The tourism sector of the central city of Da Nang has intensified its promotion and marketing efforts to attract more tourists from key target markets including China, Japan, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, according to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh.

It successfully connected new flight routes that were recently launched, such as the Da Nang - Ahmedabad (India), and flights of Malaysia Airlines to the city, contributing to meeting the growing travel demand and opening up new opportunities for economic, education, and culture cooperation, Hanh said.

Many tourism promotion programmes were conducted in regions of China in November this year, aiming to provide information about destinations, new products, events, festivals, the environment, and programmes targeting MICE tourists and weddings; and at the same time gather feedback and proposals from travel agencies regarding the resumption of flights from Chengdu (China) to Da Nang, as well as policies for cooperation and attracting tourists between the two localities, she noted.

The department is focusing on introducing beach resort tourism, cultural, and cuisine tourism, shopping and MICE tourism, golf and wedding tourism, and festivals of Da Nang to partners and travel agents in Kunming, Chongqing, and Yunnan of China at a Vietnamese culture-tourism festival in Kunming and a programme to promote the Vietnamese culture and tourism in Chongqing which were organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Da Nang has long been a favourite destination for Chinese tourists. Its promotion activities aim to showcase Da Nang as a safe, friendly, and hospitable tourism destination, towards connecting with partners, updating information about its new products, and promoting the opening of new flight routes from large Chinese cities to Da Nang in the near future.

China consistently remained a key market for Da Nang's tourism in 2016 – 2019, with a stable annual growth in tourist numbers. In 2019, Da Nang connected 26 regular and charter flight routes to major Chinese cities.

Da Nang continues to solidify its reputation as an attractive, safe, green, clean, and hospitable destination, consistently earning international recognition through awards and traveller accolades. The central city is projected to welcome 10.3 million tourists in 2024, up 39% year-on-year, including an estimated 4.2 million foreigners. The central tourism hub aims to serve 10.5 million holiday-makers in 2025, up 6% from 2024./.

Top legislator Tran Thanh Man arrives in Singapore for official visit

A high ranking delegation of Vietnam led by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man arrived at Changi international airport on December 1 afternoon, beginning an official visit to Singapore at the invitation of Singapore Parliament Speaker Seah Kian Peng.

Man and his entourage were welcomed at the airport by Singapore MP Dr. Wan Rizal, and other officials from the Singaporean Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Vietnamese Ambassador Mai Phuoc Dung and staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore were also present.

Man’s visit aims to promote cooperation between the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Singapore, deepen the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership, share parliamentary experiences between the two countries, and demonstrate the Party and State's commitment to the Vietnamese community abroad. The visit will also provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

During the visit, Man will hold talks and meetings with Singapore’s highest leadership, including Parliament Speaker Seah Kian Peng, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. He will also meet with leading Singaporean corporations currently investing in Vietnam.

After arriving at the airport, Man travelled to the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy where he met with officials and staff of the embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Singapore.

NA Chairman meets with Vietnamese community in Singapore

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and his spouse Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga, along with a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese legislature, met with the staff members of Vietnamese representative agencies and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Singapore on Sunday evening, as part of their official visit to the country. 

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phước Dũng, the 25,000-strong Vietnamese community always adheres to local laws and serves as a bridge between the two countries.

At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr Vũ Minh Khương from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of Singapore expressed his delight at Việt Nam's strong transformation in the new era. He strongly agreed on the need to urgently streamline the political system's organisational structure to ensure its operational effectiveness. 

The expert also praised the NA leader’s speech on addressing institutional bottlenecks and barriers, laying the groundwork, and making comprehensive preparations for the country to enter the new era. He also valued the innovations of the legislature during its recent 8th session, particularly in law-making. 

Representatives from Vietnamese associations and the community expressed their confidence and hope that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV), the country's development policies and orientations in the new era will soon be realised, creating groundbreaking advancements, propelling the nation toward rapid, strong progress in the near future.

NA Chairman Mẫn said that his visit aims to accelerate the process of upgrading Việt Nam-Singapore relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2025.

He noted that the cooperation between Việt Nam and Singapore has maintained its stable development momentum in recent years, saying economic and trade cooperation stands out as a highlight of the bilateral ties.

According to the NA leader, Singapore remains Việt Nam's fourth-largest trading partner within ASEAN. Singapore currently ranks second among the 145 countries and territories that invest in Việt Nam.

Notably, the 18 Việt Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) across 13 cities and provinces in Việt Nam are seen as a symbol of successful economic cooperation between the two countries.

Briefing the overseas Vietnamese on their homeland's socio-economic situation, the top legislator said the diplomatic work has been strengthened, and Việt Nam's position and reputation on the international stage have been elevated.

The NA Chairman lauded the role of the Vietnamese community in Singapore, which always stays united and looks towards the homeland, while promoting friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. 

He affirmed the Party's and State's consistent policy towards overseas Vietnamese, an inseparable part of the nation.

The leader noted that by implementing Conclusion No 12-KL/TW dated August 12, 2021 of the Politburo regarding overseas Vietnamese affairs in the new context, the NA and the Government are perfecting the legal framework, creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese abroad, including their second and third generations, to return home to live, work, and do business.

Commending the efforts of the ambassador and the embassy staff in overcoming difficulties to fulfil their assigned tasks, the chief legislator emphasised that the Party, State, and NA always support and create  favourable conditions for Vietnamese representative offices abroad to operate effectively, contributing to national protection, construction, and development.

