China agreed Sunday to assist Vietnam on cross-border railway development and take steps to expand agricultural imports from its smaller neighbor, Vietnam’s official media said. Premier Li Qiang, on an official visit to Vietnam, pledged that China would further open its market to high-quality fruits, seafood and other Vietnamese products, a state media report said. China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and second-largest export market after the U.S. Trade between the two countries reached $172 billion in 2023. Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, signaled the importance of the relationship when he made China his first overseas visit after assuming his post last year. Li came to Vietnam from neighboring Laos, where he had pushed back against calls at a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders to respect international law in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China looking forward to work closely with Bangladesh: Envoy Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Li that both sides should respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests, resolve disputes through peaceful means and properly address issues related to fishers and their vessels, the state media report said. Vietnam condemned China two weeks ago for what it described as an assault by Chinese law enforcement personnel that injured several Vietnamese fishers near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The islands have been under the de facto control of China since 1974, when Beijing seized them from Vietnam in a brief but violent naval conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Laos last week that the U.S. is concerned about China’s “increasingly dangerous and unlawful” activities in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. In their talks on Sunday, Chinh and Li agreed to deepen exchange and cooperation in diplomacy, national defense and public security, the state media report said. They also witnessed the exchange of 10 cooperation agreements, including the establishment of a working group to develop cross-border economic cooperation zones and the implementation of QR-code, cross-border payment services. The railway agreements covered a technical plan and feasibility studies to improve train connectivity between Vietnam and China. On trade, Chinh asked for greater access for a range of products including tropical fruits, meat products, farm-raised spiny lobster and plant-based traditional medicines. Li said that China stands ready to resolve trade issues and work with Vietnam on quarantine and customs procedures, according to the Vietnamese report.  

More than a dozen tigers were incinerated after the animals contracted bird flu at a zoo in southern Vietnam, officials said. State media VNExpress cited a caretaker at Vuon Xoai zoo in Bien Hoa city saying the animals were fed with raw chicken bought from nearby farms. The panther and 20 tigers, including several cubs, weighed between 10 and 120 kilograms (20 and 265 pounds) when they died. The bodies were incinerated and buried on the premises. “The tigers died so fast. They looked weak, refused to eat and died after two days of falling sick,” said zoo manager Nguyen Ba Phuc. Samples taken from the tigers tested positive for H5N1, the virus that causes bird flu. The virus was first identified in 1959 and grew into a widespread and highly lethal menace to migratory birds and domesticated poultry. It has since evolved, and in recent years H5N1 was detected in a growing number of animals ranging from dogs and cats to sea lions and polar bears. In cats, scientists have found the virus attacking the brain, damaging and clotting blood vessels and causing seizures and death. Tiger population in Sundarbans set to increase: Results of latest survey to be announced on October 8 More than 20 other tigers were isolated for monitoring. The zoo houses some 3,000 other animals including lions, bears, rhinos, hippos and giraffes. The 30 staff members who were taking care of the tigers tested negative for bird flu and were in normal health condition, VNExpress reported. Another outbreak also occurred at a zoo in nearby Long An province, where 27 tigers and 3 lions died within a week in September, the newspaper said. Unusual flu strains that come from animals are occasionally found in people. Health officials in the United States said Thursday that two dairy workers in California were infected — making 16 total cases detected in the country in 2024. “The deaths of 47 tigers, three lions, and a panther at My Quynh Safari and Vuon Xoai Zoo amid Vietnam’s bird flu outbreak are tragic and highlight the risks of keeping wild animals in captivity,” PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “The exploitation of wild animals also puts global human health at risk by increasing the likelihood of another pandemic,” Baker said. Bird flu has caused hundreds of deaths around the world, the vast majority of them involving direct contact between people and infected birds.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh would be the 9th largest consumer market by 2030 with the government working with the goal of overtaking many established markets in the world. “We’ve been working with a goal so Bangladesh could surpass established markets like the UK and Germany, and the current high-growth countries Vietnam and Thailand at that time. We’ve this effort,” she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the 60 years’ celebration and Investment Expo, 2023 of Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Hotel Radisson Blu in the city. “There are some 17 crore people in our Bangladesh. Besides, we’ve strengthened connectivity with our neighbouring countries. We think Bangladesh would become the world’s 9th largest consumer market by 2030,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh has a large population, she said the government is developing them as skilled manpower for its better utilization. Read: Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina  The PM said the number of growing middle class and rich