Vietnam now has nearly 55,000ha of dragon fruit farming and harvests about 1.3 million tons each year. The favorable soil and climate conditions have enabled the country to produce dragon fruit on a large scale all year round. As a result, it used to be the world’s leader in terms of the farming area, output, and export value, said Nguyen Quoc Manh, head of the fruit tree division of the Crop Production Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. However, after conquering several markets for a certain period of time, the fruit from Vietnam is facing a number of challenges, he noted, pointing out the foreign markets’ increasingly stringent standards for quality, food safety, and look of fresh dragon fruits, the emergence of many pests and diseases caused by climate change impacts, soaring fertilizer prices, the unsustainable connectivity between businesses and farmers, the limited number of companies involved in value chains to meet requirements of major and … [Read more...] about Vietnam seeks to secure sustainable development for dragon fruit sector
Best practice change management models
Denmark in Your Eyes 2023 painting competition on green future launched
Under the theme “Green Future,” this painting competition is part of the celebration of the 10th year anniversary of signing the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between Vietnam and Denmark, a major milestone, which elevated our bilateral relationship from traditional development cooperation to a full-fledged partnership encompassing political dialogue, green growth, energy, trade and investment and culture. The competition is open to all Vietnamese students, from both primary and secondary schools. The deadline for submission is November 30th 2023. Winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony at the end of the school year 2023 – 2024 in Hanoi. At the launching ceremony, Ambassador of Denmark in Vietnam Nicolai Prytz said that he both honored and excited to attend the launching of the Denmark in Your Eyes painting competition, which has added a lot of values to the strengthening of our two countries’ long term cooperation on promoting green and sustainable development. He … [Read more...] about Denmark in Your Eyes 2023 painting competition on green future launched
Culture, cuisine, fashion converge at Hanoi Autumn Festival
Hanoi Autumn Festival introduces attractive destinations in the capital city, marked with wedding dress fashion shows and traditional culinary quintessence of the capital. Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023 with the theme "Hanoi Autumn-Come to Love" kicked off on the evening of September 29 at the pedestrian zone near Hoan Kiem Lake. Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen visits the booth at the Hanoi Autumn Festival. The festival, organized by the Hanoi People’s Committee, lasts from September 29 to October 1, promising a vibrant festivity of Hanoi's culture. The Hanoi Autumn Carnival is set to charm with its street art exhibitions. Furthermore, a gastronomic exploration of Vietnam's diverse regions is on offer, complemented by an array of traditional and contemporary games. In addition, 150 pavilions will be positioned along Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thach and Bat Giac House in the Ly Thai To Flower Park, introducing many products … [Read more...] about Culture, cuisine, fashion converge at Hanoi Autumn Festival
Biggest festival of Caodaism attracts tens of thousands of visitors
The festival is a great religious banquet for the Great Mother and nine female immortals of the Dieu Tri Palace (Jasper Pond Palace) held annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. With the main activities including a procession, a five-fruit banquet offering, and prayer, this year, followers displayed 117 booths of fruits, musical instruments, and decorations, among others, to reenact the tales of the goddesses. In his remarks at the festival, Cardinal Thuong Tam Thanh, Head of the Executive Council of the Cao Dai Church in Tay Ninh, thanked the Party and State for paying attention to and creating favorable conditions for Cao Dai followers to practice their belief and live a happy and peaceful life. He noted that in the past year, Cao Dai dignitaries and followers seriously practiced their religion, act in compliance with the law, actively join charity activities, and build a civilized lifestyle in residential areas. Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh People’s Committee Vo … [Read more...] about Biggest festival of Caodaism attracts tens of thousands of visitors
Deputy PM hosts new RoK ambassador
Noting that the RoK is one of the biggest foreign investors in Vietnam, Deputy PM Quang affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will continue with drastic efforts to improve the business and investment environment for foreign investors, including those from the RoK, to do business successfully in the country. He proposed that the two countries maintain regular visits and contact at all levels so as to continuously strengthen relations between their leaders, creating the foundation for promoting cooperation across all fields. The deputy PM also welcomed the establishment of a joint working group on climate change, saying that he believes the two sides, with resolve and efforts, will realize targets set in the Vietnam - RoK Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Climate Change. For his part, Ambassador Choi Youngsam affirmed that the RoK will coordinate closely with Vietnam to realize the agreements reached during the official visit to Vietnam in June this year by RoK President … [Read more...] about Deputy PM hosts new RoK ambassador