He urged them to make more contributions to consolidating and deepening the Việt Nam-Singapore Strategic Partnership, including cooperation between the two legislative bodies, towards upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the future. 

Dien Bien contest helps popularise gender equality knowledge

A legal knowledge contest on gender equality and gender-based violence prevention and response was held in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on December 1.

The contest was jointly organised by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Vietnam and the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

It gathered five teams, representing the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, the provincial Department of Justice, along with the public security divisions of Dien Bien district, Noong Luong commune of Dien Bien district, and Pa Khoang commune of Dien Bien Phu city.

The event aimed to raise public awareness, knowledge, and personal sense of responsibility towards exercising and protecting the rights of women, children, men, and other vulnerable groups in society, thus helping to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence.

After three rounds, organisers awarded the first prize to the team from the public security division of Dien Bien district./.

Vietnam-Thailand media cooperation expected to become regional exemplar

The media cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand sees opportunities to become a model for countries in the region, said Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists' Association (VJA) Le Quoc Minh during his working visit to Thailand from December 25 to 29.

During the visit made at the invitation of the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ), Minh, who is also a member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of its Commission for Information and Education, and Editor-in-Chief of the Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, had working sessions with leaders of the CTJ, representatives of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Thai media groups and newspapers, including mass communication organisation MCOT Public Company Limited, the Standard newspaper, and the Matichon daily.

He also visited Chonburi province, where he met with Mayor of Pattaya city Poramase Ngampiches and local businesses.

At a meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung on November 28, Minh emphasised that the cooperation between press agencies of the two countries is increasingly robust and substantive.

He informed that during this visit, the VJA and CTJ agreed on several aspects of their annual cooperation framework and discussed expanding activities such as cultural and sports exchanges between journalists from both countries. Notably, in 2025, both sides will enhance collaboration in sharing expertise and holding exchanges of journalist delegations. Vietnam will invite Thai journalists to participate in cultural and sports activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day.

Welcoming the VJA delegation, Hung pledged maximum support for the bureaus of the Nhan Dan newspaper, Vietnam News Agency, and Radio the Voice of Vietnam in Thailand./.

Vietnamese band rocks ASEAN - India Music Festival 2024

Famous rock band Buc Tuong (The Wall) represents Vietnam at the ASEAN - India Music Festival 2024 that is taking place in New Delhi from November 29 to December 1.

The festival is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India on the occasion of 10 years of India's "Act East" policy. It brings together 10 bands from the 10 ASEAN member states and five others from host India.

As the first to perform, the Vietnamese band rocked the outdoor stage at Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts in Delhi, with its famous songs.

Opening the event, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita affirmed that music is a common language that inspires, heals and connects people.

This festival highlights the cultural bond that India and ASEAN have built over the years. It is a celebration of how music transcends borders and strengthens the ties between ASEAN and India in their shared journey of development, he said.

The ASEAN-India Music Festival 2024 gives the audience a rare opportunity to experience the rich and diverse sounds of both regions at one location./.

Vietnamese traditional culture, arts association in Japan established

A ceremony was held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan on November 30 to establish the Vietnamese traditional culture and arts association in the country (Betoraku).

The association was formed in response to the increasing desire among Vietnamese families in Japan to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural traditions for the next generations that are born and raised in the host country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu called the establishment of the association a crucial piece in the ongoing development of the Vietnamese community in Japan, expressing his hope that the association will bring Vietnamese there together, towards the homeland, through cultural values.

The diplomat urged the association to expand its membership which, he said, should also include Japanese artists and cultural figures, helping deepen the relationship between the two countries and enrich Vietnam's cultural treasure.

Professor Tran Van Tho, Honorary President of the association, said it’s time to establish such association to inherit and promote the beauty of the Vietnamese culture while providing opportunities for people to understand their historical and cultural roots, thereby connecting them to their homeland and enriching their spiritual lives.

Do Khanh Han, President of the association, said the association has set the three major goals of preserving, honouring, and spreading the beauty of Vietnamese culture and arts within the community and in Japan; maximising resources to effectively achieve these goals; and striving to become a bridge for Vietnamese cultural and artistic groups in Japan, and a reliable and quality partner of cultural and artistic institutions in both countries, contributing to promoting Vietnam-Japan cultural exchanges./.

Dong Thap boosts actions to protect forests in tandem with sustainable tourism

Efforts in preserving flora and fauna ecosystems associated with developing eco-tourism in the Gao Giong cajeput forest in Dong Thap province's Cao Lanh district have contributed to attracting more tourists to the Mekong Delta locality.

Covering a total area of over 1,500 ha, including about 1,200 ha of cajeput, the site is home to a variety of wildlife species.

Director of the Management Board of the Gao Giong cajeput forest Huynh Thanh Hien said the agency focuses on communications campaigns to call on local residents to minimise the use of chemicals to avoid environmental impact and to step up wildfire prevention during the dry season.

To protect flocks of storks and birds seeking shelter, the management board and relevant units have urged residents to refrain from poaching, while working to create a safe and conducive environment with abundant food sources, nesting trees, and water supplies to attract migratory wildlife for breeding.

Tran Van La, head of a forest ranger team under the management board, said his team regularly coordinates with local police and military forces to conduct patrols and inspections both inside and outside the area, preventing illegal forest encroachment, and collecting hunting tools.

The forest’s 40-ha bird sanctuary serves as a habitat for about 100 species of birds and storks, including rare ones.

