Frederik said he believes that Xuan’s visit will contribute to consolidating and forging the Vietnam-Denmark comprehensive partnership, and suggested the two sides maintain their cooperation and mutual support, and work to implement agreements within the framework of the Green Strategic Partnership approved by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on November 1.

Xuan, for her part, stressed that Frederik’s Vietnam visit last year vividly demonstrated the traditional friendship and political trust of the bilateral comprehensive partnership.

She called on the Royal Family and Government of Denmark to further support Vietnam in realising the commitments of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She suggested the Crown Prince support Danish organisations, such as the green national fund, to assist Vietnam's green transition, and encourage Danish businesses to operate in the Southeast Asian nation in the fields of renewable energy and green growth.

Xuan used the occasion to thank the Royal Family and Government of Denmark for creating favourable conditions for more than 16,000 Vietnamese to integrate into host society, thus contributing to the bilateral relations. 

Frederik noted that he backs Danish enterprises to launch projects in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and encourages them to expand operations to other potential areas.

Host and guest shared the view that the two countries need to maintain regular cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges, especially between youths.

The same day, Xuan met with representatives from major Danish businesses spanning such areas as processing and manufacturing and renewable energy.

The Danish firms lauded efforts by the Vietnamese Government, ministries and agencies in improving the domestic investment environment, and shared the view that the Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership will open up many opportunities for foreign enterprises to invest in sustainable development and green transition in Vietnam.

Xuan said the Vietnamese government prioritises attracting quality foreign direct investment, targeting projects using high-tech, with high added values and sustainable development.

Vietnam elected member of World Heritage Committee for 2023 - 2027

Vietnam was elected member of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023 - 2027 tenure on November 22 with the highest number of votes among Asian-Pacific states.

Securing 121 of the 171 valid votes, Vietnam ranked second among the nine elected states from five regions, said the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The election took place within the framework of the 24th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention) in Paris.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, said this is the second time Vietnam has been elected to the most important executive body for culture of UNESCO.

The high number of votes also reflected Vietnam’s prestige in the international arena, the international community’s trust in and support for its contribution and chairmanship capacity at global multilateral institutions, as well as the recognition of the country’s practical contributions to UNESCO and the preservation and promotion of heritage values in Vietnam and the world, he went on.

The official added that this also came as a result of the effective implementation of the cultural diplomacy strategy until 2030 and the methodological and widespread campaigning among international partners in Hanoi, Paris, and capital cities of other countries via their representative agencies.

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, stressed that as a member of the World Heritage Committee for 2023 - 2027, Vietnam will have favourable conditions to contribute more to the perfection and implementation of the targets and priorities of the World Heritage Convention, and share experience in the harmonisation of world heritage preservation and development.

It will join 20 other member states of the committee to supervise the implementation of the convention, protect, preserve, and bring into play the values of 1,199 world heritage elements around the globe, and consider the recognition of new ones to uphold, promote, and pass down historical and cultural values to future generations and help with sustainable development in the world, the diplomat noted.

The World Heritage Convention is the one with the biggest membership in UNESCO, 194. Therefore, candidates have to face strong competition to be elected one of the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee.

Azerbaijan prioritises relations with Vietnam: party official

Azerbaijan highly values and prioritises its relations with Vietnam, considering Vietnam a crucial partner in Asia-Pacific, Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) and head of YAP’s Central Office Tahir Budagov has said.

Azerbaijan's senior party official made the statement at a meeting with Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat, and head of the committee’s Organisation Commission, in Hanoi on November 22.

Expressed his delight at a new cooperation agreement signed between the CPV and YAP as part of his current trip to Vietnam, Budagov affirmed that the Azerbaijan side will actively working with the Vietnamese side to carry out the pact, further strengthening the parties’ relationship and the countries’ traditional friendship in the time to come.

Considering Budagov’s visit and the signing of the agreement a new milestone in the two parties’ ties, Mai congratulated Azerbaijan on its new achievements under YAP’s leadership and thanked the State and people of Azerbaijan for their assistance for Vietnam’s construction and development process.

The host and guest were confident that based on the foundation of the countries’ traditional friendship and existing potential and the parties’ efforts, the bilateral relations will thrive across various fields, passing on to future generations.

Vietnam gives highest priority to special relationship with Laos: PM

Vietnam always treasures and gives the top priority to its special relationship with Laos, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on November 22.

The PM pledged that Vietnam will further support Laos in building an independent, self-reliant economy and a contingent of quality personnel, and emphasised the need to intensify economic connectivity and share development paths, for the sake of people.

For his part, Kommasith conveyed regards from Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other high-ranking leaders of Laos to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other high-ranking leaders of Vietnam.

He noted with pleasure the effective developments of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, and commended Vietnam’s valuable support to Laos during its past struggle for national independence, as well as its present cause of national construction and defence.

Host and guest shared the view that the bilateral political relations have been tightened, and other cooperation areas like defence, security, economy, culture, education and training as well as collaboration between localities have received due attention and made progress.

Chinh asked relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries to quickly review cooperation fields, coordinate to remove obstacles to key joint projects, and work together to bring the relationship to a new page.

The leader suggested the two sides closely coordinate to implement high-level delegation exchanges and important cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, including the 46th meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Intergovernmental Committee, and support each other at multilateral forums.

Vietnam will continue to support as much as possible to help Laos successfully assume the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship, he promised.

Kommasith informed Chinh about the results of the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting he co-chaired earlier the same day in Hanoi, and noted that the two countries will maintain their close coordination and cooperation in regional and international issues.

Thua Thien – Hue, RoK bolster exchange of culture, art

The Hue Monument Conservation Centre and the National Gugak Centre of the Republic of Korea (RoK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the central province of Thua Thien – Hue on November 22 to boost cooperation in cultural exchange.

Under the document, the two sides will share experience and exchange the research of document-musical instruments, arrange training courses, and promote activities on intensive research and performing art. Particularly, they will work together to organise the Asian imperial art festival in the RoK in 2026.

The signing of the MoU also aims at preserving and developing Asian imperial music and dances.

