The Vietnamese women’s football team will play against Japan, Uzbekistan and India in Group C of the 2024 Paris Olympic second qualification round to be held in October and November this year, according to the draw held by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on May 18.

Meanwhile, Group A includes hosts Australia, Taiwan (China), the Philippines and Iran while Group B comprises hosts China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The second round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Football Qualifying Tournament will feature 12 teams who have been divided into three groups.

The top teams of the three groups and the best-placed runners-up will play for the two spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the final round to be held in February 2024.

Vietnam is currently rank 33rd in the FIFA’s latest rankings while Japan, Uzbekistan and India are in the 11th, 50th and 61st places, respectively.

The Japanese women's football team are rated as the No 1 seed of the group and will almost certainly take the first place. The Vietnamese team are striving to win the second place in the group so they can be able to compete for another spot as the runners-up with the best performance.

Para athletes to compete for gold, honour, pride at ASEAN Para Games

Vietnamese athletes with disabilities were ready for the 12th ASEAN Para Games after a send-off ceremony organised on Wednesday in HCM City. 

The largest regional tournament for athletes with disabilities will be held on June 3-9 in Phnom Penh.

The Vietnamese contingent gathers 164 members, including 125 athletes and two guides, 21 coaches and 16 officials and staff.

They will compete in eight among 13 sports organised at the Games. The sports are athletics, swimming, powerlifting, badminton, table tennis, chess, judo and boccia.

On behalf of the athletes, powerlifter Lê Văn Công promised to compete with high determination under the fair-play spirit and noble sportsmanship to achieve the highest results for Việt Nam.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoàng Đạo Cương asked para athletes to strive for the best, exchange knowledge and sharpen skills and improve results at the Games. 

He hoped that each Vietnamese member would be fully aware of the responsibility and the honour when competing for national pride.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính sent a letter to encourage athletes to bring high results home.

At the event, the Việt Nam delegation received support from different companies and enterprises including Herbalife Vietnam, Động Lực Group, Namsung Aluminum and Green Hill Food.

As part of Herbalife's long-standing nutrition sponsorship of the Việt Nam Paralympics Association (VPA), Herbalife not only joined hands in organising the send-off event but also will be present at the tournament to provide nutritional advice and product support to the delegation. Moreover, Herbalife Vietnam's representatives will give spot awards to all athletes who claim gold medals at the Games.

At the previous Games in Indonesia last year, the hosts topped the medal tally with 175 golds. Thailand was second with 117. Việt Nam finished third, winning 65.

Field Hospital in South Sudan celebrate President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday

Vietnam’s Level-4 Field Hospital No.2 at the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) debuted a flagpole on May 17 in celebration of the 133rd birthday of President Ho Chi Minh that falls on May 19.

The site located at the entrance of the working area of the field hospital was completed in just one week.

At the inauguration ceremony, Brigadier Emmanuel Rugazora, commander of Unity area, congratulated those working at the site on the success of the Vietnamese Field Hospital, offering plenty of compliments to the flagpole site.

He also sent his best wishes to staff at the hospital, as well as all Vietnamese people on the occasion of President Ho’s 133rd birthday.

Vietnam, Singapore hold 15th political consultation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Permanent Secretary in the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Albert Chua co-chaired the 15th Vietnam - Singapore Political Consultation in Hanoi on May 18.

At the event, the two sides focused their discussion on progress of and directions to promote the implementation of the agreements reached by the two countries' leaders in key areas as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. 

They affirmed that the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership has been deepening and growing effective in all fields, thus helping increase political trust. 

The two sides were also delighted with outstanding achievements in trade and investment cooperation. Singapore's investment in Vietnam reached 71.3 billion USD with 3,100 projects, ranking first among ASEAN countries and fourth in total foreign investment in Vietnam, with the 14 Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) in different regions of Vietnam contributing greatly to this result. 

In addition, the two countries have boosted cooperation in other important fields such as national defense, security, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides vowed to work closely to enhance connectivity, raise the level of cooperation, well prepare for high-level visit  exchanges, and organise practical activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their Strategic Partnership this year. 

The Singaporean official affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of Singapore in the region. Singapore is always ready to share experiences with Vietnam and promote cooperation in fields of potential and strength such as digital transformation, technology and green energy (especially wind and solar power), smart city development, and food security.

The two sides agreed to maintain consultations and actively coordinate with other ASEAN member countries to promote the bloc’s unity and sustainable development, reform ASEAN's working style towards a dynamic, flexible, and efficient ASEAN, worthy of being the central force leading regional processes, effectively contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region.

Discussing the international and regional situation, the two deputy ministers agreed that multilateralism, equal relations, balanced interests, and harmony in approach between countries are prerequisites for peace and stability. 

The two sides also shared the determination to make the East Sea a sea of peace, cooperation, and development; together with ASEAN countries to strictly and fully implement the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), strive to soon achieve an effective, efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) following international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to hold the next one in Singapore in 2024.

Hosting Chua on May 18, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son appreciated the strong and extensive development of the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership, especially in economy, trade and investment.

He suggested further promoting the important role of the political consultation mechanism in reviewing and proposing cooperation directions between the two nations’ foreign ministries.

The minister proposed the two foreign ministries coordinate in organising activities marking the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership (2013-2023), including the exchange of delegations at all levels, people-to-people exchanges, and educational cooperation.

He also suggested the two ministries work closely with other Vietnamese and Singaporean ministries and sectors to step up the nations’ economic collaboration, make effective use of the newly established digital economy - green economy partnership, develop new-generation VSIPs, and work to upgrade and expand the framework agreement connecting the two economies.

For his part, Chua affirmed Vietnam is an important partner of Singapore in the region. He told his host that more and more Singaporean businesses want to expand their investment and business in the Southeast Asian country.

Highlighting his support for the nations’ further cooperation in maintaining ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality, he agreed to strengthen the two ministries’ consultations and exchanges at regional and international forums as well as joint work between their units.

Vietnam respects right to freedom of religion and belief: Deputy spokesperson

As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with diverse religious and belief life, the Vietnamese State consistently implements a policy of respecting and guaranteeing a citizen's right to freedom of religion and belief, and the right to follow or not follow any religion; ensuring equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief; and protecting activities of religious organisations by law, stated the Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on May 18.

Hang made the remarks in reply to reporters’ queries about Vietnam’s reaction to the US Department of State’s annual Report on International Religious Freedom on May 15, 2023 and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s annual report on international religious freedom in 2023, during the ministry's regular press conference.  

"These rights are prescribed in the Constitution of Vietnam, the Law on Belief and Religion 2016 and related legal documents; and are guaranteed to be respected in practice," the deputy spokesperson stressed.

Although the reports of the USCIRF and the US Department of State have noted some progress of Vietnam in promoting religious freedom and cited official information of Vietnamese Government’s agencies, they have still presented subjective observations based on unverified and inaccurate information about the actual situation in Vietnam, she said.

“As we have affirmed many times, Vietnam is always ready to discuss with the US side on issues of mutual concern in the spirit of frankness, openness and mutual respect on issues in which the two sides still have differences, thus contributing to promoting the Vietnam – US comprehensive partnership”, Hang stated.

Vietnam, Philippines talk maritime, ocean concerns in 10th meeting

The 10th meeting of the Vietnam-Philippines Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns (JPWG-MOC) took place in Ha Long City, the northern province of Quang Ninh on May 15-16.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Manh Dong, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Ministry’s National Boundary Commission, while the Philippine delegation was headed by Maria Angela A. Ponce, Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs under the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the implementation of cooperation agreements reached at the ninth meeting in November 2021 and acknowledged that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been promoting bilateral cooperation in areas such as maritime security, fisheries, marine scientific research, environmental protection, hydrometeorology, and working closely together at regional and global forums. They agreed to further deepen bilateral maritime cooperation in the coming time.

On the East Sea issue, they agreed that maritime cooperation not only strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries but also contributes to peace, stability and order in the region.

Expressing concerns over recent unilateral actions that violate sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they reaffirmed the importance of abiding by international law, particularly the UNCLOS, and the ASEAN’s central role and stance on the East Sea in maintaining peace, stability and settling disputes by peaceful means.

WTO Director-General hails Vietnam’s role at WTO

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said she highly appreciated Vietnam's active role in the WTO, including its participation in important rounds of negotiations and contributions to the reform and improvement of the organisation’s operational efficiency, at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on May 18.

The leader, who is on a working visit to Vietnam from May 17 to 19, said she is impressed with Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and hoped that Vietnam will share experiences with developing countries on economic integration and development.

She wished that Vietnam will actively contribute to the WTO’s cooperation priorities in the time to come; soon ratify the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; and support the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference next year.

In response, the Vietnamese minister affirmed Vietnam's consistent policy of proactively integrating into the world and supporting an open, transparent, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system, in which the WTO plays a central role.

Son stressed that as a responsible member of the WTO, Vietnam always makes efforts to play an active role in the organisation’s cooperation frameworks.

He said the foreign ministry will further work closely with relevant agencies to beef up Vietnam's contributions to the WTO.

The host and guest discussed the WTO’s programmes on training and capacity building for Vietnam's foreign affairs staff, as well as financial and technical support for Vietnam so that the country will make deeper integration and greater practical contributions to the operation of the organisation.

Vietnam enhances bilateral cooperation with Tanzania

President Vo Van Thuong on May 18 received Abdulrahman Omar Kinana, Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM - Party of the Revolution) of Tanzania, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming the delegation right after the CCM’s 10th National Congress, Thuong said that this is an opportunity for leaders of the two Parties and countries to exchange ideas and evaluate the international situation, bilateral relations and orientations for cooperation in the coming time.

He affirmed that Vietnam keeps a close watch on the situation of Tanzania and is pleased to witness the country's achievements in maintaining economic development momentum, improving people's living standards, and enhancing its reputation and role in East Africa in particular and Africa in general.

Abdulrahman Omar Kinana affirmed the consistent policy of the CCM and the State of Tanzania in consolidating the good traditional relations and promoting substantive cooperation with the Party and State of Vietnam.

He spoke highly of the contributions by Halotel, a telecommunications joint venture invested by Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms in Tanzania, to the country’s socioeconomic development, and committed to creating all favourable conditions for business and investment activities of Halotel in particular and Vietnamese enterprises in the country.

The two sides agreed to expand and improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation, including exchanging delegations at all levels, sharing experience in leading the nation, personnel training, facilitation of trade and investment activities, and in the fields of agriculture, processing, science - technology, telecommunications, and digital transformation.

They also pledged to promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, closely coordinate with each other at international multilateral forums, and serve as a bridge for each other to expand collaboration with the two regions, for the benefit of each Party and country, and for peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Thematic display, art space marks late President’s birthday

An exhibition themed ‘Uncle Ho and Hanoi’ and a space of calligraphy art opened at the Hanoi Museum on May 18 as part of activities commemorating the late President Ho Chi Minh’s 133rd birth anniversary (May 19, 1890-2023).

At the opening ceremony, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong said during his lifetime of revolutionary activities, the leader spent the longest period in the capital city (from 1945 to 1946 and from 1954 to 1969). His profound thoughts, feelings, and instructions have been a guideline for all work of the local authorities and people, contributing to building the city toward modernity and civilisation.

On display at the exhibition are more than 200 documents and items on the founder of the modern Vietnam with regard to revolutionary milestones taking place in the city in association with the President, his ties with the locals, and how people in the capital have followed his sayings.

The art space, meanwhile, showcases close to 40 calligraphy works combined with President Ho Chi Minh's poems and life maxims.

The event lasts until the end of the year.

Foreign ministry warns against offers of easy jobs with high salaries abroad

Deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Pham Thu Hang asked people to stay alert against offers of “cushy jobs with high salaries”, during the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on May 18.

Hang made the warning when speaking of the information about the Philippines’ rescue of more than 1,000 forced labourers, including Vietnamese. Under instructions of the MoFA’s leaders, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines is closely coordinating with competent Philippine agencies in identifying the residency status of the Vietnamese labourers, she said.

The embassy has also provided information to help local authorities soon put forth settlement and investigation orientations for the case, while conducting citizen protection in a timely manner, ensuring rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens, Hang added.

She reiterated that the Vietnamese government advocates legal, safe and orderly migration, and resolutely fights against illegal migration, the facilitation of illegal migration, and human trafficking.

The ministry has teamed up with relevant agencies in stepping up the communications work over people’s self-seeking jobs abroad, Hang said, asking people to stay alert against promises of high-paid, easy jobs without the requirement of degrees as they would easily become victims of labour exploitation in online gambling establishments, illegal residency and even human trafficking, the deputy spokesperson warned.

Various activities held to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh

Various activities have been held nationwide in commemoration of late President Ho Chi Minh, ahead of his 133rd birthday (May 19, 1890 - 2023).

At the Kim Lien special national relic site in his hometown in Nam Dan district, central Nghe An province, a delegation of the provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee offered incense to the late leader on May 18.

They expressed their gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh – a talented leader of the Vietnamese Party and people, a brilliant activist of the international communist and workers’ movement, and a man dedicating his entire life to the struggle for national liberation, peace, and happiness of the peoples of Vietnam and the world.

The Kim Lien special national relic site, linked with the family and childhood of the late leader, holds special values related to his life and career.

On this occasion, many delegations of agencies, localities, and people from Nghe An and other provinces have also visited the relic site to pay homage to President Ho Chi Minh.

Also on May 18, a photo exhibition on the President was opened in Da Lat city by the Information and Education Board of the Party Committee and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

The event features hundreds of photos, books, and articles about the life, career, ideoglogy, moral example, and style of the leader.

Lasting through May 30, it also introduces the practical activities held from grassroots to provincial levels in Lam Dong to step up the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, moral example, and style.

In the four previous editions, the Olympiad attracted more than 1.2 million students from over 600 academies, universities, and colleges in Vietnam and some other countries.

Sci-tech, innovation should be key driving force of growth: PM

Science, technology and innovation should be a key driving force of the country's growth, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.

The PM was speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi, which was held by the Ministry of Science and Technology to mark the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18) and the 60th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s meeting with intellectuals.

In his speech, PM Chinh said Vietnam is a progressive country with great potential and an increasing value in innovation, rankinng among the top 50 nations in the Global Innovation Index.

In order to carry out the 2021-2030 Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation with a vision to 2045, it is necessary to continue renewing the mindset and take drastic actions to fully unlock and effectively utilise all resources, particularly by harnessing the brainpower and creativity of the Vietnamese people, he said.

The PM called for raising awareness and actions of departments and agencies in the effort, continuing to fine-tune policies and mechanisms, thus making breakthroughs in technological application and improvement of research capacity.

Ministries, agencies and localities were assigned to propose and offer incentives to sci-tech workforce which aim to ignite their passion, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset.

The government leader also suggested utilising State funds to invest in high-reward sci-tech studies while spreading successful sci-tech models in production and trade to foster a national spirit of learning, entrepreneurship and innovation.

On the occasion, PM Chinh called on firms to pay even greater attention to and invest more in sci-tech, particularly in new fields that serve green, sustainable, and eco-friendly development.

Delegates attending the event expected that the State would issue mechanisms and policies conducive to scientific research and development, in sync with innovation and creativity.

Miss & Mister Fitness Super Model World 2023 busy with sub-contests

Various sub-contests of Miss and Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2023 have got underway in Phan Thiet City of Binh Thuan Province in southcentral Vietnam, one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations.      

Through the talent competition, contestants from all over the world were able to show off their various abilities.

In the fashion competition, performances by both male and female contestants impressed the judges and audiences with colourful, multi-style, and multi-cultural fashion collections.

The winners of the some sub-contests have already been announced, with the Best in Fitness Body title going to Mister Slovakia & Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mister Philippines & Miss Philippines came first in the Best in Sportswear, while Mister Vietnam Ta Cong Phat finished second. Miss Vietnam Le Thi Diem My topped the Best in Fashion sub-contest.

Cong Phat and Diem My represented Vietnam at the Miss & Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2023.

Ta Cong Phat, 28, stands at 1.85 metres tall. He was awarded second runner-up spot at Vietnam Fitness Model 2019. Phat also vied for Man of The World 2019

Le Thi Diem My, 26, is 1.73 metres tall with body measurement of 85–60–95. She was the winner of Vietnam Fitness Model 2022.

This is the first time Vietnam has hosted the global contest. The final round started in Binh Thuan on May 12, and is scheduled to end on May 20. The winner will receive a crown worth VND1.8 billion.

The competition is open to men and women from around the world aged between 18 and 30.

Switzerland funds sustainable tourism development project in Can Tho

 
 
Officials of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on May 17 had a working session with a delegation of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to discuss the implementation of a sustainable tourism development project funded by the Swiss Government in Vietnam in 2023-2027.

Katrin Ochsenbein, deputy head of the Cooperation and Development Division at the Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam, who led the delegation, said SECO is currently in charge of the Economic Development and Cooperation Programme of Switzerland in Vietnam.

SECO’s strategy for Vietnam in 2021-2024 aims to support the Southeast Asian nation to achieve sustainable growth, she noted.

According to Ochsenbein, Switzerland has been supporting Can Tho in public finance management, sustainable urban development and tourism. The Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development Project (ST4SD) in Vietnam for the 2023-2027 period aims to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector in Vietnam through promoting public-private dialogue on tourism policy, and developing sustainable tourism management and business skills.

The delegation of the SECO and ST4SD conducted a survey in the Mekong Delta region from May 16-19 as part of activities to select localities and assess their potential, ability and commitment to join the project in the coming time.

Last year, Can Tho welcomed over 5.1 million holiday-makers, up 142% year-on-year. The city’s total revenue from tourism activities reached 4.11 trillion VND (over 175.2 million USD), 199% higher than the figure reported in 2021.

Exhibition honours simple, ordinary but noble figures

Over 200 documents, articles and objects featuring 133 outstanding collectives and individuals in all fields are being showcased at an exhibition opened at Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi on May 17.

The event is jointly organised by the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It is part of activities marking the 133th birthday anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890-2023) and the 2-year implementation of the Political Bureau’s Conclusion 01-KL/TW and Directive 05-CT/TW on enhancing the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle.

Those introduced at the exhibition are outstanding examples of patriotic emulation movements in the fields of economy, socio-culture, party building, national defence and security.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vu Manh Ha, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, said each photo and article represents a touching story about collectives and ordinary people who have overcome circumstances, dared to think and dared to do and wholeheartedly devoted themselves to benefitting the community.

The two-part exhibition is expected to contribute to honouring and encouraging the “good people, good deeds” examples around the country as well as making the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle become regular affairs of the entire Party, people and army within the cause of national construction and defence.

The exhibition will run until the end of August and then will be displayed in a number of localities across the country.

Binh Thuan province moves to end illegal fishing

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Thuan province Nguyen Hong Hai on May 17 requested departments, sectors, and local authorities to take every measure to put an end to fishing violations in foreign waters.

Speaking at a conference on the implementation of solutions against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing held by the provincial steering committee for IUU fishing prevention, Hai asked the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to strengthen inspections over and promote the efficiency of the vessel monitoring system, ensure timely coordination in information and data processing between relevant units.

The department should well implement the regulation of coordination between Binh Thuan and other coastal provinces and cities in combating IUU fishing, especially in monitoring and managing fishing vessels.

Meanwhile, coastal communities should continue to closely manage their fishing fleets, and promote dissemination of information to mobilise fishermen to comply with regulations related to IUU fishing prevention in association with the Law on Fisheries. The fishing communities need to uphold the responsibility of leaders toward the implementation of measures to prevent, reduce, and eliminate IUU fishing.

Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that following the European Commission (EC)'s recommendations, Binh Thuan has strictly implemented fleet management; inspected and controlled fishing vessel activities; and monitored output and traceability.

Currently, the south central province has 1,961 fishing vessels with a length of 15m and above, of which 1,941 are equipped with the vessel monitoring systems.

Since the beginning of 2023, the Fisheries Sub-Department, and the provincial Border Guard Command, in collaboration with localities, organised more than 117 dissemination sessions for more than 16,500 owners of offshore fishing vessels.

Vietnam attends World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition 2023

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Pham Viet Anh recently attended the World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition 2023 in the Dutch city of Rotterdam and the port of Rotterdam.

The Green Solutions Group (TGS) was the only Vietnamese company to join the event, which was co-hosted by the Sustainable Energy Council (SEC) and the authorities of South Holland province. It was its second presence at the event, following the first one in 2022.

The event welcomed policymakers, experts from research institutes, universities, and private enterprises worldwide to promote the event as the official global springboard for hydrogen deals and project developments where the real action is displayed to inspire and motivate the rest of the world.

This year, over 350 firms joined the event, twice the number in 2022. The exhibition attracted about 11,500 guests, including energy policy planners and CEOs from major corporations such as Air Production, Shell, Air Liquide, S&P Global, Argus, and ThyssenKrupp, from over 100 countries and territories.

It also saw the presence of high-ranking officials such as Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson as well as energy ministers from the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, the US, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and others.

Sci-tech, innovation should be key driving force of growth: PM

Science, technology and innovation should be a key driving force of the country's growth, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.

The PM was speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi on May 17, which was held by the Ministry of Science and Technology to mark the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18) and the 60th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s meeting with intellectuals.

In his speech, PM Chinh said Vietnam is a progressive country with great potential and an increasing value in innovation, rankinng among the top 50 nations in the Global Innovation Index.

In order to carry out the 2021-2030 Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation with a vision to 2045, it is necessary to continue renewing the mindset and take drastic actions to fully unlock and effectively utilise all resources, particularly by harnessing the brainpower and creativity of the Vietnamese people, he said.

The PM called for raising awareness and actions of departments and agencies in the effort, continuing to fine-tune policies and mechanisms, thus making breakthroughs in technological application and improvement of research capacity.

Ministries, agencies and localities were assigned to propose and offer incentives to sci-tech workforce which aim to ignite their passion, entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset.

The government leader also suggested utilising State funds to invest in high-reward sci-tech studies while spreading successful sci-tech models in production and trade to foster a national spirit of learning, entrepreneurship and innovation.

On the occasion, PM Chinh called on firms to pay even greater attention to and invest more in sci-tech, particularly in new fields that serve green, sustainable, and eco-friendly development.

Delegates attending the event expected that the State would issue mechanisms and policies conducive to scientific research and development, in sync with innovation and creativity.

New stamp collection features Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house

The Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Management Board of President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on May 17 held a ceremony to issue a stamp collection named “Uncle Ho’s stilt house in Presidential Palace” on the occasion of the late leader's 133rd birthday (May 19, 1890 - 2023). 

Designed by artist Le Khanh Vuong, the collection includes a 43 x 32 mm stamp and a 70 x 100 mm block with face values of 4,000 VND (0.17 USD) and 15,000 VND respectively.

The stamp shows the image of President Ho Chi Minh working in a small room in the stilt house, while the block features the entire stilt house and outlines the scene of the garden and fish pond around the house. The stamp set has highlighted the elegant architectural features and simple decoration of the stilt house, which is a unique piece of architecture in harmony with nature.

The latest collection set will be available on the postal network from May 17, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Postal Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications, La Hoang Trung said that President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house at the Presidential Palace is an invaluable spiritual heritage, an icon for the ideology, morality, and revolutionary qualities of the President who had wholeheartedly worked for the national revolutionary cause, for the happiness of the people, the friendship, peace and progress of mankind.

Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital launched in Xiangkhouang

The Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital, the largest health care infrastructure project that Vietnam has presented to Laos, was inaugurated in Laos’ northern province of Xiangkhouang on May 17.

Covering an area of 2.5 hectares, the hospital is built at a cost of nearly 500 billion USD (21.32 million USD) using non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government. With 200 beds and full modern equipment, the hospital aims to meet the healthcare service demand of people in Xiangkhouang and northeastern localities of Laos.

According to Lao Deputy Minister of Health Snong Thongsna, the hospital is expected to make great contributions to the development of Laos’ health care sector as it is the largest of its kind in the region, of which personnel are trained with the support of Vietnam.

Xiangkhouang Deputy Governor Sivilay Sengchaleun said that for Xiangkhouang, a war-torn locality with poor healthcare infrastructure, the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital is hoped to bring great benefits to locals and residents of nearby localities.

Meanwhile, Viengsavanh Vilayphone, Standing Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, expressed deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for the support, affirming that the project symbolises the traditional solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that along with meeting locals' healthcare demand, the project contributes to strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

It shows the great attention of the Party, Government and people of Vietnam to improving healthcare service quality for Lao people, and reflects the determination of the two Governments in implementing the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy in Xiangkhouang and Houaphanh, he said.

Phuong asked the People’s Committee of Nghe An province, which borders Laos, as well as relevant agencies to continue to coordinate closely with authorities of Laos and Xiangkhouang province to ensure smooth operations and maintenance of the hospital, and continue personnel training activities within the project’s framework./

Solutions for sustainable urban cooling in Vietnam discussed

A workshop themed “Solutions for sustainable urban cooling in Vietnam” took place in Hanoi on May 17.  

Jointly organised by the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the event offered a venue for representatives from relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, organisations, and businesses, and Vietnamese and international experts to discuss and propose solutions to cool urban areas in Vietnam.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Tuan Quang, Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change, said sustainable cooling requirements have been included in the tasks and solutions of the National Strategy on Climate Change until 2050, and Vietnam's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

The department signed a memorandum of understanding with the UNEP and the GGGI to strengthen Vietnam's capacity to implement the “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions" (INDC) report on climate change, Quang said.

Climate-friendly investment plans have been developed, while green investment and suitable financing mechanisms have been strengthened for sustainable cooling projects in urban areas, he added.

To promote climate-friendly cooling solutions to prevent extreme heat in Vietnamese cities, the department has coordinated with the UNEP and the GGGI with the sponsorship of the sustainable cooling partnership programme to implement the sustainable urban cooling programme in urban areas in Vietnam, which is being piloted at the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, Tam Ky city of central Quang Nam province, and Dong Hoi city of central Quang Binh province.

The department and the UNEP have also jointly implemented “the NDC Action Project: Facilitating the Implementation of Climate-resilient and Low-carbon Development Aligned with National and Global Goals”, Quang added.

In 2020, the MoNRE published an updated climate change scenario, which showed that the manifestations of climate change such as increasing temperature, changing rainfall, sea level rise and increasing extreme weather events occur faster and more frequently.

The number of hot days tends to increase nationwide, and the number of drought months increases in the northern region. The rising temperature coupled with the urban heat island effect make Vietnamese cities located in urban areas most at risk of experiencing extreme heat waves in the globe.

Therefore, the need for sustainable cooling solutions in urban areas becomes urgent in the world and in Vietnam. Efficient and sustainable cooling in cities can help countries promote poverty reduction, reduce food loss, improve health, manage energy needs and respond to climate change.

Library helps nurture Vietnam - Italy relations

With more than 5,000 books in Italian, Vietnamese, and other languages, the “Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam” Library in Todi, a city in the Italian region of Umbria, has become a destination for Italian and international visitors wishing to learn about Vietnam and its late leader.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Todi Mayor Antonino Ruggiano said the library dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam holds great significance as it helps the city connect with the revolutionary leader and Vietnam, one of the most charming and extraordinary countries in the Orient. It also gives locals a chance to gain an insight into the history of Vietnam, as well as the important role of Ho Chi Minh and his journey in the 20th century to seek independence and freedom for the country.

Local authorities plan to hold several events and workshops to help Italian people, including those in Todi, learn more about President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam, he noted.

The library is set to open a centre for the Vietnamese culture studies to serve scholars and students as well as those interested in this topic. It will also organise conferences and meetings to look into the past and current Vietnam from cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions.

In particular, with support from the Todi administration and the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, the library will hold a conference on the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ relations.

Giuseppe Bearzi, Honorary President of INTRA, a cultural, non-political, and non-profit association that coordinated with Todi city and Nora Tagliazucchi to establish the library, said the image of President Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam is like that of revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy in the 19th century, noting that both led resistance wars to put an end to the separation of their countries and regain complete national reunification.

All the books about President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam at the library have been listed on the Anobii social network so that they can be known around the world.

Deana Mannaioli, Chairwoman of the Pegaso cultural association, described the history of Vietnam with the struggle for peace led by President Ho Chi Minh as very special, expressing her hope that the Italian people who have been cooperating with Vietnam will jointly share these knowledge and historical values.

Vietnam’s aviation, tourism popularised in RoK

A promotional event for Vietnam's aviation and tourism in the Republic of Korea (RoK), named "Wonderful Vietnam", was held in Seoul on May 17, with about 80 representatives from travel agents and partners taking part.

Speaking at the event, head of the Vietnam Airlines branch in the RoK Nguyen Huy Duc said it is the second year Vietnam Airlines has collaborated with Sun Group and its new partner, Caravelle Hotel, to organise this event in the RoK. The purpose is to highlight the tremendous potential of tourism and trade between the two countries, as well as to offer customers the best options for travel.

Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung said among the over 3.66 million foreign visitors arriving in Vietnam last year, Korean tourists account for the most with more than 965,000, or 26.4%. Around 185,000 Vietnamese visited the RoK in 2022, and in the first quarter of this year alone, the figure hit 83,000.

Vietnam Airlines has so far restored its flight service to most countries and destinations as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, all routes to the RoK have been resumed, including Seoul - Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, Busan - Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, and Seoul - Da Nang/Nha Trang.

The national flag carrier is running 112 weekly flights between the RoK and Vietnam. Its market share in the RoK reached 18% in the first quarter, up 5% from 2019. Its branch in the RoK also took the lead in terms of revenue among all overseas branches in the first four months of this year, equivalent to 97% compared to 2019.

Via the Kick-off Sale event there, Vietnam Airlines expressed readiness with Korean partners to operate regular or charter flights to popular beach destinations in Vietnam such as Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, as well as make plans to serve major tourism events in the country.

Various activities in response to International Museum Day

Vietnamese museums are holding a range of activities in response to International Museum Day on May 18, aiming to promote museums’ role in joining hands with the community to preserve and bring into play values of cultural heritage.

At the Museum of Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups in Thai Nguyen province, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the application of Industry 4.0 technology in exploiting cultural information of ethnic groups.

Screenings of various documentary films about the unique cultural heritages of ethnic groups with a population of less than 10,000 people will take place, along with a photo exhibition on Vietnamese cultural heritages.

In Hanoi, visitors will be given the opportunity to enjoy free tours around the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. on International Museum Day on May 18.

A collection of Bat Trang ancient pottery including artifacts from the 14th century to the 20th century are being introduced to visitors at the Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi.

The exhibition will help the public to gain a greater understanding of traditional cultural values whilst raising people’s awareness of preserving and promoting national cultural and historical values. It will last through to September this year.

International Museum Day has been held annually by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) since 1978 to raise public awareness on the role of museums in social development.

In 2023 International Museum Day focuses on the theme of Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing that highlights the important role museums can play in promoting sustainability and well-being. 

Vietnamese literature a focus at Asian Festival of Children’s Content

Việt Nam will be the Country of Focus (COF) of the 14th Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) as this year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Singapore.

The festival, which will take place at the National Library Building in Singapore from May 25-28, returns as a fully in-person event, celebrating the theme “Play!”. With over 70 programmes featuring more than 100 writers and speakers from Singapore and around the world, AFCC 2023 explores the different dimensions of “Play” through books, stories and performances.

According to Nguyễn Nguyên, Director of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese Publishers Association (VPA), the Vietnamese participants in this year’s event are encouraged to have thorough preparation and coordination with each other to promote Vietnamese literature.

The VPA and participating units will set up booths to introduce outstanding Vietnamese children's books, special and creative publications as well as reading devices.

Eleven Vietnamese publishers and contributors in Việt Nam will attend the event, including the HCM City General Publishing House, Thế Giới (World) Publishing House, Kim Đồng Publishing House and Đinh Tị Books.

According to Vũ Thị Yến, public relations and copyright exploitation officer of the HCM City General Publishing House, AFCC 2023 offers an opportunity for the unit to promote the exploitation of foreign copyrights and vice versa, the selling of selling the copyrights of Vietnamese books to the world.

To prepare for this book festival, the publisher plans to introduce children's books that meet its criteria and target audience. Multilingual children’s books particularly include Hip Hop in the Land of Ellsaby and Hip Hop and the Golden Forest by author Isabelle Muller, which have been released in Việt Nam in three languages - English, German and Vietnamese, or bilingual book series Teaching Children Life Skills and Teaching Children Financial Management by Lê Thị Linh Trang and Dr. Ngô Thị Thanh Tiên.

According to the organisers of AFCC 2023, the COF Vietnam programmes at AFCC will be an occasion to celebrate this milestone and highlight the history of children's literature in Việt Nam and publishing opportunities, as well as a special showcase of the best picture book illustrations.

Participants will get the chance to meet the best of Việt Nam’s children's book writers and illustrators at the Country of Focus showcase.

In the opening session of programmes which will be held on May 25, translator Trần Lê Thùy Linh, author Vũ Xuân Hoàn and moderator Nguyễn Thành Nam will offer an in-depth look into the current market of children’s books in Việt Nam. Participants will learn about the current publishing developments and trends, as well as the challenges and opportunities.

Việt Nam Women's Publishing House will share how they have developed the Sci-tales series that aims to bring the element of fun into the learning process in collaboration with a team of creators from Việt Nam on May 26.

On the final day of the COF Vietnam programmes, creators of three Vietnamese children’s books, Finding Mommy Elephant, The Call of the Wild, and My Daddy is a Runner, will share their inspirations, the process of creating stories and also practical advice on the diverse range of interactive activities that parents and children can engage in.

Khanh Hoa runs swimming classes to prevent child drowning

Children in the south-central province of Khánh Hòa have been equipped with swimming skills thanks to free classes in an effort by the authorities to prevent child drowning.

Lê Đình Thuần, the deputy director of the provincial Department of Education and Training, said an innovative pilot initiative focusing on swimming training has been underway since 2017, having already drawn the participation of 96 local schools.

A network of sixteen swimming pools has been established within the premises of six primary and secondary institutions, a concrete testament to the authorities' dedication to the cause.

The local administration has amplified its communication efforts, mounting campaigns to elevate the understanding of families and communities, whilst also spotlighting the indispensable role of organisations and individuals in preventing child drownings.

The department has appealed to the people to adhere to waterway traffic regulations, thus ensuring an environment of safety for children, particularly during the summer break.

According to the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, 64 children drowned in the province between 2017 and 2020, mostly under the age of 13.

Policies for remote, mountainous area teachers need to be more practical

Preferential policies have been put forward in acknowledgment of teachers’ hard work in remote and preferential areas, yet few have actually been implemented.

One of these is the policy that allows for rotation after three to five years for teachers at locations with extreme socio-economic difficulties.

The Decree No 61/2006/NĐ-CP which came into effect in 2006, states that after this working duration, relevant authorities will arrange for teachers to return to their last place of residence and work before coming to the locality, or support them in moving to another place of their choice.

Other documents also state that if educators voluntarily choose to continue working and settle down at the place, they will be considered for a land grant and livelihood support with preferential interest rates.

However, in reality, many teachers in the mountainous areas of Điện Biên are left in limbo, as they meet the requirement for rotation yet have and have not been arranged a place to move to.

Meanwhile, when the working duration of three or five years (for female and male teachers, respectively), preferential policies that aim to attract educators are no longer applicable.

Speaking to Giáo dục Việt Nam (Việt Nam Education) newspaper, Principal of Huổi Lếch Semi-boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities Phạm Văn Quynh said that many teachers hope to return to the previous location to take care of their families.

While understanding the staff shortage the school might face when they leave, he is willing to approve the rotation decision for those who hope and meet the requirements to move.

Many teachers told him that they would have liked to remain with the school but their families, with elder parents and young children, need their care at home.

However, it is not easy for them to be rotated to a position of choice.

Ngô Xuân Chiến, head of the Nậm Pồ District's Education and Training Division said that while these policies are in effect, they have not been able to realise for years.

Nguyễn Văn Đoạt, director of Điện Biên Province's Department of Education and Training also said that shortcomings still exist in the implementation of policies for teachers in remote and mountainous areas.

Among these, the rotation policy is one that is hard to put into effect.

Đoạt said that for educators to be transferred from difficult areas, there must be a position for them to move to.

However, there is no regulation that requires teachers in areas of favourable conditions to rotate to disadvantaged regions.

That is not to mention that if compared to the national average, the entire province of Điện Biên is in difficulties, said Đoạt.

To address this situation, the provincial education and training have submitted a proposal to authorities, who will consult with the government to adjust the policies for teachers in remote and difficult areas.

This is to attract and encourage long-term commitment between teachers and the locality.

The proposal also emphasises the necessity of policies on residential land and housing for teachers in remote and difficult areas, which is expected to help them settle down and stay in the locality for the long term. 

90-day visa 'open door policy' to attract foreign tourists, Gov't says

The Government emphasised that the extension of e-visa validity to 90 days, three times longer than the current 30 days, will be an open-door policy in attracting more foreigners to visit Việt Nam as well as seek investment and business opportunities, creating a driving force to promote the country’s socio-economic development.

The Government has recently reported to the National Assembly regarding the clarification of the National Assembly Standing Committee’s opinions on the amended Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit Through, and Residence in Việt Nam.

Previously, the National Assembly asked the Government to provide more specific arguments for the proposal to extend the validity of e-visas from 30 days to 90 days and the proposal to extend the duration of temporary residence permits at the border gates for visa-exempt unilateral entry visitors from 15 days to 45 days.

The Government stated that since the implementation of the e-visa pilot phase in 2017, the number of foreigners requesting e-visas has been increasing. However, due to the current short duration of 30 days for e-visas, it has not attracted more foreigners as expected.

In particular, foreigners who wish to have a longer stay for vacation, market research or investment opportunities in Việt Nam need relatively longer durations.

Therefore, the Government has proposed to extend the validity of e-visas to three months, valid for single or multiple entries, to meet the long-term vacation needs of international tourists.

​The new policy will provide favourable conditions for foreigners who want to conduct research, market surveys, and promote investment opportunities in Việt Nam, especially for those who need to visit multiple countries in the region and return to Việt Nam to evaluate and compare investment and business opportunities.

Extending the e-visa validity to three months is suitable for foreigners responsible for establishing commercial presence, service providers, and contract suppliers as committed to by Việt Nam in free trade agreements.

According to the Government, the issuance of e-visas for these cases is carried out through pre-approval of personnel. Therefore, compared to unilateral visa exemptions, this policy helps immigration authorities screen individuals who do not meet entry requirements or the requirements of management work.

Regarding the extension of the duration of temporary residence permits at the border gates for visa-exempt unilateral entry visitors from 15 days to 45 days, the Government states that through studies on travel trends, tourists from distant markets such as Europe often have vacations lasting more than 15 days or choose resort and cross-country tour programmes.

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