Vietnam and the EU: Elevating Educational Horizons

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son (right) and EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier (left) meet in Hanoi.

Vietnam and the EU strengthen educational ties

On May 10, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son and Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, met in Hanoi to discuss enhancing educational cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

The EU diplomat commended Vietnam’s remarkable development achievements, acknowledging the contributions of the education sector. He expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s support in organizing the Asia-Pacific Regional Summit on the ERASMUS+ program, which saw over 3,400 Vietnamese students participate during 2015-2023.

Ambassador Guerrier hopes for continued collaboration and increased funding for this program, citing the EU’s EUR300 billion Global Gateway strategy, which aims to boost sustainable connections worldwide, including in Vietnam, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, transportation, education, and research.

Minister Son praised the ERASMUS+ scheme, highlighting the opportunities it provides for Vietnamese youth. He welcomed the EU’s intention to draft a Letter of Intent on education cooperation and looked forward to closer coordination in organizing regional and international conferences within the Asia-Europe Meeting framework.

Son emphasized Vietnam’s interest in semiconductor technology, biotechnology, new energy, and artificial intelligence, and sought the Ambassador’s support in fostering connections between Vietnamese and EU universities in these fields.

Vietnam targets a dynamic entrepreneur community

According to a newly issued Government action program, Vietnam aims to have 2 million businesses by 2030, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and trade. The program also sets targets for female-owned businesses and leadership, brand value, and the presence of Vietnamese businessmen on global billionaire lists.

By 2045, Vietnam envisions a community of entrepreneurs with the capacity and qualifications to drive the country’s development, in line with its long-term goals.

National Conference of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs and Business Associations in 2023. Photo: VNA

To achieve these goals, the Government plans to raise awareness about the role of entrepreneurs, improve policies and laws, and create a favorable and equal business environment. Building business ethics, promoting national spirit, and strengthening solidarity between businessmen, workers, farmers, and intellectuals are also key focuses.

Vung Tau to host grand sea and island festival

Organizers announced that Vung Tau city in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province will host a large-scale Vietnamese sea and island festival for the first time. The event will celebrate coastal cultural heritage, boost tourism, and promote local economic development.

Vung Tau beachfront. Photo: VOV

The festival will feature an art performance on May 25, a trade fair with 300 booths offering fresh seafood and beverages, and traditional dishes from the southern region. Other activities include a Minishow, a yoga performance, and talks emphasizing the importance of Vietnam’s seas and islands, as well as its marine economic strengths.

An Ao Dai parade on May 24 will see 500 people dressed in the traditional long dress, forming an S shape to symbolize Vietnam and assert its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Vietnam and China to inaugurate new border gate

Local authorities of Binh Lieu and Hai Ha districts in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, and Fang Cheng Zone in China’s Guangxi province, agreed to hold a ceremony this month to mark the opening of the Hoanh Mo-Dong Zhong Border Gate pair.

This development holds political, economic, and cultural significance for Quang Ninh province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, fostering peace, stability, friendship, and development. It will also boost border trade and strengthen connections between the two regions.

Hoanh Mo border gate in Quang Ninh province. Photo: congthuong.vn

Quang Ninh has established strong cooperative ties with Chinese localities, becoming a gateway for Vietnam-ASEAN-China collaboration. This has led to significant outcomes in cross-border economic partnerships, road transport, border management, and the fight against cross-border crimes.

Vietnamese agricultural delights at Macfrut in Italy

Vietnamese agricultural products were showcased at the 41st Macfrut, an international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector, in Rimini, Italy. The Vietnamese pavilion attracted visitors with its display of fruits, processed products, tea, spices, and medicinal mushrooms.

Vietnamese delegates meet with Macfrut President Renzo Piraccini. Photo: VNA

At a networking event, a representative from the Italian Ministry of Agriculture invited Vietnamese ministries and businesses to explore high-tech agricultural models in the Emilia-Romagna region for potential cooperation in processing, storage, and transportation. Macfrut President Renzo Piraccini applauded Vietnam’s participation and offered his support in connecting localities and businesses from both sides.

Macfrut 2024, with over 1,400 exhibitors, was the largest international agrifood fair in Italy, featuring discussions on sector trends and innovations. Vietnamese exhibitors valued the opportunity to introduce their products globally, connect with potential partners, and stay updated with the latest agricultural technologies and trends.