Vietnam news in brief - October 30

PM calls for direct flights to Saudi Arabia and Middle East

At a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Saudi Arabia on October 29, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the opening of direct flights to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. He also called for the establishment of a Vietnamese association in Saudi Arabia and the effective promotion of Vietnam's image, culture and cuisine.

Vietnam Customs strengthens international cooperation through initiatives

Vietnam will share its customs reform experience at the 245th/246th session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) in Brussels at the end of October, where it will promote the Single Window Mechanism, support e-commerce, and introduce green and smart customs initiatives to expand sustainable supply chains and strengthen international cooperation.

Vietnam boosts logistics cooperation with Thailand at Bangkok conference

Vietnam was promoting logistics cooperation with Thailand at the conference in Bangkok on October 29, co-organized by the Vietnam Association for Logistics Manpower Development (VALOMA) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Vietnam aims to expand trade links and strengthen logistics cooperation, while Thailand aims to increase investment, improve cross-border transportation, and apply modern technologies.

Sa Pa boosts tourism with steep discounts and seasonal events

The Lao Cai Tourism Association on October 29 launched its biggest tourism promotion program for 2024 under the theme "Touch Sa Pa - Touch the Clouds". Running from November 2 to December 30, the program offers discounts of up to 50% from over 130 businesses, including hotels, restaurants and transportation, to attract visitors for Sa Pa's cloud-hunting season and cultural experiences.

Fansipan peak, located in the town of Sapa, is known as the "Gateway to the sky" in Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Minh Tu/The Hanoi Times.

Development plan for north central and central coastal regions approved

A Development Plan for the North Central and Central Coastal Regions (2021-2030, Vision to 2050) was approved on October 29. The plan focuses on boosting industry, tourism, logistics and the maritime economy, building modern infrastructure, attracting investment and addressing climate change. It also aims to strengthen regional connectivity through North-South and East-West economic corridors, promote sustainable development and guarantee national security.

Vietnam strengthens police cooperation with taekwondo championship

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has announced the 2024 Asian Police Taekwondo Open Championship to be held in Quang Ninh Province from December 6-9. With the theme "Police Strength! Global Citizen Protectors," the event will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's public security forces and strengthen international police cooperation. The mascot, a Bac Ha dog in taekwondo gear, symbolizes this cross-border initiative, with 44 Asian police teams registered to participate.

Ho Chi Minh City promotes health and unity with cultural week

The "Healthy to Build and Defend the Nation" week, which kicked off on October 29 at Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City, celebrates public health and fitness from October 29 to November 3. The event features sports, cultural exhibitions, traditional arts, and interactive experiences to promote physical fitness and unity among citizens, especially encouraging youth to take part in sports and cultural activities.

Vietnam promotes youth football through AFC Community Recognition

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) received the AFC President's Community Youth Football Recognition Award at the AFC Annual Awards 2023 in Seoul on October 29. The award recognizes the VFF's commitment to youth football development and community building through initiatives such as the FIFA School Football Project and the FFAV Community Program, which have involved more than 1,000 schools and expanded youth participation across Vietnam.