A painting exhibition was held on the occasion, featuring Vietnamese and Korean art works created on traditional paper and silk. The event, held by the centre in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, the Korean Cultural Resources Institute, and the Korean Fine Arts Association, drew the participation of 38 Vietnamese and 32 Korean artists.

President hosts Governor of Russia’s Kaluga region

President Vo Van Thuong received Governor of Russia’s Kaluga oblast Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha in Hanoi on November 22.

The State leader told his guest that Vietnam values the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and expressed his confidence that the governor's visit will contribute to further fortifying the countries’ close and effective cooperation.

The Russian governor informed President Thuong on Kaluga’s strengths in the sectors of automotive industry, transport, wood processing, food, high-tech farming, and energy, highlighting his wish to step up joint works with Vietnam in these areas.

He was pleased to mention that Vietnamese partners are currently engaged in dairy production activities in the region with a long-term goal of supplying products to the Asia-Pacific region and Vietnam. Kaluga has established a twinning relationship with the central Vietnamese province of Binh Thuan, and both localities are actively working together in promoting tourism and cultural exchange activities.

The governor said he hopes to welcome the Vietnamese President in Kaluga.

Thuong remarked that the cooperation achievements between Kaluga and Vietnam are a vivid symbol of the traditional friendship between the two nations.

The State leader underscored the importance of locality-to-locality collaboration in deepening the Vietnam-Russia relationship. With the support of the governor, projects invested by Vietnamese enterprises in Kaluga are being carried out effectively, he said.

He also expressed his wish for the region and Binh Thuan to come up with more measures to promote their cooperation in tourism, as the Vietnamese province possesses beautiful natural landscapes and beaches, making it an attractive destination for Russian tourists.

Vietnam, Laos hold tenth foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the tenth Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting in Hanoi on November 22.

The two ministers had an extensive and practical exchange, focusing on reviewing bilateral cooperation, preparing for high-level foreign affairs activities between the two countries in the future, and discussing measures to promote cooperation between the two foreign ministries.

Both sides expressed their joy at the steady and effective progress in all fields between Vietnam and Laos in recent times. Political trust has been strengthened with many delegation exchanges and contacts, creating a solid foundation and direction for the overall bilateral relationship. Security and defence cooperation have been consolidated, contributing to maintaining security and stability in each country.

Economic collaboration has seen positive changes. In the first ten months of 2023, the bilateral trade turnover reached more than 1.3 billion USD. Many key projects have been put into operation.

The countries have fostered cooperation in education and training, and human resources development, and strengthened communications among the young generation about the great relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos.

The ministers shared the view that cooperation between the two ministries has been enhanced on the basis of their cooperation agreement for the 2021-25 period, and consented to maintain and promote periodic cooperation mechanisms such as the action programme strengthening economic diplomacy cooperation for 2020-25, and the cooperation programme on training Lao officials working in foreign affairs and international integration.

The two sides also agreed to closely coordinate and provide mutual support at multilateral forums, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Mekong sub-region cooperation mechanisms, and back ASEAN's common stance on strategic issues in the region, including the East Sea issue.

Son spoke highly of the preparations made by Laos for the ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 and emphasized that Vietnam is ready to support Laos to successfully take over the role.

Kommasith, who is on a visit to Vietnam from November 21-23, invited Son to visit Laos and co-chair the foreign ministerial-level consultation meeting in 2024.

Festival honours cultural heritage values of Vietnam

The fourth Vietnam Cultural Heritage Festival opened with a ceremony held at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi on November 22.

Nguyen Phuc Luu, Director of the UNESCO Centre for Culture and Sport Development under the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, said the festival aims to honour cultural heritage values of Vietnam to step up the sustainable preservation and promotion of those values. It is also an occasion to popularise the UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage elements of Vietnam as well as others to the public, including foreigners in Hanoi.

The two-day festival, held in response to the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), offers special experiences to visitors via special performances of traditional arts such as the singing genres of Then, Van, Bai Choi, Quan ho, Cheo, Vi Dam, Tru, and Xam. Folk games like tug of war and stick pushing, the demonstration of making “to he” (toy figurines), and a calligraphy exhibition also form part of the event.

The festival also aims to improve the community’s awareness and sense of responsibility towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values, boost cooperation in the sustainable development of heritage tourism among regions, and share experience in managing, preserving, and bringing into play cultural heritage values, Luu noted.

The event is organised by the UNESCO Centre for Culture and Sport Development and the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Centre Hanoi.

Vietnam, Philippines strengthen defence cooperation

Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang hosted a reception in Hanoi on November 22 for Philippine Undersecretary of National Defence Irineo Cruz Espino, who is in Vietnam for the fifth Vietnam-Philippine defence policy dialogue.

Giang affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to consolidating and strengthening its strategic partnership with the Philippines, and is determined to work with the country to bring the bilateral relationship to a new level, for peace, stability and prosperous development in the region and the world.

Emphasising the enhanced defence cooperation, the minister suggested the two sides work harder to make it more practical and effective, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership.

Giang used the occasion to invite leaders of the Philippine Department of National Defence (DND), armed forces and businesses to attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo next year.

For his part, Espino stressed that the DND will fully implement contents in the agreement inked by the two ministries as well as common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of the two countries, and expressed his hope to welcome the Vietnamese minister in the Philippines in the time ahead.

Earlier the same day, the Philippine officer and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien co-chaired the fifth defence policy dialogue in Hanoi, during which they reviewed cooperation outcomes since the previous meeting in 2019, exchanged views on issues of mutual concern at the strategic level, and agreed on defence cooperation orientations.

Both noted remarkable achievements in all-level delegation exchange, and maintaining consultation and dialogue mechanisms.

They spoke highly of ASEAN-led mechanisms, and pledged to make efforts to contribute to consolidating and enhancing the grouping’s solidarity and centrality in the regional security architecture.

The officers highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom, security, and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and the need to promote commitments and the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon conclude negotiations and sign a substantive, effective Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They concurred to foster the bilateral defence cooperation, making it more practical and effective, with a focus on delegation exchange; carry forward existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly consultation mechanisms and the defence policy dialogue; step up collaboration in training; pay more attention to cooperation in logistics; and enhance cooperation in such areas as military medicine, search and rescue operations, and defence industry.

The two sides will also maintain their consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms, especially those led by ASEAN.

Vietnam values China’s Aman Youyi joint exercise

Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Binh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, congratulated the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission on successfully organising the Aman Youyi (Peace and Friendship) 2023 joint exercise, while addressing the closing ceremony in Zhanjiang, on November 22.

Participating in the exercise is an opportunity for forces to exchange, learn, and strengthen mutual trust and understanding, thus creating a premise for further strengthening defence cooperation between countries, and contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security and prosperity of the region and the world, Binh said.

The joint exercise is also a chance for officers and sailors of the Vietnam People's Navy to improve their command organisation and capacity to master weapons and equipment when going to sea for a long period, and accumulate experience in organising and participating in bilateral and multilateral defence activities.

The Vietnam People's Army delegation participated in military exercises on land and at sea, with all set goals achieved.

Earlier, the head of the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to General Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department, China's Central Military Commission, and received Southern Theatre Commander General Wang Xiubin.

Liu affirmed that China always attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam, and spoke highly of the results of the defence cooperation between the two countries in recent times, in accordance with the common perception of the two countries' high-ranking leaders on continuing to promote and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He proposed the two sides continue to increase delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, promote the implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms, and seek and expand collaboration in new fields where both have capabilities and needs.

Vietnam supports Laos’ fulfillment of international responsibilities: President

Vietnam will wholeheartedly support Laos in successfully fulfilling its international responsibilities, including its 2024 ASEAN chairmanship, said President Vo Van Thuong at his November 22 reception for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, who is in Vietnam to co-chair the 10th Vietnam-Laos foreign ministerial-level consultation.

Thuong lauded the success and meaning of the consultation, which, he said, contributed substantially to enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the nations.

Saleumxay Kommasith took the occasion to express his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for consistent supporting and standing side by side with the Lao Party, State, and people.

Both host and guest were pleased with bilateral cooperation achievements obtained recently, particularly the sides’ close coordination as well as increased high-level exchanges and mechanisms for joint works.

They stressed that the Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation are unparalleled in the world and that both nations should continue to nurture and educate their younger generations to uphold the ties.

Thuong thanked Saleumxay Kommasith for coordinating with Lao functional agencies to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Laos.

Given the rapidly changing and complex global and regional situation, they concurred on a need for the two countries to enhance information exchange and work closely together at regional and international forums.

Vietnamese, Lao localities tighten cooperation

Dan Hoa commune in Quang Binh province’s Minh Hoa district on November 22 was twinned with Langkhang hamlet cluster in Boualapha district of Laos’s Khammouane province.

This move is hoped to contribute to strengthening special friendship and solidarity between people in border areas.

Accordingly, the two sides are responsible for disseminating and encouraging locals to participate in protecting the status quo of the borderline and border makers; and not committing acts that relocate, destroy or damage border markers, border identification signs and public works, change the borderline or the natural flow of border rivers and streams.

Each party must promptly inform the other when dangerous epidemics occur, and create conditions for and help in emergency care, medical examination and treatment, prevention, support each other in economic development.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Binh People’s Committee Ho An Phong requested authorities of Minh Hoa and Boualapha districts and the twinned localities to continue encouraging locals to strictly follow legal documents on border management and protection, and join hands in safeguarding border areas and makers, thus contributing to building a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Red cross societies of Vietnam, China ink cooperation deal

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) and the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for 2023 - 2028 in Hanoi on November 22.

Accordingly, the two sides will support each other via humanitarian assistance in case of disasters, cooperate in international humanitarian aid, and work together to improve communities’ resilience to climate change.

They will hold healthcare training and experience sharing programmes, organise mutual visits and workshops to share experience in disaster prevention and response, and increase opinion exchanges between the VNRC and RCSC chapters of border provinces.

In addition, the two sides will encourage provincial chapters to hold exchanges, set up twin relations, sign cooperation agreements, and step up sharing experience in youth and voluntary activities.

Addressing the signing ceremony, VNRC President Bui Thi Hoa said that over the past years, the VNRC and RCSC have carried a number of bilateral cooperation activities and obtained important results. These include holding all-level mutual visits to learn experience from and support each other in case of disasters, coordinating in healthcare activities and disaster response in border provinces, providing training to improve Red Cross worker capacity, and help with sustainable forest development.

The VNRC called for the RCSC’s support for the COVID-19 combat, she went on, noting that the Chinese side has also helped the VNRC implement the projects on improving communities’ resilience such as those on promoting communities’ response capacity, equipping them with first aid skills, improving water and hygienic conditions, and carrying out climate change response measures.

RCSC Vice President Ping Wang, who is in Vietnam to attend the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), expressed his hope that with the MoU signing, bilateral cooperation will develop more strongly in the time ahead.

Australia shares experience in innovation with Vietnam

Australian experts shared experience in innovation at a workshop held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in Hanoi on November 22.

Lucy Cameron, a senior expert of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), gave insight into the innovation-based economy, and stressed that Vietnam is making efforts in innovation to create changes in its economy that relies on tangible products.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy told the workshop that the Vietnamese Government, ministries and agencies, including the MoST, have constantly updated and adjusted policies to promote science-technology and innovation in industrial production.

In the field of innovation, the government has cooperated with a number of partners like the World Bank, Finland, and then Australia, he said. Cooperation with Australia has helped Vietnam adapt very quickly to the world's digital transformation, especially in wood processing, and build a policy system on science-technology and innovation that is up to date with world practice.

Nguyen Duc Hoang, deputy head of the MoST’s State Agency for Technology Innovation, noted that in a developing country like Vietnam, innovation should go with the application of research and development achievements, as well as existing technologies.

The participants looked into Aus4Innovation - a development assistance programme that aims to strengthen Vietnam’s innovation system, prepare for and embrace opportunities associated with the fourth Industrial Revolution, and help shape Vietnam’s innovation agenda in science and technology.

They shared the view on the need to roll out mechanisms and policies, and supplement solutions to complete the national innovation system, thus making science-technology and innovation an engine of national development.

