The Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 themed “Nha Trang bay- sparkling pearl” opened in Nha Trang city, the south – central province of Khanh Hoa, on June 13 evening.

The event, the second of its kind, aims to honour the beauty of Nha Trang bay, contributing to popularising the beauty, potential, and strengths of Nha Trang, towards attracting more holiday-makers, and domestic and international investors, thus contributing to the locality’s socio-economic development.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh highlighted the vital role played by the tourism industry, calling it an important comprehensive economic sector for promoting the development of cooperation, cultural exchange, and international integration.

Vietnam's tourism sector has recorded breakthroughs in recent years, become a highlight on the global tourism map, and been recognised by the international community with numerous top awards, he said.

In the first five months of this year, Vietnam welcomed about 7.6 million international visitors and served 52.5 million domestic tourists, earning an estimated 352 trillion VND (over 13.83 billion USD).

Nha Trang is emerging as an attractive coastal tourist city for both domestic and international visitors, serving as the gateway and heart of the south-central coast and central highlands regions, Khanh said, adding that the locality is also a premier location for hosting international events.

In his opening speech, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dinh Van Thieu said with many cultural activities and festivals reflecting traditional and contemporary culture values, the festival is part of the locality’s efforts to preserve and promote the cultural essence of the nation in general, and the Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa region in particular.

The four-day festival features a string of cultural and sports activities, including a 200-pavilion fair showcasing tourism products and cuisine.

The festival is expected to welcome 350,000 – 400,000 local and international visitors./.

Vietnam attends Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 125th anniversary

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu attended a celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) held on June 13 in The Hague in the Netherlands.
      
As part of the celebrations, the PCA gathered together for its third Congress of the Members of the Court on the same day, which was the first held in over 25 years.

As part of his address at the function, the Vietnamese Ambassador congratulated the PCA and hailed its crucial role and the contributions made by the court during its 125 years of operation to the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures.

The PCA's contributions have served to shape international law, thereby supporting the development of principles and norms for interactions among nations. By creating a mechanism for states to solve disputes in a peaceful manner, the PCA has evolved into a modern international dispute resolution institution, the Vietnamese representative said.

The official stressed that since the nation became a PCA member back in 2012, the country’s relationship with the court has seen great progress, with a notable milestone being recorded in the PCA’s launching of a representative office in Hanoi on November 24, 2022.

Deputy Minister Vu stated that the Vietnamese Government places great importance on its partnership with the PCA, regarding it as an important component in its effort to build a rule-of-law state that has a strong judicial system and a contingent of highly-qualified legal experts capable of providing professional and standard legal services. This therefore helps to promote its deep and extensive international integration.

The country is designed to become an address for partners to settle regional and international disputes through peaceful means, conciliation, and arbitration. Vietnamese support and assistance thereby ensures that the PCA representative office in Hanoi operates effectively and smoothly, demonstrating the nation’s strong commitment to promoting multilateralism, the UN Charter, and other principles of international law, Deputy Minister Vu said.

The same day saw the Deputy Minister host a discussion on dispute solutions in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of the PCA, aiming to review the importance of peaceful dispute solution mechanisms in the region. This will be serve to clarify the role and contributions made by the PCA in promoting dispute solutions, identifying challenges, and proposing strategies aimed at increasing the effectiveness of PCA operations in the region.

With a tradition of respecting and complying with international law, the region plays an important role with the mechanism to solve disputes by peaceful means, said Deputy Minister Vu, adding that the PCA representative office in Hanoi and its very successful activities have shown great potential in the peaceful dispute solution mechanism in the region.

Also on June 13, Deputy Minister Vu held several meetings with Marcin Czepelak, secretary general of the PCA, and Jean-Marc Thouvenin, secretary-general of The Hague Academy of International Law, during which the Vietnamese official introduced the Vietnamese candidate for the position of Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026 to 2035 tenure.

The meetings saw participants review numerous outcomes of the activities carried out last year and discussed their co-operation plans for the future.

Newly elected President reaffirms strong Vietnam – US partnership

Vietnam always considers the United States a strategically important partner, newly elected President To Lam told Ambassador of the United States to Vietnam Marc Knapper in Hanoi on June 13.

Vietnam is ready to work alongside the United States to continue to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions, bringing practical benefits to the two peoples and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large, said the president.

He also appreciated Knapper’s contributions to Vietnam-US relations and asked the Ambassador to keep promoting this good partnership.

Knapper for his part congratulated General Lam on being elected by the National Assembly of Vietnam as President, and reaffirmed the United States’ consistent commitment to supporting a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam.

He said that after nearly 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam-US relations have recorded important and substantive progress in all fields, from politics-diplomacy, economics-trade- investment, security-national defense, to science-technology, innovation, education-training, health-humanity, and overcoming the consequences of war.

The Ambassador expressed his belief that bilateral cooperative relations would continue to reap more successes in the coming time.

The President shared Knapper’s view and proposed that the two sides increase contact and visit exchanges at all levels; spur cooperation, especially in economics-trade-investment; and gradually expand cooperation on security and defense in accordance with their desires, including cooperation in cyber security and in preventing terrorism and transnational crime.

He requested the United States to continue supporting Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, responding to climate change, and developing high-quality human resources.

The President also proposed that the two sides continue to cooperate closely and effectively at multilateral and regional mechanisms such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC, while coordinating in carrying out activities to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.  

Knapper welcomed the President’s suggestions, and affirmed that he personally and US Representative Agencies in Vietnam will coordinate closely with ministries, relevant agencies and localities of Vietnam to effectively implement the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in the coming time.

He said that the United States supports ASEAN’s central role in the regional structure and will continue to promote the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Mekong-US Partnership.

The United States will coordinate with Vietnam in solving regional and international issues of mutual concern, actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, he told his host.

President To Lam meets dignitaries of all religious organisations

President To Lam received dignitaries of 43 religious organisations of 16 religions that have been recognized in Vietnam, in Hanoi on June 13.

It’s reported that the State has so far recognized and licensed 43 organizations of 16 religions, with more than 27 million followers, accounting for over 27% of the country’s population. There are over 54,000 dignitaries, over 30,000 religious worship facilities and about 54,000 belief facilities nationwide.

Over the years, religious organizations and the majority of followers in Vietnam always uphold the tradition of patriotism and great national solidarity, and accompany the nation, making an important contribution to the cause of national construction and defence.

Religious organizations have encouraged dignitaries and followers to strictly abide by Party guidelines and State policies, becoming an important communication channel that brings Party guidelines and State policies and laws into life.

For his part, Lam affirmed that the Party and State always respect the freedom of belief and religion of citizens, considering it a legitimate need of a segment of the people.

The State creates favourable conditions for people of all religions to carry out normal religious activities and encourage work that benefits the country and family, contributing to building an increasingly prosperous and strong country, said the president.

He asked dignitaries and religious followers to coordinate well with Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front and mass organizations at all levels to effectively implement Party guidelines and State policies on religion and great national unity.

The President expressed hope that dignitaries would continue to act as a bridge between the Party and State and religious compatriots. He called on religious followers at home and abroad, to unite with compatriots and people across the country to actively respond to patriotic emulation and socio-economic - cultural development campaigns.

He also called on religious organizations, dignitaries, and followers of all religions to further uphold the spirit of solidarity, stay ready to fight and defeat the enemy’s subversive schemes, and show resolve to maintain political stability and develop the country.

The President requested the central agencies, ministries, Party Committees, and local authorities strictly implement Party policies and State laws on religion, and create favourable conditions for religions to practice in accordance with the law.

NA Standing Committee agrees on VAT reduction until year's end

Full-time legislators on June 13 agreed to continue with the 2% value-added tax (VAT) cut for certain goods and services from July 1 to the end of the year to back the country’s socio-economic recovery and development.

At the 15th National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee's ongoing 34th session, NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh stressed that the continuation of the tax incentive from 10% to 8% will boost domestic consumption while motivating enterprises to maintain and develop their production and business.

NA Vice Chairman Tran Duc Hai requested the Government to collect opinions from the committee and inspection agencies to complete the draft resolution on the tax reduction before submitting it to the legislature for consideration.