Vietnam firm wins architecture ‘Oscars’
The company was awarded for its Brick Cave design in a suburban commune of Hanoi in the Private House and Architecture + Brick categories. The Architizer A+Awards focus on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architectural works. Its mission is to nurture the appreciation of architecture in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life. The A+Awards live at Architizer.com is a large online community of architects. Entries are judged by a panel of more than 400 distinguished luminaries and thought leaders from fields as diverse as fashion, publishing, product design, real estate development and tech. Finalists and winners are recognized as the year’s most influential visionaries. This year, more than 5,000 entries from over 100 nations competed for the awards. The Brick Cave was built in 2007 covering nearly 300sq.m and designed with a philosophy that it will help shape a place similar to the natural environment in an artificial manner. The … [Read more...] about Vietnam firm wins architecture ‘Oscars’
Eco-tourism development linked with biodiversity conservation under discussion
The event was jointly organized by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Management Board for Forestry Projects of the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF Vietnam). Trieu Van Luc, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry, said with a total of over 14.7 million ha covering 42.2% of Vietnam's natural area, forest ecosystems have greatly contributed to the national economy and livelihoods for people. He noted that about 25 million people rely on forests to earn their living, mainly ethnic minority communities whose cultural identities are connected with forests. This is great potential to develop multi-purpose values of the forest ecosystem. With the support of international and non-governmental organizations, the Vietnamese government has paid special attention and allocated resources to protect life in forests and promote biodiversity conservation in the … [Read more...] about Eco-tourism development linked with biodiversity conservation under discussion
Digitization drives tourism recovery
According to Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh, the VNAT has joined hands with domestic and international partners to apply advanced technologies in tourism promotion activities. Two years ago, the tourism authority in collaboration with Google to launch the online exhibition project “Wonders of Vietnam,” an online exhibition project as part of Google Arts & Culture (GA&C) that allows everyone to explore art, history and the wonders of the world. Featuring 35 stories and over 1,300 sumptuous photos of iconic sites, historical heritage, nature, cuisine and culture of Central Vietnam, the project is a unique way for hungry travelers to virtually explore. It is also an important part of Google’s overall support of the local tourism industry, which has been badly affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions. With initial support from Google, it continues to carry out a communications campaign with a series of videos themed … [Read more...] about Digitization drives tourism recovery
GDP growth 6% max this year, ministry predicts
The ministry discussed three potential GDP outcomes for 2023. The lowest prospect mentioned would see GDP growth at 5% for the entire year. In this case, GDP in the last quarter would have to reach 7%, according to ministry analysts. The middle of the road scenario would see GDP round out the year at 5.5%, in which case final quarter GDP growth would need to reach 8.8%. The most optimistic scenario would be GDP growth ending the year at 6%, but in order for that to happen, GDP growth in the fourth quarter must reach 10.6%. This would be a challenge, according to the ministry, as GDP growth in the third quarter reached only 5.33%. Ministry analysts have said that economic growth in the final quarter would depend on how quickly industrial production recovers, especially in manufacturing and processing. Another factor is demand from Vietnam’s major export markets, as well as tourism and spending within the country at the end of the year and for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. … [Read more...] about GDP growth 6% max this year, ministry predicts
Former health minister charged for receiving $2.25M bribes in Covid test kit scandal
Long, along with his former secretary Nguyen Huynh, former director of the Hai Duong Center for Disease Control Pham Duy Tuyen, former head of the Department of Health Equipment and Works Nguyen Minh Tuan, former head of the Department of Financial Planning Nguyen Nam Lien, former head of the Department of Science and Technology Trinh Thanh Hung, were charged with receiving bribes by the Supreme People's Procuracy. Pham Xuan Thang, former Hai Duong Party Secretary, was charged with power abuse. Phan Quoc Viet, general director of the Viet A Company, as well as his subordinate Vu Dinh Hiep, were charged with giving bribes and bidding violations that lead to serious consequences. Phan Ton Noel Thao and Ho Thi Thanh Thao, finance advisor and treasurer of Viet A, were charged with giving bribes. Chu Ngoc Anh, former Minister of Science and Technology, and Pham Cong Tac, deputy minister, were charged with violations regarding the management and use of state-owned property that lead … [Read more...] about Former health minister charged for receiving $2.25M bribes in Covid test kit scandal