Top leader calls for stronger efforts for better achievements in 2020
Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong attended a national teleconference in Hanoi on December 30, which was held annual event between the Government and localities that aims to set up orientations for implementing the National Assembly’s resolution on socio-economic development tasks for the coming year.
After listening to reports by the Government and several ministries, sectors and localities, the top leader highlighted that despite numerous difficulties and challenges in 2019, thanks to efforts by the whole Party, people and army, Vietnam has made many important and encouraging accomplishments in almost all fields that are better than in 2018.
He expressed his hope that the Government and local authorities will join the whole Party, people and army in staying united, exerting stronger efforts and being more active and creative to successfully achieve the targets set for 2020 and the whole 12th tenure.
42nd meeting of Vietnam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee convenes in Hanoi
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At the 42nd meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovenrmental Committee (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired the 42nd meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee in Hanoi on January 4.
At the meeting, both sides agreed to realise set agreements and deepen bilateral political, external, national defence – security ties, towards achieving the growth of 10-15% in two-way trade in 2020.
They will enhance connectivity between the two economies, including in transportation, energy, sustainable use and management of water resources and other natural resources. The two sides discussed building a 10-year cooperation strategy, particularly encouraging ministries, agencies, localities, businesses and people to expand ties and offer mutual support.
Vietnam and Laos will work closely together at regional and global forums such as ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, among others. nine cooperation agreements in various areas were signed during the meeting.
Vietnam begins presidency of UN Security Council
Vietnam began undertakings in its capacity as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the UN headquarters in New York on January 2, marking the start of the country’s UNSC non-membership for a two-year term.
A flag ceremony was held for Vietnam and four other new non-permanent members of the UNSC for the 2020-2021 tenure, comprising of Estonia, Niger, and Saint and Grenadines.
The same day, the UNSC approved January’s work programme proposed by Vietnam. Accordingly, the body will convene 12 open debates and 15 closed-door meetings to look into various regional and international issues such as the ongoing situations in the Middle East, Syria, Yemen, West Africa, Sahel, Mali, Libya, Central Asia and Cyprus.
Various activities held at home and abroad welcome New Year 2020
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The exciting atmosphere welcomes the new year 2020 at a countdown stage in Hanoi. (Photo: NDO/Duy Linh)
Various cultural and art programmes were held across the country on December 31 to bring in New Year 2020.
Approximately 200,000 people gathered to Hoan Kiem Lake area to participate in musical countdown parties to mark the start of New Year 2020. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City rang in the New Year 2020 with firework displays, a 3D light show, and a musical extravaganza.
Vietnamese communities abroad also hosted ceremonies to mark the arrival of the New Year and turn their hearts to the homeland.
Vietnamese scientists file for US patent for non-electric lighting device
A group of Vietnamese scientists of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi have applied for a patent in the United States for an indoor lighting device that is powered by sunlight rather than electric power.
In their filings, the inventors use a lens, which is similar to those found in LED lights but instead converts sunlight into near-parallel beams which are transmitted by an optical fibre connected to the lens.
The transmitted sunlight will then be used to power lights that are indoors. The device can be installed on any roof, helping to light up a room without the use of electric power.
The invention has already been patented in Vietnam.
Son Doong Cave voted among world’s seven wonders for 2020
Son Doong cave in Vietnam central province of Quang Binh, ranked in second place in the list of seven new wonders for 2020. (Photo: Ryan Deboodt)
Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave has been listed among seven wonders of the world for 2020 by the US-based renowned magazine, Conde Nast Traveler.
The cave, which is located in the central province of Quang Binh, ranked in second place in the list of seven new wonders for 2020. According to the magazine, Son Doong is the largest cave on the planet.
Located deep in the jungles of Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, the largest chamber could fit an entire New York City block inside it, including skyscrapers as well as a Boeing 747 being able soar through it and not so much as event dent its wings, said the reporter.
Vietnamese athlete wins gold medal at Asian Pencak Silat Championship
Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Thi Cam Nhi has bagged the gold medal in the women’s 70kg category at the 5th Asian Pencak Silat Championship, which took place in Yanji, China, from December 25 to 30.
This is the second gold medal won by Nhi at international events within the last month, following her victory in the women’s over 60kg arnis category at the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 30).
In winning 12 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze medals, Vietnam's team posted a first-place finish at the championship, followed by Singapore and Malaysia, respectively.
