Hcmc to ben tre

Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass in Da Nang city has been listed among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world, according to a recent article published by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Hai Van Pass has been dubbed “one of the best coast roads in the world” by Jeremy Clarkson, former host of British motoring show Top Gear. The website also recommends that those travelling along the route take the road slow as conditions can become a slightly foggy.

Running for a total length of 20km, the pass has become one of the most popular destinations for visitors to snap photographs, with over 52,000 photos taken at the site uploaded to Instagram.

The global list is based on analysis provided by Pentagon Motor Group (PMG), which searches more than seven million Instagram hashtags in order to uncover the world’s most stunning routes.

As part of PMG’s research, they discovered that the Great Ocean Road in Australia is the most beautiful road trip in the world, followed closely by the Big Sur in the United States and Jebel Hafeet in the United Arab Emirates.

Vietnam extends condolences to Indonesia over sunken submarine

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on April 26 sent a message of condolences to his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi over the sunken submarine KRI Nanggala-402.

Indonesia’s Antara News Agency reported that KRI Nanggala-402 became untraceable on April 22 during live torpedo training exercises off the Indonesian holiday island of Bali.

The 40-year-old submarine was found split into three pieces on the sea bed after five days of search efforts. All the vessel’s 53 crew have been confirmed dead./.

HCM City cancels fireworks celebrating National Reunification Day

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong on April 26 cancelled the fireworks display celebrating the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holiday, to prevent any spread of COVID-19 given the complex of the pandemic in neighbouring countries and the world.

The city leader asked the Department of Culture and Sports to review preparations for other activities to mark the special occasions, with pandemic prevention and control measures to be strictly implemented.

He also requested that local departments, agencies, and localities remain vigilant in fighting the pandemic, while working hard to control illegal immigration, thus ensuring safety during the holidays and also the upcoming general elections.

The city has gone 73 days without any community transmission of COVID-19. It remains at risk of an outbreak, however, due to complex developments of the pandemic in Thailand and Cambodia.

Held every year on this occasion, 15-minute fireworks displays had been planned at five venues on April 30./.

Top legislator holds working sessions with NA committees

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on April 26 held working sessions with the NA’s Committee for Social Affairs and Committee for Legal Affairs.

At the working session with the Committee for Social Affairs, the top legislator lauded the committee for its initiatives during the 14th tenure, saying it has taken the lead in consulting the public.

He asked the committee to review the legal framework on the organisation and operation of the legislature and its agencies, as well as delegations of NA deputies and People’s Councils.

The committee should draw up a project to improve its operational quality and efficiency across spheres, he said.

During another working session with the Committee for Legal Affairs, Hue attributed successes of the 14th NA to contributions of the committee.

He also stressed the need to have a long-term strategy in law building in order to ensure the leading role of the NA in legislative activities, and a synchronous legal system./.

No COVID-19 cases logged on April 27 morning

Vietnam documented no COVID-19 infections in the past 12 hours to 6am on April 27, making the nation’s tally unchanged at 2,852 cases, according to the Ministry of Health.

The health ministry’s Medical Examination and Treatment Department said that, a total 2,516 COVID-19 patients have been given the all clear. The death toll remains at 35.

Among those under treatment, 13 have tested negative for the virus once, 15 twice, and 20 thrice.

There are 38,919 people having close contact with confirmed cases or entering Vietnam from pandemic-hit regions under quarantine at present, including 518 at hospitals, 23,409 at concentrated facilities, and 14,992 at home.

According to the ministry, a total 259,736 frontline workers nationwide received COVID-19 vaccine shots as of 4 pm on April 26.

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)./.

Localities intensify COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of holidays

Increased pandemic prevention measures have been noticed in cities and provinces nationwide, as the Reunification Day (April 30) and Labour Day (May 1) holidays approach.

Strict fines are imposed on people without facemasks in public places in Ho Chi Minh City, the local authorities said in an urgent direction issued on April 26.

Accordingly, public-awareness-raising communications on COVID-19 and pandemic prevention and control measures have been ordered, with restrictions in place for mass gatherings. Those involved in organising illegal entries in the city also face strict punishments.

The same day, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung emphasized a high risk of new outbreaks during and after the upcoming holidays at a meeting of the municipal Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on April 26.

He urged the active implementation of pandemic measures that prioritise early detection, quick quarantine, and effective treatment. Wearing facemask is a must in public areas and on public transport vehicles; and events that gather a large number of people are restricted.

The capital will continue its vaccination drive correctly, safely, and efficiently, according to Dung.

Also on April 26, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long had a working session with the Can Tho People’s Committee, asking the Mekong Delta city to soon complete its national-level COVID-19 treatment hospital and prepare for complicated developments of the epidemic in the future.

For the work to be done, he assigned the Can Tho General Hospital to collaborate with localities and the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Can Tho also needs to establish a 400-bed COVID-19 treatment hospital in Phong Dien district that is capable of accommodating up to 800 beds when necessary, the minister underscored./.

13th National Party Congress’ outcomes informed to Japanese Communist Party

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung on April 26 chaired a teleconference to inform the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) on the outcomes of the 13th National Party Congress.

Attending the meeting on the Japanese side was Vice Chairman of the Presidium of the JCP and head of its International Department Ogata Yasuo.

Trung thanked the JCP Central Committee and JCP Chairman Shii Kazuo for extending congratulations on the success of the congress and the re-election of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He briefed the Japanese side on outcomes of the congress as well as main contents of the congress’ documents regarding various issues such as socio-economic development, Party and political system building, Vietnam’s foreign policies and future development orientations.

Trung underlined that the congress has an important significance, with the continued application and development of the Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh thought. It set the goal of developing the country to 2025 and 2030 with a vision to 2045, he added.

He said that Vietnam continues implementing the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, diversification of external relations, active and proactive integration into the world, maintenance of a environment of peace and stability, thus enhancing the country’s position and prestige on the international arena.

Trung affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam attaches importance to the traditional friendship with the JCP as well as the Vietnam-Japan relations, while expressing his hope that the two Parties and countries will continue to strengthen their partnership in the new situation.

He proposed a number of specific orientations and measures to promote the relations between the two Parties and nations in the near future.

For his part, Ogata Yasuo once again congratulated the CPV on the success of the 13th National Party Congress, saying the information of the congress’ outcomes to the JCP shows the Party, State and people of Vietnam’s appreciation for the JCP as well as the friendship between the two countries’ people.

He agreed with Trung’s proposal on the promotion of bilateral relations, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the CPV, Vietnamese people will successfully implement the congress’ Resolution and gain new achievements in national reform and socialism building, thus playing a positive role in consolidating peace, security and development in the region and the world.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed a number of regional and international matters of shared concern./.

Miss H’Hen Nie in the hot seat at Miss Universe Vietnam 2021

Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 title holder H’Hen Nie has been selected to join the panel of jury at the Miss Universe Vietnam 2021.

H’Hen Nie will join Vo Thi Xuan Trang, principal of John Robert Powers school, and Dr Le Diep Linh, doctor of anthropology, to judge contestants at the Miss Universe Vietnam 2021, said organisers of the beauty pageant.

H’Hen Nie, who was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, was one of the five final contestants at Miss Universe 2018. She has actively taken part in social activities and inspired young girls to live a healthy lifestyle.

The beauty queen is considered to be a suitable figure in the hot seat who can provide expertise, connect and assist contestants in performing their role throughout the contest.

The announcement of the jury was made several days before current Miss Universe Vietnam title holder Nguyen Tran Khanh Van leaves for Miss Universe 2021, one of the big four major international beauty pageants.

For the Miss Universe Vietnam 2021, organisers said they are receiving applications from April 23 to September 8, 2021.

Contestants will be selected in many localities across the country, including Hanoi, Long Hai, Vung Tau, Da Lat, Bao Loc, and Ben Tre.

The final round will take place in Long Hai, while Ho Chi Minh City will play host to the semi-finale and finale of the contest.

Dong Hoi boosts night-time tourism through walking street

The inauguration of a pedestrian street in Dong Hoi city in the central province of Quang Binh on April 23 is anticipated to diversify tourism products, accelerate service and trade activities, and develop a strong night-time economy moving forward, according to local authorities.

The inauguration of the pedestrian street will be part of a series of other activities which are being held within the framework of Dong Hoi Culture and Tourism Week 2021.

After being suspended for a year due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, the occasion is set to be held between April 23 and May 2, with plenty of cultural, culinary, and artistic activities taking place, such as a street carnival, a traditional boat racing on the Nhat Le river, a Bai Choi singing festival, art performances, and traditional folk games.

Hoang Thi Thanh Nhung, vice chairwoman of the Dong Hoi City People’s Committee, said the city has now completed all necessary infrastructure and decorated the pedestrian street area. This has been done whilst ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors who can come to enjoy a unique cultural space at night, especially to mark the occasion of the upcoming Reunification Day on April 30 and May Day (May 1) holiday.

Vinh Phuc: wartime bomb moved out of residential area

The Military High Command’s sapper force in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on April 25 moved a bomb weighing 340 kg from a residential area in the province’s Vinh Yen City to a safe place.

The bomb, measuring 40cm in diameter and 125cm in length, was found 2.5m underground on April 20 when workers dug the foundation of a house on Ton Duc Thang Street.

Locals living in the dangerous area with a radius of 500m around the spot where the bomb was unearthed were evacuated to safe areas. During the process of transporting the bomb, people living along the route were also evacuated to ensure safety.

Businesses, organisations, and temporary markets nearby were asked to close on the day the bomb was moved./.

Tien Giang takes measures to supply water to more households

The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang has taken measures to supply water for daily use to more households in areas affected by saltwater intrusion to ensure no one has to buy water at high prices.

For its eastern region, which includes the districts of Go Cong Dong, Go Cong Tay, and Tan Phu Dong and Go Cong Town, it has drilled seven borewells at a cost of more than 10 billion VND (434,000 USD), according to the province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It undertook 23 projects for installing pipes to carry water from pumping stations in My Tho City to areas in the east without tap water.

The eastern region now has 198 water pumping stations with a capacity of 98,640cu.m a day that supply 17,804 urban households and 118,266 rural households.

At the beginning of this dry season, which lasts between December and May, the province had finalised plans to set up 103 public water supply sites to provide free water to 6,516 families living in the east in rural and remote areas, outside sea dykes, along the coast, near estuaries, and in fields that do not get tap water and have difficulty getting water for daily use.

It has so far set up 41 of them to supply 1,400cu.m a day, and will set up the rest when the situation worsens.

It has instructed coastal districts to strengthen advocacy about storing freshwater appropriately and using it carefully.

In the islet district of Tan Phu Dong, which is severely affected by saltwater intrusion during the dry season, 1,500 of the 11,800 local households do not get tap water.

But 12 pipes with a total length of 24.2 kilometres have been laid to supply water to the three coastal communes of Phu Dong, Phu Tan and Phu Thanh this year.

The district has also set up five free public water supply sites to benefit households in Phu Tan Commune.

It has pumped water from rivers when the salinity is below 2 grammes per litre into ponds for storing it.

These have helped resolve the shortage of water, Bui Thai Son, Secretary of the district’s Party Committee and Chairman of its People’s Committee, said.

Fireworks to be held in Vietnam on Reunification Day

Firework displays will be organised in many provinces and cities to welcome Reunification Day and May Day Holiday.

A firework display will be held in six locations in Hanoi from 9 pm to 9.15 pm on April 30. High altitude fireworks will be held at Hanoi Post Office in Hoan Kiem District and the Flower garden in Son Tay Town. Low altitude fireworks will be held at the Headquarter of Hanoi Moi Newspaper, Thong Nhat Park, My Dinh National Stadium and Van Quan Lake.

Quang Ninh People’s Committee announced that low-altitude fireworks for 15 minutes will be held at Cam Pha, Ha Long and Dong Trieu. Cua Lo Town in Nghe An Province and Quang Tri Province will also hold a firework display to launch the sea and island tourism season 2021.

Vo Trong Nam, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports said the city will hold firework displays at four locations, including Saigon River Tunnel, Landmark 81 Building, Dam Sen Park, and Can Thanh Commune, and Can Gio District.

A series of cultural and sports events will be held in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate Reunification Day and May Day. Ho Chi Minh City authorities encouraged individuals and businesses to fly the national flag during the holiday.

Ha Long beach to open soon

A beach in Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh will be opened on May 1.

The artificial beach, the first public one in Ha Long City, is 900 metres long and nearly 100 metres wide, running along Tran Quoc Nghien Road.

Tran Quoc Nghien Road connects to other famous tourist sites like Quang Ninh Museum, Library, October 30 Square and Ha Long Flower Park.

People in the Hon Gai area often come to local unlicensed beaches or beaches in the Bai Chay area for swimming. With the high demand of the public, Ha Long authorities decided to open a beach in the Hon Gai area.

The beach is part of a VND680 billion (USD29.56 million) project to upgrade areas around Tran Quoc Nghien Road. Of this funding, VND100 billion has been used for the beach investment.

Ha Long authorities are seeking public opinion for the name of the beach based on the three proposals Ha Long, Hon Gai and Hong Gai.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Son, vice chairman of Ha Long City People’s Committee, most of the surveyed opinions have preferred the name Hon Gai so far.

Job market shows strong signs of recovery

Vietnam’s job market showed strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2021, opening up various opportunities for workers, especially highly-skilled workers.

The labour market has been steadily recovering since early in the year, according to data from Adecco Vietnam, with the number of job openings in March rising 40% against January. Growth in job applications was 26%.

Sectors seeing an increase in hiring demand in the quarter included Engineering and Manufacturing, Energy, IT, E-commerce, Electronics, Semiconductor Design, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Construction.

The combination of global supply chain shifts and the positive impact of free trade agreements will offer new prospects for Vietnam’s economy into the future, leading to a significant increase in employment opportunities and hiring demand, said Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Adecco Hanoi’s Recruitment Manager.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the labour market in Q1 was livelier than in the same period last year, according to the municipal Centre for Human Resources Forecasting and Labour Market Information (FALMI).

Its figures show that there were over 44,000 job vacancies and nearly 19,500 jobseekers in the southern economic hub during the period, increasing local human resources demand by 13.14% year-on-year. The majority of vacancies (70.38%) were in the services sector, followed by industry (29.51%) and agriculture (0.11%).

The centre forecasts that the city will need between 68,600 and 73,500 workers, mostly in the fields of IT, electronics and electricity; mechanics and automation; healthcare and medicine; accounting and auditing; finance, banking and securities; real estate; and tourism, lodging and catering services.

Adecco Hanoi Office Director Nguyen Thu Ha explained three main reasons contributing to the current situation. The first is the Government’s successful efforts in virus prevention and containment, she said. Second, businesses have gradually ramped up their operations and are eager to bounce back after a period of economic stagnation. Third, in terms of psychology, people now are better able to take care their health and cope with coronavirus anxiety.

FALMI said that demand for trained workers in HCM City made up 85.72% of the total, including 22.19% for university graduates or higher.

Commenting on the labour market outlook for 2021, Andree Mangels, General Director, Adecco Vietnam believed that the recovery of the economy and the global trends of digitalisation will open up opportunities for skilled workers.

A recent survey from the Adecco Group on shifts in workplace expectations in the post-pandemic world indicate that 82% of participants appreciate the strict hygiene regulations at work.

Other noticeable expectations among workers are flexibility (80%), adequate facilities for remote working (79%), investment in technology (77%), financial support policies (77%), and regular updates on business plans and performance (75%).

Various activities prepared for Reunification Holiday in Quang Ninh

About 18 cultural activities will be held in Quang Ninh Province during the coming Reunification Day Holiday.

This is a part of the 27 events to stimulate the tourism industry in Quang Ninh from April 30 until mid-May. Some of the highlights are the opening of Hon Gai Beach and Ha Long-The Gathering of Wonders Show.

Ha Long Carnival also returns and will be held on Tuan Chau Island on April 30, Hon Gai on May 1 and FLC Ha Long Resort on May 2. Former Miss Vietnam beauty queens will join the street performance along with various well-known singers and artists. A fireworks display will be held at three locations.

Along the Tran Quoc Nghien Street are the martial art show, I Love Ha Long photo exhibition, street music, kite flying contest and other activities. Some other summer events in Quang Ninh are Three Regions Circus Gala 2021 in Cam Pha City, Tay Ethnic Culture Day in Tien Yen District and the 60th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Co To Island.

Tourism firms that participate in the stimulus programme have also offered various discounts. Quang Ninh is expecting 500,000-550,000 tourists for the Reunification Holiday.

Pham Ngoc Thuy, director of Quang Ninh Department of Tourism said, “We have worked with other parties to ensure the human resources and equipment for the programme. We have also inspected hotels and other facilities where the main events will be held to keep the prices stable and to ensure a pleasant holiday for visitors.”

Vietnam should be cautious about reopening doors to international tourists: McKinsey

Vietnam should not take risks and reopen its doors and border gates to international tourists until the country reaches herd immunity through widespread Covid-19 vaccination, according to global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Many opinions have thrown their support behind the proposal to reopen doors to boost travel and trade, while the firm said in its recent report that Vietnam should ensure there are no locally-transmitted Covid-19 cases and should not allow free travel until the country reaches herd immunity.

Following this method, Vietnam’s tourism sector can recover in 2024 thanks to the domestic tourism segment, which regained its growth momentum last year after social distancing was lifted. The travel demand will continue to accelerate and recover quickly, according to the firm.

Local tourists who are not allowed to take foreign trips will alter their plans and opt for tours in Vietnam and spend more money than they did in 2019.

Vietnamese visitors spent US$5.9 billion on tourism in foreign countries in 2019. This is a big chance for local tour operators to tap the local tourism market, according to the report.

The consulting firm also suggested tourism firms offer more luxurious tours to tourists and reduce the prices of their products to stimulate travel. The reduction should not be a long-term solution, said McKinsey & Company.

The firm also presented some solutions to help Vietnam and other countries maintain the status of having no new locally-infected Covid-19 cases during their recovery process, including taking the domestic travel demand into account, considering setting up prices, applying digital technology and offering new experiences to tourists.

Besides, tour operators should also grasp information about the travel demands of international tourists and meet safety regulations to be ready to serve foreign visitors before Vietnam reopens its doors.

Those who organized illegal exit on NA chairperson’s flight to stand trial next month

The HCMC People’s Court will hold the first-instance hearing early next month for eight people who had earlier helped nine people travel to South Korea on a flight transporting a delegation of the then National Assembly (NA) chairperson in late 2018.

Among the eight accused, three were indicted for allegedly organizing the illegal exit from Vietnam, comprising former director of GVA Company Le Thi Lieu, an ex-official of a magazine under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Tran Thi Tuyet and former director of TD Vietnam Education Consulting and Training JSC Luong Manh Hung.

Five others were charged with allegedly mediating so that the nine could go abroad, the local media reported.

On August 6, 2018, the NA’s Foreign Affairs Committee asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment to make a list of enterprises accompanying the NA chairperson to China and South Korea. The Ministry of Planning and Investment assigned the Foreign Investment Agency and the Investment Promotion Center-North Vietnam to do the job.

The schedule changed and the delegation visited only South Korea from December 4 to 7, 2018.

However, nine people of the delegation did not return to Vietnam after the trip. Six of them were helped by Lieu and her accomplices to illegally escape to South Korea.

In early 2018, Lieu made contact with Hoang Anh, a resident of Nghe An who was living in Germany, and discovered that many residents in Hoang Anh’s hometown wanted to travel to South Korea for work. Through Trinh Bang Dung, Hoang Anh introduced Lieu to some of these people, who had to pay US$10,000 each to be taken to South Korea.

The accused agreed that Dung would collect US$11,500 each to earn profit.

After hearing the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s news, Lieu directed her employees to prepare dossiers and complete procedures so that she and her customers could be a part of the NA’s delegation.

She asked her customers to wear formal clothes and learn information about the companies they represented. Once in South Korea, under the pretense that they had to meet their partners or go shopping, they took back their passports and stayed on to look for jobs.

According to investigators, Lieu earned more than VND700 million from these people.

Sapa woos tourists with big stimulus programs

The People’s Committee of Lao Cai Province in collaboration with the Sapa Tourism Association has launched a big tourism stimulus campaign to attract more visitors to the northern mountainous region.

The program, themed Huong Sac Lao Cai (The Beauty of Lao Cai), received a positive response from some 100 tourism businesses, including hotels, homestays, car agencies and tourist spots in Sapa town in Lao Cai Province.

Discounts offered by all the units range from 20%-70% and will go on from April 10 to December 31, the local media reported.

Trinh Xuan Truong, chairman of the People’s Committee of Lao Cai Province, said that this is the largest-scale stimulus program to ever be implemented by Lao Cai to date.

