2018 humanitarian needs overview south sudan

"The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar and other sectors in Donetsk region -- there are constant Russian attacks. There are constant attempts to break through our defences," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. "Russia wants the war to drag on and exhaust our forces. So we have to make time our weapon. We have to speed up events, speed up supplies and open up new weapons options for Ukraine." The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces said earlier on Sunday that its forces repelled an attack near Blahodatne in the eastern part of the Donetsk region, while Russia's Wagner private military group said it took control of the village. A later military statement made no mention of Blahodatne. Zelenskiy issued his latest appeal for increased weapons shipments days after Germany and the United States led a list of countries agreeing to supply modern tanks. Zelenskiy on Saturday said Ukraine needed the U.S.-made ATACMS missile with a range of about 300 km, which … [Read more...] about Ukraine needs more weapons faster, Zelenskiy says

Flood-ravaged Auckland is forecast to receive further heavy rain in the coming days, authorities in New Zealand's largest city said on Monday, as insurers counted the costs of what looks likely to be the country's most expensive weather event ever. Four people lost their lives in flash floods and landslides that hit Auckland over the last three days amid record downpours. A state of emergency remains in place in Auckland and further south in regional Waitomo. Flights in and out of Auckland Airport are still experiencing delays and cancellations, while beaches around the city of 1.6 million are closed. "There has been very significant damage across Auckland," New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told state-owned television station TVNZ on Monday. "Obviously there were a number of homes damaged by flooding but also extensive earth movements." Currently, around 350 people were in need of emergency accommodation, he added. Looming clouds Metservice is forecasting further … [Read more...] about New Zealand counts cost of Auckland floods, more rain forecast

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - After a year implementing the strategy on cultural diplomacy to 2030, issued by the Prime Minister in November 2021, Vietnam has achieved marked results in the field, helping promote its relations with other countries across all channels of the Party, Government, National Assembly, and people, affirmed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc. In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the official noted that Vietnam has focused on including the cultural content into the activities of high-ranking leaders during their overseas trips and the country’s reception of foreign leaders; and on promoting deep and wide integration in the fields of culture, science and education at international forums. According to him, Vietnam hosted significant regional and international conferences and events last year, including the 31st SEA Games and the Vietnam day programme in the Republic of Korea, … [Read more...] about Cultural diplomacy raises Vietnam’s position worldwide

A showroom displays and sells products under the country’s One Commune-One Product (OCOP) programme and other products in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tra Vinh. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNS/VNA) - The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta’s 12 provinces and the city of Can Tho are developing more products under the country’s “One Commune-One Product” programme. Launched in 2018, the OCOP programme focuses on developing specialty products and high-quality products in rural areas to increase incomes for locals and boost the sustainability of economic development in rural areas. OCOP products are commercial products and services such as food and beverages, handicrafts and rural tourism services. They are classified as having one to five stars. Under the programme, the Cuu Long delta, which is the country’s largest rice, seafood and fruit producer, has developed more OCOP products and increased their value. Can Tho recognised 18 new OCOP products last year, including 10 three-star … [Read more...] about Mekong Delta develops more OCOP products

Costume of Ha Nhi ethnic people in Ha Giang province. (Photo: VietnamPlus) It is hoped that 2022 will be a more optimistic year for the tourism sector. A survey revealed that up to 80 percent of Vietnamese people said they are planning vacations to make up for what the COVID-19 pandemic has deprived them of, and 43 percent said they want to experience a lesser-known place, instead of the destinations too familiar to them. It is also noteworthy that booking by tourists in Vietnam to share popular destinations is becoming a dominating trend. Ethnic minority culture paradise Up to 84 percent of Vietnamese tourists said they want to visit Meo Vac in Ha Giang province. It is a small but attractive valley in the northeast, surrounded by limestone mountains and inhabited by H’Mong and Ha Nhi ethnic groups, boasting a unique dish – thang co – cooked from the inner organs of cattle, of which 70 percent of Vietnamese tourists said they want to try during their 2022 tours. For … [Read more...] about 2022 destination selection trend of Vietnamese tourists

