Vietexplorer2024

Hanoi-based artist Thu Hien has perfected the art of preserving the ephemeral beauty of fresh flowers through her unique craft. Using epoxy casting technology and her expertise in flower preservation, she creates stunning flower lamps that capture the essence of iconic Hanoi landmarks. A Story of Emotional Significance Hien’s journey began with a touching story of a customer who bought fresh flowers for his wife battling cancer. Understanding the man’s desire to preserve these sentimental flowers forever, Hien set out on a mission to find a way to prolong their beauty. As a florist with a deep passion for her craft, Hien experimented with various techniques and faced many challenges. She persevered, determined to create artistic and useful products that would stand the test of time. After much trial and error, she discovered the use of epoxy glue, specifically designed to her requirements, which allowed her to create permanent flower lamps. Hien’s products quickly gained recognitio...

At a press conference in Hanoi, Mai announced the annual program—a cultural extravaganza for the six million-strong Vietnamese diaspora across 130 countries and territories. This event, a highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations, holds special significance. The main attractions of the 2025 event in Japan will be the Miss International Culture and Friendship beauty pageant and the International Child Supermodel contest. These competitions aim to uncover talents within the Vietnamese community, fostering solidarity and strengthening ties between Vietnam and Japan. Attendees can expect booths showcasing the very best of Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine, as well as high-quality products and handicrafts from both nations. Traditional Vietnamese folk games, such as nhảy sạp, will add a touch of cultural authenticity, and an art program featuring performances by renowned Vietnamese artists and community representatives will entertain and delight. First held in Japan in 2020, this even...

The Embassy of Peru in Vietnam presents a captivating photo exhibition, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and breathtaking natural wonders as part of the celebrations for Peru’s Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Through a collection of 29 carefully curated photographs, visitors are invited to embark on a journey to discover Peru’s majestic landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna. From the majestic Huascarán National Park to the enchanting Manu National Park, the timeless beauty of the Titicaca National Reserve, and the mysterious 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the exhibition brings the essence of Peru to life. As a special addition, a painting workshop titled “Features of Peru” will be held on July 20-21 in collaboration with Tròn Art Studio, offering a creative exploration of the country’s unique characteristics. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Peru, as the exhibiti...

It is forecast that the size of Vietnam’s retail market will increase to US$350 billion by 2025. Photo: congthuong.vn The Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) was officially signed on July 25, and is expected by the business community to bring new opportunities for trade cooperation and export promotion. For the retail industry, this FTA is also expected to have positive effects for businesses in this industry. Israel is known as an innovation powerhouse, with more than 500 startups specializing in retail technology, providing solutions for wide-ranging applications, from logistics and supply chains to the in-store consumer experience. This is also the reason in recent years, multinational companies such as Nike, Alibaba and Walmart are increasingly interested in Israeli solutions. Therefore, when VIFTA was signed, Nguyen Anh Duc, chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Retailers and general director of Saigon Co.op assessed that there will be two aspects that...

President Vo Van Thuong and President of the Italian Senate Ignazio La Russa. Emphasizing the significance of the visit on the two countries’ 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership , President Vo Van Thuong acknowledged Vietnam’s strong commitment to maintaining a close relationship with Italy, particularly in fostering cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries. The President of the Italian Senate warmly welcomed President Vo Van Thuong and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, marking an important milestone in bilateral cooperation, as it is the first exchange of state-level visits between the two countries in seven years. Ignazio La Russa emphasized the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples, highlighting Vietnam as Italy’s most important partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Italy expressed its support for Vietnam’s role in promoting rel...

It is forecast that the size of Vietnam’s retail market will increase to US$350 billion by 2025. Photo: congthuong.vn The Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) was officially signed on July 25, and is expected to bring new opportunities for trade cooperation and export promotion. The retail industry is also expected to benefit from this agreement. Israel is renowned for its innovation, with over 500 startups specializing in retail technology. These startups offer solutions for various areas, including logistics, supply chains, and in-store consumer experience. This has attracted the interest of multinational companies like Nike, Alibaba, and Walmart, who have increasingly shown interest in Israeli solutions. Nguyen Anh Duc, Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Retailers and General Director of Saigon Co.op, believes that the VIFTA will directly impact the Vietnamese retail industry in two ways. Firstly, retailers will have access to high-level technology sup...