Tapping the pristine nature and rich ecosystem there, the Gao Giong ecotourism area has been established and opened to visitors since 2003.

Known as a "green oasis" with stunning natural scenery, the mangrove forest in Gao Giong is home to various water bird species, including whistling ducks, wild ducks, and white egrets. Visiting the bird sanctuary in the early morning or late afternoon offers an unforgettable experience for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Visitors to the site can enjoy documentary films, take in panoramic views of the expansive cajeput forest from an observation tower, and participate in an array of activities.

According to Director of the ecotourism area Le Ngoc Kieu Oanh, the site has welcomed about 20,000 domestic and foreign visitors so far this year.

To implement a sustainable management plan for the Gao Giong cajeput forest in the 2024-2030 period and turn tourism into a key economic sector, the People's Committee of Cao Lanh district has submitted a project on eco-tourism development to the provincial People’s Committee for approval.

The project aims to attract over 40,000 visitors by 2030, including over 12,000 overnight holiday-makers, of them foreigners accounting for 30%./.

Vi-Giam folk singing revived in Ha Tinh schools

Since the Nghe Tinh Vi-Giam folk singing was officially recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2014, the central province of Ha Tinh has paid significant attention to preserving and promoting the art genre.

Including the folk singing into school curricula has proven effective in preservation efforts.

Phan Kinh Primary School is located in Kim Song Truong commune, Can Loc district, known for its rich culture and education traditions, and as the birthplace of the Truong Luu Vi singing.

In recent years, the school has prioritised teaching students about local history and traditions.

Its Vice Principal Tran Thi Thu Hien said to help students learn about folk songs of their homeland, the school has established a Vi-Giam folk singing club that meets weekly, adding most of the nearly 40 member students show great interest in and affection for these traditional melodies.

Meanwhile, Vo Thuy Hien, a teacher at Thach Ha town Primary School, has nurtured her students' love for folk songs through extracurricular activities and school cultural festivals.

She said Vi-Giam folk songs have unique melodies and styles, with each of them performed in its own way.

Her students have learned both easy and complex songs, so they can master each version step-by-step.

Nguyen Tran Ha Vy, a fourth grader at Thach Ha town Primary Sschool, said that she is interested in learning Vi-Giam folk songs.

"The folk songs and melodies have sparked a sense of pride in our local cultural heritage, helping us connect more deeply with our roots," she said.

Implementing resolutions of the provincial People's Council regarding the preservation and promotion of the Vi-Giam cultural heritage, the provincial Department of Education and Training has asked local schools to promote folk song teaching and establish clubs.Currently, there are 269 such clubs across the province, comprising 8,187 members who are both teachers and students.

Nguyen Duy Ngoc, head of the Bureau of Political and Ideological Affairs under the Department of Education and Training, said teaching Vi-Giam folk songs at schools brings significant results, explaining that it helps students appreciate cultural heritage and shape the musical tastes of today’s youth.

However, he said, challenges remain, particularly regarding funding for these activities.

Additionally, many club members lack comprehensive training in vocal music and folk singing knowledge.

To address these problems, Ngoc said that the education sector will collaborate with cultural agencies to implement specific measures to further promote Vi-Giang folk songs and invite artists to join in club development./.

Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 kicks off

The Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 with the theme “Hanoi ket noi nam chau” (Hanoi connects the World) is underway at Thong Nhat Park in the capital city.

In her remarks at the opening ceremony on November 29, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha highlighted that the festival draws the participation of 16 embassies, alongside eight neighbouring provinces with over 80 booths.

The event offers an opportunity for organisations, individuals and artisans to meet, exchange, promote products, and experience the unique culinary culture of countries, territories, provinces and cities. People and tourists can immerse themselves in many folk games, enjoy traditional and modern cultural and art performances performed by Vietnamese and international artists. They can talk with famous artisans and chefs who have "breathed life" into ingredients and food to turn them into unique culinary works of art which is imbued with national identity.

Festival-goers have a chance to connect with artisans and renowned chefs, who have "breathed life" into ingredients and foods, transforming them into unique culinary artworks rich in national identity.

Alongside Me Tri’s young sticky rice flakes, Phu Thuong’s sticky rice , and Quang An’s lotus-scented tea traditional craft, Hanoi's pho (rice noodle soup) was honoured in 2024 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage. This event is a source of great pride for the people of the capital and serves as an important legal foundation for implementing measures to protect and promote the cultural value of pho as intangible heritage.

“This year’s Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival features ‘Pho So Ha Thanh” or Ha Thang Digital Pho, a unique creation that blends traditional cuisine with cutting-edge technology, presenting a novel perspective on the application of technological advancements and digital transformation in Vietnam's culinary sector,” Ha said.

During the three-day festival, visitors have the opportunity to experience typical traditional pho dishes of Hanoi and 'digital pho' prepared by smart robots./.

Vietnamese, Korean student cultural exchange event held in Long An

Twelve outstanding teams of students from Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) entered the finals of the “Shining Student Talent” competition held in the southern province of Long An on November 29.

The competition was co-organised by the provincial Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Zenith International Vietnam Ltd Company, aiming to introduce and promote the unique cultural heritage of Long An to domestic and international friends and tourists, provide a platform for young people to show their talents, and an opportunity for Vietnamese and Korean students to connect with each other.

The competition was part of the second Long An Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2024 lasting from November 28 to December 4.