The Government should work to ensure that the tax cut will not affect the state budget revenue and overspending estimates this year, he added.

At the event, lawmakers also gave opinions on amendments to the bill on the management and use of weapons, explosives and supporting tools, which they said should include specific articles on the management and use of highly lethal knives./.

First Vietnamese private hospital launches tissue bank

Hanoi Eye Hospital 2 on June 13 became the first private hospital in Vietnam to launch a tissue bank and establish a branch for promoting human tissue and organ donation.

The move is in response to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s appeal at a ceremony to launch the organ and tissue donation campaign on May 19.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan stated that cornea donation is a noble act, bringing light and hope to those who unfortunately lost their sight.

The Ministry of Health will continue supporting and creating the most favourable conditions for tissue, organ and cornea donation, he added.

Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Thi Minh Chau, Director of the hospital, said that according to incomplete statistics, since 2017, the country has had more than 300,000 people blind due to corneal diseases, of whom half are blind in both eyes. In Vietnam, corneal transplant surgery was performed for the first time in 1950, but the number remains modest due to the resources.

At the event, Thuan called on people to participate in cornea donation.

Since the first cornea donation in April 2007, the country has recorded 963 cornea donors, mainly in Ninh Binh province (437), and Nam Dinh (332). To date, more than 20 provinces and cities have had people donate corneas after death./.

French firms keen to explore Quang Binh's tourism potential

A seminar was held in Paris on June 12 to fully tap into investment opportunities and tourism potential in the central province of Quang Binh.

At the event, leaders of Quang Binh introduced the province’s 2021 - 2030 socio-economic development strategy and its tourism potential towards green, rapid and sustainable growth.

Nguyen Ngoc Quy, director of the provincial Department of Tourism, emphasized that Quang Binh eyes France as a major tourism market as French tourists are extremely keen to explore the locality’s natural landscapes and experience its culture and cuisine.

“This is also why we have selected France to organize the seminar, hoping to attract more tourists to Quang Binh in the near future", Quy noted.

For her part, Gwenaelle Mary, the organizer of IFTM Top Resa exhibition, one of the largest professional travel and tourism exhibitions in the world, highlighted the tourism potential of Vietnam and Quang Binh in particular, saying they are eager to explore the locality’s strengths and want to invite local firms to attend the Top Resa exhibition moving forward.

On this occasion, representatives from the Quang Binh Department of Tourism signed memoranda of understanding with partners to research new tourism products, and promote the growth of tourism markets in Europe.

Vietnamese blockbuster Face Off 7: One Wish hits US screen

The film crew of Vietnamese blockbuster “Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước” (Face off 7: One Wish) held a press conference on June 11 to debut the screening of its film in the United States for the first time.

The press briefing attracted many Vietnamese celebrities such as singer Thanh Thao, model Ngoc Quyen, actress Thuy Nga and a large number of Vietnamese expats in the US. Ly Hai who directed and produced the film was also on hand.

Earlier Hollywood newspaper Deadline revealed that "Lật mặt 7" would be shown in North America, Europe and Australia, becoming the first Vietnamese film to premiere in the three continents.

Screenings are scheduled in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland through 33888 Films distribution company, the media outlet wrote.

The film tells about a 73-year-old single mother who devotes her life to raising her five children.

She breaks her leg in an accident, and her only wish is to have her children by her side. But each of them contrives excuses not to take the responsibility.

It is the second highest grossing Vietnamese film of all time, with its revenues as of June reaching VND461 billion (US$18.07 million), according to Box Office Vietnam.

HCM City theatre launches activities promoting hát bội during summer

The HCM City Hát Bội Theatre will collaborate with Cultura Fish, a group of cultural researchers promoting Vietnamese culture, to launch a series of shows and workshops on hát bội (classical drama) this summer.

The shows, named “Ca Biện Phấn Hành” (Appreciating the Art), will tell the history and development of hát bội, the techniques, costumes and make-up of the art and music, and their moral and cultural values.

The shows will be hosted by researcher Vương Hoài Lâm, who has done much research on traditional performing arts forms in the South, including cải lương (reformed opera) and hát bội.

The events will also feature excerpts from classical plays, such as Hồ Nguyệt Cô Hóa Cáo (Fox-Fairy Turns into Fox), and San Hậu (The Reign) performed by the theatre with explanations from Lâm.

The shows will be held every other Friday from June 14 to August 9.

Meanwhile, workshops named “Hát Bội 101” will be launched every Saturday from June 15 to August 10.

The events will offer audiences an opportunity to interact with and practise basic hát bội techniques led by professional actors from the theatre.

Hát bội developed from folk art to a royal art in the central and southern regions.

The genre consists of singing and dancing to music. Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty.

Hát bội plays feature old words, and the characters are often made up in black and red on their faces.

The art became particularly popular in the 1990s. It was often performed at ceremonies and festivals at temples and pagodas in central and southern provinces in the 1900s such as Bình Định, Phú Yên, Vĩnh Long, Cần Thơ, Tiền Giang, and Sóc Trăng.

Both shows and workshops will begin at 7:30pm at the theatre, 125 Châu Văn Liêm Street in District 5.

Registration for both events is available at https://fb.me/e/3RWUOWQzM and https://forms.gle/63VSmt9j7SCZRMMX9. 

RoK’s North Kyungsang province promotes "K-Vietnam Valley" project

The North Gyeongsang province’s authority of the Republic of Korea (RoK) has proposed promoting the "K-Vietnam Valley" project in Bonghwa country as a national-level cultural cooperation and exchange initiative.

The proposal was presented during a meeting between officials of North Gyeongsang and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon on the occasion of his working trip to the locality on June 13.

Participants were briefed on the project, with the focus being the construction of a Vietnamese village in Bonghwa. Accordingly, the authorities of the province and Bonghwa county suggested that the “Vietnamese village" project should be promoted as a bilateral cultural exchange and cooperation initiative to enhance future relations between the RoK and Vietnam rather than just being a local-level project.

Governor of North Gyeongsang Lee Cheol-woo emphasised that the "Vietnamese village" project is a foundation for promoting cultural exchange and cooperation and connecting the past and future of the two nations, stressing that the locality hopes to receive support from both the RoK and Vietnamese governments for the project.

The 150-million-USD village project, is developed based on the historical exchange between the Ly dynasty and the RoK years ago. It is expected to breath fresh air into Bonghwa’s development through creating new jobs in rural areas and promoting tourism, among others. Bonghwa county is home to a hall of the Ly Hoa Son (Lee Hwasan) clan, who are descendants of Ly Long Tuong, a prince of the Ly dynasty that ruled Vietnam between the 11th and 13th century.

After the Ly reign of the country fell into the hands of the Tran dynasty in 1225, Tuong fled to Goryeo, now the Korean Peninsula, where he and his followers received a warm welcome by local King Kojong.

Goryeo was by then being threatened by the Mongol Empire. The Vietnamese prince allied with King Kojong in fighting the Mongolian aggression.

The defeat of the Mongolians earned him the king’s trust and respect. Tuong lived in the RoK until the day he died and became the founder of the Ly Hoa Son clan there./.

Railway offers discounts for students taking exams

The Việt Nam Railways Corporation (VNR) has announced that from June 12 to October 31, a discount ticket policy will be applied for students taking university entrance exams and enrolling during the 2024 exam season.

Students taking exams and enrolling at universities, colleges and vocational schools will receive a ten per cent discount on all train tickets.

Students, who need to show their exam notice or exam card, will be able to buy a discounted round-trip ticket for themselves and one for any accompanying relative.

Students only have to present their exam notice, exam card, enrollment notice, and valid identification documents to purchase train tickets at railway stations or official railway ticket outlets.

In addition, VNR is currently offering various promotional programmes and ticket discounts.

For instance, passengers purchasing individual tickets for the Thống Nhất trains, including SE1/SE2, SE3/SE4, SE5/SE6, SE7/SE8, SE9/SE10, SE11/SE12, with travel distances of 900 km or more, are eligible for discounts.

Individual tickets for the SE21/SE22 trains with travel distances of 600 km or more, SE29/SE30 trains with travel distances of 400 km or more and SNT1/SNT2 trains with travel distances of 300 km or more are also eligible for discounts.

