Distant worlds how to build colony ship

Palaeontologists in South Africa said Monday they have found the oldest known burial site in the world, containing remains of a small-brained distant relative of humans previously thought incapable of complex behaviour. Led by renowned palaeoanthropologist Lee Berger, researchers said they discovered several specimens of Homo naledi -- a tree-climbing, Stone Age hominid -- buried about 30 metres (100 feet) underground in a cave system within the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site near Johannesburg. "These are the most ancient interments yet recorded in the hominin record, earlier than evidence of Homo sapiens interments by at least 100,000 years," the scientists wrote in a series of yet to be peer reviewed and preprint papers to be published in eLife. The findings challenge the current understanding of human evolution, as it is normally held that the development of bigger brains allowed for the performing of complex, "meaning-making" activities such as burying the … [Read more...] about World’s oldest-known burial site found in S.Africa: scientists

Norway has helped Vietnam develop the first Fisheries Law, supported surveys of aquatic resources, and capacity-building projects in the fisheries sector for nearly 40 years. Norwegian partners have intensified their support of Vietnam’s sustainable marine aquaculture through efforts that share expertise from a world-leading producer and exporter of seafood. The seminar on June 5 in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa is the latest move in the process in which the ocean nation has supported Vietnam over the past four decades . Indeed, the event aims to create a platform for participants from the public, private sectors, and academia to discuss ways for Vietnam to develop marine aquaculture in a sustainable manner and the role of relevant stakeholders in that process. The seminar was organized by the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, Innovation Norway, Hanoi, in coordination with the Department of Fisheries (DFish) of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural … [Read more...] about Norway strengthens support to Vietnam’s sustainable marine aquaculture

About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output has been exported to Viet Nam. — Photo nld.com.vn Viet Nam's pepper exports are not challenged by Cambodia being issued a licence to export its pepper to China directly, according to experts. The Viet Nam Trade Office in Cambodia quoted Khmer Times sources saying that Cambodian pepper would be available in China directly after the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) approved Cambodia’s export proposal. Accordingly, the GACC approved seven packaging factories and 28 growing facilities for pepper exports in Cambodia. Le Viet Anh, head of the Viet Nam Pepper Association's office, Cambodia exporting pepper directly to China was not a challenge for Viet Nam's pepper exports immediately because the pepper volume exported from Cambodia to China was not much. “About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output have been exported to Viet Nam, then processors in Viet Nam have re-exported the volume to other countries, … [Read more...] about Viet Nam does not face challenge from Cambodia pepper exports to China: experts

At a conference on solutions to develop and promote investment in real estate for agricultural tourism in Vietnam on May 25 in Hanoi, an action programme was discussed to create motivation for agro-tourism and rural development. Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential Organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA), it was the first time that a large-scale event discussed such issues. Nguyen Van Khoi, chairman of VNREA, said that the development of agricultural tourism is gradually becoming a trend in rural areas, especially in agricultural economy countries like Vietnam. It not only benefits the industry but also contributes to increasing the value of the land, raising opportunities for economic development, and improving the lives of local people. “In order to increase the value of the land through the development of agricultural and rural tourism, a sustainable development … [Read more...] about Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential

Practical experience has shown that the relationship between the press and companies is one of accompanying each other and co-developing. At the "Media and Enterprises - Companions for Sustainability" forum hosted by The Economic and Urban Newspaper today [June 5], experts shared their views on the relationship between enterprises and the press. Deputy Director of the Press Department of the Ministry of Information and Communications Dang Khac Loi: Press contributes to a favorable business environment Deputy Director of the Press Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications Dang Khac Loi. Photo: Thanh Tra Newspaper In the process of national development, entrepreneurs and enterprises are an important part of the great bloc of national unity and play a vital role in the country's construction and economic progress. To realize the socio-economic development goals, it is imperative to continue fostering a favorable business … [Read more...] about Strong ties between businesses and press in a difficult time: Experts

Operating for 14 years in the country, British University Vietnam (BUV) has asserted its position, quality, and outstanding reputation in the education sector by continuously improving the quality of its training, demonstrating the international standard and value of British higher education. BUV pledges investment in quality education in Vietnam BUV, located in Ecopark 14km from the centre of Hanoi, is the first and only university in Vietnam and ASEAN to have been awarded accreditation from the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency. To earn the recognition of quality, BUV has completed the International Quality Review, a rigorous procedure which benchmarks global higher education institutions against the United Kingdom’s international quality assurance standards, with the university achieving the highest level of performance in all 10 categories and outstanding accomplishments in all academic aspects. BUV is also the first and only university in Vietnam to be … [Read more...] about BUV pledges investment in quality education in Vietnam

The most effective competitive advantage for Vietnam's economy is creating a favorable business investment environment free of legal barriers. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decree to urge ministries and provinces/cities to boost administrative reforms and improve the investment environment to support local enterprises. Electronics production at Katolec Vietnam in Quang Minh Industrial Park, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times "A conducive investment environment is a fundamental platform helping businesses operate smoothly and drive growth. This, in turn, promotes job creation and contributes to overall socio-economic development," said the decree. Vietnam has been trying to cut administrative regulations and compliance costs as part of its national digital transformation effort. As of May 2023, the country's total number of administrative procedures was 6,422, 376 fewer than the same period in 2020. This is expected to improve the … [Read more...] about PM urges greater efforts to accelerate administrative reforms

The fifth plenary session of the 15th National Assembly has discussed and approved a number of important draft bills, including three new amendments to regulations that have significant impacts on the tourism industry in Vietnam. These policies are expected to boost the recovery and development of the tourism sector. Martin Koerner - Chairman EuroCham Vietnam’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee The first law is to extend the visa exemption duration from the current 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries that currently can travel to Vietnam visa exempt, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. This law aims to attract more tourists from these key markets and encourage them to stay longer and spend more here. The second law is to expand the list of countries eligible for e-visa from 46 to 80, including markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The e-visa allows visitors to apply … [Read more...] about The future of tourism in Vietnam new visa policies and beyond

PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the meeting in Hanoi on June 5. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hanoi on June 5, calling on the UAE to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to soon finalise talks on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The host leader hailed the two sides’ efforts to promote negotiations on the CEPA, especially when the two countries are celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2023. He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, and being a good friend, trustworthy partner, and responsible member of the international community. The country is also working to develop an … [Read more...] about PM calls for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE

President Vo Van Thuong (R) hosts US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper in Hanoi on June 5 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong hosted US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper in Hanoi on June 5, during which the State leader affirmed the importance that Vietnam attaches to cooperation between the two countries, describing the US as one of the leading partners of Vietnam. He hailed the US diplomat’s efforts to collaborate with Vietnamese authorities and visit many Vietnamese localities to seek stronger partnership between the two countries. Knapper expressed his delight at the progress of bilateral ties after 28 years of normalising their relations and 10 year of setting up their comprehensive partnership. He said that US President Joe Biden was pleased with the outcomes of his telephone talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March. The ambassador held that amid many global challenges, the strengthening of cooperation between … [Read more...] about Vietnam attaches great importance to ties with US: President