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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) revceives outgoing Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski in Hanoi on December 27. (Photo: VGP)

PM Pham Minh Chinh hails fruitful Vietnam – Australia cooperation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh lauded the fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and Australia during his reception for outgoing Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski in Hanoi on December 27.

Congratulating Goledzinowski on successfully completing his term, Chinh acknowledged the ambassador’s significant contributions to the development of Vietnam-Australia relations and expressed his hope that the ambassador would continue supporting bilateral cooperation in various fields.

He thanked Australia for close cooperation, support, and solidarity with Vietnam over the years, particularly the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and human resources training during challenging periods.

Both host and guest noted with pleasure the progress in Vietnam-Australia relations over the past year, including the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which reflects high strategic trust and opens up extensive opportunities for future cooperation.

The two countries have maintained regular visits and dialogues between senior officials and signed an Action Program to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024–2027, cited VOV.

Bilateral trade has grown positively, with two-way trade reaching US$13.8 billion last year, and US$13 billion by November 2024, a 2.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Australia has prioritized Vietnam in its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, focusing on investment promotion. By August 31, 2024, Australia had 660 projects in Vietnam with a total capital of US$2.05 billion, ranking 21st among 149 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties by maintaining high-level visits, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening cooperation in tourism and education. Specific proposals included expanding RMIT University in Vietnam and increasing scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Viewing defense cooperation as a highlight of bilateral ties, the PM called for further cooperation in training, cyber security, peacekeeping partnerships, as well as in addressing war legacy issues, so as to foster peace, stability, and development in the region.

He urged both sides to enhance market access, remove trade barriers, and encourage stronger Australian investments in Vietnam. He also suggested Australia enhance cooperation in digital transformation, green growth, and the development of key industries such as semiconductors, AI, and renewable energy.

Ambassador Goledzinowski for his part committed to continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, especially in the areas proposed by the Prime Minister. He praised the rapid development of Vietnam-Australia relations, noting that progress in recent years was akin to achieving a decade in one year.

Australia aims to become Vietnam’s top partner in agriculture, technology, green energy transition, rare earth minerals, and security and defense cooperation, said the diplomat.

The ambassador expressed his optimism about Vietnam’s new development policy line, and believed that Vietnam would realize its potential, entering a new era of national advancement as Asia’s next tiger.

Vietnam, Laos maximize trade, investment cooperation potential

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Lao Consulate General in the city on December 27 organized a Vietnam-Laos trade and investment promotion forum which aimed to boost connections between the two countries’ businesses and investors.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Laos Vansy KouaMoua said the two countries have maintained their friendship for 60 years, which serves as a foundation for more comprehensive and effective economic cooperation.

By September 2024, bilateral trade had reached 1.5 billion USD, an increase of 25.5% year-on-year. Of which, Vietnam's exports were valued at 499 million USD, up 24%, while its imports 1.01 billion USD, up 26%, according to VNA.

Delegates visit a display booth at the forum. (Photo: VNA)

In terms of investment, Vietnam is among the three largest investors in Laos, with a total investment capital of nearly 5 billion USD. Key sectors where Vietnamese enterprises are investing in Laos include tourism, mining, electricity, and agriculture.

The official said Laos identifies trade and investment as priority areas to promote economic growth and has plans to attract investment to sectors such as energy, digital transformation, high technology, tourism, finance, banking, and agriculture, while facilitating the ongoing projects. This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to enhance and expand their investment and trade relations with Laos.

Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, emphasised that the good political relationship has laid the foundation for positive and effective cooperation in economy, investment, and trade between Vietnam and Laos.

Both countries are aiming to increase bilateral trade value to 2 billion USD in the near future by maximising trade cooperation potential through the Vietnam – Laos Trade Agreement signed in April 2024. Currently, Laos remains the largest foreign investment market for Vietnamese businesses with 245 projects totaling 5.5 billion USD in registered capital.

Hoan said as the economic locomotive of the country, Ho Chi Minh City prioritises economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Laos in general and its localities in particular.

Dinh Khac Huy, Deputy Director of the city’s Department of Planning and Investment, said that there is still significant room for investment and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, particularly between Ho Chi Minh City and Laos.

However, to turn that potential into concrete numbers, both sides need to focus on specific areas such as renewable energy, environmental protection, agricultural product processing and export.

Additionally, both sides can promote cooperation in education, human resources training, tourism, and cultural exchange to fully tap each party's advantages for mutual prosperity, he added.

Phaophongsavath Phouvong, Director of the Investment Promotion Department under the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, said that Laos called on Vietnamese businesses, particularly those from Ho Chi Minh City, to explore investment opportunities in promising fields such as modern agricultural production, agricultural processing, clean energy, mineral processing, tourism, and logistics, as well as consider the potential development of the Laos-Vietnam railway project as well as regional infrastructure.

Video introducing Vietnamese tourism to be aired on CNN

A 30-second video will be released on the famous news broadcaster Cable News Network (CNN) of the United States and digital platforms to introduce Vietnamese tourism worldwide, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

The clip takes viewers on an exciting journey to explore the endless beauty of Vietnam, from experiencing unique cultural values and relaxing on pristine beaches to admiring stunning natural wonders. It paints a vivid and compelling picture of Vietnamese tourism, touching the hearts of viewers and travelers.

In this adventure, tourists will travel through history, visit the cultural heritage of the ancient capital of Hue, immerse themselves in the vibrant colours of Hoi An by night, and explore the Cham ruins while enjoying captivating traditional dances, VOV reported.

Son Doong cave in the central province of Quang Binh is a top destination for adventure lovers.

Famous for its world-class natural wonders, Vietnam boasts majestic landscapes and magnificent landmarks. Nature lovers will be captivated by moments of relaxation, breathing in fresh air, and marveling at the untouched beauty of alluring beaches. Travelers will embark on a journey across Vietnam, exploring natural beauty along the railway from North to South, reaching Fansipan Mt., standing at 3,143 meters above sea level, or trekking through dense tropical forests to discover the diverse ecosystems.

Adventure travel enthusiasts will surely be entranced by the mysterious allure of Son Doong, the largest natural cave in the world. Inside this vast and awe-inspiring space lies a unique world, featuring pristine forests, underground rivers, and a distinct climate. The grandeur, treacherous terrain, and mystery of this place will undoubtedly ignite the explorer’s passion among adventurers worldwide.

Not only will tourists experience breathtaking natural scenery and explore the deep historical and cultural dimensions of the country, but they will also enjoy endless excitement through various thrilling activities, from sand dune adventures to diving to view coral reefs and exploring the diverse marine ecosystem.

The tourism campaign on CNN is expected to make a breakthrough in promoting Vietnam’s tourism abroad, helping to convey the image of a beautiful S-shaped country, its rich culture, top-tier tourism products, and as an ideal destination for travelers worldwide. This will create momentum for attracting international visitors to Vietnam in the new year of 2025.

Hue, Hanoi among 50 best food cities by TasteAtlas

Hue and Hanoi are two Vietnamese destinations making it into the list of the 50 must-visit food cities in the world in 2024 - 2025 by food magazine TasteAtlas.

With an average score of 4.53/5, Hue ranks 35th. Gourmet critics from TasteAtlas recommended that food enthusiasts try dishes such as “Bun bo Hue” (Hue beef noodle soup), “Nem lui” (grilled pork paste skewer), “Banh beo” (steamed savoury rice cake) and “Banh khoai” (Hue pancake), along with a list of delicious and affordable eateries they can try in the city.

The list of restaurants in Hue includes Banh Ganh, Hong Mai, Huyen Anh and Bun bo Hue Ba Xuan.

The capital city Hanoi ranks 40th with an average score of 4.5/5.The magazine recommends trying “Cha gio” (Vietnamese fried spring rolls), “Bun cha” (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), “Bun rieu” (tomato and crab noodle soup) and “Bun oc” (snail noodle soup) in Hanoi.

TasteAtlas highlights several renowned restaurants in the city, including Bun Cha 34, Pho Bat Dan, Xoi Yen, and Pho 10.

HCM City ranks 56th with an average score of 4.45.TasteAtlas recommends “Cha gio” and “Com tam” (broken rice) and “Canh chua” (sweet and sour tamarind soup) to try in this city.

