ahead of Lunar New Year

The Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese (ALOV) and the Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Centre based in the Republic of Korea (RoK) held a gathering in Hanoi on January 23 ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year festival.

The event aimed to strengthen solidarity between Vietnamese people at home and abroad, especially those in the RoK, contributing to promoting cultural exchange between the two countries and preserving traditional cultural values of Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Nguyen Vu Tung stressed that the Vietnamese community in the world and in the RoK in particular always stay united and make active contributions to the country’s common achievements in the fields of socio-economy-culture.

He wished that they will continue joining hands to create a driving force for national development with new progresses./.

HCM City coffee house features ethnic decor

The coffee house Nha cua Mi in HCM City’s Bình Thạnh District attracts many visitors with its Thai, Tay and H’mong decor.

The coffee house named Nhà Của Mị in HCM City’s Bình Thạnh District attracts many visitors with its decor featuring characteristics of the Thái, Tày and Mông ethnic groups.

The 200sq.m shop located at 110 Vũ Huy Tấn Street has around 500 dried cobs of corn brought from ethnic communities in the northwestern mountains, hanging on wooden pillars.

Trusses, poles and handrails are made of wood to mimic the traditional communal homes of the Thái, Tày and Mông people.

At the entrance are rows of golden corn hanging to dry from the ceiling. This is a custom among many ethnic groups in Việt Nam's northwestern region, who hang not only corn but also wheat, barley, grains, and other harvested crops from the ceiling.

The chairs at the coffee house have cushions covered in ethnic brocade patterns.

Another fun feature is that guests can borrow ethnic costumes for free to take pictures.

The staff are decked out in ethnic costumes. A waitress can be seen wearing a traditional embroidered Mông hat and shirt. 

Indian politician hails CPV as true representative of Vietnamese nation

Pallab Sengupta, Politburo member and head of the International Department of the Communist Party of India (CPI), has affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is the true representative of the entire Vietnamese nation.

In an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the upcoming 13th National Party Congress, Sengupta said founded in 1930, the CPV led the Vietnamese people from success to success in the fight against French colonialists, Japanese and American imperialists via heroic struggles to win independence in the north, national reunification in 1975, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

He said all National Congresses of the CPV became turning-point events of the nation, playing a significant role in perfecting strategies for the Vietnamese revolution as well as national development plans suitable with realties.

Sengupta made it clear that Vietnam’s achievements are a result of great contributions by the CPV, from planning to directing and applying proper strategies towards sustainable development. Vietnam today is a reflection of the CPV and its contributions, he said.

He recalled that since the sixth National Party Congress in 1986 that made important decisions on political and economic reform, Vietnam achieved breakthrough steps of development in the next more than decade with the GDP growth in about double digits. Vietnam today is one of the most significant manufacturing hubs open to the world with export turnover equivalent to the gross domestic product.

During the period of transition to socialism, Vietnam focused on efforts to ensure socio-economic fairness and consolidate the national economy, especially reducing poverty and increasing social welfares in health care and education, he said, adding that the renewal process has brought about wide-ranging successes to the country.

Commenting on the tenure of the 12th National Party Congress, Sengupta stressed that any one should herald achievements in industrial modernisation and agriculture development based on modern technology that Vietnam earned following the Congress. During the period, socio-political stability and national defence-security continued to be strengthened. Vietnam also witnessed successes in its foreign policy based on the principles of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, development and multilateralisation of external relations, thus improving its prestige as a responsible member of the international community.

According to him, the 13th National Party Congress will review successes, difficulties and lessons to perfect strategic goals towards the 100th anniversary of the CPV and a development vision towards the 100th anniversary of the country, as well as set out tasks for the Party in the next five years.

He expressed his hope that political results of the Congress will exert deep impacts on socialism development in Vietnam based on Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. 

Sengupta expressed his belief that along with promoting socio-economic development, the CPV will consolidate its defence capacity and firmly safeguard national independence and sovereignty. Via bolstering cooperation with all countries on the basis of the foreign policy of independence, peace and friendship, Vietnam will make further contributions to the struggle for peace and a fair world order, he said.

In his view, new leadership of the CPV will do their best to accelerate socio-economic reform and continue leading socialism building in Vietnam.

On behalf of the CPI, he wished the 13th National Party Congress will be a success.

Zipline tour in Yên Bái is must-do for adventurers

A zipline tour in Yên Bái Province.

Việt Nam’s longest zipline tour is a great way to see the beautiful mountains and rice fields of Văn Chấn and Mù Cang Chải districts in Yên Bái Province.

Aeris Hill amusement park in Tú Lệ Commune in Văn Chấn District recently launched the zipline tour service, stretching 1.2 kilometres. It offers a panoramic view popular with photographers and trekkers for its bucolic, majestic beauty.

