Vietnam news in brief - November 11

Vietnam strengthens cooperation with UN on global challenges

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to working with the United Nations on global challenges and sustainable development during a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, Pauline Tamesis, on November 10. Key areas of cooperation include achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, equitable energy transition, digital transformation, climate change response, food security, and improving education and workforce quality. The UN stands ready to work with Vietnam in these areas, Tamesis said.

Vietnam sees 500% surge in Indian tourists in 2023

The number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam in 2023 rose by 500% compared to 2019, according to the Economic Times. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) reported that some 392,000 Indians visited Vietnam in 2023, supported by improved flight connectivity, convenient e-visa processes and the influence of social media. Travel companies and airlines are expanding service options and increasing capacity to meet demand.

Vietnamese Student Union in France celebrates 20th anniversary with gala event

The Union of Vietnamese Students in France (UEVF) on November 9 celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gala attended by the Vietnamese ambassador to France, UNESCO representatives and 200 young participants. Since 2004, the UEVF has actively promoted Vietnamese culture, organized major events such as VietFest to consolidate Vietnamese expatriates' affection for their homeland, supported more than 15,000 members across France, and contributed to Vietnam-France relations.

Binh Phuoc Festival celebrates S'tieng culture and historical traditions

The festival, held from November 8 to 10 in the southern province of Binh Phuoc, re-enacted the rice-growing scenes of the S'tieng ethnic minority, who supported revolutionary soldiers during the resistance. The event featured artistic performances, fairs, cultural gatherings and a tourism workshop. It served as a platform to promote local culture and tourism, raise historical awareness, preserve ethnic heritage and support sustainable economic and tourism development.

Experts discuss challenges for Vietnam's historical films

Speaking at the Hanoi International Film Festival on November 9, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong stressed that the new Law on Cinema supports creations and state-funded projects. Experts discussed the challenges and opportunities of producing historical films and literary adaptations in Vietnam, aiming at capitalizing on the country's cultural heritage and stimulating public interest in historical storytelling.

UEFA expert backs growth of Vietnamese women's soccer

UEFA expert Chris Milnes praised the potential of Vietnamese women's football on November 8 during a strategic development workshop in Hanoi as part of the AFC-UEFA Women's Football Programme. He highlighted Vietnam's recent successes, such as qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, and expressed his confidence that working with the VFF would promote the long-term growth and success of Vietnamese women's football.

Vietnam women's national football team in a series of friendlies.

Vietnam's bodybuilding team tops the world championships

Vietnam's bodybuilding team took the top spot at the 2024 World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships held in the Maldives from November 5-11, winning 10 gold, 5 silver and 11 bronze medals. Competing against 41 countries, Vietnam excelled in various categories. Tran Thi Cam Tu's gold in the women's fitness category and Pham Van Phuoc's title defence in the men's classic bodybuilding category were notable performances.

Quang Ninh invests in major road upgrades

The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh has approved two major road projects worth a total of over VND1.2 trillion (US$49 million). The VND990 billion (US$40.5 million) upgrade of provincial Road 330 (23 km) will improve access to Ba Che and connect it to Bac Giang, Lang Son provinces and Ha Long City. Provincial Road 327 (25 km) will be upgraded at a cost of VND230 billion (US$9.4 billion) to improve access to Dong Trieu, Uong Bi and local tourist sites.

An investment of VND990 billion (US$40.2 million) will be made to rehabilitate and upgrade provincial Road 330 in Ba Che District. Photo: VnEconomy