Vietnam news in brief - July 6

Vietnam sweeps the board at  Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia

The Saigon Professional Chefs' Guild (SPC), representing Vietnam, swept to victory and numerous awards at the third Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia held in Kuala Lumpur from June 25 to July 5. 

A stand displaying Vietnamese bread at the third Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia. Photo: VNA

The 40 Vietnamese cooks' incredible collection of 13 golds, 27 silvers, and 28 bronzes is proof of both their professionalism and the enthusiasm of foreign customers for Vietnamese cuisine. The Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia seeks to give participating chefs from across the globe a forum for interaction and experience sharing.

Businesswomen from three Indochina countries share experience on green economy

A forum bringing together women entrepreneurs from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia was held in Hanoi on July 5 to discuss the green economy. Participation in green economic development involves various stakeholders, with enterprises being one of the most critical.

Women-owned enterprises, in particular, are an important component of green growth initiatives and contribute to the development of an ecosystem for sustainable growth. These businesses should continue to take proactive and creative steps to increase performance and operational efficiency in line with strategic goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the use of clean, renewable energy sources.

Weekend market boosts access to OCOP products in Cambodia

Outstanding products from some of Vietnam's southern provinces are being showcased at a three-day weekend market that opened in An Giang province on July 5.

The event is expected to help local specialties capture the hearts of local customers and break into the neighboring Cambodian market.  More than 40 companies are exhibiting over 300 specialties and products under the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program, including food, cosmetics, household utensils, and handicrafts.

Danang strengthens cooperation with Japanese partners

The "Danang - Japan Meeting", a conference on the prospects for cooperation after the two nations upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, was held in Vietnam's central city of Danang on July 5.

The conference was held to boost connectivity and attract investment in high-tech industries, digital technology, green technology, electronics, microchips, and semiconductors. The Japanese government supports the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative program, which focuses on expanding investment in high technology, information technology, and human resource development.

Vietnam to switch off 2G mobile services

Vietnamese mobile operators will no longer provide services to devices that only support 2G from September 16, 2024.

The exception is the use of the 2G network to send and receive data via machine-to-machine services or to provide services on the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands, and DK platforms until 15 September 2026.

Quang Nam announces 2024 International Kite Festival

On July 5, the central province of Quang Nam announced the 2024 Quang Nam International Kite Festival to be held at Hoiana Resort & Golf from July 25-28 as part of the "Quang Nam - Green Heritage Region" promotion.

The festival will feature kite teams from over 12 countries, including Vietnam, China, and Japan, and highlights will include a nighttime LED kite display, workshops, cuisine, magic shows, and fire dances. The event aims to promote and preserve the art of kite flying as an annual international attraction.

Project from Vietnam chosen to provide carbon credits for the Olympics in Paris

AIM Khanh Hoa, a 50MW solar power plant company, announced on July 3 that it has been selected to provide carbon credits for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The company produces 76,842 MWh of electricity annually, which equates to an annual reduction of approximately 65,254 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are committed to reducing and offsetting carbon emissions and have selected projects that meet the highest international certification standards, including the AIM Khanh Hoa solar farm. In addition to the AIM Khanh Hoa project, they are supporting nine other initiatives in equatorial regions to further reduce and offset emissions in line with their climate goals for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

Vietnam secures two additional Olympic berths in Paris in 2024.

In addition to Vietnam's 14 Olympic places, Vietnamese athletes Vo Thi My Tien (swimming) and Tran Thi Nhi Yen (sprint) have received special invitations to the top sporting event. The IAAF confirmed Nhi Yen's qualification for the 100m on July 4. This follows the International Swimming Federation's confirmation of My Tien's special invitation on July 2, bringing the total number of Vietnamese places for the Paris 2024 Olympics to 16 in various sports, including swimming, cycling, shooting, boxing, and badminton.