Vietnam news in brief - August 28

Vietnam's traditional Ao dai makes strong impression in Brunei

Vietnam's traditional dress ao dai made a strong impression at the recent ASEAN Textile Exhibition held in Brunei to elebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN.

The Vietnamese Embassy took the opportunity to promote the country's culture and strengthen ties with Brunei, in line with the 2023-2027 Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan between the two nations.

Vietnam launches 500kV transmission line

On August 27, the National Power Transmission Corporation, in cooperation with relevant parties, switched on the Quang Trach-Quynh Luu 500kV transmission line – Circuit-3. 

The Quang Trach-Quynh Luu Circuit-3 500kV transmission line is put into operation. Photo: VGP

The 226-kilometer line, which is part of the VND22.4-trillion (US$900 million) Circuit 3 power transmission line project running from the central province of Quang Binh to the northern province of Hung Yen, is expected to reduce the load and avoid overloading the existing 500KV lines.

Vietnam's first bank sells gold via app

Vietcombank, the first bank in Vietnam, stopped offering SJC-branded gold bars on its website and has started selling them via its banking app VCB Digibank since August 27.

It allows customers to select the maximum quantity, location, and time for delivery at the counter on the app. They can pay directly on the app and receive an electronic invoice via email. The transaction time to on the VCB Digibank is from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekdays.

VIFA ASEAN 2024 kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City

The second Vietnam - ASEAN International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair 2024 (VIFA ASEAN 2024) is underway in Ho Chi Minh City between August 27 and 30.

The fair has attracted over 200 exhibitors from Vietnam and 13 other countries, showcasing a wide range of furniture, handicrafts and home decor products while providing opportunities for partnerships.

Vietnam and Laos to boost coal trade

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien met with energy and mineral enterprises in Hanoi on August 27 to discuss promoting coal trade with Laos.

Dien stressed that cooperation in coal trade between the two sides is an extremely important issue, a matter of economic development and political tasks. Vietnamese enterprises have made efforts to import this mineral from Laos under the intergovernmental agreement, but the imported volume has not yet met the demand and proportionate to the potential of the two countries.

Coastal protection project signed under EU, France support

Vietnam and the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed an agreement for a coastal protection project in Ca Mau Province from 2024 to 2028. Funded with US$21.09 million from AFD, US$4.14 million in EU grants, and US$9.9 million from the province, the project will construct a 19-kilometer seawall and develop 2,000 hectares of protective mangroves to mitigate the effects of climate change.

National History Museum hosts exhibition of Champa artifacts 

The National History Museum at No.1 Trang Tien Street in Hanoi. Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn

The exhibition "Champan Treasures: Timeless Imprints" exhibition opened at the National Museum of History on August 28. It features 60 rare gold and silver artifacts from the 17th and 18th centuries, many of which are on display for the first time. The exhibition emphasizes the preservation and appreciation of traditional cultural values. It includes two sections: religious statues and symbols, and jewelry and regalia reflecting Champa's Hindu and Buddhist-influenced culture from its existence between the 7th and 19th centuries.

Vietnam, China partner to develop engine manufacturing 

Vietnam's FUTA Group and Kim Long Motor, and China's Yuchai Group signed a comprehensive strategic partnership for engine manufacturing in Ho Chi Minh City on August 27. This cooperation marks a significant milestone, enabling the local production of advanced engines and supporting the "Made in Vietnam" strategy under the Kim Long brand.

Vietnamese, Chinese localities cooperate to boost trade 

The northern province of Lang Son and Chongzuo City, China, on August 27 agreed to improve customs efficiency, promote investment in Lang Son's industrial zones, and explore the construction of a railway linking Nanning, Chongzuo, and Pingxiang to further facilitate trade and tourism. Discussions focused on optimizing freight transportation, developing smart border gates, and promoting cross-border tourism.