Vietnamese popular cultural festival to take place in Berlin next month

A Vietnamese popular cultural festival named “Living in Berlin” will be held for the first time at Vietnamese-owned Dong Xuan Centre from July 25-28 by authorities of Berlin city and Lichtenberg district.

During the festival, visitors will have an opportunity to experience Vietnamese popular culture through music, comedy, cinema, performing arts and cuisine, with the participation of the young generation of Vietnamese artists growing up in Berlin.

Martin Schaefer, Mayor of Lichtenberg district, said the event will be a symbol of the close decades-long friendship and bond between Vietnam and Germany.

In addition to live music, art, comedy and dance performances, the festival will also feature the "Tracks & Talk" talk show with the participation of NASHI44, an artist, singer, rapper, and composer of the Vietnamese origin.

A Vietnamese film programme is scheduled to be held within the framework of the festival, with award-winning short films and special preview screenings of ARD television's new series titled "Made in Germany" by Vietnamese-origin director Ngo Ngoc Duc./.

Remains of volunteer soldiers found in Cambodia repatriated

The Steering Committee for search, collection, repatriation, and identification of fallen soldiers' remains (Steering Committee 515) of the southern province of Tay Ninh on June 28 held ceremony to receive the remains of 172 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who fell down in Cambodia during the wartime.

The remains were searched and repatriated by Team K70 under Military Zone 7 and Team K71 under the Tay Ninh Military High Command during the 2023-2024 dry season.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Phan Van Long, Political Commissar of Team K71, the remains were collected in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meancheay, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, and Tbong Khmun from March 1 – June 28.

Members of both teams always upheld a strong sense of responsibility to overcome all difficulties, and closely cooperated with forces of the Military Subdistrict and people of the Cambodian localities in performing their duties, contributing to tightening the friendship and solidarity between the two countries, Long said.

Colonel Do Thanh Viet, Deputy Commissar of the Tay Ninh Military High Command, commended the spirit, responsibility, and achievements by the teams’ officers and soldiers, and thanked the Cambodian localities’ forces for their assistance and support to the teams in their mission./.

Local junior table tennis players to vie for Asian championship title in China

Four junior players will represent Vietnam to compete at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2024 scheduled to take place in Chongquin, China, from June 30 to July 6.

The four have qualified for the continental tournament thanks to their outstanding performances during the Southeast Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship held in Malaysia in May.

This marks the first time that Vietnamese players have won tickets to the Asian tournament.

Athletes will be divided into two age groups, U19 (junior) and U15 (cadet), for the week-long competition.

Approximately 450 athletes representing teams from more than 30 Asian countries and regions, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, will participate in the event. 

Vietnamese athletes will play alongside strong rivals from Bangladesh, Saudi Arab, Sri Lanka, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Iran, and China in the U19 men’s team category.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, teams from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have also won the right to compete in the tournament.

Swedish ambassador honoured with peace and friendship insignia

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son on June 28 presented the insignia “For Peace, Friendship Among Nations” to Swedish Ambassador Ann Mawe in recognition of her contributions to Vietnam – Sweden relations.

Ambassador Ann Mawe has made important contributions to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, as well as to fostering the strong development of bilateral relations between the two countries, said Son at the award presentation ceremony in Hanoi on June 28.

According to the VUFO President, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Sweden have developed positively in many fields, from politics, science, technology, to health and culture. Sweden has provided a lot of assistance to Vietnam in socio-economic development, especially in poverty reduction, and people-to-people exchanges.

Son expected that in whatever position Mawe will hold in future, she will continue to make contributions to further strengthening the Vietnam-Sweden friendship and cooperation.

Mawe for her part said Sweden – Vietnam relations are developing well, bringing about practical benefits for the two countries’ peoples.

Such positive developments are of great significance to not only trade, economic, education, cultural and tourism between the two countries, but also the close friendship between the two peoples, she stated.

The diplomat thanked Vietnamese authorities, VUFO and partners for their effective cooperation, and vowed to do her best to nurture the relationship between the two countries.

Hải Phòng suspends operations of a company canteen after suspected mass food poisoning case

The northern city of Hải Phòng has suspended the working of a company canteen after more than 120 staff who had eaten there were taken to hospital with suspected food poisoning on Thursday.

