Vietnam welcomes a resolution recently adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on March 27.

She said Vietnam calls on relevant sides to immediately implement Resolution 2728, approved by the UNSC on March 25, towards a long-term and sustainable ceasefire in the region, promoting humanitarian aid and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"Vietnam supports all of the international community’s efforts in urging the parties to exercise restraint, hold dialogues and handle disagreements via peaceful means and based on respect for international law and related resolutions of the UNSC so as to achieve a fair, satisfactory and lasting solution to the peace process in the Middle East," she stressed./.

Auditor General of Vietnam meets leaders of UN, other countries’ SAIs

Auditor General of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) Ngo Van Tuan has met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua at the UN headquarters in New York.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a global meeting on the engagement of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in assessing national climate action on March 25 - 26.

Tuan said climate change is now one of the most discussed topics around the world. As an active and responsible member of the International Organisation of SAIs (INTOSAI) and the Governing Board of the Asian Organisation of SAIs (ASOSAI) in the 2015 - 2024 period and to implement the commitments under the Hanoi Declaration on environmental auditing for sustainable development, the SAV identified environmental auditing as one of its focuses to enhance both the quality and quantity of audits.

Giving a brief introduction of the SAV’s activities and its engagement in international cooperation in environmental, climate change, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) auditing, he noted that the SAV initiated and chaired an audit on the management of water resources in the Mekong River Basin in 2021 which also involved the SAIs of Thailand and Myanmar.

The SAV has also actively taken part in training courses, meetings, and webinars on environmental and SDGs auditing held by other countries’ SAIs, partners, and organisations in the region and the world, he added.

The Auditor General proposed the UN Under-Secretary-General promote the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)’s assistance and sharing of auditing information, research, and publications on environmental and social affairs so that the SAV can use them as sources of reference.

UNDESA and the SAV can also develop cooperative ties through multilateral cooperation forums on environmental, climate change, and SDGs auditing, Tuan suggested.

Under-Secretary-General Li highly valued the SAV’s participation in the global meeting, during which it shared its experience in this field, thus reflecting the voice of developing countries and boosting the exchange of environmental auditing experience.

The UN official noted that he is impressed with the SAV’s unceasing efforts to help with environmental protection and climate change adaptation. He also voiced the readiness to assist the SAV in capacity building, information technology application, and big data use.

On the sidelines of the global meeting, Tuan also met with and invited Bruno Dantas, President of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts and Chair of INTOSAI, to attend a ceremony marking the 30th founding anniversary of Vietnam’s audit sector. The Brazilian side said it will send senior officials to the event.

The Auditor General of Vietnam also had separate meetings with the auditors general of India and Turkey to promote bilateral cooperation and seek support from the two countries’ SAIs for the SAV’s candidacy for membership of the ASOSAI Audit Committee for the 2024 - 2027 tenure.

The SAIs of India and Turkey showed their support for the SAV’s candidacy. The Auditor General of Turkey also voiced the hope to visit the SAV in 2025./.

Vietnam joins charity fair in Japan

The Women’s Association of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan joined a charity fair recently held by the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS) in Tokyo.

The March 26 event was one of the ALFS’ biggest annual activities, aiming to raise funds in support of women and children in ALFS member countries, featuring 19 booths from embassies in Tokyo and 26 others from Japanese localities and enterprises, offering handicraft and food.

As an active ALFS member, the Vietnamese association participates in the fair every year, contributing to charity work and helping disadvantaged students in remote areas of Vietnam with the fund raised.

The ALFS was established in 1968 under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote exchanges, strengthen friendship, and contribute to social welfare.

It has about 500 members including the spouses of former Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, politicians, Japanese diplomats, spouses of ambassadors, and female ambassadors of 26 Asia-Pacific countries in Tokyo./.

Deputy PM hosts GFANZ Vice Chairwoman

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha hosted a reception on March 27 for Mary L Schapiro, vice chairwoman of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

Vietnam is facing difficulties in establishing mechanisms and policies for green transition, the Deputy PM said, noting that many investors have expressed interest in renewable energy projects but have yet to solve technology-related challenges concerning ensuring the balance and stability of the national power grid, producing and using green hydrogen and ammonia, energy storage solutions and electricity export.  

Vietnam aims to address legal obstacles in the near future while simultaneously piloting offshore wind and solar power projects with energy storage solutions, and flexible power supply, he said. 

The Deputy PM emphasised that Vietnam has built some energy transition projects such as enhancing capacity of hydropower plants in combination with solar and wind power, developing biomass electricity, transitioning to green transportation, reducing methane emissions on over 1 million hectares of rice fields and developing 5,000 MW of rooftop solar power, but financial support is required to carry them out soon.

