National Assembly’s third session opens
The 15th-tenure National Assembly (NA) convened the third session in Hanoi on May 23.
During the 19-day session – the longest since the beginning of this tenure, the legislative body considered and approved five draft laws and three draft resolutions, which were designed to continue implementing the policy of safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic so as to recover the economy and support people and labourers in the new normal.
PM attends launch of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA)
The discussion of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) should aim at a framework that brings practical benefits to the people, stated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the launch ceremony of the IPEF on May 23.
Participating virtually at the hybrid event held in Tokyo, PM Chinh said it should be an open, inclusive, and balanced process in line with international law and meeting the lawful and legitimate interests of parties involved.
The leader affirmed that Vietnam will work with other ASEAN member countries and relevant partners to continue discussing and clarifying the content of IPEF pillars, bringing about a positive, effective, and feasible economic agenda for the region and for each nation; as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, development and prosperity in the region and the world at large.
US-Vietnam Cooperation Centre inaugurated in capital
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy on May 24 co-organised a ceremony to inaugurate the US-Vietnam Cooperation Centre at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV)’s campus in Hanoi.
The new centre is an outcome of the partnership between the embassy’s Public Affairs Section and the DAV which highlights not only the importance of the nations’ relationship but also the close cooperation between the embassy and the university.
This space, open for academics, researchers, faculty, students, and the public, is set to be a platform for educational and cultural programming, research support, and academic services. It will support DAV’s American Studies programme, English language studies, and leadership development, as well as provide information about the US and its foreign policy.
S&P Global Ratings upgrades Vietnam sovereign credit rating to BB+, outlook Stable
Credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings upgraded Vietnam long-term sovereign credit rating to BB+, outlook Stable, on May 26, 2022.
S&P’s upgrade of Vietnam’s sovereign credit rating was grounded on Vietnam’s strong economic recovery prospects following the progressive lift of domestic and cross-border mobility restrictions, outstanding improvement in vaccination rates, and flexible shift in COVID-containment policy.
The significant improvements in government administrative processes, in particular the governance quality of government guaranteed debt obligations, robust economic growth prospects, strong external position and resilient FDI flows despite pandemic disruptions were also factored in S&P’s decision to upgrade Vietnam’s ratings.
SEA Games 31 wraps up
SEA Games 31 comes to successful end
The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) wrapped up with a ceremony imbued with Vietnam’s cultural identity at the Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium on May 23 evening.
Special performances at the closing ceremony looked to leave unforgettable impression on international friends and demonstrate Vietnam as a country deeply imbued with its traditional identity and intensively integrating into the world.
At the closing ceremony, the host flag was handed over to Cambodian representatives. After that, artists from Cambodia had a performance of “Cambodia Welcoming and Blessing” to introduce their country, people and culture.
New record, big stride of Vietnam’s sport
Vietnam have wrapped up their SEA Games 31 run at the top of the medal table with 205 golds, including the much-anticipated one in the men’s football claimed on May 22 night.
The hosts broke the record of 194 golds set by Indonesia at the 1997 SEA Games in Jakarta. Thailand came second with 92 golds and Indonesia third with 69.
The gold medals have not only rocketed Vietnam to the top spot but also reflected their outstanding progress. Vietnam’s athletics and swimming teams hauled in important medals at SEA Games 31 with 33 golds, 22 of which in athletics.
Vietnam inaugurates world’s longest glass-bottom bridge
Bach Long is the world's longest glass-bottom bridge at 632 metres. (Photo: Vietnamnet)
Bach Long, the world’s longest glass-bottom bridge in Vietnam’s northern mountainous province of Son La, was formally inaugurated on May 28.
The bridge has a length of 632 metres and is part of the Moc Chau Island tourism area, invested by the Tour 26 Moc Chau Company.
Besides the glass-bottom bridge, the area features a high-end entertainment and resort complex, including a five-star hotel with various experiences and exploration zones including an ethnic food court.
Bach Long has been recognised as the world’s longest glass-bottom bridge by the Guinness World Records, the World Record Association and the Official World Record.