The Việt Nam Food Administration (VFA) has asked the city to take urgent measures following the patients being rushed to hospital after eating at the collective kitchen at the Sông Cấm Shipbuilding JSC.

The VFA, under the Ministry of Health, requested the Hải Phòng's health department to direct hospitals to create the best conditions for actively treating the patients and if necessary ask for support from higher level hospitals.

The city has launched an investigation into the kitchen at the ship building company and investigate the case based on regulations. They must check the food origin, take food samples for testing to find the cause.

Violations of food safety regulations, if any, must be strictly handled and publicised to promptly warn the community.

The VFA also required the DoH to increase instruction to collective kitchens, food service establishments and the people to ensure food safety and hygiene, and strictly implement management.

Around 12.20 on Thursday, more than 120 workers from the company in An Dương District showed symptoms of rashes and itching on their faces. Some people vomited and others felt nauseous after having lunch at the company.

Immediately, these workers were transferred to different hospitals in Hải Phòng City, such as the Việt Tiệp Friendship Hospital, the International General Hospital and the An Dương District Medical Centre.

In addition, 51 workers with mild symptoms of nausea, red faces, and mild headache were monitored at the company.

According to a report from the company, nearly 800 employees had lunch at the company on Thursday, catered by the Thành Hưng Service Co Ltd in Dân Hạnh Village, Đặng Cương Commune, An Dương District.

The meals were divided into two menus. Of which, 400 meals include braised sea fish, ground pork, zucchini, vegetable soup, rice and watermelon. The remaining meals included braised chicken, peanuts, zucchini, vegetable soup, rice and watermelon.

The company's initial investigation showed that most workers with signs of food poisoning had had braised sea fish.

Vietnam, EU enjoy strong cooperation in fisheries, IUU fishing combat: Official

Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the field of aquatic farming, exploitation and import-export as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing combat, according to Vietnamese agricultural counsellor in Belgium and the EU Tran Van Cong.

The diplomat noted that the EU is the largest consumer of aquatic products in the world with an annual import value of about 55-60 billion USD, of which 64% come from countries outside the bloc.

Over the years, the EU has been an important export market of Vietnamese farm produce in general and aquatic products in general. Currently, Vietnam is the EU's fifth biggest supplier of aquatic products, with an annual export revenue of 1-1.5 billion USD, accounting for about 2-2.5% of its total aquatic product import value, he noted.

To date, Vietnam has had nearly 600 processing factories in this field granted with codes for exports to the EU.

Vietnam and EU member countries have implemented many cooperation programmes in the field of fisheries, including those in aquatic farming, breed technology, feed, vaccines in aquaculture, environmental treatment, and many others to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions in accordance with relevant commitments, said the counsellor.

Regarding cooperation between the two sides in the negotiations for the removal of the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against the Vietnamese fisheries sector relating to IUU fishing, he said that over the past seven years, Vietnam has always been proactively and actively cooperated with the EC in drastically implementing EU recommendations, and achieved many important, comprehensive results as oriented in building a sustainable and responsible fisheries sector.

Cong said that Vietnam has focused on strengthening leadership and direction on the implementation of the EC’s recommendations to deal with problems in IUU fishing prevention and control, especially since its examination in October 2023.

Vietnam’s efforts in realising the recommendations have been fruitful in accordance with directions, Cong underlined, clarifying that the country has concentrated on key groups of issues.

The country has closely coordinating with the EC in completing the legal framework following international standards on sustainably fisheries management with the issuance of a new Fisheries Law, two decrees and eight circulars, while strengthening the control of its fleet and updating their data, installing the vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing boats, launching the electronic seafood traceability system (eCDT), and promoting law enforcement and the settlement of IUU fishing regulation violations, he elaborated.

Cong highlighted major tasks set by the EU, including putting an end to fishing vessels’ illegal operation in foreign waters, drastically handing those with VMS disconnection, applying the eCDT to replace the paper system, increasing the control over fishing vessels’ operations offshore and at ports, and thoroughly handling individuals and organisations committing wrongdoings related to the origin of imported seafood materials.