VNR is also offering discounts on advance tickets—a five per cent discount will apply if you buy 20-39 days in advance, while a ten per cent discount will apply if passengers buy tickets 40 days or more in advance.

However, the discounts do not apply to four-bed cabins on the SE1/SE2, SNT1/SNT2 and SE3 trains.

For the SPT1/SPT2 trains, individual passengers purchasing tickets at least ten days in advance will receive a five per cent discount, again excluding four-bed cabins.

The railway still continues to offer free and discounted tickets for social policy beneficiaries such as Vietnamese heroic mothers, war invalids, the sick and those who are severely disabled.

Australia Vietnam Policy Institute pledges to boost bilateral ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam hosted a reception on June 13 in Canberra for Layton Pike, co-founder of the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute (AVPI) and executive director, International at RMIT University. 
      
The meeting saw Pike welcome both nations after upgrading their relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March on the occasion of the official visit to Australia by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

He emphasized that the two sides’ official opening of the AVPI Institute at RMIT University during the visit made an important contribution in promoting co-operation, exchanges, and deepening mutual understanding between the two countries.

Regarding the process of expanding over 30 relationship networks in Australia, Pike outlined that the institute's partners are all keen on supporting mutual ties, adding that it will soon launch a workshop in the fourth quarter and duly expects participation from the Vietnamese side to discuss potential collaboration opportunities between the nations.

Hailing the AVPI’s establishment of its Advisory Board, as well as its operation plan for this year, the Vietnamese diplomat proposed the institute swiftly carry out new initiatives whilst expanding its partner networks to foster greater bilateral relations.

Both sides also took the opportunity to compare notes on activities of the Vietnamese community in Australia, as well as the institute’s role in promoting mutual perception and understanding.

The AVPI, Australia’s first policy institute concentrated on its relationship with the nation, enables and facilitates discussions on strategic and economic issues in terms of bilateral ties. Through disseminating the latest research and sharing insights from people with on-the-ground experience, it helps to advance a co-operative and secure environment for both business and further investment.

Vietnam to release national green criteria

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will soon submit to the Prime Minister a set of national green criteria to guide ministries and sectors in developing industry-specific green rating systems, according to the latest decision by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at a meeting on June 10.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that environmental criteria are crucial for Vietnamese companies that want to go international and attract foreign investment. He suggested several challenges that need to be addressed in developing a national green economy system, including the political and legal foundation, content, perception, and approach to existing and emerging green industries.

He went on to say that the goal of incorporating green criteria into the national economic system is to put into practice green and circular economy strategies, plans and legislation. A green classification system seeks to introduce green criteria into the current economic system through the inclusion of some new economic activities, such as investment in and restoration of the natural environment, the application of new technologies in the provision of environmental services, and renewable energy.

At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister also tasked the Ministry of Planning and Investment to develop a national statistical system for monitoring and evaluating the green economy, focusing on key indicators such as energy intensity, emission intensity and green expenditure.

Reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister at the working session, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, said that a national green economy system is the basic framework and foundation for each industry and sector to develop their own criteria in the form of appendix lists. The lists will be developed in line with Vietnam's economic sector system, consulting and learning from the classification lists of other countries around the world.

She added that a green classification system would support and evaluate the greening of the economy through statistical monitoring and reporting of public and/or private expenditures and investments for green growth, based on specific criteria in line with international best practices.

"This serves as a fundamental basis for developing policies to promote and support green transformation and to regulate and encourage investment flows into activities that contribute to environmental and green growth objectives," she emphasized.

Vietnam's draft national green economy system has been developed by referencing and learning from global standard lists while adapting them to Vietnamese practices, according to the deputy minister. The national green economy system does not overlap or conflict with the green certification framework being developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Ngoc said a national green economy system plays a crucial role and must be considered for issuance immediately as a basis for developing technical criteria for green classification by industry and sector. This will create the legal framework for the application and implementation of mechanisms and policies to promote green growth.

Gamming disorder in children warned during summer

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) has just warned that the gaming disorder in children could become worse, especially during the summer vacation.

Therefore, parents should detect early and intervene promptly to prevent children from becoming addicted to gaming during this summer vacation.

According to HCDC, game online has become increasingly popular, especially with children and young people with vivid graphics, diverse content and continuous improvement and online games are more attractive than ever.

However, playing games poses the risk of addiction. Gaming disorder is a form of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.

Internet gaming disorder was described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5-TR) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) which would hugely cause consequences in some aspects of daily lives.

According to doctors, game addicts often show signs of preoccupation with playing games; symptoms when stopping playing comprising sadness, anxiety, irritability; spending a lot of time playing games to satisfy their desire; inability to reduce gaming, failure of quitting gaming despite efforts.

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, around 70 percent to 80 percent of children from 10 to 15 years old are interested in online gaming. Of these, the game addiction rate is from 10 to 15 percent.

Vietnam sends four young golfers to compete in Junior World Championship 2024

Four young golfers from Vietnam will compete in the Junior World Championship 2024 in Indonesia.

The young golfers are Nguyen Bao Phat, Nguyen Gia Khoi, Le Minh Quang and Nguyen Quang Za Vinh who will compete in stroke play through three rounds of 54 holes for age groups of U15- U18, U12-U14 and U10-U11 in both boys and girls to determine the champion.

According to the organizers, the tournament gathers 113 golfers from countries. The Junior World Championship 2024 takes place in Indonesia on June 12-14.

Currently, the Vietnam Golf Association is creating the best condition for young golfers to compete in international tournaments to enhance their skills.

Previously, on June 6, the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) and the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) signed a cooperation program on specialized golf training courses for a period of three years.

First program to generate carbon credits from rice cultivation piloted

The first program to generate carbon credits from rice cultivation has been piloted in the Central Province of Nghe An.

On June 11, Deputy Director Trinh Duc Toan of the North Central Agricultural Science and Technology Institute said that the unit is coordinating with Green Carbon INC to implement a program to improve farmers' lives by generating carbon credits from rice cultivation. This is the first time this program has been piloted in Nghe An province as well as in Vietnam.

The cooperation program to issue carbon credits in rice production is sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and is being piloted in 31 communes in Nghe An Province’s five districts including Dien Chau, Nghi Loc, Do Luong, Nam Dan and Hung Nguyen in the 5.339 ha paddy field.

The project applies the technique of alternating flooding and drying on rice fields. This method helps prevent anaerobic digestion, an anaerobic biological process that converts organic matter into biogas including methane, by drying and exposing the surface of rice fields, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to a preliminary assessment of the 2024 spring crop, positive changes in rice production have been recorded in the implementation areas.

Currently, the North Central Agricultural Science and Technology Institute and Green Carbon INC are promoting the expansion of the area to other provinces in the region.

Administrative procedures for criminal records simplified

Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang yesterday signed Decision 498/QD-TTg to approve the simplification of regulations and administrative procedures related to issuing criminal records.

Accordingly, a number of regulations and administrative procedures for a criminal record in 14 fields of science and technology, diplomacy, home affairs, agriculture and rural development, finance, justice, construction, health, State Bank, culture, sports and tourism, labor - war invalids and social affairs, public security, national defense, and transport are simplified.

In particular, as to the recruitment procedure for civil servants, the requirement for individuals to submit criminal records will be replaced by the measure that the recruitment agency actively requests the issuance of criminal records according to the provisions of Clause 7 in Article 3 of the Criminal Record Law dated June 17, 2009 (amended and supplemented) to create favorable conditions, reduce time and social costs, and implement the right to request the issuance of criminal records by state agencies.

Regarding the procedures for granting licenses for labor export activities, the requirement to submit criminal records will be eliminated. If necessary, the administrative procedure settlement agency will request the criminal record management agency to issue criminal records to complete the dossier; or the individual may present an electronic criminal record that has been issued on VNeID to save time and costs, creating convenience for individuals in performing administrative procedures.

With respect to registering domestic adoption, the administrative procedure settlement agency is responsible for requesting the criminal record management agency to issue criminal records when people perform the procedures for registering domestic adoption. In addition, specific regulations on how to carry out this adoption and corresponding administrative procedures electronically will be supplemented.

As to registering foreign adoption for cases where stepfathers, stepmothers adopt their wives' or husbands' children; aunts, uncles adopt their nieces, nephews, the administrative procedure settlement agency is responsible for requesting the criminal record management agency to issue criminal records (for Vietnamese citizens who are subject to the issuance of criminal records by the competent authority) when people perform the procedures to resolve this procedure.

At the same time, the regulation on the validity period of criminal records stipulated in Decree No. 19/2011/ND-CP of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Adoption Law will be abolished. In addition, specific regulations on how to perform this adoption and corresponding administrative procedures electronically will be supplemented.

Finally, the "criminal record" will be removed from the dossier for granting pharmaceutical practice certificates by examination/dossier review (including cases where a pharmaceutical practice certificate is granted but the pharmaceutical practice certificate is then revoked according to the provisions of the Law on Pharmacy).

Hà Nội needs nearly 10,200 additional hydrants for firefighting

Hà Nội needs to invest in more than 10,000 additional fire hydrants across 30 districts, to ensure it can support fire fighting in the capital and be fully equipped for fire prevention.

A survey by the city police showed that Hà Nội needs to invest in nearly 10,200 hydrants, 1,673 water tanks, 848 water collection points and water catchment tanks across 30 districts.

According to the Hà Nội People's Committee, in August 2023, the city asked for a full assessment of activities and tasks in the firefighting water supply system.

It asked the police department to coordinate with relevant units to inspect, review and assess the current state of the firefighting water supply system in the city and propose investments in making improvements.

Based on these results, Hà Nội Police have submitted a report to the city’s People's Committee and related units, asking for a coordinated response from the city in terms of building and investing in a water supply system.

Hà Nội Police are coordinating with the Management Board of Technical Infrastructure and Agricultural Projects and various clean water companies to review and assess the actual volume of water needed, identifying densely populated areas with a high fire risk which need to be prioritised. This will form the basis for advising the city's People's Committee to implement firefighting water projects for 2024 and beyond.

In related news, voters in Hoàn Kiếm District have also requested that Hà Nội consider adding more fire hydrants.

In response to voter requests, Hà Nội has stated that the city currently has nearly 4,000 hydrants managed by the Hà Nội Department of Construction.

The city has approved a pre-feasibility study report for adding more fire hydrants in the district. The report includes a proposal for investing in 675 additional hydrants and 31 water catchment pits across seven districts.

Hoàn Kiếm District will receive 40 hydrants and the city is assigning the Management Board of Technical Infrastructure and Agricultural Projects to coordinate with relevant units to implement the project by the end of this year.

Additionally, Hà Nội has requested that Hoàn Kiếm District consider deploying a firefighting water supply system in alleys and densely populated areas, where fire trucks cannot get access, following a number of serious fatal fires in the city.

In August 2023, a karaoke bar in Cầu Giấy District caught fire, resulting in the deaths of three police officers on duty. In September 2023, an illegally constructed mini apartment building in Thanh Xuân District burned, killing 56 people. In October 2023, a scrap storage house in Thanh Trì District caught fire, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her two children.

In January, a three-storey house, which was also a flower shop in the old quarter of Hoàn Kiếm District, caught fire, killing four family members. On 24 May, a combined boarding house and business in an alley at 43 Trung Kính caught fire, killing 14 people.

Local districts in Hà Nội have proposed some intermediate measures to tackle the problem, advising residents to equip themselves with firefighting knowledge and understand there is a 'best time' to tackle fires if they break out.

In Cầu Giấy District, wall-mounted water hoses are expected to be deployed in residential areas within long and narrow alleys, where fire trucks cannot go. 

Nghĩa lifts VGA Junior Tour trophy

Lê Minh Nghĩa secured championship title of the Việt Nam Golf Association (VGA) Junior Tour's fifth leg on June 11 in Long An Province.

Nghĩa set his domination in the tournament's boys' U18 group, taking lead from the beginning to the end. He wrapped up three rounds with a 10-over result to top the overal ranking.

It was Nghĩa's first time winning a VGA Junior Tour title.

He was followed Arena Trần and Hana Vương, top two golfers of the girls' U18 category.

Trần's achievement made her having her name in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

In other categories, Phạm Đăng Long won boys' U15 title; Nguyễn Quốc Bảo Huy took the boys' U13 crown; Nguyễn Phương Quỳnh topped the girls' U13 podium; Vũ Trần Anh Khôi was winner of the U11 and Đỗ Đức Khải triumphed the U9. 

Cà Mau students change their habits with plastic waste

Students in the southern province of Cà Mau participated in a contest on "Reducing waste, protecting the environment and natural resources," showcasing their creativity through competitions focused on recycling plastic waste.

The contest was co-organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Cà Mau National Park.

Held in Nguyễn Viết Khái coastal commune in Phú Tân District, the event featured 20 teams. Each team presented works that revolved around plastic waste reduction methods, and actions to protect the environment and natural resources.

The projects were very relatable, making them easy to promote within the community.

In the theatrical self-introduction contest, the piece "I will fix it right away" by students from Nguyễn Việt Khái Junior Secondary School left a lasting impression. The students skilfully conveyed their understanding of the harmful effects of plastic waste through a humorous and charming performance.

Their presentation also demonstrated their determination to change the habit of indiscriminate plastic waste disposal, encouraging proper classification and reuse in daily life.

Additionally, different teams competed in recycling skills. They used prepared tools to create new and valuable products from common types of plastic waste, such as bottles, cups, and boxes. The students produced beautiful items that can be used in everyday life, work, and study. 

Some very simple but practical products were highly appreciated, such as using plastic bottles and cans to grow vegetables, as demonstrated by Gò Công Junior Secondary School.

Phạm Văn Lành, a contestant from the Nguyễn Việt Khái Commune Trade Union, said that his team’s message was that everyone should join hands to classify and treat waste properly. 

In Nguyễn Viết Khái Commune, many households live along canals and throw rubbish into rivers. “We want to educate people not to discharge waste into the environment to make it greener and cleaner," he said. 

Đào Thị Thanh An, Chairwoman of the Nguyễn Viết Khái Women's Union, said, "We should take advantage of waste that can be reused, or employ it to make useful items such as vases."

With its practical content, the competition helped students and residents in the Cà Mau coastal area better understand the long-term harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and ecosystem. Consequently, they will take more action to protect the environment. 

Heavy rain, tornadoes impact Bình Thuận

Heavy rain and tornadoes damaged a number of structures and affected the lives of people in Bắc Bình district (Bình Thuận), according to the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue of Bình Thuận Province.

Heavy rains took down six electric poles, some billboards and traffic signs along Hòa Thắng - Hòa Phú road.

In addition, heavy rains and tornadoes also blew off the roofs of stalls. The estimated damage was over VNĐ950 million (US$37,400).

Immediately after the disaster occurred, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue of Hòa Thắng commune mobilised local forces to co-ordinate with relevant units to promptly overcome the incidents caused by the natural disaster.

They organised inspections and assessments of the damaged items caused by heavy rain and tornadoes.

On the night of June 8, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and whirlwinds in the coast of ​​Phú Quý district damaged a number of fishing boats anchored at Bãi Phủ.

The Office of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue of Bình Thuận Province requested the Provincial Border Guard Command to continue to support fishermen in overcoming the consequences.

The People's Committee and the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue of Phu Quy district shall inspect, assess, verify the damage, and compile an official report to the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue of the province according to regulations.

Last month, sand washed in by heavy rain “flooded” a road in Phan Thiết City, burying vehicles and properties.

Prolonged heavy rains through the previous night washed down red sand from a nearby hill on to Huỳnh Thúc Kháng Street in Mũi Né Ward, half submerging vehicles.

The sand stretched for 350m and up to nearly 1.3m deep, and also flooded a restaurant.

The red sand was identified to have come from the Sentosa Mũi Né project on a hill 30m high on Huỳnh Thúc Kháng Street. 