Speaking at the event, Secretary of the province’s Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Tran Hai Phu said that the competition serves as a cultural and musical exchange platform between students from Vietnam and the RoK.

The performances at the finals included singing, singing and dancing, contemporary dance, folk dance, and modern dance styles such as hip-hop and popping.

Phu said that the event is expected to contribute to enhancing the relationship between the two countries, making Korean partners to have good impressions on Long An and attracting investors to the province./.

Dien Bien, Laos’ Phongsaly conduct bilateral survey, talks

Delegations from the northern border province of Dien Bien and Laos’ Phongsaly province on November 29 conducted a bilateral survey and talks on the construction of a border guard house and the expansion of a border patrol road on the Vietnamese side’s Vietnam - Laos - China border intersection point.

Both sides recognised the need for the work, saying they are essential to serve the defence friendship exchange among Vietnam, Laos and China in 2025. The planned construction and road expansion will not only facilitate visitors’ access to the intersection point but also support border mobility, management and protection efforts by Vietnam's competent forces.

They committed to completing the required procedures in 20 days from the signing of the minutes. They will submit a written report to the agency in charge of border affairs of each sides and present it to competent authorities for consideration. The results will be promptly communicated through diplomatic channels.

Col. Pham Hong Giang, Deputy Commander of the Dien Bien provincial Border Guard Command, assured that the work will not alter the current boundary direction, will adhere to the provisions of the Vietnam-Laos agreement on border and border gate management, as well as other signed agreements, and will be subject to the supervision of relevant authorities.

Col. Giang expressed his hope that Col. Kham Phon Seng Si Vong Sa, Commander of the Phongsaly provincial Military Command, will continue to support and facilitate the agreed-upon activities, contributing to fostering the Vietnam-Laos special friendship and solidarity./.

NA passes revised Law on Public Investment

The 15th National Assembly (NA) on November 29 afternoon passed the revised Law on Public Investment with 441 out of 448 deputies voting in favour.

With seven chapters and 103 articles, the legal document provides regulations on state management of public investment; the management and use of public investment capital; the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of agencies, units, organisations, and individuals involved in public investment activities.

The law will take effect from January 1, 2025.

According to the revised law, sectors and fields using public investment include national defence; security and social order; education, training, and vocational education; science and technology; health care, population, and family; culture and information; radio, television, and news agency; sports; environmental protection; economic activities; and the operations of state agencies, public service units, political organisations, and socio-political organisations.

The law also stipulates major principles for public investment management, while prohibiting investment policies or adjustments to investment policies that do not align with approved strategies and plans, and those that fail to identify capital sources or balance capital.

Additionally, it prohibits the abuse of positions and powers to misappropriate, exploit, or engage in corruption in the management and use of public investment capital; offering, receiving, or brokering bribes; falsifying or distorting information, records, and documents related to investment decisions; and using public investment capital for ill purposes, for the wrong beneficiaries, or beyond standards and norms./.

Techfest Vietnam 2024: Springboard for global startup success

The National Innovative Entrepreneurship Day (Techfest Vietnam 2024), the 10th of its kind, wrapped up in the northern port city of Hai Phong on November 28, with nearly 10,000 visitors, over 1,100 speakers and leading experts, and more than 200 foreigners taking part.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the municipal People’s Committee, the two-day event showcased nearly 400 exhibition booths, brimming with groundbreaking products and technological solutions from dynamic startups.

A highlight was the more than 50 in-depth investment matchmaking sessions, which laid the groundwork for pivotal partnerships and opened doors to promising opportunities.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh said Techfest Vietnam 2024, with the guidance and attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with representatives from ministries, agencies, localities, organisations, and start-ups, vividly embodied the theme “Joining hands to develop Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem”.

Vietnam has moved beyond its initial phase and is now progressing toward deeper integration in global and regional innovative startup ecosystems, he said, adding that the trust and support from the Government, the PM, ministries, local authorities, businesses, investment funds, and employers form a robust foundation for the sustainable development of the domestic innovative startup ecosystem in the years to come.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong affirmed that Techfest Vietnam 2024 would contribute to Hai Phong's socio-economic development while supporting its goal of becoming a modern, smart, and sustainable industrial hub of global and regional prominence. The event also plays a vital role in fostering the formation, growth, and connection of components within the innovative startup ecosystems across cities and provinces nationwide, linking them with leading global ecosystems.

The PM’s instructions and the feedback at the event will be collected to refine the legal framework and policies, creating more favourable conditions for innovative startups and investors, he said./.

Thai Binh strives for no temporary, dilapidated houses by next September

The northern province of Thai Binh on November 28 launched an emulation campaign “300 days of joint efforts to do away with temporary and dilapidated houses”.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Than said that this is an important event with profound humanitarian significance, demonstrating the determination of the local Party organisation, authorities, and people to improve living conditions and ensure social welfare for all citizens, with no one left behind.

The campaign aims to complete the eradication of temporary and dilapidated houses for poor and near-poor households in the province by September 2025, contributing to the joint efforts towards sustainable poverty reduction.

At the event, the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee received over 45 billion VND (1.77 million USD) from units, businesses, and localities inside and outside the province in support of the campaign.

At present, Thai Binh has 2,106 poor and near-poor households that need assistance to build or renovate their homes. Of the total, 1,164 need new houses.

The province has decided to provide financial support of 100 million VND per household for new construction and 50 million VND for repairs./.