He also stressed the need for Vietnam to make good preparations in all stages in anticipation of the trip by the EC inspection team, slated for September or October this year./.

Hanoi's historic charm to take centre stage at Standard Chartered Marathon

A meeting of elite runners and top financial leaders, is an indication of the prestige now attached to a series of events preparing for the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2024.

The event welcomed the presence of Dr. José Vinals, Chairman of Standard Chartered Group, on his first visit to Vietnam, who was in Hanoi on June 27.

The visit of Standard Chartered's top executive is a testament to the brand's long-term commitment to Vietnam, as well as underlining the desire to make the Hanoi Heritage Marathon into an international running event, introducing the hidden beauty and unique culture of Vietnam to the world.

This year's race, which will be held on November 3, is the tenth marathon in the world-famous Standard Chartered Marathon system. The event was chosen as one of the main events celebrating the bank's 120th year in Vietnam. This is not only a source of pride for the event's organisers, but also an opportunity to affirm Vietnam's position on the international marathon map.

"We are pleased to be the main sponsor of the Hanoi Heritage Race this year, a prestigious sporting event celebrating the cultural diversity and heritage of Hanoi. This activity aligns with the values of Standard Chartered, one of the oldest international banks in Vietnam and demonstrates our strong and long-term commitment to Vietnam. Our goal is to turn this marathon event into a community-based sporting event, uniting all walks of life to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle," Vinals said.

Vinals also emphasised that the upcoming heritage race will be an intersection of culture, tradition and sports, values which the marathon is keen to share with the running community.

General Director of Standard Chartered Vietnam, Michele Wee noted, "Vietnam is the 10th country where we're launching this marathon. And therefore, we want to show our continued commitment to supporting the community in the right way in terms of wellness, unity, resilience and therefore, I think it's very meaningful that we strategically chose Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular, to actually get this race together. I'm very excited to see everybody here."

During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation and participation of Bach Mai Hospital as the medical sponsor of the tournament was signed. Bach Mai Hospital will officially undertake medical services for the race, supporting the organisation of running route safety and health safety for participating athletes.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tri, General Director of DHA Vietnam, the event organiser, said that with the commitment and high efforts of DHA Vietnam and Standard Chartered Bank, ensures that the heritage race will be raised to a new elevated level on the global marathon map.

"We strive through this tournament to contribute to making Hanoi an international cultural and sports destination. We are preparing the best for this tournament," Tri shared.

The event has a new start and finish location - Tran Nhan Tong walking street - next to Thong Nhat Park and Thien Quang Lake. The space will best meet the needs of tens of thousands of runners who are expected to take part in this historic and challenging event.

To date the organising board has already completed the formal distance measurements and test running stages. The race's running routes are creatively designed, connecting the most unique landmarks of Hanoi, so that runners, especially international athletes, have the opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the capital city at what will be the most beautiful time of the year. 

Independence Day of United States celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City leaders makes some proposals to boost cooperation with the United States at a ceremony marking the 248th Independence Day of the United States in the city on June 28 evening.

Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of the municipal government, noted that Vietnam – US relations have been developing strongly, especially since the two countries upgraded their ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2023.

He said both sides still have much potential for cooperation by taking advantage of opportunities from the new partnership framework, and affirmed Ho Chi Minh City is committed to strengthening cooperative relations with the US.

He proposed increasing cooperation in spearhead industries such as science and technology, industrial transformation, digital transformation, clean energy, and sustainable development through different forms and channels, to develop together and respond to common global challenges.

Ho Chi Minh City highly appreciates the US’ leading role in innovation and science and technology, especially the semiconductor industry, that enables global cities to build smart cities and promote groundbreaking research across many fields, he said.

In addition he said the two sides should also coordinate closely to effectively implement many cooperation projects in the fields of education, culture, and sustainable development, such as the Fulbright University project, the urban energy security project.

Meanwhile, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns also emphasized common goals and commitment to building a greener future with Vietnam. She said the relationship between the US and Vietnam is stronger than ever following the establishment the new partnership framework in 2023.

Both Vietnam and the US have set ambitious goals towards peace and prosperity, and they are working together to meet the goals, said the diplomat.