Ho Chi Minh City at risk of measles spreading

While hand, foot, and mouth disease and dengue fever are under control, the Ho Chi Minh City health sector is concerned about the risk of measles spreading after recording 16 cases.

This was heard at an online conference on strengthening disease prevention and control in 2024 for the Southern region yesterday held by the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City and chaired by Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong.

At the conference, Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, informed about the development of infectious diseases in the city. According to Dr. Chau, the most concerning is the increase in vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and measles. As of the 23rd week of 2024, the city has recorded 30 cases of whooping cough, 90 percent of which are children under 5 years old and 44 percent have not yet reached the age to receive the first dose of the whooping cough vaccine.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City has recorded 16 cases of measles. Of which, 15 cases are under 5 years old and 85 percent of under 5 years old cases have not been fully vaccinated according to the schedule. The patients are living in District 8, Binh Tan District, Hoc Mon District and Binh Chanh District.

In the face of the risk of measles spreading, the health sector has stepped up vaccination and catch-up vaccination against measles for children at health stations. At the same time, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is advising the city People's Committee to issue a plan to proactively prevent measles in the city.

Under the plan, the city will focus on early detection of suspected measles and rash fever cases, take blood samples for testing, conduct epidemiological investigations and zoning. Children's Hospital 1, Children's Hospital 2, Children's Hospital of the City and Tropical Diseases Hospital are responsible for receiving measles patients and treating them while ensuring to control infection and prevent cross-contamination in medical facilities.

Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh City is currently recording 6,210 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, and no EV71 strain (the strain that causes severe hand, foot, and mouth disease) has been detected. The cumulative number of dengue fever cases in the city as of the 23rd week of 2024 was 3,677 with no deaths, and the number of cases has decreased compared to the same period last year. The southern largest city has recorded 36 monkeypox cases; all are male patients, in 21/22 districts and Thu Duc City without deaths.

Da Lat City dismantles work on golf club buildings

The Urban Management Department of Da Lat City in Lam Dong Province on June 11 had a working session with DL Royal Joint Stock Company on dismantling the illegal construction work.

Deputy head of the Urban Management Department of Da Lat City Ho Ngoc Nam said that according to the regulations, after the investor’s plan for the demolition of illegal buildings is approved, the city’s functional departments will inspect demolition activities to ensure the safety compliance.

The People's Committee of Da Lat City previously asked DL Royal Joint Stock Company to tear down all illegal work of the Golf Club building project in Dalat Golf Course covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters on Cu Hill within 15 days, starting on May 21.

On May 29, the Department of Construction of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong decided to revoke the construction permit for a part of the basement of the service building in Dalat Golf Course on Cu Hill with an area of over 2,600 square meters.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Lam Dong Province also conducted a review of the implementation of land and environmental regulations carried out by DL Royal Joint Stock Company and acknowledged the addition of the golf club buildings with a total area of 15,670 square meters, including over 5,600 square meters of protection forest in the 10th project adjustment on June 15, 2022, that is against Government Decree No. 52/2020 / ND-CP on construction investment and golf course business.

DL Royal Joint Stock Company previously sent a letter on dismantling the illegal construction work of the Golf Club building project in Dalat Golf Course to the People's Committee of Da Lat City. The demolition of illegal buildings began at 9 a.m. on June 11.

Hand-foot-mouth disease, dengue fever cases in HCMC drop in past week

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control on June 11 reported that the city has recorded a decrease in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and dengue fever in the past week.

During the past week, the city recorded 470 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, down 19 percent compared to the average level of four weeks ago.

In the first 23 weeks of 2024, the total number of hand, foot and mouth cases in the city was 6,210. Nha Be, Binh Chanh districts and District 8 recorded a high number of cases per 100,000 residents.

At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City also recorded 130 cases of dengue fever, decreasing nine percent compared to on average four weeks ago, raising the total cases of dengue fever to 3,677 in the first 23 weeks of 2024.

Thu Duc City, District 1 and District 7 recorded a high number of dengue fever cases per 100,000 residents.

Statistics from Children's Hospital No.1 showed that the rate of dengue fever in children in May 2024 was lower than the same period in 2023 and on average level of five years ago.

It is predicted that the rate of hospitalized children owing to dengue fever will remain low in the coming time.

The rate of children contracting HFMD in May 2024 increased compared to April 2024.

Currently, this rate is higher than in the same period in 2023 but lower than the average rate over the past five years. It is predicted that the rate of children being infected with HFMD will increase again in the coming month.

In May, Ho Chi Minh City saw a rise in the cases of hand-foot-mouth disease in children over the previous month. Currently, this rate is higher than in the same period in 2023 but lower than on average five years ago.

It is predicted that the rate of children with HFMD will increase again next month.

Additionally, the number of children with acute diarrhea and respiratory tract infection has been higher than in the same period of 2023 and on average five years ago. It is predicted that the rate of children contracting the disease will increase again in June.

The rate of children contracting pneumonia in May remained lower than in the same period of 2023 and five years ago. However, this rate is expected to increase in the coming time.

From the end of May until now, Children's Hospital No.1 has received four new cases of measles hospitalized under observation and treatment. The number of infections will tend to rise in the coming time.

Heavy rains cause inundation in Thái Nguyên

Torrential rains from June 10 to 11 caused severe flooding in several cities in Thái Nguyên Province.

Phổ Yên City experienced a staggering 197.4mm of rainfall in twelve hours. Significant downpours were also observed in Sông Công and Thái Nguyên Cities, with some areas submerged under 20 to 40cm of water.

Local residents reported that the rains began around 7:00 pm on June 10, causing vehicles to stall on the roads as their engines were overwhelmed by floodwaters.

Authorities in Phổ Yên stated on June 11 that floodwaters had receded, with no landslides or other incidents reported in the city following the heavy rains.

However, Sông Công City was not quite as fortunate. While the rains have stopped, several areas remain flooded. Local authorities have deployed a team to assess the situation and monitor the affected areas.

Additionally, they have assigned personnel to barricade and guard high-risk dams to prevent trespassing. 

Thủ Đức City locals clear houses to give land for road expansion

Many houses on Nguyễn Thị Định Street in Thủ Đức City are being demolished or moved back to give space for a project to widen the road to help reduce traffic congestion.

The expansion project, which covers a 2km segment of the street (from Giồng Ông Tổ Bridge to Mỹ Thủy Bridge), was approved in 2015 to widen the road from 8m to 30m, with an investment of VNĐ1.4 trillion (US$54.8 million) for land clearance compensation and construction.

Due to complications with land clearance, the project was delayed. At the end of 2023, the city People’s Council increased the project investment to nearly VNĐ2.08 trillion, with over VNĐ660 billion extra for land clearance compensation.

Many households have taken down parts of their buildings after receiving the compensation, moving their houses back around 5m to 7m.

Nguyễn Văn Bình, a local, told Lao Động Newspaper that he had hired workers to break down and rebuild his house after handing over nearly 40m2 of land for the project.

The street is small, so traffic congestion and accidents often happen, so he hoped that the road’s expansion would be carried out soon.

The Compensation and Clearance Board of Thủ Đức City said that they are actively working with localities and relevant organisations to encourage people to receive their compensation and hand over land for the expansion project.

Currently, the city has issued over 1 trillion to over 300 households, and expects to hand over all of the land needed for the project within this year.

According to the investor of the project, the Construction Investment Project Management Board in Thủ Đức City, after receiving all of the land, contractor bidding will be held in 2025, and the project can be finished and put into service in 2026.

Vietnam attends BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang attended the BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod on June 11 (local time).

The dialogue, part of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Summit hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, drew foreign ministers from 10 BRICS member countries, ministers and deputy foreign ministers from 12 guest countries.

In her speech, Deputy FM Hang emphasised the importance of BRICS collaborating with developing countries to promote three key focuses, including enhancing multilateral cooperation by reinforcing the central role of the United Nations (UN) in coordinating global efforts for peace, security and sustainable development, and building trust and resolving disputes by peaceful means based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Another focus was on improving the role of developing countries in governance and fulfillment of global development agendas. She urged BRICS to contribute to accelerating sustainable development goals, ensuring that developing countries have access to breakthrough technological achievements, deep economic integration, and an open, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system.

