Vietnam news in brief - November 24

New route strengthens bilateral ties and regional connectivity

General Secretary To Lam attended the inauguration of Vietjet Air's Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur route on November 23 during his official visit to Malaysia. The route, which will start with seven weekly flights on November 28, is expected to enhance economic, cultural and tourism ties, reflecting the upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Malaysia, while strengthening ASEAN regional connectivity.

Vietnam-Malaysia to expand energy and halal trade

Vietnam and Malaysia have decided to expand cooperation in the energy and halal sectors during the official visit of Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam to Malaysia. Vietnam aims to expand its wind energy potential and plans to connect its grid to Malaysia's. In addition, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of Halal Trade, which will help Vietnamese businesses obtain halal certification for products exported to Malaysia, thereby increasing mutual trade opportunities.

Vietnam reaches trade milestone of US$681.5 billion

Vietnam's total foreign trade value from January to November 15 reached US$681.50 billion, up 16% year-on-year. Exports totaled $352.38 billion, up 15%, with 72% coming from FDI enterprises, while imports rose 16.6% to $329 billion. The trade surplus for the year was $23.30 billion, with a small surplus of $31 million in the first half of November.

Festival celebrates heritage and global aspirations

The 3rd Ninh Binh Festival, themed "Heritage Flow", is underway in the northern province of Ninh Binh from November 23 to 30. The opening ceremony, "Golden Era of the Ancient Capital" on November 24, features a spectacle of the country's history. Other highlights include a street festival, cultural exhibitions, and "Í A Fest", a groundbreaking folk-electronic music finale on November 30, positioning Ninh Binh as a global festival destination.

The rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 3rd Ninh Binh Festival 2024. Photo: VGP

Internship program fuels tech innovation and talent development

Viettel continues to nurture Vietnam's future technology leaders through its flagship Digital Talent program. In its fourth season, 40% of Viettel Digital Talent interns' ideas were turned into real projects. The program trained over 300 students, with 101 officially hired - the highest number yet. Viettel's initiative combines world-class mentorship with hands-on experience, empowering young tech talent to innovate in areas such as AI, 5G, and aerospace, and shaping Vietnam's global tech footprint.

Folk Arts Festival highlights heritage diversity and preservation efforts

The Vietnam Traditional Folk Arts Festival, themed "Vietnam - Colors of Heritage", runs from November 22 to 25, featuring 11 art troupes and nearly 40 performances. Organized to celebrate Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day and the 10th anniversary of UNESCO's recognition of Vi Giam folk singing, the event highlights diverse cultural expressions and promotes the preservation of Vietnam's intangible heritage.

Restoration projects preserve imperial heritage and cultural identity

The central province of Thua Thien Hue completed the three-year restoration of Thai Hoa Palace on November 23, reopening the iconic Nguyen dynasty site to visitors. With an investment of nearly VND129 billion (US$5.3 million), the project preserved the palace's original features. The restoration of Can Chanh Palace will follow suit, underscoring Hue's commitment to heritage preservation and sustainable development.

Historic urns become UNESCO heritage

UNESCO officially declared "The Embossed Patterns on the Nine Dynastic Urns of the Hue Imperial Citadel" an Asia-Pacific Documentary Heritage on November 23. The Nine Dynastic Urns, cast under Emperor Minh Mang (1835-1837), feature 162 embossed patterns symbolizing Vietnam's history and culture. This is Vietnam's 10th UNESCO-listed documentary heritage site and cements Hue's status as a national leader in cultural preservation.

Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ngoc Tu/ Economic and Urban Newspaper