Belarusian Prime Minister to visit Vietnam this week

Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Alexandrovich Golovchenko will visit Vietnam from December 6 to 9, his first trip to the country since taking office in April 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on December 4. The two countries have organized several exchange meetings for high-ranking officials, focusing on national security and military and security training. Regarding economic ties, Vietnam buys dairy products, fertilizers, chemicals, and machinery from Belarus while selling natural rubber, garments, fisheries, and agricultural products to the Eastern European country.

Vietnam, Malaysia sign new defense cooperation agreement

The ministries of National Defense of Vietnam and Malaysia signed an agreement on December 4 to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. General Phan Van Giang, Minister of Defense of Vietnam, and his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan shared the view that the two governments will continue to expand their cooperation and further strengthen joint efforts in implementing military programs. The two ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security in the East Sea (South China Sea) and Southeast Asia to facilitate better transportation and economic activities.

Over 100 Tourism Week Ambassadors promote Vietnam to international friends

Eighty beauty queens from foreign countries will participate in the tourism event. Photo: Cong Ly Newspaper

During the seven-day (December 4-10) Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2023, more than 100 Tourism Week Ambassadors, including celebrities from music, film, sports and beauty pageants, will participate in numerous events and film promotional clips to advertise Vietnam's tourism.

Hoi An to kick off series of exciting festivals to welcome 2024

Hoi An will host a series of lively events this December to bring many exciting experiences to tourists and connect them with residents. The events include the Quang Nam Culinary Culture Festival 2023 themed "Quang delicious dishes", the New Year celebration 2024, the ceremony to celebrate "Hoi An join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2023" and the Culinary Culture Festival themed "Quang cuisine quintessence 2024".

Planning for Da Dia Reef Special National Scenic Area approved

Da Dia Reef special national scenic spot. Photo: Luan Toan/ Congthuong newspaper

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on December 4 approved a plan to preserve, repair and restore Da Dia Reef National Special Scenic Site in Tuy An District in the southern province of Phu Yen. The plan aims to recognize and preserve the value of the scenic spot, protect water resources, biodiversity, geology, topography and cultural heritage, and enhance documentation and digital transformation for the management, protection and promotion of heritage values.

Vietnam needs an additional US$368 billion to adapt to climate change

The World Bank estimates that Vietnam will need an additional US$368 billion by 2040, or 6.8% of GDP per year, to adapt to climate change. Within this investment, approximately US$254 billion is allocated for resilience and $114 billion for carbon reduction in line with international commitments. Vietnam needs significant investment in green sectors such as renewable energy, energy transition, and waste management, as increasing energy demand leads to pollution, climate change, and natural disasters.

VinFast Auto, DFC Sign Letter of Interest for $500 Million Loan for battery plant in Vietnam

On the sidelines of COP28, Vietnamese automaker VinFast Auto and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) signed a Letter of Interest on December 3 for a US$500 million loan to establish a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Vietnam, promoting sustainable transportation and marking a significant milestone in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States. This is the first project in a series of sustainable transportation development initiatives in the Vietnamese and international markets that the two parties are actively discussing.