Vietnam news in brief - September 16

Quang Nam's three dishes reconigzed as iconic Vietnamese food

Quang noodles are among the iconic Vietnamese dishes. Photo: Quang Nam Newspaper

My Quang or Quang noodles, Banh trang dap or crushed rice crackers, and Cao lau or a kind of noodle and a signature dish from Hoi An have been recognized as iconic Vietnamese dishes by the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association as part of the "Building and Developing Vietnamese Culinary Culture into a National Brand, 2022-2024" project.

The project includes various components such as 1,000 iconic Vietnamese dishes, a map of Vietnamese cuisine, a virtual museum of Vietnamese culinary culture, and the promotion of nutrition science and culinary economic development.

Ministry of Industry and Trade to revise Power Development Plan VIII

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has ordered the Ministry of Industry and Trade to revise the roadmap for the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) as it does not meet the requirements for feasible and effective implementation. The revised movement will serve as the basis for investment and execution of the power projects and grids outlined in the master plan.

Hanoi to develop urban design plan for Thien Quang Lake

Hainoi will develop an urban design plan for the Thien Quang Lake area within six months as a solution to harmonize the architectural landscape between newly built and renovated zones and explore architectural focal points to enhance the urban profile.

The area designated for the urban design plan around Thien Quang Lake is about 11.7 hectares, covering Nguyen Du and Le Dai Hanh wards in Hai Ba Trung District.

Many exciting cultural and tourism activities in northern region

The 14th Northeast Vietnam Heritage Journey and Tuyen Quang City's Festival 2023, with the participation of six provinces including Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, districts and cities within Tuyen Quang Province, as well as representatives from China and Laos, will be held in Tuyen Quang City from September 20 to 27.

The festival will feature various activities, including the Cultural Tourism Community Festival of the Six Cultural Villages of Northeast Vietnam on September 23, the "Cinema - Heritage Connection and Tuyen Quang Tourism" program on September 21-23, the 2023 Tuyen Quang Provincial Trade and Tourism Fair, the 2023 Hanoi Beer Festival, and other activities.

Vietnamese athletes to receive US$8,240 cash prize for each gold medal

Venues for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Photo: AFP/VNA

The Vietnam Sports Authority is offering a reward of VND200 million (US$8,240) for each gold medal won at the 19th Asian Games. Vietnam will send some 504 athletes, coaches, and staff to Asia's biggest sporting event, aiming to win 2-5 gold medals. A ceremony will be held tonight [September 16] to mark the departure of the Vietnamese sports delegation.

The 19th Asian Games will take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The event was postponed in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

National advertising contest launched

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Advertising Association launched a national advertising contest on September 15 to recognize and reward amazing and creative advertising content. The contest is part of the plan to develop Vietnam's cultural industry by 2020 and 2030. The contest offers four awards in the categories of television commercials, on-board and outdoor advertising, online advertising, and integrated media advertising.

A total of 40 awards will be given to the winners, with total prizes worth VND500 million (US$20,600), including the most valuable Grand Prix prize worth US$10,000. The awards ceremony will be held in Hanoi in December 2023.

Vietnam-China's first smart border gate under construction

Vietnam's Lang Son province and China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region began work on a smart terminal, the first of its kind, at the Huu Nghi (Friendship) International Border Gate on September 15. The smart border post is based on a satellite positioning system and 5G technology, with autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), container cranes, and an electronic map platform. The smart border post is expected to process export formalities between the two countries 24 hours a day.

Construction is scheduled to be completed, and the border gate is expected to be fully operational by the end of December 2024.

Cultural space showcases Vietnamese culture to South Africans

The Vietnam Cultural Space, part of Vietnam Days in South Africa 2023, was held on September 14-15 to introduce Vietnamese cultural features to local and international guests in Pretoria. This is the first time the event was held in South Africa to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Africa.

The event featured photos showing Vietnam's traditional festivals and daily life activities, local paintings such as Dong Ho, lacquer masterpieces depicting Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake in four seasons, and handmade souvenirs brought from Vietnam.