The committee, along with Lao Cai’s Department of Tourism, will accompany districts and towns as they organize various programs and extraordinary tourism activities imbued with the highland’s cultural identity throughout 2021, painting a colorful and attractive picture of Lao Cai and offering a rich experience for tourists.

Pham Cao Vy, chairman of the Sapa Tourism Association, expects the program to be a hit among tourists, helping local tourism, especially tourism businesses make a quick recovery and flourish.

So far, Lao Cai’s tourism stimulus program has been receiving positive feedback as booking rates toward the end of April across Sapa alone have reached 80% and up to 100% for the upcoming holidays of April 30 and May 1.

Aside from the unprecedented discount program, lots of exciting events and festivals will be held throughout 2021 to give tourists an unforgettable experience in Sapa.

UK education and technology on roadshow in HCMC

The British Consulate-General in HCMC in collaboration with the British University Vietnam, NashTech Vietnam and Study in Wales on April 23 organized the “UK Education and Technology Roadshow” in HCMC, following its success in Hanoi, Danang and Haiphong.

The double-decker bus visited four universities–the University of Greenwich Vietnam, the University of Science – Vietnam National University HCMC, the Hong Bang International University and the University of Economics and Finance HCMC.

More than 1,200 students in the city had the opportunity to learn about studying in the UK and the skills needed for future work from two Chevening alumni: Nguyen Thi Phuong Nghi (Master of Philosophy in Therapeutic Science at the University of Cambridge) and Ton Nu Tuong Vy (Master of Education and International Development at the University College London).

The UK Government’s Chevening Scholarships Officer was also present at the roadshow to provide more information about the scholarship such as the selection criteria, the number of scholarships per year and the benefits of being awarded the prestigious scholarship.

Besides, the roadshow also provided information about studying in the UK and tips to choose suitable programs based on the strengths and interests of students.

In case students prefer to study in Vietnam, there are also domestic programmes to pursue recognized UK degrees, which can offer value for their future career paths.

British technology company NashTech also spoke about job opportunities at the company as well as the desirable skills employers look for in an international working environment.

Speaking at the event, British deputy consul general in HCMC Sam Wood said education, technology and skills training are key pillars in the UK and Vietnam bilateral partnership.

“I hope that the students in HCMC learned more about joint-training programmes, scholarships and career opportunities after graduating. Whether you want to acquire world-renowned valuable skills in the UK, or receive a UK-recognized degree in Vietnam, the UK has it for you,” Wood said.

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organizations, Chevening offers full coverage for a one-year Master’s degree at any university across the UK.

Music performance to be held in complete darkness in HCMC

A special music performance will be held in complete darkness at the SOUL Live Project Complex in HCMC on April 25, enabling the audience to focus entirely on the experience provided by music and the word.

“Music In The Dark” promises to be an evening where music has more emotional power because all visual distractions will be eliminated.

Studies show that some 70% of all the body’s sensory receptors are located in the eyes. Therefore, when listening to music in the dark without any stage effects, the audience can explore the purity of sound.

In the dark, music becomes the only language. Listeners may find it unfamiliar at first but music will gradually touch every corner of their soul in a surprisingly enchanting way.

The main highlight of the event is the performers’ vocals as an amazing instrument capable of conveying a wide range of emotions. Whether as a solo or in combination with another voice or all together as a choir, the human voice has incredible power.

This concert features vocal students, teachers and ensembles, both accompanied and unaccompanied, from the Soul Music & Performing Arts Academy’s Faculty of Music. With the theme of “HOME”, the songs offer diverse forms of vocal music for different combinations of voices.

This is the fourth year that “Music in the Dark” is being organized. The event also serves as an opportunity for the community to support charitable causes, including assistance for blind people.

The concert is not suitable for children under 10 years of age and begins at 7 p.m.

20 streets in Thu Duc City named after historical figures, famous people

A road naming ceremony of 20 arterial streets and new residential areas in Thu Duc City after historical figures and famous people was held at the Thu Thiem new urban area yesterday under the witness of leaders of HCMC and Thu Duc City and delegates.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Thu Duc City People’s Committee Mr. Hoang Tung emphasized that this was considered as a meaningful activity to express respect and commemorate the great contributions by historical figures to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the country.

The event contributes to the implementation of urban and administrative management and creates favorable conditions for organizations and individuals in the economic, cultural and social transactions in Thu Duc City.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thien Nhan, former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Head of Ho Chi Minh City’s delegation of National Assembly deputies, the event was also a great honor for families as well as deep gratitude for the previous generations who had made great contributions to the fight, construction and defense of the country.

Besides, the street naming ceremony aims to mark the 46th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-2021).

Accordingly, 20 streets in Thu Duc City were named after famous and historical figures namely To Huu, Tran Bach Dang, Nguyen Thien Thanh, Bui Thien Ngo, Tran Van Sac, Nguyen Dinh Thai Ly, Ho Thi Nhung, An Tu princess, Luu Dinh Le, Tinh Trieu, Bach Dong On, Pham Van Ngon, Dang Binh Thanh, Dang Dinh Tuong, Duong Lam, Duong Thanh, Tran Quy Kien, Tran Duc Thao, Nguyen Thi Thich and Nguyen Thi Diep. The street naming is based on Resolution No. 86 / NQ-HDND dated December 9, 2020 of the People’s Council of Ho Chi Minh City on the addition of street names and road naming in HCMC.

Attending at the ceremony were former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Head of Ho Chi Minh City’s delegation of National Assembly deputies Mr. Nguyen Thien Nhan; alternate member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Secretary of the Thu Duc City Party Committee Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu; Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Ms. Phan Thi Thang;

HCMC to hold culture-art activities to mark National Reunification Day

Ho Chi Minh City has planned a series of culture and arts events to celebrate the upcoming National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1).

According to Vo Trong Nam, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, a photo exhibition on Vietnam’s border areas at Lam Son Park in District 1 will kick off activities on April 26.

On April 28, an exchange with witnesses of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign is scheduled. The campaign liberated the south of Vietnam, paving the way for the country’s independence and reunification after 21 years of separation.

There will also be ceremonies to bestow the Hero of People’s Armed Forces title upon recipients and to announce the Prime Minister’s decisions on recognising Can Gio district as a new-style rural area and Thach An commune as an island commune under the administration of HCMC.

The department’s pop music centre will hold a special concert on the evening of April 29, while the local Police High Command’s brass band will perform on the evening of April 30, both on District 1’s Nguyen Hue walking street.

A host of activities are also set for May in celebration of President Ho Chi Minh’s 131st birthday on May 19.

Vietnamese publisher releases internationally-famous books

After making an effort to purchase copyright, the Youth Publishing House released a series of books for children along with the National Geographic Kids’ scientific book series.

These books with good content and design not only bring vivid knowledge to children helping them to learn more about the world around them but also are a way to nurture reading habits for families.

The Youth Publishing House has translated books into Vietnamese. For the first time in Vietnam, five volumes of the National Geographic Kids scientific books including Human Body; What Would Happen?; Explorer Academy; Do not read at midnight have been released.

The books with coherent presentation of scientific information, accurate and interesting illustrations are very interesting ensuring that readers will not miss any knowledge. Along with that are the images beyond small readers’ understanding. After reading, small readers will build up a useful mind map by themselves, with outstanding scientific knowledge retention.

Another set of scientific books including eight books to be released on this occasion is My Science Castle. The eight books are about animals to plants such as how eggs hatch into chicks; Why do whales migrate; Why does the seed sprout in the spring; How tadpoles turn frogs; How do our bodies work; Is black bear dangerous; How do caterpillars turn butterflies.

The book series is the first adventure in natural history sharing with readers the amazing world of science with its up-to-date knowledge, eliciting curiosity, curiosity and desire to explore for each child. The stories are attractive from beginning to end, clarifying all questions of children. The book ‘How our bodies work’ will answer them: How do we smell and taste food? How do we hear and look? Why do we have teeth? What is the skeleton for? Why do we have muscle? Why do we have skin? How does the brain work?

The book sets including Horrible Histories, Horrible Science, Horrible Geography, The Knowledge has published more than 40 titles and more books will be released as predicted. They are designed to get children interested in science by concentrating on the trivial, unusual, gory, or unpleasant.

Most small readers are excited about science after reading these series of books such as Horrible Science, Horrible Geography, and Horrible Geography.

Parents can’t miss books of Om Books publisher such as Wait for Your Turn, Never Give Up, I am not scared, Let’s Shake Hand, Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?

Restaurant reported on overpriced bill

Accordingly, on April 23, 2021, a tourist with the Facebook account Van Le visited a seafood restaurant named Thap Ba 86 (located at the address of 29 Pham Van Dong Street of Nha Trang City).

After listening to the recommendations from the restaurant, Van Le decided to order 3 seafood dishes, with the price ranging from VND200,000 to 420,000 per kilo (approx. US$8.7-18.3). The whole meal was captured and posted on Review Du Lich Nha Trang Forum. This meal was bill VND1,460,000 in total ($63.6).

The tourist annoyingly said that he had already asked for the detailed price of each seafood kind before ordering, yet in the end he was still billed illogically. Among them, the price of sweet snail was the most unacceptable, at VND1.8 million per kilo ($78.4).

Explaining the situation to the local authorities, Nguyen Van Luong – the restaurant owner – first confirmed that the discussed bill was from his restaurant. He further stated that sweet snails in his restaurant have diverse sizes, some of which are extremely large and unique in the city (18-19 snails per kilo). This leads to such a high input price of VND1.2 million a kilo ($52.3). Therefore, the retail price mentioned above is not at all overpriced.

He also displayed the bills of other customers as an illustration, one of which was over VND9 million ($392) for a meal including 2.4 kilo of sweet snail.

Van La said that he had visited the People’s Committee of the ward where the restaurant was sited right on that day, but had been instructed to contact the special tourism-support hotline of the province instead, since this organization was not authorized for such matters.

However, Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Province Department of Tourism, shared that the concerned tourist did not report the case to the above hotline.

HCMC focuses on tourism advertising plan

The tourism sector of Ho Chi Minh City will focus on promoting safe tourism destinations and services, including shopping, healthcare, agriculture and resort.

To create more new and attractive tourist products, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism established survey teams to connect new products and tours, tourism routes on the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) as well as for other holidays in the year.

Besides, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism planned to develop new mid-term and long-term tourist products to meet the needs of domestic and foreign tourists. Ho Chi Minh City also focuses on attracting travelers from provinces and cities nationwide to Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa.

On the same day, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam and Da Nang in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism launched the “Back to the miraculous heritage domain” program to promote and attract tourists to experience the beautiful landscapes of four provinces and cities. The program aims to recover the tourism industry after the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the contents were released at a brief meeting between the Municipal Department of Tourism and press agencies about tourism stimulus programs and the development of HCMC in the coming time yesterday.

Ca Mau-Nam Du-Phu Quoc high-speed boat route to be resumed

Phu Quoc High Speed Boat Joint Stock Company (Phu Quoc Express) will resume operation of Phu Quoc high-speed boat in Ca Mau-Nam Du- Phu Quoc route on the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1).

Particularly, the maritime tourism routes of Ca Mau- Phu Quoc, Ca Mau- Nam Du, Nam Du- Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc- Ca Mau, Phu Quoc-Nam Du, Nam Du- Ca Mau will operate daily from April 29 to May 3.

From May 4 to August 15, Ca Mau- Phu Quoc, Ca Mau- Nam Du and Nam Du- Phu Quoc routes will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and routes of Phu Quoc- Ca Mau, Phu Quoc- Nam Du, Nam Du- Ca Mau will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Earlier, the Phu Quoc High Speed Boat Joint Stock Company put the Phu Quoc high-speed boat into operation on Ca Mau-Nam Du- Phu Quoc route in July 2020.

That is the first sea-island tourism route of Ca Mau Province, contributing to the tourism development of Ca Mau Province. However, the route was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

50% Vietnamese travelers are willing to travel in May and June

The newly launched “insight snapshot” by Outbox Consulting show that 50% of local travelers are intending to travel in May and June, among them, 40% are more interested in sightseeing and cuisine.

Summer is considered as one of the most important travel seasons of Vietnam tourism. In the current context when the country is making effort to contain Covid-19 pandemic while boosting economic growth, the success of this peak tourist season will be decisive for the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

The insight snapshots entitled “Vietnamese Travel Behaviors – Summer 2021”  conducted by Outbox Consulting shows that half of those surveyed are willing to travel this summer, especially in the coming May and June. Over 30% all travelers start looking for travel information three to four weeks before their trip and social media is the main source of information for their trips.

Covid-19 has changed the behavior of tourists almost completely.  According to the survey, price is the most important factor affecting decision-making at a destination, accounting for 30% of all mentions.

Travelers of Gen X (aged 41 to 56) and Gen Z (aged 18 to 24) consider price as the most important factor when choosing a travel agent. Meanwhile, Millennials (aged 25 to 40) tend to be more generous when traveling as they take more into account the travel agent’s reputation, customer service and feedback from friends/relatives about tour quality.

In addition, service quality and safety account for over 30% of all mentioned factors determining travelers’ satisfaction at a destination. Also, the research showed that 42% independent travelers book accommodation first before any other services.

Contrary to the fussy tour selection trend of Gen Z and Millennials, travelers of older generation seem to be more reckless in choosing a tour. They don’t need up to a month to plan where to travel. While the younger generation of tourists, aged between 18 and 40, tend to be pickier about their destination as they  usually take about one to two months to decide where to travel.

“Du Lich Viet, Vietravel & Saigontourist are three most popular travel agents  trusted by package-tour travelers,” the Outboxs’ insight snapshot showed.

Unlike conventional long-format analysis reports, the “insight snapshot” displays important information prominently to help readers easily get an overview of research results and focus on data. It is considered an initiative of Outbox Consulting to help both individuals & businesses in the tourism industry understand Vietnamese in terms of who they are, their travel preferences, travel motivations, and their behaviors during the planning and booking for a trip in summer 2021.

USAID-supported forest service project generates US$120M for Vietnam annually

The eight-year project increases transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in payment for forest environmental services.

A forest service project, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2012-2021, enables Vietnam to generate roughly US$120 million per year.

The USAID Vietnam Forests and Deltas project on climate change program that costs US$31.4 million and implemented by Winrock International helps Vietnam’s transition to climate resilient and low-emission sustainable development, according to the US Embassy in Hanoi.

The news was released on April 22 to mark the completion of the project and launch the new USAID Sustainable Forest Management project and USAID Biodiversity Conservation project with the attendance of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Ha Cong Tuan and USAID Acting Mission Director Bradley Bessire.

The project supported MARD to successfully implement the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) system at the national scale.

The project supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to successfully implement the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) system at the national scale.

The annual earnings of approximately US$120 million help finance the management of roughly six million hectares of Vietnam’s forests.

The PFES system contributes to increasing incomes and living standards for hundreds of thousands of people living in the mountainous areas who receive payments to protect forests.

The project also helps MARD expand the PFES system to increase its transparency, efficiency and effectiveness through application of electronic payments in disbursing funds and enhancement of monitoring and evaluation.

In addition, the project trained about 350,000 people on climate change adaptation, forest management and livelihoods development and helped over 200,000 people implement climate change risk reduction practices in the Mekong and Red River Deltas.

Over more than eight years of implementation at the national level and in the provinces of Quang Ninh, Nam Dinh, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Lam Dong and Long An, the project achieved significant results, receiving wide recognition from the government of Vietnam, local communities, and other related stakeholders.

Airlines urged to tighten COVID-19 preventive measures

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) have issued a telegram urging both airports and airlines to strengthen their supervision over passengers wearing face masks in terminal areas, especially during Reunification Day on April 30 and May Day on May 1, along with the upcoming summer season.

This move comes following several passengers flouting rules regarding the wearing of face masks in quarantine areas at airports, despite regulations being put in place, thereby increasing the risk of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic spreading via aviation hubs.

The CAAV has therefore requested that all airports and airlines remind passengers in the terminal area to strictly abide by regulations regarding wearing face masks as a means of preventing the potential spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airlines have been urged to refuse to transport passengers who fail to fill in medical declaration forms and those who disregard epidemic prevention rules, while strictly punishing individuals who violate these rules.

At present, local airlines have entered the peak season in terms of meeting the growing travel demands of passengers during the upcoming holidays with the number of travelers anticipated to see a 40% increase compared to the same period from last year.

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

By Thanh An – Translated by Uyen Phuong

Nine cases of COVID-19 associated with the pandemic cluster at the Hanoi-based National Hospital for Tropical Diseases were reported on May 6 morning.

Of the latest infections, two are relatives of patients being treated at the hospital, the city’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) said.

On the day, the health department of northern Thai Binh province also reported five new cases linked with the hospital’s pandemic cluster.

Thai Binh has decided to impose social distancing across the province from 12:00 on May 6, and activate anti-COVID-19 groups.

The two other cases were recorded in the northern province of Hung Yen.

The localities have quickly conducted contract tracing and rolled out measures to seal off pandemic-hit areas.

Located in Hanoi’s outlying district of Dong Anh, the hospital was the frontline facility in the COVID-19 fight. On May 4, a doctor of the hospital was confirmed positive for the coronavirus./.

Vietnam prioritises safety for people amid COVID-19

The Ministry of Health will join hands with relevant ministries and sectors to study and recommend the Government the suitable time to apply vaccine passports, with safety for locals being the overriding priority, said Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan.

Vaccine passport only proves its efficacy until herd immunity is reached, which means around 70 percent of the Vietnamese population get vaccinated, Health Deputy Minister Thuan said at the Government’s press conference on May 5.

Currently, no vaccines show 100 percent protection against the SARS-CoV-2 variants, he said, highlighting competent authorities must have meticulous consideration before carrying out the vaccine passport.

Besides COVID-19 inoculation, Thuan stressed that implementation of 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) will contribute to stamping out the pandemic.

Regarding support policies for local people and businesses battered by the novel outbreak, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that the ministry outlined specific support measures in February and have reported to the Government.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam has told financial institutions to reschedule debt repayments to help customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Circular No 03/2021/TT-NHNN dated April 2, 2021, the central bank gives permission to financial institutions to reschedule debts with repayment obligations incurred from January 23, 2020 to the end of this year./.

Authorities move to handle illegal entry, exit

Authorities in northern Quang Ninh and Dien Bien provinces and southern Binh Phuoc province on May 5 took actions against persons involved in illegal migration.

Police of Quang Ninh’s Hai Ha district said they had officially launched an investigation into and temporarily detained Le Van Kieu, born in 1978, from the nearby city of Hai Phong for organising illegal entry.

Kieu was initially found to have arranged persons helping Luong Thi Xuan (born in 1964), whose passport was granted by the Vietnamese Consulate General in China’s Nanning city, illegally cross the border to enter Vietnam.

The case is still under further investigation.

In Dien Bien province, the A Pa Chai border guard post handed over 13 Chinese nationals to Chinese authorities.

Together with 12 Vietnamese, they were arrested on April 18 and 19 for assisting others to illegally exit from the country. They admitted that they had been seeking ways to help several Chinese illegally come to Laos.

Before being returned to Chinese authorities, they had been sent to concentrated quarantine to prevent any possible COVID-19 transmission.

In the southern border province of Binh Phuoc, the healthcare centre of Loc Ninh district said that it received many people with illicit exit and entry transferred from anti-COVID-19 forces on May 4 and 5.

They include six Chinese nationals who were trying to cross the border to enter Cambodia, a Cambodian attempting to come to Vietnam, and seven Vietnamese illegally moving to the country from Cambodia.

They are being tested for the coronavirus and also under investigation./.

Train services on Hanoi-Yen Bai/Haiphong routes to be suspended due to Covid-19

The Hanoi Railway Transport JSC (Haraco) has decided to suspend the operations of the YB3/YB4 trains on the Hanoi-Yen Bai route and the HP1/LP2 trains on the Hanoi-Haiphong route starting from May 8, due to the impact of the latest Covid-19 resurgence in Vietnam.

Before the suspension, the YB3/YB4 and the HP1/LP2 trains were only operational on weekends. The YB3 train departs from Hanoi station on Saturdays and the YB4 starts at the Yen Bai station on Sundays. The HP1 departs from the Hanoi station and the LP2 at the Haiphong station, reported VietnamPlus.

Passengers who booked tickets for these trains can return them to railway stations before the time of departure and will not be charged any fee, a representative of Haraco said.

Passengers boarding trains departing from other provinces to Haiphong City were informed that the northern city had started applying quarantine measures such as quarantining at concentrated quarantine centers, home-quarantining, health declarations and medical monitoring for people arriving from virus-hit localities, starting from May 4.

