Vietnam news in brief - October 5

Vietnam condemns attack on UAE Ambassador’s residence

Vietnam on October 4 condemned the attack on the residence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador in Sudan. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang emphasized that diplomatic missions and residences must be respected and protected under international law, including the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

PM discusses North-South high-speed railway project

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting on October 5 to discuss the north-south high-speed railway project and instructed ministries and sectors to focus their resources on developing the project. 

PM Pham Minh Chinh chairs the meeting on October 5. Photo: VGP

With an estimated total investment of $67.3 billion, the proposed 350-kph railway will stretch 1,451 km, connecting 20 cities and provinces from Hanoi's Ngoc Hoi station to Thu Thiem station in Ho Chi Minh City.

General Secretary To Lam begins official France visit

General Secretary and President To Lam arrived in Paris on October 3 to attend the 19th Francophone Summit and an official visit to France from October 3-7 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The trip aims to strengthen Vietnam’s role in the Francophone community and deepen the strategic partnership with France, marking the first state visit by a Vietnamese President to France in 22 years.

PM meets female scientists from Asia-Pacific

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 4 received delegates to the ongoing conference of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists in the Asia-Pacific as well as leaders of the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women.

Chinh expressed his hope that the network and the association will make more contributions to the country and the region, as well as the building of a peaceful, fair, humane, compassionate, civilized, and sustainable world.

Vietnam, Ireland to promote AI cooperation

General Secretary and State President To Lam and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced a joint statement in Dublin to advance multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders applauded potential collaboration in promoting AI development, innovation, digital transformation, high-quality human resource training, and others.

Vietnam-China Business Club launched in Haiphong

The Vietnam-China Business Club was officially launched on October 4 in the northern city of Haiphong to strengthen bilateral cooperation and attract Chinese investment to the region. The Executive Board, consisting of 7 members, is led by Bui Thanh Giang, Chairman of FOSERCO Vietnam Co., Ltd. Haiphong currently attracts 405 investment projects from China worth US$6.14 billion.

Jean Salmon praised in Vietnam-Belgium Relations

The Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium on October 4 awarded the friendship medal to late Professor Jean Salmon in recognition of his influence on the Southeast Asian nation. With over 30 years of close collaboration with Vietnam, Professor Salmon made significant contributions to scientific research, legal consultancy, and high-quality human resource training, particularly in fostering the Vietnam-Belgium partnership.

South Korean tourist spending in Vietnam rises 60% in H1

Spending by South Korean tourists in Vietnam increased by 60% year-on-year between January and June. The central city of Danang led with 25% of the total spending, followed by Ho Chi Minh City with 15%, and Hanoi with 10%. Vietnam ranked second after Japan in the Asia-Pacific for South Korean tourist' spending, representing 16% of the total. The main expenses were accommodation (21%), essentials (21%), and dining (17%).

Vietnam to host international conference on rural tourism in Hoi An

An international conference to promote rural tourism will be held in Hoi An Ancient Town from December 9 to 11 with a focus on the best tourism villages network meeting and a cultural-tourism exhibition. Around 300 international delegates, including leaders, experts, and tourism businesses, are expected to participate.

Tay Ninh and Cambodia strengthen tourism cooperation

Cambodian officials seek the support of the southern province of Tay Ninh in agricultural trade, investment, tourism, and commerce. During the October 4 meeting, both sides emphasized promoting investment, marketing tourism, and expanding economic cooperation. Cambodia also prioritized improving transportation infrastructure at border crossings and enhancing tourism collaboration between Ba Den Mountain and the Angkor temple complex.