At the closing ceremony of SEA Games 31 (Photo: VNA)
According to Vietnam News Agency, in an article titled ‘Hanoi SEA Games ends in colourful, vibrant, spectacular style’, Vikneswaran Raman of the Malaysian news agency Bernama reviewed highlights of the Games’ closing ceremony at Hanoi's My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena. The reporter said the ceremony, powered by stunning light shows and marked the rejuvenation of sports in the region.
The article also noted Vietnam in its second time hosting the sports event, topped the medal tally with a massive 205-125-116 medal haul.
At the closing ceremony (Photo: VNA)
Echoing the view, the news site The Star lauded the successful organisation of the Games and the 90-minute warm and joyful farewell to international friends after excellent competitions.
In an article reviewing Malaysia’s journey at the event, the New Straits Times showed an excitement to witness the competitions of 584 Malaysian athletes after more than two years lacking of activities due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
It said Vietnam had hosted the tournament smoothly with few refereeing or controversial issues, which once happened in previous editions.
Shrimp exports reach peak, higher value expected in Q2
Vietnamese shrimp exports hit a record high of USD1.4 billion in the opening four months of the year, rising by 45% against the same period from last year, reported the Voice of Vietnam according to statistics from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
The top five consumers of local shrimp include the United States, Japan, the EU, China, and the Republic of Korea, with their growth rates ranging between 15% and 91%.
The steady growth in shrimp exports can largely be attributed to high market demand and strong export prices, according to local export enterprises.
Most notably, Vietnamese shrimp products received due attention at a number of international aquatic trade fairs, such as the Seafood Expo North America and the Seafood Expo Global held in March and late April.
The US makes up the leading consumer of Vietnamese shrimp, with turnover picking up by 47% to reach USD291 million, while shrimp exports to China surged by 91% in fourth months to more than USD187 million, making China the fourth largest Vietnamese shrimp importer.
Experts pointed out that despite a number of hurdles caused by China’s “Zero-COVID” policy, Vietnamese shrimp exports to this market recorded impressive growth, particularly as export turnover skyrocketed by 128% to USD81 million in April alone.
With this growth momentum, shrimp exports to the Chinese market are anticipated to continue growing strongly moving forward.
According to details given by the VASEP, shrimp exports during the second quarter of the year are projected to see an upward trajectory of approximately 12% to USD1.2 billion.
However, experts have outlined that a number of factors, such as unusual weather, as well as high input costs of gasoline and production materials, are likely to impact the supply source of raw shrimp, thereby eroding any profits made by enterprises.
ASEAN film week to open on May 27 in Vietnam
An ASEAN film week will be held from May 27 to June 1 in Hanoi and from May 28 to June 2 in Ho Chi Minh city to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reported Vietnam News Agency.
A scene in the 'Mat biec' (Dreamy Eyes) movie. (Photo: VNA)
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on May 24 that the event will start with the screening of Vietnamese film “Mat biec” (Dreamy Eyes) at the National Cinema Centre in Hanoi on May 27. The film won the Golden Lotus award at the 22nd Vietnam.
In HCM City, the films will be shown at the CineStar complex.
The organising board has selected seven films from seven ASEAN member cinemas, including "Dreamy Eyes" of Vietnam, “Fear” of Cambodia, "Filosofi Kopi 2: Ben and Jody" (Indonesia), “Dearest Sister” (Lao), “The Journey” (Malaysia), “The Great Myanmar” (Myanmar), and “Pad Thai: The Secret Recipe” of Thailand. Admission is free.
Heavy rain, flooding leave three dead in northern Vietnam
Heavy rain and severe flooding have over the past few days claimed at least three lives in northern provinces of Vietnam, reported Vietnam News Agency according to statistics from the National Steering Committee for Natural Disasters Prevention and Control.
Landslides disrupt traffic on major national highways and provincial roads in northern Vietnam.
Landslides triggered by heavy rain buried two local people in Tuyen Quang, while violent floodwaters washed away a local in Hoa Binh province, the committee reported.
By the end of May 24, nearly 250 houses were damaged, including more than 100 in Tuyen Quang, nearly 50 in Yen Bai and more than 40 in Ha Giang.
Close to 9,500 hectares of rice and subsidiary crops were submerged, including more than 4,000 hectares in Hanoi, 1,500 hectares each in Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho, and 1,300 hectares in Thai Nguyen.
In addition, nearly 65 hectares of aquatic products, and 900 heads of cattle and poultry were swept away.
Heavy rain and flooding also disrupted traffic on national highways 2, 279, 4C, 4D and provincial roads 170, 171, 177, 204, 212 in northern localities, Initial damage in Tuyen Quang province alone is estimated at about VND16 billion.
Rain is letting up and competent agencies are deploying forces to help local people overcome the consequences of the natural disasters.
Head of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF)’s Weather Forecasting Department Tran Quang Nang said due to Lanina effects, there would be unpredictable, complex and severe natural disasters this year, especially during the upcoming rainy and stormy season.
The northern region may see rains continuing until the end of this month, and heavy rains in the next two months, he said./.