Vietnam News Today (Oct. 4): Typhoon KOINU Heads Towards East Sea

Photo: VOV

Typhoon KOINU heads towards East Sea

Typhoon KOINU is forecast to enter the East Sea on the morning of October 5 as it continues to gain more strength, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Forecasters noted that typhoon KOINU was located in the northeastern sea of Luzon island in the Philippines, with the strongest winds near its eye reaching between 167km and 183km per hour.

During the next 48 hours, the weather pattern is expected to track in a west-northwest direction at speeds of about 10km per hour.

On the morning of October 5, storm KOINU will enter the northern East Sea as it heads towards the southern area of Taiwan Island (China). Over the course of 72 hours, storm KOINU will likely change its direction and move westward at a speed of about 10km per hour.

By 7:00 a.m. on October 6, the storm's center will be located in the eastern part of Fujian province in China with wind speeds reaching level 11 and 13. The storm is forecast to continue to weaken as it makes landfall in the Chinese province of Guangdong.

Due to the impact of storm KOINU, there will be strong winds and rough seas occurring in the North East Sea region from the night of October 3, with sea waves reaching between five metres and seven metres high, cited VOV.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that about one or two tropical low-pressure systems or typhoons are predicted to hit the East Sea and may potentially affect the mainland of Vietnam this month.

Nguyen Duc Hoa, deputy head of the National center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting’s Climate Forecasting Office, warned that rainfall in the northern, Central Highlands, and southern regions would be 5% to 15% higher than the average level recorded in previous years, while rainfall in the central region would be 5% to 15% lower than the average level seen in previous years.

He stated that cold spells would gradually increase in frequency and intensity this month. Typhoons, tropical low-pressure systems, southwest monsoons, and cold spells might cause strong winds and big waves which affect activities at sea, he said.

Along with that, the occurrence of dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and hail nationwide could greatly affect production and people's daily activities, he added.

PM urges stronger cooperation with Germany’s Lower Saxony state

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has highlighted potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Germany and its Lower Saxony state, and suggested the two sides step up cooperation in different areas.

At a reception for visiting Minister-President of Lower Saxony Stephan Weil in Hanoi on October 2, PM Chinh affirmed that Germany is Vietnam’s leading economic partner in the European Union (EU) and ample room remains for the two countries to enhance their collaboration in many spheres, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Minister-President of Lower Saxony Stephan Weil. (Photo: VNA)

The host leader expressed his hope for a more intensive strategic partnership with Germany in general and Lower Saxony in particular.

He used this occasion to thank the German government and people for their support to Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence, and the present cause of national construction and development, and for their solidarity during the fight against COVID-19, helping Vietnam control the pandemic and reopen its doors.

The PM emphasized that trade between Vietnam and Lower Saxony was valued at EUR1.4 billion (US$1.46 billion) last year, equivalent to one-tenth of the trade revenue between the two countries.

The two sides should foster cooperation in politics and diplomacy, trade investment, climate change response, vocational training, and people-to-people exchange, he suggested.

PM Chinh also called on the German state’s authorities to encourage local businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian nation in the areas where both sides have strengths and demands like high-tech, digital transformation, and climate change response, while supporting the German parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and urging the European Commission (EC) to remove its “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood.

The Vietnamese government, ministries, agencies and localities always back and stand ready to create favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Germany, to operate in the country, he stressed.

In reply, Weil, who is accompanied by representatives of more than 40 businesses from Lower Saxony, congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in socio-economic development and foreign affairs, noting the authorities and business community of the state highly value cooperation potential between the two sides and wish to establish partnerships with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, localities and enterprises.

He shared PM Chinh’s views on priority cooperation areas, especially trade-investment, climate change response, renewable energy, the training of skilled workers, and tourism.

The official pledged to make efforts to promote the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in a more practical and effective way.

Vietnam Coast Guard ship visits Japan

Ship CSB 8002, with a working delegation of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) on board, docked at Shinko port in the Japanese city of Kobe on October 2, marking the start of a visit and exchange program with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).