people will be 3.40 crore by 2025 in Bangladesh and the estimated GDP per capita will be 5,880 US$ by 2040. “Due to its strategic geographical location, Bangladesh can be the hub of the regional market of 3 billion people,” she said adding that her government has taken steps to strengthen the connectivity with this region. Hasina said her government has successfully been able to bring a significant change in Bangladesh after assuming office in 2009. “Bangladesh has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the last 15 years,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh is now considered as the 35th largest economy in the world, she said they have raised the GDP growth rate to 7.25 percent now due to strong macroeconomic fundamentals and trade consolidation. The PM, however, said the growth rate was even higher during the pre-Covid period as the government raised it to 8:10pc before the pandemic. Read: Only votes can change govt: PM Hasina The government has successfully increased per capita income to US$2,793 from only US$ 543 and raised the GDP size to Tk 50.31 lakh crore now from Tk 4 lakh crore in 2006, she said. During this period, they brought down the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41.1 percent, while extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from over 25pc, she said adding that her government has given the most importance to the development of the rural economy. In the last 15 years, the Awami League government took multifaceted measures for the development of the business sector of the country. So, the private sector has become stronger and more developed. Bangladesh is currently the second largest garment exporter in the world, she said. “Bangladesh is expected to be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2037,” said Sheikh Hasina, adding that the country will be transformed into a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Mentioning that the government is setting up some 100 economic zones and established 39 hi-tech parks throughout the country, she said those economic zones and parks are kept open for foreign investment. If any country can want land singly, seek land under joint venture or public private partnership (PPP), the government would allow them and provide them with lands, she said. Read: PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election  The premier said one stop service has been introduced in investment development agencies to facilitate investment. “We have undertaken plans to make all offices providing investment services fully online and digitized,” she said. In Bangladesh, there is a scope to develop USD 350-billion infrastructures in the energy, water, logistics and transport sectors. “By 2025, the logistics sector alone is expected to become a US$90 billion market,” she said. The prime minister said they want to raise private investment to 31.43 percent of GDP by 2031.She said Bangladesh has become an attractive destination to many countries around the world for investment, industrialisation and export due to various reasons including its economic growth, structural development programmes, investment-friendly policy, large domestic market, strategic location, high profitability and large workforce. Talking about the FICCI’s celebration, she said the chamber has stepped into 60 years this year since the inception of its journey in 1936. As a leading chamber, FICCI represents investors from 35 countries in more than 21 sectors of Bangladesh. “FICCI represents 90 percent of the country's inward FDI, which carries special importance to the overall development of our country,” she said. The premier extended sincere thanks to all former and current members of FICCI on the occasion of the celebration of its 60 years. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, among others, spoke at the function, while FICCI President and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome speech. The premier also unveiled a research book titled ‘Catalyzing Greater FDI for Vision 2041’, which was published by FICCI.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday urged Vietnamese companies to invest in Bangladesh, particularly in the special economic zone. The president made this call when the visiting President of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue called on him  at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the president of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Shahabuddin said that there is a very good relationship between Bangladesh and Vietnam, President's press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB. Referring to the visit of the President of Vietnam to Bangladesh and the visit of the Prime Minister and President of Bangladesh to Vietnam, he said that through this the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened. Outgoing Chief Justice pays farewell call on President The president also urged Vietnam to import world-class products including medicines, ready-made garments, leather and leather goods, ceramics from Bangladesh to increase bilateral trade. Alongside, he sought Vietnam's support and cooperation for Bangladesh as a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN. President Shahabuddin hoped that Vietnam will play a major role in the dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their homeland Myanmar. President Shahabuddin calls for early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar  During the meeting, Vuong Dinh said that his country is deeply interested in increasing trade and investment relations with Bangladesh. Appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, he said that his country will cooperate in the implementation of the government's goal to make Bangladesh a developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041. President Shahabuddin returns home wrapping up 12-day Singapore, Indonesia tour   President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Secretary ( attached) Md. Wahidul Islam Khan and the visiting entourage members of the President of the National Assembly of Vietnam were also present.

