At the opening ceremony (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) - The Asian Games (ASIAD) 2018 was declared open by Indonesian President Joko Widodo late on August 18 during a colourful opening ceremony in Jakarta. With the theme “Energy of Asia”, the organizers of ASIAD 2018 highlighted the strength of solidarity, sporting spirit, cultural diversity, heritage and inheritance of quintessence from all countries and territories participating in the continent’s biggest sport event. The opening ceremony lasted for around three hours with the participation of 4,000 dancers, 20 singers and hundreds of musicians of Indonesia as well as celebrities from around the world, including 15-year-old pianist Joey Alexander and female singer of Indonesian origin Anggun Sasmi. The ceremony opened with a skit showing President Widodo doing stunts on a motorbike in Jakarta’s streets before riding into the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, to roars from the crowd. About 1,500 … [Read more...] about Asian Games 2018 officially kicks off in Jakarta
Public debts rise, Ministry warns of ODA trap
VietNamNet Bridge - The interest rates offered by China are twice as much as other lenders, while the lending conditions are less preferential. The interest rates offered by China are twice as much as other lenders The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has submitted to PM a report on ODA (official development assistance) attraction, management and use in the 2018-2020 period, expressing its concern about preferential loans from China. Chinese preferential loans are provided via China Eximbank. RELATED NEWS Vietnam looks back on the ODA years VN considers allowing private investors to access ODA Luong Bang … [Read more...] about Public debts rise, Ministry warns of ODA trap
Protests in Iraq: The last straw
Corruption, poor public services, rising unemployment and expensive commodity prices are the main causes for the current wave of protests in Iraq, which started in Basra province before spreading to other provinces and cities in the south. Protesters stormed into the headquarters of government agencies and political parties. Many extremists set fires, threw stones at security forces, and blockaded the streets. The clashes between protesters and police forces left at least eight civilians dead and nearly 500 wounded, including hundreds of police officers. The wave of protests in Iraq is just the “last straw”, as the Middle Eastern nation has been experiencing so much turbulence and incidents. Despite once being a wealthy country in the region, Iraq has been immersed in constant waves of violence due to war, conflict, and terrorism, with infrastructure being devastated and the people’s lives faced by numerous difficulties. The protesters criticised that, since 2003, the … [Read more...] about Protests in Iraq: The last straw
Vietnam congratulates Hun Sen on reappointment as Cambodian PM
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (centre) during his election campaign in Phnom Penh. (Source: AFP / VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam congratulates Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his re-appointment as Prime Minister of Cambodia, Spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told reporters on August 18. “As a close neighbour of Cambodia, Vietnam congratulates Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his appointment as Cambodian Prime Minister in accordance with a royal ordinance issued on August 17 by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni to take a mission of establishing a new Govenrment for the new-tenure National Assembly’s approval.” “This is a significant stride in the election progress of Cambodia,” the spokeswoman said. “Vietnam believes that once established, the new National Assembly and Government of Cambodia will continue leading the country to thrive and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the … [Read more...] about Vietnam congratulates Hun Sen on reappointment as Cambodian PM
Lan Ha Bay among Southeast Asia’s best places to visit
The Hanoitimes - Thrillist has announced its list of the most beautiful place to visit in every country in Southeast Asia. Lan Ha bay in Cat Ba Island has been ranked 10th among the most beautiful place to visit in every country in Southeast Asia, according to a list released by Thrillist, a US online media website covering food, drink, travel and entertainment. Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba island. Photo: Getty Images The floating village of Cat Ba Island, which contains around 200 homes, dates back thousands of years. “Lan Ha Bay itself is home to several hundred islands, of which Cat Ba is the largest, you can rent a boat to explore, or spend the day swimming. There are well over 100 hotels in the immediate vicinity, so you can take your time if you understandably want to stay in the area a while,” Thrillist wrote. Kelimutu Lake (Indonesia) tops the list, followed by Kampong Ayer (Brunei), Kuan Si Falls (Laos), Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Borneo (Malaysia), Banaue rice … [Read more...] about Lan Ha Bay among Southeast Asia’s best places to visit