Vietnam news in brief - September 25

Promoting culture of ASEAN member countries among the youth

Delegates attend the event. Photos: VNA

The ASEAN Cultural Ambassadors, part of the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City from August 20 to September 24, will select winners for upcoming performances, workshops, and community-oriented initiatives for ASEAN.

The competition attracted more than 200 participants from 57 universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City, helping to create an environment for students to understand, interact, and experience the cultures of ASEAN member countries.

Vietnamese PM expects more support from Brazilian Club

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested on September 24 (local time) that the Brazilian football club Corinthians help Vietnamese teams in technical, tactical and physical training. He also hoped that more Brazilian footballers would join Vietnam to play for local clubs.

Visiting Corinthians, which won the World Club Championship in 2012, the Prime Minister said Vietnamese people love football and admire Brazilian legends such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and late football legend Pele, who won the World Cup five times.

Hanoi University invests $123,000 in scientific research

The Vietnamese National University in Hanoi will allocate VND3 billion (nearly US$123,000) for outstanding scientists from home and abroad to conduct research over three years. The researchers will also be given priority access to material resources, employment opportunities, and other incentives. Increased investment will be proposed to support the development of strong research groups.

Vietnamese company seeks access to Latin American market

Delegates from two sides discuss about the potential at the meeting.

The Venezuelan government is willing to create favorable conditions for Vietnam Ceramics Glass JSC (VIGLACERA) to enter its market, which will strengthen the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, said Jorge Márquez, Minister of the Office of the Presidency and Supervision of Government Management of Venezuela, during a meeting with the VIGLACERA delegation in Venezuela to explore cooperation and investment opportunities. 

The Vietnamese company's survey team is in the Latin American country to study the market and develop a project to construct an industrial zone to produce building materials.

New Zealand battleships arrive in Ho Chi Minh City for five-day visit

Two New Zealand battleships visited Ho Chi Minh City on September 24 to further develop the close and friendly relationship between the New Zealand and Vietnamese navies. The ships will be anchored at Sai Gon Port until September 28. 

During the five-day visit, Vietnamese and New Zealand naval forces will participate in personnel exchange activities, sports events and community service. According to Rear Admiral James Gilmore, commander of the New Zealand Joint Forces, the visit demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to working with Vietnam to maintain a safe and secure region.

Vietnamese cities urged to reduce private cars

The government has asked major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to limit the number of private vehicles in urban districts and reduce traffic congestion. It has also requested the two cities to invest more in public transport networks and encourage people to use public transport for commuting. 

Space and sidewalks should be strictly reserved for pedestrians, and the progress of urban rail projects needs to be accelerated.