PM’s upcoming trip to RoK to elevate bilateral ties: Ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s upcoming visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) marks a pivotal moment in further elevating the RoK-Vietnam relationship, which is considered at its best, to an even higher level, said RoK Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young-sam.

Talking with the press, Choi said the June 30-July 3 visit will be the first highest-level engagement with the RoK since the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. It comes exactly one year after President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit, so it is of special significance.

Through the visit, the two countries will accelerate the implementation of the Action Plan to implement the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership initiated during President Yoon’s state visit to Vietnam last year.

The two PMs are expected to discuss expansion of bilateral cooperation in all fields, including trade, critical minerals, labour, information and communication technology like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation; people-to-people exchange, culture, tourism, and locality-to-locality exchange.

Additionally, both sides will explore ways to enhance regional cooperation, including within ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region, and collaborate on addressing global challenges such as climate change to contribute to global and regional peace and prosperity.

Choi expressed the RoK's expectation that the visit will further elevate the bilateral strategic and substantive cooperation to a level commensurate with their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Korean Embassy and relevant agencies are making their utmost efforts to ensure the visit will yield the best possible results, he said.

Reflecting on the mutually beneficial relationship between the RoK and Vietnam, he noted the economic development experience shared by the RoK and the abundant human and natural resources provided by Vietnam. People-to-people exchange is also flourishing, with about 90,000 Korean-Vietnamese families living together.

He underlined the need for both countries to expand their cooperation beyond the current focus on manufacturing, venturing into areas such as digital transformation, green transition, and cultural industries.

The diplomat also shared his vision for collaboration on carbon-free energy transition, including green hydrogen, and future green industries like waste recycling, energy conversion, and smart water management.

During one year in Vietnam, Choi has observed numerous similarities between Vietnam and the RoK. He praised the Vietnamese people's strong family values, diligence, honesty, and sense of responsibility, which he finds reminiscent of Koreans. Vietnam's ability to preserve its traditions while embracing changes, pride in its history, and forward-looking young generation continue to inspire him.

In gratitude for the most warmth and affection he has received from the Vietnamese people over his 35-year diplomatic career, Choi pledged to strive for the continued development of the RoK-Vietnam relationship in the years to come.

President To Lam receives outgoing ambassadors of Colombia and Panama

President To Lam on June 28 received the outgoing ambassadors of Colombia and Panama who came to bid farewell to the president.

Receiving Colombian Ambassador Miguel Angel Rodriguez Melo, Lam appreciated the ambassador’s positive contributions to strengthening the cooperative and friendly relationship between Vietnam and Colombia.

He thanked Colombia for its support to Vietnam in bilateral cooperation activities as well as at international forums, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lam highly appreciated Colombia’s role and position in the Latin American region, and emphasized that Vietnam strongly supports the peace process in Colombia.

Vietnam wishes to develop comprehensive cooperative relations with Colombia, particularly in politics - diplomacy, economics – trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges, in the interest of the two countries’ people, contributing to peace, stability and development in the two regions, said the President.

He proposed that the two sides continue to promote and expand cooperation in other fields such as science - technology, finance and banking, transportation, construction and urban development and finance.

He urged the two sides to create a favourable business and investment environment to strengthen connections between their business communities, striving to raise their two-way trade turnover to US$1 billion in the near future.

Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to help Colombia expand relations with other ASEAN countries, emphasized the president.

On this occasion, President To Lam conveyed his invitation to President Gustavo Petro to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Ambassador Miguel Angel Rodriguez Melo for his part spoke highly of Vietnam’s recent development achievements as well as its increasing role and position globally.

He thanked Vietnam for strongly supporting the peace negotiation process in Colombia, especially during the period when Vietnam assumed its role as President of the United Nations Security Council, as well as its support and assistance to Colombia’s development.

He welcomed Lam’s proposals and said that both Colombia and Vietnam have much potential for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy transition, and telecommunications.

The Colombian government expects President Lam will soon visit Bogota, and Vietnam soon open its Embassy in the capital, thereby helping to enhance bilateral cooperation, said the diplomat.

Receiving Panamanian Ambassador Eligio Alberto Salas, Lam highly appreciated the Ambassador’s contributions to promoting bilateral relations during his working term through visit, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnam values ​​Panama’s important role and position in Latin America, and it wishes to further develop and improve the effectiveness of multifaceted cooperative relations with Panama, especially in politics - diplomacy, economics - trade, maritime, finance and banking, people-to-people exchanges, said the President.

He said he hopes that the two sides will maintain existing cooperation mechanisms, soon convene the second political consultation session between the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the second session of the Vietnam – Panama Joint Committee for economic, trade and investment cooperation, while promoting new consultation and cooperation mechanisms.

In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, the President also proposed that the two sides continue to expand cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

On this occasion, he conveyed his invitation to President-elect Jose Raul Mulino to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Ambassador Eligio Alberto Salas agreed with his host’s proposals, and said that Panamanian Foreign Minister Érika Mouynes made a visit to Vietnam immediately following the containment of the COVID-19, thereby enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade and investment, climate change response, green and sustainable development.

He expressed hope that Vietnam would soon open a trade office in Panama, thereby further fostering economic and trade cooperation, commensurate with their potential and strengths.

Former Party chief attends 70th anniversary of Peaceful Coexistence's Principles

Former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nong Duc Manh attended a conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in Beijing, China, on June 28.

Themed "Carrying forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind", the event attracted the participations of over 100 delegates and guests, including more than 20 former presidents, prime ministers and senior leaders of countries together with experts, scholars and members of friendship groups.

In his speech, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping said the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have set a historic benchmark for international relations and international rule of law. They fully conform with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, with the evolving trend of international relations of the times, and with the fundamental interests of all nations.

As the world and regional situation is facing challenges, nations need to uphold the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as well as the principle of sovereign equality, cement the foundation of mutual respect, turn the vision for peace and security into reality, unite all forces to achieve prosperity, commit to fairness and justice, and embrace an open and inclusive mindset, he said.

Speaking at the event, Manh highly appreciated China's organisation of the celebration, emphasising that after 70 years of formation and application in international relations, the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" have demonstrated its strong vitality and have become a standard and basic foundation of international relations and law, helping to protect the legitimate rights and interests of many countries in the world, especially developing nations.

The principles have also promoted an active role in strengthening the trend of peace and stability, building the world economic-political order in an increasingly fair, reasonable and tolerant direction, and contributing to peacefully solving disagreements and "hot issues" based on international law.

Manh affirmed that, with a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, Vietnam supports and is ready to actively participate in initiatives of all parties, including China's global initiatives, for the common interests of mankind, peace and progress of the world's people, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence", and international law.

Within the framework of the conference, forums discussing the value and the significance of the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" were organised.

Public awareness a decisive factor in digital transformation: PM

Each individual and business should be well aware of benefits brought about by the project on developing resident data, electronic identification and authentication applications to serve national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030 (Project 06), and should play a role in its implementation.

Addressing a hybrid conference reviewing the implementation of the project in Hanoi on June 28, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, also head of the National Committee for Digital Transformation, called the awareness work a decisive factor in this regard, saying communications activities should be held in various forms through the media.

Digital transformation is an objective requirement and an inevitable trend globally in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said, stressing it has been present in daily activities of each person and each family.

The leader noted that Vietnam regards digital transformation as a strategic choice and a top priority for rapid, sustainable development, and the transition from brown to green economy, and called on ministries, agencies, localities and the entire society to join hands in spurring socio-economic development based on digital transformation, science-technology, innovation and startup.

He described the project as a bright spot and a key task of national digital transformation over the past two years, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City picked up for the pilot implementation.

The Party Committee, People’s Committee, departments and agencies in Hanoi have taken actions drastically and concertedly, and stayed resolved in the work, thus creating positive changes, the PM said, pointing to tasks for the city in the time ahead.

Hanoi should be the pioneer in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, national digital transformation, and the development of the green economy, circular economy, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizens, towards a civilised, modern society, he said.

Chinh asked the capital city to closely follow major tasks set for this year under the project, including consolidating technology infrastructure, digitalisation, and sharing data in service of the building of digital government, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizens.

He emphasised the main targets of facilitating the access of people and enterprises to all services; reducing costs in terms of time, materials and compliance; controlling risks, and pushing back negative phenomena; developing digital infrastructure, digital platforms, and digital data; and ensuring network and information security and protecting personal data.

