Vietnam news in brief - August 10

Vietnam supports adoption of draft cybercrime convention by UN committee

Vietnam has shown early support for the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime's adoption of the draft Cybercrime Convention, said Nguyen Minh Vu, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, at the committee's meeting in New York on August 8.

Upon its entry into force, the convention will be the first global legal framework to promote cooperation among countries in the suppression of criminal acts in cyberspace.

Vietnam launches digital library to promote mine risk education

A national digital library on mine risk education was officially launched by the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) on August 9.

The free library, at https://thuviendientu.vnmac.gov.vn, is part of the "Towards Sustainable Mine Risk Education for Primary and Secondary School Students" project, which runs from 2020 to 2024. The project aims to help children protect themselves from accidents caused by explosive ordnance.

Vietnam among Asia's ten safest countries 2024 Best Diplomats

Vietnam has been ranked eighth on the list of the 10 safest countries in Asia in 2024 by Best Diplomats, a New York-based organization that trains future diplomats.

Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam's capital Hanoi is a major tourist attraction. Photo: Beautiful Life Image

In a report released last month, Best Diplomats praised Vietnam for its low crime rate, political stability and safe environment. It reported that Vietnam's Peace Index for 2024 is 1.745. The country's Crime Index score of 41.8 and Safety Index score of 58.2 add to its reputation as a safe place to visit.

Hanoi's fine arts exhibition showcases diverse talent

The 29th Regional Fine Arts Exhibition I, Hanoi, opened on August 9 at the 16 Ngo Quyen Art Exhibition House. The 10-day exhibition showcases over 100 works by artists from Hanoi, created between July 2023 and June 2024. Covering diverse themes and materials, the exhibition includes significant contributions in sculpture, graphics, and applied arts, reflecting both traditional and contemporary styles.

Vietnamese Embassy showcases traditional dishes in Pakistan

The Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan showcased Vietnamese culture on 8 August during the 57th ASEAN Day with traditional handicrafts and dishes such as fresh nem cuon (spring rolls), xoi ga (sticky rice with chicken) and Vietnamese tea. The well-prepared cuisine impressed guests and highlighted Vietnam's cultural presence at the event. Established in 1967, ASEAN promotes regional cooperation and integration in Southeast Asia, and Vietnam has been an active member since joining the bloc in 1995.

Top pool players boycott WPA over Vietnam ban

Five top pool players, including Jayson Shaw and Shane Van Boening, pledged on August 9 to boycott World Pool Association (WPA) events to demand the lifting of the ban on Vietnam. The players, ranked in the world's top 100, criticized the WPA and the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) for excluding Asian players from tournaments such as the Hanoi Open Pool Championship.

Northwestern folk singing festival in November

A festival showcasing northwestern folk songs will be held from November 15 to 17. The event, to be held at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi, will include activities such as an exhibition of musical instruments and typical costumes of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups, an event to introduce the processes and materials of brocade weaving and Tinh gourd lutes, and another to showcase the art of Then singing and the Tinh lute.

Tra Vinh to promote local tourism next weekend

An event to promote tourism in the southern province of Tra Vinh will run from August 17 to 18 at the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. The event will include several activities, such as a space to perform traditional cultural and artistic works of Tra Vinh province, a space to showcase local culinary culture, and a conference to promote tourism.

Vietnamese coffee exports to Europe soar by 71%

The EU's coffee imports from Vietnam in the first five months of the year rose by 71% year-on-year to $1.1 billion, according to Eurostat. In the same period, the US recorded coffee imports from Vietnam worth $226 million, up 31.1% year-on-year. According to Chinese customs, coffee imports from Vietnam reached $41.28 million, up 107.1% year-on-year.