Foreign exchange student high school

* Nearly one million Vietnamese high school students begin crucial exam

The ministry’s statistics announced the proportion of candidates to sit each test as follows: literature 99.55%, math 99.52%, physics 99.34%, chemistry 99.22%, biology 99.35%, foreign languages 99.63%, history 99.35%, geography 99.44% and civic education 99.56%.

During the exam, several mountainous provinces in the north suffered from heavy rains and flash floods, causing landslides and traffic jams. With all emergency response plans prepared, the local authorities actively mobilised specialised means to safely transfer almost all of the candidates in the isolated areas to the exam venues.

Candidates sit their exam at Hai Ba Trung High School in Hue city. (Photo: NDO/Cong Hau)

However, in Lai Chau and Ha Giang, the hardest hit provinces, there were still 13 candidates that could not reach their exam venues. The MoET has instructed the exam councils to survey each contestant’s condition and report promptly to the National High School Examination Committee in order to have a plan to guarantee the rights of the candidates.

On Wednesday afternoon, the ministry held a press conference to announce the close of the National Graduation Exam 2018. On the same day, it also announced the official answers for all of the tests on the ministry’s website at moet.gov.vn.

Students exchange after finishing their exam at Tran Phu High School in Hanoi. (Photo: NDO/Thuy Mai)

Ho Chi Minh City is striving to earn 70 billion USD in export turnover by 2025 and 108 billion USD by 2030, and maintain an average annual export growth of 9 percent during 2026-2030.

The municipal People’s Committee sets the targets at its recently-approved plan on developing export by 2025, with a vision to 2030.

To that end, from now to 2025, the city will maintain and support the development of its key products, while making preparations to upgrade industry and participate more deeply in global value chains, and focusing on developing electronics, mechanics, and wood products, which it considers a foundation for its export growth in the time ahead.

In addition, the city will upgrade infrastructure serving export, and at the same time reform and increase the quality of public services directly related to import-export activities with the aim of providing the best possible services.

By 2030, the city will build strategies to improve competitiveness of its outstanding export products such as electronics, mechanics, optics, software, and service exports such as finance, tourism and logistics.

It will also attract more investment in finance, banking and logistics, and form logistics service centres, and step up human resources development.

Last year, the largest economic hub of Vietnam earned over 40 billion USD from exports./.

Analysts see profit-taking as VN-Index hovers around 1,200 points

The market experienced a thrilling week as the VN-Index successfully peaked the historic high of 1,200 points after volatile sessions.

However, the index fell under the level in the next session, which was also the last trading day of the week, on selling pressure. The move makes analysts not so optimistic about the coming week.

The market benchmark VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) ended last week at 1,194.05 points after hitting 1,200.94 points last Thursday.

For the week, the index rose 1.06 per cent.

Analysts from SSI Securities Corporation (SSI) said that despite the fall of the VN-Index in the last session, trading volume showed weaker-than-expected selling pressure meaning the index could get back to the resistance level of 1,200 points in the next sessions.

Viet Dragon Securities Corporation (VDS) also shared the opinion.

“The loss of the last session is just a small correction and the upward trend is still there. Many stocks are thriving, as well as on track to reach higher targets. Investors can focus on sectors with positive signs to invest more effectively,” the securities firm recommended.

According to MB Securities Co., the drop was partly due to portfolios restructuring of two ETFs, including FTSE ETF and V.N.M ETF.

And the break over 1,200 point-level also created profit booking activities. Some investors might take long positions under technical signs, while others might take profits.

However, volatile amplitude in correction sessions was narrow and the market’s liquidity stayed high which was a positive sign. It is possible that the market might fluctuate in the next sessions, and if the bottom purchase demand is still high, the chance for recovery is coming soon, according to MB Securities.

Meanwhile, some took a more cautious view. BOS Securities Corporation (ART) said that the market couldn’t make a breakthrough in short-term with weaker cash flows. Technical indicators showed signs of fluctuation chances in the market.

“There is possibility that the VN-Index hovers around 1,200 point-level in the next sessions. Therefore, investors put priority in watching the market and consider to reduce shares proportion if the cash flows are weaker when the market gains points,” BOS Securities added.

Last week, the HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) closed Friday’s trade at 277.7 points. For the week, the index climbed 1.38 per cent.

The liquidity on both exchanges slightly increased against the week before and was higher than the twenty-week average with a trading value of VND18.3 trillion per session.

Analysts from Saigon – Hanoi Securities JSC said that the gain in the liquidity was thanked to the portfolio restructuring activities, so the market’s current rally was not stable.

Information technology stocks posted the biggest gain in market capitalisation with an increase of 4 per cent. Of which stocks with outstanding performance were FPT Corporation (FPT), up 4.3 per cent, and CMC Corporation (CMG), up 7.1 per cent.

This was followed by the banking sector with a rise of 2.5 per cent in market capitalisation. Bank stocks posting big gains were VPBank (VPB), up 1.6 per cent, Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), up 2.6 per cent, MBBank (MBB), up 3.4 per cent and Vietinbank (CTG), up 6.6 per cent.

Other sectors like consumer services and industry also recorded good performance, up more than 1 per cent.

Finance, materials, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and health care, and consumer goods sectors increased 0.3 – 0.6 per cent last week.

E-commerce – lifebuoy helping businesses overcome market fluctuations: workshop

E-commerce has created a new tendency for production, business and export activities, and been serving as a lifebuoy for many enterprises to overcome difficulties of market fluctuations, heard a workshop on Vietnam’s e-commerce trends on March 20.

The workshop was organised by the Junior Chamber International Vietnam (JCI Vietnam) in Ho Chi Minh City.

National President of JCI Vietnam Vo Quan Duy said that the workshop was the first event in the organisation’s Business Matching Programme 2021 (BMP21) established to create a multi-dimensional support platform for JCI Vietnam’s member businesses and to facilitate international trading.

According to statistics in January 2021, Vietnam’s e-commerce revenue grew 18 percent in 2020, hitting 11.8 billion USD and accounting for 5.5 percent of total retail sales of consumer goods and services nationwide.

Nguyen Thu Trang, Business Development Director at Atalink Technonoly JSC, stated that business-to-business e-commerce is a future trend and the e-commerce platform is assessed as highly effective by enterprises.

In fact, Trang went on, the number of businesses making orders via the e-commerce trading floor increases by 6 percent compared with traditional ones such as email or website.

Sharing the view, Nguyen Manh Tan, Marketing Director of Haravan Technology JSC, said that there is currently a trend of shifting traditional retail to multi-channel retail (both offline and online) and omni-channel retail.

Omni-channel retail is a multichannel approach to sales that focus on providing seamless customer experience whether the client is shopping online from a mobile device, a laptop or in a brick-and-mortar store./.

PM attends inaugural ceremony of Phuoc Dong Industrial Park and Port

Phuoc Dong Industrial Park and Port, an industrial zone located in the Southern Key Economic Region, was inaugurated in the Mekong Delta province of Long An on March 21 in the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Speaking highly of the inauguration of the industrial park and port, which is expected to serve as a magnet to lure secondary investors, Prime Minister Phuc hailed Long An province’s efforts to develop industrial parks to create impetus for local socio-economic development in the past time, with gross regional domestic product (GRDP) registering an average annual growth of 9.16 percent during 2016-2020.

He laid a stress on the important role of businesses in the national economic development and job generation, asking the local authorities to continue support for the investors, help them remove bottlenecks in their business in the province, and work to further improve the investment climate with more effective measures in place.

He also ordered the province to promote its potential, and sharpen focus on branching out key industries, high-tech industry, supporting industry and logistics so as to improve local livelihoods.

It is necessary to upgrade transport infrastructure, enhance regional linkages with Ho Chi Minh City and other southern localities, he said, adding local socio-economic development must go with environmental protection.

PM Phuc particularly emphasise the need to pen a long-term development plan which enables Long An to make significant contributions.

Phuoc Dong Industrial Park and Port, 39 kilometres to Tan Son Nhat Airport, 19 kilometres to Long An International Port, and 42 kilometres to Cat Lai port, spans 128.8 hectares, including 92.39 hectares of industrial land, ready-built factories and warehouses. It is invested by IMG Investment JSC. The port system will be developed to welcome cargo ships with a capacity of 20,000 DWT in the coming time.

In the morning of March 21, PM Phuc hosted Consul Generals of the US, the Republic of Korea and India in Ho Chi Minh City, and leaders of multinationals GS Energy and Alibaba who are making investments in Long An province.

At the event, PM Phuc hailed the US, RoK and Indian diplomatic organisations’ interests in promoting foreign investment in Vietnam, particularly in the context that the global economy is facing formidable challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will persistently follow its dual goals of containing the pandemic and boosting economic development, and spare no efforts to better investment and business environment, creating favourable conditions for foreign firms to land investment in the country.

The diplomatic representatives said as more US, RoK and Indian firms have been keen on investing in Vietnam, they will come to the nation to seek cooperation opportunities right after international commercial fights are resumed. They thanked the Vietnamese Government and competent authorities for facilitating conditions for them to proceed investment in Long An province, and expressed their wish to engage further in production and investment activities in Vietnam./.

Quang Nam keen to whip tourism into shape

COVID-19 has been largely brought under control around Vietnam thanks to appropriate containment measures being adopted by the Government nationwide, and the Prime Minister has ordered the quick implementation of a vaccination programme to halt the pandemic and create the conditions necessary for socio-economic development.

After undergoing a long period of closure and stagnation, however, the financial resources of tourism industry players have run low and now, more than ever, they need assistance to recover and become a spearhead economic sector once more. Most tourism enterprises, travel agencies, and tourism service providers in central Quang Nam province agree with such sentiments.

“To improve and introduce travel products and services and stimulate tourism, we first need to focus on the domestic market,” said President of the Quang Nam Tourism Association Phan Xuan Thanh.

Quang Nam has established tourism as a spearhead economic sector, with the goal of attracting over 12 million visitors, with half coming from overseas. Tourism currently makes up over 5 percent of gross regional domestic product  and has created 30,000 jobs. By 2030, Quang Nam’s tourism sector will hopefully be the region’s spearhead economic sector, making up 7-8 percent of the GRDP and creating over 50,000 jobs.

The Quang Nam Department of Commerce and Tourism was established in 1997, paving the way for the tourism sector’s strong development in the province.

But it only really “boomed” after Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary were recognised as world cultural heritage sites by UNESCO in 1999.

Tourist numbers then increased dramatically, at an annual average of 20-25 percent, and attractive tourism models associated with islands, mountainous areas, community tourism, cultural tourism, other heritages, agricultural tourism, and craft villages also began to take shape.

Events such as “Old Quarter Night”, “Streets without engine noise”, “A day as a farmer”, and “Mỹ Sơn by night” also contributed to building Quang Nam’s tourism brand.

Besides the ever-popular Hoi An, Quang Nam also boasts lesser-known destinations well worth a visit./.

Nearly 3 million phishing attempts aimed at small businesses in region last year: Kaspersky

Cybercriminals actively attacked small and medium businesses in Southeast Asia last year, with the top topics they exploited being COVID-19, non-existent video conferences and new corporate services, according to global cybersecurity company Kaspersky.

It said its anti-phishing technology blocked a total of 2.89 million attempts aimed at SMBs, a 20 per cent increase from 2019.

Phishing is a form of cybercrime based on social engineering techniques that involves stealing confidential data from a person’s computer and subsequently using the data for other purposes ranging from stealing money to selling it.

Phishing messages usually take the form of fake notifications from banks, providers, e-pay systems, and other organisations, but can also be an almost 100 per cent perfect replica of a trusted website to which a victim is lured through phishing messages.

Indonesia registered the most incidents followed by Thailand and Việt Nam with over half a million attempts each. Malaysian, Filipino, and Singaporean SMBs were not spared, with these nations suffering a combined 795,000 attempts.

Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, said: “While they serve as the bedrock of our regional economy, SMBs are low-hanging fruits for cybercriminals. These malicious actors are aware that owners are focused on keeping their cash flow more than their cybersecurity, at least for now.

“Social engineering attacks such as phishing is also the easiest way in. Combining our current stressed minds with the right buzzwords like COVID-19, and now the vaccines, we expect to see this threat being used more to steal money and data from this already battered segment.”

Globally, online phishers exploited the COVID-19 theme, invited victims to non-existent video conferences and insisted that their targets register for “new corporate services.”

Given that the fight against the pandemic is not over yet, Kaspersky expects the main trends of 2020 to stay relevant in the near future.

An important trend that businesses in SEA, a region famous for being highly active on social media, should note is that phishing links and mails are being shared via online networking platforms, the company said.

Kaspersky experts observed that scammers who were spreading their chain mail via social networks and instant messaging applications began to favour the latter in 2020.

Message recipients were promised a discount or prize if they opened a link sent to them.

“It is true that governments and financial organisations are combining efforts to offer lifeboats for SMBs via grants and offers, but we have to accept that cybercriminals will spare no one,” Yeo said.

“Amidst the uncertainties, one thing I can say for sure is that building your IT security is always less costly than suffering a cyberattack.”

Criteria for identifying high-tech enterprises set from April

The prime minister issued Decision No.10/2021/QD-TTg providing criteria for identifying high-tech enterprises, effective from April 30.

Accordingly, revenue from high-tech products of these high-tech enterprises must be at least 70 per cent of the total annual net revenue of the enterprise.

These enterprises will have to reach a certain ratio of total expenditure on research and development (R&D) of the enterprise (including depreciation of investment in infrastructure, fixed assets, annual recurrent expenditures on research and development; expenses for training, training support for workers who conduct research and development, science and technology organizations, training institutions in Vietnam; fees of royalty, conveyance, the right to use industrial property objects in service of research and development activities; registration fees for recognition or protection of inventions, and utility solutions in Vietnam) per value of total net revenue minus input value (including the value of raw materials, components for import production and domestic purchase) annually.

For enterprises with a total capital of VND6 trillion($260.87 million) and a total of 3,000 employees or more, this ratio must be at least 0.5 per cent. Enterprises having a total capital of VND100 billion ($4.35 million) and a total of 200 employees or more must reach at least 1 per cent. Enterprises not falling into these two categories must reach at least 2 per cent.

In addition, high-tech enterprises also have to hit a ratio of employees who graduated from college or another higher education institution, vis-a-vis the total number of employees. These employees have to directly conduct R&D activities and have signed labour contracts for a term of one year or more, or contracts with indefinite terms. Workers with college degrees cannot exceed 30 per cent of the total workforce at high-tech enterprises.

For enterprises with a total capital of VND6 trillion and 3,000 employees or more, this must be at least 1 per cent. Enterprises having a total capital of VND100 billion and a total of 200 employees or more, must reach at least 2.5 per cent. Enterprises not falling into these two cases must reach at least 5 per cent.

FDI firms enjoy US$5.5 billion in trade surplus in two months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) firms’ import-export value reached US$68.52 billion in the first two months of 2021, a surge of 31.5 per cent from the same period last year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs

Among sub-sectors, the machinery, tools and parts posted the largest export growth with 77 per cent, increasing $2.44 billion. It was followed by phones and spare parts ($2.2 billion, or 29 per cent), and electronics and parts ($1.85 billion, or 34 per cent).

As of February 20, $5.46 billion worth of FDI was injected into Vietnam, equivalent to 84.4 per cent of the figure recorded in the same time last year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

As many as 126 foreign projects were granted investment licences with total registered capital reaching $3.31 billion, a year-on-year decline of 33.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, 115 existing projects adjusted their investment capital with a total additional sum of $1.61 billion, or 2.5 times higher than the same time last year.

Capital contributions and share purchases by foreign investors stood at $543.1 million, down 34.4 per cent.

Foreign investors pumped capital in 17 sectors, with processing and manufacturing holding the lead with more than $3 billion or 55.7 per cent, followed by power production and distribution with $1.44 billion (26.5 per cent), real estate $485 million, and science-technology nearly $153 million.

Companies with exceptional business make good earnings

The number of unorthodox companies is increasing rapidly on the Vietnamese stock market, generating steady revenue and profit every year.

HaiPhong Funeral Services JSC (CPH), the only funeral service provider on the stock market so far, posts impressive business results with revenues of hundreds of billion Vietnamese đồng per year, earning some VNĐ300 million (US$13,000) of revenue per day.

CPH trades pots, caskets, stone tombs and other funeral products, as well as providing funeral, burial, cremation services.

In the company’s gross profit structure, the sale segment accounts for about 80 per cent of the total gross profit. After-tax profit has been flat for many years with about VNĐ9 billion. Earning per share (EPS) is over VNĐ2,060 in 2020.

The company has paid dividend at a rate of 16 per cent to shareholders over the past four years. And due to maintaining a low transaction price of VNĐ3,500 per share at present, the price-to-earnings (P/E) is at the desired level at 1.7 times.

Another company which also serves in the spiritual realm is Yên Bái Joint Stock Forest Agricultural Products And Foodstuff Company (CAP). Few people know that this company produces and sell votive paper.

Votive paper segment accounts for 50 per cent of CAP’s total revenue, bringing about VNĐ200 billion in 2020. The rest of revenue comes from tapioca and cinnamon oil.

On the stock market, CAP shares have been rising continuously. Currently, CAP is trading at around VNĐ62,100 per share, doubling that of the beginning of 2020.

Thai-invested Siam Brother Vietnam (SBV), established in July 1995, manufactures ropes and fishing equipment. After nearly 30 years of operation, SBV is now the leading producer and supplier of fishing ropes in Việt Nam.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revenue in 2020 grew approximately nine per cent compared to the previous year, to reach VNĐ5 trillion, post-tax profit increases by 19 per cent to VNĐ68 billion. EPS reached VNĐ2,485.

Charter capital of Siam Brothers Vietnam is approximately VNĐ273 billion at present, market price is around VNĐ13,000 per share. Market liquidity is quite stable with tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of shares matched each session.

Thống Nhất Match Joint Stock Company (DTN), a match manufacturer, decided to leave the stock market last year after six years of trading. It sees revenue reaching over a hundred of billion đồng in recent years, particularly VNĐ133 billion in 2019. However, the annual profit touched only around VNĐ2-4 billion. It was even less than VNĐ1 billion in 2019.

During its listing, DTN shares were seeing almost no liquidity. Very few transactions were made, mostly internal transactions.

Before it left the trading floor in August 2020, there were some transactions with thousand of DTN shares matched. The stock price of DTN suddenly soared to VNĐ74,000 per share after these transactions. DTN closed the last session of trading on the stock exchange at the price of VNĐ62,900 per share.

Merufa Joint Stock Company (MRF), the only condom manufacturing company on the stock market, has been listed since December 2017.

