Secretary of the Hanoi Party’s Committee Dinh Tien Dung on March 24 asked for continued support from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre (WHC) for a project to restore Kinh Thien Palace in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Kinh Thien Palace is the most important building of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Photo: VNA) He made the suggestion at a reception for the WHC’s director, Lazzarre Eloundou, who is on a visit to Vietnam to attend a conference entitled “Promoting the role of world cultural and natural heritage in sustainable development in Vietnam.” Dung said as a "Heritage City" with an extremely rich and diverse cultural heritage fund, Hanoi has received great attention and help from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in cultural conservation and development . He affirmed that the cooperation between Hanoi and UNESCO has contributed to … [Read more...] about Hanoi seeks support from World Heritage Centre in restoration of Kinh Thien Palace
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Cabinet recognises progress in promoting Thai soft power
Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana.(Photo: nationthailand.com) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Cabinet has acknowledged the progress made in promoting Thailand’s image through the use of "soft power" in the entertainment industry, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana. The government aims to promote economic development through the entertainment industry, encouraging the sales of Thai goods and services while motivating entrepreneurs through tax measures. As part of this effort, the Cabinet has appointed a committee to study and develop policies, plans and strategies for the purpose of supporting and improving the nation’s soft power through the industry. Additionally, the committee will offer tax deductions or financial incentives to motivate private entrepreneurs in the manufacturing, service, and production sectors to promote Thai products and services. The committee will propose several draft plans to the Cabinet for approval. The … [Read more...] about Cabinet recognises progress in promoting Thai soft power
Vietnam becomes favorite destination for Cambodian tourists
It said previously, Cambodians visited Vietnam mainly for medical services, but over several recent years, the inflow of middle-class visitors from the neighboring country to Vietnam for tourism purpose has been rising, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic was put under control. The Central beach city of Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An, Da Lat – the city of thousand flowers in the Central Highlands region, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and the “Paradise Pearl Island” of Phu Quoc are some of top favorite destinations among Cambodian tourists. Tran Quoc Thinh, Director of Tay Ninh province’s Tourism Promotion Center said Cambodia is a traditional tourism market of Tay Ninh, which shares a 240-km border with Cambodia’s Svay Rieng, Prey Vieng and Tboung Khmum provinces. Cambodians regularly cross the border to Tay Ninh for sightseeing, shopping or visiting pagodas, especially on weekends or holidays, according to Thinh. The province has introduced many new, unique and interesting … [Read more...] about Vietnam becomes favorite destination for Cambodian tourists
Vietnam in sustainable management phase of COVID-19 pandemic: WHO representative
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the official said that now in the fourth year of the pandemic, Vietnam and the world are in a much better place than they were even 12 months ago. “The tools and vaccines we have are proven to protect lives and significantly reduce risk of severe illness and death and also, in most places, to enable health systems to function more normally again,” she said. She added it is hoped that 2023 will be the year in which COVID-19 can be said to be over as a public health emergency of international concern. Assessing Vietnam's response to the COVID-19 pandemic for each stage of the pandemic, Angela said that from the start, Vietnam had well-calibrated and strong public health and social measures in place. These included a strong capacity for early detection and response, robust surveillance measures, strong border measures, and social restrictions, community adherence to personal protective behaviors; and healthcare capacity. “All … [Read more...] about Vietnam in sustainable management phase of COVID-19 pandemic: WHO representative
International conference talks heritage’s role in sustainable development
The conference, themed “Promoting the role of world cultural and natural heritage in sustainable development in Vietnam,” was jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the Hanoi People’s Committee. It formed part of activities marking 35 years since Vietnam ratified the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The participants reviewed the protection and promotion of world cultural and natural heritage values in Vietnam, and exchanged experience in state management and the optimization of world heritage values in local socio-economic development. Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee Ha Minh Hai said after the Thang Long Imperial Citadel won the UNESCO recognition in 2010, the Government, ministries, agencies and local authorities have focused on preserving the site and promoting its historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values. Communications … [Read more...] about International conference talks heritage’s role in sustainable development