Hajipur (Vaishali), Bihar In March this year, six women living in villages in Vaishali district of Bihar started a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) that produces yarns from discarded banana stems. The banana yarn is then used to make various products such as bags, sanitary pads, paper, and decorative items. The FPO, named Kera Jeevika Mahila Kela Resha Kisan Utpad Company, is the first banana waste processing unit in the state, supported by the Government of Bihar’s Jeevika project. The project aims to empower rural women socially and economically. Asha Devi, Renu Devi, Kumari Krishna Sinha, Susheel Kumari, Sonam Kumari, and Lalita Kumari are the co-founders of the FPO. Asha Devi, who has been a part of Jeevika since 2017, said, “At present, we are only making about Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 a month from the company, but we are confident that soon our earnings will go up a lot more.” Apart from the six co-founders, there are 15 to 20 women from Jeevika working as labore...

The embroidered curtain is not just a work of art but a cultural value that will be reserved, the common property of the two peoples to be passed on for many generations. A representative of the Ofunehoko Conservation Association standing next to the curtain. The embroidery curtain is made of 2 panels, each of 1.9-meter length and 50-centimeter width, with a royal dragon pattern of yellow color on a red silk background. The embroidered curtain made by Vu Van Gioi, which demonstrated sophisticated royal hand embroidery techniques, was decorated on the Ofunehoko palanquin during the Gion Festival – one of the largest festivals in Japan. The curtain is hung in an important position, showing the fruitful relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Many Japanese and international tourists come to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival. The pattern of the Vietnamese embroidered curtain and the Japanese curtain has similarities. ...

President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce Zdenek Zajicek proposed that the Government focus on key markets, including Vietnam, while implementing its new export strategy for the 2023-2033 period. The strategy was approved on July 26. Specifically, Zajicek proposed paying attention to the US, the Republic of Korea, Israel, Georgia, Vietnam, and African countries. He affirmed that the Czech Chamber of Commerce supports the Government’s plan to create conditions for exporters, thus helping diversify their exports to countries outside the EU. The plan aims to make it easier for companies to operate in foreign markets in the long term and enhance competitiveness through supporting the export of innovative products. The Czech Government approves new export strategy for the 2023-2033 period at a meeting on July 26. Photo: VNA The new export strategy aims to strengthen the position of Czech companies in the supply chain and diversify exports outside the EU. It also provide...

Vietnam presents a favorable environment for expats looking to retire, offering a lower cost of living compared to their home countries and a friendly atmosphere that makes the elderly feel comfortable. According to VOV, citing GOBankingRates, a personal finance publication by Nasdaq, Da Nang ranks among the top five affordable and attractive places for expat retirees in Asia. Situated along the central coast of Vietnam, Da Nang offers a relaxed lifestyle, excellent quality of life, and affordable living options, states the website. Da Nang is an ideal vacation destination for every summer vacation. Photo: VNA “In my opinion, Da Nang is a rising star among retirement destinations in Asia,” says Motati. “Da Nang offers pristine beaches, scenic mountains, a warm climate, and modern amenities. With its affordable housing options, excellent healthcare facilities, and growing expat community, Da Nang is a no-brainer.” Along with its clean beaches, vibrant food scene, and ...

This annual professional tournament aims to promote baseball and discover potential talent within the national and local teams. The 2023 edition, scheduled from July 26 to 30 in Hanoi, includes several significant changes compared to the previous year. In an effort to enhance competition, the organizer has expanded the number of participating baseball clubs from eight to eleven. However, international players will not be allowed to participate in this year’s championship. During a press briefing, VBSF chairman Tran Duc Phan acknowledged that baseball is a less popular sport in Vietnam. He explained that in the 2022 edition, foreign players were permitted to join the competition to add diversity and enhance the level of play. However, this year’s edition will solely feature Vietnamese players. While these changes may impact the appeal and skill level of the tournament, Chairman Phan believes they will provide an opportunity for domestic players to improve and showcase their abilities...