Vietnam hopes to receive technical assistance and expertise in devising and perfecting institutions, transferring technology and assessing the feasibility of energy centres and offshore wind power, the official said.

He suggested that GFANZ establish clear financial mechanisms regarding the responsibilities of stakeholders, including Government, financial institutions and businesses, the specificity of funding sources for the renewable energy sector, and promptly materialise them through projects.

The Deputy PM also said that the alliance should have specific commitments relating to finance and technology transfer from G7 countries and international partners within the Joint Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Schapiro, for her part, said GFANZ will allocate financial resources for research, innovation, and technology transfer in the renewable energy sector.

She said she expects to receive clear requests and proposals from Vietnam's ministries and sectors regarding mechanisms for mobilising funds in the international market for enterprises investing in smart grid development, renewable energy, fossil energy transition, green fuel production from solar and offshore wind power./.

Vietnam, Cambodia foster defence cooperation ​

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Hoang Xuan Chien received newly-appointed Cambodian Military Attaché in Vietnam Maj. Gen. Leang Sovannara in Hanoi on March 27.

Chien expressed his delight at the results of bilateral defence cooperation over the past time, particularly in delegation exchanges, human resources training, border management and protection, and seeking and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteers and experts who sacrificed in Cambodia during the war.

He spoke highly of the collaboration among the Ministries of National Defence of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in successfully organising the first border defence friendship exchange programme in January 2023.

Chien expected that Leang Sovannara will closely coordinate with relevant units of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to continue effectively implementing cooperation contents between the two sides, especially on the exchange of delegations, training of human resources, and overcoming mine consequences after the war, participation in UN peacekeeping operations, and support each other at multilateral forums.

He also expressed his belief that Leang Sovannara will promote achieved results of his predecessor and make new contributions to further develop defence cooperation between the two nations.

For his part, Leang Sovannara expressed his pleasure at the good results of Vietnam-Cambodia relations in general and bilateral defence cooperation in particular. He also affirmed that in his tenure, he will make efforts to contribute to the effective implementation of Vietnam-Cambodia defence cooperation contents./.

Vietnamese youths extend helping hand to impoverished students in Cambodia

A programme to present gifts and scholarships for impoverished Cambodian students with Vietnamese roots was held in Phnom Penh on March 27.

The event was jointly held by oversea Vietnamese students and the Khmer-Vietnam Association, philanthropists and enterprises in Cambodia to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 – 2024) and the Youth Month 2024.

Sim Chy, President of the Khmer-Vietnam Association in Cambodia, said the move will help encourage students to study and train themselves into good people in the future.

Head of the Vietnamese student delegation in Cambodia Nguyen Minh Hoan said that in response to the Youth Month as well as improving solidarity between union members and the Vietnamese community, it has held activities to raise money for charity fund to support disadvantaged students with Vietnamese roots in Cambodia./.

Vietnam calls for protection of civilians in armed conflicts

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN in Geneva, on March 27 called on parties involved in armed conflicts to strictly abide by international humanitarian law and rules with regard to the protection of the civilian population and infrastructure.

Delivering a speech at the discussion on the supervision and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action held in the framework of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s 55th session in Geneva, he stressed that the parties must avoid attacking, destroying, removing, or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population as well as respect, protect, and create favourable conditions for humanitarian assistance forces and supplies.

Furthermore, the international community needs to make concerted efforts to protect essential infrastructure of the civilians, and countries and competent sides, particularly international organisations, should enhance cooperation and focus on promoting sustainable development in areas where residents are affected by wars.

The diplomat said that the global and regional political and security situations which have developed in a complicated and unprecedented fashion have left damaging impacts on all nations.

He affirmed that the enjoyment of human rights is facing formidable challenges, with the right to life threatened by armed violence and explosive remnants of war and the access to economic, social and cultural rights in choppy waters due to demolition of the essential civilian infrastructure.

Dung’s speech is another imprint Vietnam has made while serving as a member of the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 tenure. The country has made practical and responsible contributions to the council and engaged in the settlement of issues of the international community’s concern./.

Vietnam, US to step up cooperation in various fields

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang expressed his hope that Vietnam and the US will deepen cooperation across spheres, making it on par with their comprehensive strategic partnership, while receiving Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Chairwoman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, in Hanoi on March 27.

The Deputy PM said he believes that Gillibrand’s visit will contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and promoting the relations between the two countries and their legislatures.

Quang called on US congressmen to raise a strong voice so that the US government would soon recognise Vietnam's market economy status.

The two sides shared the view on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and overflight, and settling disputes by peaceful measures on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The US delegation highly valued Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue.

Gillibrand and other delegation members expressed their impressions of Vietnam’s outstanding development, and thanked the country for its supply of medical equipment during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
She said the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of the visit to Vietnam by President Joe Biden in September 2023 has created a good foundation for the relations to grow further in the time ahead.

The US wants to expand collaboration in various spheres, from economy, technology, energy and agriculture to new ones like artificial intelligence (AI), she said./.

Top legislator receives US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue on March 27 received a US delegation led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chairwoman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Welcoming US senators and congressmen, Hue said he believes that the visit, the second of its kind in 2024 since the two countries set up their comprehensive strategic partnership last September, will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and trust, and developing the relationship between the two parliaments as well as the cooperation between the two countries in an extensive and substantive manner.

Senators and congressmen of several US states affirmed their hope to promote bilateral relations in fields that the US has strengths such as energy, expressway, liquefied natural gas, clean fuel, coal-to-construction material processing, green energy transition, semiconductor, the environment, and high-performance sports.

Hue stressed that Vietnam considers the US a strategically important partner and appreciates the US’s consistent policy of supporting a strong, independent, self-resilient and prosperous Vietnam.

Vietnam is ready to work with the US in promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership in an increasingly substantive, intensive and stable manner on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions of each other, in accordance with the interests of the two countries' people and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

The upgrade of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership has created momentum and opened up new room for the two countries to strengthen cooperation across all channels and in all fields, including traditional and breakthrough fields such as innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), human resources training, semiconductor, supply chains, energy transition, and sports, he stated.

Vietnam welcomes the US’s efforts to strengthen responsible cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, and hopes that the country, through the Indo-Pacific Strategy and regional initiatives, will continue to demonstrate strong commitments to supporting the central role of ASEAN, the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Mekong-US Partnership, thus positively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

According to the top legislator, cooperation between the two parliaments is an important component in the overall Vietnam - US relationship. He expressed his hope that US members of parliament (MPs) will maintain their contributions to deepening the relationship between the two countries and their parliaments in the coming time in commensuration with the comprehensive strategic partnership; and step up the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones.

Hue confirmed that the legislature and government of Vietnam always strive to perfect the legal framework, improve the investment environment, enhance competitiveness, and create favourable conditions for businesses, including those from the US, to cooperate in business and investment in Vietnam. He proposed the MPs to continue to pay attention to creating conditions for the Vietnamese community in the US to integrate, develop, and contribute to the two countries’ relations.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, the Vietnamese top legislator stressed that Vietnam appreciates the Mekong-US Partnership, and thanks the US side for backing Vietnam and ASEAN’s stances related to the East Sea.

Kirsten Gillibrand spoke highly of the ideas and proposals of Chairman Hue, adding that they will be studied by the delegation to be realised for common values and goals of the two countries./.

Deputy PM welcomes Chinese business delegation

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang received a delegation from Dongfang business association led by Pang Gangzhi, Chairman of Anzhi Group, in Hanoi on March 27.

Speaking highly of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership which has been developing in a practical and deep fashion, Deputy PM Quang held that both sides hold tremendous cooperation potential and opportunities that can be concretised through specific projects.

He suggested the two countries work together in human resources training in AI and digital transformation, adding Vietnam is cooperating with Samsung and LG to realise its target of training 5,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030.

Pang congratulated Vietnam on the achievements it has carved out after more than 30 years of renewal and opening its door.

He said the business association comprises enterprises from a great bay area including the four cities of Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzen, which is the fourth largest urban area in the world, following San Francisco and New York of the US, and Tokyo of Japan.

The area is also an innovation centre of China with total gross domestic product mounting to some 2 trillion USD, he added.

Going on a field trip to Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces in northern Vietnam, the Chinese delegation found that Vietnam is a potential market and said they want to land investment in the areas of high technology, digital transformation, smart urban area management, AI and big data./.

PM suggests Vietnam, Canada further tap cooperation potential

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 27 suggested Vietnam and Canada maximise their potential, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to boost their development cooperation.

At a reception in Hanoi for Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng, who is leading a Canadian trade mission to Vietnam, the PM said her visit has contributed to consolidating the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

Mary Ng said the delegation comprises 250 people, including representatives from more than 200 leading Canadian businesses, noting the number demonstrates their interest in the Vietnamese market.

Host and guest noted with pleasure the intensive and extensive development of the comprehensive partnership across spheres.

