The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) on October 2 issued an official dispatch asking ministries, sectors and localities to implement measures to preserve wild and migratory birds in Vietnam.

The move is part of efforts to implement the Prime Minister’s Directive 4/CT-TTg, dated May 17, 2022, on a number of urgent tasks and solutions to protect wild and migratory birds in Vietnam, especially in the annual migratory bird season from September to April, and respond to the International Migratory Bird Day (October 14).

Accordingly, the MoNRE requested media agencies to increase communications on the PM’s directive and legal documents regarding the preservation of wild and migratory birds.

Ministries, sectors and centrally-run cities and provinces were urged to ensure that their officials and staff do not engage in activities of hunting, trapping, trading, transporting, consuming or keeping wild and migratory birds.

Law enforcement agencies in the fields of forest protection, customs, market management, and police were asked to strengthen intersectoral coordination and regular inspections of restaurants, business establishments, and wild bird markets, as well as key areas and hot spots for hunting, catching, trading, transporting and consuming wild and migratory birds.

The agencies should strictly handle illegal acts of hunting, shooting, trapping, catching, slaughtering, transporting, trading, processing, and storing wild and migratory birds, while rolling out measures to prevent diseases originating from wild and migratory birds, said the dispatch.

The MoNRE also asked the agencies to submit a report to the ministry on the work by October 30, enabling it to report to the PM.

Vietnam is considered one of the most important locations for migratory and endemic birds, with 63 globally important bird regions and seven endemic areas.

According to Directive 4/CT-TTg, the country is home to over 900 bird species, of which 99 need to be conserved, ten are categorised as critically endangered, 17 as endangered, 24 as near- endangered, and 48 as near-threatened species.

The habitats of wild and migratory birds have contributed to biodiversity conservation, tourism development, and the image of Vietnam.

Despite conservation efforts, migratory bird populations have been seriously declining in Vietnam and other Asian countries over the past years, experts noted, blaming the situation to rapid development across Asia and illegal hunting and trading.

Under the directive, the MoNRE was tasked to submit regulations on the preservation of wild and migratory wild birds in Vietnam.

Guidelines on the management and protection of wild animals and migratory birds, including the protection of habitats, trans-boundary migration routes, and their stopover sites, will be put in place.

The MoNRE was assigned to work with other relevant countries and territories to protect wild animals and migratory species, and set up a system to monitor important flight paths of migratory birds.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was assigned to work with forest rangers and local authorities to patrol, control, prevent and punish illegal hunting and capture of migratory birds.

It was urged to coordinate with relevant agencies to complete legal provisions on sanctions for illegal actions.

The Ministry of Public Security was asked to direct environmental police to strengthen measures to handle violations of legal regulations in this respect.

Foreign Minister welcomes visiting UK Secretary of State for Scotland

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 3 for UK Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack.

At the meeting, Son proposed the two countries continue stepping up delegation exchanges, effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, maintaining close cooperation at multilateral forums, and encouraging UK enterprises, including those from Scotland, to invest in finance, science-technology, innovation, green transformation and energy transition in Vietnam.

He congratulated the UK on officially joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and appreciated its role in promoting the building of the Just Energy Transition Partnership framework between Vietnam and international partners. He suggested the UK continue to support Vietnam in building institutions and policies; boost human resources training and technology transfer in the process of green transformation and sustainable development; and strengthen collaboration in education and training, including joint training cooperation with Scottish universities.

Agreeing with the Vietnamese minister’s proposals, Alister Jack affirmed that the UK will maintain support for Vietnam to respond to climate change and develop renewable energy and green finance.

Vietnam is an important partner of the UK in the region and the two countries have high political trust, he added.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two ministers agreed that ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the sea plays an important role for peace and prosperous development of the region and the world; and that all disputes need to be solved peacefully through dialogues, and on the basis of compliance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Vietnam highlights need for int’l cooperation in ensuring gender equality

It is necessary to promote international cooperation to support countries in implementing international commitments to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in all areas of social life, contributing to preventing violence and discrimination, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) has stated.

Thoa made the remark at a meeting of the UN Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues of the 78th-tenure UN General Assembly on October 3.

The diplomat held that women in many parts of the world are facing problems such as health, loss or reduction of income, lagging behind in access to knowledge, employment opportunities and integration, and becoming victims of gender-based violence. Meanwhile, digital transformation and global economic trends, on the one hand, are both solutions and, on the other hand, pose the risk of exacerbating women's vulnerabilities, she stressed.

