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Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam vows to boost ASEAN sports cooperation at AMMS-8

Vietnam pledges to work with other ASEAN member states and partners to realize shared goals, making sports a source of pride for the ASEAN Community and contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region, said Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh.

Addressing the opening of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-8) in Hanoi on October 16, Deputy PM Chinh described the meeting as a platform to share visions, strengthen cooperation and shape a sustainable and distinctive future for ASEAN sports.

Reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent stance that people are the center, subject, goal, resource and driving force of development, he said the country’s sports development strategy through 2030, with a vision to 2045, aims to build a sustainable and professional sports sector. The strategy envisions universal access to sports services, encouraging citizens to exercise voluntarily to improve their health, fitness and quality of life.

He suggested discussions on five key priorities, including sports for all, smart and innovative sports, green, clean and sustainable sports, stronger international cooperation between ASEAN and its partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem, and preserving and upholding the value of traditional sports, cited VNA.

Chinh expressed hope that the meeting would shape a long-term vision for ASEAN sports, including the ASEAN Action Plan on Sports for the 2026–2030 period.

In the afternoon, the meeting continued discussions on statements delivered by sports ministers from Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste, and heard remarks from San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Delegates adopted the AMMS-8 Joint Statement and addressed other issues.

Cambodia, set to host AMMS-9 in 2027, shared preliminary details on the timing and venue for the next meeting.

Since its inception in Indonesia in 2011, the AMMS has convened biennially, growing into an important high-level forum to foster cooperation, policy exchange, and joint action in sports across ASEAN.

In 2025, Vietnam, under the rotation mechanism, hosts AMMS-8 and related events, including the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports + Japan (AMMS + Japan 5) and the second ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports + China (AMMS + China 2).

Vietnam calls on parties involved to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

Vietnam has requested the parties concerned to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesperson Pham Thu Hang told the press on October 16 in response to a question regarding the recent incident in the territorial waters of Thi Tu (Thitu) Island, part of Truong Sa, between vessels of Chinese and Philippine competent agencies.

Hang reaffirmed that Vietnam has a solid historical and legal basis to assert its sovereignty over Truong Sa, including Thi Tu Island, according to VNA.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. (Photo: VNA)

For the incident, she said, Vietnam is deeply concerned about the information publicly released by the relevant parties, urging them to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and respect international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and relevant international regulations on maritime security and safety, including the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

These moves will create a favorable atmosphere for negotiations for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety in the East Sea and the region, she added.

Hai Phong sets up northern Vietnam’s first comprehensive free trade zone

Hai Phong has announced the establishment of its first comprehensive Free Trade Zone (FTZ), covering approximately 6,292 hectares across three key locations within the city’s coastal economic zones.

The decision was signed by the Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, outlining a two-phase development roadmap through 2030 and 2035.

This FTZ marks a significant milestone for northern Vietnam, expected to drive robust growth in the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and play a crucial role in reshaping the industrial and logistics sectors in both Hai Phong and the broader northern region, reported VOV.

Hai Phong plans to set up northern Vietnam’s first comprehensive free trade zone (Illustrative image)

The development of the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone will unfold in two phases, spanning from 2025 to 2035. The first phase (2025–2030) will focus on completing the legal framework and core infrastructure. During this period, several pilot mechanisms and policies will be implemented in the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Economic Zone, serving as a testing ground for the zone's overall governance.

The second phase (2030–2035) will see the full completion of the free trade zone’s infrastructure and the introduction of deeper investment incentives. Efforts will center on integrating the FTZ with the region’s industrial and logistics networks, attracting high-value investments in sectors such as green industries, biotechnology, R&D services, technology consulting, and fintech.

The Hai Phong Free Trade Zone is positioned to become a key driver of economic growth, supporting the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 45 on the city’s development through 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Strong cold spell to hit northern Vietnam; tropical storm may enter East Sea

Northern Vietnam to turn cold at night as a Pacific low-pressure area may become a tropical storm.

From the night of October 18, northern Vietnam will begin to experience the first major cold front of the season, with colder temperatures expected at night and in the early morning.

The cold air is forecast to intensify further around October 20–21.

At the same time, the East Sea may see the formation of a tropical storm in the coming days.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a low-pressure area currently located east of the Philippines is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression around October 16–17.

It may then develop into a storm and move into the northeastern area of the East Sea.

If this happens, it will be the 12th named storm to form in the region this year.

On October 15, the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center also reported the formation of another low-pressure area over the northwest Pacific Ocean, which could intensify into a tropical depression or storm and enter the East Sea around October 19–20.

Meteorological agencies note that this is a long-range forecast, and monitoring is ongoing for more accurate updates.

Authorities advise the public to stay informed through official weather bulletins and warnings to proactively prepare for production and ensure safety.

Strong cold front could bring freezing conditions in mountainous areas

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting also warned that between the nights of October 18–19, northern provinces will begin to feel the effects of this first cold air mass.

By October 20–21, the front will strengthen further, potentially causing chilly weather at night and in the early mornings. Mountainous areas could experience near-freezing temperatures.

Additionally, due to the cold air, provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai are likely to see moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms.

Before the cold air arrives, northern Vietnam will experience relatively stable weather through October 17, with mostly sunny days and scattered showers or thunderstorms in some areas, cited VNN.

Northern Vietnam is expected to be affected by a strong cold spell. Photo: Thach Thao

In the Red River Delta, the northern coastal region, and north-central provinces, nighttime and early morning showers are expected.

From Quang Tri to Quang Ngai and across the southern region, scattered rain and thunderstorms will occur in the afternoon and evening, with localized heavy rainfall.

During the period from October 17–25, northern Vietnam is forecast to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially around October 19.

From the night of October 20 through the end of the period, colder weather will set in at night and early morning, with mountainous regions potentially experiencing frost.

In Hanoi, due to the cold front, temperatures from October 21 onward could fall to a low of 21°C and reach a high of 27°C during the day.

Meanwhile, from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai, scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected.

Between October 18–21, the area may experience moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms, and in some places, intense rainfall.

Other regions will also see scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms.

Weather officials warn of the potential for whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts during storms.

Two Vietnamese dishes make TasteAtlas' top 100 freshwater fish list

Two Vietnamese delicacies have earned recognition from international food magazine TasteAtlas, securing spots on its list of the 100 best freshwater fish dishes in the world.

Turmeric Fish with Dill and Noodles (Cha ca La Vong) was rated 4.6 out of 5, placing second on the list.

The dish, originating from Hanoi, features grilled fish marinated with turmeric, dill, and a variety of aromatic ingredients. The fish—typically catfish, cod, or tilapia—is seasoned with shallots, galangal, garlic, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and oil before being grilled with fresh dill and spring onions. It is served alongside vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, and a dipping sauce made from lime juice, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar.

TasteAtlas notes that this dish has historical roots in French Indochina, where resistance fighters used to gather in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Turmeric Fish with Dill and Noodles (Cha ca La Vong) ranks second among the 100 best freshwater fish dishes in the world. (Image source: TasteAtlas)

In 13th position was Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Soup (Canh chua ca), which earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5.

The dish is a hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine, known for its sweet, spicy, and sour flavors, typically featuring catfish as the main ingredient, though variations may include carp, snakehead fish, eels, or even salmon. Often garnished with cilantro, the soup is usually served with rice on the side.

Topping the list is Loimulohi which is a traditional method of preparing salmon or rainbow trout in Finland. Other dishes also make TasteAtlas list, including Karimeen pollichathu of India, Gravlax of Sweden, Lohikeitto of Finland, Unadon and Sake nigiri sushi of Japan.

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