With the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago recently becoming Vietnam’s first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site, the job to ensure a harmony between the conservation of the archipelago and the exploitation of related economic benefits has become a major concern for both local authorities and residents.

The Cat Ba Archipelago off the coast of the northern port city of Hai Phong is the largest limestone archipelago in the country, boasting over 360 islands, including Cat Ba Island to the south of Ha Long Bay. It was also recognised by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay in the neighbouring province of Quang Ninh was named by UNESCO as a world heritage site twice in 1994 and 2000.

Former Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee Associate Prof. Dr. Dan Duc Hiep said swift action following the UNESCO recognition is imperative.

He underscored the need to transform the Cat Ba tourist area into a high-quality, reputable coastal tourism hub that caters to the needs of both domestic and international travellers.

According to him, it is necessary to prioritise a number of projects, including those building the Cat Hai - Cat Ba cable car system and various entertainment and recreational facilities meeting international standards, as well as promoting environmental protection. Additionally, the city needs to adopt clean, eco-friendly transport methods on Cat Ba Island.

Hiep also stressed the urgency of developing an action plan and engaging in discussions with Quang Ninh authorities on the related investment and utilisation of the transport infrastructure and docking areas in the archipelago’s Lan Ha Bay.

In a meeting with local voters in early December, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highlighted the responsibility of local authorities and residents, as Vietnam is committed to strict adherence to international heritage conservation regulations.

He said the construction and development of tourism projects on these sites must comply with these regulations.

Transport infrastructure development considered as key task in 2024: PM  
 
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 28 asked the transport sector to pay more attention to infrastructure development, considering this as a key, priority task in 2024.

Addressing an online conference held by the Ministry of Transport in Hanoi, which was connected with sites in 62 other provinces and centrally-run cities, the government leader hailed the sector’s efforts in fulfilling its tasks and targets in 2023, contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

He also pointed out limitations the sector needs to handle in the time ahead relating to transport management, traffic accident prevention and control, the implementation of the intelligent transport systems, and the mobilisation of social capital for infrastructure development.

The PM, therefore, suggested solutions for the sector to complete its tasks next year, saying it should optimise innovation and scientific-technological advances in the implementation of key projects to ensure their progress and quality, and prevent corruption and other negative phenomena.

Suitable mechanisms and policies would help to maximise potential, opportunities and advantages of each area, he said, stressing the need to step up the building and consolidation of institutions, and push ahead with decentralisation.

Administrative procedures should be further streamlined to reduce input costs for people and businesses, and the communications work needs to be stepped up to create social consensus, PM Chinh continued.

The PM reminded the sector to prioritise resources for Long Thanh international airport project and monitor its progress to ensure its quality and avert wastefulness.

He also mentioned the construction of expressways in the form of public-private partnership (PPP) in the three socio-economic areas of Dong Dang-Tra Linh, Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh, and Nam Dinh-Thai Binh.

For projects in localities, the ministry should closely coordinate with local authorities to speed up the implementation, the leader said, noting that bidding must be conducted in an open, transparent way.

Flight connecting Cambodia to Khanh Hoa via China debuts

Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa province, central Vietnam, on December 29 welcomed the first flight conducted by Cambodia Airways, transiting China.

Flight KR9737 departed from Haikou Meilan International Airport and subsequently landed at Cam Ranh International Airport on December 29, carrying a total of 156 passengers on board.

The Cambodian flag carrier will operate the Cambodia-Haikou-Cam Ranh route with a frequency of three flights per week.

Passengers will be able to fly directly from Cambodia or from China to Khanh Hoa and vice versa.

Cultural exchange promote Da Lat-Chuncheon twinning relationship  
 
A cultural and art exchange between the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong’s Da Lat city and Chuncheon city of the Republic of Korea’s Gangwon province took place in Da Lat on December 28, drawing thousands of domestic and foreign visitors.

