Vietnam news in brief - August 23

Observance in memory of President Ho Chi Minh

On August 22, a ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the decease of President Ho Chi Minh and the preservation of his memorial complex (1969-2024). Ho Chi Minh, the key leader in Vietnam's fight for independence, lived and worked at the site for 15 years (1954-1969). The event honored his enduring legacy with exhibitions and awards celebrating his contributions to the nation and the world.

Cao Bang hosts UNESCO Asia-Pacific Geoparks Conference
The 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific Region will be held in the northern province of Cao Bang from September 5 to 17. The biennial held in Asia-Pacific will bring about 1,000 local and international delegates to discuss sustainable development measures in geopark areas and promote local tourism.

Cao Bang hosts UNESCO conference on geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region. Photo: VNA

Third Vietbuild opens in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietbuild, the international furniture exhibition, opened on August 22 in Ho Chi Minh City for the third time. The four-day event attracted the participation of 400 domestic and foreign enterprises with more than 1,200 booths showcasing new and high-quality construction materials, interior and exterior decoration. The event also featured seminars on green architecture and advanced technology cooperation activities.

Car imports to Vietnam hit seven-month high
Vietnam's car imports between January and July rose 14.8% year-on-year to 91,631 units, the highest figure in seven months. Indonesia ranked first in car exports to Vietnam during the period with more than 38,000 units, up 29% year-on-year, followed by Thailand with nearly 32,700 units, down 9.3% year-on-year.

Ho Chi Minh City promotes transport cooperation with Moscow
Ho Chi Minh City is seeking cooperation with Moscow on sustainable transportation at a conference in the Russian capital on August 22. Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the city's Department of Transportation Tran Quang Lam hoped the city would learn from Moscow's experience in developing sustainable transport. Maksim Liksutov, Director of Moscow's Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development, pledged to share experience in applying technology to urban transport, such as digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Czech supports Vietnam in removal of "yellow card"

Jozef Sikela, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade expressed his support for the removal of the "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports. Sikela also reaffirmed Vietnam as an important partner during his meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam on August 22 when both sides discussed further cooperation ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Exhibition explores Nguyen Dynasty diplomacy 

The 3D exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty Diplomacy: Between East and West Winds" is now underway on https://archives.org.vn/TourNgoaigiao to explore Vietnam's diplomatic relations during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1858) through hundreds of historical documents, offering insights into the dynasty's interactions with both Eastern and Western nations. The exhibition is part of celebrations for Vietnamese Diplomatic Sector's traditional day on August 28. 

Hanoi hosts International Carom 3-Cushion tournament 

An international Carom 3-Cushion tournament, part of the global Professionals Billiard Association (PBA) Tour, is taking place in Hanoi from August 19 to 26. This prestigious Carom 3-cushion event features 192 top players, including 27 Vietnamese competitors. With a total prize pool of VND6.3 billion (US$260,000), the tournament marks Vietnam's growing prominence in the sport and highlights plans for future tours in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang.