Vietnam news in brief - November 18
Read The Hanoi Times to keep up with the latest developments in the country.
Prime Minister promotes cultural ties at Brazil celebration
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the "Vietnam Day in Brazil" event in Rio de Janeiro on November 17. Celebrating 35 years of Vietnam-Brazil relations, the program highlighted Vietnam's cultural heritage with traditional arts, water puppetry and Vietnamese coffee. The prime minister said cultural cooperation is a foundation for the newly upgraded Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Brazil, which aims to deepen ties in politics, trade and culture.
Ho Chi Minh City strengthens tax management for e-commerce sector
Ho Chi Minh City has identified 11,600 individuals and enterprises in the e-commerce sector, collecting VND7.4 trillion (US$300 million) in declared taxes. With e-commerce accounting for more than 33% of Vietnam's total revenue, authorities are stepping up efforts to combat tax evasion. Strategies include monitoring platforms, influencers and cross-border operations to ensure compliance.
New digital platform for cybersecurity drills to be launched
The Information Security Administration of the Ministry of Information and Communications will launch a digital platform on November 21 to facilitate practical cybersecurity drills for ministries, agencies, and localities. As the fifth free platform offered by the administration, it provides tools, scenarios, and solutions to improve the efficiency of drills, bridge gaps between local and national exercises, and enhance cybersecurity preparedness. From 2022 to 2023, these drills involved approximately 7,000 experts and identified nearly 1,500 security vulnerabilities.
Vinh Long sets record with 102 tofu skin dishes
The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long set a Vietnamese record with 102 dishes and side dishes made from tofu skin (tau hu ky) at a cooking competition on November 17. Part of the province's first Red Ceramic Brick Festival, the event highlighted the traditional craft of making tofu skin, a versatile ingredient made from cooked soybeans. This thin layer of soy protein and fat is dried and used in a variety of dishes.
| The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long set a Vietnamese record with 102 dishes and side dishes made from tofu skin (tau hu ky). Photo: Vietnam News Agency |
.jpg)
Ho Chi Minh City honors Swiss citizens for historic support in 1969
On November 17, the leader of Ho Chi Minh City paid tribute to Olivier Parriaux and Bernard Bachelard, two Swiss citizens who raised the flag of the National Liberation Front on Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1969. This symbolic act opposed the Vietnam War and advocated peace for the Vietnamese people. They shared their support for Vietnam and their ongoing efforts to help victims of Agent Orange. Both were awarded the Ho Chi Minh City Badge.
Hai Duong hosts post-typhoon trade promotion conference
The northern province of Hai Duong hosted a post-Typhoon Yagi trade promotion conference on November 17, with nearly 600 enterprises and over 120 booths. The conference showcased key agricultural products such as dried lychee, dried banana and honey, with 20% of the products certified as 3-star One Commune One Product (OCOP). Hai Duong, which produces 750,000 tons of rice, 900,000 tons of vegetables and 300,000 tons of fruit annually, is strengthening trade promotion, international partnerships and digital product marketing. The activity was an effort to restore agricultural production after it was severely damaged by Typhoon Yagi in early September.
Police dismantle multi-million dollar gambling network
Police in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City have dismantled a major online gambling ring worth more than VND2 trillion (US$81 million). The operation, led by Danang's Cyber Security Department, resulted in 12 arrests in both cities. The main suspect, Nguyen Duy Khanh, is alleged to have operated a large football betting network since May 2024, including high-value betting during EURO 2024. Authorities have seized evidence, initiated prosecutions and continue to investigate.
6,800 athletes run to promote green tourism in Gia Lai
More than 6,800 athletes from 53 provinces and 11 countries took part in the "Gia Lai City Trail 2024" in Pleiku City on November 17. They competed on scenic routes through forests and villages, covering distances ranging from 2km to 42km. The event promoted green tourism, health and the cultural heritage of the Central Highlands. Winners were rewarded and funds were donated to charity.