Bangladesh women's football team will leave the capital for Vietnam Monday afternoon to participate in the round-2 matches of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers, to be held in Hanoi from Sept 20-24. Bangladesh are in four- team  Group D of the Asian youth women's soccer tournament with stronger Australia, hosts Vietnam and the Philippines. India clinch 8th Asia Cup title in dominant fashion Ruma Akter was named as captain of Bangladesh team while Joynob Bibi Rita made her deputy. The prospect and preparation of the Bangladesh team was disclosed at a pre-tour press conference held at the BFF conference room on Sunday. Sri Lanka bat first in Asia Cup final against India Team Manager M Nurul Islam Nuru, head coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu and captain Ruma Akter,  among others, spoke on the occasion. In the group matches, Bangladesh will start their campaign taking on hosts Vietnam in one of the two opening day's matches on Wednesday (September 20) at 7 pm at the Yanmar field, Vietnam Youth Football Training Center in Hanoi. Chandika sees Tanzim as vital to Bangladesh’s World Cup lineup In the remaining group encounters, Bangladesh will face the Philippines on Friday (Sept 22) at 4 pm and will meet stronger Australia on Sunday (Sept 24) at 4 pm at the same venue.

Vietnam is a land of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities that offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity. From busy cities to the serene countryside, Vietnam has something to offer travelers from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Whether you are seeking breathtaking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or mouthwatering cuisine, Vietnam has it all. Let's dive into the highlights and wonders that await you in this Southeast Asian country. Top 10 Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Vietnam Ha Long Bay - A Natural Wonder Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (recognized in 1994 and 2000), is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Gulf of Tonkin. With its bright green waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts, this enchanting bay offers a surreal and magical experience. Embark on a cruise and sail through the stunning landscapes of 1,600 islands and islets, explore hidden caves like the famous Sung Sot Cave, and kayak around the limestone formations. Experiencing a night in a traditional junk boat and witnessing the mesmerizing sunset or sunrise over the bay can be an unforgettable adventure. Read more: Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Places to See and Amazing Things to Do Hanoi - Vietnam's Capital City The vibrant city of Hanoi has century-old architecture and a rich culture. It is a perfect blend of old charm and modern energy. Start your exploration by visiting the historic Old Quarter, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, traditional shops, and busy markets. Don't miss the chance to explore the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby Ngoc Son Temple. For history enthusiasts, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thiên Trù Pagoda at Hương Temple complex, and the Temple of Literature are must-visit attractions. Read more: 10 Affordable Travel Destinations Abroad for Eid Holidaymakers

Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the People's Republic of Bangladesh. To commemorate the milestone, Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien and the embassy's staff visited and laid a floral wreath at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Bangladesh's Father of the Nation, the "architect of setting up the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam." Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were also present. "Over the last 50 years, the excellent traditional friendship between Vietnam and Bangladesh has been consolidated and strengthened based on historical similarities and shared values of independence, peace, cooperation and development. Bilateral multi-faceted cooperation in various fields has been bolstered to be more intensive, substantive and effective," said the Vietnam Embassy in Dhaka. Trade and economic cooperation between the two economies have been constantly growing, stronger than ever before. "Bangladesh has been the second largest trading partner of Vietnam in South Asia. Remarkably, 2021 was the first time that the two-way trade turnover surpassed $1 billion, and approached $1.5 billion in 2022, recording an impressive 75-fold growth in the last 20 years and a four-fold increase in the last 10 years," said the Embassy of Vietnam. "Although the trade balance is still in favour of Vietnam, it is such a positive sign that Bangladesh's exports to Vietnam have exceeded $100 million for the first time in 2022." "After five decades of walking alongside each other on the path of national construction, both Vietnam and Bangladesh have transformed into emerging middle-income nations with high sustained growth and outstanding development successes," the Vietnamese mission said. "The phenomenal achievements in the last 50 years of Vietnam-Bangladesh diplomatic relations have created a firm basis to elevate the two nations' friendship to a new height, for the benefit of the two peoples, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and over the world," it added. Read more: 'Bangladesh, Vietnam to keep moving together living up to dreams of Bangabandhu, Ho Chi Minh'