To that end, Hanoi needs to perfect its mechanisms and policies, improve the local investment environment and competitiveness, and further streamline administrative procedures, while stepping up the integration, connection and sharing of document digitisation results, he said.

The PM suggested the inclusion of more services in the e-identification app VNeID, and push ahead with cashless payments and digital transformation in the tax sector.

On this occasion, Hanoi announced platforms and apps in service of the project implementation, including iHanoi, EHR - Electric Health Record, PHR- Personal Health Record, and eCabinet.

Vietnam wins two first gold medals at ASEAN University Games 2024

Chess players on June 27 won the first two gold medals for Vietnam on the third competition day of the ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2024, which is getting underway in Indonesia.

Nguyen Hong Anh bagged a gold in the women’s blitz after taking scoring seven points.

Also in the blitz competition, Anh and her teammates Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong, Pham Tran Gia Thu, and Nguyen Ngoc Yen Vy took home a gold medal in the women’s team category with a total of 19 points, 0.5 points higher than hosts Indonesia.

Earlier on June 26, swimmer Truong Viet Vu only brought a bronze for Vietnam after clocking a time of 4’08”34 in the men's 400-meter freestyle final.

The 2024 ASEAN University Games kicked off on June 25, drawing the participation of all 11 members of the Southeast Asian Games Federation. Hundreds of athletes are vying for 250 sets of medals across 21 sports.

Vietnam sent 37 athletes to the tournament this year and has set a target of winning gold medals in track and field, chess, and taekwondo.

The AUG 2024 marks the 21st edition of the biennale event and will last through to July 7.

In the 2022 competition, Vietnam ranked fourth with 13 golds. Thailand topped the medal table with 109 golds.

Quang Tri to launch peak campaign to combat IUU fishing

The central province of Quang Tri is going to launch a peak campaign from July 1 to August 31 to increase patrols and examinations at sea while resolutely handling violations in an effort to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Huu Vinh.

Vinh requested units to strengthen inspection and handling of the fishing vessels that do not dock at designated ports, continue popularising related regulations to local fishermen, review and promulgate procedures for operating vessel monitoring systems (VMS), and complete the process of handling administrative violations in the field of fisheries.

It is necessary to seek ways to address shortcomings in the fight against IUU fishing, he said, pointing out that some fishing vessels remained ineligible, still did not notify port management units one hour before docking, operated in wrong areas, and improperly recorded their activities in logbooks.

VMS devices of some vehicles stayed unconnected or lost contact while others broke down due to satellite or technical errors, leading to difficulties in managing and monitoring activities of fishing vessels at sea, he added.

Over the past time, Quang Tri has achieved positive results in the combat against IUU fishing. The number of fishing vessels equipped with VMSs has reached almost 99%, nearly 97% been granted fishing licences, 99.5% marked, and 100% updated their data and submitted fishing logs. Notably, by the end of June, the province has recorded no local vessel infringing foreign waters, crossing the fishing boundaries, or losing signal for 10 days or more at sea.

Vietnam has been working hard to carry out the European Commission’s recommendations about IUU fishing prevention and control, towards the goal of having the EC's yellow card lifted.

The EC issued a “yellow card” warning for Vietnam in this regard in 2017. The "yellow card" is followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved or a "red card" if it is not. A “red card” may lead to a ban on aquatic exports to the EU./.

IFC, Welcome Financial Group collaborate to tackle non-performing loans in Vietnam

IFC and Welcome Financial Group (WFG) on June 27 launched a 60 million USD platform to address non-performing loans (NPLs) and enhance access to finance in Vietnam. This initiative will help defaulted borrowers rebuild creditworthiness.

Managed by WFG's subsidiary, Welcome Debt Trading Company Limited (WDT), the facility will acquire and resolve NPLs from local financial institutions.

High NPL levels have strained the Vietnamese banking sector due to global crises and the lingering effects of COVID-19. The platform aims to offload up to 1.2 billion USD in NPLs, enabling up to 400,000 debtors to regain formal credit access.