Canada is Vietnam's third largest trade partner in America, and Vietnam is Canada's biggest trade partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Canada is also Vietnam's 14th largest investor with more than 247 projects worth over 4.82 billion USD.

Pointing to global challenges like epidemics, conflicts, climate change and population aging, the PM called on Canada to further cooperate with Vietnam to deal with them for the sake of both nations and their people, and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

He also expressed his belief that bilateral ties will grow further on the foundation consolidated over the past 50 years, and suggested the two countries continue their close coordination to increase all-level visit exchanges, bring into full play existing cooperation mechanisms and establish new ones in all fields.

For her part, Mary Ng informed Chinh about the outcomes of the second meeting of the Vietnam-Canada Joint Economic Committee which opened the same day, saying the two sides agreed to advance the economic, trade and investment ties to a new height, and mobilise resources to implement the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Canada highly values Vietnam’s role in ASEAN, as well as Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s role in its Indo-Pacific strategy, the minister said, expressing her hope that Vietnam will work together with Canada to accelerate negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and support the country as the rotating chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2024.

Her suggestions received the support from PM Chinh, who affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to help Canadian goods make deeper inroads into ASEAN.

Regarding international issues, the PM called on Canada to back Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s stance and viewpoints on the East Sea issue, including those on ensuring safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, handling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and supporting the effective and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and the building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Chinh asked Mary Ng to convey his wishes and regards to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, and his invitations to the PM to soon visit Vietnam to elevate the relationship to a new height./.

Empower Youth4Food Campaign launched in VN

The Empower Youth4Food Campaign (EY4F) has recently been launched in Hà Nội with the objective of reshaping young people's perspectives on agriculture and fostering their engagement in building sustainable food systems.

Supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and co-ordinated by the Southeast Asia office of Nuffic, a Dutch organisation promoting international education, the campaign addresses the pressing challenges that Việt Nam faces due to climate change and an aging farming population, putting the nation's self-sufficiency at risk.

Many young individuals perceive farming as outdated and unsuitable for modern times, prompting the EY4F campaign to showcase the appealing aspects of the agricultural sector to youths aged 16-35.

Recognising the importance of preparing future leaders to tackle agricultural and environmental issues, Christianne van der Wal, the Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy, emphasised the significance of investing in sustainable agriculture and involving young people in shaping a resilient food industry.

"As we gear up for the challenges we are facing, investing in tomorrow's leaders is crucial. I firmly believe that sustainable agriculture is vital for food security and a healthy, robust environment. Achieving this requires the active involvement of young people, educational institutions, government, businesses, and community organisations. Their innovative ideas are essential in shaping our sustainable approach," she said.

Taking cues from countries like the Netherlands, renowned for its advanced agricultural practices incorporating technologies such as hydroponics and drones, the campaign aims to illustrate that farming can be contemporary, innovative, and promising.

The initiative, not limited to Việt Nam, spans across Southeast Asia, with chapters in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

As part of the inaugural Empower Youth4Food campaign, the 'Changemaker Challenge' stood out, where over 200 students and 50 young professionals from the region presented inventive solutions to practical challenges faced by agri-food companies.

Tailored events in Việt Nam will cater to diverse age demographics, offering platforms such as social media contests and online seminars to educate on sustainable food production. Success stories of Vietnamese professionals, particularly those with educational backgrounds in the Netherlands, will be highlighted to showcase rewarding career opportunities within agriculture.

The 'Changemaker Challenge' will further engage students in addressing real-world issues encountered by agri-food businesses, with seed money awarded to winning teams for implementing their innovative solutions.

Moreover, the campaign will facilitate connections between Vietnamese students, young professionals, and career prospects through collaborations with the Dutch Business Association Vietnam, featuring guest lectures, company visits for students aged 16-21; and promoting job openings and internships for young professionals aged 22-35. 

Vietnam, Canada look to boost trade cooperation

The Vietnam – Canada Joint Economic Committee opened its second meeting in Hanoi on March 27, looking to enhance trade and investment collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed that the two countries have witnessed quantum leap in the relations, ellaborating trade and investment exchange has enjoyed positive growth after the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to which Vietnam and Canada are members, took effect.

He held that there is huge room for the two countries to boost cooperation, given the complementary nature of the two economies together with the collaboration frameworks that they have established.

Against the backdrop, the joint committee has an important role to play in promoting bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, investment, agriculture and science-technology, among others, he stressed, adding it should work to consolidate and strengthen the bilateral supply chain through reviewing the cooperation, removing roadblocks and identifying solutions and priorities in the coming time.