British explorers discover 5 new caves in central Vietnam
All of them are wet caves, although some have dry branches. Hung Tru 1 cave is 1,919 meters long, Hung Tru 2 cave is 502 meters long, Hung Tru 3 cave is 153 meters long, Hung Ka Vong 1 cave is 238 meters long, and Hung Ka Vong 2 cave is 537 meters long. Experts also discovered a cave with a long underground stream, but they were unable to study it entirely due to a lack of facilities. Boats, rescue vehicles, and dive tanks will be prepared for further inspection by the crew. One of five new caves discovered in Quang Binh Province in March 2023. Photo courtesy of the British Royal Cave Association Nguyen Hoai Nam, secretary of Tuyen Hoa District Party Committee, said that the area may still have many unexplored caves. "Some caves have large spaces, stunning stalactites, and good tourism potential," said Nam. "The district intends to make these locations safe tourism destinations once more precise information is provided." With more than 500 caves discovered, Quang … [Read more...] about British explorers discover 5 new caves in central Vietnam
Mangrove worm a staple in Saigon’s beloved porridge
The unnamed porridge shop in Tan Phu District sells porridge cooked in the style of the Teochew people, who originated in southeast China, which is served with shrimp, fish, pork intestines, and trung bien -mangrove sea worms. Tang Khanh Toan, the shop owner, said that the business started in 1983, and was passed down by his father. The eatery first started selling porridge on Au Co Street, which is one kilometer away from the current location at 104/22B Trinh Dinh Trong Street, Phu Trung Ward. The current location has also been the family's home since the 1990s. The porridge is quite popular among the Chinese community in Saigon. Mangrove worms are used in traditional Chinese medicine to raise testosterone levels and enhance health. According to the owner of the restaurant, many people confuse trung bien with sa sung , or peanut worms, because of the similar shape. Mangrove worms are cleaned inside out thoroughly and used within the day. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh … [Read more...] about Mangrove worm a staple in Saigon’s beloved porridge
ASEAN bolsters digital collaboration
Delegates at the first ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting – ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators Council Leaders Retreat (1st ADGSOM-ATRC Leaders’ Retreat) (Photo: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) - The First ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting and ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ADGSOM – ATRC) Leaders’ Retreat in 2023 took place on March 20-21 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was chaired by the Philippines as ADGSOM Chair for 2023. The meeting discussed the outcomes and follow-up actions from the 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) held from February 6-10 in Boracay, the Philippines. Taking a multi-faceted approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental dimension of digitalisation and digital technologies, the meeting recognised the urgent need for collaboration and synergy among the ASEAN member states to achieve a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient digital future. With the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 … [Read more...] about ASEAN bolsters digital collaboration
Thailand’s Phanaeng curry named best stew in the wold
TasteAtlas has placed Phanaeng curry at the top of the Best Stews in the World ranking, with a 4.8 score out of 5. The website describes Phanaeng curry as a variety of Thai curry that is characterized by its thick texture and a salty-sweet peanut flavor, consisting of meat that is stewed with dried chilis, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, cilantro, cumin, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, and peanuts. The dish is traditionally made without any vegetables. Another Thai dish making the top-ten ranking is Massaman curry, coming at number eight with a score of 4.6. The website says Massaman stands out from other Thai curries as it is the mildest and sweetest kind. TasteAtlas describes Massaman curry as a combination of creamy coconut milk, meat, potatoes, and a curry paste made with roasted spices, while highlighting the use of coconut milk in this dish as an authentic Thai element, providing a rich base for the rest of the ingredients. Thicker cuts of meat such as beef, bone-in … [Read more...] about Thailand’s Phanaeng curry named best stew in the wold
Vietnamese PM to attend second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China from April 25 to 27. The trip will be made at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Monday. The Vietnamese premier will attend the forum’s opening on April 26 before joining President Xi and his spouse in a dinner on the evening of the same day. On April 27, PM Phuc is scheduled to speak at a roundtable summit attended by leaders of 36 other nations and China. The Vietnamese head of government is also expected to hold bilateral talks with top Chinese leaders during his China trip. China has invested over US$80 billion in projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since it was first proposed by President Xi in 2013, according to the National Development and Reform Commission of China. By April 15, 2019, 126 nations and 29 international organizations had … [Read more...] about Vietnamese PM to attend second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing