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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on December 30. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos resolved to achieve greater cooperation results

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on December 30.

The cabinet leader welcomed Kommasith's visit in preparation for the upcoming 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, and noted that the regular exchange of all-level delegations reflects the unique and close-knit relationship between the two countries.

The visit would yield positive results, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam-Laos great relationship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, he believed.

The PM congratulated Laos on its achievements in maintaining socio-political stability, national defence and security, and economic development, as well as successfully fulfilling its role as the Chair of ASEAN and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2024. He affirmed that Vietnam always treasures and gives the highest priority to the great relationship.

He conveyed regards from Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the high-ranking leaders of Laos.

For his part, Kommasith thanked Vietnam for its genuine affection and valuable, selfless support during Laos' struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current process of protecting and developing the country.

The Deputy PM stressed that Laos has always closely cooperated with Vietnam in building an independent and self-reliant economy.

The two sides shared the view on the strong development of the bilateral ties across spheres, from politics to defence, security, economy, culture, education-training, and locality-to-locality collaboration, cited VNA.

These achievements are the result of the efforts and close coordination between the two countries’ ministries, agencies, and localities in order to materialise high-level commitments and agreements, especially the outcomes of the September meeting between the two Politburos and the December phone talks between the two Party General Secretaries, they said.

The two sides agreed to actively coordinate with each other to make the best preparations for the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee, and stay resolved to achieve even greater results in 2025.

They agreed to make more breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Kommasith pledged to urge Lao ministries and sectors to improve the investment environment and create more favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including those from Vietnam, to invest and do business in Laos, especially in strategic areas such as infrastructure, transport connectivity, and energy.

The official showed his desire for stronger connection between the two economies, and cooperation in improving the legal system to strengthen ties, for the sake of both countries' people.

He expressed interest in learning more about the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) cooperation model, and suggested Vietnam share its experience in tapping strengths and potential for development, towards establishing a Laos-Vietnam industrial park.

PM Chinh praised joint efforts in accelerating several key projects in recent times and exploring new cooperation directions and methods to advance the bilateral partnership into a new phase of more substantive and effective development. He pledged to encourage relevant Vietnamese agencies to closely coordinate with the Lao side.

On the occasion of the upcoming New Year, Kommasith conveyed the warm regards and best wishes from Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane to Vietnam's high-ranking leaders.

Hoa Binh features among top 71 most beautiful places in the world

The northern province of Hoa Binh is the only Vietnamese representative to have been named in the list of the top 71 most beautiful places in the world, as compiled by New York-based travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

According to the magazine, the locality is home to several ethnic minority groups such as the H'Mong, Muong, and Dao.

When visiting Hoa Binh, travelers will have memorable experiences in daily local activities and will be warmly welcomed by locals with their friendliness and kindness. It is also an attractive site due to the breathtaking scenery of stilt houses and rice paddies surrounded by lush green mountains.

The most attractive destinations in the province include Mai Chau, Hoa Binh hydroelectric lake, Kim Boi hot mineral spring, Hang Kia - Pa Co, and Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, according to VOV.

Mai Chau district of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh (Photo: VOV)

Most notably, Lac village in Mai Chau represents an ideal spot for both cycling and sightseeing. It is famous for its centuries-old stilt houses, some of which are nearly 700 years old and shrouded in mist at the foot of verdant hills.

Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy famous delicious dishes such as grilled fish from Da River, sour meat, and buffalo meat with betel (la lot) leaves.

Rounding off the list of the most beautiful places in the world is Pink Sands Beach of Harbour Island, Bahamas, Raja Ampat of Indonesia, Zhangye National Geopark of China, Cappadocia of Turkey, Victoria Falls of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Cliffs of Moher of Ireland, San Miguel de Allende of Mexico, the Valley of the Kings of Egypt, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, the Avenue of the Baobabs of Madagascar, and the Great Barrier Reef of Queensland in Australia.

Tan Son Nhat airport increases flights to serve Lunar New Year

Tan Son Nhat reported a projected air traffic volume of approximately 39.8 million passengers for 2024, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the previous year.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has adjusted the flight capacity at Ho Chi Minh City-based Tan Son Nhat International Airport, raising it to 48 flights per hour during the day and 46 per hour at night, in a bid to meet peak travel demand during the upcoming 2025 Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) – Vietnam’s largest traditional festival.

With the break lasting from January 25 (the 26th day of the 12th month of the Year of the Dragon) to February 2 (the fifth day of the Year of the Snake), the number of flights is expected to surge from the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, reaching 800 flights per day with approximately 130,000 passengers daily.