Meanwhile, Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng spoke highly of Vietnam’s leading position in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) which was announced in November 2022.

She said that she is leading a commerce delegation with 250 members from nearly 200 enterprises to Vietnam from March 26 to 29 to connect trade and investment opportunities and fortify the supply chain with Vietnam so as to realise the IPS’s targets.

Co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Deputy Minister of International Trade Rob Steward, the meeting covered various issues, including trade, investment, agriculture, energy, finance, customs, science-technology, education and training and energy transition.

Attending the event, the Business Council of Canada, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggested the Government create favourable conditions for the two sides to develop their trade and investment ties to a stronger and more effective manner in the time ahead.

The joint economic committee, established in January 2022, held its first meeting in Vancouver in July after countries open their border after COVID-19. The meeting created a new dialogue between the two governments, helping deepen the Comprehensive Partnership, with economic cooperation being an important pillar./.

PM receives outgoing Thai Ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 27 hosted a reception for Thai Ambassador Nikorndej Balankura who came to bid farewell to the Vietnamese Government leader at the end of his tenure.

Congratulating the Thai diplomat on his successful tenure that helps develop the Vietnam – Thailand Strategic Partnership over the past time, Chinh expressed his hope that Nikorndej Balankura, in his new position, will continue making contributions to the cooperation between the two nations.

The PM thanked the Thai side for renovating relic sites dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Thailand, handling legal issues for Vietnamese expatriates, and creating favourable conditions for the building of the Vietnam town, the first of its kind in the world, in Thailand.

Vietnam looks forwards to visits to Vietnam by the Thai high-level leaders in the coming time, he said, urging the Thai side’s coordination to make meticulous preparation for the Thai PM’s official visit to Vietnam and the 4th Vietnam – Thailand Joint Cabinet Meeting to discuss measures bolstering the sound relations and robust cooperation in various fields.

He suggested both sides push ahead implementation of necessary solutions to realise the target of 25 billion USD in trade revenue in a balanced fashion, stressing the Vietnamese Government encourages and facilitate Thai investment in the country.

Besides, he recommended both nations continue strengthen infrastructure connectivity, especially in transportation and e-commerce, as well as work together in climate change response, digital transformation, tourism and sports.

The two nations should continue coordination, give consultations and support each other at multilateral forums, maintain solidarity and promote ASEAN’s central roles, cooperate to develop the Mekong sub-region, and manage and sustainable use the water resources.

The Thai Ambassador, for his part, thanked competent agencies in Vietnam for helping him complete his mission, and spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements over the past time.

He affirmed that both nations hold huge cooperation potential, particularly in the field of trade and investment, adding Thailand wants to be a leading investor in Vietnam.

Describing Vietnam as his second homeland, he committed to continuing efforts to nurture the Vietnam – Thailand relations.

In a decade, two-way trade revenue increased from 10.4 billion USD in 2013 to nearly 19 billion USD in 2023. Particularly, the value reached 21.6 billion USD in 2022, exceeding the 20-billion-USD band mark for the first time.

Thailand ranks 9th among 144 countries and territories having investment in Vietnam as it has registered 13.7 billion USD to 715 projects so far./.

Vietnamese, Chinese border forces conduct first night joint patrol

The Son Vi Border Guard Station under the Border Guard Command of Vietnam’s northern mountainous province of Ha Giang on March 26 night conducted a joint patrol with border management forces of Napo district, Baise city, China’s Guangxi province.

This is the first time the two sides have held such night joint patrol, aiming to better border management and protection, thus ensuring security and order along the common border line, said Major Nguyen Cong Son, head of the Son Vi Border Guard Station.

They checked the border status, exchanged border information, agreed on timing and participants for the next patrols, and signed the minutes of the patrol, which they said, took place successfully.

Son said the two sides will step up the communications work to raise border residents’ awareness of policies and laws of the two countries, enhance information sharing, and take drastic measures to protect the border line./.

Ministry proposes establishment of traffic accident fund

The Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) yesterday provided more information about the forming of a fund for traffic accident reduction in Vietnam.
 
Accordingly, Major General Pham Cong Nguyen – Head of the Department of Legal Affairs, Administrative and Judicial Reform (under MoPS) – confirmed that the proposal to establish a fund to reduce road traffic accidents in the draft Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety is a new content.

“The goal of this important fund is to have sufficient money to finance victims and their family, organizations and individuals taking part in maintaining traffic order and safety or in propagandizing measures to reduce traffic accidents”, said Major General Nguyen.

Since this goal is extremely humane, it has received full support from state ministries and agencies. In addition, the proposal was made after careful consideration of similar funds in other nations, normally under the contribution of both organizations and individuals in the community.