A station at each end of the line alerts staff to ensure users land safely. The trip takes one to two minutes.

The second part of the zipline, stretching over 200 metres, requires the addition of a parachute on the customer's back to slow them down.

Aeris Hill is open every day except Wednesday from 8.30am to 6pm. Tickets start at VNĐ200,000 (US$8.7) per person, which includes a zipline tour and other activities like zorbing, high rope games, and rock climbing.

Learn how to love the environment at Trạm Xanh

Trạm Xanh (Green Station) located on a small alley on Nguyễn Thái Bình Street in HCM City’s District 1 is a special green space that aims to inspire love for the environment.

At Trạm Xanh, launched by a group of young women, visitors have a chance to practice a green lifestyle with many items made of environmentally friendly materials.

The Green Station aims to promote a stable lifestyle by using ‘green’ products that do less damage to the environment.

Many visitors are impressed by the venue, which displays recycled products like handbags made of old jeans, blankets made of pieces of cloth, bamboo brushes, bamboo straws, bags made of lotus leaves, and more.

Visitors can also taste herbal teas made of natural ingredients and learn about natural detergents made from orange and pineapple peels.

Every month, Trạm Xanh organises film screenings about plastic waste, ecological agriculture, plants and the earth to provide visitors with more knowledge about the environment and promote a devotion to nature. 

Indonesia supports safe, transformative digital ecosystem in ASEAN

Indonesia is encouraging the creation of a safe and transformative digital ecosystem in support of the planned cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in the telecommunications sector, the country’s Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate, has said.

The cooperation will be directed towards the development of a digital community and economic block, which will hinge on technological service and a safe and transformative digital ecosystem, he affirmed during a virtual dialogue between ASEAN Digital Ministers and Japanese Minister of Home Affairs and Communication Masayoshi Shintani.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN), held from January 18 to January 22.

Plate said the planned cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in information and communication technology will be in line with Indonesia's priority, including the development of 4G digital infrastructure across Indonesia, initial dissemination of 5G, and upholding of cyber security to support security, data reliability, and digital infrastructure.

In addition, the planned cooperation will involve use of digital technology in the health sector, including in efforts to manage COVID-19 and the vaccine program, he pointed out.

Indonesia believes that strong connectivity is a prerequisite for digital transformation to strengthen economic capacity in ASEAN, Plate remarked.

Meanwhile, the management of data, which has significant economic value, needs a framework that is jointly agreed upon, he said./.

“Road with the Sun” to be screened to celebrate 13th National Party Congress

A scene in "Con duong co Mat Troi" (Photo: www.sggp.org.vn)

“Con duong co Mat Troi” (Road with the Sun), a film by the People's Army Cinema, has been chosen to be introduced at a national film screening week to celebrate the 13th National Party Congress, the 91st anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3) and the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

The film features the daily life of young soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army, who are full of enthusiasm and have strong trust on their path, a path with the sun ahead and light from the Party.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event will take place from February 3 to 18 across the nation.

Other films that will also be screened at the event include documentaries “Nho ve Tay Tien” (Remembering Tay Tien) and “Hanh trinh thu phap Viet” (Journey of Vietnamese calligraphy).

Audience is asked to strictly follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The 13th National Party Congress is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from January 25 to February 2.

Meanwhile, Tet, the largest and most celebrated festival of Vietnam, falls on February 10-17 this year./.

Hoa Binh culture on show in downtown Hanoi

Various cultural features of ethnic minority groups in the northern province of Hoa Binh were showcased in Hanoi’s pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake over the weekend.

Dubbed Hoa Binh Province’s Culture and Tourism Festival, the event gathered thousands of representatives from the province performing art, gongs, offering cuisine and local delicacies, folk games and displaying artful photos.

Addressing the opening ceremony on January 22 night, Chairman of the Hoa Binh People’s Committee Bui Van Khanh said Hoa Binh civilisation is famed all over the world and the province also hosts an honourable revolutionary tradition and diverse natural resources.

The province is home to six ethnic minority groups, who have made up distinctive indigenous cultural features, he said.

He called Hoa Binh a beautiful land created by mountains, hills and the magnificent Da River. The Hoa Binh Hydropower Lake offers a romantic landscape with hundreds of green islands, which help produce a stable source of electricity for the whole country.

Through this event, the province wants to introduce domestic and foreign tourists to its tourism products and the profound humane beauty of the land, he said.

Khanh pledged the province will offer the best conditions for enterprises and tourists visiting and investing in the province.

The event, which is set to be close on January 24, attracted a sizable crowd.

