Vietnam news in brief - August 4

Foreign newspapers cover To Lam's election as Party General Secretary

Many foreign news agencies and media, including Nikkei Asia, China's media, major Laotian newspapers, France's AFP, Russia's TASS, Thailand's Bangkok Post, and Singapore's The Straits Times, have highlighted the election of Politburo member and President To Lam as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. They have highlighted Lam's remarks about his determination to root out corruption and other negative phenomena, regardless of who is involved.

Vietnam selected as partner for IHE 2024

Vietnam has been named a partner of India International Hospitality Expositions 2024 (ILE), an exhibition showcasing food and supplies for restaurants and hotels. As such, Vietnam will undertake various tasks such as organizing product display stands, food festivals, and Vietnamese culinary performances by famous chefs.

At the event which is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors on August 3-6, Vietnamese stands will showcase typical products such as instant noodles, pho, coffee, tourism, and aviation services. 

Vietnam, China boost counter-terrorism capabilities

A two-week anti-terrorism training drill between Vietnam and China has successfully concluded at a facility in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 

Police force under the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security. Photo: VNA

This is the first bilateral joint training between the police forces of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security and China's People's Armed Police Force. The forces engaged in exchanges, discussions, command and skill training, underwater training, tactical coordination, and comprehensive anti-terrorism exercises.

Ho Chi Minh City to build database of overseas Vietnamese 

Ho Chi Minh City plans to build a database of overseas Vietnamese to provide timely assistance with immigration procedures, repatriation, confirmation of Vietnamese origin, and regular administrative procedures related to residence.

Durian exports reach US$1.32 billion between January and June

Vietnam's durian export turnover increased by 44.5% year-on-year to US$1.32 billion in the first six months, according to the General Department of Customs. With this figure, the commodity continues to lead in export turnover, accounting for nearly 40% of the total export of the entire fruit and vegetable industry.

China ranked first among countries importing Vietnamese durian with a value of US$1.2 billion, up 46% year-on-year, followed by Thailand with a value of US$47 million, up 46% year-on-year.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City among Asia's 10 most affordable cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two of the 10 most affordable cities in Asia, according to the US magazine Travel+Leisure. Ho Chi Minh City ranked second with an average total cost of more than US$1,450 per trip, while Hanoi ranked ninth with a total cost of nearly US$1,550. Reasonable airfares, food, and accommodation are the main factors helping Ho Chi Minh City to attract international tourists.

Vietnamese students to compete in Japan photo festival

Three high school students from Hanoi, Nguyen Ngoc Khanh, Nguyen Thao Tien, and Hoang Tue Lam, will represent Vietnam at the International High School Students' Photo Festival Exchange in Higashikawa, Japan from August 19 to 22. Their team, led by photographer Nguyen Khac Hieu, is called "Ha Long" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site. This is the ninth Vietnamese team to take part in the festival since 2015.

Media contest honors historical short films

The MEDIA24H Production Race Gala at Idecaf Theater in Ho Chi Minh City celebrated historical-themed short films. Organized by IDCAF, The World of Cinema Magazine, and TRIHD ASIA, the contest aimed to inspire young filmmakers to explore and creatively present historical narratives. Held from July 28 to 29, four finalist teams, including Son Team, competed to produce short films in 24 hours, with Son Team winning the Best Short Film and Best Cinematography awards.

Hoi An authorities celebrate Chua Cau restoration

Hoi An authorities held a ceremony on August 3 to mark the completion of the Chua Cau restoration project after 19 months of work. The project, which started on December 28, 2022, with a budget of more than VND20 billion (USD856,000), was meticulously carried out with contributions from local and international experts, including Japanese specialists. The restoration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange between Hoi An and Japan.