 The national flag is hoisted at half-mast ahead of the two-day State funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on July 25-26. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) |
B: Jayanta Chakrabarty of India said: “Being a long-time listener to VOV, I am disheartened and pained at hearing about this most unfortunate demise. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a highly respected and trusted leader of the Party and of the people of Vietnam. He devoted his whole life to the betterment of life in his beloved country. His unwavering devotion and hard work put Vietnam on the road to economic success and prosperity.”
A: Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe, the founder and President of the Romanian VOV Club, said: “I’m writing to express my deepest condolences on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. This is a profound loss for Vietnam and for all who admired his dedication and leadership. Nguyen Phu Trong's lifelong commitment to the Communist Party of Vietnam and his tireless efforts to guide the nation towards prosperity and unity have left an indelible mark on the country's history. His vision, wisdom, and steadfast principles were a source of inspiration not only to the Vietnamese people but to many around the world who value peace, progress, and integrity in leadership.”
B: Thank you very much for your thoughts and sympathies to Mr. Trong’s family and the Vietnamese nation. Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Vietnamese people to mourn the loss of a remarkable leader.
 Vietnam's sport delegation depart for Paris Olympics 2024 (Photo: baochinhphu.vn) |
A: This week, we continued to receive correspondence from listeners who have listened to us for a long time but are only now writing to us. Paul Jamet emailed us from France to say that he likes VOV’s news bulletins, which cover happenings in Vietnam and many other countries.
B: Antonio Angel of Spain said he listens to VOV’s English program regularly and especially likes our music playlists. He hopes VOV will keep on broadcasting on shortwave so more people around the world can learn about Vietnam.
A: Sanil Deep of India told us: “Thank you for the updated coverage on Vietnam through various interesting programs. The Saturday music and Sunday Show programs are well presented and every week I’m able to hear many Vietnamese songs. Letterbox is still maintaining a superior position. Reading more messages and reception reports from listeners definitely inspires more listeners to write to your station.”
B: Michele Gasparri of Italy listened to VOV’s Saturday program on July 6th on the frequency of 9730 kHz and rated SINPO 44223.
A: As some of our listeners are keen on sports, we now give updated info. Although the Olympic Games will officially open with the grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, Olympic fans won’t have to wait that long to watch the action. Football and rugby sevens kick off the matches on Wednesday, with some of the top teams and players already making appearances on day one.
B: The Vietnamese delegation includes 16 athletes from 11 sports, 16 coaches, and 2 doctors. Archer Do Thi Anh Nguyet and badminton player Le Duc Phat will be flag-bearers for Vietnam at the opening.
Phat said: “Upon being informed that I will hold the flag of the Vietnamese delegation, I felt very honored. It’s recognition for my efforts and I’ll definitely practice and compete to the best of my ability.”
 Badminton player Le Duc Phat (photo: toquoc.vn) |
B: Dang Ha Viet, Director of the Sports Authority of Vietnam, who will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the Paris Games, said: “Vietnam’s Sports Delegation has received much attention from the Party and State leaders, and a long-time investment more than ten years ago. In late 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stressed the need to "elevate Asian Games and Olympics aspirations" and adopted specific long-term plans for competing successfully in the Asian Games (ASIAD) and Olympic arenas.”
A: Swimming and athletics are considered key sports. Swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang qualified for the men's 800m freestyle, while his teammate Vo Thi My Tien received a wildcard in the women's 200m individual medley. Runner Tran Thi Nhi Yen earned a place in the women's 100m.
B: These two Olympic sports are considered a measure of the development of a country's sports industry, says Mr. Viet. The Vietnamese archers will be the first to compete, on Thursday. Canoeist Nguyen Thi Huong will appear on the last day of the competition, on August 8.
 Archer Do Thi Anh Nguyet (Photo: qdnd.vn) |
A: You’re listening to the Letter Box on VOV. I’m reading an email from 63-year-old German listener Helmut Matt, who regularly listens to and writes to VOV in German, English, Russian, and Spanish. Matt is an engineer and writer. He has published 16 books.
B: Fachri of Indonesia reported listening to VOV’s English program broadcast to Asian countries on July 16th on the frequency of 9840 kHz. He rated SINPO all 4s.
A: Dieter Feltes, a listener in Pyrbaum, Germany, asked about Vietnam’s manufacture of bamboo fabrics. Bamboo yarn is regenerated yarn made from the cellulose extraction of bamboo plants and is considered an environmentally friendly material. Although bamboo fabrics are relatively new to Vietnam’s garment industry, many garment companies have upgraded their equipment to produce these fabrics.
B: Many textile firms in Vietnam now use green materials in their production and have established R&D centers to ensure that they’re producing environmentally friendly products. There are some new varieties of textiles made from lotus, coffee, mint, and bamboo.
A: Bamboo yarn is cool, breathable, naturally antibacterial, and UV resistant. Fabrics made from bamboo yarns are becoming more popular in the Vietnamese market. Traditionally cotton yarn has been widely used in Vietnam because of its absorbency and durability. Manufacturers are using advanced technology to create cotton-bamboo blended yarns, which can produce products with high strength, good moisture absorption, great air permeability, and versatility.
B: The Viet Thang Garments and Textile Company produces 50-50 cotton-bamboo yarn that is naturally antibacterial and anti-UV, with high color fastness and high durability. Its production is environment friendly as it doesn’t use chemicals.
A: The May 10 Company uses bamboo fabric to produce underwear, T-shirts, socks, winter clothes, baby clothes, sportswear, and sun protection clothes.
B: May 10 also uses bamboo fabric to make curtains, tablecloths, kitchen towels, bedding, hospital drapes, masks, food packaging, and absorbent pads.
A: That’s our show for today. We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWORLD, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
A: You can email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!