The final focus was on strengthening the resilience, adaptability, and capacity of developing countries in addressing global challenges. BRICS should collaborate closely with partners, especially developing countries, in promoting global climate actions, ensuring food and energy security, disaster preparedness and epidemic prevention.

Affirming Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations; being a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, she highlighted Vietnam's commitment to high-quality growth, prioritising green growth, sustainable development, innovation, and resilience with people at the centre of its development strategy.

Vietnam is ready to actively contribute to the activities of global, inter-regional and regional cooperation organisations and mechanisms for peace, cooperation and development, she said.

As Vietnam will host the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in 2025, she expressed Vietnam’s desire to join hands with other countries to advance global efforts for green growth and sustainable development.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese official held working sessions with her counterparts from Brazil, Venezuela and Bahrain.

Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister Eduardo Paes Saboia proposed joint work to effectively realise the outcomes of the Vietnam visit by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Viera in April.

As the G20 President, Brazil hopes for Vietnam's active participation and contribution to the G20, he said, expressing willingness to work with Vietnam at multilateral forums in 2025 when Vietnam hosts P4G and Brazil assumes the presidency of the 30th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP 30).

Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno agreed on the need to facilitate delegation exchanges and further strengthen close coordination to effectively realise the recently-reached agreements.

Bahraini Deputy Foreign Minister Isa Nasser Al Nuaimi and Deputy FM Hang affirmed their desire to further reinforce bilateral collaboration, especially through high-level delegation exchanges and increased cooperation in economy, trade and investment while working closely together within multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

HCM City active in promoting Vietnam – Russia ties: official

Through an arsenal of economic – tourism projects and robust delegation exchanges, Ho Chi Minh City has been a leading locality in promoting the Vietnam – Russia relations, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan said on June 11.

Attending a ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of Russia’s National Day (June 12, 1990-2024) held by the Russian General Consulate in the city, Hoan held that the bilateral relations have stood the test of time and have been treasured and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both nations.

In its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification, Vietnam always sees Russia as a leading important partner while developing the ties with Vietnam has been a priority of Russia, he said, adding the issuance of the joint statement on the vision of the Vietnam – Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2030 has contributed to developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership in a deep and practical fashion for the interests of the two nations and prosperity of the two peoples.

The official thanked Russian Consul General Sadykov Timur Sirozhevich for his efforts and contributions to boosting the ties between the city and Russia, expressing his belief that the Russian diplomat will continue promoting his bridging role to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, including the friendship and cooperation between HCM City and Russian ministries, sectors and localities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sirozhevich laid stress on the warm and trustworthy relations between the two countries over the course of more than 70 years, adding the ties have been characterised by similarities in history and diverse culture, as well as such common values as patriotism, strong will to fight against invaders, diligence, creativity and profound humanity.

Throughout their joint efforts, Vietnam and Russia will successfully realise their targets for the interests of the two peoples and peace and security in the region, he said.

Vietnamese golfers compete at Junior World Championship 2024

Four young Vietnamese players are competing at the CIPUTRA GolfPreneur Junior World Championship 2024 in Indonesia.

The tournament features 113 competitors playing across boys' and girls' categories for ages of 10-11, 12-14 and 15-18 at the Damai Indah Golf & Country Club in Jakarta.

They will take part in the stroke-play format through three rounds of 54 holes.

After the first day, Vietnamese Nguyen Bao Phat took the lead in the boys' 10-11 year-old group with a two-over par 74.

His teammate Le Minh Quang placed No 8 with a 20-over par 92.

In the boys' 12-14, Nguyen Gia Khoi was in the top ten, with a 11-over par 83, while Nguyen Quang Za Vinh stands No 19 with 18-over par 90.

The tournament aims to promote junior golf and friendly competition among players from all nations around the world, with organisers saying they hope it help encourage youngsters to take up the sport and create a better world./.

Vietnamese language among optional subjects at Malaysian university

The Vietnamese language and culture is an optional subject at the Universiti Malaya (UM) - one of the top public universities in Malaysia.

About 100-140 students at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (FLL) of the university are learning Vietnamese language and culture, said Dean of the FLL Prof. Surinderpal Kaur.

The students are from Malaysia, China, India, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, the faculty has offered courses for its undergraduate programme with nine language subjects - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Tamil.

The FLL was initially set up as a Language Centre in 1972, responsible for conducting language courses relevant to the needs of the university. The FLL offered Vietnamese language courses from its establishment until 2017 when its only Vietnamese lecturer retired.

Vietnamese language and culture courses were resumed in 2023 after the faculty employed Vietnamese Master of Linguistics Nguyen Thuy Thien Huong who is said to having inspired FLL staff and students to learn more about Vietnam.

Prof. Surinderpal said that the faculty is cooperating with the Malaysia - Vietnam Friendship Association on student exchange programmes, with the desire to build a separate programnme on the two countries’ cooperation.

It also plans to develop a curriculum providing comprehensive Vietnamese courses from primary to advanced levels. It also wants to organise activities to promote Vietnamese culture such as cooking classes, Vietnamese traditional music classes, tours, and Vietnamese movie screenings.

At the celebration of the 52nd founding anniversary of the FLL held on June 13, Vietnamese coffee and typical dishes such as spring rolls and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich filled with pâté, cold meats, and vegetables) were introduced, attracting many visitors to the Vietnam booth./.

Over 20 rare wild animals released

The Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) on June 12 said it has cooperated with the Cuc Phuong and Cat Tien national parks, and the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue centre to release 21 rescued rare animals back to the wild.

The animals include 11 Java pangolins, also known as the Malaysian or Sunda pangolin, three Asian small-clawed otters, four pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonine), two long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and one brahminy kite.

According to the centre, the animals underwent a quarantine for at least 30 days to monitor their health condition, after which they were assessed for re-release conditions based on criteria such as health and capacity of self-defense in the wild.

The animals are all on the list of endangered, precious, and rare animal species in Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP of the Government on the management of endangered forest plants and animals and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Since its establishment, the centre has successfully rescued 4,280 wild animals, of which 1,709 are pangolins./.

Geneva photo exhibition sheds light on 1954 agreement

The permanent mission of Vietnam to the United Nations Office, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva opened a photo exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Việt Nam.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Hằng stressed that the agreement is a historical milestone of the country's revolutionary diplomacy, reflecting President Hồ Chí Minh's ideology, lifestyle, and diplomatic art.

Vietnamese people always remember the pure solidarity and support of Lao and Cambodian people, friends and peace-loving people around the world in the struggles against colonialism and imperialism, she said.

The agreement was the victory of Việt Nam and the three Indochinese countries as well as of oppressed nations during their struggles for national liberation, the official said, noting together with the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954), it served as a source of encouragement for movements for peace and national independence, beginning the collapse of colonialism worldwide.

Highlighting the significance and lessons learned from the negotiations, signing and implementation of the agreement to the present cause of national construction, defence and development, Hằng said Việt Nam has been consistently pursuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, and proactive and active integration, and being a friend, a reliable partner, an active and responsible member of the international community.

“We are committed to contributing our best to the common efforts of the international community for peace, national independence, development, cooperation and social progress in the world," she emphasised.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung said with tens of photos, the exhibition aims to give an insight into the context when the agreement was signed, and its importance to Việt Nam and the world, along with peace-loving people’s support for Việt Nam’s struggle for independence, freedom, peace and justice. 

Việt Nam calls for continued goodwill in implementation of UNCLOS 1982

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ has called on member states to continue implement the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in a spirit of goodwill.

While addressing the 34th meeting of UNCLOS (SPLOS-34), held in New York from June 10-14, he emphasised the role and importance of the convention as the 'Constitution of Oceans' - a comprehensive legal document that regulates all activities of countries in terms of their maritime activities.

It forms the basis for the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources.

He highlighted several challenges they are facing, including marine pollution, over-exploitation of resources, the development of new marine technologies and the emergence of various types of crimes at sea, escalating regional tensions and unilateral actions by countries that threaten maritime safety and security.

Regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), the head of the Vietnamese delegation suggested member countries implement maritime policies responsibly and legally, so they can work together to ensure peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.