Merufa, formerly known as the Medical Rubber Enterprise under the Ministry of Health, was built in co-operation between the Government of Việt Nam and the United Nations Population Fund in 1987. Since then, Merufa has been providing the market with contraceptive products made from natural rubber in Việt Nam with the brand HAPPY.

Not only condoms, Merufa is also a pioneer in researching and producing other important medical products such as surgical gloves, transfusion bottles made from synthetic rubber.

Merufa’s condom business has faced many difficulties recently as it has to compete with famous foreign brands.

In 2020, in the face of widespread COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for gloves in the market increased sharply, the company decided to invest in a second glove factory with a total investment of VNĐ230 billion.

In 2019, Merufa recorded nearly VNĐ108 billion in revenue, up 10.2 per cent from the previous year. The post-tax profit rose by 165 per cent to nearly VNĐ6.7 billion. EPS was VNĐ1,818.

Nam Hoa Toys (NHT) specialises in producing wooden toys for children, the only of its kind on the market at present. The company put its shares on the Upcom since December 2017.

NHT has also considered moving to list on the Hà Nội Stock Exchange (HNX), but the procedure has not yet completed.

Business results, revenue in 2020 suddenly quadrupled from 2019, reaching VNĐ887 billion and after tax profit increased 78 per cent, to over VNĐ78 billion, mainly thanks to the consolidated business results of its subsidiaries.

Youth union helps young start-up businesses overcome difficulties

The COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected production and business activities, especially start-up businesses set up by young people.

To help young entrepreneurs overcome difficulties and stand firm during the pandemic, the Youth Union of Bắc Ninh Province has introduced several support solutions.

After graduating from university, Vũ Quang Đạo, 29, from Ngô Thôn Village, Xuân Lai Commune of Gia Bình District returned home and continued to volunteer in the military.

Leaving the army, and realising the potential of farming, Đạo decided to start up his own business. Local people were still farming in traditional ways, which were not very efficient.

With his family’s land stretching 7,000sq.m, Đạo used half of the area to dig a pond for fish and the rest was for growing fruit and raising livestock.

After receiving a VNĐ400 million (US$17,200) loan from Bắc Ninh Province’s Youth Start-up Fund, Đạo built barns for the animals and bought 70 bamboo rats and 1,000 rabbits.

To feed the animals, Đạo planted sugarcane, vegetables and raised worms.

After three months, his bamboo rats had started reproducing and the rabbits were ready for sale.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic meant he was unable to sell the animals.

About a third of his rabbits have reached their maximum weight and need to be sold, but he is unable to find customers.

Đạo had to spend more than VNĐ500,000 (US$27) per day to feed them, and the animals were at risk of contracting diseases.

“When I was trying to make the business survive, I heard about a ‘rescue plan provided by the Youth Union organisations,” Đạo said.

Nguyễn Thị Trâm’s vegetable farm in Minh Tân Commune of Lương Tài District was also badly impacted by the pandemic.

In 2015, Trâm leased 5ha of land to grow safe vegetables. After applying advanced techniques and technology in planting, last year, her farm earned a turnover of VNĐ13 billion (US$562,000), of which profit was VNĐ1.2 billion (US$52,000).

However, in February, her vegetables came to harvest but she could not sell them.

“This year, I focused on supplying vegetables for schools and factories, because I thought demand would be high when students and workers return after Tết,” said Trâm.

“However, due to the pandemic, many factories remained closed, while schools and restaurants were shut, so tens of tonnes of vegetables could not be sold, causing hundreds of millions of đồng in losses,” said Trâm.

Political and social organisations, especially Bắc Ninh’s Farmers’ Association and Youth Union, helped ‘rescue’ a large amount of vegetables to help her continue production and business.

Nguyễn Đức Sâm, secretary of the provincial Youth Union, said: “In recent years, Bắc Ninh Youth Union had stepped up start-up activities that  became a bright spot in youth movements nationwide.”

“Facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, start-up companies of young people were severely affected, especially the production and consumption of products,” said Sâm.

“As a ‘midwife’ for young people’s start-up businesses, the Youth Union had strengthened coordination of sectors and agencies to review the economic development models by young people so as to provide encouragement and solutions to overcome difficulties,” said Sâm.

Particularly, the provincial Youth Union had co-operated with the Việt Nam Bank for Social Policies to delay and reschedule debt repayments for businesses that were badly impacted by the pandemic, according to Sâm.

Last year, the bank rescheduled debts worth dozens of billions of đồng.

With the policy of on-the-spot support, the Youth Union at all levels of Bắc Ninh Province had ‘rescued’ and consumed dozens of tonnes of agricultural products.

Bắc Ninh Provincial Youth Union will continue to propose and recommend to the provincial People’s Committee to pay attention to supplementing and maintaining the capital from the local budget entrusted to the Việt Nam Bank for Social Policies to provide loans to young people starting businesses.

The union would also propose to the authorities to accelerate the reform of administrative procedures as well as enhance training and improve the quality of corporate governance to help businesses solve difficulties, said Sâm.

Vietnam to offer exciting investment opportunities post COVID-19

Standard Chartered Bank last week hosted an investment webinar entitled “Viet Nam Investment Landscape 2021”, drawing the participation of clients based in Viet Nam and overseas who are looking for investment opportunities in Viet Nam.

The presentations focused on giving clients the latest information about the investment landscapes for real estate, stocks, fixed-income and funds in Viet Nam in the context of a post COVID-19 era and the strategies they can devise to capitalise on the opportunities.

“Standard Chartered Global Research forecasts that Viet Nam’s economic growth will get back to 6-8 per cent in 2021 and onwards. Given its economic prospects, advantages of social stability and success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic along with the profitability of the local stock market and real estate market which is growing at a higher pace than that in the ASEAN region, Viet Nam continues to offer exciting investment opportunities. Leveraging on our unrivalled strengths of an extensive global network and in-depth knowledge of the local market, we provide clients world-class, customised products and services to help them make the most of the investment opportunities and grow their wealth sustainably,” said Harmander Mahal, Consumer, Private and Business Banking Head for Viet Nam and Asia Cluster Markets, Standard Chartered Bank.

Standard Chartered Vietnam offers offshore account opening service that enables its overseas clients to open an account and transfer money for investment without the need to visit Viet Nam. The document processing work will be facilitated by the Bank’s partners based in the client’s home country. Once the fund is remitted to Viet Nam, it will be converted into the local currency at an attractive real-time exchange rate, with the foreign exchange fee being waived. Clients will also receive consultation and support from the bank’s experts and dedicated relationship managers to help them make timely investment decisions.

Building Cai Mep-Thi Vai port on a par with regional port

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port system in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on March 20, asking the locality to build the port and logistics systems on a par with others in the region by 2030.

The PM inspected Gemalink Deep-water Port – the largest scale port project in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deep-water port cluster, Cai Mep International Port, and Tan Cang-Cai Mep International Port.

After the visit to the port cluster, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh held a working session with leaders of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in a bid to further boost the efficiency of the port system and stimulate local socio-economic development.

The PM emphasised that the seaport system is a strength of the province which has made a significant contribution to national development, thus, more attention should be paid to developing the port system in the future planning of both the province and the nation.

He noted that the growth rate of 2% of seaport system in the province is good news, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, PM Phuc pointed out some shortcomings that need to be handled to foster the development of the port cluster including an incomplete transport infrastructure, the lack of modern logistics centres, incomplete finance and customs services and the slow clearance of goods, and others.

The government leader also approved the implementation of various infrastructural projects to promote the efficiency of the seaport system in the province.

He encouraged the relevant ministries, sectors and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province to take more drastic measures to bring the seaport and logistics system in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, particularly Cai Mep-Thi Vai port on a par with others in the region by 2030 and become a world-class seaport hub by 2045.

House prices rise despite of COVID-19 impact

House and land prices in Viet Nam have continued to rise – despite the effects of COVID-19.

Now the Ministry of Construction has compiled a report to determine exactly why there has been a sharp increase in prices.

It is concerned some real estate agents may have inflated prices for their own gain.

The agency said house and land prices surged sharply in 2020, especially in the first two months this year.

Property prices in some places have increased by more than 10 per cent compared to early 2020.

The agency reported that despite many difficulties and challenges in the past year caused by both the pandemic and natural disasters, the real estate industry alone contributed about 4.42 per cent in revenues to the State coffers.

It said in the past, the Ministry of Construction proposed Government build more social housing for low-income earners in urban areas and industrial zones.

The ministry has conducted routine compliance inspections on investment and business practices at big real estate firms, real estate investment.

The inspections were designed to prevent false house pricing, and inaccurate estimates to stop unscrupulous real estate agent from gaining a financial advantage.

This has helped keep house and land prices stable, compared to 2019.

Thu Hang, a senior official of Savills Hanoi, believes as the economy grows post-pandemic, there will be more opportunities for people to buy or rent a property.

She feels urbanisation has not kept up with population growth, causing a drastic imbalance between supply and demand.

The report also said rising costs in building material and fuel has also played a part in the price hike.

In addition, local authorities nationwide are selling land to private developers at inflated prices.

The knock-on effect has contributed to a rise in property prices.

A solution to stabilise the market

According to the Ministry of Construction, managing and stabilising the local real estate market, the ministry has actively studied and submitted many solutions and policies to the Government with a view to minimise imbalance between supply and demand to meet market demand.

In particular, the Ministry had submitted draft decrees on amending and supplementing the No. 99/2015 detailing and guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Housing and Decree of Government No. 100/2015/ND-CP dated October 20, 2015, development and management of social houses.

This year, the ministry will submit proposals to amend current policies to both the National Assembly and Government.

The Ministry will ask Government to instruct cities and provinces to strengthen supervision of real estate development and investigate any organisation thought to be cheating the system.

Vietnam Association of Architects launches architectural design contests

The Vietnam Association of Architects has launched two architectural design contests for the commercial centre complex and the riverside landscape of the first phase of Cai Gia – Cat Ba Tourist Urban Area (Cat Ba Amatina).

“The contest to design the commercial centre complex is only for professional and experienced architects while the riverside landscape design contest is for 3rd & 4th year architecture students. Both of the two contests are only for Vietnamese architects to create a professional playing field for architectural innovators in Viet Nam,” said Chairman of Vietnam Association of Architects Phan Dang Son.

Design requirements for the commercial centre complex must be a unique and creative architectural work, creating a highlight for the architectural landscape of Cat Ba Town in Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City.

In addition, the contest category for the pedestrian street along both sides of the river should ensure a green living environment for urban residents and an impressive experience for visitors at the Cat Ba Amatina Tourism and Urban Area.

The two contests will run from March 16 to May 16 and the result is expected to be announced later in May. The project investor, Vinaconex Tourism Development and Investment Joint Stock Company (Vinaconex – ITC), will select the best projects for official implementation.

Forbes spotlights Vietnamese hospitality sector’s creativity amid pandemic

US business magazine Forbes has recently published an article highlighting the Vietnamese hospitality sector’s creativity to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the article, titled “Viet Nam’s hotels get creative to survive the pandemic” by Brett Davis, COVID-19 forced some in the industry to rethink their approach to how to cater to guests and innovate their offerings.

It said one such innovation was developed at Alma Resort on the shores of Cam Ranh Bay in southern Viet Nam, which built its own in-house app to create a safe, contactless way of delivering key information to guests.

Developed by the resort’s IT team and available for download on Android, Apple, Windows and Amazon devices, the ‘Alma Resort’ app provides COVID-19 health and safety tips, menus for the property’s restaurants, activity schedules and promotions as well as live stream broadcasts and information about events.

The resort’s general manager, Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, said he believed it would soon be incumbent for five-star resorts across Viet Nam to offer the same technology.

The author went on to note that thanks to the Government’s drastic measures, Viet Nam was one of the world’s leading countries in controlling the spread of the pandemic.

It said domestic tourism, and the steadily growing purchasing power of Vietnamese consumers, came to be viewed as a lifeline for the local tourism industry, provided it could change its strategy in some key areas. One such example was in the food and beverage offerings.

Looking forward, Herbert Laubichler-Pichler predicted there would be a strong rebound in the Vietnamese tourism sector because of the pent-up demand for travel after a year spent in various forms of isolation.

Foxconn in talks with VinFast on batteries and components for electric

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn is reportedly in talks with the Vietnamese automaker VinFast to produce batteries and electric vehicle (EV) parts.

Reuters cited sources saying that Foxconn proposed to acquire EV production lines from VinFast. However, a spokesperson for VinFast said they had not discussed any details relating to this matter.

“The partnership, if any, will only focus on developing the batteries and electric vehicle parts. There is no information regarding the cooperation of the two parties in producing EVs,” the spokesman added.

VinFast wants to become Foxconn’s partner but not in manufacturing orders.

Foxconn, the world’s largest provider of electronics components, has outlined plans to become a major provider of parts and services in the global EV market, so any agreement with VinFast would follow deals with Fiat Chrysler and other EV start-ups.

VinFast became Viet Nam’s first domestic vehicle manufacturer with its own badge to debut the first gasoline-powered models in 2019. The automaker has a factory in the northern port city of Hai Phong which is also responsible for main production.

The company sold about 30,000 vehicles last year and is expected to deliver the very first EVs to the domestic market at the end of 2021.

VinFast, which is also producing electric motorbikes and buses this year, signed a contract to produce electric vehicle batteries with Taiwan’s ProLogium.

Huge volume of shares flock to HoSE despite current overload

Despite chronic overloading on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange recently, a series of stocks are still making their way to the main bourse in March, putting more pressure on the exchange.

Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeAbank) has been approved to list its 1.2 billion shares on the bourse on March 24, equivalent to charter capital of VND12 trillion (US$520 million).

SeABank shares on the over-the-counter market are being traded at around VND14,400 (62 US cents) apiece.

HoSE last week also gave the green light for 15.18 million shares of Vnsteel – Vicasa Joint Stock Company to list on the bourse.

Nearly 1.1 billion shares of Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB) had also got approval in the last days of 2020. They were officially listed on the southern bourse since January 28.

HoSE’s trading system, which has remained mostly unchanged for the last 20 years, has been overwhelmed after a huge number of new investors began trading in recent months. Many complain about the overload trouble while they are placing orders, especially in the afternoon when trading value rises to VND15 trillion ($652 million).

Concerted efforts

Market regulators need to work with HOSE to solve congestion, said General Director Trinh Hoai Giang of HCM City Securities Corporation (HSC).

“It is time for the regulator to re-organise listed stocks according to their capitalisation as the group of large and medium stocks accounted for a trading value of 85-90 per cent,” he said.

“However, the number of transaction orders for small stocks is huge. Therefore, we should send the entire group of small stocks to the Ha Noi Stock Exchange as a temporary solution. We should only consider the plan to increase the minimum trading lot if the congestion problem still does not end.”

“Regarding increasing the minimum trading lot, it is not advisable to do it simultaneously but to divide stocks based on market price. For stocks with a market price below VND20,000 per share, the lot can be increased from 100 to 1,000, while for stocks with higher market prices, the lot should be kept at 100.”

Some companies have volunteered to move their shares from HoSE to HNX following the instruction of the State Securities Comm (SSC) to alleviate system overloads that have troubled traders.

They included VNDirect Securities Corporation, BIDV Securities JSC (BSC) and PAN Group (PAN), while a number of other securities companies agreed to change the floor to reduce the load on HOSE’s trading system.

VietinBank Securities Company and Agribank Securities Company said that they supported this exchange switching plan but they must submit the switching process to the shareholders during the General Meeting of Shareholders, expected to be held in April this year.

“Transferring to HNX is a temporary plan to help mitigate congestion on HOSE,” said Ta Thanh Binh, Director of Market Development Department under the State Securities Commission.

“When the new trading system is fixed, these shares will return to HoSE. The transfer from HOSE to HNX will not change the listing standards as well as the quality of the transferred shares,” she said.

Consequences

“Some Singapore funds have sold out recently partly due to concerns about the errors on the trading system of HoSE,” said Quan Trong Thanh, director of market analysis and institutional investors at Maybank Kim Eng Securities (MBKE).

“These funds themselves have a great position on the global market, in the context of global volatility and concerns about inflation, they need to prepare to withdraw capital in time. Due to recent worries over HoSE system problems, they decided to sell first to ensure capital flow.

“If there is no problems of system congestion, it is likely that they will not decide to sell early because of the promising economic outlook of Viet Nam and stable profit growth of the businesses,” he said.

“Trading congestion is different from traffic congestion, as in the former if orders cannot be placed, the opportunity is lost and will not come back again,” said Le Ngoc Nam, Deputy General Director of Tan Viet Securities Company.

“Securities companies can not only not collect fees but also face the risk of being sued by investors. Their revenues are not only sourced from fees for transactions, but also from margin lending fees and other services,” Nam said.

“If securities companies cannot collect fees, the exchange will also lose revenue,” he said.

Liquidity on HoSE could have reached an average of VND20 trillion per session if no congestion happened, higher than the current average of VND15 trillion.

As HOSE collects 0.027 per cent of the transaction value from both buying and selling sides, it is estimated to have lost VND2.84 billion in fees every day due to congestion, assuming an average value transaction of VND20 trillion per day, Nam said.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes

Drought and saline intrusion destroy a field of rice in Thoi Binh District, the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau.

The Mekong Delta has been struck by drought, saline intrusion and water shortage since the beginning of 2021 due to weather conditions, water flows upstream and impacts of tides, he said, adding that it has driven clean water prices up and affected the locals’ life and production.

Since saltwater intrusion is forecast to linger on in April, the Prime Minister asked the concerned ministries, governmental agencies, and municipal and provincial People’s Committees in the region to take proactive actions to address the issue in the 2020 – 2021 dry season. People must not be left short of fresh water, according to the official dispatch.

People’s Committees of cities and provinces, particularly those coastal, must keep a close watch on the situation and adopt response measures suitable to their particular context. They must identify high-risk areas where people should be prioritised with access to clean water while the deployment of military and public security forces is possible, if necessary, to help provide clean water for affected people.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was tasked with monitoring and giving forecasts on water resources, water quality and saline intrusion; and promptly providing information and warnings for affected cities, provinces and people.

The ministry is also responsible for giving instructions to the cities and provinces on how to maintain agricultural production and minimise damage from saltwater intrusion and lack of fresh water while coming up with solutions to supply water to local families and develop concentrated water supply projects. It was also urged to mobilise support from domestic and international organisations in tackling the issues.

No COVID-19 infection cases recorded on March 27 morning

Vietnam logged no COVID-19 cases in the past 12 hours to 6:00 am on March 27, according to the Ministry of Health.