On the Hanoi-Haiphong route, the LP3, LP5, LP6, LP8 trains are still operational daily.

Earlier, the provincial government of Yen Bai on May 3 issued a dispatch ordering the implementation of social distancing in public places starting from the same day to combat Covid-19.

Vinh Phuc to increase Covid-19 testing capacity fivefold

Amid the complicated Covid-19 situation, chairman of the Vinh Phuc Provincial government Le Duy Thanh asked the provincial Department of Health to augment the Covid-19 sample collecting and testing capacity by five times.

Addressing a meeting held early this morning, May 5, Thanh also tasked the local health authorities with scaling up the number of hospital beds serving quarantine purposes by three times and making preparations to resume the province’s Covid-19 field hospital.

Districts in the province were told to complete setting up concentrated quarantine centers and facilitate patrols and tackle people illegally entering the country.

The provincial government will work out and allocate appropriate financial amounts to local units to deal with the pandemic, Thanh added.

The northern province had mapped out Covid-19 testing plans for residents in vulnerable areas such as the Dong Son urban area where the hotspot Sunny Club is located and six coronavirus cases had been reported, the Phuc Yen General Hospital and locations linked to a group of Chinese experts who were confirmed to have been infected with Covid-19.

Besides this, the province will expand its field hospital, add at least 2,000 beds at concentrated quarantine facilities and propose purchasing or renting 10-15 Covid-19 testing machines to meet the testing demand.

As of May 4, the province had discovered over 5,000 people were linked to coronavirus patients through its contact tracing efforts. Further, it had quarantined over 5,700 people and collected the samples of over 2,800 people, according to VnExpress news site.

The Covid-19 community transmission broke out in Vinh Phuc on May 2, reportedly originating from a group of Chinese experts that had left Vietnam. Up to now, the province has reported 14 infections during the latest coronavirus wave.

Big smuggling case at Nhat Cuong Company put on trial

The People’s Court of Hanoi on May 5 opened a first-instance trial of a case related to smuggling and violations of accounting regulations which occurred at the Nhat Cuong Technic Co Ltd.

This is one of the five major cases which the Central Steering Committee for Corruption Prevention and Control has required to be tried as early as possible.

At the opening session on May 5, the trial jury announced a decision to cancel the trial against Mai Tien Dung, 38, head of Nhat Cuong Company’s used mobile business line, who died due to fatal illness.

Among 14 defendants put on trial, there are three women. All of the defendants have been held in custody.

Two defendants are charged with violating accounting regulations, causing serious consequences, who are Nguyen Bao Ngoc, the firm’s finance director, and Nguyen Thi Bich Hang, its chief accountant.

The 12 other defendants, along with Ngoc, are prosecuted for smuggling.

Regarding the charge of smuggling, the indictment said from January 2014 to May 2019, Bui Quang Huy, Nhat Cuong General Director, personally directed the company’s staff to conduct 2,502 illegal transactions involving the purchase and sale of more than 255,000 mobile phones and electronic equipment worth over 2.92 trillion VND in total (126.7 million USD) with 16 suppliers in Hong Kong (China).

Huy then contacted and hired smuggling rings to transport the products from Hong Kong to Vietnam and hand over to the Nhat Cuong Company for selling, with a total of 52,811 products sold at a total value of 307 billion VND.

As for the violations of accounting regulations that cause serious consequences, the indictment said in 2014, Huy instructed the firm’s employees to set up two different accounting systems, one for internal use and another fake one for public reporting.

The procuracy said that this is a banned act under Article 13 of the law on accounting, which caused a loss of nearly 30 billion VND in tax revenue for the State.

Huy and several other defendants are on the run and have been put on the wanted list by police.

The trial is expected to last one week./.

Humanitarian Month 2021 launched in Hanoi

The Hanoi Red Cross Association held a ceremony on May 5 to launch Humanitarian Month 2021, on the occasion of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8).

With the theme “For a safe community”, the month-long event will feature practical activities to build a united, healthy, and safe community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman of the association Dao Ngoc Trieu said the event will help raise public awareness and sense of responsibility about the humanitarian work while creating a philanthropic emulation campaign among agencies and people from all walks of life.

He expressed his belief that activities held will help with poverty reduction and new-style rural development in localities.

On the occasion, the association also presented two houses, each worth 50 million VND (2,100 USD), to two poor households in Hanoi’s outlying districts of My Duc and Quoc Oai.

The organising board also handed over 20 bicycles and aid to 10 local families and students in need.

At the launch ceremony, the association received more than 11 billion VND in donations from its chapters and enterprises, which will be used to support 7,000-8,000 poor residents, build at least two humanitarian works, and repair 69 Red Cross houses.

As part of the event, a blood donation drive was also launched in Gia Lam district.

Piloted from 2018 to 2020, activities during the month have benefited more than 153,000 people and cost around 53 billion VND./.

Ba Son underground station’s ground floor completed ahead of schedule

Construction for the first ground floor (B1) at Ba Son station, part of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line No.1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), was completed one month earlier than the set deadline.

Ba Son is one of the metro line’s three underground stations, together with Municipal Theatre and Ben Thanh stations. The station consists of two stories with a combined length of 240 metres, width of 34.5 metres and depth of 20 metres.

The freshly-completed B1 is built with a lobby, ticket vending machines, automatic toll gates, and a passenger information centre. Meanwhile, the platform is arranged at the second ground floor.

Ba Son station is designed with wave-like decorations reminiscent of the Saigon River.

According to Le Van Quang Vinh, manager of the CP1b package (construction of the underground line from Municipal Theatre station to Ba Son station), said that construction of Ba Son station will be fulfilled by the end of May.

The city’s first metro line between Ben Thanh Market in District 1 and the Suoi Tien Theme Park in District 9 has 14 stations, three of them underground. There will be 17 trains with three carriages each that will run at a maximum speed of 110km/h above ground and 80km/h below ground.

Construction on the line is now 84.44 percent done./.

Urgent dispatch on concentrated quarantine regulations issued

The National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on May 5 sent an urgent dispatch requiring the strict implementation of concentrated quarantine regulations and post-quarantine management.

Under the document, the steering committee requests strict management over those entering Vietnam, as well as tighter inspection of concentrated quarantine along with strict punishment of organisations and individuals violating regulations on concentrated quarantine and quarantine at home and place of residency.

Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities are asked to direct the implementation of concentrated quarantine for at least 14 days followed by home quarantine for the next 14 days for everyone entering the country.

The committee required checking infrastructure at concentrated quarantine facilities to ensure the strict monitoring of quarantined people. Localities must improve the handover, transport and reception of those who complete their quarantine period at concentrated facilities back to their places of residence.

People who return from concentrated quarantine facilities should make daily health declarations for local medical workers. If showing signs of fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, tiredness and loss of taste, they are advised to move to the closest health clinic for timely guidance.

They are not allowed to leave their houses or places of residence. In cases they need to go out for work or other necessary purposes, they are required to report to local police and medical staffs and 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).

In addition, COVID-19 testing should be conducted on the seventh day since the concentrated quarantine period ends, said the urgent dispatch.

The Ministry of National Defence is requested to direct army-managed concentrated quarantine establishments to seriously follow disease prevention and control measures, while the Ministry of Public Security is asked to direct local police forces to coordinate with medical agencies to manage the health monitoring at home and place of residency for those entering Vietnam./.

First Vietnam International Photography Festival on horizon

A view of Trang An boat wharf (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

The event comprises a competition to select a logo for the festival, an exhibition in Ninh Binh showcasing 250 photos of Vietnam through the lens of foreign photographers, and a host of symposiums.

The festival, part of activities during the 2021 National Tourism Year in Ninh Binh, is hoped to build brand for Vietnamese photography, thereby promoting the country’s image and enhancing international exchanges through photography.

Call for entries is scheduled for May and June, while photo selection in September. The award ceremony and exhibition will be held later this year./.

National inspection drive aims to detect illegal immigrants

The Minister of Public Security has ordered a national examination campaign to discover illegal immigrants in Vietnam, the Ministry of Public Security’s Spokesperson Lieut. Gen. To An Xo said at the Government’s regular press conference on May 5.

Xo said that under the order, motels, hotels and accommodation facilities across the country will be examined, while the border guards will increase border patrols, and the police will seek illegal immigrants and launch legal proceedings against them and brokers of illegal immigration.

Illegal immigrants who are negative to COVID-19 will be returned to the places they departed, while accommodation facilities violating relevant regulations will have their licences revoked and receive administrative fines and even criminal punishments, he said.

According to the officer, since the beginning of the year, about 150,000 people have entered Vietnam, including 110,000 through land border gates, and 40,000 through flights.

Meanwhile, 39 localities nationwide have reported 199 cases with 1,343 illegal Chinese immigrants. The Ministry of Public Security prosecuted 49 cases with 141 defendants.

“It is crucial to drastically prevent illegal immigrants, as illegally entering Vietnam is violating the country’s sovereignty, causing high risks of pandemic outbreaks and affecting the livelihoods of Vietnamese people,” he stressed.

The officer added that the major method of organising illegal entry into Vietnam is contacting those wishing to enter Vietnam through the Internet before transporting them to the country.

As Vietnam shares a long border with neighbouring countries, it is easy to cross the land border, he said, adding that through the general examination campaign, localities will report to the ministry major methods of brokering illegal entry into Vietnam, thus put forth effective prevention and combat measures./.

Hoa Binh: mother, son jailed for anti-State propaganda

The People’s Court of the northern province of Hoa Binh on May 5 sentenced a woman and her son to eight years in prison each for “making, storing, distributing, or disseminating information, documents and items against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.”

Can Thi Theu, born in 1962, and her son – Trinh Ba Tu, born in 1989, reside in Ngoc Luong commune, Yen Thuy district.

At the court, Theu and Tu confessed that they had created, published and distributed video clips with fabricated and distorted contents defaming people’s administration.

Between January 9-14, 2021, they used their Facebook accounts to post eight video clips against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. They also published video clips inciting people to revolt against authorities, insulting organisations and agencies, and defaming Party, State and Government leaders.

The judge decided that the duo will be under home probation for another three years after their jail terms end./.

Red-shanked douc released to the wild

An individual of red-shanked douc was released into Bach Ma National Park in Phu Loc district, the central province of Thua Thien – Hue on May 5.

The animal, weighing 6.3 kilogrammes, is the queen of primates, and has been listed as critically endangered in the 2007 Vietnam’s Red Book. It was found near Ta Trach reservoir by a local in Duong Hoa commune, Huong Thuy town, on April 28.

According to Director of the Bach Ma National Park’s management board Nguyen Vu Linh, the animal is in a good health condition.

The Park’s staff will keep a close watch on its moving, and ability to integrate into the red-shanked douc herds in the park.

Recent research shows that Bach Ma National Park is home to 15 herds of red-shanked doucs with more than 170 individuals. Since 2017, the park has received and released more than 200 endangered individuals, including Indochinese serows, red-shanked doucs, Indochinese box turtles, and pangolins, among others./.

Exhibition on National Assembly kicks off in Bac Ninh

More than 500 photos and documents featuring the first General Election and development of the National Assembly of Vietnam are being displayed in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

It gives visitors an insight into the formation of the legislative body, the first general election on January 6, 1946, the 75-year journey of the National Assembly.

The exhibition also features activities of delegation of National Assembly deputies of Bac Ninh and the provincial People’s Council during 2021-2026 tenure.

The event will last until the end of June./.

Front leader examines election preparations in Kien Giang

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has completed major electoral steps, including the organisation of three consultative conferences, the provincial Election Commission told Do Van Chien, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, on May 5.

The province has also established election groups in localities, stepped up the communication work, and settled complaints and denunciations regarding the upcoming elections in line with regulations.

Candidates for the seats of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils have met with voters. Meanwhile, the lists of candidates and voters have been announced.

Apart from measures to ensure security and order during the important political event, Kien Giang has drawn up a COVID-19 prevention and control plan.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the provincial Election Commission, Chien, who is also Vice Chairman of the National Election Commission (NEC), lauded Kien Giang’s efforts in the preparation work.

Pointing out the high risk of COVID-19 infections as Kien Giang borders Cambodia that is facing a surge in cases, he asked the province to observe COVID-19 prevention and control regulations during the organisation of meetings between candidates and voters./.

Long An supports Cambodian provinces in COVID-19 fight

The Mekong Delta province of Long An on May 5 presented medical supplies worth 150 million VND (6,500 USD) to Cambodia’s Svay Rieng and Prey Veng provinces to support their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Youth Federation of Long An also handed over 30,000 face masks, 2,500 litres of sanitizer gel, and 4 anti-bacterial chemical sprayers to the Youth Unions of the two provinces of Cambodia.

The gifts aim to support the two provinces to overcome hard times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while showing the mutual support and assistance between Vietnam and Cambodia.

On the occasion, Long An also presented 400 gifts to Vietnamese Cambodians in Svay Rieng and Prey Veng./.

Working group for Vietnam-France defence ties meet via videoconference

The working group for Vietnam-France defence cooperation held a meeting via videoconference on May 5 during which the two countries’ officials agreed to maintain high-level contact and strengthen links in different aspects.

The event was chaired by Lt. Gen. Vu Chien Thang, Director of the Department for External Relations under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, and Brigadier General Eric Peltier, head of the south bilateral cooperation department of the French army.

Reviewing the cooperation outcomes in the recent past, the two sides noted that Vietnam and France have maintained their cooperative ties in many areas in an appropriate manner.

Despite complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have sustained high-level contact via videoconference while working closely and rather effectively in other spheres like training, UN peacekeeping operations, and military medicine.

Thang appreciated the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ assistance for Vietnam in personnel training, knowledge exchange, and experience sharing.

Particularly, he added, France has sent its experienced experts to provide specialised advice for the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations under a cooperation agreement between Vietnam and the EU.

For the time ahead, the two sides agreed to maintain high-level contact in suitable forms, in person or via teleconference; organise activities to mark the 30th founding anniversary of defence relations; and enhance ties in hydrography, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and training.

They will also specify the time for the Vietnam-France defence strategy and cooperation dialogue this year and finalise the defence cooperation plan for 2021-2022./.

‘No one left behind’ project helps locals start online F&B businesses

The “No one left behind” project in Ho Chi Minh City is offering support to local people who want to start their own food and beverage business online.

Gojek Vietnam, the HCM City Women Cultural House under the HCM City Women Association, and Cafetek, a production of the HCM City Television (HTV), have jointly launched the project.

Relatives of Gojek drivers are also given training to help them start a technology-based business, with the aim of improving their incomes and living conditions.

Under the project, experts from the Women Cultural House and Gojek provide courses on financial planning and e-commerce store management, cooking skills, and knowledge about food safety and hygiene.

After completing the courses, participants receive support to help them become merchant partners of GoFood, a food delivery platform developed by Gojek.

Gojek also helps the participants advertise their products to millions of its users, and gives 2 million VND (87 USD) to each person for cookware purchases.

Phan Thi Bich Huong, director of the city’s Women Cultural House, said: “The ‘No one left behind’ project is part of the cultural house’s efforts to help people in the digital transformation era, and create conditions for them to start businesses and improve incomes with the aim of building a sustainable and happy family.”

Pham Thi Nam, wife of Gojek driver Ngo Cong Huong, one of the first 50 people participating in the project, said: “I have a passion for food and have been recognised as a good cook. My family encouraged me to open a food store but I didn’t know how to begin. Thanks to this project, I have a new start.”

The project was initiated by Gojeck Vietnam and Cafetek HTV in 2020, which was initially carried out from April to December.

It provided support for micro-, small and medium-sized shops and hawkers that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by helping them start their business on the GoFood platform.

Dozens of shop owners have become partners on GoFood, and now have more new customers and higher incomes.

Their stories have been broadcast on the HTV9 channel, and have received a warm welcome from TV audiences.

Phung Duc Tuan, general manager of Gojek Vietnam, said: “Supporting our drivers and micro-, small and medium-sized shops and hawkers is one of the key duties of Gojek. By helping them join the digital economy, we give them a chance to improve their incomes as well as contribute to social and economic development.”

“The cooperation with the Women Cultural House and Cafetek HTV helps us implement the project more effectively. I believe our work will create a positive impact for people who dream of starting their own business,” Tuan said.

The 2021 “No one left behind” project is expected to be broadcast at 8am on Sundays on HTV9 and at 7.30pm on Wednesdays on HTV7 in May./.

NA leader inspects preparations for elections in Ha Giang

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, who is also Chairman of the National Election Council (NEC), inspected preparations for the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th legislature and members of all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026 in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, in the northernmost province of Ha Giang, on May 5.

At a working session with leaders from Ha Giang and heads of the Election Committees of the province and Dong Van district, the top legislator lauded the efforts of the locality in preparing for the election, which have been conducted in line with regulations and made good progress.

He said he was impressed at the personnel work of Ha Giang, which meets requirements regarding the structure of candidates for election as deputies to the NA and People’s Councils at all levels.

Hue also hailed Ha Giang’s election communications and its organisation of election campaigns and training courses.

The NA Chairman also suggested that Ha Giang carefully review its list of voters, thus ensuring the rights of all local residents, while providing a proper response to all complaints related to election activities and candidates.

The locality should also strengthen the application of media efforts to increase communications on candidate information, while strengthening the application of information technology in organising meetings with voters.

He said from May 14, communications through mobile phones will be launched to remind voters to choose the best candidates to the NA and People’s Councils at all levels.

Along with preparing for the election, Ha Giang should also focus on boosting economic development and ensuring security-defence, especially along its shared border.

On the same day, Hue attended a flag hoisting ceremony at the Lung Cu flagpole.

He also visited the Lung Cu border post and witnessed the presentation of 5 billion VND from the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) to Dong Van district’s General Hospital.

Earlier, on May 4, the top legislator and his entourage offered incense to martyrs at the Vi Xuyen National Cemetery for Martyrs, where 1,800 martyrs are laid to rest. He also presented gifts to 20 policy beneficiary families in Thanh Thuy commune, Vi Xuyen district.

Meanwhile, NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty on May 5 examined preparations for the upcoming elections in the south-central province of Phu Yen./.

Border provinces step up efforts to stop spread of COVID-19

Provinces and cities across Vietnam, especially border areas, are stepping up their COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.

Dong Thap provincial border guards are making efforts to prevent people from entering the province illegally from Cambodia to stop the virus from entering the community.

At about 4.30am on May 3, during patrol duty on the So Thuong River in Thuong Thoi Hau A commune, Hong Ngu District, the border guard discovered 14 people, including 11 adults and three children, on seven wooden boats, preparing to illegally enter Vietnam.

Previously, on May 1 and 2, they discovered 55 people travelling in 23 vehicles to the border on the Tien River to prepare to illegally enter the country.

On Dong Thap southern province’s 50.5km long border with Cambodia, comprising 40km of the river border and 10.5km on the mainland, the border forces deployed 21 fixed posts and 18 mobile control teams on patrol duty.

Meanwhile, in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, hundreds of soldiers have been deployed on the Vietnam-China border for border management and protection and COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control.

Colonel Luu Duc Hung, Political Commissar of the Ha Giang Border Guard Command, said the provincial border guards have worked with other forces to maintain operations of all fixed control posts, mobile teams on the border, supplement the establishment of posts when necessary to ensure tight control at the border gates and trails.

“We are determined to fight the pandemic from the border and carry out the ‘dual task’ of managing and protecting the sovereignty and preventing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Ha Giang has more than 277km of border with China. Due to the complex terrain and long border, illegal entry and exit activities are very complicated to handle.

Major Ta Tan Hoang, Director of the Xin Cai Border Guard Station in Meo Vac District, said pandemic prevention has been activated at the highest warning level.

In all 69 medical posts across the province, in addition to measuring body temperature and sterilising surfaces, people from other provinces and cities entering Hà Giang are instructed to make a medical declaration.

On May 3, Chairman of the Lạng Son Provincial People’s Committee Ho Tien Thieu checked prevention and control activities in a number of key units and areas in the province.

At Huu Nghi International Border Gate, Thieu said the pandemic was developing in a complex manner with many cases of community infection in some provinces and cities. Therefore, the forces on duty at the border gate must uphold their sense of responsibility, promote vigilance and strictly comply with pandemic prevention measures.

At Tan Thanh Border Gate, many drivers still do not wear masks and many people gather at restaurants and yards with a potential risk of spreading the disease. Thieu asked the forces on duty here to take measures to prevent and control the pandemic under the Ministry of Health’s guidance.

He called for pandemic checkpoints on both access roads to the Tan Thanh bus station to ensure strict control of people and vehicles entering and leaving, and require all people entering and leaving the area to be medically examined, wear masks and keep a safe distance./.

