Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (front, third, right) inspects the waste treatment system of Formosa on July 24 (Photo: VNA) Ha Tinh (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has inspected the waste treatment area and production line of Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Limited Company (FHS) in Ha Tinh province, asking the firm must consider the environmental matter to be a vital factor to the implementation of its large-scale steel project. During his working session on July 24 leaders of FHS, which was responsible for the marine environmental incident in four central provinces last year, the PM said the steel plant has been so far the largest foreign investment project in Vietnam with over 11 billion USD; however, it caused the biggest maritime environmental incident in the country. He recognised the efforts of relevant ministries, sectors and localities in addressing the incident … [Read more...]

ASEAN enjoys half century of dynamic, comprehensive development (Source: asean.org) Hanoi (VNA) – After 50 years of development, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been internationally recognised as a comprehensive regional cooperative organisation and a cohesive and dynamic political-economic entity that contributes to global connectivity. The association has an important role and position in the Southeast Asian and Asian-Pacific regions with profound political, economic, cultural and social influences.  A spirit of solidarity, consensus and mutual support and respect, along with harmonious combination of national and community interests have helped enhance the association’s position. Over the past half century, ASEAN has proved itself a leading factor in ensuring a peaceful environment, security and cooperation for regional development, … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports hosted a talk with students from various schools and the National University of Laos on the special ties between Laos and Vietnam on July 24. The event was meant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Speaking at the event, former Lao Deputy Prime Minister SomsavatLengsavath reviewed milestones in bilateral ties and support that Vietnam has provided for Laos in the fields of politics, education, economy, transport, national defence and security. He lauded the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation for bringing benefits to Laos, helping the country stay on track in pursuit of stability and development. The former leader asked students and lecturers to bear in mind the tradition of special ties between Laos and Vietnam while continuing to foster the bilateral relationship. Lao Deputy Minister of Education and Sports … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports hosted a talk with students from various schools and the National University of Laos on the special ties between Laos and Vietnam on July 24. The event was meant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Speaking at the event, former Lao Deputy Prime Minister SomsavatLengsavath reviewed milestones in bilateral ties and support that Vietnam has provided for Laos in the fields of politics, education, economy, transport, national defence and security. He lauded the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation for bringing benefits to Laos, helping the country stay on track in pursuit of stability and development. The former leader asked students and lecturers to bear in mind the tradition of special ties between Laos and Vietnam while continuing to foster the bilateral relationship. Lao Deputy Minister of Education and Sports … [Read more...]

Vietnam’s national U15 team returned home on July 23 with the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-15 Championship trophy held in Thailand. Vietnam team celebrates with the AFF Under-15 Championship trophy in Thailand The team beat hosts Thailand 4-2 on penalties to lift only their second crown in the 13-year history of the meet on July 22. “The final between Vietnam and Thailand is over, but I still get the happy feeling. My players beat Thailand on Thai ground. This win is dedicated to all the Vietnamese fans,” coach Vu Hong Viet said to the media at Noi Bai International Airport. "There is no secret to the Vietnam team’s success, but it was my players’ confidence that worked. During the training sessions, before and after every match, I would often tell them ’the training board believes in you, and you will take the title, although your rival is Thailand’,” Viet … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON: South Korea's Kim In-Kyung birdied six of the first nine holes on her way to a four-stroke victory on Sunday (Jul 23) at the Marathon Classic to capture her sixth LPGA title. Kim In-Kyung of South Korea hits her drive on the fourth hole during the fourth and final round of the Marathon Classic. (Michael Cohen/Getty Images/AFP) Kim, ranked 28th, fired a bogey-free eight-under par 63 at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, to finish 72 holes on 21-under par 263. "I really didn't expect anything. Maybe that's why I played really well today," Kim said. "Really good names were on top of the leaderboard and I just wanted to go out and make the most out of it and today I was able to do that." It was the second triumph in as many months for Kim, who captured last week's ShopRite LPGA Classic. She has … [Read more...]

The team beat hosts Thailand 4-2 on penalties to lift only their second crown in the 13-year history of the meet on Saturday. “The final between Vietnam and Thailand is over, but I still get the happy feeling. My players beat Thailand on Thai ground. This win is dedicated to all the Vietnamese fans,” coach Vu Hong Viet said to the media at Noi Bai International Airport. "There is no secret to the Vietnam team’s success, but it was my players’ confidence that worked. During the training sessions, before and after every match, I would often tell them ’the training board believes in you, and you will take the title, although your rival is Thailand’,” Viet said. "The confidence and focus helped Vietnam develop their fitness, as well as improved their skill and raised their spirits during the match, and they triumphed in the … [Read more...]