The total number of COVID-19 patients detected in Vietnam has been 2,586 so far, including 2,265 fully recovered.

Among active patients undergoing treatment across the country, 54 tested negative for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 once, 21 twice and 45 thrice.

There are 36,480 people who had close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients or entered Vietnam from pandemic-hit regions are being quarantined nationwide, including 485 in hospitals, 18,343 in state-designated establishments and 17,652 at their residences.

In a bid to live safely with the pandemic, people should strictly follow the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: khau trang (facemask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering) and khai bao y te (health declaration).

According to the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation, an additional 1,775 people were inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine on March 26, raising the total to 44,000, who are frontline medical workers, and members of community-based anti-COVID-19 groups and steering committees for COVID-19 prevention and control./.

Appointment decision presented to Honorary Consul General in RoK

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (RoK) Nguyen Vu Tung on March 25 visited the Vietnamese Honorary Consulate General in the Busan-Keangnam region and presented Honorary Consul General Park Soo-kwan a decision concerning his appointment to the post.

On behalf of leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tung spoke highly of Park’s contributions to the Vietnam – RoK strategic partnership and citizen protection work for over 40,000 Vietnamese citizens in the Busan-Keangnam region.

According to Tung, Park has also proactively assisted the Vietnamese Embassy in seeking permission for the construction of its headquarters in Seoul, while working with the embassy in asking the RoK’s competent agencies to transfer the Korea Maritime & Ocean University’s training ship Hannara to the Vietnam Maritime University (VMU). The vessel, of international quality and technology standards, has been renamed VMU Vietnam-RoK.

Park affirmed he will further his cooperation with the embassy in his current capacity as the Honorary Consul General of Vietnam for 2019-2022.

Also a successful long-term investor in Vietnam, he vowed to make greater efforts to help Korean firms gain a better understanding of its business climate and prepare their post-pandemic business plans./.

World Bank funds Vietnam’s data survey on gender

The World Bank (WB) has signed an agreement with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to provide a non-refundable aid worth 740,000 AUD (563,000 USD) through the the Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership’s second phase to help Vietnam conduct a nationwide survey serving its gender policy making.

The survey is part of the economic empowerment project for Vietnamese women, performed by the General Statistics Office (GSO). It covers 6,000 men and women across the country to collect data on their daily time allocations.

Carolyn Turk, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, said despite progress in improving gender equality in education, health, and economic empowerment, Vietnam still faces many persistent challenges in gender equality.

Developing a comprehensive gender database is important for monitoring gender gaps and designing effective solutions to the issue, she added.

Vietnam established a set of national gender development indicators in 2011, but nearly two-thirds of them are not classified by gender. Meanwhile, there are no indicators related to the use of time.

Measuring the use of unpaid time, such as the time spent on household chores, is important for measuring contributions of men and women in their families, and for understanding how investments and public policies affecting the use of time can reduce gender gaps in the labour market and promote gender equality.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie said one of the main reasons why 40 percent of women are not engaged in the Vietnamese labour market is due to responsibilities of taking care of their families.

The survey will provide more data on the time for unpaid jobs and serve as a foundation for redistributing those fairly for equality and for the economy, she said.

Australia is pleased to support the Vietnamese Government and the World Bank Group in conducting this survey, the ambassador added.

Court asks for further investigation in land-use violation case involving HCM City’s former leader

The People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City on March 26 decided to return dossiers of the law violation case involving the land lot at 57 Cao Thang street being exchanged for the land lot at 185 Hai Ba Trung street in the city for further investigations as new evidence and details have been found.

According to the jury, it asked the Supreme People’s Procuracy to make further investigations into eight major issues, including those related to the mortgage of the land lot at 57 Cao Thang of Diep Bach Duong Real Estate Co. at Agribank’s Ho Chi Minh City Branch.

The jury asked for the clarification of property lease agreement involving the land lot at 185 Hai Ba Trung street among three parties of Agribank, the Diep Bach Duong Real Estate Co., and Phan Thanh Company.

In this case, Duong Thi Bach Diep, Director of the Diep Bach Duong Real Estate Co., is among the key defendants in the trial, and is charged with “fraud, appropriation of assets”.

Nine other defendants in the case are charged with “lack of responsibility, causing serious consequences,” including former Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Tai; former Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Finance Tran Nam Trang; former Director of the HCM City Light Music Centre Vy Nhat Tao; former Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thanh Rum; former Deputy Director of the department Le Ton Thanh; former deputy heads of the municipal People’s Committee Office Huynh Kim Phat and Le Van Thanh; former Director of the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment Dao Anh Kiet; and former Deputy Director of the department Nguyen Thanh Nhan.

According to the indictment, the land lot at 185 Hai Ba Trung street, owned by the State, was the headquarters of the Light Music Centre under the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2007, the centre’s then director Vy Nhat Tao contacted Diep to cooperate in upgrading the headquarters.

Diep then proposed exchanging her land lot at 57 Cao Thang street for the 185 Hai Ba Trung land lot, as she owned the land lot at 179 Hai Ba Trung street and wanted to build a five-star hotel complex there.

The property swap was approved by Nguyen Thanh Tai. During the process, Diep used the land use right certificate for the land lot at 57 Cao Thang as collateral to borrow money from Agribank – HCM City Branch.

After being granted a land right use certificate for the property at 185 Hai Ba Trung streer, however, Diep did not use it to replace the collateral at Agribank to hand over the property at 57 Cao Thang to the Light Music Centre as committed. Instead, Diep used the 185 Hai Ba Trung land lot as collateral for a loan at Southern Bank (now Sacombank) and so far was not able to repay the debt.

The indictment stated that Tai permitted the property swap while he was not responsible for handling and reorganising State assets.

On March 5, 2010, Tai signed a document sent to relevant units approving the exchange of the two land lots, without any request to check and clarify the legal status of the 57 Cao Thang land lot, causing losses of State assets.

The other defendants showed a lack of responsibility in carrying out their duties, thus facilitating Diep’s fraud and appropriation of assets.

At the hearing on March 22, representative from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Procuracy proposed that the court give Diep life imprisonment for the charge of “fraud, appropriation of assets” under Article 174 of the 2015 Penal Code.

The city People’s Procuracy asked the court to return the land lot at 185 Hai Ba Trung street to the HCM City Light Music Centre for management.

Earlier, the first-instance trial for the case was suspended twice on March 17 due to the health condition of Diep and on March 25 to re-evaluate evidence./.

Third working day of 14th National Assembly’s 11th session

The 14th National Assembly continued the third working day of its 11th session on March 26.

Legislators attended a plenary session in the morning under the chair of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to discuss a draft working report of the 14th National Assembly, along with working reports of the NA Standing Committee, the Council for Ethnic Affairs and committees of the legislature.

The session was broadcast live by Radio The Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam Television and the NA’s television channel.

Deputies spoke highly of the innovation of the 14th National Assembly, especially the success in lawmaking, supervision and decision-making on important issues of the country.

They also focused their discussions on specific issues such as law-making, collection of comments on law projects, measures to improve the quality of the National Assembly’s verification work, policy issuance, and supervision of law enforcement, and the application of information technology in the NA’s operations.

Deputies agreed that the 14th NA is a successful tenure, excellently completing its tasks with outstanding achievements and imprints across fields.

Agencies of the NA have made efforts to unite, reform, actively coordinate closely with the Government and relevant agencies to fulfill their assigned tasks.

NA deputies have always shown their ability and high responsibility before voters and people, as well as promoting their knowledge to contribute to the NA’s success.

NA Chairwoman Ngan demanded relevant agencies to seriously collect opinions of NA deputies, thus completing the reports and fully reflect those in the NA’s Resolution on the 14th legislature’s operations.

As scheduled, the NA will discuss working reports of the State President and the Government in the 2016-2021 tenure on March 29.

Dong Thap has first office for domain name “.vn” registration

An office for registration of national domain name “.vn” has been inaugurated in Dong Thap province, becoming the first of its kind in the Mekong Delta locality.

The facility is located at the provincial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre. Organisations and individuals can also register the domain name online via website https://dtict.vn/.

According to Doan Thanh Binh, Director of the provincial Department of Information and Communications, said that the launching of the facility is an opening activity in the implementation of the digital transformation roadmap of Dong Thap, thus raising public awareness, promoting the Internet resources and affirming the national sovereignty on the cyber space.

He held that compared to international domain names, the national domains name of “.vn” is safer, easier to recognize and more reliable.

According to the department, Dong Thap has seen the registration of 838 domain names “.vn” and about 1,204 international domain names. Meanwhile, the locality is home to 4,244 businesses, he said, adding that the ratio of businesses using the domain name “.vn” has been very low, leading to risks of conflicts on the cyber space amid growing e-commerce activities.

The inauguration of the facility is expected to help businesses to register for the domain name in an easier manner, thus improving the level of recognition of their trademarks and make them searchable on the Internet, and improving the province’s indexes in digital transformation, e-commerce and online shopping.

HCM City: poverty threshold set at 36 million VND

The poverty threshold for the 2021-2025 in Ho Chi Minh City will be set at 36 million VND (1,556 USD) in annual income per capita, according to Decision No.995/QD-UBND recently issued by the municipal People’s Committee.

From 2021, households who escape poverty must have annual income per capita of more than 46 million VND.

The Decision also states that near-poor households have average income ranging from over 36 million VND to 46 million VND.

HCM City’s multi-dimensional measures of poverty will include five dimensions: health, education – training, employment – social insurance, decent living conditions, and annual income. There will be 10 indicators in the five dimensions of poverty.

The city began using multi-dimensional poverty measures in 2016, aiming to achieve sustainable poverty reduction and access to basic services by the poor.

The Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is ordered to join hands with competent sectors to make a list of poor and near-poor families in accordance with the city’s multi-dimensional standards for 2021-2025.

Meanwhile, the People’s Committees of 24 districts and Thu Duc city are responsible for reviewing and setting up lists of poor and near poor households each year, as well as carrying out measures to improve the poor and near-poor’s accessibility to basic social services./.

Photo exhibition marks 60 years of Vietnam – Morocco diplomatic ties

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Morocco (March 27, 1961 – March 27, 2021), the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Vietnam have coordinated to organise an online exhibition featuring 20 photos of high-level diplomatic activities between the two countries, selected from VNA’s photo archive.

The photos are being displayed on the official website of the Moroccan Embassy in Vietnam (http://moroccoembassy.vn/) from March 27 to April 30 and on the VNA portal (http://vnanet.vn).

Although the number of photos is not large, they help demonstrate the important strides forward in the two countries’ political relations, most notably high-level meetings.

Mutual high-ranking visits reflect the two countries’ wish to promote the friendship and cooperation between their parliaments, States, and people, as well as their resolve to continue bringing into play and capitalising on the opportunities and huge potential so as to jointly enhance bilateral cooperation and relations.

In 2006, Vietnam and Morocco opened their embassies in each other’s capitals – an important milestone in bilateral ties.

Within the framework of the Francophone community, Vietnam and Morocco have carried out a number of practical cooperation activities. In recent years, the Moroccan Embassy has taken part in the sponsorship of the “Young Francophone Reporters” contest held by Le Courrier du Vietnam, a VNA newspaper.

VNA and the Moroccan News Agency (MAP) established a partnership in 2008. Via their news, the two agencies have continually made practical contributions to the intensification of cooperation and, especially, acted as a bridge linking Vietnamese and Moroccan businesses who wish to seek opportunities to tap into their respective sides’ potential and people-to-people exchanges.

The photo exhibition, part of a series of events held this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations, expresses the respect for the sound traditional ties between Vietnam and Morocco.

Wartime bomb in Nghe An removed safely

Sappers in the central province of Nghe An safely deactivated a 115-kg bomb left over from wartime on March 26.

Workers of a stone quarrying company in Quynh Luu district found the bomb, which has a diameter of 41cm and a length of 1.2m, on March 23 when they were working in the area.

After being alerted by the workers, the district military command coordinated with a sapper unit from the provincial military command to isolate the area.

The bomb was then defused and moved to a safe area for detonation.

Vietnam spent a total of 12.6 trillion VND (545 million USD) on bomb and mine detection and clearance during the 2010-2020 period, the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemicals revealed at its conference in Hanoi in January 2021.

Of the total spending, 1.4 trillion VND came from the national action programme for the settlement of post-war bomb and mine consequences for 2010-2025, 9 trillion VND from development investment projects, and 2.2 trillion VND from non-refundable aid.

The country conducted bomb and mine detection and clearance on more than 500,000 ha during the period, in which Defence Ministry units oversaw 400,000 ha and international organisations 80,000 ha./.

Phu Quoc identifies over 20 people with close contact to new COVID-19 patients

Phu Quoc island city in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang have placed 26 people closely contacting the new COVID-19 patients who illegally entered Vietnam, said a local official.

Contact tracing work toward F2 and F3 cases is underway, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung said at a virtual conference held on March 26 regarding the city’s pandemic prevention and control.

The three new patients were among a group of 10 people illegally entered Vietnam on a fishing boat and arrived on Phu Quoc Island on March 22 morning.

After that, two of the group travelled to Ho Chi Minh City by boat and road, and one of them later tested positive for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, while the other tested negative.

Meanwhile, two others of the group travelled to Hai Phong by air and both of them later received their positive COVID-19 test results.

Currently, Phu Quoc city is capable of organising quarantine places for a total of 500 people, according to Hung.

Chairing the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang People’s Committee Nguyen Luu Trung urged localities in Kien Giang to step up prevention and control work and stand ready for any domestic infections detected in the future./.

Northern Vietnam braces for first heat wave of the year

A hot low-pressure area originating from the west is heading for the nation’s northern region and is set to cause the first hot spell of this year.

The period of hot weather is due to last from March 29 and will impact the northern and the north-western regions, including Dien Bien and Son La provinces, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Temperatures are anticipated to range from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius, with some locations even seeing highs of 35 degrees Celsius, the centre said.

In Hanoi, temperatures are forecast to rise quickly from March 29 and hit 33 degrees Celsius in the middle of next week. Local people will feel hot and dry due to the impact of the latest heat wave.

Meanwhile, the centre said the current hot spell in the Central Highlands and the southern region will see temperatures fall this weekend, with showers and thunderstorms predicted to hit some places.

By late April, rainfall is predicted to be between 20 mm and 40 mm higher compared to the same period from previous years.

Over the next month the Central Highlands and the southern region will see temperatures drop by up to one degree Celsius against the same period from the past.

On average, regions may record less days in which they experience heat waves in comparison to previous years.

Outcomes of ILO Work Country Programme for Vietnam assessed

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Labour Affairs (MoLISA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on March 26 held a consultation conference on the Decent Work Country Programme for Vietnam in the 2017-21 period.

The programme focuses on three priorities – promoting decent employment and an enabling environment for sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities; reducing poverty by extending social protection for all and reduce unacceptable forms of work, especially for the most vulnerable; and building effective labour market governance compliant with fundamental principles and rights and at work.

The Party Central Committee on September 3, 2019 issued a directive on strengthening the leadership and direction over the building of harmonized, stable and progressive working relations in the new period, he noted.

Meanwhile, a social insurance reform project was also approved, along with a resolution on the renovation of salary policies and another on reforming social insurance policies.

Cuong said that Vietnam has completed the joining of four important conventions of the ILO, including the Convention 88 – Employment Service Convention, Convention 159 – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, Convention 98 – Right to Organise and Collective Commenting on the efficiency of the Decent Work Country Programme for Vietnam in the 2017-21 period , Le Duy Binh, an economist and policy analyst held that employment policies and programmes have brought about job opportunities for labourers, especially vulnerable groups, while maintaining low unemployment rate compared to that in the region and the world, and transforming the labour structure in a positive direction.

The programme has helped expand social welfares and improve labourers’ income, while increasing social insurance coverage, reducing illegal labour forms, especially child and forced labour, he said, adding that the labour relationship has become more effective and better suits international standards, thus improving stable employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, ILO Viet Nam Director Chang-Hee Lee recognized Vietnam’s efforts in improving labour and employment conditions, helping the country integrate deeper into the world and increase income and social welfares for labourers.

He held that 2021 marks an important milestone of the programme. However, he said that there are new challenges facing the country, including the gender-based income gap.

At the event, participants also discussed the progress and efficiency of the programme, while sharing experience on sustainable employment and cooperation methods between central agencies and localities in implementing projects within the programme’s framework.

Five decades of Vietnam – Chile diplomatic relations marked

Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy held an event on March 25 to celebrate 50 years of the two nations’ diplomatic relations (March 25, 1971-2021).

In his speech, Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Andres Allamand lauded Vietnamese people’s bravery during their past struggles for independence as well as the nation’s achievements in the recent past, particularly in economy, pandemic prevention, and diplomacy.

Allamand said the Vietnam – Chile friendship and cooperation have grown significantly, especially after the two signed a free trade agreement in 2011.

The minister highlighted a phone talk between Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations as a proof of their friendship.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Chile Nguyen Ngoc Son said Vietnam and Chile share close ties despite geographical distance, adding that they established a comprehensive partnership in 2007.

Son noted the two hold similar stances on most of key global issues and are proactively and responsibly participating in many multilateral mechanisms. Their top leaders have visited each other many times, while their cultural and educational relationship and people-to-people exchange have expanded continuously over the years, he added.

The ambassador said despite COVID-19-related difficulties, the embassy has worked with Chilean partners to organise activities celebrating the five-decade relations, including publishing special issues on the University of Chile’s radio channel to popularize the comprehensive partnership as well as Vietnamese economic, cultural, and tourism affairs./.

Vietnam promotes renewable energy for sustainable development

The Multi-Actor Partnerships for 100 percent Renewable Energy (100 percent RE MAP) project was kicked off at a conference held in Hanoi on March 25.

It aims to realise the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Nguyen Thanh Trung, a representative from the Green Innovation and Development Centre (Green ID), said that the project targets to introduce and consolidate multi-actor partnerships towards the goal of 100 percent renewable energy use in Nepal, Uganda and Vietnam.

The partnership network will help popularise the benefits of renewable energy, as well as the ability to concretise the 100 percent renewable energy scenario which is suitable with Vietnam’s conditions.

The project will be carried out in three years, from March 2020 to March 2023, by Green ID, World Wide Fund for Nature Vietnam (WWF) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Experts at the conference said that Vietnam has been a dynamic member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly the nation has joined global efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to net zero.

The nation plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 9 percent by 2030, and the figure could be brought to 27 percent with international support through bilateral and multilateral cooperation and mechanisms.

Vietnam is among 194 countries signing the Paris Agreement. In a bid to attain the deal’s goals, the greenhouse gas emission must be at the net zero level before 2050.

Regarding greenhouse gas emission reduction, the country issued a wide range of policies and regulations like Decree No.24-NQ/TW, the Politburo’s Conclusion No.56-KL/TW, and the Politburo’s Decision No.55-NQ/TW on orientations for the national energy development strategy by 2030 with vision until 2045. Additionally, renewable energy development is prioritised in energy and power planning./.

Plan for 2021 high school graduation exams announced

The organisation of the 2021 national high school graduation exams will remain basically the same as in 2020, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.

The ministry has issued a circular amending and supplementing a number of articles within the regulation on high school graduation exams.

Accordingly, the 2021 exams will be essentially the same as last year. Specifically, in order to achieve graduation, high school students must take four exams, including three independent ones, featuring Mathematics, Literature and Foreign Languages, and a custom test in natural science or social science chosen by the candidates.

For continuing education candidates, they will take three exams, including two independent tests of Math and Literature and a custom test in natural science or social science. They can also register to take a foreign language test to use the results for university and college entrance admission.

The noteworthy new point in the 2021 exam regulations is that candidates who have taken and passed all the required exams as required, but have not graduated from high school and are not disciplined to cancel the exam results, they have the right to reserve their test scores for recognition of high school graduation in the following exams next year.

Candidates who win different prizes (from the provincial level up) in various contests are only entitled to enjoy the point bonus from their highest prize, with a maximum of two bonus points to their total test results.

VUFO plays key role in people-to-people diplomacy

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) will play a crucial role in people-to-people diplomacy and mobilisation of foreign non-governmental aids, according to its statutes recently approved by the Prime Minister.

According to the statutes, VUFO is a socio-political organisation specialised in people-to-people diplomacy in the fields of peace, solidarity, friendship and people-to-people cooperation. It is a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and has the task of establishing ties of peace, solidarity, friendship and cooperation with corresponding organisations, non-governmental organisations and foreign individuals.

VUFO operates for non-profit purpose in line with the Constitution and laws. It will expand, diversify and multilateralise partnerships to contribute to consolidating friendship and cooperation between Vietnamese people and those from other countries. It also pools support, solidarity and cooperation of people worldwide for the cause of national construction and defence.

VUFO offers suggestions and recommendations on regional and global issues related to people-to-people diplomacy, assists its member organisations in activities regarding peace, solidarity, friendship, people-to-people cooperation, and mobilizes and coordinates foreign non-governmental aid./.

Sci-tech application to be promoted to ensure food security

Prioritising resources for the research, application, and transfer of science and technology to diversify food products to ensure nutritional balance and food safety in people’s diet is one of the long-term targets set in the Government’s resolution on ensuring national food security until 2030.

The resolution, issued on March 25, stated that ensuring national food security is a long-term task and a special concern in the Party and State’s development policies.

In more than ten years, from 2009 to 2019, of implementing the 10th-tenure Politburo’s Conclusion No 53-KL/TW on the national food security plan until 2020, Vietnam has obtained significant achievements, notably firmly guaranteeing national food security in all circumstances, which have greatly contributed to economic, political, and social stability and national development, especially amid global economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped supply food for the world.

According to the new resolution, national food security is an important issue of the country in both short and long terms. The maintenance of rice farming land is necessary for keeping national food security but rice farmers’ livelihoods and income must also be secured. Besides, food security must be associated with water resources security, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.

Resources must be prioritised for the research, application, and transfer of science and technology to diversify food products to ensure nutritional balance and food safety in people’s diet, the resolution noted.

It also emphasised the importance of ensuring food supply, people’s food accessibility, nutritional demand to be met, and food safety.

Certain tasks and solutions were also pointed out in the resolution, including restructuring and aligning food production with the market; developing infrastructure for food production; stepping up the research, application, and transfer of science – technology in food production, preservation, and processing; improving human resources; and reforming mechanisms and policies on ensuring national food security./.

Take precautions before getting vaccinated, say health experts

People who receive COVID-19 vaccines should take precautions just like with other vaccines, as the COVID-19 vaccine may offer some immunity but might also side effects soon after entering the body, according to health experts.

They said people who should be cautious about vaccinations are those with a history of allergies, people with underlying health conditions or chronic diseases which require medical supervision.

Last week, the Ministry of Health released guidance on health screening before COVID-19 vaccinations for people aged 18 and above.

Under the instructions sent to medical facilities nationwide, people who will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 are those with acute diseases; pregnant women, breastfeeding women; people with impaired immune responses, end-stage cancer patients and patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Users of high-dose corticosteroids, those who have had chemotherapy and radiation treatment within 14 days and recipients of immunoglobulin and COVID-19 plasma treatment within the last 90 days and recipients of other vaccines within 14 days are also excluded. Those infected with COVID-19 within the last six months, people aged 65 or above and people suffering thrombocytopenia or blood clotting disorders are also ineligible to be vaccinated.

After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, people should stay at the vaccination centre for 30 minutes of observation. They are recommended to pay attention to abnormal changes in their body such as hives, itching or difficulty breathing. They should report any symptoms they experience to medical staff.

As of Tuesday, nearly 38,000 frontline workers had received AstraZeneca COVID-19 jabs as part of the national inoculation programme which started on March 8.

Health officials said that there have been several cases of severe allergic reactions among people who received the COVID-19 vaccine but they are all in stable conditions.

The most common reactions are headaches, arm pain, body aches, chills or fever but they only last a few hours to a few days.

Students get involved in environmental issues in a creative way

With the air pollution in Hà Nội and other parts of Việt Nam very alarming, a group of university students has set up a project allowing pupils to gain experience in science and technology and raise public awareness about the environment.

The Air Quality Monitoring System for Environment and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education (AirSENSE) project combines STEM skills development with environmental thinking.

It is a collaboration between the Signal Processing And Radio Communications laboratory (SPARC lab) under the School of Electronics and Telecommunications (SET) and School of Applied Mathematics and Informatics (SAMI) at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, and Centre for Science and Technology Support Development.

AirSENSE provides a STEM curriculum about air quality metering construction and knowledge related to environmental improvement.

In the project, students are taught how to use the AirSENSE device to measure the air quality index and process the data collected. They are also instructed to develop their own equipment.

Hàn Huy Dũng, a manager and the founder of AirSENSE project said more than 200 students at schools in Hà Nội and surrounding provinces have enjoyed lessons from the project, as have more than 1,000 students at STEM festivals since 2018.

The project has taught pupils and first-year students techniques like web and app programming with an environmental-related theme, he said, adding that it has stimulated their passion for science and technology.

Khánh Dương, an 11th grader from Việt Đức High School who has taken part in the project, said in the past she didn’t feel confident when speaking in public.

But now, after studying and working in groups, she can make presentations on issues related to technology fluently and her thinking has become clearer.

“I really want to make a device to measure the indoor air quality by myself. Then I’ll try to figure out measures to make the environment cleaner,” she told the Vietnam News Agency.

Talking about the project, Lê Duy Nhật, a student from School of Electronics and Telecommunications of HUST, who is also head of the technical team, said once joining the project, a student will be given a device that allows them to monitor the air quality at home or in their surrounding environment.

This device is capable of measuring air pollution density PM1, PM2.5, PM10 as well as temperature, humidity in the air and sends periodic data to the server via the Internet.

“The cheerful and attentive faces of students at primary, secondary or high schools where the project has been carried out is the driving force for our group to overcome difficulties and be more enthusiastic in guiding the students to do scientific research,” Nhật said.

Through the project, students can apply the knowledge they learned at schools, learn how to analyse data and improve their programming, problem-solving and research skills.

Nhật said he expected the AirSENSE devices would be introduced to more students as time goes on.

Trần Thị Hồng Hiền, a project member, said to attract the participation of many students passionate about environmental science research, the project has organised several contests namely ‘2019 Technical design contest for air environment’ and ‘2020 Technical design contest on smart solutions for environment’.

“The contests aimed to create a healthy, useful and intellectual competition. They offered an opportunity for students aged 13-15 to exchange and turn their ideas into useful products with creativity,” she said.

Explore beautiful Loc Yen Ancient village

Lộc Yên ancient village located in Tiên Cảnh Commune in Quảng Nam Province’s Tiên Phước District is considered one of the four most beautiful ancient villages in Việt Nam.

The ancient village is home to eight 150 to 200-year-old houses. Their structures are typical of a  “nhà rường” house made of solid jackfruit wood pillars and beams.

Their cultural value is critically acclaimed and deemed worthy of preservation.

In 2017, Quảng Nam People’s Committee approved Tiên Phước‘s ecotourism development, with plain concrete roads now decorated with stone fences and colorful petite flowers.

Bòn bon fruit trees, which are native to Southeast Asia, can be seen in almost every garden here. The fruit turns ripe in the eighth lunar month with a translucent sweet flesh under its skin.

According to historic records, bòn bon used to be a royal offering. The tree reaches 10 to 20m in height. Its flesh contains polyphenols and anthocyanins, packed with health benefits and antioxidants.

Land encroachment affects Phu Quoc airport’s drainage system

Part of a runway in Phu Quoc International Airport in the southern province of Kien Giang has been encroached upon by construction activities, affecting the airport’s drainage system.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has asked authorities of Kien Giang to ensure Phu Quoc International Airport’s water drainage.

According to the CAAV, the airport’s water mainly flows into Cua Lap River. However, the river area where the water is discharged into is gradually being filled by nearby construction activities.

Many people have encroached upon the land in the north of the airport runway, filling in part of the drainage in the area. This has caused serious flooding following the heavy rain.

In August 2019, the airport experienced severe inundation as the result of the congestion of the drainage into Cua Lap River. This meant the airport had to cancel nearly 70 flights for one day.

To deal with the situation, the CAAV requested the Kien Giang People’s Committee to assist in the dredging of Cua Lap River area before the coming rainy season as well as closely tighten control over construction activities by the river.

The province has also urged to take drastic measures to deal with the encroachment in the airport runway area.

HCM City doctors warn against high UV index as hot weather set to peak

With the onset of a heat wave in HCM City, doctors are urging people to take preventive measures against heat-related health conditions.

The city has experienced temperatures of 34-37 degrees Celsius this month.

Lê Đình Quyết, deputy head of the weather forecast division at the Southern Hydrometeorology Station, told Lao Động (Labour) newspaper that the peak temperatures would be in April and May.

According to doctors, heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, exhaustion and cramps can strike anyone, but especially the elderly, young and obese.

Children’s Hospital 2 has admitted 3,600 children in the first two weeks of this month after nearly 4,000 ones last month.

The department’s doctors warned that the hot weather could send more and more children to hospital.

Other paediatric hospitals in the city have also received many patients this month.

Thống Nhất Hospital said the number of seniors hospitalised usually increases by 5-10 per cent every year in hot weather.

Dr Dương Anh Phượng of the City International Hospital told Việt Nam News that hot weather increases the risk of respiratory diseases because many people turn on fans at full speed and air-conditioners at low temperatures, causing the throat and nose to go dry. If the respiratory tract mucus dries up, bacteria and viruses find it easier to enter, leading to diseases, she explained.

Children below six often do not have a strong immune system, which increases their risk of respiratory diseases, she said.

People should protect their children carefully when taking them out in hot weather and take them for prompt medical treatment when they show signs of illness, she warned, adding they need to be fully immunized, especially for respiratory infections.

Thống Nhất Hospital doctors said people should eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, wear wide-brimmed hats and protective clothes, and use sunscreen when going out in hot weather.

According to the HCM City Hospital of Dermato Venereology, many patients have come with irritated, red or dry skin since hot weather increases water loss in the body.

So, people should drink at least 1.5-2 litres of water a day, and more if they play sports.

According to Weather Online, the UV index in HCM City in the next three days will be 10-11, meaning very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

According to World Health Organization norms, a UV index of 6-7 is “high”, 8-10 is “very high” and 11 and above is “extreme.”

UV radiation causes sunburn, cell damage in the skin and skin cancer.

Youth Union’s 90th founding anniversary celebrated in Laos

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU)’s chapter in Laos and the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos co-organised a meeting in Vientiane on March 26 to celebrate the union’s 90th founding anniversary (March 26, 1931 – March 26, 2021).

Speaking at the event, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the chapter Tran Dai Thang reviewed the glorious tradition of the HCYU since its inception, noting that with its pioneering role, the union has made important contributions to the cause of national construction and defence.

He affirmed that the chapter will continue to well perform its functions, duties and role in the coming time, contributing to building and defending the fatherland of Vietnam as well as constantly fostering the special friendship and solidarity between the youth unions and people of the two countries.

As part of activities to celebrate the HCYU’s 90th founding anniversary, in addition to art programmes and sports exchanges, an exhibition showcases hundreds of photos featuring the HCYU’s activities as well as the cooperation of the Vietnamese and Lao youth unions over the past time./.

Morocco, Vietnam enjoy sound friendship, cooperation: diplomat

Vietnam and Morocco have shared sound friendship and partnership in all fields over the past six decade, Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Jamale Chouaibi said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (March 27).

The commemoration is an opportunity to celebrate the friendship between the two countries’ people, to assess the progress of cooperation between our two countries and to reflect on the best ways to strengthen and broaden the scope of this cooperation, the diplomat said.

Noting that relations between Morocco and Vietnam existed long before the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961, he said the shared interest in strengthening collaboration between the two countries reflects their common desire to promote and consolidate South-South cooperation, and respond to global economic, political, social and environmental challenges, mainly through the sharing of experiences and good practices, and the promotion of knowledge and expertise among developing countries.

In terms of politics, Morocco and Vietnam share several fundamental principles relating to their external relations, and pledge to implement the principle of settling disputes through dialogue, negotiation and mediation.

The two countries’ political ties have been also strengthened via increasing the exchange of high-level delegations, at government and parliamentary level.

The visit by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to Morocco in March 2019, and the tour of Vietnam by President of the House of Representatives of Morocco Habib El Malki in December 2017 were milestones in fostering political and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Morocco and Vietnam have maintained regular consultations, through the Joint Committee mechanism. The two countries have so far held four joint committee meetings and five political consultation sessions. The 5th meeting of the Joint Committee and the 6th session of bilateral political consultations are scheduled for next November in Rabat, he added.

On the economic aspect, the positive development of bilateral cooperation is reflected by an increase in trade of nearly 50 percent during 2015 and 2019. Vietnam is currently Morocco’s second largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Bilateral economic relations have been strengthened by the signing of trade agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the ministries in charge of trade. A trade agreement was recently signed between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy of Morocco to promote cooperation in many areas of common interest, such as renewable energies, textiles, clothing, electronics and mechanical industries, chemical industry and fertiliser production.

A MoU between the two ministries in charge of trade was also signed recently on the establishment of a subcommittee on trade and industrial cooperation with the aim of promoting bilateral trade and supporting SMEs.

Meanwhile, he noted that the two sides are determined to strengthen and expand their bilateral partnership. This is evidenced by the growing number of agreements signed between the two countries, which cover a wide range of sectors such as trade and investment, energy and mining, banking, education and training, air services, as well as MoUs between several universities and cities of the two countries.

Although bilateral trade has yet to reach its potential and met both sides’ expectations, it is growing year by year, he said.

Morocco’s upcoming appointment an Honorary Consul in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to give new impetus to trade and business opportunities between the two countries, he said, adding that plans and visions both are looking towards in terms of renewable energies, digital transformation, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics, industrial and technological acceleration, with the aim of becoming leading emerging economies in their respective regions, should be opportunities for Morocco and Vietnam to share their experience, expertise and know-how through the establishment of joint sectoral committees in the areas.

A series of economic and cultural events will be held through 2021 with the participation of heads of ministries and departments as well as experts, scientists and researchers, he added.

He held that Vietnam is now one of the few countries to successfully achieve the dual targets of combating COVID-19 pandemic and boosting economic development.

He attributed the success to the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in applying measures to combat the pandemic and encouraging the involvement of all people in the fight./.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes

A view of the Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh Province, which is the first airport in Vietnam to be wholly developed by private investors. The Ministry of Transport in a dispatch recently sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc threw its weight behind a plan calling on private investors to develop an airport in the central province of Quang Tri – PHOTO: VNA

In the dispatch, the ministry proposed the prime minister task the provincial government of Quang Tri with preparing the airport project’s prefeasibility study to submit it to the authorities for consideration and approval.

Given the limited State budget, the investment and development of the Quang Tri airport project under the public-private partnership format will be on par with the Government’s plan to call on private investors to support the country’s transport infrastructure projects, the ministry explained.

The ministry added that the Quang Tri airport with total investment of some VND4.4 trillion is appropriate to be built under the PPP format and in line with the scale of investment stipulated in Article 4 of the PPP Investment Law.

Last month, the ministry had made a decision passing a detailed plan to build the Quang Tri airport.

According to the decision, the projected Quang Tri airport will be built on an area of over 316 hectares in Gio Linh District. It will be constructed under the 4C standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization and handle one million passengers and 3,100 tons of cargo per year.

Most recently, the central province wrote to the head of the Government seeking his approval to build the airport under the PPP format and authorize the province to implement the project.

The province added that major investors such as T&T Group and FLC have been keen on studying the development of the project under the format.

Hanoi to use QR Codes to boost tourism

About 38 tourist sites in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District has been given QR codes that permits users to quickly search for its information.

This is the idea of Bui The Cuong, party secretary of Tay Ho District, who was given Ly Tu Trong Award on the 90th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh Youth Union.

The project was started last year and divided into three phases. The first phase was carried out from March to July 2020. During this period, the member unions were asked to collect information to create a database about tourist sites in the district. In the second phase, articles about these sites have been posted on the website of Tay Ho District. The third phase is when the authorities manage, maintain and secure the QR codes and their information.

On August 1, 2020, the first QR code was put up at Tran Quoc Pagoda. As of now, up to 38 tourist sites have been given a QR code.

Visitors can easily access the information about the attraction by scanning the code with their mobile phones. The project was also praised by Hanoi Fatherland Front Committee.

Bui The Cuong has been a party secretary of Tay Ho District for four years. In 2020, Tay Ho Youth Union has collaborated with many parties to make 70 automatic hand sanitisers. The team was praised and given a certificate of merit by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Hanoi Youth Union.

“I feel proud and honoured. I’ll work harder so that there will be more practical and meaningful activities,” he said.

He went on to say that the union should be pro-active in leading young people into the new industrial revolution while preventing fake news and spreading goodness to the community.

Vietnamese official honoured with Italy’s Order of Merit

Phan Thanh Binh, head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Education, Youth and Adolescents and President of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, has been presented with Italy’s Order of Merit.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro handed over the honour to Binh at a ceremony held in Hanoi on March 29, with NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong in attendance.