WFG, with 20 years of NPL experience in the Republic of Korea, entered the Vietnamese market three years ago and has since acquired 2 trillion VND (80 million USD) of NPLs.

"Through this co-investment, we will be able to provide better services to more customers by adding IFC's global management capabilities to our group's know-how," said Son Jongjoo, Chairman of WFG.

IFC’s investment, in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), supports developing a robust NPL market in Vietnam. This effort includes improving the legal framework for NPL resolution and debt trading, adopting best practices, and building market capacity. Addressing NPLs is crucial for fostering a resilient banking sector, encouraging investment, and spurring economic growth.

Access to finance is vital for emerging markets. Resolving NPLs will inject much-needed liquidity into Vietnam's NPL market, enabling financial institutions to resume lending and restoring creditworthiness, said Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

This initiative is part of IFC's Distressed Asset Recovery Programme (DARP), which had committed or mobilised 9.1 billion USD globally by March 2024./.

MRC, USAID partner to enhance Mekong Basin management

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed a grant agreement worth 5 million USD with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to launch their new Mekong Basin Partnership.

This initiative aims to strengthen transboundary coordination and management of water and related resources, contributing to the achievement of the MRC’s Basin Development Strategy.

The agreement offers a substantial resource boost to MRC to respond to the development challenges in MRC’s priority strategies. This approach provides MRC’s member countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, with technical assistance in collecting and using data for informed decisions. It also convenes relevant stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, and development partners, to engage in discussions beneficial to the Mekong’s well-being.

The new partnership advances USAID’s commitment to channel a larger portion of development funding directly to local partners. It also aligns with the priorities of the Mekong-US Partnership to support the autonomy and sustainable growth of the Mekong sub-region.

“USAID is committed to partnering with regional leaders that bring together national governments in Lower Mekong countries to tackle complex challenges, accelerate sustainable development, build climate resilience, and promote economic prosperity,” said Dr. Steven G. Olive, Mission Director of USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia.

Another cornerstone of this agreement is the improvement of technologies and tools for managing river basins through remote sensing and satellite systems. Additionally, a virtual model of key locations in the basin will be created to analyse and visualise current and potential flood and drought impacts.

“This agreement signifies a return of USAID to directly supporting the Mekong River Commission to better meet our needs and priorities in the MRC Strategic Plan. Through this partnership, we can better support our member countries with new data and tools, and foster inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, contributing to the resilience of the communities that depend on the great Mekong River”, said Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, Chief Executive Officer of MRC.

The collaboration between MRC and USAID underlines a shared commitment to sustainable development and regional stability. As the Mekong River continues to face increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and infrastructure development, the combined efforts facilitated by this grant will play a crucial role in ensuring the river's health and vitality./.

Various activities planned for Festival For Peace 2024 in Quang Tri

The Festival For Peace 2024 will open on July 6 in the central province of Quang Tri with various special activities to attract visitors.

Themed “Joining hands in creating a peaceful world,” the festival, the first of its kind to be hosted by the province, aims to enhance the position and image of the land and people of Vietnam and help turn Quang Tri, once devastated by war, into a destination for peace and a meeting place of peace-loving people from all over the world.

The festival will open on July 6 night at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai national historical relic site in Vinh Linh district with a special art performance on both the stage and the river, connecting the northern and southern banks of Ben Hai River through historic Hien Luong bridge, thus highlighting the meaning of the festival.

Within the festival’s framework, a series of activities and art programmes will be held.

Notably, a cycling for peace event will be held on June 29-30 at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai national historical relic site and the special national relic site of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. A cultural culinary festival will take place from July 12 - 14 at Cua Viet Service - Tourism Area in Gio Linh district, with 100 booths promoting culinary culture of the three regions of Vietnam and the world.

The music exchange programme "Melodies of Peace" – a music night of Vietnamese famous composer Trinh Cong Son will take place at Fidel Park in Dong Ha city on July 13, with the participation of many famous singers and artists.

A political art programme organised by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper in coordination with Quang Tri province themed "The 17th parallel - A desire for peace" will take place on July 19.

The "Wish for Peace" programme will be held on July 26 night at the special national relic site of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.

The festival will take place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement (July 20, 1954-2024), the 77th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947, 2024), heading to the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025)./.

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