Thứ Hai, 18 tháng 12, 2017

Social News In Brief

Free bus information via Zalo in Da Nang City
Da Nang Center of Public Service (1022) has just launched the feature to browse bus routes through Zalo app or SMS in order to help Da Nang citizens in managing their travel more quickly and conveniently.
Accordingly, when receiving information on users’ departure and destination points, the system will automatically provide necessary bus stops, route numbers and possible time consistent with the optimal calculated route so that users can actively catch their buses.
To access this free service, users have to check “Interested in Official Account” of “Da Nang 1022 Centre” in Zalo app, then choose “Look up” and the feature “Bus routes” or “Buses coming to terminals” to find information they need.
Users can also look up bus routes via SMS sent to 8188 Center with the text BUS departure-terminal
To find information on busses which are about to reach their stops, users can text either of these: BUS MT  - station code or BUS  name.
The People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province and the Ministry of Health have already approved Zalo as their official channel to deliver information as well as process administrative procedures.
In Dong Nai, citizens can receive electronic receipt through Zalo right after submitting their documents. Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City - University of Information Technology (UIT) has considered Zalo as an important channel to interact with its students.
Quang Nam receives largest amount of aid from RoK
The central coastal province of Quang Nam had received the most non-refundable ODA from the Republic of Korea (RoK) Government with over US$41 million over the past 25 years, said Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam’s People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh at the opening ceremony of the Korean Day program kicked off in the province on December 15.
About 31 Korean enterprises are operating in Quang Nam with a total capital of nearly US$ 250 million, creating jobs for 10,000 laborers.
The province has also annually received development and humanitarian assistance worth hundreds of millions of US dollars from the Rok’s non-governmental orgnizations, added the Vice Chairman.
In recent year, the RoK has been among top 5 countries with the biggest number of tourists to Quang Nam. The province is expected to welcome more than 300,000 Korean travellers in 2017.
The Korean Day program marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) includes a series of activities in various fields, such as culture, arts, diplomacy, economy, educationa and among from December 15-17.
One of the highlight events in the Korean Film Week featuring the best award-winning films in the RoK is taking place from December 11-17.
Quang Binh suggests Government support for further development
Authorities of Quang Binh province proposed the Government assisting the province in promoting its strengths for further development in the future, heard at the working session between Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee on December 15.
The province asked the Government to assist it in the upgrading of the Dong Hoi Airport in 2018 and add the airport to the list of international airports in the future in order to boost the local tourism and transport.
The local authorities also suggested that the Government will recognise the relic site dedicated to General Vo Nguyen Giap located in LocThuy commune, Le Thuy district as the national-level historical site to serve the preservation of the relic site and tourism.
In addition, the province expressed hope that the Government will soon approve a target programme on education in mountainous, ethnic and disadvantaged regions aligned with a specific capital allocation plan for these regions in the 2018-2020 period.
In particular, local authorities asked the Government to provide financial support for the province to build kindergartens and primary schools for children in remote, ethnic and disadvantage regions with a total aid of VND276 billion for 52 communes.
Deputy PM Dam acknowledged and lauded the province for its efforts to overcome difficulties caused by the marine environmental incident in 2016 and the strong development of its tourism sector in 2017.
He noted that the Government along with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will implement actions to help Quang Binh to become a famous tourism destination across the world.
In response to the suggestion on building new kindergartens and primary schools, the Deputy PM stated that the Government will consider the budget to assist the province to build new facilities in disadvantaged regions.
He added that the Government will also ask the Ministry of Education and Training to issue specific documents on guiding the province’s education and training sector to remove obstacles related to the allocation of regular spending for boarding schools and allowances for teachers, and others.
Da Lat to host next National TV Festival

 7th CLV youth forum opens in Binh Phuoc, Con Dao airport set for upgrade, Korean Day programme opens in Quang Nam province, Dozens of students hospitalized due to food poisoning 

A total of 27 top prizes were presented to outstanding TV programmes sent to the 37th National Television Festival, which wrapped up in Sam Son city, the central province of Thanh Hoa on December 16 night.
Nearly 500 TV shows by 140 TV and radio units in nine different categories, including documentaries, reportage, talk shows, science education and ethnic minority TV shows, competed for the best work awards.
Jointly held by the Vietnam National Television (VTV) and Thanh Hoa Television in Thanh Hoa for the first time, the annual event aims to honour producers, directors and camera crews as well as outstanding works that have provided insight into the daily lives of the Vietnamese people. It also provides an opportunity for television workers to share experiences.
The Organising Board highly praised the efforts by nationwide TV makers to keep up to date information when reflecting the life across the nation and accompanying the national development. As a result, 27 gold and 50 silver prizes were awarded for outstanding works.
Notably, the reportage genre had nine golden awards for works from the VTV, People's Police Television, and Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa and Quang Nam Television Stations.
In addition to the main awards, the organisers also honoured those working in the TV sector with the "TV Makers" awards. A total of 133 certificates of merit were also presented to works submitted in nine different categories.
Tran Binh Minh, VTV General Director cum President of the 37th National TV Festival, emphasised that quality of works at this year’s event have been improved greatly with journalistic content, demonstrating the investment of TV makers from the topic selection to the structure of the work; from visual quality to flexible manipulation of graphic elements, music, sound and interaction.
New approaches to programme production have also been highlighted. Many of the contests are inspired by modern thinking. Combining the strengths of traditional TV along with the power of the Internet, telecommunications and social networking, Minh added.
Under the framework of the event, a photo exhibition on Thanh Hoa province and seminars regarding to producing children's TV programmes, tourism promotion on TV and TV in the Internet era, were also held.