The Vietnamese representative underlined that in the context of digital transformation, it is crucial to focus on improving digital skills of female workers and promoting the role of women in developing the digital economy. In addition, it is necessary to create favourable conditions for women and girls to develop their careers in science and technology, and protect women's rights in the digital environment.

On the occasion, Thoa highlighted achievements that Vietnam has gained in ensuring the rights of women and gender equality in the process of policy making, law building and development strategy designing.

Notably, Vietnam has a high ratio of women among National Assembly deputies and leaders, he said, adding that the country has shown strong performance in ensuring employment for women as well as gender equality in the digital era.

Vietnam will continue to cooperate with the international community in promoting gender equality and progress of women, the diplomat affirmed.

At the meeting, the majority of countries said that signs of regression have been seen in the promotion of the role and participation of women in all fields of social life. Women are still largely affected by today's intertwined and multi-dimensional crises, they noted.

Hanoi eyes to form network of cultural and creative hubs

Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), on October 2 organised a workshop entitled “Consultation on Hanoi’s Cultural and Creative Hubs Network”.

The workshop aimed to implement Hanoi’s initiatives and commitments when joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as the City of Design, as well as contributing to the establishment of the Hanoi Network of Cultural and Creative Hubs.

Jonghyu Nam, Acting Chief Representative of UN-HABITAT in Vietnam, called on parties and agencies to discuss and start classifying and evaluating creative hubs in Hanoi, aiming to create a sustainable creative network.

He said those initiatives aim to nurture creativity and realise a sustainable urban area that will contribute to making Hanoi a creative city that thrives, innovates, honours cultural diversity and serves as lessons for other cities around the world in achieving a sustainable urban area.

Participants at the event discussed a proposed set of criteria for assessing the performance of Hanoi’s cultural and creative spaces.

Units, organisations and the private sector were urged to join in forming Hanoi’s Network of Cultural and Creative Hubs and connect the city’s network with the network of creative cities across the world.

Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong asked relevant parties to support the city in completing the set of criteria.

He said the department developed a set of criteria with a desire to preserve and develop creative spaces so that the capital's residents and tourists can enjoy cultural values.

The department always accompanies creators, he said.

In 2019, Hanoi officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the “Design” category. A total of 295 cities from 90 countries in the network have been working together towards a common mission, strengthening international cooperation, placing creativity in the creative economy and core in urban development. This is an important tool and commitment to help realise the goal of developing Hanoi's cultural industry.

Collegiate Indoor Games held for students to sharpen skills

The Collegiate Indoor Games (CIG) will take place for the first time this month, creating a playing ground for students in Hà Nội.

As many as 28 teams from the city-based universities, academies and colleges will compete in the inaugurated Games which includes basketball and futsal tournaments.

The activities will begin on October 15 and wrap up on October 22 at the Home of Amigos Gymnasium for basketball and the Cầu Giấy District Gymnasium for futsal.

In both events, teams are divided into four groups, two of four and two of three. They will compete for two top places of each group to qualify for the knockout stages.

According to organisers, the Games will be held annually to push the development of college sports. It hopes to discover talented players for Hà Nội's U23 basketball squad and the U23 futsal side of Thái Sơn Bắc FC.

It is also expected that the CIG 2023 will inspire other cities and provinces to hold competitions for their local students.

The tournament is jointly organised by the MyTV Company, Amita Sport Communication Group Company and B Plus Company.

It is under the technical support of the Hà Nội Basketball Federation and Hà Nội Football Federation.

All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive on MyTV channels.

More teams to take part in national women’s football championship

The National Women's Football Championship -- Thái Sơn Bắc Cup -- promises to be more competitive this season more teams taking part.

The organisers on October 2 announced that eight teams would compete for the trophy and a purse of VNĐ300 million for the winner.

Sơn La team are back in action after two years of absence because of financial issues and not enough players after many decided to quit.

Teams will play in the two-leg round-robin format in Hà Nội and Hưng Yên Province from November 16 to December 28.

The first round matches will see a so-call 'early final' between two strongest sides, defending champions HCM City and runners-up Hà Nội 1.

Other match ups are Thái Nguyên T&T and Việt Nam Coal-Minerals; Sơn La and Phong Phú Hà Nam; and HCM City II and Hà Nội II.

The second-placed team will receive VNĐ 200 million and the third-placed one will take home VNĐ100 million. 