Eighty journalists take up jab offers amid Covid-19

The Ministry of Health coordinated with the Pasteur Institute to organize the Covid-19 vaccination camp for reporters and editors. As per the Ministry of Health’s plan, 80 journalists in Ho Chi Minh City will take up Covid-19 jabs.

A journalist is one of the first groups to be offered the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine jab against Covid-19 according to Resolution 21 of the Government.

Journalists wore facemasks and declared their health status at the vaccination locations. All of them were safe after immunization.

Journalist Hoang Loc from Tuoi tre newspaper, one of those who arrived at the vaccination location early, said that journalists are at higher risk of contracting the disease because they have to contact many people and enter hotspots of Covid-19 to write articles on the development of the pandemic.

Journalist Hoang Lan  of Ho Chi Minh City Law newspaper said that she was a little concerned and worried before the injection yet she felt comfortable after receiving the jab. She said she has no side effects after vaccination.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is organizing the second injection of Covid-19 vaccine for medical workers who were more likely to have been on the “frontline” of Covid-19 care namely emergency medicine, critical care specialists, and anesthesiologists , the steering committees for epidemic prevention at all levels, police forces, and soldiers.

So far, more than 45,000 people have received Covid-19 shots. Those suffering post-injection reactions have been treated and all are stable.

Vietnam tightening cyber security on national citizen database

The Ministry of Public Security yesterday held a meeting in Hanoi with the Steering Committees of the ‘National Population Database’ project and the ‘Chip-based Citizen ID Card Issuance’ project.

Statistics reveal that until now, the ‘National Population Database’ project has been able to synchronize necessary information of over 98 million citizens of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, until April 27, the local police departments in 63 provinces and cities nationwide finished recording personal information of more than 33 million people for chip-based ID card issuance.

Minister of Public Security To Lam suggested that in the upcoming time, related state officers need to pour more effort in organizing information in the national population database to ensure concise, precision, and sufficiency before July 1.

The task of cyber security maintenance must be of the highest priority at all time, while the inner-link and inter-link between this database and other national ones should be enhanced simultaneously.

Universities turn to online learning as pandemic continues

In light of rising concerns about the spread of Covid-19 and calls to contain the virus, a growing number of public and private universities in Vietnam have shut down in-person classes after April 30 and May Day holidays.

Specifically, Hanoi University of Science and Technology asked lecturers and students to use Microsoft Teams for online teaching and learning from May 4 to 9 while experimental sessions and practice are paused until further notice.

Similarly, Foreign Trade University required students in campuses in Hanoi and the Northern Province of Quang Ninh to take online classes from May 4 to 16. The school must ask for permission from the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control if it opens in-person classes.

The management board of the Academy of Journalism and Propaganda also decided to switch to online learning from May 4 until there is a new announcement. Students at the Transportation University also made the switch to online classes instead of face-to-face classes from May 3.

The University of Transport Technology, the Faculty of Law of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Natural Sciences, University of Thuyloi, Hanoi University of Education 2, Banking Academy, University of Commerce, University of Business and Technology followed suit.

Prior, the Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi University of Finance and Banking, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education had announced teaching and learning via the internet to prevent and fight against Covid-19.

Cai Chanh military base recognised as national special relic site

A ceremony recognising Cai Chanh military base as national special relic site has been recently organised in Ninh Thanh Loi commune, Hong Dan district, Bac Lieu province.

Pham Van Thieu, chairman of Bac Lieu People’s Committee asked the local Department of Culture, Information, Sports and Tourism to preserve and promote the relic site in line with legal regulations on cultural heritage and develop distinctive tourism products to attract visitors.

During the celebration, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism transferred the certificate recognising Cai Chanh Military Base as the national special historical site to Bac Lieu province.

Cai Chanh Military Base is located in Cay Cui Hamlet, Hong Dan District. From 1949 to 1952, high-ranking officials of the Central Directorate for the South worked at the military base to lead revolutions in the southern region.

On January 26, 2011, Cai Chanh Base was already recognised as a national historical site./.

Hue Traditional Craft Festival to run for a month

The Hue Traditional Craft Festival will be held for one month for the first time, from May 29 to June 26 in Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

More than 40 art performances will be organised, gathering together a large number of artists, actors, and artisans.

The biennial festival is expected to dazzle participants with several new activities compared to previous editions.

It will feature a wide range of events, such as a craft design contest, the Hue Culinary Festival, a sculpting camp, an “ao dai” (Vietnam’s traditional dress) week, and a book exhibition.

The month-long festival will hold special activities on weekends to attract more visitors to the city.

The 2019 edition attracted around 400,000 visitors.

Steering committee talks review of implementation of Party resolution on agriculture

The Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission on May 4 held a meeting of the steering committee for reviewing the 15-year implementation of a Party Central Committee resolution on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas.

The steering committee for reviewing the realisation of Resolution No.26-NQ/TW on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, issued at the seventh plenum of the 10th-tenure Party Central Committee in August 2008, was established under Decision No.02-QD/TW, dated March 26, 2021, by the Party Central Committee Secretariat.

Chairman of the Economic Commission Tran Tuan Anh said agriculture, farmers, and rural areas always hold a particular importance to socio-economic stability and development, and they are also a strategic issue in the national industrialisation and modernisation process, as well as the Party’s revolutionary cause.

Given their significant role, the Party’s consistent viewpoint is to develop agriculture and rural areas and to unceasingly improve farmers’ living conditions, he said, adding that many important resolutions and documents on this issue have been promulgated by the Party, including Resolution No.26-NQ/TW and the Politburo’s conclusions in 2014 and 2019 on the continued implementation of this resolution.

The documents of the 13th National Party Congress earlier this year once again emphasised the issue of agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, mentioning such critical aspects as promoting agricultural restructuring, developing rural economy in tandem with building new-style rural areas, and developing large-scale and modern agriculture.

They also underlined the need to encourage ecological, organic, smart, high-tech and digital agriculture adaptive to climate change, along with the continuation of the new-style countryside building programme in an effective and sustainable manner.

Anh noted that the 13th-tenure Party Central Committee is considering the review of the resolution execution and the building of another replacing Resolution No.26-NQ/TW to submit it to the Party Central Committee at the fifth plenum in early 2022, showing the necessity and significance of this issue to national development in the time ahead.

He asked the steering committee and relevant agencies and individuals to thoroughly look back on the achievements, failures, and lessons during the resolution implementation so as to seek ways to optimise human, natural, and social resources for agricultural, rural, and socio-economic development.

The new resolution must open up a new era in caring for the people, especially farmers, and agricultural and rural development, the official added./.

Remains of Vietnamese martyrs repatriated from Laos

A memorial and burial ceremony was held by the authorities of Quang Tri province on May 5 for the remains of 24 volunteer Vietnamese soldiers and specialists who sacrificed their lives in numerous battles in Laos during their international missions.

Speaking at the event, Hoang Nam, vice chairman of the provincial administration, praised the contributions made by the fallen Vietnamese soldiers to the revolutionary cause.

Their contributions served to help tighten the solidarity and special friendship that exists to this day between the Parties, States, and people of both Vietnam and Laos, Nam added.

The remains of the martyrs were returned to the nation from Laos during the 2020-2021 dry season. They were laid to rest at the Road 9 National Martyrs Cemetery in Quang Tri province.

This marks the 35th time since 1993 that Quang Tri has received and reburied the remains of volunteer Vietnamese soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos.

Vietnamese students in Laos get support amid COVID-19

The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos on May 4 handed over gifts to Vietnamese students at the National University of Laos (NUOL) who are facing difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presented by Vietnamese Counsellor of Culture and Education Tran Dai Thang and the officer in charge of community work, Vu Tu Oanh, the gifts include 1,000 medical masks and foodstuff.

Amid the complex developments of the pandemic, Lao medical staff in cooperation with the Vietnamese Association in Vientiane conducted COVID-19 testing on Vietnamese living and working in Thatluang, Naxay and Sisangvone wards and the area around the NUOL.

Those showing symptoms will be placed in quarantine and receive timely treatment.

Risk of COVID-19 outbreak due to illegal immigration

In recent days, further new COVID-19 infections have been reported in the country. Notably, through epidemiological investigation as well as the tracking and contact of health agencies, the police defined that they were all foreigners or those had contact with foreigners.

This has really become a serious and worrying issue, especially with the series of illegal immigration cases that have just been discovered. On May 2, the police from the districts of Cau Giay and Nam Tu Liem, in collaboration with the professional departments of the Hanoi Police, detected 46 Chinese illegal entries who were renting nine rooms in the Florence apartment at 28 Tran Huu Duc Street, Cau Dien Ward, Nam Tu Liem District. The police are fighting to clarify the “hole” that let Chinese people enter the country illegally. The Security and Investigation Agency of the City Police has just prosecuted two women who rented an apartment and then brought dozens of Chinese people in. Their motive was the benefit of hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong from these Chinese subjects’ illegal acts.

More seriously, a member of the Covid-19 anti-epidemic control group of Ban Lau Commune, Muong Khuong District, in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, acted as an “inside-hand” for a team that brought 200 people to immigrate illegally for 91 times. Most recently, the Vinh Phuc Provincial Police’s Security and Investigation Department has coordinated with Vinh Yen City’s Police to detect and detain 52 Chinese people who illegally entered and have been residing in the province. The case was discovered in the context of the complicated development of COVID-19 epidemic in the locality.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Public Security, around 100-150 people have been trying to enter illegally Vietnam per day. Although the functional forces have been working hard to prevent illegal entry, many cases have been worked out. This shows that there is still a “gap” in the control of the borders. If the illegal entries continue, the country will not be able to prevent the epidemic from the root, but through localising and detecting infections.

The loss of control over COVID-19 is entirely possible in Vietnam if we do not promptly prevent all risks, including illegal entry, and not strict manage people entering Vietnam, especially those coming from countries affected by the pandemic. Looking at the above cases and statistics, it can be seen that people who enter illegally are a threat that can cause a “breakdown” in the anti-epidemic efforts of the country that has been preventing and controlling COVID-19 effectively. Despite the dangers, several local people have been still irresponsible when they are ready to assist people entering illegally cross the borders. Therefore, it is necessary to soon prosecute these subjects with a strict penalty in accordance with the law to create deterrence.

