PM okays Khanh Hoa’s Miss Universe hosting plan

Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori

By Son Ha - Phuoc Ha

VietNamNet Bridge – Yesterday afternoon, September 26, Deputy PM Nguyen Sinh Hung gave Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee permission to host Miss Universe 2008 in Nha Trang city.

In his decision, Deputy PM Nguyen Sinh Hung requests Khanh Hoa’s Chairman to work with related ministries and agencies to ensure success of the international beauty pageant to be held some time next summer.

Head of the Government Office Nguyen Xuan Phuc has also informed Miss Universe Organization’s Chairwoman Paula Mary Shugart of the Vietnamese government’s approval and support.

In his letter, Mr. Phuc writes, ’’The Vietnamese government thinks highly of Vietnam hosting Miss Universe 2008. This will be a great opportunity for Vietnam to promote her country and people all over the world.”

The government’s decision made yesterday was happily received by Khanh Hoa officials. “I personally had a sleepless night yesterday,” said Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee.

According to Mr. Than, there are now many things Khanh Hoa needs to do to prepare for the event. After the contract with Miss Universe Organization is signed, a steering committee will be established to supervise the construction of a new 7,500-seat stage and upgrading of Cam Rang Airport, among other things.

As for Doctor Doan Thi Kim Hong, Head of Hoan Vu Joint Stock, the unit directly in charge of hosting Miss Universe 2008, she said having pursued the plan for the past 2 years, she was “very happy, moved” and couldn’t “help crying” when she received the news.

Ms. Hong said at the beginning of October, a delegation from Hoan Vu would fly to New York to work on a contract with Miss Universe Organization, pay US$7million for copyrights, and settle other issues.

“The organization committee will then make an official announcement about Vietnam hosting Miss Universe 2008,” added she. Regarding many people’s concern that Khanh Hoa would find it very difficult to build a big stage in the Lo River Tourism Zone within less than a year, Ms. Hong said Panama did the same thing when it hosted Miss Universe 2003.

Source: Vietnam Net Bridge