Vietnamese cuisine, cultural exchange festival in full swing in Kuala Lumpur

The Vietnamese cuisine and cultural exchange festival is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur, featuring over 100 food stalls that showcase the culinary delights of Vietnam’s three regions to international and Malaysian friends.

Lasting until December 11, the event highlights iconic Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup with beef), fried spring rolls, and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) from the north; fresh spring rolls, banh xeo (crispy, stuffed rice pancake), and banh bot loc (rice dumpling cake) from the central region; and cha bo (Vietnamese beef bologna) and com tam (broken rice dish) from the south. These offerings have drawn significant attention from attendees.

Participating vendors include well-established Vietnamese businesses operating in Kuala Lumpur such as An Viet Food Market, Viet Mart, Viet-Thai-Cambodia Mart, and Mini Nguyen Café.

By the end of the first day – November 27, the festival had already welcomed more than 500 visitors. Alongside the culinary showcases, the opening day featured musical performances and a traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) fashion show.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency at the event, Tengku Dato’ Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Azman Shah Alhaj, Director of Malaysia’s Ikhasas Group, expressed his hope that the festival would become a regular event, expanding in scale to foster greater cultural and culinary exchange.

Tran Thi Chang, representing the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association, also shared her optimism that such events would strengthen bilateral ties and create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment between the two countries./.

150 products honoured as “Vietnamese Goods Loved by Consumers 2024”

A ceremony honouring the 150 most popular products voted by consumers took place in Hanoi on November 28.

The recognised goods and services represent 142 enterprises across 18 categories. Among them, 25 products made the Top 1 list, 35 Top 2, 40 Top 3, and 50 Top 4.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Lan Huong, Chairwoman of the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front committee, highlighted the voting programme as a flagship initiative of the city’s steering committee for the “Vietnamese People Prioritise Vietnamese Goods” campaign, drawing significant attention from businesses and consumers alike.

This year marks the programme’s 14th edition. Over three months, organisers received 276 product and service entries from 142 businesses across 18 eligible sectors. The online and direct voting process garnered participation from 535,929 consumers, an increase of 5.55% from 2023./.

Earthquakes trigger landslides in central Vietnam

A series of earthquakes hit mountainous Kon Plong district of Vietnam’s Kon Tum province on November 30, triggering landslides in Nam Tra My district of nearly Quang Nam province, said local authorities on December 1.

At least six earthquake with magnitudes ranging from 3 to 4 on the Richter scale subsequently struck Kon Plong district on November 30 afternoon and evening, reported the Institute of Geophysics of Vietnam.

Many residents living in Nam Tra My district of Quang Nam province reported they felt 3 to 4 strong aftershocks, particularly the first two earthquakes. Many were so frightened that they ran out of their homes.

At the same time, landslides occurred in Tu Hon village of Nam Tra My district, with large boulders from the top of Ngoc Mong mountain rolling down towards the area above the village, approximately 30 to 50 meters from residents’s homes.

The landslides were believed to be triggered by the earthquakes from Kon Tum province, said local authorities.

At the scene, several large boulders were found precariously perched on high cliffs or caught on tree trunks during the landslide, posing a risk of rolling down further and threatening the safety of 17 households with 69 residents, as well as the local kindergarten in Tu Hon village.

Local authorities urgently evacuated all residents from the danger zone to avoid being hit by rolling rocks. They also developed a plan to address the landslide incident.

A winning streak for Vietnam during training camp in RoK ahead of ASEAN Cup

Vietnamese players have completed their winning streak during their training camp in the Republic of Korea after defeating Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 3-1 in their final friendly match on December 1.

Facing the second-string lineup of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, coach Kim Sang-sik continued to experiment with different tactical setups in each line to find the best lineup for the national team ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

Quang Hai opened the scoring with a goal from his central midfield position. Striker Dinh Thanh Binh in place of Nguyen Tien Linh doubled the lead with a close-range finish. In the final moments of the match, debutant Doan Ngoc Tan assisted Do Duy Manh to seal the victory with a 3-1 scoreline. The only goal conceded by Vietnam was from a penalty.

Kim used to play for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and later coached the team. As the FC had a play-off match on the same day, they fielded a team of young players for the friendly against Vietnam.

Vietnam won all three of their friendly matches in the RoK, scoring 7 goals and conceding just one. Midfielder Quang Hai was the top scorer with two goals.

The national team will return home on December 3 and will be joined by some players from Nam Dinh FC. The squad will then be reduced to approximately 26 players to register for the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

They will travel to Laos on December 6 to prepare for their opening match of the 2024 ASEAN Cup against Laos three days later.

Vietnam and China launch join patrol along land border sections

The Border Guard of Vietnam’s Cao Bang Province, and the Border Defense Force of China’s Guangxi region launched a joint patrol along several border sections of the Vietnam-China land border on November 30.

At the launching ceremony, the two patrol command teams emphasized that the joint patrol serves as an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the border forces of both countries. It also aims to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge in border patrol, control, and management.

The two sides conducted joint patrols along the border sections from Border Marker 807 to Border Marker 808 and from Border Marker 813 to Border Marker 816. They also coordinated efforts to promote policies and laws, helping people on both sides raise awareness and comply with border management agreements and related documents signed between Vietnam and China.

Through the coordinated patrol work, the two sides exchanged views, reached mutual understanding, and agreed on the need to continue to strengthen cooperation in border management and protection according to the signed land border management agreements.