Vietnam team celebrates with the AFF Under-15 Championship trophy in Thailand (Photo vff.org.vn)     Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s national U15 team returned home on July 23 with the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-15 Championship trophy held in Thailand. The team beat hosts Thailand 4-2 on penalties to lift only their second crown in the 13-year history of the meet on July 22. “The final between Vietnam and Thailand is over, but I still get the happy feeling. My players beat Thailand on Thai ground. This win is dedicated to all the Vietnamese fans,” coach Vu Hong Viet said to the media at Noi Bai International Airport. "There is no secret to the Vietnam team’s success, but it was my players’ confidence that worked. During the training sessions, before and after every match, I would often tell them ’the training board … [Read more...]

BASTAD, Sweden: Spaniard David Ferrer claimed his first ATP Tour title in almost two years by seeing off Alexandr Dolgopolov to win the clay-court tournament in Bastad for the third time on Sunday (Jul 23). David Ferrer of Spain reacts after winning the singles final match of the Swedish Open ATP tennis tournament against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine 6-4, 6-4 in Bastad, Sweden. (Adam IHSE/TT News Agency/AFP) The 35-year-old Ferrer came through 6-4, 6-4 to seal the 27th title of his career, but first since October 2015 when he won in Vienna. The former French Open finalist, now ranked 46th in the world, was cruising to victory with a 5-1 lead in the second set, but needed seven match points to eventually get over the line. "I'm moved. This is my first tournament win in two years," Ferrer said. "It has been a tough … [Read more...]

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom: Jordan Spieth recovered from the brink of a disastrous collapse to regain his nerve and win the British Open with a breathtaking late flourish at Royal Birkdale on Sunday (Jul 23). US golfer Jordan Spieth poses with the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year after winning the 2017 British Open Golf Championship. (Andy BUCHANAN/AFP) The 23-year-old American ended up shooting a one-under-par round of 69 to finish 12-under and claim his third major title by three strokes from compatriot Matt Kuchar. Spieth had been top of the leaderboard after each of the first three rounds and, having already won the Masters and US Open in 2015, his victory saw him emulate the great Jack Nicklaus in getting his hands on a third different major before turning 24. But this was very … [Read more...]

SANTA CLARA, United States: Anthony Martial offered Jose Mourinho a timely reminder of his attacking prowess on Sunday (Jul 23) despite missing from the spot in Manchester United's penalty shootout victory over Real Madrid. Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas watches as Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard scores a goal during the first half of the International Champions Cup match in Santa Clara, California. (Beck Diefenbach/AFP) After a hugely impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, Martial struggled to consistently produce the goods under Mourinho last season - prompting speculation throughout the summer that the French international could depart. But a stunning individual run saw Martial lay-on Jesse Lingard's opening goal in the International Champions Cup tie at Santa Clara before Real … [Read more...]

NDO/VNA – On July 23 more than 100 youngsters from Ho Chi Minh City travelled to Laos to undertake voluntary activities until August 5. The volunteers, who had been involved in the “Green Summer” and “Red Holiday” campaigns in the city, will tour Lao provinces of Attapeu, Champasak and Xiangkhouang, to do good deeds. They will support the building of two Vietnam-Laos youth friendship houses, coordinate with health workers to provide medical check-ups and treatment for poor people, transfer agricultural techniques, and present gifts to needy students. The youngsters are also expected to help with building playgrounds for children, guiding locals to use electricity economically and safely, improving the power system, and visiting contributors to the Vietnamese revolutionary cause in Laos. They will participate in a wide range of culture, sport and art activities with local youths and residents to study the … [Read more...]

BEIJING: Chelsea forward Pedro was taken to hospital with a possible concussion after colliding with Arsenal's goalkeeper during the Blues' 3-0 preseason win over their London rivals in Beijing on Saturday (Jul 22). Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi (23) scores against Arsenal during their football match in Beijing's National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, on Jul 22, 2017. (Photo: AFP/Greg Baker) The 29-year-old Spaniard was left reeling on the ground with a bloodied face inside the first half hour of the game after Colombian keeper David Ospina flew into him while clearing a long-ball with two fists. After receiving medical attention on the pitch for several minutes, Pedro got up and walked off with blood in his nose, lips and right ear. "For sure (he) should be okay but I think he had a concussion," Chelsea manager … [Read more...]

DOETINCHEM: Amandine Henry's second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for title contenders France against women's European Championship newcomers Austria in the Netherlands on Saturday (Jul 22). Swiss forward Ramona Bachmann scored one of the goals during the game against Iceland at the women's Euro in the Netherlands, helping Switzerland come back to a 2-1 victory. (Photo: AFP) Captain Lara Dickenmann and Ramona Bachmann scored as Switzerland recovered from a goal down to beat Iceland 2-1 in the earlier game. France and Austria top Group C with four points, one ahead of Switzerland, while Iceland will bow out after the group phase. France dominated almost the entire game in Utrecht, but it was Austria's Lisa Makas who scored first in the 27th minute, drilling home from just inside the area the French failed to clear … [Read more...]