Binh Thuan determined to crack down on illegal fishing vessels

The People’s Committee of the south-central province of Binh Thuan has asked localities and agencies to complete the list of unqualified fishing vessels that have not registered for operation or applied for fishing licence.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was asked to set up an inter-sectoral inspection team to examine shipbuilding establishments to detect violations relating to illegal shipbuilding or modifying.

Leaders of districts and communes where unregistered fishing vessels and illegal vessel trading are detected will have to take responsibility in order to stamp out the practice.

Other agencies like border guards, coastal guards and fishing ports’ authorities were also asked to strengthen inspections at sea and ports.

Fishermen and vessel owners were called on to strictly follow regulations on vessel registration and fishing licences.

For nearly six years, the province has been making efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, the province still faces difficulties and limitations in managing fishing vessels.

As of September 30 this year, about 24% of the total fishing vessels in the province have not yet been registered, causing difficulties for State agencies in supervising the vessels’ operations.

Vietnam, RoK enhance science, technology collaboration

The National Agency for Science and Technology Information (NASTI) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in coordination with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), organised an international scientific conference on November 22 dedicated to developing technology database and smart information services for innovation.

In his opening speech, Tran Dac Hien, the NASTI’s director, said that the conference is a continuation of the success of the 9th RoK-Vietnam Joint Meeting on Science and Technology in October, during which, the two sides agreed to promote cooperation in scientific and technological information, transferring the RoK's advanced information analysis systems to Vietnam.

According to Hien, the national database on science and technology is considered an important data infrastructure in this field. It is a platform to connect and integrate data of the science and technology industry, thus helping organisations, businesses, and people access information and data, contribute to the transparency of science and technology activities as well as support scientific research and innovation.

Building a unified, comprehensive and complete national database on science and technology requires a change in approach, data-building methods, and coordination of management, information agencies and research staff across the country, he said.

The event is an opportunity to introduce smart information analysis tools that support innovation activities to institutes, schools and businesses, helping to save time and costs through sharing experiences between the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technologies of the RoK and Vietnam in this field, he said.

It also promotes the development of consulting and information analysis services to support managers, researchers and businesses in assessing the current status and technology development trends in industries as well as support policy planning, research orientation and technology investment decisions, he continued.

According to Eun-sun Kim, Director of the Data Analysis Division under the KISTI, they have had many effective cooperation activities, including the V-Compas project.

Compas, an online tool running on big data platform (BigData) developed by the KISTI, can help businesses look up patent information, the science and technology market and identify competitors, she said, adding that this technology has been transferred to Vietnam.

The success of the V-Compas project will help push up the cooperation between the two Vietnamese agencies and expand cooperation options for Vietnam and the RoK in the future, she added.

At the conference, leading experts from the KISTI discussed building an integrated national science and technology database platform based on the latest artificial intelligence, big data and Supercomputer Centre and some lessons learned from the RoK regarding this content.

Health innovation network launched

The Vietnam Young Physicians Association (VYPA) and AstraZeneca Vietnam have recently launched the “Health Innovation Network” and kick-started the first programme under the network called "Digital Lung Health". 

With the approval of the Ministry of Health, the People's Committee of HCM City, and the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union, the Health Innovation Network has been jointly developed by the VYPA and AstraZeneca Vietnam. 

The network is a collective effort of individuals and healthcare organisations, contributing intellectual resources and expertise to effectively harness the advancements of the fourth industrial revolution in the areas of healthcare protection, care, and improvement of people's health. 

The programme is coordinated with the HCM City Society of Asthma - Allergy - Clinical Immunology (HSAACI).

"Lung cancer and other lung diseases have emerged as prominent global causes of mortality. Nevertheless, when identified in its early stages, the prospects for effective treatment are significantly improved. Consequently, this screening program assumes paramount importance as it is not only crucial but also indispensable,” stated Dr Hà Anh Đức, chairman of VYPA.

Alongside disease control, the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases are prioritised in Việt Nam's healthcare policies, where scientific research plays a crucial role in providing information and evidence for policy development and finding the most effective measures and interventions to address these diseases. 

On the launching day of the network, a significant number of individuals from various age groups residing in different districts of HCM City gathered for a complimentary medical screening and health consultation programme. 

The event also provided consultations on utilising telehealth applications. Over 150 doctors from reputable hospitals were present to offer their expertise and guidance to city residents. 

From December 2023, the programme will be expanded nationwide, targeting five major cities, including Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ and Thừa Thiên-Huế. 

Over 60 hospitals are expected to participate with a primary focus on screening for respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, for over 100,000 people.

Conference discusses protection of copyrights in film industry

The Copyright Office of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a conference in Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on November 22 to discuss the protection of copyrights in the film industry development process.

The event, held within the framework of the ongoing 23rd Vietnam Film Festival in Da Lat city, drew more than 100 delegates who are managers, film makers, directors and actors across the country.

Addressing the event, Vice Director of the Copyright Office of Vietnam Pham Kim Oanh said that violations of copyrights and cinematographic works have still occurred, especially on the internet, causing damage to film producers.

To deal with the problem, Oanh held that it is necessary to roll out synchronous measures, including completing the system of legal documents regarding copyright protection, stepping up communications to raise public awareness of copyright protection, increasing the application of information technology in managing and observing copyrights, and handling infringements in cyberspace.

Director and film producer Luong Dinh Dung held that punishments for violations of film copyrights on the cyber environment have yet to be strict enough. He also proposed greater attention to settling this issue.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet underlined that the development of the digital environment has been posing many challenges in the self-protection of the rights of subjects as well as authorised agencies’ enforcement of copyrights and related rights.

The conference aims to define difficulties and obstacles, and seek measures in protecting copyright, thus completing the legal corridor on copyright and related rights in the film industry, said Viet.

Statistics showed that Vietnam’s film industry thrived strongly in the 2018-2022 period, with a growth rate of 8.03% in production value each year and 7.94% in contributions to the economy annually.

