A concert marking the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations was held at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo on July 20. — VNA/VNS PhotoViet Nam News HÀ NỘI — A concert marking the 45th anniversary of Việt Nam - Japan diplomatic relations was held at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo on July 20 in the presence of the Japanese Emperor and Empress. After the two countries’ national anthems, the audience enjoyed famous musical pieces of the world and Việt Nam performed by artists of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO). The symphony Người về đem tới ngày vui (He who brought happiness to us) composed by Trọng Bằng, describing Vietnamese people’s love for late President Hồ Chí Minh, received a big round of applause from the audience. The orchestra was led by Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna, who is principal conductor and music director of the VNSO. Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Tokyo concert marks 45 years of Việt Nam-Japan ties
S. Korea asks for exemption from U.S. auto tariffs
Kim Dong-yeon made the request during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin in Buenos Aires on Saturday (local time) on the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 25 percent tariff on imported cars on national security grounds. Korean-made autos are currently exempt from U.S. duties under the bilateral trade pact implemented in 2012, and Seoul has accepted Washington's demands on the auto market access in a recently revised free trade agreement, which has yet to be formally signed. "Minister Kim expressed concerns over the ongoing survey by the U.S. government on any impacts of foreign cars on its national security, and strongly called for the exclusion of South Korea from the list of tariff-levying countries," the Minister of Strategy and Finance said in a release. The two countries "have made fair transactions" based on the revised trade deal, Kim stressed, adding that the South Korean auto industry has played a … [Read more...] about S. Korea asks for exemption from U.S. auto tariffs
Vietnam appeals to foreign hotel giants
Many international hotel brand names have made their presence in Vietnam in the wake of the robust development of the country’s tourism sector and infrastructure. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Danang city The first half of this year alone witnessed many famous brands to come to Vietnam. Mandarin Oriental, which is one of the world’s luxury hotel groups, announced cooperation with Union Square Saigon to develop its first high-end hotel in Vietnam, which is named Mandarin Oriental Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City and due to open by 2019. Best Western, one of the world’s largest hotel management groups, also signed an agreement with FLC on attaching Best Western Premier brand to FLC’s hotel now under construction in the central province of Quang Binh. Aman Resorts, a premier resort chain, made forays into Vietnam through joining hands with local partner Novaland Group to put the Azerai luxury hotel chain into operation in May. InterContinental … [Read more...] about Vietnam appeals to foreign hotel giants
First private robotic surgery centre opened in Hà Nội
Doctors perform surgery using the Da Vinci surgical system at The Vinmec Times City International Hospital. — Photo courtesy of Vinmec Medical System Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — The Vinmec Times City International Hospital officially opened its robotic surgery clinic as the first private centre in Việt Nam on Saturday with skilled experts trained by leading robotic surgery training centres in France, South Korea and Hong Kong. “Vinmec is the first medical facility in Việt Nam to apply robotic surgery in treating gynaecological diseases. The advanced techniques offer optimal choices in surgery for treating endometrial, cervical cancers and womb tumors,” said hospital director Prof. Bùi Đức Phú. The centre is equipped with the Da Vinci surgical system manufactured by US-based Intuitive Surgical. The advanced system has four arms that can simulate most human hand movements. It … [Read more...] about First private robotic surgery centre opened in Hà Nội
Overseas Vietnamese contribute to Vietnam-Russia ties
Participants at the conference (Photo: VNA) Moscow (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh has praised the association of Vietnamese people in Russia for their active contributions to reinforcing and developing the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. At a conference to review the association’s performance in 2015-2017 in Moscow on July 20, the ambassador recognised its efforts to help overseas Vietnamese stabilise their lives and integrate into the host society. The association also held activities to support the homeland, he said. Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam took note of the opinions raised by the association members and pledged to deliver their proposals and aspirations to domestic relevant agencies. Participants suggested increasing dissemination of legal regulations and changes in business conditions in Russia for Vietnamese expatriates to promote their legal status in the country. They recommended that the association … [Read more...] about Overseas Vietnamese contribute to Vietnam-Russia ties
