Vietnam news in brief - December 30

General Secretary To Lam urges intellectuals to drive Vietnam's development

General Secretary To Lam appreciated the contribution of intellectuals and scientists in transforming Vietnam into a developed nation and achieving high-income status by 2045. In a meeting with the community on December 30, Lam called for their efforts to generate breakthrough innovations to boost digital competitiveness and technological development. Additionally, he urged the improvement of support mechanisms, strengthened collaboration between research and business sectors, and the training of high-quality human resources.

Vietnam-Philippines trade passes $8 billion milestone

Vietnam-Philippines trade reached $8 billion for the first time in November 2024, up 14.7% from 2023, with Vietnam's exports reaching $5.758 billion, up 22.8% year-on-year, and imports at $2.284 billion, down 5%. Vietnam achieved a trade surplus of $3.474 billion, driven by rice exports worth $2.5 billion. Annual trade is projected to reach $8.5 billion, highlighting Vietnam's export growth amid global challenges.

Vietnam advances in global Olympiads with record-breaking medals

Vietnam won 12 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze medals in international Olympiads and science competitions in 2024, with all participants winning awards - four more golds and three more silvers than in 2023. Notably, Vietnam secured its first-ever second place at the ISEF in the USA. These results highlight remarkable progress in academic excellence and innovation under effective leadership and dedicated efforts by students and educators.

Danang targets 12 million visitors and $1.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025

Danang aims to attract 12 million visitors in 2025, up 10% from 2024, including 4.8 million foreign visitors, up 17%. Revenue from tourism services is projected to exceed $1.5 billion, an increase of 15%. Key strategies include infrastructure upgrades, diverse events, enhanced beach and river activities, expanded air routes and sustainable tourism initiatives to drive growth.

Golden Bridge - a symbol of tourism in Danang. Photo: Sun Group.

Nationwide celebration to ring in the New Year with artistic highlights

VTV Countdown 2025, themed "Vietnam Greets the New Day", will be broadcast live on VTV1 from 10:10 pm on December 31 to 12:15 am on January 1, 2025. With performances from five locations across the country, the event celebrates unity, hope and progress with stunning artistic shows, inspiring stories and a grand countdown to welcome the New Year.

Proposal to designate May 20 as National Organ Donation Day

The Ministry of Health has proposed declaring May 20 as National Organ Donation Day to honor donors and encourage community involvement. While highlighting Vietnam's achievement of more than 1,000 transplants annually, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan noted that 95% are from living donors, while the number of brain-dead donations remains insignificant. Experts recommended legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, religious cooperation, and infrastructure improvements to encourage organ donation and save lives.

Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates four major transport projects

Ho Chi Minh City inaugurated four major transportation projects on December 30, including the Phuoc Long Bridge, the HC1 underpass, a section of the National Highway 50 service road, and Tan Ky Tan Quy Road. These projects aim to ease traffic congestion and support economic growth. More projects are expected to be completed before the Lunar New Year in 2025.