US Ambassador and Consuls General foster community connections in Vietnam

The BridgeFest 2023. Photo: the Organizing Board

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, Dutch Consul General Daniel Stork, and Canadian Consul General Annie Dubé expressed their desire to connect communities in Vietnam through the BridgeFest 2023 music festival held on December 9 on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City. BridgeFest 2023 featured numerous booths from 38 social organizations, as well as musical performances by prominent artists from Vietnam and abroad.

China cuts visa fees for Vietnamese tourists

China will cut visa fees for tourists from certain countries, including Vietnam, by 25% starting December 11, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on December 8. The new policy will be effective from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024. The visa fee for a single entry tourist visa for Vietnamese citizens will be US$45.

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to reach US$5.6 billion in 2023

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are expected to reach a record high of US$5.5-5.6 billion in 2023, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Vietnam and China will sign protocols on the export of coconut products, frozen fruits, and watermelon, which is expected to contribute to the growth of Vietnam's agricultural exports.

Over 26 million tons of coal imported for power generation in 2024

According to the coal plan for power generation in 2024 approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, power plants will need more than 74.3 million tons of coal for electricity generation next year, of which over 26 million tons are imported as domestic sources can only meet 65% of the demand. The Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) and the Northeast Coal Corporation can supply more than 48.2 million tons of coal for power generation next year.

Hanoi students win medals at International Junior Science Olympiad

Students from Hanoi win medals at the International Junior Science Olympiad.  Photo: The Organizing Board

Six Hanoi students who participated in the International Junior Science Olympiad 2023 held in Thailand won medals, including one silver and five bronze medals. This year's International Junior Science Olympiad was held from December 1 to 10, with 54 countries and territories competing. Among the 304 contestants, the organizing committee awarded 182 medals to the winners, including 34 gold, 61 silver, and 87 bronze.