Phong, who is also President of the Friendship Parliamentarians’ Organisation, said the Order is the Italian State’s recognition of efforts and contributions by Binh and other members of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

Binh and his colleagues have significantly contributed to promoting the legislative ties between Vietnam and Italy, thus enhancing the bilateral strategic partnership, especially in culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, she said./.

Vietnamese young laborers to receive digital skill training

The International Organization for Migration in Vietnam and Microsoft yesterday announced to embark on a project to provide training of digital skills to Vietnamese young laborers.

The project is a part of the Genuine Software Initiative of Microsoft which has been initiated from 2020 with the aim to deal with increasing challenges as the coronavirus pandemic has spurred a global economic crisis.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Chief of Mission Vietnam Park Mihyung emphasized that digital skills are necessary in modern society. If laborers can’t access opportunities to improve their skills, there will be a higher likelihood that they will be left behind. The coronavirus pandemic has shown the relevance of digital skills in the Covid-19 era.

Moreover, the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is being accelerated by the measures and solutions governments and organizations are adopting in their efforts to maintain business and operational continuity.

Phan Tu Quyen , Chief Marketing and Operations Officer at Microsoft Vietnam, said that the project will build an online digital study-based approach in a bid to create learning chance of basic digital skills and access for roughly 3,000 migrant laborers in industrial parks and export processing zones as well as graduates in the southern provinces of Binh Duong , Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam, Germany cooperate in new technology application

Germany’s Großmann Ingenieur Consult GmbH (GICON®) and the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) have identified cooperation sectors and forms, covering technologies, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on March 29.

Specifically, the two sides will cooperate in applying new technologies in hydro and electricity production, using renewable resources, firstly hydro production from offshore wind energy.

They will also join hands in training, exchange data and information, and use services and experts of each other within the framework of research studies and consultation service projects on energy management.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, held virtually, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu said the signing manifests the enhanced cooperation between the two countries despite COVID-19.

Highlighting the bilateral trade of over 13.2 billion EUR (15.5 billion USD) last year, the ambassador said collaboration in energy, particularly new and renewable energy, has remained a priority in the bilateral ties over the past decade.

Many German companies have engaged in energy transformation in Vietnam, notably solar, wind and biomass energy, as well as smart grid development, according to the diplomat.

The Vietnamese Government has given the high priority to efforts in energy development, towards sustainability, aiming to ensure national energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction, he affirmed.

For his part, Prof., Dr. Jochen Großmann, CEO of GICON®, expressed his delight at the group’s contributions to the Vietnam-Germany relationship, and his belief that the two sides will practically contribute to creating new energy, improving the environment and combating climate change.

He also urged the two sides to quickly set up a working group to materialise the MoU./.

National Wage Council established

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently signed a decision on the establishment of the National Wage Council.

Under Decision No 449/QD-TTg, the council will be headed by Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh.

The three Vice Chairpersons are Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hoang Quang Phong, and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Van Thinh.

Council members include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the VGCL and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, along with experts and scientists.

The Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has been authorised by the PM to appoint and dismiss council members.

The council’s Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, and members will have a working term of no more than five years.

The council is tasked with studying, collecting information, and analysing the wage situation, the minimum living standards of workers, the production and business of enterprises and employment, and other factors that will be used to determine the minimum wage.

It will make reports on the minimum wage of workers and organise annual negotiations to propose Government plans adjusting region-based minimum wages and certain wage policies in line with the Labour Code./.

Voters highly value National Assembly’s 14th tenure

The 14th National Assembly was a tenure of innovation with a bold imprint that was highly valued by voters nationwide. Throughout the term it made a significant mark in terms of legislation, supreme supervision, and decision-making on critical matters facing Vietnam, largely contributing to the renewal process and increasing the country’s position in the international arena.

In its monitoring activities, the 14th tenure of the National Assembly achieved many important results that were recognized by the people and voters throughout the country. It focused on many pressing issues, from socio-economic matters and the State budget to culture, education, and science and technology.

But this was also the term that saw the most deputies dismissed. Voters have expressed a wish that the upcoming National Assembly election will select qualified and talented people that represent the will and aspirations of the people.

Voters also expect that anti-corruption efforts will be further strengthened. Longstanding issues regarding land and complaints that cause frustration in some localities also need to be resolved./.

Fourth working day of 14th National Assembly’s 11th session

The 14th National Assembly continued its 11th session with the fourth working day in Hanoi on March 29, focusing on the reports on performance in the 2016-2021 term of the State President and the Government.

The session, chaired by NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu, was broadcast live by Radio The Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam Television and the NA’s television channel.

During the discussion process, 41 deputies raised opinions and most of them highly agreed with the reports’ contents.

Regarding the Government’s performance report, deputies appreciated the achievements gained during the 2016-2021 tenure of the Government and the Prime Minister, affirming that under the leadership of the Party and the supervision of the National Assembly, the innovation, dynamism and creativeness in direction and administration of the Government and the Prime Minister have contributed greatly to the country’s socio-economic development attainments.

Lawmakers also agreed with contents of the State President’s report, affirming that the State President has fulfilled his missions and effectively exercised his power as regulated by the Constitution and fulfill all tasks assigned by the Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat, thus contributing to, together with the whole Party, people and army, successfully implementing the 12th National Party Congress’s Resolution, the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, and the 14th National Assembly’s resolutions.

They lauded efforts, responsibility and achievements made by the President, the Government and the Prime Minister in the tenure.

Late on the afternoon, NA deputies were given the insignia for the NA’s operations.

On March 30, the legislature will discuss reports on performance in the 2016-2021 tenure of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuracy.

Then the NA Standing Committee will submit to the National Assembly the dismissal of the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council, which will be then discussed by lawmakers in groups.

On the afternoon, deputies are expected to vote for the approval of the Law on Drug Prevention and Control (revised), and cast ballots on the dismissal of the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council. The NA Standing Committee will then submit a list of nominees for the legislature to elect the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council./.

Insignia for NA operations presented to 14th NA’s deputies

Deputies of the 14th National Assembly were given with the insignia for operations of the National Assembly on March 29 during the 11th session – the last of the 14th tenure.

Speaking at the event, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that the award aims at honouring and acknowledging active and effective contributions of 472 deputies to the legislative body’s activities in this tenure and the following ones.

According to her, the 14th National Assembly is a successful tenure with many outstanding imprints and achievements, demonstrating the great national solidarity.

She expressed her hope that in any positions, the deputies will continue promoting the glorious tradition and solidarity of the legislature and the nation to contribute more to the country.

Deputies appreciate efforts, responsibility of State President, Government

National Assembly deputies have acknowledged and appreciated efforts, responsibility, achievements and imprints of the State President, the Government and the Prime Minister in the 2016-2021 tenure.

The NA devoted the whole day discussing the State President and Government’s performance reports in the tenure during the 14th legislature’s 11th session on March 29.

According to deputies, the success of the term is the combined result of the path of solidarity and integrity led by the General Secretary and State President, the result of the ruling standards of the National Assembly and the Government’s decisive and sincere actions, thus helping inspire people and businesses’ confidence and encourage them to join hands in making the country to overcome difficulties, disasters and diseases, and quickly adapt to global fluctuations.

They emphasised the importance of harmonious coordination between the Party Central Committee, the Party General Secretary and State President, the National Assembly, the Government, and the high consensus of the entire political system, people from all walks of life and the business community.

Many lawmakers said that there remain shortcomings and some cases that have not been fully solved, thus causing public concerns, including a lot of complaints and denunciations, especially those related to land issues.

Many of them proposed the Government pay more attention to the education and dissemination of laws, the assessment of draft laws and legal documents, and maintain the discipline of law making and enforcement.

The Government should continue stepping up administrative reform and cut down on administrative procedures that cause troubles for businesses and citizens, facilitate corruption.

It is also important to better citizen reception, solve voters’ petitions and complaints and denunciations, and improve the execution of administrative judgments so as to ensure the rights and interests of people, businesses and the State, they stated.

Deputies also suggested the State President and Government direct the implementation of the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution, continue concretising the 2013 Constitution, effectively carry out law and judicial reform strategies, perfect the organisation of State administrative offices, and increase the quality of officials and public servants.

Legislators comment on Gov’t performance over last five years

Deputies of the 14th National Assembly (NA) discussed the Government’s report on its performance in the 2016-2021 tenure on March 29 as part of their ongoing 11th session.

Legislators held that digital transformation in the State apparatus will pave the way for the transition from a managing Government to a serving Government, thus creating a breakthrough in management.

Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy from Hanoi, said the 2016-2021 tenure was successful for Vietnam in all regards, with good GDP growth, a stable macro-economy, improved living conditions, and rising national economic scale, becoming one of the 40 largest economies in the world.

The national credit rating stands at “BB” with a stable outlook, and the value of the national brand rose 29 percent, among the highest increases in the world, he noted, adding that Vietnam is also considered a safe and attractive destination by international investors.

The success of the Government in controlling bad debts during the tenure provided favourable conditions for the Government in the next tenure to increase investment resources. He underlined that the trade balance is now in surplus to the tune of nearly 20 billion USD, while foreign currency reserves have risen to 100 billion USD, demonstrating the country’s success in international economic integration.

Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong from the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, meanwhile, pointed to shortcomings in the tenure, including a number of poor-quality bills submitted to the National Assembly.

In the next tenure, Nhuong suggested that the Government focus more on popularising laws and ensuring discipline in law building and enforcement, while strengthening inspections over the implementation of laws.

The Government should also continue speeding up administrative reforms and cut procedures that cause confusion among businesses and people or contain loopholes that can be abused for corruption.

He also said it should strengthen environmental protection, quickly implement a project on planting 1 billion trees, and exercise care about building sustainable urban areas along the banks of the Red River and the construction of flood drainage areas.

It is necessary to pay greater attention to the development of the agricultural sector to make the country a world power in the field, he said.

The deputy also proposed that the Government and the Prime Minister further foster the relationship with the NA in launching, reviewing, adjusting, and deciding on policies and controlling the enforcement of laws.

Hanoi’s police detain man for anti-State propaganda

Hanoi’s police have taken a man into custody as they investigate allegations of “making, storing, distributing, or disseminating information, documents, and items against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” under Article 117 of the 2015 Penal Code.

The Investigation Security Agency under the municipal Department of Public Security said on March 29 that they arrested Le Trong Hung, born in 1979 and living in Thanh Luong ward in the capital’s Hai Ba Trung district.

The Hanoi People’s Procuracy on March 27 approved the Investigation Security Agency’s decision to detain Hung and search his home.

Investigations are underway in line with regulations, the police said./.

Primary student dies after drinking liquid rat bait

An eight-year-old boy died in Dong Nai Province, while another, aged 7, is being treated at the Dong Nai Children’s Hospital after drinking liquid rat bait which resembles a soft drink, the hospital said on March 29.

Earlier at 9.00 p.m. on March 27, the hospital admitted the two child patients, who were identified as L.H.P and V.N.D.Q, residing in Bien Hoa City, the local media reported.

While being admitted to the hospital, P. went into a coma and convulsion and suffered lower blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia. Despite doctors’ treatment efforts, the patient was reported dead some hours later.

Meanwhile, Q. suffered from a headache and vomiting, so he was transferred to the Department of Neurological Hematology. He is still being monitored.

On March 27, the two primary students collected a tube of pink water and drank it as they thought that it was a soft drink, which led to the poisoning, said Q.

Some doctors at the Dong Nai Children’s Hospital said that the tube of pink water without any label was China’s liquid rat bait that was banned for use.

Quang Tri to kick off sea-island tourism programme in April

As local tourism starts to get busier thanks to COVID-19 being largely brought under control and warmer temperatures arriving, the central province of Quang Tri is planning to begin its season of sea-island tourism with a festival starting on April 30.

Taking place at the Cua Viet tourism site and Gio Hai Beach, the six-day festival will feature myriad enticing activities, including an arts programme, a conference on tourism cooperation promotion, a display of local specialties, and a food fair.

Local tourist destinations welcomed higher numbers of visitors in the closing days of March, with motorboats beginning to ferry passengers to Con Co Island and the food street on Cua Viet Beach in Gio Linh district opening to visitors.

Authorities are now rushing to improve related infrastructure and environmental sanitation standards, as well as promote local tourist destinations.

Most recently, the provincial People’s Committee directed the development of transport infrastructure for tourism activities at Ba Voi Waterfall in Dak Rong district and Ta Puong Waterfall in Huong Hoa district. People must currently walk along forest trails and cross streams to reach the two destinations./.

Professional football contracts up for grabs at tournament

V.League 1 leaders Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) have worked with Red Bull to launch a recruitment tournament to give youngsters the chance to experience professional football training.

People from 15 to 20 years old are eligible to take part in the programme in five cities and provinces of Tiền Giang, Cần Thơ, An Giang, Pleiku and Bình Thuận from April.

Candidates will be divided into teams to compete in 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 three-minute matches. The four best players from each province or city will be shortlisted for the final round in HCM City in June.

The final will see the 20 selected players competing in teams of five. HAGL will select up to four winners from those 20.

The winners will have the chance to participate in four months of training with the club’s young teams at same ages.

They will also enjoy a VNĐ20 million (US$870) scholarship from Red Bull.

Successful trainees will have chance to sign a contract with HAGL to become professional footballers.

“Young people’s path to their dreams will always be full of obstacles. Red Bull hopes to empower them with positive energy to evoke the inner strength within each young talent and cultivate their resilience, both physically and mentally,” said Nguyễn Thanh Huân, country director of TCPVN, owner of Red Bull, the leading energy drink brand from Thailand.

“We believe that our programme will give them confidence and courage to overcome any challenges they might encounter in their pursuit of professional football.”

Nguyễn Tấn Anh, managing director of HAGL FC, stated: “The potential, capability, and perseverance of young Vietnamese football players, especially those aged 15-20, are tremendous. Many talented football players are waiting for a chance to receive the necessary attention to shine. Through this recruitment tournament, we hope to discover the most promising faces and let them become part of our club’s talent pool.”

HAGL have nurtured several of the national team’s top players in recent years.

Their successful players include strikers Nguyễn Công Phượng and Nguyễn Văn Toàn, and midfielders Lương Xuân Trường and Nguyễn Tuấn Anh who contributed greatly to SEA Games title in 2019 and the AFF Cup trophy in 2018.

India, Vietnam see increase in diabetes cases

India and Việt Nam are experiencing an increase in diabetes cases, with a doubling of the number of cases every 10 years, health experts said at a webinar on “India- Việt Nam Thematic Partnership on Diabetes” held on Saturday.

Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Dung, president of HCM City Medical Association, said: “In Việt Nam, 3.5 million people with diabetes were reported in 2015 by the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, and this number is forecasted to increase to 6.1 million by 2040.”

According to a Health Ministry 2015 survey, the prevalence of diabetes in the 50-69 age group in Việt Nam was 7.7 per cent and was becoming younger.

“Only 31.1 per cent of diabetic patients are diagnosed. Most of them go to the hospital in the late stage. So, early detection helps patients save treatment costs and minimize complications, and we know that complications from diabetes are often very serious and most of the cost of treatment is to treat complications,” Dung said.

Dr Mai Trọng Trí of the endocrinology department at People’s Hospital 115 said: “Diabetic foot syndrome prevalence in Việt Nam is common and increasing.”

Screening is very important to detect the disease early, Trí said, adding: “Multidisciplinary approaches in treatment of the syndrome are done to improve patient’s outcome.”

Three-minute foot exams for diabetic patients in primary and diabetic care clinics in rural regions in Việt Nam have been provided, he added.

Dr Nguyễn Thy Khuê, vice president of HCMC Medical Association and president of Diabetes Association, said that most of the latest medicines to treat diabetes are available in the country and covered by health insurance.

In the country’s rural areas, access to this medicine is limited but those with sufficient financial resources can go to large cities such as Hà Nội and HCM City for treatment, Khuê said.

The cost for diabetes treatment, especially complications such as diabetic foot syndrome, is very high, she added.

One of the most effective treatments is to change lifestyle and exercise, she said.

In the early stages, patients only need to eat the right way and do exercise, she added.

Ambassador of India to Vietnam H.E. Pranay Verma said that India is among the top 10 countries with the highest diabetes incidences in the world, with 77 million patients. One in six people suffers from diabetes.

Indian and Vietnamese doctors are collaborating in treatment, especially for diabetes, Verma said.

Indian doctors said that awareness among the general population is crucial. All diabetics need risk assessment and evaluation for liver involvement. Diabetes as well as liver disease is a “ticking bomb”.

Professor Jayanta Panda of the Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College said that the burden of diabetes in the young is significant as over 40 per cent of Indian population is under 29 years old.

Type 1 diabetes was previously thought to be only a form of diabetes in youth, but type 2 diabetes increasingly has been reported among youth, Panda said.

The webinar was held by the Consulate General of India in HCM City and the HCM City Medical Association to share information and experiences among colleagues in Việt Nam and India.

It featured presentations about the early onset of Type 2 Diabetes, fatty liver disease in diabetic patients, risk factors and clinical profiles of Asian diabetic patients with a focus on the similarities between Vietnamese and Indians, and a diabetic foot programme which reflects the endeavours of specialists in Việt Nam to coordinate multidisciplinary action to care for this common complication and improve its prognosis.

The Consulate General of India said this was the first time the Consulate had organised a medical webinar between doctors from India and Việt Nam. More webinars are planned on kidney, heart, liver, brain, spine and other medical subjects.

Six more petrol stations in HCMC, Long An under inspection

The Dong Nai police have cordoned off and inspected six more petrol stations in HCMC and Long An for their alleged involvement in a 2.7-million-liter poor-quality fuel trading ring and detained two suspects.

The provincial police said on March 29 that the suspects were Le Hung Phong and Do Van Ba, who live in HCMC, the local media reported.

On March 28, the Dong Nai police teamed up with the Criminal Police Department, the HCMC and Long An police and the Ministry of Public Security’s officers to raid six more petrol stations owned by Huynh Khang Company Ltd. in HCMC’s Binh Chanh District and Binh Long Petrol Private Company in Long An Province’s Ben Luc District.

The police collected documents and bills associated with the ring of smuggling, producing and trading sub-standard fuels, which was co-led by Phan Thanh Huu, residing in HCMC, aged 64. In the massive poor-quality fuel ring, Phong and Ba were identified as managers of the two firms.

Up to now, the investigators of the Dong Nai Police Department have launched criminal proceedings against 41 individuals related to the ring, confiscated 10 boats, six tank trucks, 2.7 million liters of petrol, VND120 billion in cash and numerous exhibits.

