Vietnam news in brief - November 13

Vietnam-US Forum on sustainable development initiatives scheduled for mid-November

A forum to promote cooperation between Vietnam and the United States on "Innovation for Sustainable Development" will be held in Hanoi on November 15. It is expected to bring together various government agencies and businesses from both countries. Key discussions will include trade, investment, sustainable growth, and education, with a focus on supply chains, renewable energy, and AI. The United States remains Vietnam's largest export market, with bilateral trade approaching US$88 billion by 2024.

Vladimir governor invites Vietnamese companies to set up industrial parks

The Governor of Vladimir, Alexander Avdeyev, at a meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia, Dang Minh Khoi, on November 12 proposed that Vietnamese companies open industrial parks in this Russian region. Avdeev emphasized the oblast's economic, investment and tourism potential, noting its strategic location near Moscow. The two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tourism, agriculture, education and labor, with Vietnam pledging manpower assistance to help Russia address its labor shortage.

Vietnam expands efforts to conserve biodiversity

Vietnam's new National Biodiversity Conservation Plan, approved on November 8, aims to establish an additional 61 protected areas, bringing the total protected area to 6.6 million hectares by 2030. The plan prioritizes ecosystem connectivity, the protection of endangered species and the establishment of key biodiversity corridors and wetlands. Efforts will incorporate sustainable practices, ecotourism models and advanced technologies to support climate resilience and long-term environmental sustainability across eight ecological regions.

Dam Nai mangrove forest in Vietnam's southern province of Ninh Thuan. Photo: VNA

Vietnam lays out strategy for sustainable sports development

Vietnam's National Sports Development Strategy, which aims to have a thriving sustainable and professional sports scene by 2030 and a vision for 2045, was discussed at a conference on 12 November. The strategy focuses on improving public health and enhancing Vietnam's advantageous sports status. Delegates proposed specific action plans for community, elite and professional sports, emphasizing sustainable, coordinated development across regions and resources.

First Ho Chi Minh City Theater Festival kicks off

The opening ceremony of the first Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Festival 2024 was held on November 12 at the Municipal Theater, bringing together 20 art troupes and more than 300 artists who will present renowned performances. The festival aims to assess the quality of theater activities, create a professional platform for artists, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South. During this 17-day event, artistic performances will take place in theaters all over the city.

Long An Culture, Sports and Tourism Week 2024 to take place

The Long An Culture, Sports and Tourism Week 2024 will be held from November 28 to December 4 with a variety of activities in Duc Hoa, Duc Hue, Ben Luc and Tan An districts. Highlights include boat races, a marathon, a traditional festival night, and tours to popular sites such as the floating village of Tan Lap and the endless field. The event is expected to attract one million visitors.

Vietnamese contestant wins international beauty pageant

Huynh Thanh Thuy from Vietnam was crowned Miss International 2024 in Japan on November 12, beating 75 contestants to the title. The first Vietnamese to win the title, Thuy expressed her gratitude to her supporters and pride in representing her country on an international stage.

Vietnamese airports to accommodate more night flights for Lunar New Year celebrations

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has requested six airports (Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Chu Lai, Phu Cat, Pleiku and Tuy Hoa) to improve their night operations capacity from January 14 to February 12, 2025 in anticipation of increased air traffic during the Lunar New Year. Tan Son Nhat Airport is asked to allocate more resources and make adjustments for the holiday travel peak.