The 38th National Television Festival 2018 is scheduled for Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.
Deputy PM Dam extends Christmas greetings in Nghe An, Ha Tinh provinces
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam visited and extended his greetings to the Committees for Catholic Unity in the two central provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh on December 16 ahead of Christmas.
Over the past years, Catholics in Nghe An and Ha Tinh have actively participated in movements to build a cultured life in local neighbourhoods aligned with building new rural areas, helping to strengthen solidarity within the community.
Many agricultural farms have also been established in Catholic quarters while the number of small and medium businesses owned by Catholic has been on the increase, creating hundreds of jobs and improving the income of local households.
At the same time, charitable movements to help poor people, agent orange/dioxin victims and for those affected by natural disaster have received the support of many Catholic priests and adherents.
During his visit, Deputy PM Dam reiterated the Party and State’s consistent policy of ensuring religious freedom and praised people of religion in general and Catholics in particular for making contributions to national construction and defence.
On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas, he extended his best greetings to Catholic priests and followers, wishing them a merry and peaceful Christmas.
For their part, Priest Dau Quang Hai and Nguyen Dang Dien thanked the concern of the Party and State, noting that Christmas, from a religious festival, has become a public festival celebrated by many people.
The same day, Deputy PM Dam visited two Catholic families in Nghe An province and a kindergarten run by Catholic sisters in Ha Tinh province as well as visiting the Nghe An border guards and offering incense to the great poet Nguyen Du.
PM approves making construction planning for Binh Duong
The Prime Minister has recently approved the making of a construction planning  for southern Binh Duong province.
Accordingly, the Government leader assigned the Binh Duong provincial People’s Committee to work with the Ministry of Construction and relevant agencies in devising and submitting for approval the tasks and blueprints of the Binh Duong province region construction planning in line with the current law.
The Ministry of Construction was asked to implement the verification of the tasks and blueprints of the planning in accordance with the laws on construction.
The Binh Duong province region planning until 2020 was approved in Decision no. 68/2006/QD-UBND issued by the Binh Duong provincial People’s Committee on March 20, 2006.
After over 11 years since then, Binh Duong’s development process has seen many fluctuations, with the goals and tasks set in the 2006 planning being no longer appropriate, alongside the emergence of many new development factors and requirements in the province and the Ho Chi Minh City region. These require the planning directions for the building of the Binh Duong province region to be continuously studied and considered, and to put forward new recommendations which match with the province’s current and future development demands.
Given that fact, the Prime Minister approved the construction planning scheme for the BinhDuong province region.
“Enabling Boat” students tell tales to inspire peers
More than 50 students and teenagers from difficult families in Halong city who participated in the "Enabling Boat" project shared their experiences and lessons with more than 700 other students at two secondary schools.
The cold winter weather turned warmer at the two secondary schools as the participants of the “Enabling Boat” project recounted their stories.
The visits were held at Tuan Chau Primary and Secondary School and Nguyen Viet Xuan Primary and Secondary School, where many of the disadvantaged students of Halong city are studying.
The sharing sessions were held as extracurricular classes for all students. At each school, 25 students and teenagers participating in the project shared their knowledge and skills in information technology (IT), computer science, and marine environmental protection that they picked up at “Enabling Boat” training with hundreds of other students.
The events attracted the participation of a large number of students, raising awareness about marine environmental protection, encouraging their learning spirit, and especially pushing them to learn to use computers and IT applications.
At the visit, students of the project took part in a short drama simulating the "Enabling boat" classes that they joined.
Through a naturally-flowing and entertaining conversation, they talked of what they have learned from the project as well as talked of the effective learning methods they picked up to help others study better.
At the end of the session, all students had a chance to understand the project by answering short questions about general knowledge of soft skills, marine environment, and applying IT and computer science in their studies and life. This session not only helps them to better understand the project, but also encourages them to actively learn and expand their knowledge.
In addition, another interesting and rewarding activity for students was a training session on essential soft skills.
The exchange has created a new learning space which allows students to access knowledge in a fun and effective way, thus stimulating them to explore the ocean of knowledge at their fingertips and the bigger world.
The “Enabling Boat” project is sponsored by tech giants Microsoft and Acer, implemented by the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) in collaboration with the Vietnet Information Technology and Communication Centre (Vietnet-ICT) and local partners.
The project provides training sessions on practical soft skills, basic knowledge and skills in information technology and computer science, environmental protection, and climate change for more than 200 local students and youths in the difficult coastal areas of Halong city.
New flag tower inaugurated in Lao Cai northern border province
A new national flag tower was inaugurated in A Mu Sung commune, Bat Xat district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on December 16.
The tower, situated at the place where the Hong (Red) River) enters Vietnam from China, was the work of the province’s youth to welcome the 11th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union for the 2017-2022 tenure.
The project, worth over VND17 billion (US$748,000) sourced from donations, was started in March 2016. 
The tower is 31.43 metres high and holds a 25-sq.m flag. The figures represent the 3,143-metre high Fansipan peak and 25 ethnic groups in the province.
The work demonstrates the will and determination of local youths to build on the tradition in building and protecting the nation, while contributing to affirming the national border sovereignty and developing local tourism.
The tower was handed over to the People’s Committee of Bat Xat district for management. 
The Lung Po flag tower is expected to be one of the new tourism destinations in the locality’s tour through Lao Cai – Bat Xat – Sapa.
Association helps promote Vietnam-Belarus friendship
Belarus considers cooperation with Vietnam as one of its foreign policy’s leading priorities in Asia Pacific, affirmed Charge d’affaires ad interim of Belarus in Vietnam Dmitry Gil at a friendship get-together in Hanoi on December 16.
