PARIS Việt Nam always identifies science and technology as a top national policy and an important driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development, Ambassador Nguyễn Thị Vân Anh, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to UNESCO has told UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences Lidia Arthur Brito. At their meeting on March 8, the ambassador expressed her wish to strengthen Việt Nam's cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in this field in the coming time in the spirit of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Việt Nam - UNESCO Cooperation for the 2021-25 period. The diplomat took the occasion to invite the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences to visit Việt Nam and attend the 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium to be hosted by the northern mountainous province of Cao Bằng in September. Lidia Arthur Brito thanked Việt Nam for always supporting and contributing to UNESCO's efforts to implement its functions and tasks in the field of natural sciences. She affirmed her willingness to intensify collaboration with Việt Nam in the coming time, especially in the fields of open science, oceanography, water resources management, application of artificial intelligence (AI) in science, and ethics in AI, and preservation and promotion of the value of World Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks towards sustainable development.

HONG KONG — Vietnamese businesses joined some 300 exhibitors at the 10th Vegetarian Food Asia (VFA) that took place in China’s Hong Kong from March 8-10 to promote vegetarian and green lifestyles in Asia. A wide range of Vietnamese organic products were on the showcase at the fair for the first time. Other Vietnamese products such as coffee, cashew nut, noodle and dried fruits also won the interest of Hong Kong customers. Chief Representative of Guangdong Import-Export Association in Vietnam Kelvin Chau said that he took Vietnamese firms to the fair so that they could have opportunities to access the Hong Kong market, and through which to enter the Chinese market. Organised for the first time in 2015, the VFA has become the largest and most comprehensive showcase of vegetarian and eco-friendly living in Hong Kong.

HÀ NỘI — Petrovietnam (PVN) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Group (CIP) of Denmark will cooperate in the renewable energy sector following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between the two companies. Under the MoU, the two firms will share knowledge and information on energy transition from oil and gas to renewable energy, with specific topics such as technology, supply chain, logistics, infrastructure and technical expertise. For its part, CIP Group will support training programmes on new types of renewable energy such as technology to convert electricity into other fuel sources, power storage and energy islands. Danish Ambassador to Việt Nam Nicolai Prytz said that the cooperation of the two companies will contribute to tightening the cooperative relationship between Việt Nam and Denmark. Deputy General Director of PVN Phan Tử Giang said that developing clean and renewable energy will help ensure environmental protection and minimise the negative impacts of climate change.

Written to mark the 94th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3), the book features a full article by the Party leader. The export agreement between Radiner and the Algerian partner represents a notable achievement for Vietnam in the field of health care. The standing board of the Kon Tum provincial Party Committee was required to consider responsibilities of violating organisations and individuals and report the results to the commission. Besides, the national park will increase secondary food source such as rice for red-crowned cranes in order to attract more cranes to the area. The last time when red-crowned cranes returned to Tram Chim National Park was in 2021 and there were only three individuals.

As a fine dining establishment, I wanted to save it for a special occasion, even though I had heard of this restaurant's fusion Japanese style a long time ago. Upon entering Kumihimo, the fusion of modern and Japanese design elements sets a sophisticated tone, accented by a striking colour palette of black with bold red highlights. The ambience, with its intimate lighting and private dining options, focuses on an enriching culinary journey. I purposefully selected fusion dishes that differ from those seen in typical Japanese eateries. As a Japanese food enthusiast, I was quite pleased with the meal at Kumihimo and could write a ton more to convey my happiness.

In addition to peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and ornamental kumquat trees, Le Ngan’s house is also adorned with meticulously-crafted vases of echeveria this year. Flower artist Thu Hien is among the pioneers in introducing echeveria into creative floral designs, making the plant increasingly popular in Hanoi. Echeveria is a common plant used for decorating indoor spaces or offices. It symbolises peace and blessings, as its leaves resemble lotus, a flower that symbolises purity and spiritual awakening in Buddhism. That is why an increasing number of Vietnamese families have become fond of and choose echeveria to adorn their homes, and present the plant as a gift to loved ones on special occasions./.

He hoped Australia will increase scholarships for Vietnam in the fields of digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, and sharing economy. Vietnam also needs support for farmers, agricultural economic development, and climate change response, especially in the Mekong Delta region, he noted. Vietnam and Denmark promote healthcare cooperationDanish Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde paid a visit to Vietnam on March 5-6 to further strengthen the bilateral health cooperation, especially on primary health care and non-communicable diseases. The Strategic Sector Cooperation between Vietnamese health authorities and Danish health authorities started in 2016. The proportion of female graduates completing tertiary education in STEM fields in Việt Nam is 36.5%.