Phuong lost the first set in his match against Chinese player Yuan Zihao, but won the next two sets to obtain the championship. Vietnamese tennis player Nguyen Van Phuong (in red) wins the final match in the men’s singles at the U18 Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Circuit – BECAMEX Cup 2017. Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles final, Vietnamese pair of Van Phuong and Minh Thinh was defeated 6-7 and 2-6 by Chinese rivals Yuan Zihao and Zeng Zicheng. No 1 seed Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty from India beat No.2 seed Che Yujiao from China (6-4, 6-2) to take the championship in the women’s single category. Meanwhile, Chinese duo Li Zongyi and Wang Jungyi became the champions in the women’s doubles after trouncing Che Yujiao and Gou Chunxi also from China (7-6, 6-4). Co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Tennis Federation and the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, the event draws more than … [Read more...]

HCM City, July 22 (VNA) – Vietnamese tennis player Nguyen Van Phuong won the final match in the men’s singles at the U18 Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Circuit – BECAMEX Cup 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City on July 22.  Phuong lost the first set in his match against Chinese player Yuan Zihao, but won the next two sets to obtain the championship.  Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles final, Vietnamese pair of Van Phuong and Minh Thinh was defeated 6-7 and 2-6 by Chinese rivals Yuan Zihao and Zeng Zicheng.  No 1 seed Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty from India beat No 2 seed Che Yujiao from China (6-4, 6-2) to take the championship in the women’s single category.  Meanwhile, Chinese duo Li Zongyi and Wang Jungyi became the champions in the women’s doubles after trouncing Che Yujiao and Gou Chunxi also from China (7-6, 6-4).  Co-organised by … [Read more...]

NDO – After holding hosts Thailand to a 0-0 draw after 90 official minutes of the final of the 2017 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-15 Championships, Vietnam defeated their strong rivals 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the title of the tournament on July 22. Goalie Duy Dung was the hero for U-15 Vietnam as he successfully saved two penalties from the Thai players. Meanwhile, four of his teammates did their job, giving Thai goalkeeper Tewweesri no chance. This is the first time a Vietnamese football team has been crowned champions in a U-15 Southeast Asian championship. Entering the final, both teams had six wins in the tournament. Vietnam had conquered defending champions, and favourites for the championship, Australia, 2-0 in the semi-finals. In the group stage, Coach Vu Hong Viet’s team had five convincing wins against Cambodia 2-1, Brunei 2-1, Philippines 7-0, Malaysia 1-0 and Timor Leste 4-0. Meanwhile, Thailand … [Read more...]

City wants to have distinctive souvenirs for tourists Dao Loan By Dao Loan - The Saigon Times Daily HCMC – As HCMC lacks souvenirs and gifts typical of its features for tourists, the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will organize a design contest to find distinctive souvenirs to meet their shopping demand. According to Nguyen Duc Chi, deputy head of the department’s travel division, everyone can join the contest which will last from October 25 to December 10. The department will pick excellent designs and showcase them at exhibitions and in tourism promotion programs. Excellent designs of souvenirs will be used for mass production. “Currently, spending of tourists is not high and the amount tourists spend on souvenirs and gifts is modest,” said Chi. A recent survey on tourists’ demand of buying souvenirs in HCMC conducted by the department indicates that most of the domestic and international tourists want to buy products symbolic of … [Read more...]

The weather in Vietnam is unsettled sometimes and no one is quite sure when it allows, even in summer. Some days you might have to tweak it a little bit to say ‘it’s going to be so hot that you will feel like you are in the pit of hell for five days’, and then it will rain - heavily - and then for the next few days it will be a bit cooler (with a chance of rain). But overall I imagine the weather forecaster has it pretty sweet. Last week I was glued to weather forecasts, poured over them and bored my friend with exactly how hot (not very), windy (very) or wet (extremely) it was going to be. It was almost certainly the first time I had even thought of looking at one for around 5 months. We were greeted at Hue train station, at the start of a three day trip, with horrendous rain. By the time we were whisked from the train station to our hotel the water had already reached the level of the pavement. Post breakfast it had rose another few inches, post lunch it was knee … [Read more...]

Fireworks display to welcome Int’l Vovinam Festival At a large martial arts club in the Sports Club on Hồ Xuân Hương Street in HCM City's District 3, an elderly woman wearing an Aikido uniform patiently guides her young disabled students through each movement. Nguyễn Thanh Loan, 65, is the founder of the “Aikido – World is Love” club” for handicapped children, including those with Downs Syndrome and others who are vision or hearing impaired. The club currently has about 70 students. “One of the guidelines in Aikido is to consider love and peace as ways to enter society,” she says. Some children are afraid to step out to the practise mat at first, but Loan keeps encouraging them with her smile and gentle attitude, so they begin to imitate her movements. Loan says she is very delighted to see the rapid progress of the disabled children who can now somersault and wrestle like ordinary children. "Initially, I only wanted to help my learners improve their health and find joy in … [Read more...]