Social News 20/12 Paid Christmas escorts trending among young Vietnamese  In recent years, an increasing number of young Vietnamese who do not want to spend the holidays alone have turned to escort services, many of which charge millions of VND, to avoid a lonely Christmas. T.N, a Vietnamese living aboard, said that he wanted to bring a girlfriend out with his group of friends on his visit to Vietnam. "Everyone was bringing their wives or girlfriends, and I already said that I was bringing mine," he said. According to many who work in this area, when it was first introduced, there were not many people who thought it was a good idea. But over time, demand picked up. Now it is easy to go online and a special, if temporary, someone to provide company. T.N said, "My requirements are simple. The girl should have a fairly good appearance, speak English and must allow me to hold her hand." He said at first the company did not agree on the holding hands part, but finally gave in when he was insistent. "The deal was that I need to send the girl home by 10pm," he said. "I have many friends who are girls, but I feel like if I asked them along they might misunderstand my feelings. Plus, I wouldn't feel comfortable." The price normally is usually around VND1 million for three hours if the escort leaves before 10pm. Dates that last until midnight cost extra. Despite the steep prices, the service is thriving among young Vietnamese. One Vietnamese girl explained that she wanted to hire a boyfriend to come with her to a party because she thought it might be painful to be alone when she sees her ex boyfriend with his new girlfriend. Cold spell threatens Sapa livestock Farmers are bracing in earnest for winter after a sharp drop in temperature overnight killed livestock and threatens to destroy winter crops, with snowfalls recorded across the northern mountainous regions of Lao Cai Province. A cold snap since December 16 has sent temperatures plunging to below 0C. Luu Minh Hai, director of Lao Cai Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said hoar frost had appeared, which would likely damage crops and raise the threat of fires due to the dryness of plant life. Trinh Xuan Truong, chairman of Sapa District People's Committee, said ice appeared on the Hoang Lien Mountain Range on December 17, with the temperature at 2,800 metres above sea level on Fansipan Peak dropping to minus 1C. Local reports said ice was also seen on the O Quy Ho Mountain Pass at 2,050 metres. This is the worst cold spell since the start of winter. The cold weather has already caused losses to farmers in the mountainous areas, with calves and old buffalo dropping dead as the temperature plunged. The chairman of Lao Cai People's Committee has ordered local authorities to begin measures to protect crops and animals, with officials of relevant agencies surveying prevailing conditions and encouraging the repair of cattle shelters and instructing farmers to use the shelters to protect their livestock during cold weather. District authorities have been told they will be held responsible if too many cattle die in their areas. Farmers living near Sapa Town evacuated nearly 300 head of cattle to lower areas by Lao Cai Town and Bat Xat District a few days ago, when the temperature dropped to 4.4C. Freezing weather last winter cost tens of billions of VND in lost crops and livestock, with some 62 buffalo freezing to death in Sapa alone. Vietnam aims to modernise 20% of rural communes in 2015 The Government has set a target to have 1,800 or 20% of total communes throughout the country fully meet 19 criteria set out in the national rural modernisation programme, up from an estimated 8.8% in 2013. Deputy PM Vu Van Ninh said at a conference reviewing the programme on September 19 that the Government also seeks to raise the number of communes meeting 15-18 out of 20 criteria to more than 1,500 in 2015. He said this programme has recorded significant progress in 2014 and new rural areas are becoming a reality. Southern Lam Dong province is a bright spot where local authorities are preparing to recognise all communes in Xuan Loc district and Long Khanh town as new rural areas. However the Deputy PM noted that there are still many communes failing to meet criteria in areas such as transport, environment and poverty reduction. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said the transport criterion has a low fulfilment rate because the resources are limited while the standards set out by the Ministry of Transport are higher than necessary. To address this issue, the Ministry of Transport is co-ordinating with the Ministry of Science and Technology to re-define rural road standards so that they are suited to the needs of rural residents. Under the rural modernisation programme started in 2010, a commune, the smallest administrative unit in Vietnam, must meet 19 sets of criteria ranging from infrastructure and economic development to culture and education to be recognised as a new rural area. Thua Thien-Hue: Phuoc Tuong tunnel put on trial run The Ministry of Transport conducted a trial run of the Phuoc Tuong tunnel in Phu Loc district, central Thua Thien-Hue province on December 18. Work started on the project in May 2013 and was completed after six months of construction, 17 days ahead of schedule. The tunnel, one of the last tunnels to be built on the National Highway 1A, was constructed at a total costs of VND1.74 trillion (roughly US$82 million) under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The infrastructure, part of the Phuoc Tuong and Phu Gia tunnel project, measures 345 metres long and 11.5 metres wide and holds two lanes for vehicles. The entire project is expected to be finalised in late June 2015 — three months ahead of the scheduled approved by the Transport Ministry — contributing to facilitating local socio-economic development and minimising traffic accidents for vehicles travelling on the National Highway 1A. Fatherland Front delegation visits Bui Chu Diocese A delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, led by Vice Chairman Le Ba Trinh, on December 18 paid a visit and congratulated Bui Chu Diocese in Xuan Ngoc commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province on the occasion of Christmas 2014. Vice Chairman Le Ba Trinh sent his greetings for a peaceful and happy Christmas to Bishop Vu Dinh Hieu, Catholic clergymen, dignitaries and followers in the local diocese. He expressed his pleasure with their solidarity as well as implementation of the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws over the past years. The Vice Chairman also affirmed that local Catholics have actively took part in the patriotic emulation movements including the national process of building new rural areas and the movement of building peaceful Catholic parishes. On behalf of Bui Chu Diocese, Bishop Vu Dinh Hieu expressed his sincere thanks to the Party, State and VFF for their concerns on the spiritual life of the Catholic community. The Bishop informed that the diocese has encouraged parishioners to participate, and significantly contributed to social activities and emulation movements. He also emphasised the diocese would continue to promote the movements and pay more attention to the issues of education, health care and care for the poor. On the same day, the VFF delegation met and exchanged with Catholic nuns and women in Xuan Truong district. Bui Chu Diocese has currently more than 400,000 Catholics, including around 800 nuns – the highest number of Catholic nuns in the country. Celebratory activities take place nationwide to mark army’s anniversaries A series of activities took place nationwide on December 18 to mark the 70th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and the 25th celebration of the Whole People's Defence Festival Day. In Hanoi, a special art programme named ‘Soldiers’ steps’ was jointly organised by Nhan Dan newspaper and the VPA’s General Department of Politics. Speaking at the programme, Editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan newspaper Thuan Huu highlighted contributions of writers, poets, painters and musicians to the country’s literature and arts life during the war, encouraging and driving soldiers to step forwards during tireless marches for the nation’s survival. He also reviewed the army’s glorious history and stressed the programme’s purpose to educate younger generations on the army’s noble traditions. The army’s fights against French colonialism, American imperialism and activities to fulfil international tasks and protect national sovereignty were depicted through songs and dances by famous artists. On the same day, leaders of the central province of Quang Binh offered incense and paid tribute to General Vo Nguyen Giap at his tomb at Vung Chua, Quang Dong commune, Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province. Quang Binh province also sent delegations to visit and present gifts to armed forces’ heroes, Vietnamese heroic mothers and military units based in the province. In Ho Chi Minh City, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan visited the Navy Command in the south, the Ho Chi Minh City Command, the Gia Dinh Regiment and family of Major General Nguyen Thi Dinh, a heroine of the People's Army and a symbol of strength for Vietnamese woman. Meanwhile, Deputy Seceretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thi Thu Ha visited Divisions 317 and 9 and the Military School of Military Zone 7. Meetings with war veterans and national contributors to mark the anniversaries and review the army’s history and traditions were held in Hai Phong city, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Ninh and Dak Lac provinces. On these occasions, exhibitions celebrating the anniversaries with photos, posters, books, documents and artifacts showcasing the army’s traditions and victories opened in Hai Phong city and Bac Giang and Lang Son provinces. Health care service charges to be reconsidered The Ministry of Health liaised with the Ministry of Finance to soon issue health care service charges for insurance cardholders, said Nguyen Nam Lien, deputy head of the Health Ministry’s Planning and Finance Department yesterday. Following the rumor that hospital charges will increase soon, Mr. Lien said that the new health care service charges would be applied nationwide. The new charges are in accordance with the Health Insurance Law approved by Vietnamese National Assembly on June 13, 2014 and take effect on January 1, 2015, he added. However, the new charges will be just applied on drug, blood transfusion, fluid transfusion, material, electricity, water and maintenance.  