At the meeting between National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Vietnam, Philippines set sights on US$10 billion trade target

Both nations have agreed to promote substantive development of bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and investment, whilst striving to swiftly elevate bilateral trade turnover to US$10 billion in the time ahead.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue held a meeting on August 6 with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on the occasion of the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-44) held in Jakarta.

During the meeting, the top Vietnamese legislator hailed the strong development made across multiple fields in terms of the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership, especially in high-level contacts.

The two leaders, therefore, consented to strengthen joint ties in a more substantive manner, particularly in economics, trade, and investment, as well as striving to lift two-way trade to reach US$0 billion in the near future, cited VOV.

Amid the current complicated world situation, NA Chairman Hue suggested that the two sides cooperate in developing supply chains and facilitate the import of key Vietnamese products such as rice and construction materials, along with enhancing collaboration in digital transformation and energy transition.

Both sides concurred to continue strengthening linkages between the two law-making bodies and intensifying the exchange of delegations whilst sharing experience in parliamentary activities.

They will also press ahead with cooperation and mutual support within the multilateral framework, support each other's initiatives at the AIPA, work hand in hand to further reinforce ASEAN's solidarity, strength, and centrality, whilst maintaining a common voice in regional security issues, including the East Sea issue.

The Vietnamese NA leader requested that the Philippine parliament send a delegation to the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians which will be held in Hanoi. For his part, the Speaker of the Philippine lower house confirmed that he will do so.

NA Chairman Hue used the occasion to invite the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate to visit Vietnam. Ferdinand Martin accepted the invitation with pleasure, while stating that he will make a visit to Vietnam soon.

Top legislator meets Philippine lower house speaker in Jakarta

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had a meeting on August 6 with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on the occasion of the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-44) held in Jakarta.

Hue highlighted the robust development in all fields of the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership, especially in high-level contacts.

The two leaders agreed to boost the bilateral ties in a more substantive manner, particularly in economics, trade and investment, and to strive to bring two-way trade to soon hit 10 billion USD.

In the context of the current complicated world situation, Hue suggested Vietnam and the Philippines cooperate in developing supply chains and facilitate the import of Vietnam's key products such as rice and construction materials, and enhance collaboration in digital transformation and energy transition, according to VNA.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L) meets Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Photo: VNA)

The two sides agreed to continue promoting cooperation between the two parliaments, and stepping up the exchange of delegations as well as the sharing of experience in parliamentary activities.

They will also continue cooperation and mutual support within the multilateral framework; back each other's initiatives at the AIPA; and work together to further strengthen ASEAN's solidarity, strength and centrality, and maintain a common voice in regional security issues, including the East Sea issue.

Hue proposed the Philippine parliament send a delegation to the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to be held in Hanoi. The Speaker of the Philippine lower house confirmed that he will do.

The Vietnamese top legislator took the occasion to invite the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate to visit Vietnam. Ferdinand Martin accepted the invitation, adding that he will visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Vietnam braces for more tropical storms this month

Vietnam is likely to face two or three tropical storms and depressions this month, with the northern and north-central regions forecast to be affected, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The country is also expecting higher temperatures than average in the month. Northern and central Vietnam may experience temperatures 0.5 to 1.0 degree Celsius higher than the average of recent years, while the Central Highlands and the southern region could see temperatures about 0.5 degree Celsius above average.

The weather forecasting center predicted heavy rainfall today in the northern region. In some areas, it may rain heavily, with rainfalls ranging from 50 to 100 mm or even over 170 mm.

Photo: VNN

The Central Highlands and southern region are also expecting rainfalls between 30 and 70 mm, with certain areas getting up to 120 mm.

This weather pattern is forecast to linger on in the north and the center of the country, and weaken in the Central Highlands and southern region. The risk of natural disasters has been rated at level 1 during this period, Saigon Times reported.

Recently, downpours have caused significant damage in multiple provinces. In Dong Nai Province, homes, crops, and livestock have been affected, resulting in substantial losses of around 1,000 tons of farm fish.

Similarly, Hau Giang Province has got 33 houses and a storage facility damaged by heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in estimated losses of VND614 million.

In Daklak Province, flooding in low-lying areas has submerged over 100 homes and nearly 4,500 hectares of crops, with some infrastructure also being damaged.

