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Vietnam and China carry out a joint border patrol. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China conduct joint border patrol

The Lung Cu border guard station under the Border Guard Command of the northern province of Ha Giang on March 21 conducted a joint patrol along the Vietnam-China border with the Fu Ning border guard unit under the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

During the operation, the two sides met to discuss border security and other related issues. The patrol covered the section of the shared border between Marker No. 424 and Marker No. 426, ensuring the protection and integrity of the boundary markers, cited VNA.

Observations from the joint work confirmed that the markers remain intact, reflecting the stability and development of border communities on both sides. Local residents have not only maintained stable livelihoods but also actively contributed to border security, adhering to regulations and agreements governing the area.

The joint patrol was part of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and its Chinese counterpart, signed on November 12, 2017, in a bid to strengthen bilateral friendship, border management, and solidarity.

France pledges assistance to Vietnam’s strategic transport projects

France is ready to cooperate with Vietnam on strategic transport projects, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a meeting in Hanoi on March 21.

Tabarot, who was in Hanoi for a working visit, reaffirmed France’s expertise in transportation and expressed strong commitment to supporting Vietnam in implementing strategic infrastructure projects, including human resource training, technology transfer, and experience-sharing to improve services.

The minister informed the host of the results of his working session with the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction as well as the French delegation’s activities, including co-hosting a Vietnam-France high-speed railway seminar with the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction.

PM Pham Minh Chinh for his part welcomed Tabarot’s statement and said Vietnam is prioritizing the development of transport infrastructure as one of its three strategic breakthroughs, focusing on road, rail, aviation, maritime, and inland waterways projects, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot in Hanoi on March 21. (Photo: VGP)

Improving transport infrastructure is expected to drive industrial and urban development, reduce logistics costs, and enhance economic competitiveness, he said.

He recalled the strong transport cooperation between the two countries, which has historical roots, including the North-South railway and several airports in Vietnam. Airbus remains the largest aircraft supplier for Vietnamese airlines, while railway projects such as the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line have demonstrated ongoing collaboration.

The PM emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to addressing institutional challenges to accelerate project implementation efficiently and effectively, and encouraged further cooperation with France based on sincerity, trust, and practical benefits.

He also proposed collaboration with Airbus on technology transfer, aircraft maintenance facilities at Vietnamese airports, and the development of underground, maritime, and aerospace industries.

In addition, he suggested expanding direct shipping routes between the two countries and enhancing public-private partnerships for road development.

Tabarot praised Vietnam’s development achievements and agreed with the Prime Minister on the need to strengthen transport cooperation between the two countries.

He conveyed President Emmanuel Macron’s high regard for Vietnam and his eagerness to visit Hanoi at a convenient time.

Vietnam eyes stronger cooperation with WB

National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan met with Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in Hanoi on March 21, calling on the bank to accelerate the implementation of the two sides' strategic cooperation framework, including in agriculture.

Hoan highlighted the close cooperation between Vietnam and the WB in recent years, expressing his belief that the two sides will continue to strengthen this good partnership in the time to come.

Applauding bilateral cooperation achievements, he spoke highly of the bank’s role in promoting development cooperation, poverty reduction, and the settlement of global challenges.

He voiced the hope that the WB will continue to effectively support developing countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, reported VNA.

National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan (R) meets with Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in Hanoi on March 21. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam is speeding up the reform of institutional frameworks, the restructuring and streamlining of the administrative apparatus, and driving breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to unlock resources and create motivation for national development in the new era. In particular, the NA is strongly reforming the lawmaking mindset to facilitate the Government's governance flexibility and ensure timely adjustments are made to match the reality, Hoan stated.

Reviewing Vietnam’s cooperation with the WB in the recent past, the Vice Chairman noted that in November 2023, the Vietnamese Government launched a project to develop one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030, aiming to increase the value of the rice industry, improve production efficiency and farmers' incomes, and help protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He proposed the WB continue coordinating with Vietnam to effectively implement the project and provide resources for the initiative, a symbol of the Vietnam – WB partnership.

According to Hoan, Vietnam is strongly committed to sustainable development, climate change response, and fulfilment of international commitments. At COP26 in the UK, the country pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, join the Global Methane Pledge initiative, and implement the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use, and several other initiatives.