Cuban diplomat appreciates CPV’s leadership

Chargé d'Affaires of the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam Irmina Perojo has stressed that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Vietnam reaped a great deal of successes during 35 years of renewal.

In an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Perojo attributed Vietnam’s successful control of COVID-19 to the brainpower of the Party, drastic actions of authorities at all levels to protect people’s health, proper measures promptly adopted by the Government for each period, collaboration between the State and ministries and agencies, as well as coordination of the entire society in the fight against the pandemic.

She said Vietnam also offered medical supplies and financial aid to over 50 countries and international organisations, including developed nations. She also spoke highly of the efficiency of COVID-19 testing kits manufactured by Vietnam.

According to her, Vietnam’s capacity was also demonstrated in the design of mobile phone apps to make it easier to trace down COVID-19 infection and high-risk cases, as well as collect public health information on a large scale.

She added that Vietnam’s successes was also highlighted on the mass media in the US, Russia and Germany. Public opinion polls showed the high public trust n the Vietnamese Government. Many foreign organisations and world leaders congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in the fight.

With the dual goal of combating the pandemic and restoring the economy, Vietnam closed the year 2020 with an economic growth rate of 2.91 percent – listed among the countries with highest growth rate worldwide, and a trade surplus of over 19 trillion USD, she said.

Under the CPV’s leadership, Vietnam also stepped up economic integration and fulfilled its role in promoting peace and multilateralisation of ties worldwide. The year 2020 was also a success in the country’s foreign policy in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the ASEAN Chair.

She expressed her belief that the CPV will lead the country towards new successes in the future. 

She spoke highly of preparations for the upcoming 13th National Party Congress from the grassroots level, including documents to be submitted to the event.

She said it is an undeniable success that Vietnam could gather a large-scale Congress with over 1,500 delegates taking part amid complicated developments of the pandemic worldwide at present. Diplomats and representatives from international organisations in Vietnam will be honoured to witness this important political event and are satisfied about living in one of the most successful countries in the fight against COVID-19.

She also highlighted the CPV’s determination in promoting the fourth Industrial Revolution and e-Government, adopting technological advances to make the country strong in information technology in the region in the future.

In her view, the CPV will continue ensuring progresses in social welfare, health care, education-training, science and technology, natural resources protection and environment, culture and human values.

On the occasion, Perojo also wished that the 13th National Party Congress will be a success and sent New Year wishes to the Vietnamese people./.

Special stamp issued to celebrate 13th National Party Congress

The Ministry of Information and Communications, in conjunction with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education, launched a stamp collection on January 22 aimed at celebrating the 13th National Party Congress.

The 43x32 mm stamp has been designed by artist To Minh Trang of the Vietnam Post Corporation. The unique item features a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh and a flag bearing the hammer and sickle symbol in the background.

The stamp also features the number thirteen in Roman numerals to signify the upcoming 13th National Party Congress.

The collection is set to be available on public postal network from January 22 until December 31, 2022.

German research institutes hail Vietnam’s achievements

Major German research institutes and foundations have spoken highly of Vietnam's efforts in fighting COVID-19 and boosting economic development on the threshold of the 13th National Party Congress, and highlighted priorities of the country’s leaders in the next five years.

In an article published on the website of Hanns Seidel Foundation, which is among the leading political research foundations in Germany, author Magdalena Knödler noted that the 13th National Party Congress, one of the most important political events of the country, will be slated for late January in Hanoi.

During the Congress, a socio-economic development strategy for the 2021-30 period and development policy goals for the upcoming five years will be put forth, along with orientations on the country's policies regarding internal and external affairs.

Streets have been decorated with banners, posters and national flags.

Knödler remarked that 2020 was a difficult year for Vietnam. However, the country well performed the dual roles of the Chair of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, thereby enhancing its influence in the region.

The ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and elevation of the EU-ASEAN relations to a strategic partnership also took place in the year.

According to the article, regional and international integration will continue to define Vietnam’s external relation policy.

Meanwhile, the Konrad Adenauer foundation, in its recent report, affirmed the results of the Congress will determine the future domestic and foreign policy direction and will be groundbreaking for Vietnam's economy in the next five years.

Vietnam is becoming more attractive in the region and the world as business partners are welcomed, while the country has stable political background and favourable investment conditions, the report underlined, citing the signing of the EVFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

Overseas Vietnamese in Egypt believe in homeland’s future

Overseas Vietnamese in Egypt believe in the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and expect that the country will further prosper following the 13th National Party Congress, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Tran Thanh Cong.

In an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Cairo, Ambassador Cong said following the 12th National Party Congress, Vietnam achieved progresses in the fields of economy, politics, socio-culture, national defence-security and diplomacy.