The event was part of a series of activities to mark the 130th anniversary of the city's formation and development and the recognition of Da Lat as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of music.

At the exchange, artists of Da Lat and Chuncheon performed traditional cultural and artistic performances to promote the culture of each country and each locality.

Addressing the event, Dang Quang Tu, Chairman of the Da Lat city People’s Committee noted Da Lat and Chuncheon established a friendly relationship in 2016 and a twinning relationship in 2019.

Since then, the two cities have held many effective exchanges and cooperation activities such as friendly visits and the exchange of delegations, according to Tu. Many students from Da Lat have come to study at universities in Chuncheon city, he said.

The cultural and art exchange will strengthen the solidarity and friendship between the two cities and is also an opportunity for residents of Da Lat and tourists to understand more about Korean culture and people and vice versa, he went on.

Yook Dong Han, Mayor of Chuncheon city, said he hopes that diverse cultural and art exchanges will be continued in the future between not only professional artists but also the people of both cities. The organisation of Korean - Vietnamese cultural exchange in Da Lat city annually is a meaningful event which aims to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, he added.

According to the Lam Dong provinical People’s Committee, the province welcomed 8.65 million tourists in 2023, including 400,000 foreign visitors, an increase of 167% over the same period last year. In particular, the number of foreign visitors to Da Lat city this year increased sharply, of which Korean visitors accounted for 80%.

Work starts on upgrade of Vietnamese pagoda in Vientiane

Work started on the upgrade of Phat Tich Pagoda, a Vietnamese Buddhist pagoda in the Lao capital of Vientiane, on December 29.   

The project, which has an estimated cost of US$1.1 million, aims to improve the facilities at the pagoda, meeting religious needs of local Vietnamese and Lao Buddhist communities.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung said that for many years, Phat Tich Pagoda has been not only a place of religious activities of Buddhist monks and nuns, but also one of the venues for cultural, educational and religious activities of the Vietnamese community in Laos, promoting their unity.

The Ambassador emphasised that the embellishment of the pagoda will encourage monks, nuns, Buddhist followers, and members of the Vietnamese community in Laos to continue to promote the compassion and charity spirit of Buddhism, making a substantive contribution to the special friendship between the Parties and people of Vietnam and Laos.

Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development Chanpheng Southivong spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in Laos in general and Phat Tich Pagoda in particular for their active participation in various movements launched by the Party, the State and the Lao Front for National Construction such as assisting flood victims in Attapeu province and supporting poverty reduction for people in financial difficulties.

Half marathon, race walking events to ring in New Year

Music, dance and sport will make up a brilliant year-end and New Year celebration through the Herbalife Countdown Party 2024 in Hanoi.

The two-day event will be held on December 31 and January 1 and is expected to lure the participation of thousands of local people, tourists and athletes. The second edition is jointly organised by the Hanoi People's Committee, Vietnam Athletics Federation (VAF) and Vietcontent under the sponsorship of Herbalife.

The countdown party will be held at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square by the Hoan Kiem Lake, starting from 8.30pm on December 31 and will be live broadcast on national TV channels.

According to director Trinh Ba Linh, it would be a combined performance of young and well-known artists under the support of light technology that will show the connection between performers and the audience.

"We have set up a tunnel of light that will lead the audience to the stage. They will take time to take photos and check-in before accessing to the stage. During the countdown, their photos will be displayed on the screen," said Linh.

"We will combine martial arts and music in one where people enjoy both arts at the same time. Winner of the Rap Viet 2023 Double2T and famous singer My Tam will be the highlights of our event which is decorated with hundreds of kinetic lights in the sky," Linh said.

The main event of the countdown will be the Vietnam International Half Marathon 2024 (VIHM) on January 1 at the Thien Quang Lake.

As many as 5,000 athletes will compete in three categories of 21km, 10km and 5km in which organisers will deliver awards to high-ranking runners of the elite and amateur disciplines.

