Art program supports Agent Orange victims

The "Lighting the Future" art program was held in Hanoi on August 8 to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster. The event aimed to raise awareness and support for Vietnam's Agent Orange victims by collecting donations from organizations and individuals to help affected families and highlight efforts to address this tragic legacy. The US military sprayed 80 million liters of chemicals, including Agent Orange, from 1961 to 1971, affecting more than 4.8 million Vietnamese.

Vietnam and Canada boost trade

Vietnamese and Canadian businesses explored import and export opportunities and promoted cooperation at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on August 8. Executives recommend that Vietnamese companies research the market and customer needs thoroughly to create advantages in their products.

According to the General Department of Customs, the two-way trade reached more than US$3.4 billion in the first half of 2024, of which Vietnam's exports to Canada hit US$3 billion. Canada is the 14th largest investor in Vietnam in 2023, with a total registered capital of over $4.8 billion. 

Hanoi to reschedule fireworks to mark 70th anniversary of liberation

Hanoi has rescheduled its fireworks display to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the capital's liberation from October 9 to 10. Specifically, Hanoi will hold fireworks shows simultaneously at 30 locations across the city within 15 minutes from 21:30 on October 10, 2024.

Fireworks over Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Vietnam-Cambodia boost defence cooperation

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien asked the Cambodian government for support for Vietnamese people and businesses operating in the country during a meeting on August 8. He hoped the Cambodian government would facilitate the search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died during the war in Cambodia. Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha reiterated his support for the activities of the Vietnamese government, businesses, and individuals in Cambodia.

Vietnam promotes use of technology to prevent trade fraud

At a national teleconference on August 8, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang urged ministries and localities to use digital technology to detect and handle smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods amid the rapid development of e-commerce.

He requested more drastic coordination to detect legal loopholes or vulnerabilities in a timely manner.

Tram Chim National Park receives red-crowned cranes from Thailand

Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap will receive six Red-crowned Cranes from Thailand as part of the Red-crowned Crane Conservation Project for 2022-2032. The park will provide suitable conditions for 100 red-crowned cranes to stay throughout the year, at a total cost of nearly VND185 billion (US$7.3 million).

Red-crowned cranes spotted in Tram Chim National Park in 2021. Photo: VNA

The Red-crowned Crane is a rare species listed in the World Red Book as endangered and needing conservation. It is a symbol of Tram Chim National Park and Dong Thap Province. 

Hue's 200-year-old palace to welcome visitors in late November

Thai Hoa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony), part of the Hue Monuments Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, will open to tourists on November 23.

With a history of more than 200 years, Thai Hoa Palace is the most important of the Hue Imperial Citadel, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2021. 

Hanoi offers aid to disaster-stricken northern provinces

The Hanoi People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee have offered VND10 billion (US$398,000) in relief aid to the northern provinces of Ha Giang, Dien Bien, and Son La to help them cope with the disaster.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai expressed her deepest sympathy to the people of the affected provinces and the families of the victims. In late July, Vietnam's northwestern provinces suffered severe human and material losses due to storms, heavy rains, and landslides.

Binh Duong wood fair promotes business cooperation

The Binh Duong International Wood Machinery & Materials Fair (Bifa Wood Vietnam 2024), which opened on August 8 in Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, and is expected to attract 6,000 visitors, gathered 1,500 booths of domestic and international exhibitors. 

Vietnamese students win big at South Korean Olympiad

Vietnamese students won two gold medals, one silver medal, and a special grand prix award at the 2024 Korea International Youth Olympiad (KIYO4i), held from August 4 to 6. The competition, now in its 9th year, featured teams from various countries. Vietnam participated with three teams representing Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Ha Nam.