More than 550 teachers and students from 77 countries and territories, including two observes, attended the opening ceremony of the 46th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in Vietnam’s Hanoi capital on July 21.

In his opening address, Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan welcomed delegates, including 287 foreign and four Vietnamese students, to the competition, vowing to make the event a great success.

The hosting of IChO 2014 is a great honour of Vietnam, showing the International Chemistry Olympiad’s trust in the country’s capability, he said.

The students will be sitting theoretical and practical exams till July 29. Theoretical exams will take place at Hanoi Teachers’ Training University on July 23, and practical exams will be held at the National Convention Centre on July 25.

The students will also take part in cultural and sport exchanges and tours of historical sites in Hanoi and neighbouring provinces.

IChO has been held annually since 1968, except for 1971. Vietnam joined the competition in 1996, but it is the first time it has hosted such event.