Labour resources in the industry increased 8.05%, while the number of economic establishments operating in the industry rose 8.39%. Cinema revenue reached about 3.4 trillion VND (140.49 million USD) in 2018 and over 4.1 trillion VND in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, due to the impact of COVID-19, the figure decreased significantly to only 750 billion VND and 1.15 trillion VND, respectively. In 2022, the industry's revenue saw good recovery, reaching about 70% of the figure recorded in 2019.

Vietnamese, Lao provinces tighten special solidarity

Delegations from Vietnam's central province of Quang Binh and Khammouan province of Laos presented gifts, and handed over civil works to the authority and people of Lang Khang village cluster in the Lao locality at a ceremony on November 22.

This is one of a series of activities of twinning residential clusters in the two border localities, contributing to promoting close relations between Vietnam and Laos in general and between Quang Binh and Khammouan province in particular.

 A lighting facility and a welcome gate, which were constructed with funding donated by the border guard force of Quang Binh and donors, and working days of people from the two localities with a total value of about 250 million VND (over 10,000 USD), were inaugurated and handed over to the Lao village cluster’s authority.

The Border Guard Command, the Departments of Health, Information and Communications, Agriculture and Rural Development, Public Security and Customs, the oriental medicine association of Quang Binh province presented gifts to disadvantaged families and students; production tools and seedlings to local farmers; and medicine cabinets and medical equipment to the village’s health station. Local residents were also provided with free check-ups and medicines. The total value of donations is over 700 million VND (nearly 29,000 USD).

Businesses and philanthropists also took this occasion to consider the possibility of investing in agriculture models and projects in the locality, in a bid to help local people promote economic development and improve their living standards.

Colonel Trinh Thanh Binh, Commander of the Border Guard Command of Quang Binh, underlined the significance of the activity, saying that these works are symbols of solidarity and close coordination between party committees, authorities, sectors, local organisations, and border protection forces of Quang Binh and Khammouan provinces.

These contributed to further tightening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in general, and the border protection forces and the people of the two localities in particular, he stressed.

Vietnam, Thailand journalists’ associations strengthen cooperation

A delegation of the Vietnam Journalists' Association (VJA), led by its Standing Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Loi, have been paying a working visit to Thailand from November 21-25 to strengthen cooperation with the Thai counterpart organisation. 

On November 21, the VJA delegation met with a delegation of the Thailand Journalists Association led by its president Mongkol Bangprapa. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed their cooperation activities in the past time and proposed a number of activities to strengthen their cooperation in the coming time.

The two sides agreed to increase the exchange of information about the situation of the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, culture and society.

The two associations will encourage their member agencies to strengthen cooperation and mutual support, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations' people.

Also at the meeting, the two sides discussed adjustments to their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2016 to make it better match the current situation. They planned to sign the revised MoU in 2024 on the occasion of a planned visit to Vietnam by a delegation from the Thai Journalists Association and the National Press Council of Thailand.

The VJA vice chairman invited the Thai association to share experiences on digital transformation in press agencies at the ASEAN International Press Conference that the VJA will host in Hanoi from December 6-9.

Within the framework of their visit to Thailand, the VJA delegation also visited the Thai multimedia group ThaiPBS and some vocational training establishments in the country.

NA sitting: Citizens’ complaints, denunciations promptly handled

The National Assembly (NA) discussed at the hall the results of receiving citizens, and handling their complaints and denunciations in 2023 as part of its ongoing sixth plenary session on November 22 morning.

In a report on the results, head of the NA Standing Committee's Ombudsman Commission Duong Thanh Binh said that since the beginning of this year, the number of citizens visiting NA's agencies and Delegations of NA deputies to make complaints and denunciations increased by 1,615 from 2022. There were also 102 more cases involving large number of complainants. He added that the number of written complaints sent to the NA rose by 1,384.
 
The complaints and denunciations mainly related to land and construction management, compensation in land clearance, apartment management, and violations of environmental regulations.

Binh said that the work of receiving citizens, handling complaints and supervising the settlement of citizens' complaints and denunciations has been carried out by NA agencies and delegations more and more effectively.  

Many pressing and urgent issues in society, and difficulties and obstacles in implementing policies and laws in practice have been promptly reported to competent agencies for consideration and settlement. Many complicated cases which involve a large number of people have been handled by competent agencies, thus helping strengthen people's trust in the Party and State and demonstrating the roles and responsibilities of NA agencies and delegations.

He noted the improvements made in the work, adding that many outstanding problems that have existed for many years remained unsolved. Therefore, the NA Committee on Legal Affairs requested that the Government further clarify the settlement of those problems and identify the agencies and localities with poor performance in the work as well as specific measures to create breakthrough changes in those places.

Vietnam, Brazil further boost bilateral cooperation

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi on November 21 had a working session with Vice Minister of Science and Technology for Social Development of Brazil and President of the Brazil – Vietnam Friendship Association (BVFA) Inácio Arruda, and General Secretary of the BVFA Pedro de Oliveira, discussing measures to promote cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed the potential for bilateral cooperation in politics-diplomacy, economy-commerce, culture, education, and science-technology via Party, government and people-to-people diplomacy channels.

Both sides emphasised that the results achieved during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's recent official visit to Brazil are an important premise to consolidate the two countries’ existing cooperation and open up new cooperation opportunities.

As President of the BVFA Arruda said that the association will continue coordinating closely with the Vietnamese Embassy and serving as a bridge to connect the ambassador with Brazilian enterprises, and industry and export associations to further boost the bilateral cooperation.

Arruda said he is looking forward to the upcoming visit to Vietnam by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, saying that it will offer a great opportunity for Brazilian enterprises to learn about investment and cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

Vietnam is now the biggest trading partner of Brazil in Southeast Asia while Brazil is Vietnam’s biggest trading partner in South America, with two-way trade turnover reaching a record of 6.78 billion USD in 2022, 6.6% higher than the figure in 2021 and tripling over the past decade.

Vietnam mainly imports soybeans, corn, cotton, sugar, beef, leather, construction machinery spare parts, and narrow-body aircraft from Brazil, while exports to computers, smartphones and components, garment products, footwear, ceramic products, agricultural products, handicrafts and wooden furniture to the Latin American country.

Conference spotlights achievements in Vietnam-Cambodia border affairs

Important achievements that Vietnam and Cambodia have gained together in land border-related affairs were highlighted at a conference held in Phu Quoc city in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on November 22.

Opening the event, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education Le Hai Binh said that the conference offered a chance to encourage authorities and people along the Vietnam-Cambodia shared border to work harder to complete the tasks of protecting the national security and social safety and order.

Binh asked ministries, sectors and localities to enhance their awareness of protecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the new situation, while detecting and fighting viewpoints, information and acts that take advantage of territorial and ethnic border issues to sabotage the great national unity bloc and the sound traditional friendship between the two nations.

He also stressed the need for stepping up communications, especially in Khmer language and languages of ethnic minority groups living along the Vietnam-Cambodia border to call for consensus in preserving, reinforcing and developing the bilateral friendship.

Participants at the conference discussed major issues in the border management work in Kien Giang as well as the current situation of the Vietnam-Cambodia land border. 

Vietnam and Cambodia share a 1,258-km borderline crossing 10 border provinces of Vietnam and nine provinces of Cambodia.

To date, the two countries have completed the border demarcation of about 1,045 km, built 2,048 border markers at 1,553 locations on the ground, including 315 primary border markers at 264 locations, 1,511 auxiliary markers at 1,068 locations and 221 marker posts.

Vietnam and Cambodia have signed the “Supplementary Treaty to the 1985 Treaty on the Delimitation of National Boundaries and the 2005 Supplementary Treaty”, also known as the 2019 Supplementary Treaty, and the protocol on land border demarcation and marker planting. They have organised the exchange and receipt of border topographic maps.

Currently, the two countries still have about 213 km of border for which demarcation and marker planting have yet to be completed. They are working together on this work.

On the occasion, the organising committee presented seven gift packages to needy border guard officers and soldiers based on Phu Quoc island.

15,000 Vietnamese fans flock to watch Westlife on tour

A total of 15,000 Westlife fans packed out Thong Nhat Stadium in District 10 on November 21 as they chanted the names of the Irish boy band and sang along with their idols at a concert held as part of The Wild Dreams Tour.

During their performance the four-man band played their sweetest love songs, many of which were popular with Vietnamese audiences in the 1990s and 2000s, such as Seasons In The Sun, Mandy, Fool Again, Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You, Starlight, Uptown Girl, and When You're Looking Like That.
  
They also thrilled local audiences with covers of ABBA’s hits, including Mamma Mia, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Money Money Money, Take a Chance on Me, I Have a Dream, Dancing Queen, Waterloo, and Thank You for the Music.

Vietnamese fans expressed their love for Westlife with chants, light sticks, and flashlights from their mobile phones.

Westlife traveled to the nation for the first time to perform at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi back in 2011 as part of their Westlife Gravity Tour.

Originally formed in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland in 1998, the band consists of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne. Brian McFadden, who had been the fifth member of the band, left in 2004.

After a 14-year career the band disbanded in 2012 before then reuniting in 2018.

The band has sold 55 million records worldwide and holds four Guinness World Records. Westlife have also received numerous accolades, including one World Music Award, two Brit Awards, four MTV Awards, and four Record of the Year Awards.

Brazil, Vietnam discuss ways to propel bilateral ties forward

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi on November 21 had a working session with Inácio Arruda, Deputy Minister of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Chairman of the Brazil - Vietnam Friendship Association and Pedro da Oliveira, General Secretary of the Brazil - Vietnam Friendship Association (ABRAVIET) to discuss measures to further promote bilateral friendly cooperation.

The meeting saw Ambassador Nghi and Deputy Minister Arruda exchange views on potential for bilateral collaboration in the fields of politics-diplomacy, economics-trade, culture, education, and science-technology through Party, Government, and citizen diplomacy channels.
  
Both sides stressed that the results achieved during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Brazil are an important premise in which to consolidate existing areas of co-operation and open up many fresh collaboration opportunities.

​Host and guest also agreed to continue to step up bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest aimed at further enhancing joint trade exchanges.

Along with promoting export products which have the strengths of both countries, the development of joint venture models in the two countries also needs to be researched and implemented with the ultimate aim of increasing coverage and market penetration at a national level, as well as a regional level of both Southeast Asia and Latin America, especially the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

The two sides also agreed on the need to move towards a direct import-export process, thereby avoiding going through third countries.

As chairman of the ABRAVIET, da Oliveria pledged to continue to work closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in Brasilia with a view to further ramping up bilateral ties.

The association stands ready to become a member of the Vietnamese Embassy in Brasilia, serving as a bridge to help the Ambassador establish relationships with leaders of potential businesses, as well as major Brazilian industrial and import-export associations in localities This will further contribute to bringing relations between the two nations closer.

Deputy Minister Arruda expressed his anticipation at the official visit to Vietnam by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following an invitation made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, emphazising that this is a great opportunity for Brazilian business delegations to explore further co-operation opportunities with Vietnam.

​Both sides are currently each other's largest trading partners in Southeast Asia and South America, with last year’s trade turnover reaching a record level of US$6.78 billion, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2021, with this figure having tripled over the past decade.

Vietnam primarily imports products such as soybeans, corn, cotton, sugar, beef, leather, construction machinery parts, narrow-body aircraft, while exporting computers, smartphones and components, apparel products, leather shoes, ceramic products of all kinds, agricultural products, handicrafts and wooden furniture from the Brazilian market.

CGIAR Science Day showcases initiatives to improve food security in Việt Nam

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) on Tuesday (November 21) co-organised the inaugural CGIAR Science Day in Việt Nam with the theme of Advancing Science for Food Security through Collaborative Initiatives.

The event was a venue for Vietnamese and CGIAR scientists, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to promote science for agri-food systems through collaborative research.

The inaugural CGIAR Science Day in Việt Nam, part of the commitment of MARD and CGIAR to collaborate and advance science for food security agenda, aimed to be a catalyst for significant advancements in agricultural research and promoting sustainable practices to ensure food security for Vietnam and beyond.

The event provided a platform for in-depth discussions and presentations on the latest research findings and innovations from the CGIAR Initiatives in Việt Nam.