A South Korean court on Tuesday ordered the government to pay 30 million won ($24,000) to a Vietnamese woman who survived a gunshot wound but lost several relatives when South Korean marines rampaged through her village during the Vietnam War in 1968. In awarding the compensation to 62-year-old Nguyen Thi Thanh, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the government’s argument that it was unclear whether South Korean troops were responsible for the slaughter in the village of Phong Nhi. The court also rejected the government’s argument that civilian killings were unavoidable as the Korean troops were dealing with Viet Cong guerrillas who often blended with locals, according to Thanh's lawyer, Lim Jae-sung. The ruling marks the first time a South Korean court found the country’s government responsible for mass killings of Vietnamese civilians during the war, and could potentially open the way for similar lawsuits. Then ruled by anti-communist military leaders, South Korea sent more than 320,000 troops to Vietnam, the largest foreign contingent fighting alongside U.S. troops. South Korea’s Justice Ministry didn’t immediately respond to a query whether the government will appeal. According to U.S. military documents and survivors, more than 70 people were killed and around 20 others injured after South Korean marines allegedly fired at unarmed civilians during search operations at Phong Nhi and the nearby village of Phong Nhut in February 1968. Thanh, then 7 years old, was treated for gunshot wounds in her stomach while five of her family members died, including her mother, sister and brother. She filed the lawsuit against the South Korean government in 2020 and testified at the Seoul court last August. The trial also included the testimonies of other Vietnamese villagers and South Korean war veteran Ryu Jin-seong, a member of the marine unit linked to the attacks in Phong Nhi and Phong Nhut. He provided a first-hand account of how the Korean soldiers shot at unarmed civilians, many of them children and women. Thanh, who awaited the ruling in Vietnam, said she was “overjoyed” by her court win. “I think that the souls (of those who died in Phong Nhi) were always with me and supported me,” she said in a video message translated by her legal team. “I am overjoyed because I think that the souls can now rest easy.” The South Korean government had argued there was no conclusive evidence that South Korean troops were responsible for the killings, even suggesting that the aggressors may have been Viet Cong fighters disguised in Korean uniforms and attempting psychological warfare. The government also insisted that even if Korean soldiers were involved, their aggressive response was understandable when they were facing constant threats from Viet Cong guerrillas, who often hid themselves among locals and actively recruited young women.

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc resigned Tuesday, becoming the most senior member of the government to step down after a series of high-profile corruption scandals for which he was held responsible. The state Vietnam News Agency reported that he had resigned at a session of the ruling Communist Party's Central Committee that was held “to consider and give opinions on Comrade Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s wish to stop holding positions, quit work and retire.” The language of the announcement strongly suggested that he was forced to step down. Read more: ADB arranges $135m climate financing package to support electric mobility in Vietnam Phuc, 68, began serving in government at the provincial level in 1979 and took his first position in national government in 2006. He joined the Politburo, the highest-ranking party body, in 2011, and was prime minister from 2016 to 2021, when he was elected president by the National Assembly. The post of president in Vietnam is largely ceremonial. The most powerful position, Communist Party general secretary, is currently held by Nguyen Phu Trong, who in 2021 won a rare third five-year term in office. His hallmark has been a long-running anti-corruption campaign, which in his second term targeted two former Cabinet ministers and Hanoi’s former mayor. An official statement published in state media praised Phuc for his efforts as prime minister in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. It added, however, that he bore political responsibility as the country’s top executive for serious scandals involving his subordinates, including two deputy prime ministers and three other ministers. The statement noted that the two deputy prime ministers had resigned from their positions and criminal proceedings had been launched against two other ministers and many other officials. Several of the scandals involved corruption related to pandemic control measures. The positions from which Phuc resigned also included Politburo membership, the executive committee of the Central Committee and chairman of the National Defense and Security Council. Read more: At least 32 dead in karaoke parlor fire in south Vietnam As prime minister, Phuc led Vietnam as it became further integrated in the global economy and sustained 7% economic growth until COVID-19 hit the world. With strict measures including a nationwide lockdown, Vietnam managed to contain the spread of the virus in the first year of the pandemic and quickly resumed business and manufacturing. It was among a handful of countries in 2020 that recorded positive economic growth. However, as in several other Asian nations that initially staved off serious outbreaks, cases shot up after mid-2021 with the spread of more highly transmissible variants.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien has said Bangladesh and his country can complement each other for the development of the apparel industry and reap mutual trade benefits. Pham called on Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Monday (January 16, 2023). Read more: Bangladesh, Vietnam eye $2 billion trade in 2023 They discussed the present market situation in readymade garments (RMG), global trends and opportunities while sharing how both countries were addressing their challenges. Pham and Faruque also talked about possible avenues of working together to unlock mutual trade potential through meaningful collaboration. They emphasised the exchange of experience and expertise in the apparel industries of Bangladesh and Vietnam. Read more: Vietnam honours three Bangladeshis for promoting people-to-people ties Pham and Faruque showed interest in facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the apparel and textile industries through collaboration between the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and Vietnamese apparel trade associations and fashion institutes.