For her part, Sherman expressed her hope that cooperation between the WB and Vietnam will become increasingly fruitful to reach the set targets. She affirmed the bank's commitment to implementing the agreed-upon agendas and cooperation programmes.

She noted that there remain many projects to be completed in the coming period, stressing that one of the top priorities of the bank is the project to develop one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030, along with some others related to sustainable fisheries, green economic development, and emissions reduction.

The WB stands ready to support Vietnam through policy advice and capacity building, contributing to the country’s efforts in institutional perfection, science – technology development, and innovation, she added.

Hue recognized as Asia’s underrated culinary gem by Tatler Asia

Hue, Vietnam, has recently been recognized by Tatler Asia as one of Asia's most underrated culinary destinations. As a leading online platform celebrating the best of Asia, Tatler Asia notes that when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, most foreign visitors think only of pho and banh mi, as these dishes dominate the culinary scene in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

However, Tatler Asia emphasizes that Hue is a uniquely impressive destination, offering a rich culinary heritage marked by imperial cuisine and local specialties like bun bo Hue, banh beo, and com hen.

Bun bo Hue, a popular breakfast choice among locals, features a flavorful broth made from pork and beef bones, simmered with distinctive spices like lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, and a hint of lime juice. The dish's bold, hearty flavor sets it apart from other noodle soups in Vietnam.

Another renowned specialty from Hue is banh beo. This delicate dish is made from finely milled rice flour, soaked to achieve a sticky consistency, and mixed with a touch of fat before being poured into small dishes and steamed. The result is a thin, translucent, petal-like cake topped with a variety of ingredients and served with a dipping sauce, cited VNN.

Hue cuisine. (Photo: Kham Pha Hue)

Tatler Asia suggests that diners can enhance the flavor by adding crispy fried shallots or toasted peanuts to the dish.

Com hen, another beloved dish in Hue, is celebrated for its irresistible taste. Made with baby clams, the dish is served with cold rice, fried pork skins, herbs, bean sprouts, and a flavorful broth poured over the mixture. This rustic and fragrant dish is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Besides Hue, the list of the top eight underrated food cities in Asia compiled by Tatler Asia also includes Fukuoka (Japan), Ipoh (Malaysia), Iloilo (Philippines), Gwangju (South Korea), Hualien (Taiwan, China), Surabaya (Indonesia), and Luang Prabang (Laos).

UNESCO recognition ceremony for Ba Chua Xu Goddess Festival

A ceremony was held on the evening of March 19 at the Sam Mountain National Tourist Area in Chau Doc City, An Giang province, to receive UNESCO’s certificate recognizing the Festival of the Ba Chua Xu Goddess at Sam Mountain as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and to kick off the 2025 festival.

The event gathered Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, leaders of central ministries and localities, former Party and State leaders, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Jonathan Baker, and a large number of people from within and outside the province.

On December 4, 2024, during its 19th session, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO officially inscribed the festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Through theatrical performances and documentary footage, attendees at the ceremony gained insights into the festival’s history and significance. Dating back to the 18th century, the festival is rooted in local legend, as villagers discovered an ancient statue atop Sam Mountain but could not move it until divinely guided to use nine virgin girls, who succeeded. Over time, Ba Chua Xu Temple evolved from a simple bamboo shrine into a major spiritual site, attracting millions of visitors annually, especially during the festival from the 22nd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month.

The UNESCO recognition is a great honor for An Giang and a source of national pride. It highlights the cultural richness of the province, promotes its image internationally, and reinforces the joint responsibility of authorities and local communities in preserving this heritage. According to An Giang provincial Party Secretary Le Hong Quang, the recognition affirms the festival’s cultural value and underscores the need for its sustainable preservation and development.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized the importance of safeguarding this heritage while promoting An Giang’s cultural values domestically and internationally. The festival also showcases the cultural diversity of An Giang’s ethnic communities, including Kinh, Hoa, Cham, and Khmer, while supporting local tourism and economic development.

The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of UNESCO’s certificate by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to An Giang provincial leaders, followed by the festival drum marking the official start of the 2025 Festival of the Ba Chua Xu Goddess at Sam Mountain.

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