Vietnam news in brief - July 16

Prospects for Vietnam - France cooperation in hydrogen production 

Hydrogen de France (HDF Energy), a French energy company that has been present in Vietnam since 2022, has inaugurated its first fuel cell factory in Bordeaux of France, which is expected to lay the foundation for the launch of its “green” hydrogen factories in Vietnam. 

HDF Vietnam has been involved in the development of projects in many provinces, such as Kien Giang, Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan, which have great potential for renewable energy development to produce "green" hydrogen for the transportation industry. 

Vietnam to innovate rural vocational training in digital age

Vietnam needs comprehensive innovation in rural vocational training, according to Secretariat Directive No.37-CT/TW. This includes harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhance digital skills, support rural economic and social development, and develop a high-quality workforce.

The plan calls for improved curricula, quality assurance, practical training and the use of modern technology, with an emphasis on ethical training, legal knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.  

The AIIB has lent US$223 million to Vietnam for three projects focusing on Covid-19 pandemic preparedness, solar energy development, hydropower, and sustainable infrastructure. The news was released on July 15 in Hanoi at the meeting between State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Governor Nguyen Thi Hong and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)'s President Jin Liqun.  

Young overseas Vietnamese offer incense to commemorate Hung Kings

Some 120 young overseas Vietnamese from 27 countries around the world offered incense and flowers in the northern province of Phu Tho on July 15 in honor of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. 

This is part of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 for the young generation of overseas Vietnamese. First held in 2004, the camp, an annual program of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, has brought thousands of outstanding young people to visit their homeland. 

South Korea corporation to develop smart urban areas and hi-tech zones

Vietnam's northern province of Ha Nam and the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on July 15 to develop smart city and high-tech zone projects.

KIND will mobilize financial and technical resources to make plans and regularly update relevant stakeholders on progress and results.  

Cat Bi Airport expansion aims to handle 13 million passengers by 2030 

The Ministry of Transport has approved the master plan for Cat Bi International Airport in Vietnam's northern city of Haiphong for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. By 2030, Cat Bi will be a Class 4E airport (ICAO standard) and a Class 1 military airfield, handling 13 million passengers and 250,000 tons of cargo annually.

The airport will handle aircraft codes C and E and have 30 aircraft stands. By 2050, the airport is expected to handle 18 million passengers and 500,000 tons of cargo annually, with 50 aircraft stands. 

The 2024 National Junior Petanque Championship ends in Soc Trang

The 2024 National Junior and Youth Petanque Championships ended on July 15 with the participation of more than 190 athletes from 16 provinces. The Dong Thap team topped the competition with three gold, four silver and four bronze medals, followed by Hanoi and the host team from Soc Trang.

The championship highlighted the talent and potential of young petanque players.