The tournament will feature a number of national athletes of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Chinese Taipei as well as runners from world running hubs such as Kenya, the US, Japan, Germany and Sweden.

All will start and finish at the lake area while during their races, marathoners will run through the city's beautiful streets and landmarks. The routes are designed to have some changes compared to the previous ones but are still recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

A total of VND550 million (US$22,800) is up for grabs. In addition to bonuses for top individual runners, the organisers also present awards to the fastest teams and groups.

"All preparation has been almost done and the organising works are all to help runners to get their best results," said Nguyen Manh Hung, generation secretary of the VAF.

"After the success of the 2023, we believe that the 2024 season will make up unforgettable memory for all participants."

This year, organisers also open new disciplines including Race Walking with a view to encourage people to be involved in sport activities.

The top 10 finishers will receive special bonuses. Organisers will also have experts and staff to guide people on how to walk properly and launch a walk race development programme by encouraging people to take part in an one-lap walk, about 1.7km, around the Hoan Kiem Lake.

"Vietnam's elite race walking has made remarkable results regionally but we are facing a shortage of talented athletes, meanwhile the amateur walking movement is strongly growing," said Hung.

"We add the new discipline to the VIHM 2024 to push the sport up and will make it an official event in the next years."

In the last few months, three first race walking clubs – Ho Guom Racewalking Club, VKL and Vinhome – have been established in the capital under coach and famed athlete Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc. More clubs will come out in HCM City and Da Nang as well as other cities and provinces.

PM outlines tasks for environment sector in 2024

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasised the need for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to train and build a contingent of capable officials and public servants to fulfill the difficult and complicated tasks related to land, natural resources and minerals.

While delivering a speech at the MoNRE's conference to review its performance in 2023 and launch tasks for 2024 held in Hanoi on December 31, PM Chinh asked the ministry to seriously and effectively follow the resolutions and conclusions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Party Central Committee's Secretariat as well as resolutions of the National Assembly (NA) and Government on the key tasks and solutions for socio-economic development in 2024.

Regarding the task of refining institutional frameworks and laws, the government leader suggested an immediate focus on resolving any impediments to the amended Land Law, with the aim of securing the NA's approval at its upcoming session.

Cumbersome and unnecessary administrative procedures that hinder development and cause inconvenience for people should be removed, he said.

The ministry should focus on digital transformation, green transition and circular economy, while pooling resources to establish databases on land, the environment and minerals connected with the Ministry of Public Security’s population database, he said.

The PM asked the ministry to drive the development of maritime economy, concentrating on meticulous planning to ensure land reserves for development, and review priority land bases earmarked for the planning of economic and industrial centres along the coastline.

Among the slated tasks for 2024, the ministry was tasked with evaluating water resources and forecasting challenges to propose strategic solutions to ensure water security.

Additionally, the MoNRE needs to deploy an action plan to fulfill the country's political commitments with partners to support just energy transition, developing industries based on ecosystems, and deploying adaptive models to bolster resilience and minimise losses caused by climate change, PM Chinh said, adding that these initiatives involve specific projects and support mechanisms tailored for businesses.

Vietnamese leaders extend congratulations to Cuba on 65th National Day

Leaders of the Vietnamese Party, State, Government and National Assembly on December 31 cabled messages of congratulations to their Cuban counterparts on the 65th National Day of Cuba (January 1, 1959 - 2024).

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong extended their congratulations to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a congratulatory message to his Cuban counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz, while National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue offered his congratulations to President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba  Esteban Lazo Hernández.

The same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent congratulations to his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.

Italian soprano Angela Nisi arrives in Hanoi for New Year concert

Italian soprano Angela Nisi arrived in Hanoi on December 30 for a special New Year concert in the capital on January 1, 2024.

She is currently practicing hard with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra for the concert that will feature famous symphonies from Italy, France, Germany, and Austria.

Nisi is scheduled to perform several opera excerpts by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, including O mio babbino caro, Nessun dorma and Sì, mi chiamano Mimì.