They pledged to enhance communication campaigns, closely manage border residents, promptly detect, prevent, and handle border law violations. They vowed to maintain regular joint patrols along the border to build a peaceful, friendly, stable, and developed border together, to ensure stability and prosperity for both sides.

At the conclusion of the patrol, the commanders of both sides signed the minutes of the patrol.

Brain dead man donates organs to save seven others

A brain dead 20-year-old man has given the gift of life, by donating seven organs to save people in Hanoi and Thua Thien-Hue Province.

The transfer was conducted by the Military Hospital 103 in Hanoi with the assistance of Military Central Hospital 108.

The 108 hospital sent experts to support medics at 103 hospital to remove the man's heart, liver, lungs, two kidneys and two corneas the transfer to the living patients who have all made good progress since the surgeries.

For the liver transplant, the patient was conscious, had the endotracheal tube removed and could speak normally immediately after the surgery.

This is the third liver transplant that the Military Central Hospital 108 has transferred techniques to the Military Hospital 103.

The first was a transplant from a living donor on July 4, 2024. The successful liver transplant was the result of the smooth and timely coordination between the two hospitals.

In 2024, the Military Central Hospital 108 signed a contract to transfer liver transplant technology to four medical facilities.

To date, the hospital has performed nearly 250 liver transplants, nearly 500 kidney transplants, two heart transplants, four lung transplants and four limb transplants. The hospital has become the leading liver transplant centre in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The hospital strives to increase the number of transplants from the current 50 to 100 per year.

Indochina marathon’s Vietnam leg takes place with new-designed route
 
The first Indochina marathon -- Viettel Marathon Series 2024's Vietnam leg officially kicked off on November 30 in Hanoi.      

About 10,000 athletes from 23 countries and regions took part in the opening ceremony of the Expo Area and checked in to take their Bib and race kit at the National My Dinh Stadium.

Among them were members of the national teams of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia in the elite class, promising competitive races.

The notable faces are national champion Hoang Nguyen Thanh, senior runner Nguyen Van Lai, and military team representative Trinh Quoc Luong of Vietnam who will compete against Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo and Malaysian Muhaizar Mohamad.

The female title favourites include national record holder Nguyen Thi Oanh and national champion Hoang Ngoc Hoa. 

Different from other races, the Viettel Marathon will feature a large number of student-runners from Cambodia, Laos and other countries who are studying and living in Vietnam.

"The Vietnam leg will be a great tournament and a good opportunity not only for runners from many countries to meet, share their running passion and cultural exchanges, but also help people from the three brotherly countries of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia be more united," Cambodian PhD student Bong Pan Nha of Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports said.

"After Hanoi, the series will take place at the world-famous historical site Angkor Wat in Cambodia and I will return home to run. I want to give all marathoners a better understanding of our beautiful Angkor Wat." 

At the ceremony, runners also enjoyed many sidelined activities including mini games, sport gear trial, exhibition and meeting with players of The Cong Viettel FC and national football teams Nham Manh Dung, Dang Tuan Phong, Cong Phuong and Duc Chien.

The highlight was a talk show with German expert Gunter Lange about training methods to improve runners' endurance and establish strong physique foundation to help them run well in 10km, half marathon and full marathon. 

Lange, who is a coach of the national athletics team, also spent time answering questions from the athletes.

The run, which is the first one of this kind held in Asia, will begin with the 42km category in the early morning of December 1, followed by the 21km, 10km and 5km.

Marathoners will start and finish at the My Dinh Stadium. They will run through the totally new routes that are designed to lead them through six districts of Hanoi including Nam Tu Liem, Bac Tu Liem, Quoc Oai, Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong, instead of the centre city as many other races usually take place.

Previously, the first leg was held in Luang Prabang, Laos, with about 5,000 runners. The last leg in Siem Reap, Cambodia, will be held on December 22. 

The Viettel Marathon 2024 is jointly organised by the Asian Athletics Association, Vietnam Athletics Federation and Viettel in cooperation with the athletics federations of Cambodia and Laos.

Vietnam’s esports team claim Asian silver in Arena of Valor

Vietnam earned silver from the Asian Esports Games 2024 (AEG) on November 29 in Thailand.

The team lost 1-4 to the host side in the men's Arena of Valor (AoV) event at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mak in Bangkok.

Appreciating players' efforts, Do Viet Hung, chairman of the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA), said that what the team learnt from the Asian competition would help them achieve better results in the upcoming events. One of them was the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand next year.

Currently teams are competing in eFootball competition. The Vietnamese representative is Nguyen Anh Nhat who plays against competitors from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Turkmenistan and Bangladesh in Group B. 

Another event is the Mobile Legend: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Winners of the MLBB and AoV will walk away with US$3,000 while two runners-up receive US$2,000 and US$1,000, respectively.

The champion of eFootball will bag US$1,500, runners-up will earn US$1,000 and US$500.

The AEG, which features nearly 200 athletes from 29 countries and regions, will close on December 2.

Lonely Planet lists Vietnamese resort among world’s 12 best Christmas vacation places

World renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has named Alma Resort Cam Ranh in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, among 12 hotels which go all out for the festive Christmas season.

The Vietnamese representative, highly recommended as a wonderful Christmas getaway, ranks sixth on the overall list.

From a gingerbread house-turned-dessert shop to a life-sized advent calendar which reveals little surprises each day, the festive spirit is in full swing at Alma Resort, a 30-acre beachfront resort situated on Vietnam’s southcentral coast, the website wrote.

