Social News 14/11 Da Nang attracts foreign professionals   There are currently 1,142 foreigners working in the central city of Da Nang, of which 330 hold top corporate positions. The figures were released by the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. The agency said 80 percent of the group are experts, engineers, managers and teachers, while the rest are technicians. Da Nang is home to 474 businesses employing foreigners from 49 countries and territories. According to a survey conducted by HSBC in late December 2015, Vietnam is regarded as the most attractive country in Asia for expats. 68 percent of the 22,000 survey participants working in Vietnam – foreign employees from all over the world - said they could save more money in Vietnam than in other Asian nations. World’s largest jade Buddha statue on display in Binh Duong One of the world’s largest Buddha statues carved from precious jade will be displayed at Hội An Pagoda in Bình Dương Province from November 18-23. The Venerable Thích Minh Lực, secretary general of the provincial Buddhist Shangha, said the jade statue, with a weight of four tonnes and height of 4.2 metres, will be on display for a week. It will then be brought to Gò Kén Pagoda in Tây Ninh Province’s Hòa Thành District on November 25. The organisation board and local authorities have set up free parking lots near the pagoda to make it more convenient for people to visit. The statue will then be brought to Australia, its final destination, after its journey across 20 countries and 90 cities. Vietnamese expats vow to develop HCM City Expatriates showed their high determination to work with Ho Chi Minh City's authorities and people in turning the city into a major centre of economics, trade, science and technology in Southeast Asia during the Conference of Overseas Vietnamese 2016. Speaking at the closing ceremony in the city on November 13, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh La Thang said HCM City is honoured to host the event to seek new ideas for planning – sustainable development; human resources; science – technology; and investment – market. He added that local authorities recognised the participants’ constructive opinions, and pledged to work with relevant departments and agencies to improve the quality of life of local residents. More than 50 reports were presented at the conference, concentrating on the application of digital technology in healthcare, public management, environment, and agriculture as well as developing tertiary education models and promoting innovations, in order to build the southern metropolis into a smart city, and a safe and civilised urban area. The panels also put forth measures to boost investment and improve the business climate in the city. More than 400,000 Vietnamese from HCM City residing abroad work in hi-tech fields, making up close to 10 percent of the number of Vietnamese expatriates. Remittances poured into the city through official channels were estimated at 3.25 billion USD from January to September, up 4 percent year on year, mostly sourced from the US and Europe. Vietnam’s development resources lay around the globe: PM says Vietnam’s development potential and resources lay not only in the S-shaped country but also in many other places around the globe, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said, implying Vietnamese expatriates who attended a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on November 12. The meeting for overseas Vietnamese (OVs), the first of its kind held specifically for the southern city, drew 500 OVs from 35 countries and territories. It aimed to mobilise OVs’ resources for HCM City’s transformation to a growth engine of Vietnam and a major economic and sci-tech hub in Southeast Asia. The Government leader appreciated OVs’ efforts and contributions to the national development and protection. Vietnam always opens its arms to OVs to return and contribute their ideas and resources to the national development, he said, adding that the country is proud of the expatriate intellectuals in developed countries who have enjoyed the best conditions to access the world’s advanced technology and knowledge and then assisted the homeland in speeding up development He also described OVs as cultural ambassadors of Vietnam who help enhance its friendship with other nations. In his speech, PM Phuc applauded efforts calling for OVs’ contribution to national development. As a result, many overseas Vietnamese companies have partnered with domestic firms to export Vietnam’s products and services, or set up businesses in the homeland. A number of expatriates have been involved in research activities, scientific-technological application, education-training, and social projects. Notably, overseas remittances to Vietnam have been continually rising, reaching 12.5 billion USD in 2015, ranking 11th in the world and increasing by over 1.5 times from 8 billion USD in 2010, according to the World Bank. He underlined the need to optimise the strength of the great national unity bloc, including more than 4.5 million OVs, when talking about the country’s efforts to proactively integrate into the globalisation and HCM City’s importance in Vietnam’s economic growth. The PM called on all expatriates to join hands in developing a HCM City of civilisation, modernity and attentiveness. The Government is push forward with an action programme on OV-related works for 2016-2020. Accordingly, ministries, sectors and localities are going to strengthen cooperation and take concrete actions to effectively bring into play OVs’ resources, helping to realise socio-economic development targets, he added. Also on November 12, PM Phuc and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with outstanding OVs who are experts, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. The expatriates shared their viewpoints and ideas about various issues relating to the national development which were appreciated by the Government leader, who promised to take in all the opinions and task ministries and localities with creating more favourable conditions for OVs to devote themselves to the homeland. Great national unity celebrated in Bac Ninh province A celebration of the great national unity bloc and the 86th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) was held in Phat Tich commune of Tien Du district, northern Bac Ninh province, on November 13. At the event, which was also attended by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President of the VFF Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, local residents were reminded of the development of the Vietnam National United Front – the VFF’s predecessor founded by the Communist Party of Vietnam and then President Ho Chi Minh on November 18, 1930. Over the past 86 years, the Front, under different names, has brought into play Vietnam’s traditional unity and patriotism and gathered people from all strata to defeat invaders and retake national independence. Speaking to residents in Phat Tich, Party General Secretary Trong praised the solidarity, efforts and achievements that the local Party committees, administration, VFF chapter and people have obtained. He highlighted local improved infrastructure, more industrial parks, good economic growth, stable social situation, and higher per capita income. Various activities have also been organised in response to VFF-launched movements. He underscored the VFF’s significance to the national unity as seen through various initiatives today such as the great national unity festival, or movements calling for people’s joint efforts to practise civilised lifestyles, and build new-style rural areas and civilised cities. The Party chief also sent congratulations to VFF staff nationwide on the occasion the great national unity festival. During his stay in Phat Tich commune, he offered incense and planted trees at Phat Tich Pagoda, a national historical and cultural relict site of special importance. VFF President congratulates Cao Dai sect on 91st anniversary President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan has extended his best wishes to Cao Dai dignitaries and followers on the occasion of their 91st founding anniversary. In his congratulatory message, Nhan wrote the Cao Dai followers have raised the patriotism and solidarity to work with people from all social strata to defend the country over the past 91 years. Besides implementing the Party’s guidelines and the State’s laws, the Cao Dai churches have actively engaged in patriotic emulation campaigns, charitable activities, poverty reduction efforts, and rural development programmes, he said. He called on the Cao Dai dignitaries and followers to strengthen solidarity and get involved in the campaign of building new-style rural areas and civilised urban areas launched by the VFF Central Committee. The sect is also expected to make remarkable contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, environmental protection, and climate change response as well as social welfare activities and protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added. Founded in 1926 in Tay Ninh province, Cao Dai is one of the major religions in Vietnam with over 2.5 million followers, 10,000 dignitaries and 1,000 places of worship. The religion worships the Divine Eye, known as the eye of heaven and a symbol of its supreme being. President impressed with farmers’ inventions President Tran Dai Quang has said he is impressed with the farmers who have turned their on-field experience into valuable ideas and useful equipment to improve their farming activities. He made the compliment while meeting with 68 people who are representatives of outstanding cooperatives and cooperative groups, along with farmers with inventions in agricultural production in Hanoi on November 13. They are set to be honoured at a ceremony later the same day, which coincides with the 71st founding anniversary of Vietnam’s agriculture and rural development sector. President Quang highly valued effective activities of cooperatives and cooperative groups as they have connected farmers’ production outcomes with businesses and the market, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural production and improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese farm produce. The industrialisation and modernisation of agriculture and rural areas are an important task during the industrialisation, modernisation and international integration of the country, he said, assuring the Party and States’ attention to this issue. He expressed his hope that the delegates will continue promoting their attainments and become the most active factor in the common efforts to successfully realise the Party and State’s policies on agriculture, farmers and rural areas. Vietnam’s agricultural products have been exported to more than 160 countries around the world. Exports of these commodities have approximated 30 billion USD in recent years, and reached 26.4 billion USD between January and October of 2016. There are about 11,000 cooperatives, 56,000 cooperative groups and 18.3 million farming households nationwide at present. Campaign held to deal with blood shortage at year’s end A blood donation festival officially kicked off in Hanoi on November 13 in an effort to address a shortage of blood for medical uses at year's end. The festival is an annual activity held by the Vietnam Red Cross Society and Prudential Vietnam company within the framework of the humanitarian voluntary blood donation programme, according to Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society Doan Van Thai. This year’s event lasting from November 6 to December 20 in Hanoi and 16 other provinces and cities nationwide hopes to collect 7,000 blood units. Nearly 2,100 blood units have been donated so far. Organisers hoped to receive at least 400 blood units at the event in Hanoi. In 2015, more than 1.3 million blood units were donated in Vietnam, helping with the treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients. Although the volume of donated blood has continually increased in recent years, it has met about 70 percent of treatment needs. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation estimates the country needs some 1.8 million blood units every year. The shortage of blood usually surges in the Lunar New Year festival and the summer. Action month promotes gender equality Joining hands to eliminate violence against women and girls lies at the heart of an action month for gender equality launched in Hanoi on November 13. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in Vietnam, the United Nations in Vietnam , and the municipal People’s Committee, the campaign will run from November 15 to December 15, 2016. This first-time programme seeks to call on people in the community, especially men and boys, to participate in preventing violence against women and girls. Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam said that the policy of men and women enjoying equal rights has been pursued by the Vietnamese Party since its foundation in 1930 by late President Ho Chi Minh. The completion of State laws and policies has brought certain outcomes in the field, he said, adding that more efforts are still needed to change the prejudice on the role and value of women as well as drive back any acts of gender-based violence. “Women should increase their autonomy and determinedly and proactively get involved in all spheres of social life,” he said. He called on people to join efforts to build a healthy and equal society with no one left behind. Chief Representative of UN Population Fund Astrid Bant welcomed the Vietnamese Government for approving the national action programme on gender equality between 2016 and 2020, and adopting the annual action month for gender equality and gender-based violence prevention, saying these reconfirmed the country’s strong commitments to addressing the pressing issue. She encouraged Vietnamese men and boys to stand up to deal with gender inequality, injustice and violence against women and girls. During the launching ceremony, more than 300 youngsters danced in response to the campaign. The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs will coordinate with relevant ministries and localities to hold policy dialogues and conduct inspections in the field while spreading the campaign’s message at schools, and sport, culture and art activities.- Grand requiem commemorates road traffic victims A grand requiem for traffic accident victims was held at Trinh Pagoda in the Yen Tu national relic site, northern Quang Ninh province, on November 13 with a view to easing the bereaved families’ pains of losing their relatives. With the participation of nearly 10,000 Buddhists and people, the function was held by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the National Committee for Traffic Safety as part of activities in response to the World Day in Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (the third Sunday of November). At the requiem, Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia urged all central and local relevant agencies, organisations and people to improve their road sense and adherence to traffic safety regulations. He also asked them to share the losses suffered by the victims and their families, thereby treasuring the happiness when traffic safety is ensured. The Traffic Safety Year 2016 is the fifth year Vietnam has responded to the UN General Assembly’s call for activities to be organised towards the World Day in Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. From January to August this year, 13,612 traffic accidents occurred nationwide, claiming 5,728 lives and wounding 11,781 others. Focus on agricultural machinery Automation and mechanisation in rice and vegetable production in the Mekong Delta is expected to sharply reduce losses and increase value, the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry has said. The losses in rice production stand at 5-6 per cent (3 million tonnes a year or US$760 million), according to the ministry’s Department of Processing and Trade for Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Products and Salt Production. “If the proportion falls to around 3 per cent, farmers’ incomes could rise to VNĐ1 million ($45) per hectare,” a representative of the department said. Automation and mechanisation in rice planting and harvesting remains low. The Mekong Delta has more than 5,500 harvesters being used on 40 per cent of farmland, while rice-planting machines cover only 30 per cent. Automation and mechanisation in vegetable production is much lower than in rice production. In general, the Mekong Delta has 1.6-horse power per hectare, while the figure in Thailand is four, China eight and South Korea 10. “Automation and mechanisation in agricultural production will increase labour productivity, reduce costs and increase competitiveness for farmers,” Dr. Võ Hùng Dũng, director of the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Cần Thơ branch, told the Thời báo Kinh tế Việt Nam (Việt Nam Economic Times) newspaper. “The potential for development of automation and mechanisation in Việt Nam’s agricultural production is huge,” he added. Most agricultural machines are based on production of small workshops with outdated technologies, design and post-sale services. From 2004 to 2008, the Government allowed provincial authorities to subsidies the interest rate for farmers who bought machines for agricultural production. After five years of the programme, tens of thousands of agri-motors and tractors are now in use. Since 2009, the Prime Minister has released a series of decisions to subsidise interest rates for farmers to buy machines equipment, and material for agricultural and fisheries production as well as house construction in rural areas. The Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have developed strategies to promote investment for machine automation in agricultural production with preferential policies on tax, credit and land. Boxer Linh beats Duyên to win 60kg category The stands of Trịnh Hoài Đức Gymnasium nearly exploded when Hà Thị Linh of Hà Nội beat Lừu Thị Duyên of HCM City to triumph in the women’s 60kg category in Let’s Viet boxing tournament in Hà Nội. Duyên was the first Vietnamese female boxer to win a gold medal at the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2013. She pocketed bronze at the 17th Asian Games in 2014 in South  Korea. Meanwhile Linh also bagged a gold medal at the SEA Games in 2013. Before the final took place, Duyên was expected to win the gold medal. However, with the support of fans at the gym, Linh had an unforgettable match with her excellent moves, attacks and defence to take the gold. “I am very happy. My rival today is very strong and experienced. However thanks to Hanoian fans, I played very decisively and used my coach’s tactics,” said Linh. In another match, Nguyễn Quang Huy of Bắc Ninh defeated Vương Văn Hùng of Hà Nội to triumph in the men’s 57kg. Several thousands hectares of water reservoir land disappear in HCMC Construction investment has occurred strongly and spontaneously alongside Saigon River in the low-lying and soft ground southern part of HCMC, resulting in the loss of thousands of hectares of land areas playing the role as water reservoirs for HCMC. The statement was made by a representative from the Urban Board of the city People’s Council at a forum on November 12. Most rice fields in the outskirts of the city has become urban areas contributing to the flooding, said the representative. In addition, 47 canals over 16.4 hectares and 7.4 hectare Binh Tien reservoir have been filled up worsening the issue after heavy rains and high tide. Drainage system has failed to catch up with urbanization and tree area at parks inner the city has dropped by nearly 50 percent. Irrational urbanization, urban management limitations and residents’ low awareness of climate change have been major reasons. At the forum, authorized agencies in the city reported their already implemented activities to cope with flooding. Basing on these reports, experts and scientists will further make clear the issue. 42 exemplary teachers working in islands honored The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Ministry of Education and Training yesterday held a ceremony to honor exemplary teachers who are working in islands as per the program “Sharing with teacher” 2016. Among honoring teachers at the meeting is Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoi, born in 1966, who is teaching in junior high school in Sen village in island district Van Don of the northern province of Quang Ninh. She has worked there for in 29 years seven months. A representative from the  Communist Youth Union highly appreciated teachers’ devotion in islands, appraising teachers who have overcome their difficulties to contribute to the education sector. Teachers were awarded certificates of merit, medals and bank account of VND10 million from the  Youth Union. Additionally, Thien Long group promised to give studying items to students in islands nationwide. Cao Phong orange festival underway in Hoa Binh The second Cao Phong orange festival and the 2016 northwestern farming, tourism and trade fair are underway at the Cao Phong cultural centre, in the northern province of Hoa Binh. More than 200 firms are operating 350 stalls at the two events. Starting from November 13, the festival and the trade fair will run until November 20. They aim to promote the Cao Phong oranges and business connectivity across the northwestern region. In 2014, Hoa Binh’s Cao Phong district received Geographical Indication for its oranges. In 2016, the intellectual property institute in Vietnam recognised the fruit as one of the ten most popular Vietnamese trademarks. Cao Phong district is home to more than 2,000 hectares of citrus fruit, accounting for nearly one third of the entire citrus plantation in Hoa Binh. Hanoi Festive to celebrate New Year The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports is planning to organise ‘Hanoi Festive,’ a fireworks, light and colours festival, to celebrate the 2017 New Year. Themed ‘Hanoi in the Past - Hanoi at Present,’ the festival will be held from December 31, 2016 to January 2, 2017 on pedestrian streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and T-Ocean Park in the suburban district of Quoc Oai. The festival aims to recreate the traditional beauty of Hanoi in combination with contemporary music and laser light shows and colourful fireworks performances. Major activities during the festival will include an international fireworks performance, arts performances, folk games and street art performances with the participation of over 1,000 volunteers. The highlight of the festival will be an electronic music show that is expected to attract an audience of over 10,000, as well as 150 actors and several famous singers such as Noo Phuoc Thinh, Thu Phuong and My Linh. ‘Hanoi Festive’ will also introduce a 2km road of lanterns and flowers and an expo with over 100 booths. Towards 90-90-90 target to end AIDS epidemic in Vietnam A national action month for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS will take place from November 10 to December 10 with the theme “Towards the 90-90-90 Target to End the AIDS Epidemic in Vietnam,” according to the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, Drug Addiction and Prostitution. The 90-90-90 target was set by the United Nations at a global AIDS conference in 2014. Accordingly, it aims by 2020 to have 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of people diagnosed with HIV receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90% of people receiving antiretroviral therapy virally suppressed, thereby ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. During the month of action, a range of activities will be held at the central level, including a rally and a march in Da Nang in response to the national event and the World AIDS Day, announcing the winners of a journalism contest on HIV/AIDS and of the Red Ribbon Award in Ho Chi Minh City, and an annual workshop on strengthening cooperation among civil society and partners in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Notably, PEPFAR Vietnam and the Vietnam National Drama Theatre will jointly organise a tour in several locales for the play “Three in One,” targeting discrimination against people living with HIV, drug users and sex workers and encouraging people with HIV to get health insurance. At the ministerial and local levels, the National Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, Drug Addiction and Prostitution is also organising various activities on the theme accordance with the conditions and characteristics of each local unit. In past years, Vietnam has made positive achievements in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, as continuing to control the HIV infection rate in the community at less than 0.3%. For eight consecutive years, the annual number of new HIV infections has been experiencing a trend of reduction, and the number of people with AIDS and the number of deaths due to HIV/AIDS have also decreased. However, only approximately 80% of people living with HIV are aware of their status and nearly 50% of people diagnosed with HIV are receiving antiretroviral treatment. Vietnam is expanding viral load testing as recommended by the World Health Organisation with the aim of making viral load testing routine. In Vietnam, the cumulative number of people living with HIV continues to rise, while the number of people living with HIV in need of care and lifelong treatment has exceeded 200,000. Each year, there are also 12,000 new HIV infections and 2,000-3,000 deaths due to HIV/AIDS. The lack of resources for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS is also another challenge. According to experts, with an average investment level of US$92 million a year, Vietnam could save 150,000 people from HIV and end the epidemic by 2030. Writing contest digs into value of Shakespeare’s quotes The ‘Shakespeare Lives in Me’ writing contest has been launched by the British Embassy and the British Council as part of the 2016 ‘Shakespeare Lives’ programme to mark the 400th death anniversary of the great writer. To be eligible, contestants are required to write an essay, ranging from 200-300 words, about the meaning of a quote from their favourite work by Shakespeare. The entries should highlight the humanity in Shakespeare’s works, which were written hundreds of years ago but their value is still alive in today’s age. The entries can be presented in English or Vietnamese and include drawings or illustrated images. Contestants can submit their essays from November 5 to December 5 via https://goo.gl/forms/6Xe78r2acpjF1E9u2 or send them to British Council Vietnam (20 Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi). Winners of the contest will be named and honoured at a ceremony scheduled in Hanoi on December 15, 2016. The ‘Shakespeare Lives’ programme has been held throughout this year with various activities including a display of quotes from Shakespeare’s classics, a translation competition, and a photo contest. The events have received much appreciation and participation from the public, particularly fans of Shakespeare’s works. Environment probe findings at Lee&Man pulp mill still undisclosed Findings in an environmental probe into Lee&Man Vietnam Paper Co Ltd in Hau Giang Province have not been officially announced although the inspection was launched months ago. Tran Phong, director general of the Southern Environment Department under Vietnam’s General Department of Environment and the chief inspector, told the Daily on Tuesday the exact time of publicizing the results is unknown as the inspection team is still waiting for guidance from the Government. Asked if any irregularities with Lee&Man Vietnam Paper Co Ltd. were found during the inspection, Phong declined comment. “Wait until the announcement,” he said. Ho Van Phu, director of Hau Giang Province’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said the inspection team has not provided any relevant information on the case for provincial authorities. On June 30, as ordered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the General Department of Environment announced a decision to conduct an inspection into the compliance with environment regulations at Lee&Man Vietnam and 29 other enterprises in the province. The inspections would be conducted in 45 days from the date of announcement. As for the Lee&Man project, it was inspected in three days, starting July 1. Local techies gather at BarCamp BarCamp Saigon 2016, an event for the local technology community in Saigon, will take place on RMIT University campus in District 7 on November 13. The 10th edition of the event themed “Cross domain creativity, unfold new opportunity” will be attended by software engineers, product developers, entrepreneurs, founders and marketers to share with the community about genuine concepts or ideas, current trends and latest technologies. BarCamp Saigon will also feature professionals from successful startups and tech outfits in Vietnam such as Grab, Getlinks, TMA, Coderschool and ITviec. BarCamp Saigon 2016 is aimed at bringing a “knowledge party” to people passionate about ideas and knowledge, and to bridge the gap between young enthusiasts and experts. Since its debut in 2008, there has been at least one BarCamp event in HCMC every year. Especially, it was held twice in 2011. The event invites all participants who are students or industry veterans, Vietnamese or expatriates, or even tourists with interest in technology, the Internet, social media, entrepreneurship, or none of the above. Attendees can either give a presentation or just listen and they will have a good chance to make friends. Speakers to BarCamp will register their topics and attendees will decide which one to participate, the more favored topics will be given bigger room and prime time on the event day. From a meetup of over 200 local techies, BarCamp Saigon has continued growing to meet the need of the community. Last year’s event attracted more than a thousand participants and 65 talks covering not only technology topics but also stories of Vietnamese coffee in the world market, of a long-time BarCamp volunteer on his way across Vietnam, and how mediation touches many aspects of life unconsciously. For further information, visit http://www.barcampsaigon.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/BarCampSaigon. RMIT University is located at 702 Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard, District 7, HCMC. Free T-shirts, water, and gifts from organizers will be available for participants. New Zealand recognises outstanding Vietnamese alumni The New Zealand Embassy in Việt Nam hosted its second annual Ambassador’s Alumni Awards to celebrate educational links between the two countries and recognise individuals who excel in their field. Speaking at the event held in Hà Nội on Tuesday, New Zealand Ambassador Haike Manning said the links between people from the two countries is the bedrock of bilateral relations, serving as a basis for growing connections in education, business, and between the two governments. “Over 2000 Vietnamese students study in New Zealand every year and we now have thousands of alumni back in Việt Nam using the knowledge and skills they have learnt in New Zealand to contribute to the growth and development of Việt Nam and the relationship between our two countries,” he said. The evening culminated with Dr Trần Văn, former Vice-Chairman of Việt Nam’s National Assembly’s Committee of Financial and Budgetary Affairs, winning the alumni award in recognition of his work in strengthening connections between the two countries. Dr Văn has a long history with New Zealand, beginning with his English language training at Victoria University of Wellington following his appointment to the National Assembly. He has been a strong advocate of Việt Nam-New Zealand relations and has served as president of New Zealand-Việt Nam Parliamentary Friendship from 2011 – 2016,  leading various delegations to visit New Zealand’s Parliament and publishing articles on its effective governance structure and scenery. VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/TT/TN/Dantri/VNE