She will also sing alongside Vietnamese tenor Manh Hoach the song Merry Widow Waltz Duet by Hungarian-Austrian composer Franz Lehár.

Angela Nisi has studied classical music professionally since 2010. She has worked with many world-famous conductors such as Daniel Oren, Antonio Pappano, Donato Renzetti, Gianluigi Gelmetti, Renato Palumbo, Daniele Callegari, José Cura. She has many performances throughout Europe, most notably concerts in Budapest, Hungary in 2021 and Oper Köln, Germany, in 2023.

The Hanoi New Year concert is held annually that brings together renowned artists. This year, the programme under the baton of conductor Honna Tetsuji will mark the 100th death anniversary of great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).

Luxury cruise ship Westerdam brings foreign visitors to Nha Trang

Luxury cruise ship Westerdam docked at Nha Trang port of Nha Trang bay, one of the most beautiful bay in the world, on December 31, bringing approximately 2,000 foreign visitors, mostly Dutch travelers, to the central coastal city, the capital of Khanh Hoa province.

Coming to Nha Trang this time, the visitors went on a city tour of major tourist attractions in the locality by cyclo or learn about Vietnamese cuisine at a restaurant on the outskirts of the city.

After discovering the city’s major destinations and food delicacies, the visitors boarded the cruise ship again late in the afternoon the same day, heading for Da Nang, another famous tourist destination in central Vietnam.

Westerdam was the last foreign cruise ship bringing foreign visitors to Nha Trang in 2023.

Westerdam is expected to return to Nha Trang in January 2024, according to Bui Minh Thang, director of Phuong Thang Tourism Service Trading Company Limited.

He also revealed that the company will also welcome about 3,000 foreign guests on board a cruise ship in February 2024, and another 4,500 guests on board Queen Mary, the world’s largest cruise ship in April 2024.

Since the beginning of 2023, Khanh Hoa has welcomed 25 cruise ships, bringing nearly 46,000 visitors to the locality, reported the Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism.

Residents oppose mining explosions at Hoa Binh quarry
 
People in the northern province of Hoa Binh’s Luong Son District have protested against mining explosions at a local stone quarry blaming it for causing environmental pollution.

On Friday afternoon, dozens of people in Lien Son Commune gathered in the area of Loc Mon quarry for the protest. At that time, a lot of equipment and machinery operating in the quarry was being used for explosive quarrying. 

Loc Mon quarry which is under the management of Nam Phuong Company is located near a residential area of hundreds of households.

According to the locals, the quarry was suspended in April for air pollution. However, the explosions have reoccurred over the past three months.

On December 20, a mining explosion was triggered at the quarry, seriously polluting the surrounding area. Despite local authorities’ request to stop the violation, the same activity happened on December 28.

Houses near the quarry are often covered by a thick layer of dust. Children have to often stay at home to avoid pollution.

On Friday, many local people together blocked the road into the stone quarry.

Earlier, Nam Phuong Company was fined several times for causing environmental pollution at Loc Mon quarry.

Pham Khanh Phong Lan appointed as director of HCMC Food Safety Dept.

Pham Khanh Phong Lan, currently serving as the HCMC head of the Food Safety Management Board, has been picked up as the director of the newly established HCMC Department of Food Safety, effective from January 1, 2024.

The HCMC People’s Committee convened a conference on the morning of December 30 to announce the establishment of the country’s first-ever Department of Food Safety and to formally appoint key officials for the department.

According to the official announcement, Pham Khanh Phong Lan will serve as the director of the department starting on January 1, 2024, until further notice. Le Minh Hai, vice head of the HCMC Food Safety Management Board, has been chosen to assume the role of deputy director of the HCMC Department of Food Safety, with a term of five years.

During the conference, Lam Hung Tan, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Internal Affairs, announced the prime minister’s decision to conclude the pilot operation of the HCMC Food Safety Management Board and establish the HCMC Department of Food Safety, effective January 1, 2024.