Other awards include most valuable player, top scorer and best goalkeeper who will bag VNĐ10 million each.

Also at the draw for the tournament, the organisers signed a sponsorship deal with the Thái Sơn Bắc Electric Equipment Trading Company.

"2023 is a special year for Việt Nam's women's football as our national team made history participating the World Cup for the first time," said Trần Anh Minh, Thái Sơn Bắc Company general director.

"Our girls' determination and bravery strongly impressed international friends in New Zealand. As the main sponsor of the national championship for many years, we are happy and proud as we have partly contributed to the successful achievement."

Việt Nam Football Federation General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi added: "It is the 12th year in a row that Thái Sơn Bắc Company has accompanied with the national championship. We appreciate and thank our sponsors and partners.

"VFF hope that not only the women's tournaments but also other competitions will receive more support from the community and fans to develop stronger in the future." 

AFF President hopes Việt Nam qualify for World Cup

President of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Khiev Sameth hailed the success of the federation's annual congress and expected Việt Nam to secure a place at the World Cup 2026.

The congress held on the weekend in HCM City, was attended by senior leaders in the AFF, representatives of the world football federation FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), leaders of international football organisations, including federation presidents of Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

The congress believed that with the leadership of the AFF Council and President Sameth, and the joint contributions of member federations, Southeast Asian football would continue to make great strides.

Sameth said the congress was an opportunity for members to propose appropriate policies to promote regional football to develop more strongly in the future.

The congress elected Mariano Araneta Jr, president of the Philippine Football Federation, Vice President of AFF, an additional position for the organisation. Araneta Jr and three current vice presidents have completed the senior leadership of AFF in the term of 2023-27, aiming for the great goals of regional football in the coming time.

Trần Quốc Tuấn, president of the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF), received high trust from the delegates to be representative of the AFF to join the AFC Executive Committee for the term 2023-27.

It was his fourth consecutive time participating in the AFC Standing Committee. Tuấn is currently a member of the AFF Council and Head of AFF Competition Committee.

Tuấn has received high praise from the AFC through his comments and suggestions and breakthrough solutions for the development of Asian football.

In addition, as Head of the AFC Competition Committee, Tuấn has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of major Asian tournaments including the Asian Cup. Currently, he is head of the AFC delegation managing men's and women's football at 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

"Southeast Asian football has made strong development steps, contributing to elevating regional football on the international football map," said Tuấn.

"The VFF is very pleased with the overall progress of Southeast Asian football, including the positive contribution of Vietnamese football. As the host of the congress and an active member of the AFF, the VFF believes that with the intelligence and enthusiasm of all members, the AFF will reach new heights in developments, meeting the expectations of fans in the common home of regional football."

Sameth added: "The AFF and I personally appreciate the role and positive dynamism of the VFF in the overall development of Southeast Asian football.

"The VFF has experienced as well as demonstrated professionalism when successfully hosting many important events of Southeast Asian and Asian football.

"I was very impressed with the organisation's activities and highly appreciated this preparation. The VFF did a good job from logistics to organising the main event. I am very pleased with what the VFF has done."

The President said the AFF respected and appreciated VFF's role in the overall development of regional football. The VFF contributed a lot to the positive changes and higher results of ASEAN, pushing our football to the world.

Sameth was impressed with Việt Nam's achievement, especially the women's football which competed for the first time at the 2023 World Cup, in recent years.

He said it showed the VFF's right strategy and direction in football management, administration and development.

"I know that the Việt Nam is heading toward the World Cup 2026. Personally, I look forward to the squad participating in the event and I believe that you will accomplish the goal," he said.

"AFF is very happy to witness the progress of Việt Nam football through each stage. We believe that Vietnamese football will make stronger strides. Your success is also the pride of Southeast Asian football."

Festival to promote experiential travel in November

A festival for travellers will be held in Ba Vì National Park on 4-5 November.

The Phượt Luôn Festival 2023, featuring eco-nature themed events, seeks to connect experiential travellers and promote the significance of this type of tourism to those passionate about experiential travel.

“The organisers hope to build a sustainable tourism community,” said Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, CEO of the PLC Tourism and Communication Company, a representative of the festival organisers at the launch ceremony in Hà Nội.

“We also want the experiential travellers to explore the scenery in the country and make contributions to preserve and develop Vietnamese cultural identity.”

One of the main activities at the Phượt Luôn Festival will be a parade with 500 motorbike riders from Hà Nội to Đồi Thông Resort in the park.

The festival will feature a wide range of activities, with artisans demonstrating the process of making local specialities and performing folk art from the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Eventgoers can also experience both folk and modern sports games.

A highlight of the festival will be a concert performed by popular music bands and artists.

At the festival's launch, Bức Tường rock band released a new music video (MV) entitled Ở Nơi Đó Có Chúng Ta Thuộc Về Nhau (Where We Belong Together).

The band’s leader and guitarist, Trần Tuấn Hùng, wrote the song at the commission of the festival organisers.

“I hope the song will become a hit and will be sung by experiential travellers as they journey to every nook and cranny of the country,” Hùng said. “The song captures the spirit of these travellers, with their desire for adventure and exploration of natural beauty.”

The 60-member crew had an unforgettable experience bringing instruments and large equipment to Tà Xùa Mountains to shoot the 4-minute MV.

Directed by Vũ Hồng Thắng, the MV showcases the beautiful scenery on the legendary path dubbed “dinosaur’s backbone” at Tà Xùa in a high mountain range located on the natural border between the northern provinces of Sơn La and Yên Bái, along with scenic tea hills and magnificent terraced rice fields.

Popular traveller Trần Đặng Đăng Khoa, the first Vietnamese to travel around the world by motorbike, was also featured in the MV. Khoa, 37, has visited 65 countries in 1,111 days.

Khoa spent 20 years dreaming of this journey and two years preparing to make his dream a reality.

After participating in the festival, Khoa plans to begin his second trip around the world on November 11. His passion is epic and inspires many young people.

Information about the festival will be available at META Ticket from October 5. 

Local college promotes labour cooperation with Japan

The central province's College and Orient Human Design Inc and Japan have signed an agreement on high-quality manpower education and work-practice programmes for Vietnamese students in Japan, creating a sustainable and skilled human resource for both Japan and Việt Nam.

Rector of the Quảng Nam College, Vũ Thị Phương Anh, said the two partners will be offering supportive training courses for Vietnamese students, including Japanese language training, accommodation, and working placements at Japanese businesses.

She said the deal would help Vietnamese students obtain an accredited certificate for official working conditions in the Japan market upon graduation.

Executive chairman of Orient Human Design Inc, Kamiya Ryokichi, said the human resource training cooperation would help Japanese and Vietnamese businesses recruit qualified manpower in both markets.

He expressed satisfaction with the capabilities of students from the provincial college who are working in Japan, and the company will collaborate with the college in further supporting Vietnamese students in the future.

Representatives of Quảng Nam College also undertook working visits to Frieden Company – a livestock and processed foods enterprise – and Yamazaki Industrial Company to discuss human resource training and working programmes in the coming years.

Frieden Company has been providing practical and working courses for 40 engineers and students from Việt Nam at eight livestock farms of the company in Japan. It also covers 80 per cent of housing costs for Vietnamese students.

The company plans to open a branch in Quảng Nam Province to promote cooperation and investment in livestock and processed food chain development.

The Quảng Nam College rector said the institution trains around 1,800 students per year, and the Japanese human resource market will provide a positive opportunity for Vietnamese students and the college to improve its education quality system in the near future. 

Four children trapped in floodwaters safely rescued

In Chư Pưh District of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, rescue teams successfully saved four children caught in turbulent waters due to an unexpected flood. 

Lê Quang Thái, chairman of Chư Pưh District's People's Committee, said the flash flood engulfed the area around 3.30pm on Monday as the children were guiding cattle across the Thác 2 stream in Thủy Phú Hamlet, Ia Blứ Commune. 

The surge in water levels, triggered by heavy rainfall upstream, left the children marooned mid-stream. One child was carried away by the swift current but was fortunately rescued by locals. 

The remaining three found refuge on a rocky ledge in the stream to escape the rapid waters. 

Upon being alerted, local officials and rescue teams from both the province and district worked to aid the children. Within two hours, all were safely returned to dry land. 

Policies cause slow progress of old apartment building renovation

Renovation and reconstruction of old apartment buildings in Hà Nội have been slow to progress despite several solutions implemented over the last two years.

In order to make the city more beautiful and improve people’s living environment, the Hà Nội People's Committee two years ago approved a project of renovating and reconstructing old apartment buildings in the city.

Along with that, the Committee also issued six implementation plans to realise the project, including researching and detailed planning for renovating and rebuilding old apartment buildings for the years 2022-23 with four phases.

However, up to now, the plan has fallen into stagnation because no old apartment buildings have had their detailed plans approved.

According to representatives of the People's Committees of the districts, work has only been implemented at the stage of surveying, preparing and estimating budgets for approval.

Tạ Nam Chiến, chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Đình District, said that the district, which has 217 old apartment buildings and five houses in dangerously degraded levels, had just completed surveying and preparing estimates to submit to the Department of Planning and Architecture for appraisal and then submit to the City People's Committee for approval for three big apartment building areas of Giảng Võ, Thành Công and Ngọc Khánh.

The next steps, such as organising bidding to select contractors and drawing up master and detailed projects, had not been carried out, said Chiến.

Recently, Trần Sỹ Thanh, the Hà Nội People’s Committee chairman and head of the steering committee for renovating and re-building old apartment areas in Hà Nội, admitted that the project's progress had not yet met the requirements of the schedule, especially the assessment of old apartment buildings and detailed planning.

According to the city Construction Department, the reason for the slow progress was due to problems regarding the legal basis for selecting consulting contractors.

In addition, some old apartment complexes have an area of ​​about 20-30 hectares each and a large number of households (over 1,000) such as Giảng Võ, Ngọc Khánh, Thành Công, Trung Tự and Kim Liên.

Implementing the project will take a long time because it must be agreed upon by all the households.

Some apartment buildings which are not subject to demolition and reconstruction but are located in areas with dangerously degraded apartment buildings must be built synchronously but are lacking the consent of apartment owners.

In addition, under the Capital Construction General Planning and Urban Sub-division Planning, some existing apartment buildings do not conform to the planning, other buildings’ locations are planned to be green areas and parks, others are planned for one- to five-floor buildings or the existing population is higher than the planned population.

Due to being limited by the number of floors and population, it is difficult to ensure investment efficiency and attract investors to participate in renovating and reconstructing apartment buildings.

With a policy of not renovating each apartment building individually but rather carrying out a synchronous plan for renovation and new construction of the entire area, since 2016, the municipal government has assigned 19 investors to do research and create ideas for planning, renovating and rebuilding 30 old apartment buildings.

However, most investors that did research found that renovating and reconstruction were not feasible in terms of investment efficiency if the buildings’ height was limited as per the regulations on management of planning and architecture of high-rise buildings in the inner city area, said Nguyễn Bá Nguyên, deputy director of the Hà Nội Department of Planning and Architecture.

To solve obstacles to renovating and rebuilding old apartment complexes, the government issued a decree assigning provincial People’s committees to evaluate and approve detailed plans of the areas.

The committees are also responsible for approving plans of compensation, ground clearance and selection of investors.

According to the vice president of the Việt Nam Urban Planning and Development Association, Dr. Đào Ngọc Nghiêm, the decree helps remove obstacles for investors and managers.

The decree also regulates the population and number of floors for buildings in detail for specific areas.

The current problem is that localities need to speed up the organisation of bidding to select consultants for detailed plans for each old apartment building area. 

Phu Quoc among cheapest islands to visit worldwide

Canada-based magazine The Travel has revealed a list of the 17 cheapest islands to visit around the world, with Phu Quoc island of Vietnam ranking third.

Despite being the biggest island in the nation, Phu Quoc is surprisingly easy to explore without breaking the bank, the article wrote.

This tropical paradise spoils newcomers with an array of fun activities on effort, including taking for a refreshing dip in one of the island’s many gorgeous beaches.

According to The Travel, the destination is a street food haven, will foodies able to find scrumptious bites on the side of streets on offer at a cheap price. Although the hostel prices here are slightly higher compared to the mainland, it is much cheaper in comparison to other popular islands around the globe.

Canadian magazine also suggested several interesting destinations for travelers to visit in Phu Quoc, including Sao Beach, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Hon Thom Departure Terminal, Suoi Tranh Waterfall, and Vinwonders Phu Quoc.

“It's hard to believe that these stunning islands around the world are so affordable considering how beautiful they are in real life,” the magazine wrote.

The Travel noted that nothing is more satisfying than enjoying beautiful and budget-friendly vacations, which is why the list of low-cost vacation spots seeks to help discerning travelers with their hunt for the world's best cheap island vacation destinations.

Topping the list is Africa's tropical island archipelago of Zanzibar which is both a beach and history lover's paradise. Most of the beaches are free to access, whilst the historic and charming Stone Town bustles with beautiful architecture and lots of cheap entertainment. 

Second position goes to Bermuda which offers world-class attractions at no fees. Its picture-perfect beaches are free to explore, whilst the same goes for the colourful capital of Hamilton. 

Aruba located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea is a budget-friendly destination for every traveler and duly comes fourth, whilst Bohol in the Philippines ranks fifth.

Others to make the list of the 17 cheapest islands around the globe are Boracay of the Philippines, Sifnos and Ios Island of Greece, Canary Islands of Spain, Hawaii of the United States, the Isle Of Skye of Scotland, Isla Holbox of Mexico, Varadero of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Turks & Caicos Islands, Koh Phi Phi of Thailand, and Malta.

Investigation into Hanoi lake oil spill

Hanoi authorities are investigating an oil spill that has been found on the Linh Dam Lake over the past few days.

According to the Hanoi Drainage Company, the black oil slick was spotted on the lake on the morning of September 27. The company sent workers to collect the oil but the work has not been completed yet.

On the morning of October 2, dead fish started to float around the oil spill.

While local authorities are still investigating the incident, some people said that the oil might have come from wastewater from nearby production facilities.

Tran Thi Minh Hien from the Hanoi Drainage Company said that Hoang Mai District Police Department has come to collect the oil samples for investigation and try to find out where it came from."We're co-operating with the police on the investigation while continuing to collect the oil from the lake to deal with the pollution," Hien said.

Rat hunting season in Nghe An

Many people in the central province of Nghe An are earning a good income from rat hunting.

Tho Bang Village in Nghe An's Yen Thanh District is famous for rat meat. Local people said that they previously caught rats mostly to protect their crops. But then they found that they liked the taste of rat meat and rat hunting has gradually became a job as demand increased.

A local farmer, Le Van Xuan, said that the rat hunting season usually comes after rice harvesting time in October when the rats are fat and their meat tastes the best.

"There are many people joining rat hunting at this time and we're expanding our work in neighbouring districts of Hung Nguyen, Dien Chau, Quynh Luu and Nghi Loc," Xuan said. "We work through the night and I can catch up to 50 kilos a night. Our village has become a rat trading hub of the region."

Le Van Xuan can catch up to 50 kilos of rat a night.

The man said that rat hunters are very welcomed by farmers who would help show them good places to catch the animals.

"The work is easy except for us having to work at night," he said. "We can sell our catches easily to traders at between VND30,000-50,000 per kilo."

Another hunter, Ho Tinh, 60, said that they have to know about the habits of the rodents so as to decide where and when to arrange their hunting devices.

"We usually place the traps along the paths to the bushes which rats usually run through," Tinh said. "We now have many kinds of traps so this work doesn't require strength, just some skill and experience."A local trader, Cung Dinh Mau, said that they bought between 500 kilos to one tonne of rats a day from local people.

"We're reselling the rats to other smaller traders or restaurants nationwide," Mau said.

Besides selling to traders who would sell the rats to restaurants, many local villagers also prepare rat dishes for sale at their homes with prices of between VND 50,000-80,000 per kilo.

Secretary of Tho Bang Village Party Committee, Cung Dinh Hoan, said that nearly 100 people in the village join in the rat hunting.

"We're encouraging this work," the official said. "It both helps to protect our crops and bring good income to local people. 

Railway firm to offer group tickets for Tet holiday

Vietnam Railways Corporation will offer group tickets for the 2024 Lunar New Year holiday (Tet) from October 15 to 22 to serve the travel needs of the public.

Armed forces, universities, colleges, industrial zones, export processing zones, social organizations, and units within the railway sector are given priority to buy group train tickets during this period.

Customers can register for one-way or round-trip journeys, with each trip requiring a minimum of five tickets.

Those units wishing to register for group tickets should bring a referral, a list of passengers and a summary sheet for one-way and round-trip journeys when coming to the stations to buy tickets.

Rabies cases tend to increase in Vietnam

The trend of human rabies in many localities across the country has gradually increased, including many deaths.

Specifically, the number of rabies-related human deaths in the first 9 months of 2023 was 64. Medical experts warned people against subjectiveness about rabies but vaccination immediately after being bitten by a pet to promptly protect their health and life.

