Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnam's Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has offered congratulations to President of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen on the successful organization of the fifth Senate election on February 25.

Society

-- Vietnam had recorded 18 deaths from rabies as of February 20, up nine fatalities year on year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

-- An air cylinder exploded at a firm in the Hoa Hiep industrial park in Phu Yen Province, located in the south-central region, on Wednesday evening, killing a 36-year-old worker.

-- A section of Cau Xeo Street, spanning from Le Dinh Tham Street to Tan Ky Tan Quy Street in Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City will be blocked between March 4 and June 2 for drainage system installation, according to the municipal Department of Transport. Cars will be banned from traveling on the section during this period.

Business

-- On Wednesday, the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province in southern Vietnam approved an agricultural initiative aimed at implementing 95 smart monitoring systems and stations. The project involves establishing 100 points for the automatic measurement of temperatures and humidity across the province. This strategic move is designed to expedite the adoption of digital farming practices, ultimately assisting local farmers in enhancing crop yields.

-- VinFast Auto on Wednesday clinched a deal with Bahwan Automobiles Trading LLC for the distribution of electric vehicles in Oman, signifying its expansion in the Middle East region.

-- A lottery firm in Soc Trang Province, southern Vietnam is planning to auction 224 metric tons of old lottery tickets and ticket stubs at the starting price of VND3,000 (US$0.12) per kilogram.

Lifestyle

-- On Wednesday, Da Lat City, a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam's Central Highlands, received the distinction of being recognized as Asia's festival city by the International Festivals and Events Association. This recognition was attributed to the city's vibrant flower festival, according to Dang Quang Tu, chairman of the local administration.

-- Over 11,000 people, including more than 500 foreigners from 30 countries and territories, will join a midnight run in Ho Chi Minh City on March 3. The race, whose track is designed to stretch through many cultural heritage sites, is aimed at introducing a dynamic Ho Chi Minh City at night.

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