In addition, it is crucial to develop a solid “defence” system with the border protection as the front line. The Border Guard needs to coordinate with other forces to continue strengthening measures to prevent and combat illegal entry and exit as well as enhancing the COVID-19 prevention and control in the current period. In the border areas, the inspection and control should be tightened at the border gates, trails and open paths, focusing on key directions and areas. The functional forces should firmly grasp the epidemic status, make prompt forecasts and advise local committees and authorities to develop plans to direct the appropriate response to each epidemic level in line with the actual situation.

For the domestic “defence” line, the police force needs to continue to open a rush to attack criminals related to illegal immigration. The Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security should directly coordinate and guide the local Police to grasp the situation and closely coordinate with the Border Guard force to strengthen the inspection and control at the border gates, trails and opening paths on border routes towards the prompt detection and prevention of any illegal entry or exit. The department should instruct the local police to strengthen the management of foreigners staying in the locality promptly detect and propose handling illegal entries and stay at the localities in accordance with the law and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

It is also essential to enhance the state management of security and order, especially in residential management, foreigner management, and the management of investment and business sectors in terms of security and security. The relevant agencies should pay great attention to grasping the situation of households and people and solving security situation in the local area, while conducting the coordination of patrol forces, notably with the locals, such that each citizen becomes a “scout” in the fight against the epidemic.

Dong Nai Province ceases some non-essential activities

The People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province asked to suspend non-essential activities like festivals, night markets, spa, beauty salons, game rooms, cultural entertainment shows, etc from May 5 until further notice amidst the current Covid-19 surge.

As for the goods services, Dong Nai Province required all business owners have to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control regulations, especially wearing facial masks and washing hands with antibacterial gels.

Food and beverage businesses are recommended to limit the number of customers in areas of food and beverage service like coffee and milk tea shops, keep a safe distance between customers, change their business model to food delivery and takeaway during this time.

Regarding religious activities and meetings, it is necessary to balance the number of participants not exceed 50 percent of normal seating capacity. The organizers must strictly perform checking temperature, wearing facial masks and spraying disinfectant.

Heads of the People’s Committee at all levels propagate, mobilize and guide families about the Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control measures to apply to weddings, celebrations and funerals in the locality.

Da Nang proposes suspending repatriation flights from foreign countries

Amidst a high risk of the Covid-19 pandemic infection, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang City Mr. Le Trung Chinh yesterday submitted a report and proposed the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allow the city to suspend repatriation flights carrying overseas Vietnamese citizens.

According to the report, from the beginning of the year to May 2, Da Nang City welcomed around 11,800 entries. Particularly, from April to now, the beach city in Central Vietnam has received and carried out centralized quarantine for over 8,000 overseas entries.

From March to now, the city has continuously recorded 61 cases who are people on entry with positive testing for the coronavirus.

On the other hand, the Da Nang Lung Hospital has received and treated Covid-19 cases causing high pressure on medical staff. Especially when the city has seen Covid-19 cases in the community. In addition, functional forces performing the task of monitoring medical isolation are also overloaded.

To create conditions for Da Nang City to implement Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control and effective treatment of Covid-19 cases in the coming time, the People’s Committee of Da Nang City asked for permission not to receive the flights carrying Vietnamese citizens from foreign countries into the city.

The municipal People’s Committee also petitioned the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health to provide more specific guidance to support localities to well implement following regulations and effectively perform the hand-over, reception, management and supervision of people after centralized isolation period.

Authorities in HCMC detect Covid-19 rule violators

Yesterday evening, inspectors in Ho Chi Minh City paid an unscheduled visit to KTV restaurant detecting a Chinese man who broke Vietnam’s Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

The inspection team led by Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc visited some karaoke parlors and restaurants in District 1.

Inspectors discovered four Japanese, four Chinese and tens of Vietnamese people didn’t wear facemasks as per the Ministry of Health’s regulation. Worse, amongst four Chinese men, expert LuoRongFan of Uong Sam Company at 59/2 Binh Thanh village in the Mekong Delta Province of Long An’s Thuan My District violated the law as he has been in self-isolation period but he was going to a restaurant.

Deputy Chairman Duc asked health workers to take samples of all employees of the restaurants and visitors. Police officers were requested to keep track of Japanese and Chinese visitors.

The inspectors also paid visits to restaurants and karaoke parlors in streets Suong Nguyet Anh, Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung and Tran Nhat Duat in District 1 ; however, all of the venues closed the doors.

At the meeting with the Steering Committee for Covid-19 epidemic prevention in the city on May 5, leaders of Ho Chi Minh City will work with the People’s Committee of District 1 upon punishment for violations in KTV restaurant.

Authorities asked people to strictly follow the Ministry of Health’s instructions on Covid-19 epidemic prevention as well as coordinate with local authorities and functional agencies to monitor people coming from epidemic areas for effective preventative measures.

Two Chinese escaping from quarantine facility arrested

The Police of Cu Chi District in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City Police last night arrested two Chinese escaping from the concentrated quarantine facility in Cu Chi District.

Accordingly, the police forces detected and arrested these people who tried to evade capture by the police in Long An Province. After the arrest, the two Chinese were sent to a concentrated quarantine center in HCMC’s Cu Chi District.

Accordingly, two escapees are among 11 Chinese illegal immigrants into Vietnam being found on April 30 and May 1. Through the investigation process, the police arrested additional two instigators involved in a ring bringing Chinese nationals into Vietnam illegally.

Hai Duong extends mandatory quarantine period to 21 days

Leaders of the northern province of Hai Duong has decided to extend mandatory quarantine period from current 14 days to 21 days for F1 individuals who come in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.

The decision was made on May 4 after the locality recorded two suspected cases of COVID-19.

One of the suspected cases was on the fight with two Chinese nationals from Da Nang to Ha Noi on April 29. The Chinese nationals tested positive after undergoing 14-day mandatory quarantine in Viet Nam.

Earlier the same day, the Ministry of Health asked localities to not to discharge those who completed 14-day quarantine from quarantine sites following confirmation of several positive cases with incubation period longer than 14 days.

Quarantine protocols will be renewed and announced later, the ministry added.

Hai Duong was Viet Nam’s epicenter of the third wave of community transmissions with 720 cases./.

Sustaining economic gains amid COVID-19 of first importance: Official

Keeping the coronavirus at bay and sustaining economic achievements are now of the first importance to the government and the political system, from central to local levels, due to the complexity of the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Minister-Chairman of Government Office Tran Van Son told the monthly Government press conference on May 5.

The most important tasks are radically curbing the spread of COVID-19, protecting people’s safety and well-being, striving to sustaining economic gains and boosting economic recovery, he said.

He also reported on Vietnam’s economy in April and the first four months of 2021 which saw positive signs.

April CPI inched up 0.89 percent, the lowest level since 2016. Four-month State budget revenue made up 40.5 percent of the yearly plan and was 7.9 percent higher than the same period last year.

Four-month foreign trade grew by 29.5 percent year-on-year, with trade surplus reaching 1.29 billion USD. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) spurred 24.1 percent in April and 10 percent from January – April.

The country has so far disbursed 18 percent of public investment, relatively higher than a year earlier, Son noted.

He urged relevant authorities to swiftly come up with measures to remove barriers in terms of legal institutions, mechanisms and policies so as to release resources for development; and at the same time, accelerate the progress of disbursement of public investment, particularly ODA, and speed up major projects.

More attention should be paid to helping farmers distribute their products, he said, adding that ministries and local administrations must also maintain a close watch on the development of prices of fuel and material products and make timely reports to the government in order to keep the inflation under control./.

HCM City supports OVs, Cambodian and Lao people affected by COVID-19

Ho Chi Minh City will spend 2.5 billion VND (over 108,000 USD) from its COVID-19 prevention and control fund to support Vietnamese expatriates and people in difficult circumstances in Cambodia and Laos who are affected by COVID-19, a representative from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCM City announced on May 5.

A total of 1.5 billion VND will be offered to Vietnamese Cambodians and disadvantaged people in Cambodia and 1 billion VND to Vietnamese expats and Lao people.

HCM City previously presented 1.6 billion VND to Cambodia to support the country in its fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCM City said it will provide aid of 1.5 billion VND to the city’s Border Guard High Command to carry out COVID-19 prevention work.

On the same day, the committee organised two missions to visit and present gifts to frontline forces in the fight against COVID-19 in the border provinces of Long An and Binh Phuoc. Each province received 1 billion VND for prevention efforts and 200 million VND for solar-powered lighting projects./.

Memorial services held for fallen soldiers repatriated from Laos

Memorial and burial services for the remains of 24 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos during wartime were held at the Road 9 National Martyr Cemetery in the central province of Quang Tri on May 5.

The martyrs rested in peace at the Road 9 National Martyr Cemetery.

Their remains were found and repatriated by search team 584 under the provincial Military Command during the 2020-2021 dry season.

At the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam commended the soldiers’ contributions to the Vietnam – Laos special friendship as well as the revolution in each nation.

Quang Tri province has held memorial and burial services for Vietnamese soldiers who died in Laos since 1993./.

Schools in Quảng Nam to reopen, Hội An and Đà Nẵng keep testing

All schools in Quảng Nam Province (except for those in Hội An) will reopen from Thursday (May 6) as 46 out of 47 close contact cases (F1) of two COVID-19 patients (No 2899 and No 2982) were isolated and tested negative for SARS-COV-2 as of Wednesday.

The provincial COVID-19 steering committee said only schools in Hội An will remain closed. All entertainment and tour services, as well as crowded events, are halted from Wednesday.

The committee said the wife of the COVID-19 patient (No 2982) in Hội An tested positive for SARS-COV-2 following a test result released on Tuesday (May 4).

The pregnant woman and her 11-month-old son have been isolated at a health centre in Hội An.

A section of Nguyễn Phan Vinh street in An Bàng Beach in Hội An was locked down from May 3 after a COVID-19 patient (No 2982) visited his home previously.

Meanwhile, Đà Nẵng began testing 400 people who worked at Phước Mỹ market in Sơn Trà district on Wednesday. The market was one of a number of places visited by a COVID-19 patient (No 2889, a spa therapist) between April 29 and May 2.

At least 100 residents in Hội An and Đà Nẵng went to Thiện Nhân medical centre for tests.

The city’s education and training department asked for students to provide online health declarations.

At least 10 people in Đà Nẵng have been fined VNĐ1 million (US$43.5) each for not wearing face masks in public.

All bars, restaurants and shops in Đà Nẵng and Hội An – where the two COVID-19 patients visited – were disinfected on May 3.

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