Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Science-technology is an important driving force to boost economic growth, create breakthroughs for productivity and increase national competitive edge as the country is developing its socialist-oriented market economy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterated on May 15.

At a ceremony to mark the Vietnamese Science and Technology Day (May 18) and the 65th founding anniversary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, he said science-technology is a vital element for the country to catch up with the world amidst the fourth industrial revolution-related technology boom, citing the success stories of such powers as the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, the US, Germany and Finland in which science-technology played a great role. Read full story

- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has emphasised the importance of selecting advanced urban railway technology during the first meeting of a task force established to accelerate urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The meeting, held in Hanoi on May 15, underscored the Government's commitment to developing a robust urban railway network in Vietnam's two largest cities. Read full story

- Vietnam has implemented numerous policies to promote the role and ensure legitimate rights and interests of individuals and informal enterprises, especially household businesses, thus maintaining social and cultural cohesion and promoting sustainable production, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN has said.

Addressing a high-level dialogue on leveraging informal employment for inclusive development in Asia and the Pacific held by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York on May 14, the diplomat said close to 65% of the workforce in Vietnam is employed in the informal area. Read full story

- Vietnam and Japan will enhance forest management collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in a recent working visit to the East Asian country by Director of the Department of Forestry Tran Quang Bao.

Accordingly, they will work together to sustainably manage the forests, mitigate and respond to climate change, utilise forest resources, and enhance the forest biodiversity preservation work. Besides, they will research and develop new technologies in the area, and ensure the legality and responsibility of wood and wood products. Read full story

- Vietnam always values the position and role of early childhood care and education (ECCE), affirmed Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc at the ASEAN education ministerial conference on equitable access to ECCE held in Laos on May 15.

Bringing together officials from the 10 member states and Timor Leste, the discussion revolved around a theme of ECCE for a sustainable future, aimed to further enhance cooperation and mutual support in the field regionally and internationally. Read full story

- Inflationary pressure may increase between now and the year’s end due to impacts of multiple factors, requiring the Government take proactive and flexible actions, some experts have said.

The consumer price index (CPI) in the first four months of 2024 grew 3.93% from the same period last year, close to this year’s ceiling limit of 4 - 4.5%. Read full story

- The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will offer nearly 300,000 cheap tickets during the upcoming summer peak season.

Accordingly, a one-way ticket is set from 1,098,000 VND (43 USD) for Economy Class and from 1,905,000 VND for Business Class. The prices are inclusive of taxes and fees and offered for sale on early-morning or late-night flights. Read full story

- The Ho Chi Minh City International Exhibition of Food & Beverages 2024 (HCMC Foodex 2024) kicked off in the city on May 15, offering an opportunity for businesses to seek consumers and establish partnerships.

Themed “Interconnection of Values and Development”, it features about 500 pavilions of nearly 400 local and international businesses, contributing to introducing the dynamic development of the locality’s food processing industry, promoting high-quality products and reputable enterprises in the food sector, fostering business cooperation opportunities, and attracting investment resources. Read full story

- The first-ever provincial-level biodiversity museum was launched in the central province of Quang Nam on May 15, introducing more than 3,700 photos and 1,200 specimens of flora and fauna found in the locality.

The museum, run by the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, has different exhibition areas, including botanical and animal display areas, an interactive area, a documentation room, a research room, and a sample storage - processing - preservation area. Read full story./.