Vietnam News Today: China’s Neighbourhood Priority

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on August 19, 2024. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-China Relations: A Priority for China’s Neighborhood Diplomacy

On August 19, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed that China consistently considers its relationship with Vietnam a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. He made this statement during a meeting with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam in Beijing.

Premier Li welcomed President To Lam’s first state visit to China, which also marks his first overseas trip as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. He believed that the visit reflects the high importance Vietnam attaches to the bilateral relationship and will provide new impetus for the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

The Chinese Premier further expressed his country’s steadfast support for Vietnam’s reform, industrialization, modernization, and successful construction of socialism suited to its conditions.

President To Lam, in turn, emphasized that Vietnam always considers the development of friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation with China a consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy. Vietnam will continue to uphold the significant achievements and common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of both countries to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance.

Both sides expressed pleasure at the historic development of the relationship between the two countries, with significant results in political trust, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

The leaders agreed to bolster political and economic confidence, effectively build the Vietnam-China community with a shared future, maintain regular contact at all levels, and promote exchanges and cooperation through various channels.

President To Lam welcomed China’s engagement in developing standard-gauge railway projects connecting the two nations and requested China’s continued support in market access for Vietnamese agricultural products and the establishment of Vietnam’s Consulate General in Chongqing.

He also suggested accelerating large-scale and high-quality investment projects with modern technologies in Vietnam, enhancing collaboration in science, technology, innovation, green transition, digital transformation, and high-tech agriculture.

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Russia has been on a positive trajectory. (Photo: VOV)

Vietnam-Russia Trade Surges by 45.5% in First Seven Months of 2024

The trade turnover between Vietnam and Russia reached US$2.74 billion in the first seven months of 2024, marking a remarkable increase of 45.5% year-on-year. Vietnamese exports to Russia reached US$1.36 billion, with key products like iron and steel, confectionery, seafood, and textiles and garments recording high growth rates.

Vietnamese imports from Russia totaled US$1.38 billion during the same period, with fertilizers, coal, chemicals, and automobile spare parts among the top imported products. The positive trade dynamics can be largely attributed to the enforcement of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA), according to experts.

To further boost trade with Russia, the Vietnamese Trade Office has facilitated regular exchanges between businesses of both countries, provided market trend insights, supported them in tackling obstacles, and participated in exhibitions in Russia.

Vietnam to Celebrate 50 Years of Reunification with Grand Parade and Cultural Events

As Vietnam approaches the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, Ho Chi Minh City is preparing for a grand parade and march involving thousands of participants from the armed forces and civilian contingents. The event will be one of several commemorative activities organized by the Central Steering Committee for the Commemoration of Major National Holidays and Historic Events for the 2023-2025 period.

According to Permanent member of the Party Secretariat, Luong Cuong, the Central Commission for Popularization and Education has issued guidelines for organizing activities to commemorate major national holidays over the next three years, including the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification.

The Central Steering Committee has successfully organized several major activities, including the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, which featured nearly 70 related events and left a profound impression on the people of Vietnam and international friends.

Female militia members from Southern Vietnam rehearsing for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. (Photo: Pham Hai)

The 50th anniversary celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City will include cultural, artistic, and sporting events, as well as patriotic emulation movements. Leaders of the city have been urged to quickly develop and complete the comprehensive plan for the commemorative activities by the end of August.

Da Lat: Vietnam’s Most Affordable Holiday Destination for Upcoming Long Weekend

With an average room rate of 1.45 million VND (58 USD), Da Lat has been named the most affordable tourist destination in Vietnam for the upcoming long weekend in September. With its cool climate and beautiful landscapes, Da Lat offers visitors a range of attractions, including the Valley of Love, the Da Lat Flower Gardens, and the historic Da Lat Railway Station. Adventure seekers can also explore the nearby Lang Biang Mountain.

According to Agoda, Da Lat is one of the top destinations in Asia offering great value deals for travelers during the long weekends and holidays in August and September. Other destinations on the list include Hat Yai in Thailand, Yogyakarta in Indonesia, and Siargao Island in the Philippines.

The historic Da Lat Railway Station is a popular attraction in the city. (Photo: Agoda Vietnam)

Booking.com’s latest report reveals that Vietnamese travelers are seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration during the extended holidays. Da Lat, with its picturesque landscapes and French colonial architecture, retains its top spot for the second consecutive year. Other popular destinations include Sa Pa, known for its refreshing mountain air and landscapes, and beach destinations like Da Nang, Vung Tau, and Nha Trang.

BBC’s Documentary on Son Doong Cave Nominated for 2024 Emmy Awards

A documentary by the BBC, titled “Planet Earth III: Extremes,” has received nominations at the 76th Emmy Awards 2024. The episode features stunning visuals of Vietnam’s renowned cave systems, including the majestic Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh province.

Son Doong Cave, located in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The episode, which delves into the planet’s most extreme environments, earned nominations for Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Music Composition. It was filmed over three weeks in early 2022 with the support of Oxalis Adventure, the leading adventure tour operator in Vietnam.

The film is expected to promote Vietnamese tourism, particularly Quang Binh province, and attract more international tourists and investment projects from global media companies.

Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, boasts the largest limestone mountain system in Southeast Asia and is located in the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.