Upon welcoming the Vietnamese delegation, Hattori, Commander of the JCG’s Region 5, emphasized that the visit of ship CSB 8004 to the Far East nation was one of the most meaningful activities as it coincided with the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of joint diplomatic relations.

He said the visit will further contribute to strengthening ties between the two forces, thereby reinforcing the friendship that exists between the two countries and realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), reported VOV.

Representatives from Japanese agencies and the delegation from the Vietnam Coast Guard at the welcome ceremony for Ship CSB 8002. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

On behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, Colonel Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Region 1, thanked the hosts for the warm welcome.

Colonel Hai said he hoped the visit will serve to tighten the relations that exist between the two forces and they will have further opportunities to exchange experience and strengthen co-ordination to deal with further challenges in both traditional and non-traditional security issues at sea.

The Vietnamese coast guard ship departed for their visit to Japan on September 24 and travelled nearly 2,300 nautical miles.

Forbes: Ha Long Bay among 24 best places to travel in 2024

Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh was listed as one of the 24 best destinations for travel in 2024, according to Forbes.

The luxury travel advisor quoted Zane Schafer, Vice President and General Manager of OvationNetwork as saying that the unprecedented demand for travel we saw last year continued in 2023. Next year, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations that are off the beaten path.”

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts one of the most unique ecosystems and geological formations in the world. Few sites provide such a mix of natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility, Forbes wrote.

Photo: VNN

“Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something to offer everyone,” advises Andrew Lewis Harrison, a travel advisor. “The unique rock formations made up of limestone karsts and islets, add to the magic of this unduplicated location.”

The article also suggested visiting the place via a junk boat excursion. “If you’re worried that Ha Long Bay will be too crowded, book a trip north to Bai Tu Long instead,” it shared.

Topping the list was Sardinia in Italy which lures travelers with its luxurious Costa Smeralda. It was followed by Urla, a quiet Aegean coastal town. Niseko in Japan came third for being a great place to experience an unforgettable winter destination outside of the usual U.S. or European spots.

On September 21, Long Bay - Cat Archipelago in the northern province of Quang Ninh province and neighboring Hai Phong city has been officially recognized as a world natural heritage site.

Ha Long Bay was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site twice in 1994 and 2000.

Hundreds of foreign investors arrive to explore Vietnam's investment opportunities

More than 150 international investors attended the Investor Conference 2023 hosted by VinaCapital Group on October 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

This year’s event witnessed the largest number of investors since the first conference held in 2005.

The annual event is part of efforts to introduce attractive investment opportunities in Vietnam to international investors. It offers a venue for participants to inquire about perspectives and viewpoints from various experts about Vietnam’s investment attraction policies.

According to Don Lam, CEO and Founding Partner of VinaCapital Group, almost all of the investors attending the conference were from the North Asian region, such as the Republic of Korea, and Japan, which represent conglomerates and investment funds managing approximately US$1 trillion in capital.

The increase in the number of attendees this year demonstrates that Vietnam is becoming a more attractive investment destination than ever, he said, adding that this is a chance for VinaCapital experts to share deeper insights into attractive investment opportunities in the Vietnamese market, cited VNA.

Based on preliminary surveys, foreign investors are particularly interested in green transformation and the potential of the consumption sector in Vietnam, especially in the semiconductor and chip industry, Lam said, noting that this presents an opportunity for Vietnam to attract more medium and long-term capital inflows, thus contributing to sustainable economic growth in the future.

Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for investors (Photo: baodautu.vn)

In addition to investment funds, VinaCapital Group is also focusing on sustainable development goals and green transformation, thus strengthening a solid foundation to promote strong and comprehensive economic growth, he went on.

Addressing the event, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper highlighted the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership and pointed out economic cooperation opportunities between companies from the two countries.

Andy Ho, Chief Investment Officer of VinaCapital Group, said US President Joe Biden’s recent visit and the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations is expected to have a significant and long-term impact on Vietnam’s economy.

The US is expected to increase its foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam as a result of these developments, he said.

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