Vietnam News Highlights for May 26, 2023

Vietnam to join Japan's Indo-Pacific development initiative

Vietnam is interested in joining Japan’s plan to develop infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific and hopes the East Asian country will help pave the way to make it happen, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang told Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa on May 25.

In March 2023, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio unveiled an initiative worth a total of US$75 billion under a cooperation agreement between the Japanese government and the private sector. It is expected to start in 2030.

Ancient woodblock restoration program completed

Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks stored and preserved in Lam Dong Province's Da Lat City. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

A ceremony was held on May 25 to announce the successful implementation of a project to restore 500 xylographs from the Nguyen Dynasty. The project, which received US$88,000 in funding from the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, was launched in July 2020.

The xylographs are engraved with content ranging from official literature and history to classical and historical books of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World UNESCO Heritage List in 2009. Over 34,600 woodblocks are preserved in Da Lat City, in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlights) of Lam Dong.

Vietnam said Chinese navigational buoys infringe on territorial waters

Vietnam's Foreign Ministry on May 25 rejected China's installation of navigational buoys in Vietnamese waters, calling it an "illegitimate action" and a "violation of Vietnam's sovereignty." The statements came after the Chinese Ministry of Transport announced the installation of at least three new navigational buoys in the East Sea (globally called the South China Sea) near reefs within Vietnam's territorial waters surrounding the Spratly Islands.

The Vietnamese Ministry called on China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty and international laws and treaties governing the East Sea.

International trade fair opens in HCM City

The Ho Chi Minh Export Forum and Trade Fair 2023 opened on May 25 in HCM City to promote trade and help businesses expand their markets. More than 3,000 domestic and foreign visitors have registered to attend the event.

The four-day event will feature a forum on strengthening green export linkages, updating ecological consumption trends in key import markets, and promoting a green export strategy to increase competitive advantages for businesses.

Two more Vietnamese victims confirmed dead in car crash

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two more Vietnamese passengers have been confirmed dead in the fatal car crash near the Vietnam-China border on May 19, bringing the total number of Vietnamese victims to 11. Two other Vietnamese were injured and are being treated.

A seven-seater car carrying 12 people plunged off the cliff in China's Siming village. The crash site is about 5-6 kilometers from the Vietnam-China border. The Foreign Ministry is working with Chinese authorities on the case.

Commemoration held to mark Africa Day

On May 25, African embassies in Hanoi hosted a banquet to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Africa Day, which marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc praised the achievements of Africa over the years and expressed his confidence that the continent will become a new powerhouse of growth in the future.

Calling for stronger partnerships in trade, investment, and other areas between Vietnam and African countries, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said the Government and people of Vietnam always value their relations with African nations.

Australian State of Queensland prioritizes ties with Vietnam

Queensland, Australia's second-largest state, considers Vietnam as one of its top five priority partner countries, according to local officials. The State pledged to sign new partnership agreements with HCM City and Danang in renewable energy, digital transformation, high-tech agriculture, and education.

Queensland authorities also expressed their excitement about the first direct flight from Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City starting in June, believing in the potential future growth of both sides.

Pfizer Vietnam to help Vietnam fight infectious diseases

A partnership agreement on proactive prevention of dangerous infections in 2023-2025 has been signed between Pfizer Vietnam and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company. The two sides will cooperate in developing human resources, implementing and managing real data on vaccination in Vietnam, and raising public awareness of disease prevention.

The aim of the cooperation is to improve healthcare professionals' capacity and reduce diseases through measures such as vaccines. Pfizer Vietnam is committed to supporting VNVC's immunization centers and programs that contribute to health protection and a healthy community.