Association promotes solidarity among Vietnamese in Laos
Delegates at the congress (Source: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – The Vietnamese Association in Vientiane, Laos reviewed its performance over the past five years and set out orientations for the 2018-2022 tenure during a congress on July 21. During the past five-year term, the association has organised many community-based activities and promoted traditional Vietnamese culture in Laos, while constructively participating in activities launched by the Vietnamese Embassy in the country. Of note, the association has paid attention to developing the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual language school in Vientiane, with an increasing number of students, and better teaching and learning quality. The congress elected a new nine-member executive board for the tenth tenure headed by Le Van Mui. Bounna Phathounmavong, Director of Vientiane’s Department of Home Affairs, expressed his hope that the Vietnamese expats in Vientiane set example in observing Lao laws and help each other … [Read more...] about Association promotes solidarity among Vietnamese in Laos
VIFON gets Guinness recognition for biggest instant Pho bowl
Some 55 cuisine experts make the largest bowl of instant "pho". (Photo: plo.vn) HCM City (VNA) – A bowl of instant “pho”, made by the Vietnam Food Industries JSC (VIFON) on the occasion of 55th anniversary of the firm, was recognised by the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest of its kind on July 21. Some 55 cuisine experts made the bowl from more than 1.35 tonnes of instant noodles, 1,200 litres of broth, 100 kilogrammes of organic beef, 22 kilogrammes of VIFON seasoning, and six kilogrammes of VIFON chilli. After receiving Guinness recognition, the bowl was served to 1,963 local people. According to VIFON Chairman Bui Phuong Mai, VIFON decided to make the largest bowl of Pho in the world to popularise the Vietnamese iconic dish to international friends. VIFON committed to using no synthetic colour in its products, she said, noting that the company is a pioneer in applying advanced technologies in production to meet increasing demands from both … [Read more...] about VIFON gets Guinness recognition for biggest instant Pho bowl
Vietnamese students win gold at 2018 International Biology Olympiad
The gold medalists are 12th graders Nguyen Phuong Thao and Tran Thi Minh Anh, from Natural Science High School for Gifted Students under Hanoi National University and Tran Phu High School for Gifted Students of Hai Phong city, respectively, and Hoang Minh Trung, an eleventh grader of Lam Son High School for Gifted Students in Thanh Hoa province. All four members of the Vietnamese team won medals, with three gold and one silver, at the 2018 International Biology Olympiad recently held in Iran. (Source: Ministry of Education and Training) Meanwhile, the silver went to Hoang Van Dong, a 12th grader of Nguyen Trai High School for Gifted Students in Hai Duong province. The 29th International Biology Olympiad drew 261 students from 71 countries and territories. Phuong Thao had the highest points and became the first winner of the contest. Minh Anh came in at the 9th place, Minh Trung 19th and Van Dong 64th. At the previous contest held in the UK, Vietnamese students … [Read more...] about Vietnamese students win gold at 2018 International Biology Olympiad
Measures of tourism development at national parks and natural reserves discussed
Scene at the workshop. (Photo: nature.org.vn) Under the theme of “Lessons on tourism development at national parks and natural reserves”, the workshop served as a venue for participants to exchange information and share experience in developing tourism inside natural ecosystems as well as to propose appropriate sustainable solutions for the areas. At the event, 150 delegates from State management bodies, research organizations, universities, and enterprises have discussed and proposed solutions to develop tourism in couple with safeguarding natural resources and ecology. Translated by Chung Anh … [Read more...] about Measures of tourism development at national parks and natural reserves discussed
Foreign media lauds Vietnam’s economic growth
According to the article, low wages, tax incentives and free trade agreements have facilitated Vietnam’s exports to foreign markets. (Photo for illustration) It highlighted the spectacular growth of industrial parks in Vietnam, but noted that the dependence on export and foreign direct investment (FDI) would make the country vulnerable to trade disputes between the US and other trade partners such as China and the European Union. Meanwhile, the UK’s Inquirer.net also reported that Vietnam has switched from being an agricultural economy to one of the brightest manufacturing hotspots in Southeast Asia, citing the latest report from Jones Lang LaSalle, one of the world's leading real estate services firms. It quoted the report as saying that “This phenomenal growth can be attributed to Vietnam establishing itself as an export-driven economy, dedicated industrial and economic zones, numerous free trade agreements, strong economic growth and a young, … [Read more...] about Foreign media lauds Vietnam’s economic growth