According to Tran Van Hoach, who is in charge of the airport’s service quality supervision office, this high traffic translates to an average of one flight every minute.

To ensure aviation security, heightened safety measures are needed during the holiday period, Hoach added. He suggested the Southern Airports Authority deploy additional staff and collaborate with relevant units to guarantee smooth passenger transit during the peak travel season, VNN reported.

Tan Son Nhat reported a projected air traffic volume of approximately 39.8 million passengers for 2024, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the previous year.

This includes 16.2 million international passengers, a 14% increase year-on-year. Currently, 51 international and six domestic carriers operate at the airport, with averages of over 600 flights and 110,000 passengers per day.

Vietnam, Canada have opportunity to cooperate in nuclear power: former Canadian Deputy PM

Nuclear power is one of the priority areas where Canada and Vietnam can cooperate, and both sides have a good opportunity to share this technology and build nuclear reactors to provide their economies with clean, zero-emission energy, according to Jean Charest, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and former Premier of Québec.

In his interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency’s reporters in Canada, Charest asserted his country now possesses the unique CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) technology, adding that this is the safest nuclear reactor and this technology has now evolved into a new generation called CANDU MONARK.

According to him, to achieve the goal of reducing emissions, nuclear power can be one of the right choices.

Photo: VOV

He took Ontario as a typical example of the effort to reduce emissions when successfully applying nuclear energy. This province used to be the most polluted place due to the use of coal power, but by 2014, Ontario completely eliminated this energy source, helping to reduce emissions by 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.

The nuclear industry also contributes to creating many high-paying jobs for Ontario, contributing about 17 billion CAD (about 11.8 billion USD) per year to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is one of the province's key technology export sectors. Ontario currently has 18 operating nuclear reactors, accounting for 13% of Canada's total electricity production, contributing to making this province one of the cleanest and leading localities in clean technology in the North American country.

Candu Energy Senior Vice-President Carl Marcotte said the CANDU small modular reactor (SMR) is what Canada is investing in for the next generation of nuclear technology, reported VNA.

The Candu SMR is a very small reactor, with a lower power output, and also has a simpler structure, with the core prefabricated at the factory so it can be transported to the installation site. Canada is pioneering the development of small and even micro reactors, suitable for many requirements such as a small town or a small business. These are suitable for Vietnam, where small and micro reactors can be deployed, he added.

Wayne Farmer, President of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, said that Canada is keen to play a bigger role in nuclear power technology, both with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries interested in carbon emission reduction goals, as well as collaborating with the country on cleaner fuel supplies.

Ho Chi Minh City announces three fireworks displays for New Year 2025

The New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City promises to be spectacular, with three fireworks displays and city-wide festivities marking the arrival of 2025.

As the New Year 2025 approaches, Ho Chi Minh City is set to light up the sky with three fireworks displays and an array of Countdown events and artistic performances across its districts, including Thu Duc City.

The city has announced plans to organize three fireworks displays, including one high-altitude show and two lower-altitude displays.

The high-altitude fireworks display will take place at the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City. Photo: Nguyen Hue

The high-altitude fireworks will take place at the Saigon River Tunnel (Thu Duc City), featuring 1,500 high-altitude fireworks, 30 lower-altitude pyrotechnic platforms, and 10 artistic firework platforms.

Two lower-altitude shows will be held at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11 and Van Phuc Urban Area in Thu Duc City, with 90 lower-altitude platforms at each location.

The displays will begin at midnight on January 1, 2025, and last for 15 minutes.

A city-wide celebration

In addition to the fireworks, Ho Chi Minh City will host Countdown events on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, at several venues, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bach Dang Wharf Park, and the illuminated Saigon River Logo area.

Artistic performances will also take place across multiple districts: 12, Tan Phu, Binh Tan, Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, and Can Gio, spanning the evenings of December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, VNN reported.

Thu Duc City kicked off its New Year celebrations early on December 29, 2024, with the launch of City Tet Fest - Thu Duc 2025 at the Saigon River Park.

The festival is inspired by global-scale events, combining culture, art, creativity, technology, music, and community engagement to create a vibrant, multifaceted experience.

The highlight of City Tet Fest 2025 is its world-class music stage, designed to rival international music festivals in grandeur and scale.

The festival will culminate with a Countdown event on the evening of December 31, 2024, welcoming the arrival of the New Year.

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