Over 68,000 contestants take competency assessment examination (first phase)

More than 68,000 contestants participated in the first phase of the competency assessment examination, organised by the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) at seven venues in HCM City, Da Nang and the provinces of Ben Tre, An Giang, Khanh Hoa, Bac Lieu and Dak Lak, on March 28.

Director of the Centre for Educational Testing and Quality Assessment at the VNUHCM, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh, said the proportion of contestants sitting the exam reached nearly 98% of the total registration, adding the exam was held in a safe and effective manner with synchronous COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

According to him, the results of the exam (phase 1) will be announced in a week’s time. Students who did not take the exam’s first phase on March 28 can register for the second phase from May 4 to June 4, which will be organised in HCM City, Da Nang, An Giang Province and Khanh Hoa Province one week after the conclusion of the 2021 National High School Graduation Exam.

Since its debut in 2018, the VNUHCM’s competency assessment examinations have received much positive feedback and trust from society. In addition to the VNUHCM’s member universities, the number of universities and colleges outside the VNUHCM system using the results of the exams for their admission has increased nearly three-fold, from 24 to more than 70 in 2021.

Notably, the enrollment quota of the VNUHCM’s member universities based on the competency assessment examinations’ results has recorded a surge in 2021, with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities admitting a maximum of 50% of its total enrollment quota and the University of Technology admitting 70% of its total quota.

First heat wave to hit Hanoi this week

Temperature would be particularly high in the capital city of Hanoi, with approximately 38 degrees Celsius on April 2.

Northern localities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, will endure their first major hot spell of the 2021 summer with temperatures in some places reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

The blazingly-hot temperatures will last from March 30 until April 2, the NCHMF said, adding that temperatures would range from between 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Temperature would be particularly high in the capital city of Hanoi, with approximately 38 degrees Celsius on April 2.

From the beginning of this week, the scorching heat would be felt in the northwestern region and Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces in north central Vietnam, as well as a large area stretching from the central city Danang to the southern province of Khanh Hoa, with temperatures reaching 35-38 degrees Celsius at noon.

As the searing heat is accompanied by increased levels of UV rays, local people are recommended to put on sunglasses, masks, and gloves in an effort to protect their skin whilst commuting.

People are cautioned to prevent likely fire in residential areas as well as wildfire and are advised to avoid outdoor activities from 11 am to 4 pm, drink enough water and proper diet to enhance the immune system.

This summer, some parts across Vietnam are predicted to see the mercury climbing up to the unbelievable 39-42 degrees Celsius, and the temperatures at some points may hit record highs, the NCHMF said.

Meanwhile, the South of Vietnam is expected to suffer from suffocating hot weather for many days. Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) will see a UV index reading of 11 or more, posing high risk of skin damage, including skin cancer, for people exposed under the sun for a long time.

The city may experience sweltering temperatures averaging 35-38 degrees in the dry season, which is 0.5 to 1 degree higher than the average temperature many years before, causing the possibility of low rainfall in the mid-May.

German historian: My Lai massacre a terrible war crime

The My Lai massacre was a terrible war crime in its dimensions but it was not an isolated incident, German historian Bernd Greiner from Hamburg was quoted as saying by the German-based public-broadcasting radio station Deutschlandfunk.

The radio station broadcast a programme on the My Lai massacre on March 28, giving the audiences detailed information on the wartime crime committed by the US army in Vietnam in March 1968.

Deutschlandfunk recalled that by the end of 1965, about 100,000 US soldiers were stationed in South Vietnam, and the number even reached half a million at certain times in 1968. However, the US troops could not defeat the resistance war of the Vietnamese people.

On March 16, 1968, a unit of US soldiers led by 24-year-old Lieutenant William Calley raided My Lai hamlet of Son My village in the central province of Quang Ngai, where they shot at anything that moved, be they men or women, the elderly or children. As many as 504 unarmed civilians were killed.

On March 29, 1971, Calley was convicted by a US military court for the willful homicide of 22 civilians and attempted murder of a two-year-old child and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was the only one convicted in the case.

However, Calley served only three days of his sentence in jail, then President Richard Nixon personally ordered him to be released and placed under house arrest. Nixon finally pardoned Calley in 1974.

Bernd Greiner said there were dozens of other massacres, not necessarily on the scale of My Lai, but it will never be possible to determine exactly how many victims were actually injured or killed as a result of these attacks.

Vietnam records three imported COVID-19 cases

Three imported cases of COVID-19 were detected in the past 12 hours to 6pm March 29, who were put into quarantine after entry, according to the Health Ministry.

Of the new patients, two are Vietnamese women entering through the Moc Bai international border gate and are now being treated at the General Hospital of Tay Ninh province, and the remainder is a 30-year-old Indian expert. She is now being quarantined and treated at the Cu Chi Hospital for COVID-19 treatment in Ho Chi Minh City.

The new cases brought the national count to 2,594.

A total of 2,308 COVID-19 patients have been given the all clear by now.

Among those still under treatment, 30 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 38 twice and 57 thrice.

A total of 44,833 people are being quarantined nationwide, with 483 at hospitals, 18,412 at concentrated facilities and 25,938 at their accommodations.

The Health Ministry advised people to remain proactive in pandemic prevention and control by continuing to wear face masks when going out, disinfecting frequently, maintaining a safe distance, refraining from mass gatherings, and making medical declarations./.

Embassy keeps close watch on situation in northern Mozambique: ambassador

The Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique has always kept a close watch on the situation relating to terrorist attacks in northern Mozambique, and given advice to Vietnamese citizens in the affected areas.

Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang affirmed that no Vietnamese citizens have their life or health harmed by terrorist attacks and extreme violence in northern Mozambique.

The ambassador made the remarks in the context of recent attacks on foreigners in Palma town in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has triggered international concern.

According to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), the conflict, which intensified on March 26, has left dozens dead while about 60 people are believed to be still missing after a group of terrorists stormed into the town.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa said many South Africans have been affected by these attacks, and a South African man is among the dead.

The department said South Africa is now working with the local authorities on verifications through its mission in Maputo, as well as providing the necessary consular services.

“South Africa stands ready to work with the government of Mozambique in pursuit of lasting peace and stability,” it said./.

Construction trucks blamed for traffic hazards in Ha Dong

Many residents in Hanoi’s Ha Dong District are complaining about the streets being polluted by overloaded constructions trucks.

According to the people living along Nguyen Thanh Binh Street, they have seen a large number of trucks carrying mud and soil travel even during banned hours. Those trucks were always overloaded and weren’t covered. As the result, waste and construction materials fell onto the streets. When it rains, the 300-metre section became muddy because of all the waste materials.

A sign has already been put up on Nguyen Thanh Binh, banning trucks that weigh over 1.5 tonnes from operating from 6 am to 9 pm. However, it is largely ignored.

Most of those trucks pick up waste materials from a construction site near La Khe Bridge. The overloaded trucks operating on the streets, especially during rush hours, have raised public concerns about polluted streets and traffic hazards.

“My daughter often goes home on this street and I’m scared. The sand fell down from the uncovered truck and hurt my eyes,” said a motorbike driver. “Urbanisation shouldn’t be allowed to affect daily lives like this. I wonder where the police are.”

Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway proposed to start construction in 2022

The 156km-long Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway, which would provide a transport axis for the Mekong Delta, is expected to kick-off construction next year to be completed by 2025.

The My Thuan Project Management Unit has just proposed the Ministry of Transport to appraise the pre-feasibility study of the Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway project.

Accordingly, the 156km expressway will begin at the Cha Va intersection in Binh Minh town, Vinh Long province, about 4.5km downstream from Can Tho Bridge, and will end at the intersection of Tac Van route, bypassing National Highway 1 through Ca Mau city. The route will travel through six localities in the Mekong Delta including Vinh Long, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau, with Soc Trang and Bac Lieu accommodating the longest road stretches of 64.56km and 51.89km.

The construction will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will include a two-lane road surface of 13.75m in width, accommodating travelling speeds of up to 80kmh, as well as a 5m-wide local road.

Once reaching completion, the route will be upgraded to four lanes with 24.75m in total width. Particularly, the 30.9km section crossing with the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Expressway will be built with a scale of six lanes, 32.25m wide with a designed speed of 100kmh.

According to the My Thuan Project Management Unit, the Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway project is divided into two component projects. The first one from Can Tho to Bac Lieu will use approximately VND37.611 trillion ($1,629 billion) of public capital from the medium-term public investment plan for 2021-2025.

The second one will go from Bac Lieu to Ca Mau under the management of Ca Mau People’s Committee. It will have an investment capital of around VND64 trillion ($2,774 billion) and will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) format as directed by the prime minister in August 2020.

The Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway will provide an axis for the Mekong Delta, connecting the region’s economic centre with the southernmost tip of the country and completing the regional road network and reducing the load on National Highway 1, serving as a gateway to major urban centres.

Campaign launched in HCMC to promote public exercise among public

A campaign titled “All people exercise following great Uncle Ho’s example” was launched for the 2021-2030 period in Ho Chi Minh City on March 28 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the city’s municipal People’s Committee, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

In recent years, the campaign has been well implemented in the city, with the organisation of various activities, including events to prevent drowning among children, boat races, bicycling, and summer sporting events in rural areas.

In the 2021-2030 period, the organiser targeted to promote the practice of regular exercise and sport activities at the grass roots level, State-run agencies, schools, businesses and social organisations.

The campaign also looked to attract further participation among schoolchildren, elders, people with disabilities, public servants, and workers.

At the launching ceremony, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented certificates of merit to collectives and individuals who have made significant contributions to the programme on safe swimming and drowning prevention for children in the 2016-2020 period.

Outstanding contributors of the campaign “All people take exercises following great Uncle Ho’s example” from 2012-2020 also received accolades from the Ho Chi Minh Municipal People’s Committee.

The Olympic Run Day 2021 also took place on the same day, attracting around 5,000 participants across the city.

Participants competed in the 5km route, running through famous sites like the headquarters of the People’s Committee, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office.

Cong Phuong inspires HAGL towards fabulous win against HCM City

Popular striker Nguyen Cong Phuong was on target after coming off the bench to steer Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) to a fantastic 3-0 home victory over Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City in V.League 1 on March 28.

Alexandre Polking’s side travelled to Pleiku Stadium with many psychological impacts. They conceded three unanswered goals against Hanoi FC in the previous round, while one of their key players, Ngo Hoang Thinh, has been suspended for nine months as a punishment for his brutal tackle on Hanoi’s Do Hung Dung. In addition, Polking’s tactic of taking attack to offset defence is showing problems as no HCM City player has scored twice or above since the beginning of the season, making them the third worst attacking lineup in V.League 1 (three goals), only above bottom-placed Hong Linh Ha Tinh and city rivals Saigon FC (two goals).

Meanwhile, HAGL were in good mood after an impressive run of three wins and one draw after their first five clashes, which placed them on top of the table with one point clear.

Kiatisuk’s side utilised their home-field and psychological advantage to produce an overwhelming start against the southern guests on Sunday. They threated to score in the 18th minute as forward Nguyen Van Toan burst down the right flank before passing the ball to unmarked Brandao in the penalty area; however, the foreigner wasted this golden chance by rifling a shot at the crossbar.

With the stalemate lasting through two thirds of the first half, Cong Phuong again proved himself to be a factor that always knows how to make the difference. Only three minutes after appearing on the field, the No. 10 beat goalkeeper Thanh Thang with a left-footed curler to the far bottom left corner to open the scoring for Kiatisuk’s side.

It was Phuong’s second goal in this year’s season and also the second consecutive match he found the back of the net.

Inspired by the opener, HAGL continued to dominate the game in the second half and added two more goals in the last 15 minutes.

In the 76th minute, HCM City’s defensive line rose too high, leaving a large blank in the back yard. Brandao chipped a delightful through ball to forward-bursting Van Toan, who dribbled the ball past keeper Thanh Thang before slotting it into the empty net to double the hosts’ advantage.

Six minutes later, HAGL’s Tran Minh Vuong was fouled by Pham Hoang Lam in the box. The No. 8 midfielder successfully converted the resulting penalty to seal a 3-0 win for Kiatisuk’s side, helping them sit firmly on top of the table with 13 points.

On the same day, Quang Ninh Coal trounced Hai Phong FC 2-0 away to move within one point off the leaders, while Viettel FC claimed third place with a 1-0 away win against Song Lam Nghe An.

Saigon FC had a sad trip to Nam Dinh FC as they conceded three straight goals to the northern side.

Three remaining clashes of Matchweek 6 will take place later today, with Thanh Hoa FC, Topenland Binh Dinh and Hanoi FC set to host SHB Da Nang, Becamex Binh Duong and Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC, respectively.

The “Parallel World” exhibition to open in Hanoi

The exhibition showcases innocent and beautiful world of children with autism in Hanoi.

The art Exhibition by Autistic Artists is a non-profit art display held from March 28 to April 4 at Goethe Institute Hanoi, 56 -58 -60 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, by Tòhe Social Enterprise.

The exhibition aims to provide the public with new perspectives on the innocent world of children with autism that exists parallel to our own. In some aspect, the demeanor of the autistic child unintentionally creates a barrier dividing the two worlds.

“Each and every one of us has our own passion, hobbies, our own characteristics. These differences might be the only similarities that we share.

That means no matter who we are, we are equal, all have the right to make friends, have fun, experience new aspects of life and be loved.

Until this moment, after our long journey with thousands of youngsters, we still keep this belief,” the exhibition organizers stated.

“Parallel World” is the 7th exhibition from Tòhe, with the aim to showcase the works of our young artists, along with the chance to talk to them, to know them better, an above all of that, is the purpose of breaking the barrier between the Parallel Worlds.

The art exhibition displays six sets of works by children with autism in Tòhe Fun’s special art class, including Lee Nguyen Sae Hae, Pham Duc Viet, Pham Khoi Nguyen, Nguyen Nhat Tien, Van Minh Duc, Dinh Dang Long.

The exhibition opens for free of charge, opening hours: 9am to 7pm daily.

As a social department of Tòhe Social Enterprise (founded in 2006) Tòhe Fun creates artistic free playground for handicapped children, aiming at nurturing their confidence, and discovering their creativity.

Tòhe Fun’s participants are handicapped children whose age ranges from five to 10 years old with specific backgrounds such as children from orphans, poor families or ethnic groups; Disabled children and autists (in all age groups).

Dong Nai Province arrests two people involved in fake fuel ring

According to Sai Gon Giai Phong (SGGP) Newspaper, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province attested two more people involved in a large-scale fake gasonline production and distribution ring.

Accordingly, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province examined the residing place of arrestee Le Hung Phong, at 12, 3A Street, Vinh Loc Residential Area, Binh Hung Hoa B Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City and arrestee Do Van Ba, who lives at 43/8, Street No.27, Ward 6, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Previously, on March 28, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province in collaboration with the Crime Investigation Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security and the Department of Public Security of Long An Province raided and examined six petroleum stations and the head office of Huynh Khang Company at A7/15K, Tran Dai Nghia Street, Tan Kien Ward, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Long Private Enterprise at 622, Binh Long Street, Tan Quy Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Through searching, the police uncovered a fake gasoline production ring led by Phan Thanh Huu, collected and sealed off many documents related to the fake fuel ring and taken samples for testing.

Currently, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province continues to widen the investigation.

HCMC to grant highest level of empowerment to Thu Duc City

While waiting for approval of special mechanisms for the development, the municipal authorities will hand over the highest authority to Thu Duc City to solve its issues and problems promptly, said Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, Nguyen Thanh Phong at a working session to approve the implementation of the new city’s key tasks in 2021 on March 27.

The city’s leader allowed the Thu Duc City People’s Committee to use the proceeds from public property auctions to invest in its infrastructure investment.

Thu Duc City’s most important project is the establishment of the Department of Science & Technology and a digital transformation working team, he added.

Regarding to the new city’s proposal on the State budget collection target of over VND8, 300 billion (US$358.2 million), chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said that Thu Duc has enough capacity to reach more than VND10,000 billion (US$431.6 million) and should make every effort to overcome the District 1’s achievement of VND19,000 (US$820 million).

About the models of growth and development, he made a suggestion on service and industry. The High Tech Park, Thu Duc City-Quang Trung Software Park and Institute for Innovation and Creativity will be set to become the “Silicon Valley”in Vietnam.

In addition, the chairman stressed that Thu Duc City must creat good conditions for businesses’ development and investment, and driving force for scientists to study and commercialize their reseach works.

He asked the new city to cooperate with relevant deparrtments to solve existing problems, such as issues of the Thu Thiem new urban area and the High Tech Park; complete its detailed planning in the third quarter; improve administrative procedures; enhance quality of life and living standards of residents.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the People’s Committee of Thu Duc City Hoang Tung said that the city has set 26 economic growth goals, including gaining the State budget collection target of over VND8, 300 billion, completing 15 projects and kicking off 16 others.

He has proposed the HCMC government to allow the Thu Duc to organize auctions of public property auctions, including 29 locations covering on an total area of 21,520 square meters, and use an estimanted proceeds of about VND1, 000 billion (US$43.1 million) from the sales and auctions to invest in infrastructures, implement compensation and site clearance, create land resources to call for investment.

Sercreaty of the Party Committee of Thu Duc City, Nguyen Van Hieu noted that the new city has been especially interested in planning, management of planning, developing infrastructure and caring for residents.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes

Minh Thu

When Estonian woman Liisimari Randjarv received an áo dài (traditional long robe) as a gift from her Vietnamese boyfriend’s mother, she had a strange feeling.

She hadn’t just fallen in love with a Vietnamese man, but also the national dress of Việt Nam.

Since then, she has tried her best to create beautiful silk cloth to make áo dài and introduce the dress to people in her country.

Love for áo dài begins

Randjarv was born in 1990 in Estonia and worked as an artist/designer in Europe. She came to Việt Nam for the first time in 2012 as an exchange student in Hong Kong University where she met Trần Ngọc, a student from Việt Nam, who became her husband later.

“We have mostly been in a long-distance relationship due to our origin and school studies. It’s definitely a challenge to be in a long-distance relationship with someone who’s from another race/culture but differently an enriching road to take,” she said.

She visited his family at Christmas and then went back to Hong Kong to finish her studies. Later in 2014, she got her first áo dài as a present from her mother-in-law.

“It was made from beautiful red silk, I instantly fell in love wearing áo dài . It felt like it was one of the most beautiful dress I had ever worn,” she said.

Her first impression was that áo dài is so smooth and flowy. It’s curvy in the right places and flowy in others. It really enhances a woman’s beauty and is usually made of very smooth fabric, like silk.

