Vietnam news in brief - September 19

Vietnam ranks 28th in world's LEED-certified green buildings

Vietnam currently ranks 28th in the world in terms of the number of LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]-certified green buildings, according to the Ministry of Construction at the "Policies and Solutions to Promote the Development of Green Buildings" seminar in Hanoi on September 18. As of the second quarter of 2023, there are nearly 300 green buildings certified by systems and standards such as Lotus (VGBC), Edge (IFC-WB), LEED (USGBC), and Green Mark (Singapore). The total floor area of these buildings is about seven million square meters. However, Vietnam has yet to have a building designed, constructed and managed to meet net-zero emissions criteria.

Vietnam hosts first international TECHFEST in Australia

A TECHFEST held in Danang City. Photo: TECHFEST

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (International TECHFEST) will be held for the first time on September 20 in Melbourne, Australia, to coincide with the Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2023 (GEC), in the presence of Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat. The GEC brings together thousands of delegates and high-level leaders from more than 170 countries to network, learn, and share experiences, creating a unified and strong global ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the events, the Ministry of Science and Technology aims to showcase Vietnam's dynamic and highly open innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem to attract international attention and resources, with overseas Vietnamese being a crucial element.

ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) meeting to take place in Danang

The Ministry of Information and Communication will host a series of events at the 16th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) meeting in Danang on September 20-23. The theme "Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsive ASEAN" highlights the role and mission of the media in the new phase of transforming information into a driving force for development. It aims to promote the transformation of information into knowledge to build a resilient ASEAN with strengthened capacity, enhanced resilience and adaptability.

High on the agenda of the event are the 16th ASEAN Information Ministers' Meeting, the 7th AMRI Plus Three Meeting, and other related high-level official meetings.

Hue by Light - The Live Show to be held in December

An art performance at the Hue Imperial Citadel, Thua Thien Hue Province. Photo: VGP

The artistic program "Hue by Light - The Live Show" will be held in December 2023 at the UNESCO-recognized Imperial City of Hue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations. 

The program combines traditional and modern music with unique creativity, showcasing the distinctive cultural traditions of Hue. This event is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and France.

Deputy Prime Minister works with Vietnamese businesses in Cuba

Vietnamese enterprises need new forms of cooperation to take advantage of Cuba's strengths and achievements in scientific research, biotechnology, and medical services, which can bring substantial and effective economic benefits to both sides. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha made the recommendation during a meeting with Vietnamese businesses in Cuba as part of his visit to attend the G77-China Summit on September 15-18. Economic activities are an essential part of diplomatic relations and contribute to strengthening the friendship and special cooperation between the two countries.