Adding that a peaceful and a stable environment to serve the sustainable development in the East Sea can only be guaranteed when countries establish their maritime zones in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS and seriously exercise their sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction under the convention, as well as maintaining restraint to jointly solve disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter and the UNCLOS.

Vũ stressed that Việt Nam always strives to work with regional countries to promote respect for the convention, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and negotiate in order to achieve a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), consistent with international law.

The official also said that the agencies formed under the convention all made important contributions to establishing legal order in the maritime and ocean fields, maintaining maritime peace and security ; referring to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

He affirmed the role of ITLOS in the peaceful settlement of disputes related to the application and interpretation of the convention and called on member states to seriously implement its judgments and decisions as well as the dispute resolution mechanisms stipulated in the convention.

The Vietnamese delegation confirmed the importance of determining the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles to delimiting boundaries between the continental shelves of member countries and the international ocean floor area, thus creating conditions for the full and effective implementation of the convention's regulations on management and equitable sharing of benefits and mineral resources in this area.

On this basis, Việt Nam calls for practical measures to speed up the CLCS process of reviewing reports on the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles that have been submitted, he added.

Outside of the main meeting, the Vietnamese delegation met the UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, the ITLOS President, the CLCS President and representatives of foreign delegations, including the Philippines, Laos and Malaysia to exchange views on issues of mutual concern and promote cooperation. 

Prime Minister receives outgoing German Ambassador

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính suggested Germany enhance cooperation with Việt Nam in labour, employment, education-training and energy transition, among other fields, at a reception for outgoing Ambassador Guido Hildner in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

The PM affirmed that Việt Nam always highly values Germany’s role and leading position in Europe and the world at large, and attaches importance to deepening the bilateral strategic partnership across spheres.

He said Germany remains Việt Nam's biggest trade partner in the European Union (EU) and one of the largest EU investors in the country, with bilateral trade exceeding US$11 billion last year.

Germany ranks 18th out of the 143 countries and territories investing in Việt Nam, the leader continued, adding that Việt Nam is also one of Germany’s biggest trade partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and fifth in Asia.

PM Chính appreciated Germany’s support for Việt Nam's socio-economic development over the past more than three decades, particularly its identification of Việt Nam as a global partner in the Development Cooperation Strategy 2030 with the three priorities of energy, environment and vocational training.

Speaking highly of Germany’s support for Việt Nam's joining of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), the PM called on the country to continue its close cooperation in the implementation of the partnership.

He suggested Germany grant more scholarships to Vietnamese students, and strengthen collaboration in vocational training and high-quality personnel development, saying the two countries should continue working together in materialising the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement, and the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement once it comes into force.

The PM used the occasion to appeal to Germany to urge the European Commission (EC) to remove its “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood.

For his part, Hildner commended Việt Nam's development over the past years, especially in green, sustainable development, stressing Germany stands ready to receive Việt Nam's skilled labourers and wishes to admit more Vietnamese students.

German lauds Việt Nam's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and hopes to play a more active role in the Southeast Asian nation’s energy transition, including its implementation of agreements within the JETP, the ambassador said.

Regarding regional and international issues of shared concern, the two sides agreed on basic principles and respect for international law to maintain and promote peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

They shared the view on the need to ensure security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), and settle disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Two people in Bắc Kạn die of neisseria meningitidis disease

Two people from the same family in the northern mountainous province of Bắc Kạn died of neisseria meningitidis virus, the provincial Department of Health has announced.

According to the department, a girl, born in 2022, died on June 5, followed by her grandmother on June 9. Both are from the same family living in Ba Bể District.

Two further family members showed symptoms of tiredness, headaches and diarrhoea and are undergoing treatment in hospital.

Trần Văn Tuyến, the department’s deputy director, said a test sample from the patients sent to the National Tropical Disease centre on Wednesday showed one infected with neisseria meningitidis virus.

Meningococcal disease is an infectious disease transmitted through the respiratory tract, which can develop into an epidemic and cause death if not detected early and treated promptly.

The local Department of Health ordered the provincial Centre for Disease Control to strengthen supervision on the meningococcal outbreak in Ba Bể District, while monitoring the outbreak’s developments to control it spreading.

It ordered healthcare professionals to make sure they have adequate equipment, chemicals, supplies and vaccines against meningococcal disease.

The Bắc Kạn Provincial General Hospital has been asked to prepare facilities and areas for quarantine, specialised equipment, and drugs ready for timely treatment and emergency care for any further cases.

Rice fields withered due to saltwater intrusion in Đà Nẵng

Dozens of hectares of rice fields in the Đà Nẵng City area have withered due to saltwater intrusion.

The district People's Committee has actively pumped fresh water to save the rice, but the situation has not improved. Affected areas include the communes of Hòa Phong, Hòa Nhơn and Hòa Tiến in Hòa Vang District, Đà Nẵng City.

In Cẩm Toại Đông Village in Hòa Phong Commune, vast fields have now turned into barren lands.

A farmer who wished to remain anonymous said she cultivated one hectare in the Cẩm Toại Đông Village fields, but due to saltwater contamination 60 per cent of her crop has been lost.

She re-sowed for a second time, but the results remained unfavourable, Lao động (Labour) online newspaper reported.

She said "For every 0.1ha, we sow 7-8kg of rice seeds. Now with 0.6ha of rice dried up, the loss is significant."

She and many surrounding farmers have brought young rice plants from other non-contaminated fields to replant in their own fields.

Công, head of Group 3 in Cẩm Toại Đông village said: "This is the first time our fields have experienced saltwater intrusion. One of the reasons is that the irrigation water is drawn from the Yên River."

He added that all fields irrigated with water from the Yên River were experiencing total crop failure, with barren fields and hectares of withered rice.

Many people, after re-sowing for the second time without favourable results, have abandoned their fields.

According to the district People's Committee, the summer-autumn crop plan for 2024 includes sowing 2,061ha.

So far, 99.8 per cent has been sown.

However, due to the effects of El Niño, areas irrigated from the Yên River, Cầu Đỏ River and Túy Loan River are experiencing saltwater contamination, causing toxicity to the rice plants.

Currently, around 56.35ha of rice have been damaged across the district, concentrated in the communes of Hòa Tiến, Hòa Phong and Hòa Nhơn. 

Nearly 590 tonnes of rice allocated to Ninh Thuan province in between-crop period

Nearly 590 tonnes of rice from the national reserve has been allocated to the south-central province of Ninh Thuan to support local people during the between-crop period in 2024.

Under Prime Minister’s Decision No 465/QD-TTg, 9,518 households in five districts, namely Bac Ai, Ninh Son, Ninh Phuoc, Thuan Bac and Thuan Nam, will get rice assistance. The beneficiaries are poor, near-poor households and those in extremely difficult circumstances.

Bach Van Nguyen, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that localities have provided support for the needy in a timely manner and in line with regulations.

According to the provincial People's Committee, the prolonged drought has been directly affecting agricultural production, people's lives and left negative impact on local socio-economic development.

Due to the lack of rain, water resources to reservoirs in the locality is much lower than the same period every year, leading to the scarcity of water for people in some areas, especially in the ethnic minority ones./.

Vietnamese athletes to compete in regional tournaments

Vietnamese track-and-field athletes will compete in two international competitions this week, according to the Sports Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Specifically, four athletes will participate in the Asian Throwing Championships 2024, scheduled to take place on June 14-15 in Mokpo, the Republic of Korea.

The annual tournament features all the best athletes from Asian countries such as Chinese Tian Zizhong (shot-put), Kazakhs Ivan Ivanov (shot-put), Chinese Taipei Cheng Chao Tsun and Huang Shih Feng (javelin throw) and Japanese Maki Saito and Nanaka Kori (discus throw).

Vietnamese representatives are Phan Thanh Binh (shot-put and discus throw), Nguyen Hoai Văn (javelin throw), Le Thi Cam Dung (discus throw) and Do Tan (hammer throw). Among them, Van won gold in SEA Games 2021 and silver last year and Binh pocketed silver in SEA Games 2023.