Key highlights of the CGIAR Science Day were the presentations from the CGIAR Initiatives focusing on four impact areas: climate adaptation and mitigation; environmental health and biodiversity; nutrition, health and food security; and poverty reduction, livelihoods and jobs.

Some of the Initiatives presented studies aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and addressing pressing challenges in Việt Nam’s diverse landscapes.

Focusing on the Northwest Highlands and the Mekong River Delta (MRD), scientists from CGIAR Initiatives such as Sustainable Animal Productivity (SAPLING), Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHiFT), Nature-Positive Solutions (Nature+) and Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) shared their research on environmental trade-offs of livestock intensification, food environment policy landscape, agrobiodiversity assessment, and climate adaptation in rice-shrimp systems, respectively.

With research locations from Sơn La and Lào Cai provinces to Cần Thơ city, these studies are crucial in shaping resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Việt Nam.

Cutting-edge technologies and innovative platforms were also showcased by CGIAR Initiatives to improve farming in Việt Nam.

Significant developments included a monitoring system for rice emissions in the MRD. This collaborative effort, which is under the CGIAR Initiative on Low Emission Food Systems (Mitigate+), aims to standardise and record rice production activities to reduce emissions.

Dr. Robert Caudwell, the CGIAR country convener in Việt Nam, said the event served as an opportunity for national and CGIAR scientists, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to convene, exchange knowledge, and explore the cutting-edge research findings and innovations from the nine CGIAR Initiatives in Việt Nam.

He said that CGIAR experts presented ground-breaking scientific research and the latest innovations developed under their respective Initiatives, showcasing methodologies and results that can inform and impact decision-making in the country.

Another advancement under the CGIAR Initiative in Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) was precision direct seeding, which promises more accurate planting and higher yields in the MRD.

Additionally, the introduction of PathoTracer, under the CGIAR Initiative on Plant Health, was a vital step in reducing rice diseases and enhancing food security in the region.

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources. 

Top contenders compete at national film festival

Sixteen motion pictures are competing for Golden Lotus Awards at the 23rd Việt Nam National Film Festival taking place in Đà Lạt City, the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng.

The movies are made by both State-owned and private studios, and include international-award winners and the current highest-grossing movies. 

Tro Tàn Rực Rỡ (Glorious Ashes) by established director Bùi Thạc Chuyên won the top award at the Festival des 3 Continents 2022 in Nantes, France. Based on a novel by popular writer Nguyễn Ngọc Tư, the film unveils relationships between three women and their partners in a southern seaside village.

Prior to Glorious Ashes, Chuyên had created many successful films with rave reviews such as Sống Trong Sợ Hãi (Living in Fear), Chơi Vơi (Adrift) and Lời Nguyền Huyết Ngải (Blood Curse).

His documentary about ordinary people during the COVID-19 pandemic, entitled Không Sợ Hãi (No Fear), won the Silver Kite Award in the Documentary Category of Việt Nam's Golden Kite Awards 2021.

Đất Rừng Phương Nam (Song of the South) directed by Quang Dũng is a strong contender for the award at the festival. 

The movie script was adapted from a classic Vietnamese novel with same name written in 1957 by Đoàn Giỏi. Set in post-1945 southern Việt Nam, Đất Rừng Phương Nam tells the story of little boy An's arduous and interesting journey to find his father. An meets people with the Southern characteristics of generosity, simplicity and chivalry in his journey. 

Đất Rừng Phương Nam is one the best descriptions of pristine nature and people in the south of Việt Nam in the mid-20th century. Some extracts of the novel are now part of high school curriculums.

In 1997, it was made into an 11-episode TV series titled Đất Phương Nam (Southern Land). Despite financial limitations at the time of filming, the series is still iconic and ages well. 

The movie Đất Rừng Phương Nam was made over six years with a crew of popular artists such as Trấn Thành, Hứa Vĩ Văn and musician Đức Trí.

It was shot in the southern provinces of An Giang, Sóc Trăng, Đồng Tháp and Cần Thơ, featuring beautiful natural landscapes of the southwestern region, such as a stork garden, floating market, mangroves and large orchards. 

The soundtrack is very good including dramatic music. Song of The South at the end of the movie is orchestrated by musician Trí.

The song is performed by a hundred-member choir bringing strong and heroic emotions. The gentle and poignant melody at the end creates a space for the audience to think about the message, depth and beauty of the movie. 

Đất Rừng Phương Nam was co-produced with nearly VNĐ100 billion (over US$4 million) by HK Film. It has earned nearly 140 billion, according to boxofficevietnam.com. The movie is being shown in the whole nation with English subtitles. 

Hồng Hà Nữ Sĩ (Hồng Hà Lady of Letters), Người Vợ Cuối Cùng (The Last Wife) and Đào, Phở và Piano (Peach Blossoms, Phở and Piano) are history-themed movies. 

Hồng Hà Nữ Sĩ tells the story of female poet Đoàn Thị Điểm at the 18th century. She is best known for version of Đặng Trần Côn's poem Chinh Phụ Ngâm (Lament of A Soldier's Wife) from Han-Chinese characters into Nôm (Vietnamese ideographic).

The movie crew are veterans, including script writer Hồng Ngát, director Nguyễn Đức Việt, and artists Lê Khanh and Trung Anh. 

Hồng Hà Nữ Sĩ and Đào, Phở và Piano are rare movies produced with State-budget funding and competing for the award at the national film festival. 

Đào, Phở và Piano by director Phi Tiến Sơn is about a young couple during the 60-day-and-night campaign in late 1946, when Hà Nội residents were responding to President Hồ Chí Minh's appeal for a national resistance war against the French reconquest.

Blockbuster Vietnamese-American director Victor Vũ makes The Last Wife featuring Vietnamese women under the last feudal dynasty in the 19th century. It was shot in the northern mountainous province of Bắc Kan including Ba Bể Lake. The lake is one of the world’s 20 largest freshwater lakes. 

The movie's leading actress Kaity Nguyễn won the Best Actress award at the 20th National Film Festival. 