Specifically, the country was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and undertook the ASEAN Chair in 2020. Vietnam has so far established diplomatic ties with over 190 nations. Achievements in external affairs also contributed to national construction and development, he said.

According to him, Vietnam contributed to maintaining an environment of peace and stability in the region, and especially fostering ties with traditional friends, major powers and strategic partners to create an environment conducive to national development.

After the implementation of the Resolution adopted by the 12th National Party Congress, the diplomatic sector made great contributions to national development, he said, adding that successes gained from the 12th National Party Congress have improved the country’s stature, which provided a source of inspiration for the Vietnamese community in the world and Egypt in particular.

He said the 12th National Party Congress’s leadership brought new images of the Vietnamese people on the international arena, which is also expectation of overseas Vietnamese in the country.

Mekong Delta province launches tourism culture week 2021

A tourism culture week running with the main theme of flowers was launched on January 22 in Sa Dec city in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap.

Doan Tan Buu, vice chairman of Dong Thap province’s administration, said the week-long event is being held with the aim of honouring the province’s various flower growers whilst helping tourists to learn more about the culture of the locality.

It is hoped that through the event the administration will be able to expand co-operation alongside travel agencies in order to increase the number of tours, thereby attracting increasing numbers of domestic arrivals, he noted.

The event is scheduled to last through to January 27, with a wide range of activities taking place, including displays of flowers and ornamental plants, a flower boat competition, a Miss Ao Dai (traditional long dress) beauty contest, along with a street art festival.

A conference will be held to boost tourism co-operation between Ho Chi Minh City and 13 localities throughout the Mekong River Delta.

Music show honours strong will of soldiers on Truong Sa

The annual music show “Truong Sa Spring”, the ninth of its kind, was held in Hanoi on January 23 to honour strong will and aspiration of officials and soldiers who are safeguarding sea and island sovereignty of the nation.

Throughout its eight editions, the electronic newspaper Dang Cong San Viet Nam (Communist Party of Vietnam) raised over 50 billion VND (2.17 million USD) from organisations and businesses, which were used to donate tens of houses, hundreds of saving books and valuable gifts to naval staff and their families.

The organising board hoped that organisations and individuals will continue joining hands to safeguard Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

Participants at the event were treated with songs and dances praising seas, island and the nation./.

Malaysia reports new COVID-19 cases at workplace

Malaysia has logged 350 new COVID-19 clusters since the start of last December, including 225 related to the workplace, making up 64.3 percent.

On January 23 alone, the country reported 11 additional clusters, eight of them at the workplace. 

The country's Director-General of Health Noor Hisham said 80 clusters are in manufacturing, 53 in construction and 31 in the services sector. Employers are asked to observe preventive measures to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Since December 1 last year, 112,225 people were tested for COVID-19, and 28,477, or 25.4 percent were positive with the SARS-CoV-2 that caused the disease.

On January 23, Malaysia saw a highest daily infections of 4,275, raising the national tally to 180,455, with a death toll of 667.

Meanwhile, Thailand had 198 new cases on the day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 13,500, with 73 fatalities. Among the new infections, there were seven imported ones./

Vietnamese in RoK expect Congress to mark new milestone

The Vietnamese people at home and abroad believe that the upcoming 13th National Party Congress will mark a new milestone in the national development, said Chairman of the Vietnam – Korea Businessmen and Investment Association Dr. Tran Hai Linh.

In an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Seoul, the Republic of Korea (RoK) Linh, who is also a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, said the Congress is a significant political event that will encourage the entire Party, people and armed forces to continue speeding up comprehensive and synchronous reform, carrying the country towards rapid and sustainable development.

Documents of the event will not only review the implementation of the Resolution adopted by the 12th National Party Congress but also 35 years of renewal, 30 years of the implementation of the 1991 Political Platform, the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy, and outline socio-economic development for 2021-2025.

The outlining of targets and orientations to 2030 and vision to 2045 also hold significance, contributing to global integration and national development, he said.

He expressed his wish that the Congress will choose and elect talented personnel with moral virtue to the Party Central Committee, and especially top leaders of the Party and State, to help the country overcome challenges in the coming years.

He suggested that the country should seek true strengths and spearhead sectors for development for the coming time, with a focus on those bringing surplus value and developing human resources in the shortest time.

Linh also hoped that the Vietnamese Party will continue cracking down on corruption, set key economic targets following the COVID-19 pandemic, firmly safeguard territorial sovereignty, improve Vietnam’s position on international arena and global integration.

Source: VNA/VNN/VNS/SGGP/VOV/NDO/Dtinews/SGT/VIR