In his speech at the exchange to celebrate the 20th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association (VBFA), the diplomat highlighted the dynamic and strong development of the bilateral relations. 
Vietnam is Belarus’s traditional trade partner in Southeast Asia, with two-way trade having tripled over the last decade, he said.
He also hailed cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus, saying that the work has been actively supported by the VBFA.
The diplomat expressed his hope that the association will continue serving as a bridge to promote closer friendship between the two nations in the coming time. 
Established on April 20, 1997, the VBFA is working to enhance solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Belarusian people, including the first Belarus Culture Days held in Vietnam in May this year. 
Many friendship activities have been organised over the last two decades, contributing to promoting the diplomatic and economic relations between Vietnam and Belarus.
Curtain comes down on Korean Day in Quang Nam
The Korean Day programme concluded in Tam Ky city, the central province of Quang Nam, on December 16 after entertaining visitors with a range of activities.
The two-day event was jointly held by the provincial People’s Committee and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam in celebration of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (December 22). 
The festival featured Korean Movie Days, a photo exhibition on the land, culture and people of the RoK and Quang Nam, a workshop on building new-style rural areas in Quang Nam and the new village movement in the RoK, a meeting with Korean investors and an exchange for students. 
The RoK has the largest number of investors in Quang Nam province, with 31 companies and total capital of nearly US$250 million, generating jobs for nearly 10,000 labourers. 
Quang Nam has set up close ties with localities of the RoK over the past time. Annually, the province receives hundreds of thousands of US dollars in humanitarian and community development aid from RoK non-governmental organisations. 
The RoK has been among the main source countries of tourists to Quang Nam over the past years. 
The Korean Day event is expected to promote tourism in Quang Nam, which is home to two world cultural heritage sites by UNESCO - Hoi An ancient town and My Son sanctuary, together with many rich and unique tangible and intangible heritage values.
The province also boasts several potential beautiful landscapes such as excellent beaches, Cham and Tam Hai islands and the majestic Truong Son mountain range. 
It attracted nearly 4.4 million of tourists in 2016 and aims to welcome over 5 million visitors in this year.
Exhibition reviews Dien Bien Phu in the Air campaign
Photos and objects on the Dien Bien Phu in the Air victory are on displayed at an exhibition called “Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the Air and the Trench of the Command Post of Operations,” which opened in Hanoi on December 15 to mark the 45th anniversary of the victory.
Hanoi, Hai Phong and their vicinities were heavily bombarded in an aerial raids in December 1972, known in Vietnam as "Dien Bien Phu in the Air” and in the West as the 1972 Christmas bombing.
It was the last US military campaign during the war and lasted for 12 days from December 18 to 29.
Over 12 days and nights, the Hanoi air defence grids and all across the north of Vietnam shot down 4,181 airplanes, including 34 expensive B52s, referred to as flying fortresses, which had their own radar bomb navigation systems with well-trained crews.
Linebacker II was to be a "maximum effort" bombing campaign to "destroy major target complexes in the Hanoi and Hai Phong areas, which could only be accomplished by B-52s”, according to military experts.
It saw the largest heavy bomber strikes launched by the US Air Force since the end of World War II.
But the people of Hanoi triumphed over the heavy bombardment, although more than 1,600 civilians were killed and three Mic 21 were shot down. The Hanoians had named the 12 day and night campaign their Dien Bien Phu in the Air, recalling their decisive victory over the French in 1954.
The victory under Hanoi skies prompted the US to return to the negotiating table in Paris and finally sign the peace accords that they had previously refused to.
The exhibition is divided into two parts, the ‘Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the Air’ and the ‘Trench of the Command Post of Operations aka T1 bunker’.
The trench of the Command Post of Operations, built in 1964, was the place where the country’s leaders received reports and gave directions for the resistance war throughout the country. During the 12 days and nights in 1972, operations from bunker T1 helped shoot down several B52 planes.
Today T1 is an important part of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel relic, making it an outstanding heritage site in Hanoi.
The exhibition will run until the end of the year at the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre in Hanoi.
During the exhibition, the organiser will also screen documentaries and hold talks with witnesses and experts.
National Assembly leader visits naval units in Khanh Hoa
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visited naval units stationed in the Cam Ranh military base in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on December 17.  
The NA leader held a working session with the High Command of Naval Region No 4 and had meetings with officers and soldiers of the Submarine Brigade 189, Cam Ranh International Port, Brigade 162 and Naval Air Brigade 954. 
During working sessions and meetings, the top legislator commended the naval force on its performance in training and search & rescue work during recent storms. 
She expressed trust in the force’s political firmness and readiness for fight to protect national sea and island sovereignty. 
Ngan also talked to soldiers and residents in Truong Sa town and the island communes of Song Tu Tay and Sinh Ton of Khanh Hoa’s Truong Sa district via a video chat online link. 
Latin American diplomats pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh
Delegations from Latin American and Middle Eastern embassies in Hanoi led by Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcategui, laid wreaths and paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum on December 17. 
The activity was held to commemorate the 187th death anniversary of Venezuela’s national liberation hero Simon Bolivar, and pay honour to the great Vietnamese leader, contributing to tightening the friendship between Vietnam and Latin American nations.
Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) was the greatest leader of Latin America's independence movement in the beginning of the 19th century. The struggle led by him helped six countries - Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia – gain independence from Spain.
Top legislator examines Khanh Hoa’s socio-economic performance
NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan had a working session with officials of the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on December 16 to review the province’s 2017 socio-economic development plan. 
Ngan lauded the joint efforts made by local authorities to address the consequences caused by storm Damrey in November, urging the locality to take comprehensive measures to help its residents stabilise their lives and businesses resume their operation.
Reporting to the NA top leader, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Vinh said the province’s GRDP expanded by 7.9 percent year on year and GRDP per capita reached 57 million VND (2,500 USD) in 2017.
Its export value was estimated at 1.22 billion USD, a slight rise from 2016, while the import value was around 680 million USD, falling 3.5 percent year on year.
The locality welcomed 5.43 million visitors, including over 2 million foreigners, earning 17 trillion VND (748 million USD) from tourism, up 30.8 percent year on year.
However, damages caused by storm Damrey were serious and extensive, thus affecting the realisation of its 2017 socio-economic targets, including industrial and fishery-agricultural production, and poverty reduction.
Total fatalities due to the storm reached 44, while one remains missing and 229 others were injured. The total damage was estimated at over 14.7 trillion VND (616 million USD) with 2,810 houses totally destroyed, 115,580 others damaged and over 36,000 hectares of crops inundated. Over 370,000 heads of livestock and poultry were killed or washed away. Thousands of ships were sunk, and thousands of hectares of fish farms along with numerous infrastructure facilities were ruined.  
Vinh reported that the province has earmarked 18.5 billion VND (814,000 USD) for providing aid in cash and rice to storm-affected residents, adding that over 176 billion VND (7,744 USD) was also mobilised from the local budget and donors to help local people repair their houses.
The province’s authorities made several proposals to the NA on local socio-economic development, including the adjustment of the area of its Bac Van Phong Special Administrative-Economic Zone. The province also asked the NA to allow it keep all the import-export taxes collected within the Zone from now to 2030 to finance the implementation of policies designed specifically for the zone. 
The NA Chairwoman agreed with the proposal on the scope and area of the Bac Van Phong Special Administrative-Economic Zone, saying that the locality needs to prepare a detail proposal to submit to the NA Standing Committee.
During the occasion, Nguyen Hanh Phuc, Chairman of the NA Office presented 500 million VND (22,000 USD) donated by the staff of the NA Office and Party organisation to help storm victims in the province.
Activities held in Mozambique to mark Vietnam People’s Army Day
The Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique organised several activities on December 14-15 to mark the 73rd anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22). 
The embassy’s staff made visits to officers, soldiers and workers of Movitel, a joint venture between Vietnam’s military-run group Viettel and a local company, and organised exchanges between Movitel workers and the local Vietnamese community. 
The activities aim to give encouragement to the servicepersons who are working far from home, tighten solidarity among the overseas Vietnamese in Mozambique and consolidate the friendship and cooperation between Vietnamese and Mozambican people. 
Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Nguyen Van Trung sent a greeting letter to officials and workers of Movitel and gifts to those working in remote areas of Mozambique
Movitel, the first joint venture of Viettel in Africa, started operation in May 2012. Since then, it has developed a network of over 2,800 transmission stations and 27,650 km of cable and become Mozambique’s biggest mobile operator.
7th CLV youth forum opens in Binh Phuoc
Delegates from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV) have come together at the 7th CLV youth forum, which opened in the southern province of Binh Phuoc on December 17.

7th CLV youth forum opens in Binh Phuoc, Con Dao airport set for upgrade, Korean Day programme opens in Quang Nam province, Dozens of students hospitalized due to food poisoning 
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan speaks at the forum 

In his opening speech, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan highlighted the significance of the event, saying that it contributes to implementing the joint statement of the three nations’ Prime Ministers at the 9th CLV Summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, last year. 
With their role as the vanguard force of each country, young people need to be aware of their responsibility and actively participate in the socio-economic development in the CLV area, he said. 
As part of the 11th Meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee of the CLV Development Triangle Area, the forum aims to discuss issues of common concern of the three countries’ youths, thus devising practical measures to realise their Governments’ commitments of regional cooperation, he added. 
Seminars within the forum will focus on measures to promote the role played by regional youths in economic development; and how to enhance connection among young entrepreneurs, the involvement of young people in new rural development and voluntary activities. 
Representatives from Laos and Cambodia said the even helps tighten relations among youth forces of the three nations, and provides a venue for young businesspeople to share their experience in start-up activities, contributing to fostering trade and tourism ties among the three nations.
Con Dao airport set for upgrade
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has approved a VND5.2 trillion (US$230 million) plan to upgrade Con Dao Island’s airport in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
By 2020 the airport’s runway would be large enough to receive airplanes such as the Airbus A320. Today, it can only serve smaller ART72 aircraft.
The parking area by that time would have enough space for at least eight Airbus A320s.
A new terminal with a capacity of 2 million passengers will also be built.
The upgrade and expansion plan is divided into two phases, with the first phase occurring from now to 2020, costing VND4.17 trillion. The second phase from 2020-2030 would cost more than VND1 trillion.
The Con Dao Island airport, located in the district of the same name in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, was built during the French colonial period.
It was upgraded in 2003 and put into operation a year later, serving both civil and military flights.
In the first 10 months of the year, the airport welcomed more than 325,000 passengers.
The number of passengers is expected to reach 400,000 by the end of the year, up 36% from last year.
The island, which is 230 km from HCM City, is also home to important tangible and intangible national Cultural Heritage sites and traditional arts, with great potential for ecological and spiritual tourism.
Korean Day programme opens in Quang Nam province
The Korean Day programme kicked off the in central coastal province of Quang Nam on December 15.
The event was jointly held by the provincial People’s Committee and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic ties.
Local artists joined those from the RoK’s Gwangyang city to perform traditional music of the two countries. Kpop singers from Dongdeok University also cheered up audiences.
Other sidelines activities include the Korean Movie Days, a photo exhibition on the land, culture and people of the RoK and Quang Nam, a workshop sharing experience in building new areas in Quang Nam and new village movement in the RoK, and an exchange meeting among students.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam’s People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh said the RoK is one of the biggest investors in Quang Nam province. About 31 Korean firms are operating in the locality with a total capital of nearly US$250 million, generating jobs for nearly 10,000 workers.
Non-governmental organisations from the RoK provides humanitarian and community development aid packages worth hundreds of millions of US dollars for Quang Nam annually, he noted.
In recent year, the RoK has been among countries having the biggest number of tourists to Vietnam’s central coastal province.
Quang Nam has signed friendly cooperative relations with three Korean localities - Osan, Yongin and Gwangyang, he said.
Dozens of students hospitalized due to food poisoning
Sixteen students from Hung Loc Primary School in Thong Nhat district in the southern province of Dong Nai were rushed to hospital on December 15 after having adverse reactions to their breakfast at the school.
At 10 am while studying in the classroom, students began to experience symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, bellyache, and diarrhoea.
At 2pm the same day, these students were still being monitored as they received treatment.
Some students said that before going to class, they ate rice vermicelli at the school’s canteen, while others had breakfast at shops outside the school. 
They were taken to the emergency unit of Dau Giay Polyclinic in Thong Nhat district. After providing medical examinations, doctors said they showed symptoms of food poisoning.
Medical workers have co-ordinated with relevant agencies to take samples of the food for testing to pinpoint the cause of the food poisoning.
Two workers killed in plywood factory blaze
A massive fire broke out in the early morning of December 15 at a plywood production factory in Tan Phuoc Khanh ward, Tan Uyen commune, southern Binh Duong province, leaving two workers dead.
The blaze raged out of control almost instantly with billows of flames and smoke engulfing the workshop within minutes. 
Although there were warning shouts about the fire, two night shift workers were unable to escape the spreading inferno.
The two victims were identified as Vo Van Duong (43) and Ha Thi Le (45) from the central province of Ha Tinh.
Immediately after receiving reports of the blaze, ten fire engines arrived at the scene to battle the raging fire.
Machinery and many wooden materials inside the workshop have been completely destroyed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Enthusiasm of young volunteers
Young volunteers’ campaigns have inspired young people’s dynamism and responsibility. The campaigns will continue to be one of the Youth Union’s main activities in the future.
Young volunteers’ campaigns have expanded and drawn public attention over the past five years. 
More than 16 million Youth Union members and other young people have engaged in volunteer programs in numerous sectors: new rural development, building civilized urban areas, ensuring traffic safety, environmental protection, climate change response, blood donation, community health, paying gratitude to social contributors, food safety, and stopping epidemics.
Le Quoc Phong, the first Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, said volunteer activities are organized regularly in many areas. 
“We design long-term activities for young volunteer intellectuals. We promote their learning efforts and their involvement in social activities. We diversify volunteer activities to fulfill social needs,” said Mr Phong. 
Youth Union’s volunteer activities have encouraged young people to contribute to social and economic development. 
Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh, Secretary of Ben Cau district’s Youth Union in Tay Ninh province, said “To promote volunteer activities, we have organized “volunteer hours” so young volunteers can get involved whenever they’re available. The Youth Union’s Central Committee has instructed local units to carry out “volunteer hours” to gain practical results in the next five years.”
The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union has taken the lead in young volunteer campaigns and guides young people to organize volunteer activities that benefit society.
CLV tourism and trade fair opens in Binh Phuoc
The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Area tourism and trade fair opened in southern Binh Phuoc province on December 16, under the framework of the 11th meeting of the CLV Development Triangle Area joint coordination committee.
Businesses from provinces in the CLV Development Triangle Area and Vietnam’s south-eastern provinces assembled at the four-day event to showcase their socio-economic achievements and typical products across 100 pavilions.
The event offered participants a chance to exchange experiences, promote their brands, develop markets, and expand economic ties. It also allowed Binh Phuoc province to show off its potential and advantages for the development of­­­­ cooperation ties in the future.
Huynh Thi Hang, vice chair of Binh Phuoc provincial People’s Committee, said the event is of economic, political, social, and cultural significance and aims to develop economic, trade, and investment ties throughout the CLV Development Triangle Area, enhance connectivity among businesses and streamline production, trade of goods, and trade and tourism growth in the region.
The CLV Development Triangle Area was established in 1999, consisting of 13 provinces; four in the east of Cambodia, four in the south of Laos, and five in Vietnam.
Kon Tum police bust illegal transport of firecrackers
Traffic police in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on December 15 discovered and captured some 300 kilogrammes of illegally transported firecrackers.
At 6:30 am, the police stopped a suspicious taxi on National Highway 14 in Hoa Binh commune, Kon Tum city, for inspection and found six large bags containing packages of firecrackers weighing about 300 kilogrammes.
The driver, 30 year-old Vu Manh Trinh residing in Pleiku, Gia Lai province, told police that he had been hired to transport the goods from Ngoc Hoi district in Kon Tum province to Pleiku.
The driver, his taxi and all exhibits were handed over to local police.
During December 11-14, authorities at Bo Y International Border Gate seized nearly 498 kilogrammes of firecrackers illegally transported from Laos to Vietnam.
The production, trade and use of firecrackers has been banned in Vietnam since 1994.
Previously, firecrackers were usually set off in the country before and during Tet holiday as a tradition.
UNICEF-funded project support comprehensive child development
About 35,000 children aged 0-8 and 25,000 parents and caregivers will benefit from a UNICEF-funded project “Mobile integrated early childhood development (MIECD)”, heard a workshop in Hanoi on December 14.
The use of mobile technology in the project is part of the Comprehensive Child Development Programme (CCDP), which requires a multi-sector and inter-ministerial approach to ensure early caring for and nurturing children. 
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien said the workshop served as a venue for relevant parties to discuss their roles to ensure coordination in planning and implementing the initiative.
The project will comprise eight modules in the fields of maternity care, infant care, nutrition, early interaction, care for disabled children, clean water and environmental sanitation, comprehensive child development and surveying. 
It will be piloted in 27 disadvantaged communes in the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum and Gia Lai and the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien
Mobile technology will help collect data and analyse information related to mothers and children, supporting medical workers in providing reasonable and timely interventions. 
Vietnam’s large mobile network coverage allows easier access to vulnerable groups of women and children in remote areas, contributing to minimising inequality in accessing health care among different communities in Vietnam.
On the occasion, the ministry established a national Steering Committee to provide technical assistance, build plans and implement the CCDP.
Christmas greetings extended to Catholics
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh wished Catholic dignitaries and followers a merry Christmas while visiting the Archdiocese of Hanoi on December 15. 
He informed Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese Cardinal Nguyen Van Nhon about achievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development and national defence over the past time, especially the fight against corruption. 
Binh applauded contributions made by religious people in general and Catholic followers in particular to such achievements. 
The Deputy PM also highlighted contributions of the Hanoi Archdiocese to implementing guidelines and policies of the Party, as well as policies and laws of the State. 
He expressed his hope that under the leadership of Cardinal Nhon, the Hanoi Archdiocese will do more to build and protect the great national unity bloc. 
On this occasion, Binh visited the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) (ECVN) where he called on Christians to carry forward the tradition of patriotism and contribute more to national construction and defence. 
Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac, head of the ECVN, briefed the Deputy PM on operation outcomes of the Church in 2017, particularly its 35th General Assembly in October. 
He pledged to continue coordinating with local authorities to better care for cultural and spiritual life of Protestants. 
Visiting the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics the same day, Binh urged the committee to encourage Catholic people to join hands in production, poverty reduction and national development. 
Acting President and General Secretary of the committee priest Tran Xuan Manh promised that Catholic followers will lead a good life, both secularly and religiously, and strictly follow guidelines and polices of the Party and State, especially the Law on Belief and Religion.
Friendship between Phan Boi Chau, Asaba Sakitaro highlighted
The special partnership between patriot Phan Boi Chau of Vietnam and doctor Asaba Sakitaro from Japan is a vivid manifestation of the friendship and cooperative ties between the two countries, heard an international seminar held in the central province of Nghe An on December 15.
The event was held by the provincial People’s Committee, Vietnam National University-Hanoi and the Japan Foundation. 
Professor Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, highlighted that the event was significant as it was part of the activities to celebrate 150th birthday of patriot Phan Boi Chau and doctor Asaba Sakitaro.
Discussions at the seminar affirmed historical and cultural values in Chau’s thoughts and the relations between Chau and Sakitaro, Thang said, adding that the relations helped develop Vietnam-Japan friendship.
He stressed that Vietnam and Japan relations are in the finest phase since the two established diplomatic ties in 1973.
Scientists, researchers and scholars at the seminar presented important reports on Phan Boi Chau, the initiator of Dong Du (Travelling to the East for study) movement, his contributions to cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Japan and his friendship with doctor Asaba Sakitaro which formed a basis for Vietnam-Japan relations.
In response to the Dong Du movement, hundreds of Vietnamese students went to study in Japan in hope that they could help reform the country in return. When the movement faced difficulties in 1908, Chau received whole-hearted support from doctor Asaba Sakitaro and people in Fukuroi. 
After leaving Japan, Chau continued his activities in several countries in the world. In 1918, he returned to Japan and learnt that his friend passed away nine years ago. Chau and people in Fukuroi raised funds for a memorial stele of the late doctor near his tomb.
Although the Dong Du movement failed and those students had to go home, what Asaba and Fukuroi residents had done for Chau and his followers remains forever in the Vietnamese people’s hearts.
War veteran association’s sixth congress concludes
The sixth National Congress of the Vietnam War Veterans’ Association (VWVA) wrapped up on December 15 with the introduction of a 98-member Central Committee for the 2017-2022 period led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Duoc.
During three working days, veterans passed a report summarizing the association’s operation over the past five years and detailing its targets and tasks for the 2017-2020 period, a report on revision of its charter, and a resolution of the congress.
In the next five years, the association is set to fulfil eight major targets, including the reduction of 1-1.5 percent of poor households of war veterans, repairing all degraded houses of its members, and giving health care consultations and vocational training to all veterans still at working age.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Duoc said that the congress was a success, with the set agenda completed.
He asked the association’s chapters at all levels to promptly popularize important documents agreed during the congress to their members, while drastically building action plans to implement the congress’s resolution.
Participants at the congress also heard a greeting letter from the Ukraine War Veterans’ Association.
On the occasion, 42 members of the VWVA Central Committee in the 2012-2017 tenure were awarded with the certificates of merit from the association’s Chairman in recognition of their outstanding performance in building and developing the association.
Party chief directs Central Military Commission’s work for 2018
CPV Central Committee General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has asked the Central Military Commission to regularly pay attention to strengthening the Party while preventing “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” behaviours and “peaceful evolution” plots by hostile forces. 
The Party chief, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, made the request while chairing a conference in Hanoi on December 15 reviewing national defence and military work 2017 and outline tasks for 2018. 
He lauded the Military Party Committee for completing all tasks set for the year, including offering strategic advices to the Party and State on national defence and military affairs, contributing to maintaining political stability and peaceful environment for national development. 
The army has completed the building of strategies, adopted several important military and defence resolutions and projects, and successfully held a number of major drills to shore up its capacity. The army also played an important role in the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2017, particularly the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in the central city of Da Nang in November. It reaped achievements in mass mobilisation, post-disaster and post-war recovery, as well as the United Nations peacekeeping mission. 
Progresses have also made in technical logistics and national defence industry. 
The Party General Secretary underscored the focal tasks for 2018 – a key year to implement Resolutions by the 12th National Party Congress and the 10th Military Party Congress, including closely monitoring of domestic and international situations to offer accurate and timely advices to the Party and State, improving military training quality, and developing defence industry and defence external relations. 
The army must lead the way in rejecting wrongful opinions and distorted allegations by hostile forces, he said, adding that he wished the Military Party Committee would continue standing united to accomplish national defence – military and Party building tasks, thereby creating a driving force to realise the Resolutions of the 12th National Party Congress and the 10th Military Party Congress. 
At the event, members of the Central Military Commission conducted criticism and self-criticism in line with the Resolution of the fourth plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee.
Friendship associations contribute to VietnamJapan relations
Friendship associations and people-to-people diplomacy have contributed significantly to the productive ties between Vietnam and Japan, said President of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) Ken Matsuzawa.
He made the remark at a meeting with To Huy Rua, Chairman of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association, in Tokyo on December 15.
Matsuzawa noted that Japan has been considering Vietnam a trusted partner since the beginning of their diplomatic relations.
For his part, Rua reviewed major events in the two countries’ ties which he said are at the best ever. 
Vietnamese people have warm feelings towards Japan and its people, he said, expressing his hope that his organisation and FEC can work together to promote exchanges and investment activities between the sides.
He also invited Japanese investors and citizens to visit Vietnam for mutual understanding and cooperation.
As part of the meeting, representatives from Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises discussed a number of projects with potential for collaboration and exchanged experience on sustainable growth. 
Established in 1983, FEC is a non-profit organisation working for friendship and cooperation between Japan and other countries on the private-sector level.
Plan drafted to facilitate trade in CLV Development Triangle Area
A conference took place in the southern province of Binh Phuoc on December 15 to collect opinions on a plan designed to implement the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Facilitation in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Area.
According to Le An Hai, deputy head of the Department of Asian and African Markets under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the agreement was signed on November 23, 2016, after two years of negotiation. To date, Laos and Vietnam have ratified the pact, while Cambodia is still working on the ratification.
The agreement presents special mechanisms to support poor localities in the triangle area and stimulate border trade. 
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is in charge of drafting the plan for the agreement’s implementation, which is expected to include trade promotion and facilitation activities, a mechanism to examine the realization of the parties’ trade commitments, as well as issues related to technical cooperation and working coordination among ministries, sectors and localities. 
Participants, who are representatives from different government units and sectors, suggested widespread communications activities on the agreement to create unanimity among public agencies, businesses and residents during implementation.
They stressed the delegation of power and allocation of financial sources in order to enable localities to tackle difficulties and work well with their Lao and Cambodian partners.
They proposed the organisation of information exchanges and annual reviews of cooperation outcomes.
The conference was held on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th meeting of the CLV Development Triangle Area joint coordination committee, which runs from December 15 – 19.
The CLV Development Triangle Area consists of 13 provinces, including four in the east of Cambodia, four in the south of Laos, and five in Vietnam.
UNFPA helps Vietnam respond to gender-based, domestic violence
A project to support the development and implementation of evidence and human rights-based policies and programmes on prevention and response to gender violence, domestic violence and on addressing sex work-related issues was launched in Hanoi on December 15.
The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Farmers’ Union with technical assistance of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam.
With a total budget of 4.1 million USD, of which 3.7 million USD is funded by the UNFPA, the scheme will be implemented during 2017-2021 to help increase the efficiency of the enforcement of the Law on Gender Equality, the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control and other policies and programmes on prevention and response to domestic violence. 
It will also work to raise the capacity and responsibility of relevant state agencies and organisations; and change the awareness and behaviour of policy-makers and the community, especially men, of prevention and response to gender-related violence and domestic violence.
In addition, the project looks to support the development and implementation of evidence and human rights-based policies and programmes on addressing issues related to prostitution.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, MoLISA Deputy Minister Dao Hong Lan said that thanks to joint efforts of the Government and people, Vietnam has seen positive achievements in ensuring gender equality. 
However, there remain a lot of difficulties and challenges, requiring more effective solutions, Lan stated.
With the technical assistance from the UNFPA, she believed that the project will help narrowing gender inequality and contribute to the implementation of programmes and strategies on gender equality, gender-based and domestic violence prevention and settlement of prostitution issues, as well as sustainable development goals in Vietnam.
Association works to strengthen Vietnam-RoK solidarity, friendship
The Vietnam-Republic of Korea (RoK) Friendship Association of the central coastal province of Quang Nam convened its second congress for the 2017-2022 tenure in Tam Ky district on December 16.
Phan Thai Binh, deputy head of the provincial National Assembly delegation, was elected Chairman of the association in the new tenure.
Between 2017 and 2022, the association will continue promoting communications, especially among youngsters, about the friendship between the two countries as well as the achievements of Vietnam in the “doi moi” (reform) period.
It will continue introducing Quang Nam land, people and culture to Korean friends and coordinating with local relevant agencies to support non-governmental organisaitons from the RoK to operate in the province.
At the same time, the association will actively calls for investment and economic cooperation between Quang Nam and Korean localities.
The association strives to establish at least two new chapters in enterprises, schools, localities and sectors having direct relations with the RoK. 
Since 2003, the association has collaborated with non-governmental organisations and universities of the RoK to build schools, grant scholarships, and provide free medical check-ups and treatment for poor people along with building roads and clean water supply facilities with a total cost of around 21 billion VND (921,900 USD).
Korean Day programme opens in Quang Nam province
The Korean Day programme kicked off the in central coastal province of Quang Nam on December 15.
The event was jointly held by the provincial People’s Committee and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic ties.
Local artists joined those from the RoK’s Gwangyang city to perform traditional music of the two countries. Kpop singers from Dongdeok University also cheered up audiences.
Other sidelines activities include the Korean Movie Days, a photo exhibition on the land, culture and people of the RoK and Quang Nam, a workshop sharing experience in building new areas in Quang Nam and new village movement in the RoK, and an exchange meeting among students.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam’s People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh said the RoK is one of the biggest investors in Quang Nam province. About 31 Korean firms are operating in the locality with a total capital of nearly 250 million USD, generating jobs for nearly 10,000 workers.
Non-governmental orgnaisations from the RoK provides humanitarian and community development aid packages worth hundreds of millions of US dollars for Quang Nam annually, he noted.
In recent year, the RoK has been among countries having the biggest number of tourists to Vietnam’s central coastal province.
Quang Nam has signed friendly cooperative relations with three Korean localities - Osan, Yongin and Gwangyang, he said.
Hospital calls for contribution to help poor patient
The General Hospital Hoan My Cuu Long in the Mekong delta city of Can Tho yesterday said that it had called for social contribution of VND100 million ($4,404) to help a poor patient with heart disease.
A 54 year old woman in Cai Rang District, Can Tho city has heart disease. In 2013, she underwent a cardiac valve replacement surgery; however, she got continuous faint in two recent years though she took many drugs and undergo treatment in some medical clinics.
Her health condition has been getting worse. At last, she came to the General Hospital Hoan My Cuu Long .
After performing electrocardiogram (ECG), surgeons decided to carry out a heart valve repair or replacement surgery because her valves are damaged or diseased and do not work the way they should.
However, she could not afford the surgery cost of over VND100 million ($4,404).
Realizing her poverty, General secretary of Vietnam National Heart Association Pham Nhu Hung called for social contribution to support the surgery. He also took part in the surgery. At present, she recovered and received intensive care after the operation.
According to medical experts, heart valve replacement surgery is a complicated technique. Vietnamese surgeons have made concerted efforts in health-care task for the Mekong delta.
Additionally, poor patients in the hospital receive financial assistance from benefactors and fund supported by local and international people.
VN calls on worldwide supports to overcome consequence after typhoon Damrey
The National Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control called on worldwide supports to overcome serious consequences after typhoon Damrey as well as flashflood in the central region of Vietnam
The launching ceremony aims to help typhoon and flooding- hit- localities to early stabilize their life. 
According to the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, Vietnam experienced torrential rains, landslides, flashfloods and 14 typhoons, causing 386 dead and missing victims with total damage of VND 60 trillion (around US$ 2.6 billion). 
Of which, typhoon Damrey made landfall and caused serious damages in the central and south part of the central region, leaving 123 missing, 342 injured persons, 3,550 collapsed houses … Total losses after typhoon Damrey were estimated at nearly VND 22.7 trillion (around US$ 1billion). 
At the ceremony, Minister of the Agriculture and Rural Development, Head of the National Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Mr. Nguyen Xuan Cuong thanked the assistants from the international and domestic individuals and organizations for typhoon and flooding hit people by the recent typhoon Damrey.
Besides that, he wished to continue receiving more and more worldwide supports to help the central provinces to overcome consequences as well as early stabilize life.
On behalf of Vietnamese Government, Minister of the Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong pledged to effectively use and send aids to the typhoon- hit- localities. 
Mr. Kamal Malhotra, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, also pledged to collaborate with the country to solve difficulties after the recent natural disaster. 
Earlier, many domestic and international organizations as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Russia, China and Kuwait, the United Nations Development Program, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management, the U.S. Agency for International Development, ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN + 3) Emergency Rice Reserve… shared difficulties with Vietnam via their humanitarian assistants. 
Party chief directs Central Military Commission’s work for 2018

CPV Central Committee General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has asked the Central Military Commission to regularly pay attention to strengthening the Party while preventing “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” behaviours and “peaceful evolution” plots by hostile forces.

The Party chief, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, made the request while chairing a conference in Hanoi on December 15 reviewing national defence and military work 2017 and outline tasks for 2018.

He lauded the Military Party Committee for completing all tasks set for the year, including offering strategic advices to the Party and State on national defence and military affairs, contributing to maintaining political stability and peaceful environment for national development.

The army has completed the building of strategies, adopted several important military and defence resolutions and projects, and successfully held a number of major drills to shore up its capacity. The army also played an important role in the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2017, particularly the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in the central city of Da Nang in November. It reaped achievements in mass mobilisation, post-disaster and post-war recovery, as well as the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Progresses have also made in technical logistics and national defence industry.

The Party General Secretary underscored the focal tasks for 2018 – a key year to implement Resolutions by the 12th National Party Congress and the 10th Military Party Congress, including closely monitoring of domestic and international situations to offer accurate and timely advices to the Party and State, improving military training quality, and developing defence industry and defence external relations.

The army must lead the way in rejecting wrongful opinions and distorted allegations by hostile forces, he said, adding that he wished the Military Party Committee would continue standing united to accomplish national defence – military and Party building tasks, thereby creating a driving force to realise the Resolutions of the 12th National Party Congress and the 10th Military Party Congress.

At the event, members of the Central Military Commission conducted criticism and self-criticism in line with the Resolution of the fourth plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee.
VNN

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