Vung Tau to host int’l kite festival 2010
 
Vietnam’s second international kite festival will be held from March 24-28 in the southern city of Vung Tau.

The five-day festival is expected to attract more than 300 artisans from about 30 countries and territories all over the world, including Vietnamese kite clubs.

The main theme of this festival focuses on 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

The first kite festival was also held in Vung Tau city from March 27-29 last year, drawing kite artisans from 17 countries and territories.(
 
World Cup song 2010 to be introduced in Vietnam
 
The PepsiCo International Vietnam Company will introduce World Cup song 2010 entitled “Oh Africa” to Vietnamese football fans on January 31.

Famous rapper Akon, R&B singer Keri Hilson, African chorus Soweto and 20 other young music talents from countries around the world, including Vietnam, will perform the song.

World Cup 2010 will be held in South Africa in June.

Book published to mark general’s 100th birthday

A book about General Vo Nguyen Giap will be published in March by the Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People’s Army) Publishing House to celebrate his 100th birthday (August 25).

Commander-in-chief General Vo Nguyen Giap – The Eldest of the Vietnamese People’s Army, is a compilation of 100 writings about General Giap by national and international heads of state, politicians, scholars and writers.

Readers will be given a panoramic objective and deep insight into the nation’s famous general, particularly related to his comprehensive military, political, scientific and cultural talents.

German press highlights preparations for Hanoi’s millennium

Hanoi’s preparations for the forthcoming 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi have been covered on Germany’s ‘Mirror’ website.

The website depicted the bustling atmosphere with hundreds of thousands of motorbikes on the streets of Hanoi, especially the ancient streets which are splendidly decorated; the propaganda and advertisement on the capital’s construction and development images were launched; and 100 bronze drums cast for the festive day on October 10, 2010.

It also highlighted the history of King Ly Thai To who decided to remove the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long in 1010, the development of Hanoi through many historical periods; and the establishment of 36 streets along with their own special businesses.

It said that Hanoi in 2010 will be an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists to enjoy the festival atmosphere, go shopping and taste the nation’s food specialties.

Hanoi urged to boost preparations for millennium 

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung has directed the capital city of Hanoi to increase promotional activities to polish Hanoi’s image as a city for peace while completing key infrastructure facilities to serve the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

The virtue of promotional activities for the celebration has been seen through changes in the awareness of Vietnamese people and international friends, said Deputy PM Hung, who is also head of the National Steering Committee for the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, at a meeting on January 26.

A number of nations worldwide and embassies in Vietnam have expressed their eagerness to participate in the event, he said, adding that localities across the country have actively joined in such national activities.

Currently, 26 out of 34 key infrastructure facilities have been completed, including the refurbishment and preservation of King Le Thai To’s statue, along with the Hanoi library and Cach Mang Thang Tam (August Revolution) square.

PV