Entire Prenn Pass to Da Lat temporarily reopened for New Year holiday

Lam Dong Province has decided to temporarily reopen the entire Prenn Pass leading to Dalat City to meet the increasing travel demand during the upcoming New Year holiday.

This decision will be in effect from December 29 until 19:00 on January 2, 2024, with the goal of facilitating the travel of local residents and visitors to the city during the New Year holiday and the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the establishment and development of Dalat.

During this period, all types of vehicles, including motorbikes, automobiles, and coaches, are permitted to travel through Prenn Pass from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a maximum speed of 50 km per hour. Trucks and heavy vehicles like semi-trailers and container trucks are required to use Mimosa Pass as an alternative route.

To ensure traffic safety, the province has stationed two tow trucks around the clock at the two locations on Mimosa and Prenn passes to address any potential safety concerns.

After 19:00 on January 2, 2024, the initial section of Prenn Pass adjacent to Lien Khuong-Prenn, stretching to Datanla Waterfall, will be closed for the construction of the remaining section.

Previously, the first three kilometers of the 7.4-kilometer Prenn Pass, a section from Datanla Waterfall to the location bordering April 3 Street, was reopened after a 10-month closure for upgrade and expansion.

Widespread heat to cover Southern region on New Year holiday

Widespread scorching temperature of up to 35 degrees Celsius is warned to cover the Southern region on the New Year holiday.
 
The National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting reported that both Central Highlands and Southern regions have maintained similar weather patterns of little rain, sunny and hot weather in some places.

During the New Year holiday, residents in the Southern region and the Central Highlands will be stirred by the days of muggy sunshine.

Meanwhile, the capital city of Hanoi and the Northern region continue to see foggy early mornings, sunny weather at noon with the highest temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and chilling climate at night and dawn.

As for some localities in the Central region comprising Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Hue, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh, the probability of rain forecast is 75 percent to 85 percent.

Tourism authority orders to throw the book on violators

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism ordered to throw the book on those who committed violating deeds to the country’s tourism.
 
In order to ensure that tourism activities during the 2024 New Year and the Lunar New Year, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has sent a document to departments of Tourism and departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism in cities and provinces countrywide requiring measures to deter people from committing violations which badly affect Vietnam’s tourism activities.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism required strengthened management in tourist destinations in addition to paying visits to these places to control service quality of tourism units in the area, especially at tourist accommodation establishments, tourist transport facilities, tourist attractions, tour guide activities, restaurants and entertainment facilities. Moreover, responsible bodies must take heed of food safety and hygiene and prevention of food poisoning.

Last but not least, responsible agencies must keep an eye on theft, fraud, stalking, causing trouble for tourists, and selling commodities with high prices for illegal profits.

MoH approves prices of ten types of domestically produced vaccines

The leaders of the Ministry of Health (MoH) have just signed a decision on approving specific prices for ten types of domestically produced vaccines.

Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology Duong Thi Hong yesterday informed that the Central budget would be allocated to vaccine purchase for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

The 10 types of vaccines protecting children against diseases include Polio, Measles, Rubella, Cholera, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.

Right after the approved vaccine prices, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology worked with vaccine manufacturers to sign a vaccine procurement deal as soon as possible, ensure enough vaccine supply for children as well as tackling the shortage of vaccines for the expanded program on immunization in recent times.

Sa Dec Flower - Ornamental Festival 2023 opens

The People's Committee of Dong Thap Province last night held an opening ceremony for the first Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Festival 2023, themed “Love of Land - Love of Flowers”.

Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee Le Quoc Phong were present at the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee Le Quoc Phong said that the first-ever Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Festival is an opportunity for the province to introduce comprehensively the potential strengths, capabilities and uniqueness of Sa Dec ornamental flowers.