Meanwhile, a group of 12 competitors are taking part in the Thailand Open 2024 from June 13-17.

Nguyen Thanh Vy, Pham Quynh Giang and Nguyen Quoc Thinh will vie for medals in the men's and women's high jump while Nguyen Thi Lan Anh will participate in the women's heptathlon competition.

Sam Van Doi will run in the men's 800m and 1,500m and Hoang Thi Anh Thuc will compete in the women's 400m.

Vietnamese athletes will have the opportunity to fight off against short-running "prodigy" Puripol Boonson and Soraoat Dabbang of Thailand in the 100m event. Boonson was winners of the 100m and 200m in the 31st Games and Dabbang topped podiums of these events in the 32nd edition./.

NA leader affirms Vietnam’s endeavour to realise ASEAN Community Vision 2045

The National Assembly of Vietnam will coordinate closely with the Parliaments of other ASEAN countries to participate and contribute effectively to realizing the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed.

Receiving ambassadors and Charge d’Affaires of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste in Hanoi on June 13, Man welcomed ASEAN’s efforts in building the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, towards a resilient, dynamic, creative and people-centered ASEAN.

He noted that, the National Assembly of Vietnam, a proactive and responsible member of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), not only fully engages in activities within the framework of AIPA but also puts forward many practical ideas and initiatives to renew the organization’s activities and agenda, and promote its role and connection with ASEAN in solving common regional problems.

Man appreciated ASEAN formulating many cooperation frameworks in new fields such as digital economy, circular economy, digital transformation, and energy transition. To materialize these agreements and frameworks, he suggested that AIPA and its member Parliaments coordinate closely with their Governments in building an appropriate legal system, actively removing barriers, and working closely together to create the most favourable legal corridor for the effective implementation of cooperation frameworks.

The National Assembly of Vietnam fully supports the Government of Vietnam in further promoting and upgrading the framework of relations with other Southeast Asian countries to strengthen trust and solidarity, and foster friendship, cooperation, and bonds between Vietnam and ASEAN member states, for the strong and prosperous development of the ASEAN Community, he stressed.

The Chairman expressed his belief that with a solid foundation of cooperation over the past 60 years, ASEAN member countries would continue to uphold the spirit of solidarity, sharing and cooperation, contributing to the steady development of ASEAN in all circumstances.

On this occasion, he congratulated Laos on its ASEAN and AIPA presidency role, and believed that, under the chairmanship of Laos, ASEAN and AIPA would continue to achieve new successes, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region.

On behalf of the distinguished guests, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh emphasized that since joining the AIPA for nearly 30 years, the National Assembly of Vietnam has launched many initiatives and actively participated in improving the effectiveness of regional inter-parliamentary cooperation.

He also said that negotiation and cooperation mechanisms are practical solutions to the complex geopolitical and economic uncertainties of the world today and that ASEAN is the key to promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally.

Parliamentary leaders of all ASEAN member states will promote the common values ​​of the ASEAN Community and share common interests with countries to address common challenges in the region during Laos’ 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship Year, said the ambassador.

The diplomat believed that the existing friendship and close cooperation between Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries and the people of those countries would be further strengthened, contributing to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region in the coming years.

Hanoi Grapevine displays selected artworks in HCM City

A contemporary art exhibition is showing more than 40 pieces of what curators describe as a multi-faceted Vietnamese art in HCM City. 

The Grapevine Selection 2024 features the artists' most recent works, each differentiated by a unique style, selected by the Art Advisory Board including art collector Ariel Phạm, curator and art researchers Đỗ Tường Linh and Sophie Huang.

The exhibition focuses on artists whose works represent the current artistic times, setting milestones for the future of long-term art archiving and collecting.

From Hà Nội, Phạm Tuấn Tú shows his traditional wood sculptures, bearing the imprint of time while a collection of works by Nguyễn Thị Diệp and Thùy Anh Đặng is full of feminity and tell modern gender based stories. 

Hà Nội-based artist Lâm Na shows a depiction of her search for Phùng Nguyên's ancient culture over 4,000 years ago. 

Other artists at the exhibition include Lê Thừa Tiến from Huế with his most recent lacquer works, Mai Huyền Chi from Đà Nẵng with short videos about the marginalised community and a self-portrait of Huy Phan from the central highland city of Đà Lạt.

The annual Grapevine Selection also aims to fulfill the art collective's mission of promoting Vietnamese contemporary art at home and abroad.

It runs until June 30 from 10am to 5pm at Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), 232/6 Võ Thị Sáu, District 3. 

Last few days to catch prolific artist's work in Hà Nội

You could not only see the art, but be part of the art itself, by visiting the Manzi Art Space which is showing images taken by renowned artist Jamie Maxtone-Graham.

Graham is a photographer, cinematographer and director who has lived in Hà Nội since 2007, having previously been a director of photography in both New York and Los Angles.

The art space at Manzi works both as gallery for his works, Untitled and as a working space - a temporary portrait studio. The artist himself will be there to welcome visitors, who will be invited to participate in making a portrait.

Some of the photographs produced each day in the studio will then be displayed the following day for new visitors and perhaps those returning to see their portraits on the wall.

When the exhibition closes, on June 15, visitors will be asked to collect their own image to take home.

During his time in Việt Nam, Graham has worked on social documentaries and in conceptual, portraiture and still life art. His work has been exhibited in galleries and photography festivals across Europe and Asia, has been published in several critically reviewed academic journals and is also in a number of private collections.

He has conducted long-term workshops in both film and photography at Hanoi DocLab and is a committed supporter of the art community in Việt Nam, both as a practitioner and mentor.

The studio is open from 10am - 4pm at No2 Hàng Bún Lane, Ba Đình District. ️Closing studio party begins at 6.30pm on June 15. 

Party General Secretary chairs meeting of key leaders

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong chaired the meeting, which saw the participation of President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

The leaders highlighted significant achievements in socio-economic development, national defence and security, external affairs, Party and political system building, personnel affairs, and the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena.

They emphasised the success of the 9th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee and the first phase of the 15th legislature’s 7th session, during which the personnel work was done in a concerted and timely manner, receiving the approval from officials, Party members and people.

Regarding the socio-economic situation, they said the macro-economy remained stable, major economic balances were ensured, the finance - budget situation improved, industrial production maintained, and food and energy security ensured over the past two months, noting progress in tourism, trade and foreign investment attraction.

The Government took various drastic solutions to remove obstacles to production and business, accelerate key, national projects, promote social housing development, stabilise the gold and credit markets, and step up administrative reform and digital transformation, they continued.

The leaders held that apart from opportunities and advantages, Vietnam would face a host of challenges in the coming time amidst global uncertainties, climate change, natural disasters, and epidemics.

Given this, ministries and agencies need to carry forward solidarity and consensus in order to spur economic growth in tandem with maintaining and consolidating macro economy stability, controlling inflation, ensuring major economic balances, and untangling knots to production and business, they said.

They urged solutions to stabilise the market, and push ahead with public investment disbursement and the implementation of national target programmes as well as key infrastructure projects.

Other tasks include speeding up administrative reform and digital transformation, safeguarding national defence and security, and social order and safety, and enhancing external relations, along with personnel and communications work.

The leaders laid emphasis on preparations for all-level Party congresses, towards the 14th National Party Congress, and anti-corruption efforts, contributing to raising public confidence in the Party, the State and the regime.

Hue Int’l Arts Festival Week draws over 100,000 visitors

The 2024 Hue International Arts Festival Week, which wrapped up on June 12 evening, attracted over 19,000 foreign tourists and more than 81,000 domestic ones, according to the organisers. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Permanent Vice Chairman of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue Phan Thanh Binh said that the six-day event attracted the participation of over 30 art troupes from Vietnam and seven other nations, namely France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea (RoK). 

Twelve main activities and programmes were organised, including a traditional dance and royal performance, a street carnival, a light festival, a beer festival, a lantern festival and a vegetarian cuisine festival. 

According to Director of the provincial Tourism Department Nguyen Van Phuc, the festival not only brings about opportunities for the province to attract tourists but also promotes its cultural values, landscape, and people./.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes