Social News 18/1 Adulterated petrol incident at Quang Tri filling station A large amount of petrol was found to be adulterated with water at a petrol station in the central province of Quang Tri, affecting a range of vehicles. On January 16, after filling up petrol from a filling station in Cam Hieu Commune, Cam Lo District, many vehicles experienced stalled engines.  Doan Quoc Tuan who bought around one litre of petrol there said that his motorbike stopped after running around 700 metres from the station. He did not know what happened to his vehicle so he brought it to a mechanic. At that time, she also saw around 10 motorbikes which faced the same problem like his vehicle after using fuel from the petrol station. The mechanics said that the cause was water mixed with the fuel. Some people came back the station to demand the refund and the staff agreed. The petrol station representative also promised to compensate the drivers for their vehicles’ problems. According to local authorities’ inspection, around 150 litres of water have been added to the petrol at the station. Quang Tri Petroleum Company removed all the fuel in the tank and claimed to have found a hole at the tank bottom, which was said to be the reason for the water mixing with the petrol. Exhibition on cultural heritage of ASEAN Community opens in Kon Tum   Visitors at the exhibition An exhibition on cultural heritage of the ASEAN Community opened in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on January 17. The exhibition, which will run until January 21, is part of activities to commemorate the 2018 Lunar New Year, as well as the 88th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 105th founding year of Kon Tum province. On showcase are 334 works and 39 items which reflect daily lives, landscapes and culture of the 10 ASEAN nations. Among the exhibits are 10 photos that won the 2017 ASEAN Photo contest. The event aims to connect distinctive cultural values of the ASEAN Community and Kon Tum in particular. It is hoped to strengthen the solidarity and friendship of members in the ASEAN Community. Vietnam, Australia launch 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties A ceremony was held at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi on January 17 to launch celebrations of 45 years of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic relations. Addressing the event, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Crag Chittick said Vietnam is one of the most important partners of his country in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries have built strong cooperative ties over the last 45 years and the relations are developing in various fields, including politics, economy, security, and innovation. In November 2017, Prime Ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Malcolm Turnbull agreed to lift bilateral ties to a strategic partnership which will help the countries strengthen cooperation across defence, trade, investment, development cooperation, education, labour, tourism, law, finance, information, and communications. Chittick stressed that the Australia-Vietnam strategic partnership will open up a new chapter in their relations and pave the way for more extensive cooperation. At the ceremony, the official logo of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties made debut. It is the combination of Australia’s Sydney Opera House and the five-pointed star on Vietnam’s national flag. The logo, designed by amateur designer Nguyen Viet Hung, is also the winner of a logo design contest organised by the Australian Embassy and the University of Industrial Fine Art in Hanoi. Ambassador Chittick also presented nine information boards introducing the Temple of Literature to this relic site. Deputy Director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports Truong Minh Tien said the boards, made in Australia, illustrates the Australian Government’s respect for Vietnam and the capital city of Hanoi. Programme to bring Tet to disadvantaged children The 11th “Spring for children” programme will be held at the Hanoi Opera House on January 21 and broadcast live on VTV2 of the Vietnam Television. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and the National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC), the programme aims to present gifts to underprivileged children on the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet holiday). Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on January 16, Director of the NFVC Hoang Van Tien said the MoLISA will grant certificates of merit to nine units and individuals with notable achievements in child care and protection in 2017. The NFVC will also honour children who overcame difficulties to reap outstanding academic outcomes. The programme will highlight activities to build boarding schools for children in the mountainous area of Ngan Son district in the northern Bac Kan province. It is expected to receive funding worth about 70-80 billion VND (over 3 million USD) from 50 units. In 2017, the NFVC spent over 79 billion VND (3.5 million USD) supporting 106,400 children via health care, nutrition, and education programmes. In 2018, the fund aims to mobilise about 10.5 billion VND (463,000 USD) to support nearly 120,000 children. Since it was held in 2008, the “Spring for children” programme has raised hundreds of billions of VND to assist poor children nationwide. More UK businesses expected to invest in Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung called on businesses from the UK to make investment in Vietnam during a reception for Lord James Mayer Sassoon, Executive Director of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, in Hanoi on January 17. He emphasised the positive development of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership over the past time, especially in the fields of trade, investment and tourism. The UK is the second biggest European investor in Vietnam, after the Netherlands, with 267 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects worth 3.75 billion USD and the third largest trade partner of Vietnam in Europe, after Germany and the Netherlands. Two-way trade grew rapidly to reach 5.7 billion USD in 2017, he noted. The Deputy PM welcomed Jardine Matheson, one of the leading groups in the UK, to make early investment in Vietnam with significant outcomes. The operation of UK businesses, including Jardine Matheson, has helped deepen the cooperative relations between the two countries, he said. He hoped the UK and Vietnamese enterprises will forge connectivity to promote the two nations’ strategic partnership in a more active and practical manner for mutual benefits. The Government of Vietnam is implementing policies to stabilise the macro economy, curb inflation, speed up growth, and develop the private sector, as well as refine institution, build a healthy business environment for investors, and accelerate the modernisation and industrialisation, which create brilliant cooperation and investment opportunities for foreign investors, including those from the UK, he noted. James Mayer Sassoon expressed his impression on Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements and highly valued the country’s policies to improve the investment environment and the Government’s commitments to facilitating business production in the long run. Helmets for Families programme raises awareness about helmet use The Helmets for Families programme will donate more than 4,000 helmets to schools in HCM City’s outlying districts of Củ Chi and Hóc Môn during the 2017-18 school year. The programme is expanding its road-safety education efforts to include engagement with health professionals for teachers, parents, and students. The programme aims to raise awareness about helmet use and road safety to encourage behavior change among students, parents and the community. In addition, parents can exchange their low-quality helmets for high-quality standard helmets for 69 per cent of the original price through a subsidised exchange programme. The programme is organised by the National Traffic Safety Committee, Ministry of Education and Training, Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation and the global healthcare company Abbott.  At Tân Thạnh Đông Primary School in the Củ Chi District, a doctor from Chợ Rẫy Hospital onTuesday spoke to students and teachers about the harm caused by wearing substandard helmets. This year, Helmets for Families is incorporating a new component and will engage school staff, parents and students on a deeper level. Health professionals will give talks at schools about road-safety messages based on their experience working with traffic accident victims. Cần Thơ City welcomes 7.5m tourists The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Cần Thơ enjoyed strong growth in tourism last year due to a series of international political and cultural events and traditional festivals, according to its Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The number of tourist arrivals surged 40 per cent to 7.5 million, while tourism revenues rose 61 per cent to VNĐ2.9 trillion (US$127.6 million). The political, cultural and tourism events the city hosted included the APEC Food Security Week, Việt Nam-Japan Culture and Trade Exchange, and the Southern Traditional Cake Festival. The tourism sector is focusing on developing river-based tourism, especially upscale products such as three- to five-star cruise ships, Lê Minh Sơn, deputy director of the department, said. It is encouraging investors to develop inter-provincial and international river-based tours, he said. The tours are designed to take in historical and cultural relics, traditional craft villages, and ecological and spiritual destinations. Last year the neighbouring province of An Giang attracted 7.3 million visitors, up 12 per cent, earning revenues of VNĐ3.7 trillion ($162.8 million). The province is the centre of spiritual tourism in the south, with people flocking especially to Bà Chúa Xứ Temple in Châu Đốc Town. Kiên Giang Province, with its beautiful landscapes, islands such as Phú Quốc, archipelagoes such as Nam Du and Bà Lụa and the U Minh Thượng National Park, attracted more than six million visitors last year. The province’s tourism revenues were worth more than VNĐ4.58 trillion ($201.52 million), the highest in the delta. Old book fair to open in capital An exhibition of old books will be organised during a fair in Văn Lake at the Temple of Literature complex in downtown Hà Nội between January 18 and 21. Titled Hà Nội–January, the fair will exhibit books and photographs of the Việt Nam Communist Party and working class to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the Party (February 3, 1930 - February 3, 2018). Interested readers can access valuable materials such as 70 Năm Đảng Cộng Sản Việt Nam (1930-2000) (70th Anniversary of Việt Nam Communist Party, 1930-2000); Một Số Vấn Đề về Lịch Sử Giai Cấp Công Nhân Việt Nam (Some Issues on the History of Vietnamese Working Class); and Những Sự Kiện Lịch Sử Đảng (Historic Events of the Party). At the fair, many books will be on sale at a uniform price of VNĐ1,000 (4 US cent) each, while many newly published titles in various genres, including literature, history, science, military, comics and living skills, will be available at a discount 60 per cent. The fair will bring together book stores specialising in old books in the city such as Triệu Hải Bookstore, Phúc Cương Old Books, Thái Hà Bookstore, Bạch Mai Old Books, Old Books at Cheap Price and Duy Minh Old Books. According to an organiser of the fair, the aim is to create a common ground for fans of old books, who want to refresh old memories through books, as well as connect book lovers in Hà Nội. Thanh Hóa signs contract with goalie Ngọc V.League 1 club FLC Thanh Hóa have signed a three-year contract with goalkeeper Trần Bửu Ngọc from Cần Thơ to prepare for this year’s football season. Ngọc is the seventh domestic rookie of the league’s runner-up Thanh Hóa so far. The transfer fee and salary of Ngọc were not disclosed. Ngọc, who is 1.93m tall, played for the U23 and national teams. The Đồng Tháp Province native had excelled during his international debut for Việt Nam in a match against Hong Kong in 2013. Earlier, the club inked a contract with coach Marian Mihail from Romania, who is a former national player and has played professionally for 17 years as a right winger and full-back, as well as six other domestic players, including Phạm Văn Nam of Nam Định and Vũ Minh Tuấn of Quảng Ninh. The team also said goodbye to foreign striker Uche Iheruome and five Vietnamese footballers, including Lương Bá Sơn, Lê Bật Hiếu and Lưu Văn Hương. At present, Thanh Hóa are also testing several foreign players to stabilise their force to compete in three events this year: the National Premier League, National Cup and AFC Champions League. Tour Guide Association, Hanoi branch launched to promote tourism The Tour Guide Association, Hanoi branch, was set up on January 16 with a view to improving professional skills of tour guides in the capital city. Currently, more than 20,000 tour guides are serving international and domestic tours. Over 6,000 tour guides from Hanoi are licensed. Under the 2017 Tourism Law, the Vietnam Association of Tour Guides was established to protect tour guides’ rights and reputations. Mr Nguyen Hong Dai, general director of Asia-Pacific International Travel Co., Ltd was elected the interim chairman of the branch. On the occasion, the first 13 tour guides in Hanoi were granted member cards. Twenty travel companies including Hanoitourist, Vietrantour, TransViet and Hanoi Red Tours have signed agreements with Hanoi Branch on the use of its members. Government Inspectorate detects violations in Vinacomin The Government Inspectorate has issued Notice No.84/TB-TTCP on the inspection of law compliance during business operations in the Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) and its affiliates during 2010 – June 30, 2015.  The inspection found that the Members’ Council and the General Director of Vinacomin in the period violated financial and investment regulations, leading to huge losses.  They also failed to abide by regulations on production and trade, resulting in higher production costs and reduced the group’s profits and its contribution to the State budget.  Violations were also found in construction, use of land and natural resources, procurement, asset management, equitisation and divestment.  The Government Inspectorate requested that the Ministry of Public Security instructs the investigative agency to deal with the case and investigate legal violations in Vinacomin and its affiliates, including Huu Nghi Cement JSC in the northern province of Phu Tho, Ha Giang Cement JSC and Binh Nguyen – Dak Nong JSC. The Government Inspectorate said the violations involved over 14.882 trillion VND (661.42 million USD) and nearly 6.7 million sq.m of housing and land, proposing the reclamation of more than 1.8 trillion VND for the State budget and all the housing and land.  The notice informed that Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh had basically agreed with the Government Inspectorate’s proposals and asked ministries, agencies and localities to take relevant action.  The ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Justice, Construction and the Government Office were assigned to work closely with the Government Inspectorate to deal with the case. More firms register investment in renewable energy in Bac Lieu A number of businesses in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu have registered investment in renewable energy with a total capital of over 100 trillion VND (4.4 billion USD).  It was unveiled during a conference on January 17 to provide information about the Bac Lieu Investment Promotion Conference 2018 scheduled for January 29-30.  Speaking at the conference, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Duong Thanh Trung said it will be the first large-scale investment promotion event after 20 years of the province’s re-establishment.  A series of activities during the event aim to attract investment resources from different economic sectors and popularise the image of Bac Lieu to businesses at home and abroad, he said, adding that feedback at the event will help Bac Lieu seek proper solutions to socio-economic development.  Around 500 delegates at home and abroad are expected to attend the event during which construction on the third stage of 142MW Bac Lieu wind power plant, high-tech shrimp farming complex, and the largest symbol of Vietnamese shrimp will begin.  Bac Lieu has a coastline of 56km with expansive alluvial ground. Wind power averages nearly 7m per second and sun hour exceeds 2,900 hours per year, which is advantageous to renewable energy development. Binh Duong eyes completion of new-style rural area building in 2018 The southern province of Binh Duong strives to complete the national target programme for new-style rural area building with all communes winning the status in 2018. The goal was announced on January 17 by Nguyen Tan Binh, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Binh Duong, at a conference to review the implementation of the programme in 2017 and launch tasks for 2018. By the end of 2017, 94 percent of total communes of Binh Duong had been recognised as new-style rural areas. Binh said that the province has associated the new rural building programme with its major programmes and projects, thus promoting the potential and strength of rural areas. The policy has helped improve transport, health care, education infrastructure of rural communes, while creating jobs and speeding up the urbanisation process. Per capita income in new-style rural communes rose to 45 million VND in 2017, he added. Last year, Binh Duong mobilised over 3.03 trillion VND (133.32 million USD) for the programme, including 742 billion VND, or 24.5 percent, from local people. The programme has brought about positive changes to rural communes, with major infrastructure works upgraded. So far, 90 percent of rural roads in Binh Duong have been concreted. The local irrigation system has ensured water for all crop area. All locals have accessed power, while 98 percent of them have enjoyed clean water, and 98 percent of the new-style rural communes have had the health care system meeting national standards. Olympic Run Day raises awareness of physical exercise The Olympic Run Day for Public Health 2017 will take place in localities across the country on March 25, announced the Vietnam Sports Administration under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The event is part of activities to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Vietnam Sport Day as well as the 87th year of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. It aims to raise public awareness of the importance of physical exercise and encourage people to do exercise regularly for improving their health. The organising board is working hard on communication campaigns towards completing the goal of having 85 percent of communes, wards and towns nationwide joining the event. Sports and art performance activities will be also arranged in the framework of the programme.  The last year event drew the participation of about 7.2 million people in all 63 cities and provinces across the country. Public participation in state budget management promoted Representatives from Hoa Binh and Quang Tri provinces shared experience in implementing the project on enhancing transparency and public participation in state budget management at a workshop in Quang Tri on January 17. The event was jointly held by Oxfam and the Budget Transparency, Accountability and Participation (BTAP) Alliance.  The project is being carried out in Hai Lang and Gio Linh districts of the central province of Quang Tri and Luong Son and Mai Chau districts of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh.  It aims to promote new initiatives in supervising state budget and public investment, increase connectivity among groups and members of the BTAP Alliance, and encourage citizens’ participation in state budget supervision.  The participants looked into methods to implement activities of the project and how to encourage people to join the project. Nguyen Dang Anh, deputy head of the committee for economic and budget affairs under the Quang Tri province People’s Council, said to promote public involvement in state budget supervision, the locality has issued two resolutions on public investment and piloted the 2014 Public Investment Law at provincial, district and communal levels.  Local authorities have also played an active role in the work through meetings with voters to discuss annual budget estimate and spending, he said.  To ensure the sustainability of the project, Anh suggested specialised agencies of the People’s Council to conduct policy consultations involving people, and community groups maintain their operation even when the project concludes.  The participations also underlined the importance of communications work, stressing the need to create a legal corridor for residents and social organisations to take part in local budget management, improve the role of such organisations like fatherland front and associations of women and farmers.  The project will be rolled out in other localities in Quang Tri and Hoa Binh after the three-year pilot implementation. Central Highlands region promotes sustainable forest management Localities in the Central Highlands are working to promote sustainable forest management and certification of forests. The scheme has been supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and the project “Forests for Livelihood Improvement in the Central Highlands” (FLITCH).  In the region, Dak Lak province has developed five units implementing sustainable forest management, while Lam Dong province has three, and Dak Nong province has one. In Kon Tum, the Dak To Forestry Company was granted the sustainable forest management certificate in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards. The province Kon Tum is working to expand the planted-forest area granted the FSC certificate in the Mien Nam Paper Material Company. Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Lam Dong provinces are effectively coordinating with authorised agencies to review and make adjustments to the forest development planning in connection with the planning of land use in the localities to 2020. The Central Highlands region comprises of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Lam Dong provinces. VNN