Head of the Ho Chi Minh City-based Children's Hospital 2’s Department of Intensive Care for Infection and Covid-19 Do Chau Viet said that the department has just received and treated two pediatric patients with rabies in critical condition who were transferred from Gia Lai and Dak Nong provinces. An 8-year-old and a 13-year-old children were hospitalized when they suffered encephalitis, severe brain damage, and life-threatening conditions.

Their relatives said that the children had not previously told their family that they had been bitten by a dog. After the family discovered that the children had a fever, headaches, and wounds and there were unusually dead dogs in the area near the house, they suspected that the children had been bitten by dogs and had rabies; hence, relatives took the two children to medical clinics for treatment. Currently, the two children escaped dangerous conditions and their health is stable.

Doctor Do Chau Viet said that rabies is an acute encephalomyelitis of humans and animals caused by rabies virus, which is usually transmitted by an animal bite. According to medical experts, the symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for days. Symptoms then progress to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation. Moreover, patients with rabies often show signs of insomnia, and increased fear of light, noise and wind.

Doctor Truong Huu Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Infectious Diseases, said that in recent times, rabies has tended to increase in Vietnam due to people's low awareness of this disease. Some people even self-medicated and applied leaves as a preventive measure against rabies after being scratched or bitten by dogs, cats, or pets.

Besides, the lax management of pets especially dogs and cats and the low rate of rabies vaccination in dogs are culprits of increased cases of rabies.

According to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh Tuan from Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, the chances of rabies infecting a vaccinated dog are low. However, a rabies vaccination does not guarantee 100 percent protection; so people who are bitten by dogs, cats, or pets are still at risk of contracting rabies. When a person is bitten by a dog, cat or animal, their wounds should be washed and flushed immediately with soap and water for 10–15 minutes. If soap is not available, flush with water alone. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.

According to the World Health Organization’s statistics, about 60,000 people die from rabies every year on average around the world, and over 10 million people require preventive treatment with rabies vaccines.

Each year nearly 100 Vietnamese people die from rabies, and more than 400,000 people who are bitten by dogs and cats have to be vaccinated. In the first 9 months of 2023, the country recorded 64 deaths due to rabies, an increase of 21 cases compared to the same period in 2022 in 26 provinces and cities. The Northern region had 25 cases of rabies while the South reported 15 cases, the Central region had 9 cases, and the Central Highlands had 15 cases. The Central Highlands Province of Gia Lai is the locality with the highest number of deaths due to rabies in the country (11 deaths ) due to cat and dog bites without rabies vaccination.

Van Thinh Phat “ecosystem” deceives VND30 trillion

As a result of these fraudulent activities, the individuals involved in the Van Thinh Phat case deceived 42,000 investors, amassing a total of VND30 trillion (US$1.23 billion).

On the afternoon of October 2, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Public Security conducted a press conference to disclose the outcomes of law enforcement activities during the third quarter, which included several prominent cases that had captured public attention.

Regarding the situation involving 42,000 investors who fell victim to the deceitful practices of the Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group Corporation (Van Thinh Phat Group) and the An Dong Investment Group Corporation, Major General Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling and Economic Crimes (C03, Ministry of Public Security), said investigative agencies had determined that from 2018 to 2020, the individuals associated with Van Thinh Phat, its subsidiaries, and several other entities had engaged in fraudulent activities and had violated the law in relation to bond issuances.

As a result of these fraudulent activities, the individuals involved in the Van Thinh Phat case deceived 42,000 investors, amassing a total of VND30 trillion (US$1.23 billion). Over this period, Van Thinh Phat Group, An Dong Investment Group Corporation, Quang Thuan Investment Corporation, Ho Chi Minh City Service Trading Corporation, Sunny World Investment & Development Corporation, along with other organizations, engaged in fraud and violated the law by creating 25 bond packages with a combined value of VND30 trillion, which they sold to buyers (bondholders), only to misappropriate the funds raised.

Due to the significant number of victims, C03 has entrusted local law enforcement agencies to work with investors who have purchased Van Thinh Phat's bonds. C03 strongly advises investors to promptly contact their local police authorities, providing essential information, documents, bond purchase contracts, or submitting applications for review and resolution to safeguard the rights and lawful interests of the investors.

In relation to the ongoing investigation into the Tan Hoang Minh Group case, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Thanh has reported that, as of now, the funds fraudulently taken from over 6,000 investors by this group have been fully retrieved, amounting to over VND8.6 trillion (US$353.28 million). This sum of money ensures the enforcement of the court's judgment and the subsequent return of these funds to the affected investors. The sum of over VND8.6 trillion serves as crucial evidence in the case, and therefore, should the court find Tan Hoang Minh guilty of fraud, the victims can expect to receive their money afterward.