Lonely Planet also made a brief introduction about the stunning gingerbread house which is located within the resort. The house is made from 511lbs (232kg) of real gingerbread, including 800 wall tiles and 1200 roof tiles, and frosted with 88lbs (40kg) of meringue.

Furthermore, the resort also hosts a Holiday Maker’s Market where visitors are able to shop for locally crafted treasures. Christmas cards made by kids from a local orphanage can also be bought from the Kids Club, with all of the proceeds going to supporting the orphanage, the travel guide shared.

Topping the list is the Plaza in New York in the United States. Christmas at the Plaza is as magical as the movies which made it famous such as Home Alone 2 (1992) and Eloise at Christmastime (2003), Lonely Planet wrote.

Other destinations featuring in Lonely Planet’s list include Gleneagles in Scotland, Paws Up Montana in the US, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives, La Mamounia in Morocco, Villa d’Este in Italy, Union Øye in Norway, Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden in Germany, the Capra Saas Fee in Switzerland, Claridge's in the UK, and Beaches in Turks and Caicos.

Vietnam and China co-host international cycling race

The northern mountainous province of Lao Cai and the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan jointly kicked off an annual international cycling race on November 30.

The two-day event has gathered together 537 racers, including 276 from Vietnam.

Cyclists are competing in two categories. In the mountain bike category entrants are competing over 22 km, with groups for cyclists between the ages of 16 and 35, 36 and 49, 50 and 65 for men, as well as groups from 16 to 39 and 40 to 65 age for women. 

Competitors are also taking part in the road bike category for individuals and team events. Cyclists of various age groups, including 16 to 35, 36 to 45, and 46 to 65 for men, as well as 16 to 39 and 40 to 65 for women, challenge themselves in the 80-km distance. 

Lao Cai and Yunnan have taken turns to host this large-scale bike race for those aged above 16 since 2017. This is the fifth edition of the event.

Dien Bien and Saint Petersburg ink cooperation agreement

Dien Bien, a province in north-west Vietnam, and Russia’s second largest city of Saint Petersburg have signed an agreement on trade-economic, science-technology cooperation and socio-cultural exchanges between the two sides.

The agreement was signed on November 29 during a working visit to the Russian city by a delegation from Dien Bien province led by Tran Quoc Cuong, secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

During his stay, Cuong met with Saint Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov who emphasized that Saint Petersburg holds significant importance in Vietnam-Russia relations, as it was the first place President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam visited 101 years ago. He noted that since 2020, when Vietnam became the first priority country in Saint Petersburg’s foreign relations, the city has continued to strengthen its ties with localities in Vietnam.

According to the Governor, Saint Petersburg, which withstood the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) is proud of its partnership with Dien Bien, where the legendary Dien Bien Phu Campaign took place in 1954, marking a global historical turning point.

Beglov proposed several promising areas of cooperation between Saint Petersburg and Dien Bien, including education, economy, agricultural exports, tourism, and especially heritage preservation.

Cuong for his part expressed his deep emotions when witnessing the historic city, the birthplace, study, and workplace of many remarkable leaders of the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia, as well as many famous scientists, artists, and athletes from Russia and around the world. He also highlighted that Saint Petersburg was the site of the October Revolution of 1917, a milestone that propelled humanity into an era of overthrowing colonialism and imperialism, leading to successful revolutions such as Vietnam’s August Revolution in 1945, which brought independence and freedom to the nation.

On the same day, Beglov and Cuong inaugurated the photo exhibition “Echoes of Dien Bien” that displays 57 documentary photographs. The exhibition also features 22 sketches by People's Artist Ngo Manh Lan, a frontline artist, who captured the heroic battle of Vietnamese soldiers at Dien Bien Phu and the resilience of local people who braved bombings and mud to transport supplies to the battlefield.

Vietnamese athletes top the world in taekwondo poomsae
 
Vietnamese athletes won a gold medal on the first day of the biennial World Taekwondo Poomsae (performance) Championships 2024 on November 30 in Hong Kong, China.
      
Vietnam had 40 athletes and seven coaches at the event with silver medals as their target. But they did better than expected at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom.

In the first event of over-17 freestyle mixed team, Vietnam faced 14 rivals. After the elimination, eight qualified for the second round.

Vietnam's group of six athletes performed successfully to reach 8.680 points and place on top of the podium.

It was the first gold of Vietnam at the championship since 2016.

Mexico came second with 8,660 points. Italy and the Philippines shared the third place, respectively.

In addition to the gold, Vietnam also earned a bronze in the male junior team event. They ranked below athletes from the Republic of Korea and the US.

Head coach Nguyen Thanh Huy said it was a tough championship because the Republic of Korea, mother country of taekwondo, took part in all categories.

However, Vietnamese athletes had high chance for gold medals in the cadet discipline. For those in the junior discipline, athletes in the freestyle category would make the break. Meanwhile athletes in the U40 recognised class may also earn medals.

He said despite challenges, all athletes were asked to deliver their best for highest results.

The championships, the highest level of taekwondo competition in the world out of Olympic Game, featured a record number of 1,727 athletes from 77 countries and regions. The old record went to the Chinese Taipei edition with 1,274 competitors from 59 delegations in 2018.

The Hong Kong (China) event will continue until December 4. 