Apart from a key agricultural sector of Dong Thap Province with a revenue of more than VND6 trillion (US$247 million), Sa Dec ornamental flower has become symbolic, affirming traditional values, quality and unique characteristics of this land, emphasized Mr. Phong.

Sa Dec has a growing area of ​​more than 3,000 hectares with more than 2,000 flower and ornamental varieties, supplying over 12 million products annually.

Moreover, Sa Dec flowers and ornamental villages have also become familiar destinations for millions of tourists each year.

Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee Le Quoc Phong hoped that Sa Dec Flower - Ornamental Festival 2023 would not only bring to tourists domestically and internationally interesting experiences and unique art programs but also contribute to connecting and promoting the economic value of the flower and ornamental sector.

Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man highly appreciated the efforts, determination and results that Dong Thap Province has achieved in recent times.

The Mekong Delta province has become a bright spot in the country in investment environment improvement through building a friendly government and strong development of high-tech agriculture and startup movement.

The first Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Festival is a meaningful cultural, economic and tourism event to honor and recognize the contributions of farmers, cooperatives, experts, scientists and the business community, and to promote the values of unique local agricultural products.

Besides, this is also an opportunity for the locality to promote tourism brands and call for investment, facilitate businesses' exchange and introduction of their products, open more cooperation opportunities and promote ornamental flowers and agricultural product brands.

Book on Vietnamese sovereignty wins National Book Awards

This year, two works were awarded the A Prizes including the book series Hello Vietnamese by Nguyen Thuy Anh (Vietnam Education Publishing House) and the work Scientific Basis for Determining the Outer Boundary of the Vietnamese Mainland according to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by Bui Cong Que (Chief Editor), Phung Van Phach, Do Huy Cuong, Tran Tuan Dung, Le Duc Anh (Natural Science and Technology Publishing House).

The 6th National Book Awards Ceremony took place at the Hanoi Opera House this week. The organizing committee also awarded 10 B prizes, 11 C prizes, and 18 consolation prizes.

The book "Scientific Basis for Determining the Outer Boundary of the Vietnamese Mainland according to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" is a monograph compiling the results of some investigations and research works on Vietnamese waters and sovereignty over the past 20 years.

For the first time, there is a book that provides an updated and modern scientific basis per international standards and is linked to an official national formula for determining Vietnam's boundary following the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Thus, the work would serve as a manual for marine and island management, resource exploitation, environmental protection, and security and defense in Vietnamese waters.

Meanwhile, the Hello Vietnamese book series has a fun design combined with vivid illustrations to support the teaching and learning of Vietnamese for Vietnamese children abroad aged 6-15. It features stories, dialogues, role-plays, couplets, poems, rhymes, music, cartoons, documentaries, audio clips, fairy tales, experiments, tasks, and many challenges that can help students stay motivated to learn Vietnamese and maintain their long-term learning needs.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Do Van Chien, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Party Delegation of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, affirmed that the sixth season of the National Book Awards has seen many innovations. 

"Throughout the years, the National Book Awards have had a strong community outreach, offered deep expertise, and been well received and appreciated by the public. We honor authors, translators and publishers, which means we also honor the reading culture," Chien said.

Chien suggested that the publishing industry must continue to improve the overall quality of its operations and invest in the development of publishing, printing and distribution in a streamlined and high-quality direction, combined with digital technology.

The National Book Award recognizes and honors writers, translators, scholars, and those involved in publishing and printing, contributing to building reading culture and developing the publishing industry.

Pham Minh Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Publishers Association and chairman of the 6th National Book Awards Council, reported that this year 41 publishers submitted 312 titles and 435 books, an increase of 15% in the number of books compared to 2022. The submissions are of high quality, with good content and attractive form, targeting an independent audience. Many books are of high theoretical and practical value, topical, and of interest to society. 

Although the National Book Award has many innovations and improvements, Tuan suggested that the award should add some categories, such as books loved by readers and books with a large number of copies.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes