Vietnam news in brief - July 22

Halong to become "City of Flowers" and "City of Festivals" by 2030

Halong City, which is home to UNESCO-recognized Halong Bay, has approved projects to transform the city into the "City of Flowers" and "City of Festivals" by 2030 to attract tourists. The "City of Flowers" will be full of flower streets, parks, and scenic spots between 2024 and 2030. Meanwhile, the city will enhance existing festivals and introduce new cultural events in 2025, such as traditional boat races and Japanese cultural weeks. 

Halong City Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Vietnam's image promoted in Slovakia

The Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia promoted the image of the country and people of Vietnam at a summer camp held by the University of Economics in Bratislava last weekend.

The Slovak youths were also informed about Vietnam's history, culture, national customs, the country's beauty, and its people.

Vietnam, Brazil strengthen potential areas of cooperation

Vietnam has always considered Brazil a big and important partner in South America, with bilateral trade reaching US$7.11 billion by 2023, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi said at a meeting with Wilson Miranda Lima, Governor of the northern state of Amazonas.

Vietnam is one of Brazil's most significant trading partners, and the two countries have the potential for cooperation in various fields, including diplomacy, trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, agriculture, climate change mitigation, tourism, and others.

South Korean garment firm fined for illegal wage deductions

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have fined Nobland, a South Korean garment firm, VND70 million (US$2,760) for illegally deducting workers' wages to cover the loss of 3,000 T-shirts.

The company deducted the wages of all workers without being able to identify those responsible. Nobland was also fined VND100 million ($4,000) for requiring workers to work more overtime than stipulated by law in 2023.

Vietnam and China cooperate to develop aviation training

The Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA) and the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 21 to cooperate in the training of aviation personnel. The partnership will focus on training in flight operations, aeronautical engineering, and pilot skills and will also include scientific research and faculty and student exchanges. The collaboration aims to establish a long-term and sustainable partnership between the two parties.

Vietnam orders urgent measures for Typhoon No.2

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang signed Dispatch No.70/CD-TTg on July 21 to urge an immediate response to Typhoon No.2 and the resulting heavy rains. The dispatch, addressed to provincial leaders and relevant ministries, highlights the typhoon's imminent impact on the Gulf of Tonkin and its potential to cause severe flooding and landslides. It calls for close monitoring, evacuation of residents from high-risk areas, secure transportation and infrastructure, and ensuring timely communication to safeguard lives and minimize property damage.