Vietnam news in brief - April 17

Remains of two US soldiers repatriated in Danang

The remains of two US soldiers killed in the war were repatriated at Danang International Airport in the central coastal city of Danang on April 16. The remains were recovered during the 154th joint search operation conducted by Vietnamese and US authorities (February-April 2024).

Since 1980, Vietnam and the US have been actively working together to find the remains of American soldiers missing in action. To date, both sides have identified more than 720 American dead soldiers. 

Repartriation ceremony held at Danang International Airport on April 16. Photo: QDND

Five Vietnamese in custody for death investigation: ministry

Five Vietnamese living in Taiwan (China) have been detained for investigation following the reported death of a Vietnamese last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on April 16. Local police have been holding the five Vietnamese since April 11.

According to the ministry, Vietnam's economic and cultural office in Taipei has been in contact with local authorities and has identified the victim's information. The office is now taking measures to protect the rights of overseas Vietnamese in accordance with local laws.

USAID and Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam support clean energy investment in Vietnam

USAID will work with Standard Chartered Bank to facilitate financing for private sector clean energy projects, investments in rooftop solar, utility upgrades, and power trading. 

Vietnam National Brand Week 2024 underway until April 21

As part of Vietnam National Brand Week 2024, which runs until  April 21, the Vietnam National Brand International Forum 2024, joined by a large number of delegates, encourages in-depth dialogue and multiple perspectives. 

At the event, it was reported that Vietnam's national brand grew by 102% from 2019 to 2023, reaching a value of over US$498 billion in 2023, an increase of 15.6% from 2022. It has consistently achieved double-digit growth over the past five years, ranking 33rd among the top 121 national brands in the world.

Four Vietnamese provinces team up for tour

The provinces of Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Ha Tinh have joined forces to introduce many new tours and experiences of UNESCO-recognised heritage sites under the promotional strategy of "One journey - many experiences." 

During the tour, travellers will pass through the ancient capital, explore Pu Mat National Park, and a number of UNESCO-inscribed heritage namely Trang An (Ninh Binh), Ho Citadel (Thanh Hoa), Vi Dam folk singing, the intangible heritage of humanity of Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

Vietnam among Southeast Asia's lowest milk consumers

Nguyen Xuan Duong, President of the Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam (AHAV), said the livestock industry has made great progress, but the consumption of both locally produced or imported milk and milk powder in Vietnam is about 28 liters per person per year, which is lower than in other Southeast Asian countries and far behind developed countries such as Finland.

Tran Quang Trung, President of the Vietnam Dairy Association, said the development of dairy farms with secure raw materials is necessary to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population.

Vietnam Digital Awards 2024 kicks off

The Vietnam Digital Awards (VDA) 2024 kicked off on April 16 to recognize excellence in digital transformation among government agencies, enterprises, products and solutions. The deadline for online applications is June 30, 2024 at www.vda.com.vn. The awards ceremony will take place in early October and will be broadcast and livestreamed on major social media platforms.

Over the past six years, the awards have been presented to 400 public and private organizations and enterprises out of nearly 1,800 submissions.

Large number of firms cooperate with Quang Nam to promote tourism

More than 100 enterprises will join a tourism promotion program "Quang Nam - Green Heritage" to offer tours to ancient town, taste of hometown, Hoi An in high water season.

The program will run in two phases from May to November 2024. Phase 1 is called Quang Nam - Feeling of Summer and Phase 2 is entitled Autumn of Quang Nam. Information about the program will be published on the Quang Nam Tourism website.

Ho Chi Minh City donates $3.35 million for locals in Dien Bien

Ho Chi Minh City on April 16 handed over a donation of VND85 billion (US$3.35 million) to the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien to help the locality improve infrastructure, provide better education and social benefits for people, and develop local tourism.