Mekong Delta records encephalitis rise in children

Many hospitals in the Mekong Delta have been receiving more and more cases of encephalitis, mostly children.

On March 26, Doctor Specialist Level 2 Chung Tan Dinh, Director of Soc Trang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital informed that in recent days, the hospital has received and performed treatment for a large number of children with encephalitis.

From the beginning of March until now, the hospital has received nine pediatric patients with encephalitis, including five intensive care–treated cases.

Similarly, the Children’s Hospital of Can Tho City reported that from February to now, there have been 20 hospitalized children with encephalitis for treatment at the hospital. Notably, from the beginning of March, the hospital has received eight more cases, an increase of 14.3 percent over the same period in 2023.

Encephalitis is a serious and life-threatening disease, especially encephalitis in children with high case-fatality rates leaves serious sequelae such as septicemia, everlasting nervous system and brain injury and so on.

Acting President hosts WB Country Director

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan hosted in Hanoi on March 27 a reception for World Bank (WB) Country Director for Vietnam Carolyn Turk, who came to say goodbye at the end of her tenure.

At the meeting, Xuan highly appreciated the WB’s support for Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Reform), saying it is one of Vietnam’s three largest development partners and foreign loan providers.

Such loans have been allocated to different areas and projects, contributing to raising Vietnamese people’s living standards, she stressed.

The Acting President hailed Turk’s efforts in boosting cooperation between Vietnam and the WB during her term, and expressed her hope that Turk, in any positions, will make more contributions to the implementation of joint commitments.

She also suggested the WB maintain its close cooperation and support for Vietnam’s development, helping the country roll out national, key, large-scale projects in infrastructure, urban development, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and climate change response, among other fields.

Xuan called on the bank to continue with its non-refundable aid for Vietnam to implement the country’s international commitments to the United Nations in such spheres as peacekeeping, international security, climate change, sustainable development, water security, and food security.

The Acting President noted her hope that the two sides will launch more programmes and projects for disadvantaged groups and remote areas.

Turk, for her part, affirmed that the WB stands ready to support Vietnam to achieve its development targets.

The WB is working on a document on the strategic partnership with the Vietnamese Government, she said, informing that the bank will work with the government in the near future to over its content, especially financial support for Vietnam for 2023 - 2027./.

Italian Design Day celebrates innovation, heritage in HCMC

The Italian Trade Agency and the Consulate General of Italy in HCMC yesterday, March 26, held the Italian Design Day (IDD) in District 1, focusing on innovation inspired by heritage for a sustainable future.

IDD 2024 showcased the rich legacy and cutting-edge advancements of Italian design and architecture. The event, held as part of the MTE HCMC conference, explored the theme “The value of heritage: When the present draws lessons from the past.”

The event focused on the intersection of heritage, inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. This year’s IDD highlighted how contemporary Italian design draws inspiration from its historical roots while addressing modern challenges and promoting a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future.

Previously, a morning session of IDD 2024 was held at Van Lang University in HCMC. The session included a seminar and an art exhibition with the participation of 200 students from the interior design department.

Enrico Padula, consul general of Italy in HCMC, expressed his hope that IDD 2024 would promote Italian art in Vietnam and strengthen design cooperation between the two countries.

Launched in 2017, IDD is a global initiative by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. IDD brings together designers, architects, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to share ideas and explore the latest trends in Italian design.

This worldwide event serves as a platform to promote Italian design excellence, foster international collaboration, and encourage the exchange of innovative design solutions. It has been held in over 100 cities globally.

Hà Nội Open features huge number of golfers in April

Around 800 athletes will take part in the Hà Nội Open Championship Herbalife Cup 2024 golf tournament on April 22-24 at the Long Biên Golf Course.

Among the participants, 80 professional golfers will vie for a bonus of VNĐ500 million and points for their Việt Nam Golf Association Tour ranking while amateurs will compete for championship trophies of different categories for men and women.

Previously, the tournament was known as an event to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thăng Long-Hà Nội, and it made a Vietnamese record with the participation of more than 1,000 athletes in the 2021 edition. Now, the Hà Nội Open is one of largest events of the year in the capital city. 

Quảng Bình International Marathon to offer sport and adventure

The Quảng Bình International Marathon will be not only a sport event but also a chance for the province to push its local tourism industry in 2024.

The first international level running event in Quảng Bình Province's Đồng Hới City, to be held on July 28, expects a large number of national and international marathoners.

They will run in four categories of 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km, with the Super Early Bird registration still available until April 6.

The tournament is jointly held by the Quảng Bình Department of Culture and Sport and Bolt Event, aiming to provide the sports community and runners with a safe, high-quality and emotionally fulfilling competition.

It is among activities celebrating 420th year of Quảng Bình's establishment and the 55th year since its re-establishment.

"2024 is a very special year for Quảng Bình with many special days of celebration. We hope to welcome many tourists and friends from all over the country as well as internationally to take part in the marathon. Their presence will contribute to making our festival even more successful," said Lê Phú Sơn, deputy director of Quảng Bình's Culture and Sport Department.

"We have prepared infrastructure and facilities, as well as accommodation and restaurants to ensure the best service to runners while they are with us.

"The tournament is an opportunity for every athlete, along with their families and friends, to make beautiful memories while experience a 'new lifestyle' of sports tourism, where sport activities are combined with exploring the beautiful scenery and unique culture of the destination."

Entitled The Journey of Joy, runners will enjoy running along the beautiful coastline, visiting historical landmarks, immersing themselves in the magnificent natural heritage, and enjoying the distinctive cuisine of Quảng Bình.

Running routes will lead athletes past famous destinations such as Mother Suốt Monument, Quảng Bình Gate, Đồng Hới Ancient Citadel, Tam Tòa Church and Nhật Lệ River.

Before, during and after the race, people will try out local specialities including soup of cactus, bánh bèo (savoury steamed rice cake), bánh khoái (Vietnamese pancake) and others.

Sport-tourism enthusiasts, along with family and friends, can have an adventure in the province dubbed the "kingdom of caves" with a system of hundreds of caves such as Sơn Đoòng, the largest natural cave in the world; Vòm, the longest dry cave in Asia; Thiên Đường, the cave with the most magnificent and luxurious stalactites in Asia, and; Tú Lan, the filming location of blockbusters: "Kong: Skull Island", "Immortal" and "Legend of Quán Tiên".

These have been featured on international channels such as National Geographic, CNN, Channel News Asia, Culture Trip and Business Insider.

"Sport strongly connects people together. Sport activities are a very strong factor in stimulating demand and promoting tourism. Not only running activities but also other sport competitions and adventure activities can push our tourism very well," said Sơn.

More trains, tickets added for upcoming national holidays

The Saratrans announced the selling of train tickets to serve the rising travel demand on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30) and International Labor Day.

Accordingly, the Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company (Saratrans) offers additional tickets for trains SE1/SE2, SE3/SE4, SE5/SE6, SE7/SE8 on HCMC-Hanoi route, SE21/SE22 on HCMC-Da Nang route, SNT1/SNT2 linking HCMC and Nha Trang, and SPT1/SPT2 connecting HCMC and Phan Thiet.

These tickets are being on sale from now until May 14 on all channels of the railway sector.

Additionally, the company will provide additional trains, consisting of SE11/12 on HCMC-Hanoi route from March 28-May 14; SE30/29 on HCMC- Quy Nhon route on April 26-May 1; SNT4/T5 on HCMC-Nha Trang route on April 5, 7, 17, 21, 26, 27 and 30; SPT1/2 on HCMC- Phan Thiet route on April 18; SPT1/2 from HCMC and Phan Thiet to Gia Ray station in Dong Nai Province’s Xuan Loc District and Gia Huynh station Binh Thuan Province’s Tanh Linh District from March 28.

Discounts of 5 – 30 percent will be applied for passengers who buy tickets five days before departure; 2 – 14 percent will be offered to groups of 5 passengers and over.

Passengers who buy return tickets will receive a 10- percent discount. The promotion would not apply a discount on April 30 and May 1.

Discounts of 5 and 7 percent will be offered to people who booked a single ticket and to groups of 20 passengers and over, respectively.

The company continues to offer special promotional programs for people under the preferential treatment policy, including Vietnamese heroic mothers, war veterans, wounded soldiers, disabled people, the elderly, children, students, members of trade unions, and passengers with membership cards.

Train fares can be purchased online at www.dsvn.vn, vetau.com.vn, and giare.vetau.vn or at the train stations or authorized ticket agents, through the Ticket Hotline and the Customer Hotline at 19001520, 19000109 or mobile apps such as Momo, VNpay, ZaloPay, Viettelpay.

Fifteen provinces, cities face rabies outbreaks

At present, there are 24 ongoing rabies outbreaks across the country, each lasting less than 21 days. Twenty-seven fatalities due to rabies have been reported, with high concentration in the Southern region.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, from the beginning of 2024 until March 24, nearly 100,000 individuals nationwide have received preventive treatment for animal bites.

Among them, 27 have succumbed to rabies in 16 provinces and cities, marking an increase of 15 cases compared to the same period in 2023. The provinces with the highest number of fatalities include Dak Lak (four cases), Long An (three cases), Quang Binh (two cases), Binh Thuan (two cases), and Gia Lai (two cases).

Mr. Long added that from 2013 to the present, deaths from rabies have consistently represented one of the highest mortality rates among disease outbreaks (except in 2014, ranking second after measles; in 2021, ranking second after Covid-19; and in 2023, ranking third after Covid-19 and dengue fever).

Currently, rabies outbreaks still appear, with many areas yet to be contained. Specifically, according to veterinary agency data, there are still 24 active outbreak areas in 15 provinces and cities nationwide, each lasting less than 21 days. From the beginning of 2024 until March 20, there have been 51 outbreaks in 23 provinces and cities across the country. The total number of infected dogs and cats is 81, with 186 having been euthanized.

Ministry organizes final of 2024 Reading Cultural Ambassador contest

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just issued a decision to organize the final of the 2024 National Reading Culture Ambassador contest in Viet Tri District of Phu Tho Province in April.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism assigned the Library Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate with relevant agencies and units to organize the organization in a direct and online format (livestream) broadcast on a channel named the Vietnamese Book and Wisdom controlled by the Department of Library.

The contest aimed to arouse passion, and promote the reading movement among young people who are encouraged to share their love for reading stories and books contributing to the reading culture in schools, communities and learning society building.

Through activities, the contest affirms the position and role of Vietnamese culture, especially reading culture, in contributing to the spread of knowledge and improvement of people's intelligence, creativity, and fostering personality and soul as well as forming a healthy lifestyle, arousing patriotic traditions, national pride, and the desire to develop a prosperous and happy country for the young generation.

Historical values of Dien Bien Phu Victory spotlighted

Experts and scholars gathered in Hanoi on March 27 for a conference to spotlight the historical values of the Dien Bien Phu Victory against the French colonists in 1954.

Lieut. Gen., Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Bao, Director of the Political Academy under the Ministry of National Defence, said that after 56 days and nights, the Dien Bien Phu Campaign concluded with a great success, making a decisive contribution to ending the resistance war against the French invasion, leading to the collapse of colonialism and marking a new step of development of national liberation revolution in the world.

The conference is part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory, which aims to affirm the correctness and the vitality of the people-based defence under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, and educate the youth on the glorious revolutionary tradition of the nation.

Editor-in-Chief of Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) newspaper Doan Xuan Bo said that although there have been many research, books and conferences on the significance and reasons of the victory as well as lessons learnt from it, many issues about the great victory need to be analysed and summarised.

Participants affirmed that the Dien Bien Phu Victory is the pinnacle of Vietnamese military art.

Colonel Dr. Nguyen Van Truong, head of the Department of Communist Party of Vietnam’s History under the Political Academy, held that the decision to launch the Dien Bien Phu Campaign left many precious lessons for the Vietnamese revolution, which are lessons of staying consistent with the goal of national independence and socialism, maintaining and strengthening the Party's leadership, and promptly grasping opportunities and giving strategic directions to mobilise the nation's strength to win.

These experiences have still maintained their values and been applied creatively in the Vietnamese revolution and the national construction and defence, he stated.

Major General, Dr. Tran Minh Tuan, Vice Director of the Defence Strategy Institute said that the resounding victory of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign showed the uniqueness of Vietnam’s military art, marking the maturity of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Participants at the event analysed lessons learnt from the victory, including resistance policy, the promotion of the great national solidarity in combination with the strength of the era, the optimising of political and spiritual factors, military science, political and ideological education, and the coordination among armed forces./.

Phu Tho exhibition marks 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory

An exhibition introducing large-sized placards opened in Viet Tri city, the northern province of Phu Tho on March 27, as part of a series of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7).

On display at the 45-day exhibition are 70 works by professional and amateur painters, selected from a poster contest which had been held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Department of Grassroots Culture.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the organising board also held a mobile dissemination contest, gathering teams from Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Kom Tum, An Giang and Lai Chau provinces, and Da Nang city. Seventeen singing and dancing performances praising the beauty of the country, the historic victory of Dien Bien Phu and the life of people were staged to serve audience inside and outside the province.

These events aim to popularise the significance of the Dien Bien Phu Victory against French colonialists.

On March 13, 1954, the Vietnamese revolutionary army launched the first attack against the French colonialists’ heavily fortified base of Dien Bien Phu, starting a 56-day historic campaign whose victory directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina./.

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