“I really love silk and it’s a beautiful feeling to wear áo dài made of Vietnamese silk. Wearing the dress makes me feel closer to the culture of my husband’s country. It is very special. I understand that it’s traditional clothes but widely used in modern society as well,” she said.

After finishing her master’s degree studies, she lived for three years in HCM City and focused on her passion for art. She also developed her own fashion brand – Liisi Silk, focusing on hand-painted silk áo dài and silk scarves.

“We also use good quality mixed silk on our other line, where I print my original artworks on silk. Liisi Silk brand is focused on elegance and traditions. I like silk, it’s a valuable traditional material and I love wearing áo dài ,” she said.

Before meeting her husband in Hong Kong, she didn’t know much about Việt Nam.

“As a foreigner, I had mostly heard about the war and I felt empathy for the hardships in this country’s history. My country Estonia is a small country near Finland, Russia and Latvia. We just gained our independence in 1990 and have had also many foreign conquerors and wars back in history. So Việt Nam left a strong impression on me,” she said.

Hope to bring áo dài to the world

The Estonian artist has studied art most of her life. Her university major was oil painting and her master’s major was art teaching. Her mother and grandmother are artists so she grew up with art.

Randjarv had a chance to learn silk painting from her mother in Estonia and when she came to Việt Nam, she saw áo dài as very special clothing that she could exhibit her artworks on. So she started to use her silk painting skills on the dress.

“I design from my passion and then I want to bring my work to customers. I get inspiration for my designs mostly from the nature of Việt Nam and my home country Estonia. I like to introduce both cultures through my artworks,” she said.

She has sold silk products in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Hong Kong and the US and recently exhibited a silk áo dài collection in Estonia.

“This Vietnamese costume deserves to be known worldwide. I will start off from my own country, Estonia, first and then Europe and then hopefully it will be known in other continents as well,” she said.

“Creating an áo dài with my patterns is like a cultural exchange. I am introducing Estonia to Vietnamese through my patterns and introducing the dress to Estonians. For example, I took inspiration from Estonian flag colours – blue, black and white and our national cornflower. It is decent and powerful,” she said.

Some significant works in her collection includes Nordic Aurora , inspired by the magnificent colours of aurora lights in the winter sky in Estonia. Another, Viola Lily , is inspired by Vietnamese beauty with beautiful purple tones of water lily and lotus flowers.

Randjarv has also introduced the history of áo dài as a school uniform for high school girls and teachers to local Estonian students and teachers to learn about it.

She is always encouraged by her husband and his family in Việt Nam. Whenever she receives beautiful photos of her customers wearing an áo dài , she tears up at how elegant and graceful they look. That’s the motivation for her to continue to work. VNS

Residents of Lien Mac village in Hanoi’s Bac Tu Liem district have been busy collecting discarded materials such as ceramics, bottles, and dishes to decorate the village’s streets.

The initiative was inspired by a group of painters and received a warm response from local people, especially in collecting materials and gluing the ceramic pieces together.

The mosaic walls also help spread a message to everyone about environmental protection.

The vivid and artistic artworks have already garnered major attention from local people and visitors alike./.

VNA, NA Office release photo book on 14th legislature

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the National Assembly (NA) Office have coordinated in compiling and publishing a photo book on the 14th legislature.

The 428-page book, titled “Quoc hoi khoa XIV – Nhung thanh tuu va dau an noi bat” (The 14th National Assembly – Outstanding achievements and imprints,” comprises nearly 1,000 photos featuring the past five-year journey of the legislative body.

Such photos, together with infographics, give readers an insight into the NA’s performance in legislation, supervision, decision-making on the country’s major matters, and external affairs.

The book also devotes pages to introducing 494 deputies to the 14th NA, who are grouped in provincial and municipal delegations of NA deputies.

The book has been released at the end of the 14th legislature that created many hallmarks during the five-year tenure.

The 14th NA concluded its 11th session – the last of this tenure – in Hanoi on April 8, with many important contents on reviewing the tenure’s work, building laws and handling personnel matters completed over the course of 12 days./.

Foreign scholars have high expectations for Vietnam’s new leadership

Vietnam’s new leadership is expected to continue inheriting and building on impressive achievements made in the past tenure to carry the country forward, contributing to ensuring peace, stability and development in the region and the world, said Dr. Takashi Hosoda, an expert on Asia-Pacific from the Czech Republic’s Charles University.

In an interview recently granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Prague, Hosoda said in order to continue ensuring national interests and security, improving the country’s stature on international arena, Vietnam needs to maintain balance between ensuring a stable regional environment and promoting economic development.

Specifically, he suggested Vietnam pay attention to joining ASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms and other multilateral cooperation frameworks with the participation of the US, Australia, Japan, the UK and the European Union to shape international code of conduct.

Additionally, Vietnam needs to keep boosting multilateral trade and mutually beneficial economic relations within the framework of multilateral free trade agreements, especially the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), he said.

In particular, Vietnam also needs to enhance trust in international relations by reinforcing bilateral and multilateral cooperative ties in a more substantial and effective manner, for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

The scholar also expressed his special impression of Vietnam’s success in controlling COVID-19 pandemic and sustaining economic development, saying that while countries suffered negative growth due to the pandemic, Vietnam was one of a few economies to achieve a growth of 2.91 percent last year.

According to him, the success demonstrated Vietnamese leaders’ prestige, capability and determination when facing difficulties.

Hosoda also highlighted the Southeast Asian nation’s important external achievements thanks to multilateral foreign and global economic integration policies.

As ASEAN Chair in 2020, Vietnam actively worked to raise international community’s awareness about the importance of international maritime security besides other issues. Major powers like the US, Australia, India, Japan and European nations actively contributed to maintaining maritime security and freedom in Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia in particular.

In global integration, Hosoda hailed Vietnam for actively signing important multilateral trade deals like the CPTPP and EVFTA, which held strategic significance and created a driving force for Vietnam to develop its economy.

In Russia, the Independent, the most popular newspaper in Russia, recently published an article by Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund Grigory Trofimchuk on important leadership changes in Vietnam.

Among four new pillar leaders, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc have been known among and trusted by many Russian people.

Pham Minh Chinh is considered “the PM of the fourth industrial revolution” in Vietnam while NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will assume great responsibility as inter-parliamentary cooperation is becoming an important factor of global security and stability, he wrote.

The author said Vietnam is now among 40 largest economies and 16 most successful emerging economies in the world. It also climbed three spots in the global soft power rankings.

Concluding the article, he said Vietnam’s leadership apparatus has been completed and is ready to perform harder and more ambitious tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress./.

Italian official: Vietnam, Italy could work on fields of shared interest

Vietnam, in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and Italy – in its role as Chair of the G20 and Co-Chair of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, could strive and work together on fields of shared interest such as trade liberalisation, climate change combat and respect of international law, said Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Manlio Di Stefano.

In an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Rome, Di Stefano said in recent years, Vietnam has made a stride in history, which was the result of the Vietnamese leaders’ strategic vision.

The country has overcome difficulties during the Cold War and chosen the road of modernisation and multilateral integration with basic steps such as entry to the UN, ASEAN, the World Trade Organisation, and establishment of ties with regional organisations like the European Union as well as strategic partnership with many nations worldwide, including Italy, he said.

According to him, Vietnam’s opening of door to receive foreign investment, including those from Italy, has brought to Vietnam necessary resources in terms of investment, labour and technology for national construction.

Italy pays attention to Vietnam’s important role in the region and on international arena, he said, adding that the two nations have supported principles of a world order based on the respect of rules and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as shared a common wish to effectively promote multilateralism and sustainable development for all stakeholders.

He reiterated Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s congratulatory message sent to new State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc that Italy will grasp cooperation opportunities from the Vietnam – Italy strategic partnership established in 2013 and the Italy – ASEAN development partnership signed in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that common issues must be settled via solidarity and cooperation, which inspired Italy in its role as G20 Chair and promptly the country to fund 116 million USD for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) to offer equal access to vaccines worldwide, including Vietnam. He also hailed Vietnam for effectively coping with the pandemic thanks to its experience in dealing with SARS in 2003.

Commenting on the prospect of bilateral cooperation after the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect in August 2020, Di Stefano expressed his belief in growing Italy-Vietnam trade ties this year. He suggested that Vietnam and the EU continue pursuing the goal of trade liberalisation in a more balanced manner.

As many as 110 Italian firms are operating in Vietnam. Bilateral economic ties are growing, especially in traditional fields such as machinery, apparel, automobiles, farm produce, oil and gas.

The European nation also supports hi-tech investment in Vietnam in telecommunications, outer space, pharmaceuticals, architecture and design, renewable energy, and innovation industries, he said.

He also expressed his hope to visit Vietnam when conditions allow.

Russia scholars, media confident in Vietnam’s new leadership

Vietnam’s new leadership have recently been on the radar of Russian scholars and media, especially after Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with the Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and sent his congratulations to newly-elected leaders of Vietnam.

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Russia, Professor Vladimir Kolotov, head of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at Saint Petersburg University, said Vietnam’s current apparatus of senior leaders is optimal and harmonious.

It allows the modernisation of the political system, creates a premise for continued reform and propelling the country forward, while maintaining stability and keeping in place leaders who have a wide reputation and rich experience in state administration, he added.

Earlier, also in an interview with the VNA, Valeria Vershinina, an expert from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke highly of the new Vietnamese leaders’ dignity and working capacity.

The expert expressed her belief that with its experience and successes in reforming the economy and maintaining a balanced foreign policy, Vietnam will continue posting fast development and playing a growing role in global and regional processes.

In addition, a series of major newspapers and news agency from Russia like TASS, Infox, and Bigasia have published articles on the new leadership, praising Vietnam’s successful election of senior leaders.

Regarding the future prospect of the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, Russian experts and media said they are confident that the two countries will enhance their bilateral relationship toward practical outcomes as they consider each other their respective priorities in their policy for external relations.

Vietnamese Ambassador in Paris receives French honour

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Thiep was presented the French State’s National Order of the Legion of Honour, Class Commandeur, at a ceremony held at the French foreign ministry’s headquarters on April 9.

Addressing the event, Bertrand Lortholary, Asia-Oceania Director of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, congratulated Ambassador Thiep and said that by presenting the noble award, France has recognised and honoured the ambassador’s efforts during his working term in the country.

Ambassador Thiep recalled wishes of the two countries’ leaders to strengthen and expand bilateral relations in various areas.

He highlighted the development of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership over the past three years, marked by a number of visits by senior leaders of the two countries, especially visits to France by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March 2018 and then National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in March 2019, and by a visit to Vietnam by then Prime Minister Édouard Philippe in November 2018.

These visits have helped enhance trust and deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of fields, Thiep stressed.

Permanent Vice NA Chaiman pays Chol Chnam Thmay visit to Soc Trang

Politburo member and Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man on April 10 visited and extended his greetings to dignitaries of the Mekong delta province of Soc Trang’s Patriotic Clergy Solidarity Association on the occasion of the Khmer people’s Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) festival.

Most Venerable Tang No, permanent vice president of the association, said it has so far encouraged Khmer Buddhist monks and followers to engage in social activities, and popularised the Party’s policies and guidelines, the State’s laws, and campaigns and movements launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

Amid the complicated developments of COVID-19, the association has postponed the traditional New Year’s rituals and informed the Khmer community on pandemic prevention measures, he added

Speaking at the visit, Man hihglighted Vietnam’s initial success in the fight against COVID-19, saying that the achievement is partly contributed by Khmer people nationwide, including those in Soc Trang.

He wished the association and Khmer people continue working together to overcome difficulties and implement the nation’s dual goals of pandemic prevention and economic development.

He asked them to further participate in the local prevention of natural disasters, drought, and saline intrusion as well as in upcoming National Assembly and People’s Council elections.

On the occasion, the official presented 25 gifts worth 130 million VND (5,645 USD) to local Khmer Buddhist monks and to the association.

According to Most Venerable Tang No, Khmer people accounts for over 30.18 percent of Soc Trang’s population and run 130 worshipping establishments.

Honorary Consul in Italy believes in Vietnam’s new leadership

Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in Torino, Italy Sandra Scagliotti has said Vietnam’s new leadership will build on achievements in the past tenure, continue with reform and affirm Vietnam’s role and stature on international arena.

Italy’s Scenari internazionali newswire on April 9 quoted her as saying that Vietnam’s new leaders are experienced and capable who will surely overcome new challenges and continue with reform in an effective and sound manner.

She said Vietnam – a middle-income country with a goal of basically becoming a modern-oriented industrialised nation by 2030 – is one of the most promising economies in ASEAN. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese economy still grew strongly last year on the back of economic stability, upgraded infrastructure and successful negotiations with major trade partners. Its growth is estimated at 6.8 percent this year.

Another important factor to Vietnam’s success in pandemic response was the involvement of the entire political system and high public consensus. Learning from experience in coping with SARS in 2002-2003, the Government’s every action programme was accelerated via a widespread and effective awareness campaign and active public involvement. Therefore, Vietnam became one of the nations worldwide that rode through the pandemic the most effectively.

As ASEAN Chair last year, Vietnam effectively carried out the bloc’s activities to cope with global challenges, contributing to turnining ASEAN into a hub not only on geographical terms.

In recent years, Vietnam has successfully signed 11 trade deals, including the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

Scagliotti affirmed that Vietnam – Italy ties will keep growing in the future.

Programme honours Vietnam’s Ao dai in Hanoi

An Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) performance event named “Ao Dai Cua Chung Ta” (Our Ao dai) was held in Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (The Temple of Literature) in Hanoi, on April 9.

The area in front of Khue Van Cac (the pavilion of the constellation of literature) in Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam became the “stage” for 15 designers to introduce more than 600 Ao Dai designs. Among them, there are renowned designers such as: Minh Hanh, Ngoc Han, Lan Huong, Chu La, and Trinh Bich Thuy.

The event, co-organised by the Thang Long Institute for Cultural Research (TICR) and Tinh hoa Dat Viet Magazine, also features the participations of more than 400 models, actors, and guests, including wives of ambassadors of Italy, India, Laos and Belarus.

Ao dai has long been a traditional costume and a typical cultural feature of Vietnam. Through ups and downs with constant changes, ao dai still honours the gracefulness and elegance of Vietnamese women.

The event “Ao Dai Cua Chung Ta” contributes to the continued promotion of community awareness and responsibility in preserving and protecting traditional Ao dai, and honouring and promoting Vietnamese traditional costumes; while, at the same time, promoting cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries around the world.

Gifts presented to poor Vietnamese in Cambodia

Up to 100 gifts were presented to poor Vietnamese households in Cambodia hard hit by COVID-19 pandemic on April 10, ahead of the traditional New Year festival Chol Chhnam Thmey from April 14-16.

With the support of Viettel Cambodia’s Metfone company and philanthropists in and outside the region, the event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Preah Sihanouk province, which is in charge of providing consular services in southwestern Cambodian localities – Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, Kampng Speu and Takeo.

As the Cambodian Government banned travelling nationwide to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the Consulate General and executive board of the Khmer – Vietnam associations of the southwestern provinces handed over 300 gifts to Vietnamese there.

As scheduled on April 12, Vietnamese Consul General Vu Ngoc Ly will meet Kouch Chamroeun, Governor of Preah Sihanouk – one of the three provinces hardest hit by the February 20 COVID-19 community transmission event, to grant 10,000 face masks.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Consulate General will offer 200 gifts to help disadvantaged people in Preah Sihanouk.

Also on April 10 morning, Deputy Director of the provincial police Hout Sree received 50 boxes of instant noodles from the Consulate General./

US newspaper highlights Vietnam’s success in completing new leadership

The US newspaper Washington Times has ran an article assessing that Vietnam has succeeded in completing its key leadership positions.

According to the article, Vietnam now has a mindful and influential leadership.

It highlighted Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his strong anti-corruption campaign, and State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc with significant economic progresses he helped the nation achieve in his previous post as Prime Minister.

It also expected Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to effectively implement contents set out in documents of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

It said the new administration is expected to bring Vietnam into a new era, with new technologies applied in knowledge-based industries.

Vietnam reports nine imported COVID-19 cases on April 10 afternoon

Nine imported cases of COVID-19 were detected in the past 12 hours to 6pm April 10, raising the national count to 2,692, according to the Health Ministry.

All of the patients are Vietnamese citizens who were put under quarantine right after their arrival through Ha Tin international border gate in Kien Giang province. They are now being treatment at the medical centre in Ha Tien city, Kien Giang province.

As many as 37,938 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or arrived from pandemic areas are under medical monitoring nationwide, with 523 in hospitals, 21,705 in designated facilities and 15,710 at their accommodations.

The ministry said 2,429 COVID-19 patients in the country have been given the all-clear so far, while the death toll remains at 35.

Among patients still under treatment, 22 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 11 twice and 17 thrice.

To live safely with the pandemic, the Ministry of Health advised people to remain proactive in pandemic prevention and control by continuing to wear face masks when going out, disinfecting frequently, maintaining a safe distance, refraining from mass gatherings, and making medical declarations.

Condolences to UK over passing of Prince Philip

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 10 sent a message of condolences to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the death of her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also cabled a message of condolences to PM Boris Johnson.

The same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended his condolences to Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Dominic Raab.

Prince Philip died on April 9 at the age of 99.

President lauds Da Nang, Quang Nam for achievements

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded the central city of Da Nang and the neighbouring province of Quang Nam for their achievements over the past years during a working session with their leaders on April 10.

He stressed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Quang Nam and Da Nang’s economies suffered negative growth. But in the first quarter this year, they achieved outstanding growth.

Da Nang attracted a number of investors and is working on building a financial hub. Meanwhile, Quang Nam dealt with difficulties following disasters and flooding, and is focusing on tourism and services.

The President suggested the two localities seek pillar fields as Da Nang is a hub in the central region and Da Nang – Quang Nam is a growth locomotive in the region and an important driving force of the country.

He asked them to become worth-living localities and join hands to build a powerful country. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, they should strive to become safe tourism paradises.

Their leaders were urged to fix shortcomings, step up reform, rearrange a streamlined apparatus while ensuring effective vaccinations.

The President also asked for creating favourable business environment, fighting negative behaviours and group interest in investment process.

Once Da Nang sets hi-tech industry as a pillar, it is necessary to choose capable investors that abide by law, and create a better working environment to raise labour productivity for socio-economic development.

Forum spotlights digital transformation challenges

A forum on Vietnam’s digital challenges took place on April 9, a follow-up of a chain of technological events initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications in 2020.

Aim at introducing Make in Vietnam digital platforms, the forum informed participants on a smart transport management platform developed by the Vietnamese-based An Vui Technology JSC since 2015.

