The digital clock at the roundabout of Ngo Quyen and Pham Van Dong streets in Da Nang started counting down to the 5^th Asian Beach Games (ABG 5) at 7.00am on Thursday, precisely one year before the event begins.

Given its durability of between 3 and 5 years, the clock might be used again for a countdown to the 25^th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit which will take place in the city in October 2017.

Representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and city leaders start the countdown

The installation of the clock over recent days has helped to publicise ABG 5 to local residents.

The city leaders have urged local relevant agencies to ensure their best preparations for the event.  In particular, many good ideas which have been effectively used in the organisation of international sporting events in the city over recent years have been adjusted to match with ABG 5.

The clock counting down to ABG 5

The Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Nguyen Phuc Linh, said that the focus will now be on further increasing publicity about ABG 5 in the mass media and through visual advertising.  He added that his unit has recently issued a code of conduct applicable to the local tourism sector with the intention of making the city a more attractive, safe and friendly destination.  It is hoped that the city will create a good impression for international friends during this sporting event.