The new charges also take consumer price index into account but not exceed the pricing framework set by the ministries health and finance. In addition, the new charges will include allowance for around-the-clock shifts and operation bonus. The Ministry has considered the effect of the new charges to the society. In fact, when the new charges take effect, people will benefit much from it as they can enjoy a high quality medical service. More medical services have been launched as hospitals have fund to carry out them; accordingly health insurance cardholders will have chance to enjoy them. The government has bought health insurance cards for more than 14 million poor people who live in the poverty line and close to poverty line and are members of ethnic minority groups in disadvantaged districts. Moreover, to help them overcome illness difficulties, according to the Ministry of Health’s plan approved by the government, the Health Insurance Fund will cover treatment fee for needy patients and ethnic minority residents. In conclusion, these people will not be affected by the new health care service charges. Hoar frost spreads northwest mountainous provinces Daily temperature in area of northern mountainous provinces dropped rapidly and was kept at less than five degrees Celsius, couple with snowfall and frost in the early morning yesterday, reported vice director of National Hydrology Meteorology Forecast Center Le Thanh Hai. Particularly, lowest temperature in Sa Pa reached 1, 5 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, snowfall occurred in the area from Hoang Lien Son National Park to Fansipan peak creating cover of up to 2.8m thick. The temperature dropped to minus 1 degree Celsius in the region, coupled with rain and snow. In Sa Pa town, hoar frost has shouldered rural hills, vegetable crops. Annual temperature in Hoang Lien Son mountain pass is always lower than Sa Pa town’s temperature around 2 degrees Celsius. Thus, snowfall will appear in the area if the temperature in Sa Pa town is kept at 1- 2 degrees Celsius, said Director of Lao Cai Hydrology Meteorology Forecast Center Luu Minh Hai. The temperature in Mau Son and Lang Son was measured at 3, 1 - 3, 2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, temperature in Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Ha Giang and Son La province was at 4- 4, 6 degrees Celsius; Lai Chau and Dien Bien was 6, 5 degrees Celsius. In the area of the Red River Delta, temperature also decreased rapidly accompanied with frost. In Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong and Thai Binh , daily temperature was measured at 8- 10 degrees Celsius, and in Nghe An was at 14, 9 degrees Celsius, Danang reached at 18 degrees Celsius. According to the weather forecast, temperature today in Lao Cai reaches at 2 degrees Celsius, caused frost in the area of Mau Son at night. The cold front will last until December 22. VPA’s founding anniversary celebrated overseas A broad array of activities marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and the 25th anniversary of the All-People’s Defense Festive Day continue being held in different countries across the globe. The latest celebration was held by the Vietnam Embassy in Paris on the evening of December 18 with more than 300 French and Vietnamese guests, and military and defence experts in attendance. In his speech, Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Ngoc Son said being cognizant of the need to respect mutual benefit and sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, the VPA affirmed itself as a responsible and pro-active member in international cooperation. The VPA has so far exchanged high-level delegations with more than 80 countries and sent defense attache to 36 countries. Meanwhile 44 countries, including five UN Security Council members also dispatched their defense attaché to Vietnam. “Vietnam is proud to contribute its voice to resolving conflicts in the world, notably in the period the Southeast Asian nation served as non-permanent member of the 2008-2009 UN Security Council. The country has affirmed its greater role in promoting peace and international security by opening a Vietnam peacekeeping centre and sending the first officers involving in UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan.” Son said. The Vietnamese diplomat suggested that the Vietnam-France strategic partnership should better serve goals for the protection of independence, freedom and territorial integrity of both countries and effectively contribute to peace, cooperation and development in the two regions and the world. The same day, the Vietnam Embassy in the US celebrated these events, attended by more than 170 international guests, including Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Puneet Talwar, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David Shear, acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency along with ASEAN representatives. Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh both nation are spurring cooperation in disaster relief aid, education and training, solving post-war consequences, and maintaining strategic dialogues and collaboration at regional forums. They are also making preparations for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2015. Vinh affirmed that he will work harder to bolster the relationship between the two countries in line with the comprehensive partnership launched in July, 2013 for mutual benefit as well as peace, security, prosperity in the region and the world at large.   David Sheer, the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, reiterated the US’ commitment to working hand in hand with Vietnam in dealing with war consequences, including the search for US servicemen missing in action, bomb and mine deactivation, and the treatment of Agent Orange pollution. Similar events were also held in China, India, Israel, Indonesia and many other countries during which Vietnamese ambassadors reiterated Vietnam’s willingness to continue forging military cooperation and joining hand with the international community for peace, independence and security in the world.   Japan FM honours Vietnam’s Japan Alumni Chairman The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on December 18 presented a certificate of merit to the Honorary Chairman of the Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV), Nguyen Ngoc Binh, in recognition of his contributions to boosting Vietnam-Japan relations. As JAV Vice Chairman, Binh had made great efforts in promoting connections among former Vietnamese students in Japan. Since he assumed the role of JAV Chairman in 2004, he has led the association to make positive contributions to fostering exchange and mutual understanding as well as the friendship and relations between the two countries. Binh has also cooperated with Japanese partners in organising workshops on Japanese study or contests of eloquence in Vietnam. Central Highlands ethnic groups helped better living standards Living standards of ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands region is being improved gradually thanks to assistance from businesses and the authorities. VinGroup, one of the leading firms in Vietnam , donated 5,000 breeding cows to poor households, while a number of businesses, such as the Vietnam-Russia Oil and Gas Joint Venture, the Vietnam Military Telecommunications Group, Vietcombank, and Vietinbank, invested in building schools and medical centres and providing schooling aids and medical tools worth billions of Vietnamese dong for the region. In 2014, the Vietnam Red Cross and its chapters in the region carried out a series of humanitarian activities with a sum of 83 billion VND (3.88 million USD) to aid more than 475,700 needy people. Apart from calling for more support to the region, the Central Highlands Steering Committee visited and presented gifts worth 8 billion VND (374,707 USD) to needy people in the region and 29 nearby mountainous districts. In 2015, the committee will continue mobilising donation to social security programmes in the region. VinGroup plans to assist the building 1,000 houses in the Central Highlands and nearby mountainous districts. Covering over 54,400 sq.km, the Central Highlands groups the five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, with a population of over 5.4 million people, 25.7 percent of them ethnic minorities. Tien Giang hailed for efforts to build flood-proof residential clusters Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung praised the achievements Tien Giang province has made in implementing the second phase of a programme on building residential clusters in flooded areas in the Mekong Delta during his working session with local authorities on December 18. Under the programme, Tien Giang has carried out 46 projects, including three residential clusters and 43 embankments around residential areas to protect 13,000 households during the flood season, at a total cost of 161 billion VND (7.67 million USD), said Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Van Nghia. In addition, the province has also effectively implemented some other infrastructure development projects, including the building of waste water collection and treatment systems in My Tho city and Go Cong town, and pipelines bringing clean water to Go Cong town and Go Cong Dong district. The same day, Minister Dung visited the flood-proof residential clusters in the districts of Tan Phuoc and Cai Be and embankments in Cai Be district. Source: VNN/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/ND