Other movies including Nhà Bà Nữ, Em và Trịnh, Hoa Nhài, 9, Con Nhót Mót Chồng, Cô Gái Từ Quá Khứ, Fanti, Kẻ ẩn danh, Mẹ ơi, Bướm đây and Mười: Lời nguyền trở lại will compete for the Golden Lotus awards for best movie, best director, best actor, best actress and supporting actor and actress.

The nine-member panel is chaired by People's Artist director Đào Bá Sơn. The winners will be announced on November 25. 

Techcombank HCM City Marathon is back with record number of participants

The sixth Techcombank HCM City International Marathon, expected to be the largest running event held in Việt Nam, will take place on December 10 in HCM City.

More than 15,000 athletes have registered to take part in the event, breaking the record set by the previous edition.

The newly-designed courses will take runners on a journey spanning five districts and Thủ Đức City, passing 17 iconic landmarks along the way, under the theme ‘Run for a Greater Việt Nam’.

This year the race will also serve as a platform for the ‘Green on Every Journey’ initiative, aiming to minimise plastic waste along the race route and connect communities to protect the environment together.

Athletes will get to explore the modern and dynamic city, with its unique charms providing a memorable shared experience on different distances of full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km, and the Kids Run.

Over 70 corporations and running clubs have signed up, reflecting the growing participation amongst businesses and communities of interest.

Among the participants are many famed runners such as Nga Võ, former champion of the Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon's women’s age group 40-49, and Chi Nguyễn, six-time World Marathon Majors finisher.

The Techcombank HCM City International Marathon has also attracted a large number of international athletes. Notable participants this year include Kenyan Shadrack Kipkemboi Kebenei who has the personal best of 2:08.45 and Kenyan Koros Johnstone Chesire, who won the second Techcombank Hà Nội Marathon in September.

With athletes representing 47 different countries, the marathon provides an opportunity to showcase HCM City to the world, and features in the official City Tourism Week. 

Taxi driver suspended following row with tourist over littering

A Vinasun taxi driver has an argument with a foreign tourist in HCM City on November 20.

Speaking with Dantri/Dtinews on Tuesday, the director of Vinasun, Ta Long Hy, confirmed that they had suspended the driver for a month.

The move came after a video clip posted on social media on November 21 showed a foreign tourist asking a taxi driver to pick up a plastic bag containing a box and a bottle that the driver had dumped on a street in HCM City after finishing his meal.

The driver, told the tourist in Vietnamese "It's none of your business." He then left in his vehicle, leaving the rubbish on the street. The incident was recorded by a local who then posted the clip on social media.

Commenting on the incident, the taxi company director stressed that the driver was wrong to react that way.

"He should have picked the litter up and said sorry and thanked the tourist for reminding him," Hy said. "We summoned the driver for a conversation and suspended him from work for a month. We've also shared the story with all our staff as a lesson."

Hy said that they also wanted to apologise to the tourist about the incident.

New home for four trafficked wallabies in Lao Cai

Four wallabies trafficked into Vietnam have adapted to their new home at Hoang Lien Rescue and Conservation Centre in Lao Cai Province.

The animals were spotted hopping along a roadside in Cao Bang Province earlier this month and were then caught by local authorities and sent to the Hoang Lien Rescue and Conservation Centre in Lao Cai Province.

Speaking to Dantri on November 21, the director of Hoang Lien Rescue and Conservation Centre, La Van Toi, said that the four wallabies, three males and one female, have adapted well to their new home."They're living in a 150-square-metre semi-wild area," he said. "We'll provide them a cage with a heater in the cold winter weather."

Toi said that the animals have three meals a day, consisting of 70 percent hay, and 30 percent fresh vegetables and fruits.

Experts said that the four wallabies, which weigh between eight and nine kilos, might have been brought from Australia by traffickers who were transporting them to China.

Man kills three in HCM City fire

Police in HCM City have arrested a man for killing three people in a District 8 fire.

Nguyen Van Nhu, 28, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon while trying to flee after setting fire to a house in Luu Huu Phuoc Street, Ward 15.

Police reports said that Nhu, in the uniform of an app-based motorbike taxi driver, drove a bike carrying 20 litres of suspected petrol to the house at Lane 260, Luu Huu Phuoc Street at 4.30 pm on November 21.

He made a phone call, and then a person opened the door. He came in and stabbed a 32-year-old woman to death. Then he spilt petrol on the floor, set the house on fire, and ran away.

Nhu is seen driving a motorbike carrying petrol at Lane 260 from a security camera on November 21.

Some neighbours saw smoke coming from the house and rushed in to help extinguish the fire while others called the police who came to control the fire after 30 minutes.

Police then found the woman, her three-year-old daughter and two-year-old niece dead inside the house.

Nhu was arrested about 30 minutes later by some local people and police officers while fleeing on a motorbike some five kilometres from the scene.

At the police station, Nhu said that he wanted to kill the woman following a lover’s quarrel. 

Government issues 5 missions for biotechnology development

The Government has just released its action plan for Resolution 36-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on January 30, 2023 about developing and applying biotechnology for national sustainable growth in the new situation.

Accordingly, the Government asks that related ministers, leaders of ministerial-level agencies, managers of state agencies, and chairmen of the People’s Committees of all provinces and municipalities focus on implementing the following five missions and solutions:

1. Have unified awareness about the development and application of biotechnology in the new situation. The growth of biotechnology must become a mission or a prioritized point in the plan and program for socio-economic development of each ministry, state agency, and locality.

2. Build and improve laws, mechanisms, policies for the development and application of biotechnology. There must be a favorable environment to attract businesses, organizations, and individuals to conduct research and then commercialize those research results while maintaining biosecurity. This will be a foundation for breakthroughs in socio-economic growth and national defense as well as social security.

3. Focus on the effective implementation of biotechnology in manufacturing activities and daily operations. Biotechnology should become an important techno-economic sector for the sake of national protection and development.

4. Train sufficient human resources for biotechnology. There must be increasing investments in training facilities to satisfy the demands of biotechnology research, development, and application. A project to establish high-quality human resources in this field must be prepared to serve the development of high technologies.

5. Create an international cooperation project on biotechnology development and application, including policies for technology buying and selling, technology transfer and exchange, plus practical models for bio-economic growth.

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