The technology facilitates the operation of the long-distance passenger transport industry, helping businesses involved step up digital transformation and scientific management, reduce social waste, and improve competitiveness.

To date, the 20-module platform is serving 150 transport firms, which operate more than 4,000 coaches nationwide.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung stressed 2020 was the year when the national digital transformation was kicked off and this year is the time for action.

Digital transformation platforms introduced at this forum have formed to solve social challenges, Dung noted.

He unveiled that the ministry will plan a host of digital events with the same aim of searching for and tackling these challenges./.

World Press Photo exhibition opens in HCM City

An exhibition showcasing 158 award-winning works from the World Press Photo contest in the Netherlands from 2018 to 2020 has opened at Lê Văn Tám Park in HCM City.

The “Best of Three 2018-2020” exhibition, organised by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in HCM City, features topics such as the environment, climate change, politics, sports, animals and people.

Carel Richter, Consul General of the Netherlands in HCM City, who spoke at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, said the exhibition aims to celebrate the friendly relations between the Netherlands and HCM City.

Richter added that he chose excellent photos featuring important topics like human rights and climate change for the showcase.

The exhibition highlights photos on bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Việt Nam in general and HCM City in particular in various fields such as the circular economy, water management, food safety and sports.

The World Press Photo Contest is a leading contest for professional press photographers, photojournalists and documentary photographers.

The contest’s mission is to connect the world to stories that matter, embracing accuracy, transparency and diversity.

Contestants can send works as single photos or stories in eight categories, including contemporary issues, general news, environment, nature, long-term projects, portraits, spot news, and sports.

In the last three years, the World Press Photo Foundation received around 75,000 images each year from at least 125 countries and territories.

Each year, the prize-winning photos are collected for an exhibition held in 100 cities in around 45 countries, mostly in Europe.

The “Best of Three 2018-2020” exhibition will be open to the public until April 16. Lê Văn Tám Park is on Hai Bà Trưng Street in District 1.

HCM City hosts Techcombank HCM City International Marathon event

More than 13,000 athletes from 44 cities and provinces took part in the 4th edition of the Techcombank HCM City International Marathon event that opened on April 9.

Sixty companies competed in the corporate challenge, providing a platform for their staff, clients and suppliers to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

The marathon has grown to become the most anticipated sport event among professional athletes and sporting enthusiasts. It is the country’s largest running competition for the third time in a row, according to the organisers.

The annual event features four runs: a marathon (42.195 km), a half-marathon (21.1km), a 10km race, and a 5km race.

A children’s 1.5km run is held for 5-10 year-olds and a 3km run for 7-14 year-olds.

This year’s marathon course crosses Thủ Đức City and districts 1, 3, 5, 6 and Bình Thạnh.

The tourism and sports sectors have made concerted efforts to raise the marathon to the level of other cities in the world, said Mai Bá Hùng, deputy director of the city’s Department of Culture and Sport.

Participants will pass by many of the city’s historic and iconic landmarks, he said.

The event is co-organised by the city’s Department of Culture and Sports, Department of Tourism, the HCM City Athletics Federation, HCM City Tourism Promotion Centre, Sunrise Việt Nam, and Techcombank.

It will end on April 11.

HAGL trying to play beautiful football, says coach

Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) said his side are trying to play beautiful and winning football at the same time.

The Thai coach made the statement following HAGL’s 2-0 win away to SHB Đà Nẵng at Hòa Xuân Stadium Thursday.

“HAGL have to play beautifully according to the direction of the club’s chairman Đoàn Nguyên Đức. But we still must have points. If there are no points, it is not beautiful anymore,” said Senamuang.

HAGL defeated Đà Nẵng with goals from national team stars Nguyễn Văn Toàn and Nguyễn Công Phượng.

“Before the game, we knew Đà Nẵng were a strong team. HAGL were also under pressure when we played away. Meanwhile, we played without Lương Xuân Trường and Kim Dong-su as they received yellow cards earlier. For us, this match was like a final,” said Senamuang.

According to Senamuang, HAGL’s defence line played with focus, while forwards Toàn and Washington Brandao played very well.

Meanwhile, coach Lê Huỳnh Đức of Đà Nẵng lamented his team’s failings.

“In the first half, I said my players had to play faster because HAGL were putting pressure on us. If my players had done so, HAGL would have had difficulties in the first half. But my players couldn’t do it. Đà Nẵng were bad because we lost ourselves, creating opportunities for HAGL,” said Đức.

With the win, HAGL climbed to the top of the V.League 1 table with 19 points after eight matches.

Elsewhere, Becamex Bình Dương beat Nam Định 4-3 and HCM City FC defeated Sông Lam Nghệ An 3-0.

Ninh Bình promotes agricultural tourism

Agricultural and rural tourism is gradually becoming a sustainable economic development trend in the northern province of Ninh Bình, helping take advantage of rural values and preserve traditional culture.

The tourism model has also generated stable jobs for hundreds of workers in the countryside areas.

In Đông Sơn Commune of Tam Điệp City, home to several historical sites and natural caves, co-operatives and farm owners have worked together in recent years to set up tours with homestays, gardening and fishing to tap local strengths.

The commune has become an attractive destination of the province, attracting a large number of tourists every year.

Trịnh Văn Tiến, director of Tam Điệp Agriculture and Tourism Co-operative, said the co-operative has 10 members that produce and trade Ninh Bình’s speciality plants and animals.

Last year, the members decided to work with other farms to develop tourism, Tiến said.

“Tourists were taken to visit historical sites and natural beauty places and experience farm work such as animal rearing and planting, and then enjoy foods produced by the co-operative,” Tiến said.

With efforts in the development of agriculture and tourism, the co-operative’s tourism model has been recognised with 4-star certification from the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme.

Hoa Lư District has also enjoyed success by shifting from rice planting to tourism since 2019.

The district has more than 3,000ha of rice farmland, however, many areas are at the foot of the mountain and wetland areas that make it difficult to cultivate rice, leading to some households no longer planting rice.

To overcome the situation of abandoning fields in some localities and improve the production value in the area, from the beginning of 2019, the district People’s Committee has converted 6.2ha of inefficient rice cultivation land to plant Japanese-bred lotus combining breeding to develop ecotourism in Ninh Hải, Ninh Xuân and Trường Yên communes.

According to Vũ Văn Thông, director of the Hoa Lư Agriculture and Rural Development Department, growing Japanese lotus combined with fish breeding had not only brought high economic efficiency but also attracted many tourists to visit the lotus ponds.

The model had also helped local people earn more income from renting outfits to tourists for photography at the lotus ponds, Trường said.

Hoa Lư District has been expanding the model in the communes of Ninh Xuân, Ninh Hải, Ninh Thắng and Trường Yên.

According to a provincial official, combining tourism with agriculture was first formed and put into operation in Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Gia Viễn District.

This started as tourists visited Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve and wanted to stay at local people’s houses to explore rural lives, he said.

The model has spread to many localities throughout the province in Gia Viễn and Hoa Lư districts and Tam Điệp City.

“Ninh Bình is a purely agricultural province, with more than 70 per cent of the population living in rural areas, possessing a long history of agricultural ecological production,” said Phạm Duy Phong, vice director of the Ninh Bình Tourism Department.

The province has many fields implementing new farming models attracting domestic and foreign tourists for taking photographs such as Đồng Giao pineapple field, Ninh Phúc flower field and Đông Sơn peach blossom village, he said.

With those advantages, the development of agricultural and rural tourism is becoming a trend of sustainable economic development in the province.

“In the past, people lived on cultivation and animal breeding,” said Vũ Nam Tiến, director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Thanks to tourism development, people can earn VNĐ6 million (US$260) per month from tourism services,” said Tiến.

To further develop rural tourism in the next period, the province needs plans and guidelines to connect people, travel businesses and local authorities to create high-quality tourism products, Tiến said.

Local authorities should accelerate agricultural and rural development in association with tourism planning including investment in traffic infrastructure and tourism promotion campaigns, he said.

Local people needed to increase the application of science and technology in production but still retain traditional culture to give a good impression to tourists.

Building community and agriculture-based tourism associated with environmental protection to attract domestic and international tourists was also important, he added.

Helmets for Kids programme reduces injuries and fatalities due to traffic accidents in Vĩnh Phúc Province

Asia Injury Prevention Foundation and Vietnam Garments Manufacturing company yesterday (April 8) carried out the Helmets for Kids charity programme in Bình Xuyên District in the northern province of Vĩnh Phúc.

The programme disseminates road safety knowledge and raises awareness among students, teachers and parents about protecting themselves while driving, and, importantly, seeks to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries by distributing quality helmets in schools.

During the 2020-21 academic year it distributed 400 helmets at Sơn Lôi A Primary School in the district.

Nguyễn Trọng Thái, chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee secretariat, said during the distribution on April 8: “All teachers should instruct and remind students to follow traffic safety laws and wear a helmet when travelling by motorbike or electric bicycle. They should … make sure the rate of wearing helmets is steady.

“Parents should create the habit of wearing helmets in their children, and always remember the message ‘love your child, wear a helmet’.”

Since the programme began in 2018, nearly 1,400 students in Vĩnh Phúc Province have received helmets.

Fire tragedies cause alarm in residential areas

Two deadly fires in recent weeks have raised the alarm about poor fire safety standards in big cities.

On April 4, a blaze in a house in Hà Nội killed four members of a family, including a 10-year-old child and a pregnant woman.

Five days earlier, six members of a family died in a fire at their house in HCM City.

Colonel Nguyễn Minh Khương, deputy director of the Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue under the Ministry of Public Security, said both the houses were small and covered with iron cages and iron-welded roofs. The main door was the only way in or out.

At the house in HCM City’s Cát Lái Ward, five motorbikes were parked in front of the main door. When they caught fire, they blocked the only way out.

In Hà Nội, the fire occurred at a house that was not eligible as the site of a business but there were many flammable goods for sale inside. It was covered with an iron roof and there was no other way out but the main door.

That’s why the victims did not manage to escape, he said.

Colonel Nguyễn Trường Sơn, deputy head of Cầu Giấy District Police Sub-department and an expert on fire prevention and fighting of the Hà Nội Police Department, said there was not much time to stamp out fires at business households with flammable materials.

Sơn said in these fires, it took at least 10 minutes for the firefighters to approach the scene, which was usually too late.

In big cities, many houses are used as shops for business, especially houses near roads. Most of the shops have a worship altar of the God of Wealth and goods close to the main door, posing high risks of fire.

Meanwhile, due to the dense population in urban areas, many people only focus on measures to prevent burglary and intrusion instead of fires. In many houses, the main door is the only entrance and exit.

According to Hà Nội Police Department, the city now has hundreds of thousands of houses combined with businesses and most have only one way in and out.

Figures from the Ministry of Public Security’s Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue showed in the first quarter of this year, there were 627 fires at private houses nationwide, accounting for 36.3 per cent of all recorded fires.

Most of the houses are used for small business and in most of these fires, the damage was not great but caused serious consequences for those living in the houses.

Colonel Nguyễn Minh Khương said the two fires should be a lesson for people to follow fire prevention regulations.

“Each house must have at least two ways in and out. Households must pay attention and clear goods and furniture out of the way in and out of the house,” he said.

“People should be equipped with skills to escape from the fire. For example, they should know how to escape the house from the balcony so rescuers can approach and save their lives,” he said.

“Those who build an iron cage on their balcony must build one more exit in case of emergency,” he added.

Khương also suggested that families have fire escape equipment and install automatic fire alarms. Information on fire prevention and fighting skills is available at the department’s website on canhsatpccc.gov.vn.

Measures needed to reduce traffic fatalities

Despite traffic safety improvements and a drop in the number of accidents overall, the amount fatal road collisions remains high.

That was the message delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the National Committee for Traffic Safety Trương Hòa Bình during an online conference on Friday.

The Deputy PM said traffic statistics from the first three months of the year did show a reduction in accidents, but this was mainly due to less vehicles on the road because of the Tết holiday and social distancing measures in a number of localities.

But he warned that despite the drop in accidents in general, many lives were still lost on the roads and overloading, plus traffic congestion, remained a concern.

Minister of Transport Nguyễn Văn Thể said one of the reasons roads were getting busier was because of the large amount of new vehicles being registered, which he estimated at around 500,000 each year.

“With such an increase in cars, over the next five to seven years, the level of congestion will be very large if we do not have radical solutions right now”, he said.

Việt Nam had 3,206 traffic accidents in the first three months this year, killing 1,672 people and injuring 2,386 others. The number of accidents and injured people decreased by 263 and 183 respectively compared with the same period last year but the number of fatalities increased by 33, according to the National Committee for Traffic Safety.

Measures

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyễn Duy Ngọc proposed several measures to improve traffic safety and order.

Ngọc said that as Việt Nam was on economic development mission, transport infrastructure improvements were crucial.

He suggested that provincial and municipal traffic safety committees must learn from experience what has been done well and what improvements were needed.

“One example is coach monitoring,” he said.

“It needs to be better directed because not monitoring journeys is the cause of many serious traffic accidents.”

He added that although the country still has many accident black spots, improvements had been made to about 20 per cent of them.

The Ministry of Public Security will direct traffic safety campaigns to educate motorists.

It will also strengthen coordination between police, prosecutors and the courts to ensure strict punishments for those who violate traffic laws.

“For illegal racing, we will assign provincial and municipal police and the court to open trials in public to create a strong deterrence,” said Ngọc.

Finally the Ministry of Transport and traffic safety committees will be asked to review all recommendations and prioritise those that need to be done first.

“The rainy season in the past few years has been very fierce, especially last year,” Ngọc said.

“Thanks to good forecasts and preparation plans, traffic police have coordinated with forces to guide vehicles through flooded places. This year, we also need a preparation plan to reduce congestion and accidents related to natural disasters.”

Sea grape cultivation thriving in coastal provinces

Sea grape cultivation has become a route to prosperity for many people in the south-central province of Khánh Hòa due to increased demand for the product in Việt Nam and overseas.

With productivity of 1-1.5 tonnes per hectare and a price of VNĐ35,000-40,000 per kilo, sea grape growers have enjoyed improved incomes.

Sea grape grower Đặng Ngọc Thoại of Ninh Hải Ward, Ninh Hòa Town in Khánh Hòa said he earned a profit of VNĐ100-200 million per hectare from growing sea grapes.

Now, he has about five hectares of sea grapes. In harvest time, he hires about 10 people to help collect, sort and process sea grapes.

“Sea grape cultivation does not require huge investment but can bring stable income and jobs,” he said.

Besides his own products, Thoại also buys those of other growers in his neighbourhood to supply the domestic market and to export.

However, like many other sea grape growers in the ward, Thoại is working in an area that is part of a delayed project.

“Once the project resumes, I will have to move,” Thoại said, adding that he will invest more to develop the business if he finds a different cultivation area.

Trần Thanh Tùng, vice chairman of Ninh Hải Ward People’s Committee, said all 27ha of sea grape cultivation area in the ward was on land slated for a heavy industry complex project by the Korean investor STX Group.

“However, since the land was transferred to the investor in 2009, no item has been developed and the area has been unused,” Tùng said.

Võ Khánh Đăng, Chairman of Ninh Thọ Commune People’s Committee in Ninh Hòa Town, said local farmers shifted to grow sea grapes to earn more than from traditional aquaculture products.

However, they had not found stable outputs for their sea grapes and had to accept the prices that wholesalers offered.

There was about 20ha in the ward being used for sea grape cultivation, Đăng said, adding that local authorities were considering placing sea grapes on the list of key farming products to develop.

“To include sea grapes in the local farming development planning, we need more studies and assistance from expert agencies,” he said.

Lê Bền, Vice President of Việt Nam Seaculture Association, who introduced sea grape cultivation to Việt Nam in 2004 in Ninh Hải Ward, said the cultivation was very promising and generated economic benefits.

Besides economic benefits, sea grapes can improve the aquaculture environment quality since they develop quickly, have strong anabolism and high nutrition uptake. They can be grown while cultivating shrimps and fish – this intercropping allows two to three times higher income compared with shrimp or fish cultivation alone.

Sea grapes are a highly nutritious plant that can be used as a substitute for green vegetables. They contain high quantities of protein and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, as well as iodine, iron and vitamin A, which help prevent malnutrition and anaemia.

Sea grape cultivation is now present in several coastal provinces in Việt Nam, including Khánh Hòa, Bình Thuận, Ninh Thuận, Kiên Giang and Vũng Tàu ,Phú Yên, Bình Định in the south and Quảng Ninh in the north.

“Seeing high profits from sea grape cultivation, many farmers are rushing into it,” Bền said, adding that oversupply and improper farming technique could leave negative impacts on the emerging sector.

Voting of Viet Nam’s top 10 ICT businesses 2021 launched

The Việt Nam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) has begun voting procedures to find the top 10 leading information, communication and technology (ICT) firms in 2021.

The programme aims to support the Government’s goal of having 100,000 digital technology companies by 2030.

This year’s event will select the 10 best ICT companies in 17 categories, including e-government, smart city, logistics solutions, e-commerce, start-ups, information security, artificial intelligence of things (A-IoT), cloud computer services, blockchain, fintech, property technology (PropTech), education technology (EdTech) and medical technology (MedTech).

Enterprises will be evaluated across seven criteria, financial indicators; human resources; products and services; technology and research and development (R&D) capacity; leadership and business management; awards, titles and recognised achievements; and special assessment for each sector.

The evaluation process features three rounds – profile selection, presentation and verification, final voting. They will be judged by leading experts in technology, finance, corporate governance, e-Commerce, start-up and media.

Addressing the event, VINASA Vice Chairwoman and Secretary-General Nguyễn Thị Thu Giang said given that digital transformation is in high demand, the selection and introduction of reputable solution suppliers and capable partners will quickly connect firms and facilitate their effective cooperation.

This year, the voting categories are expanded with the honouring of leading companies in new sectors – Fintech, Proptech, EdTech, and MedTech, she said, adding that the move does not only keeps up with the latest trend but also helps seek solutions for real-life problems in certain fields.

The presentation round is scheduled on May 15 – 16. The announcement and award ceremony will take place on July 13, prior to the Việt Nam ICT Summit 2021. ICT companies may register to join the programme on the website: top10ict.com.

The Top 10 Việt Nam ICT businesses programme was launched in 2014.

The software and technology services industry has posted high growth over the last five years, expanding 26.1 percent in average annually.

Last year, the industry earned US$120 billion in revenue. Of the figure, more than $6 billion was generated by software and digital content, twice as high as that in 2015.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes