Vietnam news in brief - October 22

Vietnam and Laos strengthen energy and mining cooperation

Energy and mining remain pillars in Vietnam-Laos relations, according to the discussion at the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Lao Minister of Energy and Mines Phosay Sayasone in Hanoi during the Lao official's visit on October 19-21.

Vietnam plans to import more than 5,000 MW of electricity by 2030 and Laos is one of Vietnam's few suppliers. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the key role of the energy sector in bilateral trade relations, highlighting coal trade negotiations and joint energy efforts.

Vietnam eliminates blinding trachoma 

The US Mission to Vietnam, through USAID, congratulated Vietnam on the elimination of blinding trachoma as a public health concern, as validated by the World Health Organization. This milestone was achieved through decades of effort and international support, including USAID since 2011. Thanks to that, Vietnamese citizens are no longer at risk of blindness from the world's leading infectious cause of this disability.  

Trachoma screening in Vietnam. Photo: USAID

Spanish Embassy promotes forest conservation and climate awareness in Vietnam

The Spanish Embassy in Vietnam launched the "Forests and Climate Change" exhibition at the Vietnam National University from October 21 to 25 to highlight the critical role of forests in combating climate change while promoting sustainable development through collaborative research between Spanish and Vietnamese institutions, said Ambassador Carmen Cano de Lasala. 

Vietnamese football wins recognition for grassroots and youth development

Vietnamese football has been recognized by the AFC, with the Football for All in Vietnam (FFAV) project winning the Best Grassroots Project award and FFAV Director Nguyen Hoang Phuong named Best Grassroots Leader. The PVF Football Academy was also honored as Youth Academy of the Year, highlighting Vietnam's commitment to youth football development. 

Two national treasures showcased in Hai Duong

The "Essence of Xu Dong (the Eastern Land) Antiques" exhibition, which opened at Hai Duong Museum, showcases over 800 artifacts from 60 collectors, including two national treasures - the Huu Chung bronze drum and the Tran Dynasty brown-glazed ceramic jar - highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage.

The exhibition, which runs until November 3, also coincides with the publication of a book by the Xu Dong Antiques Association, which features 455 collections and aims to support research and conservation efforts. 

Vietnam prepares for Beauty Summit 2024

Beauty Summit 2024, Vietnam's premier beauty and cosmetics event, will be held on December 5-6 with 3,500 guests and 200 exhibitors. The event will focus on promoting business and networking through AI and hologram displays, as well as lectures on beauty technology and marketing trends.