HCMC receives over 11,100 messages reporting noise pollution in eight months

A program themed “Dialogue with the City Authority” with the topic “Noise handling in residential areas - Current situation and solutions” was held.

The program was hosted by the Standing Board of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council in collaboration with the Voice of Ho Chi Minh City.

At the program, a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications informed that in the first eight months of the year, the information portal 1022 received and handled 11,115 messages reporting noise pollution.

Of which, the number of cases taking places from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. was 3.1 times higher than that in day time and the reports on weekends was up 1.4 times over weekdays.

Besides, the municipal Department of Culture and Sports also said that the inter-sector inspection team of culture and society of the city had checked 72 facilities operating in fields of cultural and social services.

Through the inspection, the team detected an enterprise operating in restaurant and bar services caused noise population and issued a penalty of VND32 million (US$1,300). Besides, the team also made 48 decisions to perform administrative handlings with a total fine of over VND1.5 billion (US$62,000).

Deputy Head of the Urban Department under the HCMC People’s Council Le Xuan Vien said that apart from propaganda works, it was important to identify an agency responsible for consulting local authorities on appropriate solutions to strictly handle noise pollution in residential areas.

In addition, it is essential to make a list of places where audio equipment is frequently used to violate public security and order, causing noise, and encroaching on roadways, sidewalks and road safety corridors to strengthen inspection, supervision and handle violations.

Northern region increasing patrolling to stop poultry smuggling

Tra Co Border Guard Station (under the Quang Ninh Province Border Guard) yesterday detected a wooden raft filled with illegal 2-day-old chicken breeds.

Accordingly, the raft was discovered in the sea of Tra Co (in Mong Cai City of Quang Ninh Province), transporting over 17,700 2-day-old smuggled chickens. Tra Co Border Guard Station proposed a fine of VND30 million (US$1,200) to the raft owner, along with destroying all these chickens.

On the same day, the Lang Son Province People’s Committee sent a formal dispatch to ask Steering Committee No.389 to cooperate with the provincial Border Guard Command and the provincial Customs to investigate the state of poultry smuggling at the border area in Yen Khoai Commune of Loc Binh District. A report should be prepared and sent to the provincial People’s Committee by October 10.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, this is the peak of poultry smuggling in the Northern border area. Therefore, the Ministry has sent several dispatches to the chairmen of the provinces of Lang Son, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, and Hanoi regarding strict observance of Dispatch No.426/CD-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on May 18, 2023 about preventing poultry smuggling.

Hanoi completes $27-million road to Soc Son satellite urban area

The project will enhance transportation connectivity, attract investment, ease traffic congestion on National Highway 3 leading to Noi Bai International Airport, and facilitate access to central Hanoi.

Work on the five-kilometer road, funded by the People's Committee of Soc Son District, started on July 28, 2020. It comprises the main route and service roads, designed for a speed limit of 70 kilometers per hour, with a cross-section width of  40 meters to 50 meters.

The investment in the project encompasses comprehensive and modern upgrades to the foundation, road surface, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting infrastructure. The total investment in this endeavor amounts to nearly VND659 billion ($27 million), of which VND257.4 billion ($10.5 million) is allocated for site clearance expenses. This funding has been sourced from Hanoi's budget.

Speaking at the traffic opening ceremony, the Chairman of Soc Son District People's Committee, Pham Van Minh, highlighted the concerted efforts made by the district's authorities and the broader political system following the approval of the project by the Hanoi People's Committee.

Minh underscored the significance of this project, emphasizing that upon its completion, the road connecting the Soc Son satellite urban area to Vo Nguyen Giap Street will create new opportunities and conditions for the district.

“It will enhance transportation connectivity, attract investment, alleviate traffic congestion on National Highway 3 leading to Noi Bai International Airport, and facilitate access to central Hanoi,” said Minh.

Additionally, the road will expand the development space, unlocking the potential of land resources on both sides of the route. This, in turn, will pave the way for connecting other transportation arteries, promoting investment and business opportunities, and encouraging investors to engage in cooperative ventures within the district by regulations.

Furthermore, it will support the transportation of goods and foster production growth, serving as a crucial foundation for the development of satellite urban areas in the future.

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