Vietnamese culture, trade promoted in Osaka​

The Asia-Japan Economic Cultural Cooperation Centre, aiming to introduce Vietnam’s trade and culture as well as spreading cultural values of Asian countries, was inaugurated on August 6 in Osaka, Japan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ta Duc Minh, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Japan, emphasised that Vietnam-Japan relations have witnessed fine developments over recent times, adding that the Vietnamese community has become the second largest in Japan with about 500,000 people.

Minh expressed his belief that the centre will effectively promote its function as a place for cultural and economic exchanges, thereby introducing Vietnamese cultural characteristics and promoting local products in Japan, cited VNA.

Delegates at the opening ceremony of the Asia-Japan Economic Cultural Cooperation Centre (Photo: VNA)

For his part, Vu Hoang Duc, chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Gunma Prefecture, said that the centre will be an ideal place to introduce Vietnamese culture and display high-quality goods from both Vietnam and other Asian nations.

Furthermore, it also represents a prime venue for organising cultural and artistic events for the Vietnamese community in Japan, as well as being a place for investment promotion forums to link Vietnamese businesses to Asian countries.

Travel+Leisure reveals best things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An

Travel+Leisure magazine has published on article sharing the best things to do when visiting the central city of Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town.

According to the magazine, if Hoi An is a picture postcard of an ancient Old Town full of laid-back charm, then neighbouring Da Nang is a mélange of traditional and contemporary vibes.

Travel+Leisure revealed that the best time to visit Da Nang is in the dry season from February to May, while the peak tourist season is typically from April to August.

Watching the famous Dragon Bridge spit fire is also one of the best things to do when visiting the central city.

“The colour-changing golden dragon is more of a totem, representing power and good fortune as it headlines one of the longest bridges in Da Nang spanning 666 metres across the Han River. Watch one of the most dazzling fire and light shows as the larger-than-life metallic dragon spits fire and water every Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.,” it stressed.

The magazine also suggested that visitors enjoy exploring a world of fantasy and adventure at Sun World theme park located high up in Ba Na Hills which stands at 1500 metres above sea level.

Famous Dragon Bridge in the central city of Da Nang.

Moreover, it noted that hiking the Marble mountains is also among the best things to do for adventure and thrill seekers.

“Don’t miss the dark and dingy Hell Cave or Am Phu which represents the world of damnation. The largest grotto is the Huyen Khong Cave where light shines magically on the Buddha sculptures,” it suggested.

Furthermore, beach lovers are able to chill on the shores of the pristine My Khe Beach while nature lovers are able to experience the verdant Son Tra Peninsula where visitors can slowly take in the scenic views of rugged coves and cliffs along the way.

According to Travel+Leisure, the moment visitors step into the Hoi An “Yellow Town” they are swept away into a fairy tale world full of colourful facades and lanterns.

“The UNESCO Heritage Site is dotted with markets, temples, merchant houses, assembly halls and bridges. The entrance ticket allows you access to five monuments out of the 22 heritage sights,” the magazine said.

It suggested that visitors not miss out on the 400-year-old Japanese-covered bridge built across the Thu Bon River, with the site being guarded by statues of dogs and monkeys. In addition, Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda must also be added to all visitors’ lists.

For couples, Travel+Leisure stated that they can get lost in a natural tapestry of beaches, forests, and mountains in the remote and romantic archipelago of Cham Islands.

“The UNESCO Natural Biosphere Reserve also houses a marine park and is a cluster of eight smaller islands, of which Hon Lao is the largest with seven beaches. Ong Beach is the most popular located near the pier where you can find the market with local eateries,” it shared.

One of the best things to do in Hoi An during the rainy season is to wake up and smell the coffee. Vietnamese specialty coffee comes in several varieties like creamy coconut milk coffee and egg coffee, pink and black latte, among others.

The magazine recommends that visitors join in the celebration and get enchanted by the streets of Old Town which are lit by vivid handmade lanterns.

“If the atmosphere is not intoxicating enough then take a cruise along the Hoai river on a traditional boat and light a small lantern and let it adrift on the waters. Stroll along the night market where there are 50 stalls selling everything from scarves to souvenirs,” it concluded.

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