Party chief holds phone talks with Lao top leader

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee Tô Lâm talked over the phone with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on Sunday, during which they agreed on specific orientations to implement high-level agreements between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Party chief extended his best wishes to the Lao Party, State, and people on the occasion of the 49th National Day of the country (December 2, 1975–2024) and his regards to high-ranking leaders of Laos. 

Lâm spoke highly of the great, comprehensive and historically significant achievements that Laos has accomplished over nearly 40 years of renewal, especially its successful chairmanship of ASEAN and the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) in 2024.

The leader noted his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP, the Lao people will reap even greater accomplishments, driving Laos to further prosperity and strength.

The Vietnamese Party chief also expressed his joy at the fruitful development of the bilateral relationship across areas, with political ties being strengthened, defence-security cooperation effectively promoted, and cooperation in economy, culture, education, and science-technology progressing. 

The relationship between Việt Nam and Laos always holds special importance and remains a top priority in Việt Nam's foreign policy, Lâm stated, stressing that fostering the relationship is considered a strategic task, essential to the revolutionary cause as well as national construction and defence of Việt Nam.

Việt Nam always supports Laos in its nation-building and development efforts, including in successfully implementing the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and preparing for the organisation of the 12th congress, Lâm said. 

For his part, the Lao leader asked Party General Secretary Lâm to convey his regards to high-ranking leaders of the CPV while highlighting the importance of the talks, which, he said, demonstrates the special solidarity between the two Parties, States, and peoples.

He thanked the Party, State, and people of Việt Nam for their consistent support and special assistance for Laos, and also briefed Lâm on the achievements his country has gained over the recent past.

Thongloun emphasised the strategic importance of the Việt Nam-Laos relationship and its decisive role in the security and development of each country.

Laos will further support and do its best to preserve and foster this special relationship, ensuring it continues to flourish, he pledged.

The leader commended Việt Nam's accomplishments in politics, external affairs, national defence, security, and socio-economic development, describing them as lessons and a source of encouragement for Laos during national construction and development.

Thongloun noted his confidence that under the leadership of the CPV, headed by Lâm, Việt Nam will successfully achieve its goals and embark on the era of the nation’s rise.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed and agreed on specific directions for implementing high-level agreements between their countries.

They also consented to carry forward the existing mechanisms, work to improve cooperation effectiveness across various fields, and strengthen the special solidarity between the two nations for tangible benefits of both peoples as well as for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. 

PM chairs meeting of gov’t steering committee for apparatus reorganising

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chaired the first meeting of the government steering committee to review the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, issued in 2017, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency.

At the meeting, the committee discussed tasks, plans and solutions to renewing and arranging the organisational apparatus model of the Government, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government, towards streamlining, effective and efficient operations, meeting requirements and tasks in the new period. It also focused on building a project to review 20 years of implementing the Government's organisational apparatus model, while proposing a structure for the 16th-tenure Government for 2026 - 2031. The committee’s members presented a number of models and experiences, at the same time, proposed coordination between ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies and relevant agencies and organisations in implementing innovation and reorganisation of the Government’s apparatus, associated with streamlining payroll, restructuring, improving the quality and effectively using the staff, civil servants and public employees.

Concluding the meeting, PM Chính, who is also head of the steering committee, said that innovating and reorganising the apparatus is an especially important, complicated, and sensitive task. He requested that the implementation must be unified and urgent with high resolve and in a democratic, scientific, and objective manner. He asked ministries, sectors, agencies under the Government to set up steering committees or working groups headed by a head of the units to immediately carry out tasks on the restructuring of the apparatus according to the Central Steering Committee and the Government Steering Committee, develop restructuring plans, define functions, tasks and authority of each ministry, sector and agency.

The PM also asked for reviewing and drafting legal documents based on functions, tasks and authority, paying special attention to arranging personnel as well as staff-related policies in the restructuring process. He assigned the Ministry of Home Affairs - the standing agency of the Government Steering Committee - to coordinate with the Government Office to continue to complete the Government's general draft plan; guide ministries, sectors and agencies to review Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW and continue to innovate and reorganise the apparatus of ministries, sectors and agencies under the Government.

The implementation process must not affect work, must be continuous and smooth, ensuring the completion of political tasks, especially the tasks for 2024, the 2021 - 2025 term and Party congresses at all levels towards the 14th National Party Congress.

Regarding the arrangement of State-owned corporations and groups, Chính also requested to continue building large economic groups, while small and specialised enterprises are assigned to ministries and sectors for both State management and owner representative role. 

NA adopts resolution on Q&A activities of eighth session

With 458 votes of approval from 460 deputies, the 15th National Assembly (NA) on November 30 adopted a resolution on the question-and-answer (Q&A) activities of the eighth session.

Delivering the draft resolution, Lê Quang Tùng, Secretary-General and head of the NA Office emphasised the positive outcomes of the (Q&A) sessions. Conducted over two days in a spirit of renovation and cooperation with the Government, these sessions were deemed a resounding success, drawing significant attention from voters and citizens nationwide.

The NA acknowledged the efforts of the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries, and related agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities, achieving notable progress in various sectors, and contributing significantly to the nation's socio-economic development.

However, the sessions also showed several shortcomings and challenges in State management, particularly in banking, healthcare, and information and communication sectors. A number of recommendations were given to these sectors to improve their performances.

Also on November 30, the NA also approved a resolution of its eighth session, with all 464 deputies voting in favour.

According to Tùng, during the session, the NA passed 18 laws and 21 resolutions, while providing initial opinions on 10 draft laws. 

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV