Vietnam news in brief - August 5

Positive developments in US-Vietnam bilateral trade

In the first seven months of 2024, trade between Vietnam and the US reached $74.4 billion, with a significant increase in both imports and exports. Bilateral trade between the two nations has continuously exceeded US$100 billion annually since 2021. Vietnamese products are becoming increasingly sought after in the US market due to affordable prices and quality improvements.

Promoting Vietnamese culture and handicrafts in Brunei

The Embassy of Vietnam in Brunei has been supporting Vietnamese enterprises to organize fairs, exhibitions of cultural and handicraft products to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. 

Wife of Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Le Thi Hong Ngoan (wearing glasses) instructs Bruneian students on pearl inlays on ceramic vases. Photo: VNA

Le Thi Hong Ngoan, wife of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei, expressed her satisfaction with the participation and appreciation of traditional Vietnamese cultural values by the Brunei students.

Quintessence of culinary culture unites Vietnam and India

The Vietnam Food Festival officially opened on August 4 at the India Expo & Convention Center in Uttar Pradesh, northern India.

On the first day of the festival, chefs prepared signature dishes such as chicken pho and spring rolls, which are not only famous for their unique flavors but also representative of Vietnamese cuisine.

Over 5,000 people join charity walk in support of Agent Orange/dioxin victims

Over 5,000 people took part in a charity walk in Ho Chi Minh City on August 4 in support of Agent Orange/dioxin victims ahead of Vietnam's National Day for Agent Orange/dioxin Victims [August 10].

Although the war ended nearly half a century ago, the toxic chemicals have had a strong and lasting impact on the environment and human health. Some 4.8 million people in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin.

Former FLC chairman and accomplices sentenced today

The Hanoi People's Court on August 5 will deliver its verdict against the former chairman of property developer FLC Group JSC, Trinh Van Quyet, and 49 accomplices on charges of "fraudulent appropriation of property" and "stock market manipulation."

For stealing money through fraud and stock manipulation, prosecutors have asked for a 24 to 26-year prison sentence for FLC Chairman Trinh Van Quyet, adding that Quyet’s offences were elaborate. Taking advantage of legal loopholes, he illegally appropriated VND4.3 trillion (US$200 million) using Faros and HoSE as tools.

Vietnam's MPS, FBI discuss training cooperation

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discussed training cooperation last weekend at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. They emphasized the importance of continued partnership, mutual support and capacity building initiatives. The meeting reviewed cooperation in crime prevention and law enforcement, highlighting joint efforts to combat transnational crime and ensure public safety.

Hue launches US$4.2 million project to restore royal tomb

The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has launched a VND99-billion (US$4.2 million) project to restore the tomb of King Tu Duc. The project, which will run until October 2027, aims to restore key structures such as the Hoa Khiem Temple, the Minh Khiem Chamber and the On Khiem Temple. Tu Duc was the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty and reigned from 1847 to 1883.

Overseas Vietnamese children and teachers in South Korea to return to Vietnam

A group of overseas Vietnamese children and teachers from South Korea began their six-day visit to Vietnam today. The 35-participant group explores Vietnam's cultural and historical sites, meet their peers, and strengthen their connection with their heritage. Activities include visiting historical sites, cultural centers and participating in group events at Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School in Hanoi.

Danang hosts "Beach Run on the Beach 2024" to promote tourism

Nearly 1,000 runners took part in a four-kilometer beach run in the central coastal city of Danang on August 4. This annual event is part of Danang's broader strategy to promote tourism and position the city as a premier destination for both sporting and cultural events in Asia.