Vietnam news in brief - November 29

Cambodian King and Vietnamese President celebrate cultural ties

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong enjoyed ancient Shan Tuyet tea marinated in West Lake lotus and traditional Vietnamese cakes at the Temple of Literature on November 29. He then visited Quan Su Pagoda, offered prayers, and met with Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, who invited him to attend the 2025 Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong (R) and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni enjoy tea in Hanoi on November 29. Photo: Nhan Dan

Vietnam proposes five strategic priorities at ASEAN meeting 

Vietnam proposed five strategic priorities to advance women's policies at the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW 5) on November 29. These include fostering inclusive social policies, promoting economic growth with social equity, developing a modern social welfare system, ensuring comprehensive care for all citizens, and implementing gender-responsive budgeting. Vietnam has made significant progress, with women making up 46.5% of the workforce, ranking 71st out of 170 countries on the Gender Inequality Index (GII), and over 90% of women having access to health services.

Tax payment deferral key to boosting businesses in post-pandemic period

Extending tax and land rent payment deadlines in 2024 is crucial to help businesses secure capital in difficult times, Deputy Director of the General Department of Taxation Dang Ngoc Minh said at the Vietnam Finance Forum 2024 on November 29. He explained that the measure will ensure uninterrupted production while maintaining the State's 2024 budget revenue targets.

Ca Mau seeks project to combat coastal erosion

The southernmost province of Ca Mau proposed on November 29 that the government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development approve a project to protect sea dikes and combat erosion. Currently, 70% of the province's coastline (188 km) is severely eroded, with 78 km managed and more than 80 km in urgent need of intervention. The Mekong Delta faces eight major types of natural disasters that significantly affect local livelihoods.

Unesco-listed heritage shines in Ha Tinh

The UNESCO-listed Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival is being held in Ha Tinh to mark the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the Nghe Tinh Vi and Giam folk singing. The event features six performance troupes showcasing Vietnam's UNESCO-listed heritage, emphasizing preservation, cultural identity, and intergenerational transmission.

Hospitals join efforts to promote organ transplantation

Military Central Hospital 108 announced today (November 29) that it helped Military Hospital 103 harvest seven organs from a brain-dead donor and perform a liver transplant. This is the third liver transplant collaboration under their 2024 agreement. Military Central Hospital 108, Vietnam's top transplant center, aims to reach 100 liver transplants annually, increasing the nation's organ transplant capacity.