The magazine also features several famous restaurants in the city, such as Pho Chao, Pizza 4P, and Hum Vegetarian.

Hue has dropped six spots compared to last year's city rankings. However, the top 50 list welcomed a major landmark for Vietnam – the capital Hanoi.

HCM City has also moved up from 73rd place on last year's list to 53rd place this year, VNA reported.

Illustrative image (Photo: TasteAtlas)

The top four positions in the best food cities in the world in 2024 - 2025 by TasteAtlas are held by Italian cities, including Naples, Milan, Bologna, and Florence.

Last year, a similar situation occurred with the top three cities being Rome, Bologna and Naples, reaffirming the dominance of great Italian cuisine worldwide.

The one hundred Best Cuisines in the World is a ranking within the framework of the annual TasteAtlas Awards, based on voting and scoring by culinary critics, chefs and foodies around the world.

This year, the list was based on 477,287 user votes from 17,073 cities around the globe, selected based on the highest user ratings for 15,478 local dishes in TasteAtlas' database.

Cold spell intensifies: Northern Vietnam faces freezing temperatures into 2025

The latest cold spell in Vietnam will bring severe cold to northern regions, heavy rains to central provinces, and challenging conditions for maritime activities through early 2025.

Northern Vietnam is bracing for a stronger cold spell starting tonight (December 27), with temperatures plunging below 10°C in some areas. The intense cold conditions are forecast to persist into early 2025, bringing widespread chilly weather.

This afternoon, the cold front had already affected most of northeastern Vietnam. Strong northeasterly winds of up to level 6, with gusts reaching level 7, were recorded in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Widespread cold weather and heavy rains expected

By tonight, the cold spell is expected to intensify and spread further into other regions, including north-central Vietnam, western northern Vietnam, and central central Vietnam. Inland areas will experience northeasterly winds at levels 2-3, increasing to levels 3-4 along the coastal zones.

In northern Vietnam and areas from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue, cold weather will continue, with some mountainous regions facing severe cold. Temperatures in northern Vietnam and north-central regions are forecast to range from 12°C to 15°C, while mountainous areas may drop below 10°C. In areas from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue, temperatures are expected to hover between 15°C and 18°C.

Hanoi is set to remain chilly, with the lowest temperatures during this period ranging from 12°C to 15°C. Despite the intense cold at night and early morning, daytime temperatures may rise to around 20°C under sunny skies.

Heavy rain and stormy conditions in central and southern regions

From tonight through tomorrow (December 28), regions from Thua Thien Hue to Phu Yen will see moderate to heavy rain, with some areas experiencing very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Rainfall totals are expected to range between 30mm and 60mm, with isolated areas exceeding 100mm. By the night of December 28, rainfall intensity is expected to decrease.

Meanwhile, areas in Quang Tri and Khanh Hoa will see lighter rainfall, with totals ranging from 10mm to 30mm and some locations reaching over 50mm. Thunderstorms could bring localized lightning, strong winds, and whirlwinds, cited VNN.

Northern Vietnam braces for intense cold weather, with some areas experiencing freezing temperatures. (Photo: Nam Khanh)

Meteorologists also warn of an ongoing cold air mass moving southward, interacting with eastern wind disturbances to produce unseasonal rain showers over Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, and provinces in southeastern Vietnam.

Maritime impacts and safety warnings

The cold front will bring increasingly strong northeasterly winds of level 6, with gusts up to levels 7-8, in the Gulf of Tonkin, causing rough seas and waves of 2-3.5 meters. In the northern part of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands), winds will reach level 7 with gusts of level 9, generating waves 4-6 meters high.

Coastal areas from Quang Tri to Ca Mau, as well as central and southern parts of the East Sea, including the Truong Sa (Spratly Islands), are also expected to face rough seas with waves reaching heights of 3-5 meters.

Meteorological authorities caution that thunderstorms, accompanied by phenomena such as lightning, strong winds, and whirlwinds, could cause damage to agricultural production, infrastructure, and residential areas. Heavy rains may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods in small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep slopes.

Strong winds and high waves are likely to disrupt marine activities, posing risks to fishing vessels and other operations at sea.

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