Hydrogen has been recognised as a clean energy source that is indispensable in the energy structure of many countries to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. As of early 2023, more than 40 countries had issued national hydrogen strategies and major financial support policies to form and develop the hydrogen industry. In Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a hydrogen production strategy and deploying gas power and offshore wind power projects according to a Politburo's Resolution on the strategic orientation of Vietnam's national energy development until 2030 with a vision to 2045. Under the draft strategy, Vietnam will promote the development of hydrogen energy production and hydrogen-derived fuels in potential areas to target a hydrogen output of 100,000-500,000 tonnes by 2030 and 10-20 million tonnes by 2050./.

HÀ NỘI — The postal service revenue has experienced average growth of over 20 per cent between 2019 and 2023, which has led to fierce competition on the market, raising concerns about the emergence of unhealthy competition. As a result, the postal market witnessed significant value growth, soaring from VNĐ28.3 trillion (US$1.15 billion) in 2019 to nearly VNĐ59 trillion in 2023. Postal enterprises affiliated with e-commerce platforms experienced rapid growth, with many entering the top 10 firms having the largest market share of volume within 2-3 years of operations. Currently, the top 10 postal firms with the largest market shares are also engaged in transporting goods for e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the body will rigorously handle and revoke the licences of firms that repeatedly violate regulations or misuse postal licences.

The book features a full article with the same title by the Party leader written to mark the 94th anniversary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (February 3, 1930 - 2024)Since its publication, the article has received widespread attention and enthusiastic response from Party officials, members and people. It has been credited with igniting a deep sense of pride in the glorious historical tradition of the Party, President Hồ Chí Minh, and the heroic Vietnamese nation. It has also reinforced unwavering confidence in the glorious leadership of the Party and in the ongoing efforts toward national renewal and construction, with the ultimate goal of building a prosperous, civilised and happy country. Divided into three parts, the e-book is intended to meet the research needs of officials, Party members and general readers. It is expected to serve as a valuable resource for the Party and mass organisations, agencies, units, and Party committees at all levels in their activities.

HCM CITY — The India – Vietnam Business Conference 2024 was held in HCM City on March 8, creating business cooperation opportunities for enterprises of both sides. The businesses were updated with information on business climate as well as policies to develop economic and trade ties of Vietnam and India. Two-way trade in 2023 was 14.36 billion USD, with Việt Nam’s export rising 6.8% year-on-year to US$8.5 billion and import falling 17.2% to $5.86 billion. In the meantime, India is an important supplier of raw materials and finished products for Việt Nam regarding steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, garment and textiles and animal food. India has registered some $1 billion in more than 400 projects in Việt Nam, making it the 26th largest investors among 141 countries and territories with investments in the country.

The State Bank of Vietnam said internet banking transactions surged by 57.8% in volume and 32.4% in value. Mobile banking transactions increased by 68% in volume and 41% in value. Notably, QR code payments skyrocketed by over 890% in volume and more than 1,060% in value. The figures for transactions via automated teller machines went down by 15% and 18%, respectively. These results illustrate a clear trend towards transitioning from cash to cashless payments.

Para PowerliftingHÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's delegation arrived home with three silvers and one bronze at the Dubai 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup. Para Games champion Nguyễn Bình An competed in the men's U54kg and placed second in the total lift and best lift categories, recording 518kg and 179kg, respectively. Former world and Paralympic champion Lê Văn Công earned a bronze in the men's U49kg's total lift category with a result of 409kg. The star-studded line-up gathered many Paralympic, world and continental champions. The World Cup also offered important world rankings points for the athletes' qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the deadline of which is July 2024.

Tran Hoang Son, Market Strategy Director of VPBankS, gave positive forecast at a workshop themed ‘Stock market foundation, accumulation, and acceleration’ held by Dau Tu newspaper on March 5. The stock market is destination for cash flow when commercial banks all offer low interest rates for dong deposits. After a period of tightening, the US FED has stopped raising prime interest rates and may ease interest rates in 2024. According to Trang, the government’s timely policies on supporting the corporate bond market and real estate markets have helped the stock market. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has cut operating interest rates to pave the way for commercial banks to further ease interest rates.

Andrea Teufel (second from right) and Kazuyo Watanabe (third from right) receive the honorary citizenship title of Thua Thien - Hue province. (Photo:baothuathienhue.vn)Teufel made great contributions to the preservation and restoration of the local heritage sites. Meanwhile, Watanabe, a Japanese woman, is recognised for her valuable support for children with cancer in the province.Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Phuong said by joining local efforts to build the community, foreigners not only bring about positive improvements but also promote solidarity, cooperation and mutual understanding between countries.On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (March 8), Phuong sent his best wishes to the two honorary citizens, and expressed his hope that they will make further contributions to building Thua Thien-Hue into a developed and sustainable community.The two foreigners said they are proud of the title, and thanked the local leaders, Hue Monuments Conservation Centre and Hue Central Hospital for supporting them while they worked in the province.They also wished to make further contributions to the local heritage restoration and preservation work, and increase in the survival rates among children with cancer in the coming time./.VNA