August 5-11: Party, State leader Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Lao counterpart

Nhan Dan Online reviews the notable events that made headlines over the past week.

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and his Lao counterpart Bounnhang Volachith. (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and his Lao counterpart Bounnhang Volachith. (Photo: VNA)

Party, State leader Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Lao counterpart

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong hosted a reception for his Lao counterpart, Bounnhang Volachith, in Hanoi on August 9.

Both leaders showed their delight at the practical and effective development of Vietnam-Laos relations in all fields, thus bringing benefits to their peoples and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

The leaders affirmed to work closely together to effectively implement agreements between the two countries’ senior leaders as well as to spare no effort to preserve and nurture the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and pass the relationship to young generations.

China’s vessels halt survey in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone

August 5-11: Party, State leader Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Lao counterpart ảnh 1

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

China’s survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 has halted its geological survey activities in Vietnam’s UNCLOS-defined exclusive economic zone and southeastern continental shelf on August 7, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said on August 8.

Over the past days, Vietnam has repeatedly voiced its opinions on the incident and implemented measures at all levels and under various forms in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, she said.

“Vietnam calls on countries to respect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in line with international law,” Hang said.

Flag hoisting ceremony in Hanoi marks ASEAN’s 52nd anniversary

On August 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held a solemn flag hoisting ceremony at its headquarters in Hanoi to celebrate the 52nd founding anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967-2019) and 24 years of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership (July 28, 1995-2019).

Addressing the flag hoisting ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasised that after more than a decade of development with numerous difficulties and challenges, ASEAN has risen to become a strong community with ten Southeast Asian nations through a balanced approach and solidarity and cohesion between the members.

Government revenue up 11.9% in first 7 months

Vietnam’s government revenue in the first seven months of 2019 was estimated at VND891.7 trillion (approximately US$38.34 billion), up 11.9% compared with the same period of 2018.

The figure is equivalent to 63.2% of the target for the whole year. In July alone, revenue was estimated at VND144.45 trillion (US$6.21 billion).

Meanwhile, total spending in the first seven months of 2019 was estimated at VND776.86 trillion (US$33.4 billion), meaning that the government is running a budget surplus.

Floods take heavy toll on Central Highlands

August 5-11: Party, State leader Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Lao counterpart ảnh 2

Houses are flooded in Buon Ma Thuot City of Dak Lak province (Photo: VNA)

Floods caused by torrential rains over the last few days have wreaked havoc across the Central Highlands, according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

As of 16:00 on August 9, floods have claimed eight lives and inundated 1,495 houses and 10,199ha of crops in the region, which consists of Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong provinces.

Vietnam ICT Summit: Digital Transformation Alliance established

The Vietnam Digital Transformation Alliance, comprising leading Vietnamese IT firms, made their debut at the Vietnam ICT Summit 2019 on August 8.

Including major names such as Viettel, VNPT and FPT, the alliance is an initiative that aims to work with the government and businesses to accelerate the digital transformation process in Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening session of the Vietnam ICT Summit, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam stated that digital transformation is a great opportunity but noted that it could become a challenge if Vietnam is unable to take advantage of it.

Vietnam-International Silk and Brocade Festival opens

August 5-11: Party, State leader Nguyen Phu Trong welcomes Lao counterpart ảnh 3

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the festival.

The 5th Vietnam-International Silk and Brocade Festival opened in the ancient city of Hoi An, in the central province of Quang Nam, on August 8, with many exchange activities and performances with strong identity.

This year's festival has attracted the participation of eight countries and dozens of silk and brocade villages of Vietnam, such as Van Phuc, Nha Xa, Ma Chau, My Duc, Nam Cao, Tan Chau and Cham Ninh Thuan, along with the presence of nearly 80 artisans from Ha Giang, An Giang, Quang Nam and Da Nang.

This is the fifth time the festival has been held in Hoi An Silk Village. The event aims to honour the culture of traditional silk weaving as well as connect new international markets with Vietnamese silk.

Japanese volleyball club beat Vietnam 3-1 to win VTV Cup

Japanese club NEC Red Rockets have defeated Vietnam 3-1 to be crowned champions of the 2019 edition of the VTV Cup, an annual international women’s volleyball tournament hosted by Vietnam Television.

Following the final game on August 10, the organisers also presented personal titles to individual players, with the Most Valuable Player prize awarded to Yanagita Mizuki of NEC Red Rockets.

This year’s tournament was held in the central province of Quang Ninh from August 3-10 with the participation of seven teams, which were divided into two groups.