Dawn breaks over Da River lake.(Photo: VietnamPlus) Hanoi (VNA) - As vaccination coverage is expanding, the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is showing signs of dying out. As a result, Vietnam’s tourism needs to quickly work out harmonious measures for the coming period of recovery. A sad economic year for the tourism sector has come to an end after many tremors caused by successive outbreaks of COVID-19 . Vietnam’s green economy in 2021 failed to recover as seen through the statistics of the yearly review, yet many experts still believe that in 2022, accelerations will be created with attention and assistance from the government. Although the pandemic is still spreading with new variants, there are grounds for us to hope the constantly expanding vaccination coverage has helped weaken the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The clock is ticking towards the day when the world can contain and roll back the pandemic, opening up chances for socio-economic recovery. That is … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s tourism in 2022: measures for recovery, acceleration

A performance at the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference Promoting Vietnamese Literature and the 3rd International Poetry Festival in Hanoi on February 16 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The 4th International Conference Promoting Vietnamese Literature and the 3rd International Poetry Festival wrapped up in Hanoi on February 20. Poet Huu Thinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and the Vietnam Writers’ Association, said workshops and discussions during the events created chances for participants to share their views on the necessity to seek more solutions to introducing outstanding works of the country to the world. They also pointed to problems that need to be addressed, including the language difference and the modest updating of international friends on Vietnam’s literature development. He thanked foreign guests for contributing to the success of the international conference and festival, noting that these events … [Read more...] about Events promoting Vietnamese literature, poetry conclude

Statistics released by the VNAT on January 29 showed that over 871,000 foreigners arrived in Vietnam in January, up 23.2% month-on-month. Of them, 91.9% travelled by air, 7.5% by road, and 0.6% by sea. Tourism revenue during the month was estimated at VND 2.2 trillion (USD 95.6 million), up 113.4% annually. Several localities posted spikes in receipts such as Hai Phong up 541.5%, Da Nang 387.1%, Tien Giang 380.2%, Lao Cai 196.3%, Hanoi 113.8%, and Ho Chi Minh City 98.7%. International flights and maritime travel services have returned to the pre-pandemic level. This year, the VNAT will also partner with the South-central coastal province of Binh Thuan to hold National Tourism Year 2023 themed “Binh Thuan – Green convergence,” which is expected to attract more domestic and foreign tourists. Recently, the VNAT’s Tourism Information Center debuted the first 2023 video clip “Golf Tourism - Enjoying every moment" in a media campaign entitled “Vietnam: Travel to Love,” introducing … [Read more...] about 2023 a promising year for tourism: official

Gia Lai is an ideal destination for travelers wanting to explore the wild nature and the unique culture of the Central Hughlands ethnic groups who are known for their gong heritage. When visiting Gia Lai, you do not need to go far to find beautiful scenery. Right in its provincial capital, Pleiku, you can find scenic Bien Ho (Sea Lake), Bien Ho Che (Tea Sea Lake), Chu Dang Ya and Ham Rong volcanoes and Chu mountain. All you need is a motorbike to drive around in Pleiku in the sun and wind of the Central Highlands to reach the best sightseeing places in town. You can enjoy the gorgeous view of Bien Ho with its cool and clear air or wander in immense green tea hills in Bien Ho Che. You can also see beautiful wild sunflowers dyeing yellow the sides of old volcanoes which have slept for millions of years, or enjoy the wild and dreamy beauty of rubber forests in their season of changing leaves. For those who love adventurous trips, Kon Chu Rang and Kon Ka Kinh (an ASEAN heritage park) … [Read more...] about Gia Lai – Ideal place for travelers wanting to explore wild nature

According to its latest report on Southeast Asia, HSBC said Thailand will benefit the most from China’s reopening. It said further that tourism in Vietnam was also expected to perform well as Chinese tourists account for some 30% of international arrivals to the country. This month Khanh Hoa Province is expected to have nine charter flights which will bring Chinese visitors to Vietnam after a 3-year suspension due to the pandemic. Hotels in Hoi An, in the central province of Quang Nam, have also received bookings from Chinese tourists. Regarding trade, since 2020 ASEAN has surpassed the E.U. to become China’s largest trading partner. Last year Vietnam was one of three Southeast Asian countries, along with Indonesia and Malaysia, reporting increases in exports to China. Vietnam is also benefiting from more favorable trade ties with China because exports no longer have to undergo strict Covid testing. Concerning FDI, Japan and South Korea are the leading countries in terms of … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s tourism, trade, FDI rosy amid China’s reopening: HSBC