VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES NOVEMBER 1816:31 Quang Nam welcomes first visitors in new normal A group of 30 international visitors from the US, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and Canada arrived in Quang Nam on November 17, becoming first tourists to visit the central province after it has been selected as one of localities piloting to welcome foreign visitors in the new normal. Upon their arrival in Hoiana Complex Resort in Duy Xuyen district, all the visitors tested for COVID-19. After having test results showing negative for SARS-CoV-2, they will register travel programmes as schedule. During their seven-day stay in Quang Nam, the visitors will stay in Hoiana Complex Resort, visit Vinpearl Land South Hoi An, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son World Cultural Heritage Site. Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said this is a positive signal for the local tourism sector, contributing to promoting Quang Nam’s image as a safe destination for domestic and foreign visitors. Holiday-makers coming to Quang Nam are required to be given two full shots of vaccines against COVID-19, and strictly follow COVID-19 prevention regulations of the locality and the Ministry of Health. According to Hong, Quang Nam is scheduled to welcome 100 foreign visitors on November 18, and 200 others on November 25 from the US, the RoK and Canada./. Dedication of Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations lodging facility US Embassy Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Marie Damour has
formally handed over a new US-funded transient instructor and student
accommodation facility at the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations
to Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, the Deputy Minister of
National Defense. This five-story building provides lodging to instructors and students attending UN training courses. The facility worth more than US$1 million, has 12 units for instructors, 20 units that can accommodate 40 students, a dining facility, and a reception room. Since the signing of the US-Vietnam Peacekeeping Memorandum of Understanding in 2015, the Office of Defense Cooperation in the US Embassy Hanoi has provided over US$11 million, to the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations for training, technical assistance, equipment, and infrastructure. This support includes funding a Peacekeeper Training Facility, which enabled Vietnamese personnel to prepare for three UN medical missions in South Sudan. The handover of this building highlights the US commitment to strengthen Vietnam’s peacekeeping capabilities and to the enduring relationship between our two countries. Hanoi honours 90 valedictorians from universities The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Hanoi held a ceremony in the Temple of Literature on November 17 to honour 90 valedictorians from universities this year in the capital city. Among them, 29 were male and the remainder were female. Speaking at the event, Secretary of the union's municipal committee Chu Hong Minh highlighted the national tradition of keening to learn. He said the municipal Party Committee and authorities have issued policies to attract and nurture talents for many years to build a prosperous, civilised and modern capital city. The official said the organisation of the ceremony aims to recognise students’ constant efforts during their learning process. He expressed his belief that under any circumstances, they will keep their high spirit and creativity to bring more achievements to the capital city and the country. It is the 19th consecutive year that Hanoi has honoured valedictorians from universities. This year included, a total of 1,969 valedictorians were honoured and received certificates of merit from the municipal People’s Committee./. HCM City: Vaccinated people allowed to join socio-economic activities People who have got at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine or recovered from the disease are permitted to engage in socio-economic activities in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the municipal People’s Committee. This is part of the administration’s temporary rules on measures for safe and flexible adaptation to and effective control of COVID-19. Apart from having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine after 14 days since the injection or recovered from the disease, those eligible for socio-economic activities include people subject to inoculation but having a contraindication to vaccination confirmed by health authorities. Children who haven’t reached the age eligible for vaccination can take part in socio-economic activities, but they have to be accompanied by inoculated adults. From November 16, people also have to use the PC-COVID mobile app, issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, when joining activities in the city. In the areas at pandemic level 1 or 2 (the lowest levels), operations of public workplaces, transport and educational activities have to meet safety criteria set up by central and municipal authorities. Other activities are allowed in level-1 zones but restricted or banned in the remaining areas./. Japan, UNICEF to help Vietnam enhance resilience to disaster risks, climate change for children The Embassy of Japan and UNICEF Vietnam on November 17 signed an exchange of notes for a project on “enhancing resilience to disaster risks and climate change for children”, which runs in Vietnam from 2021 – 2026. The exchange of notes was inked by Japanese Ambassador Takio Yamada and UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers in the presence of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep. The 5.7-million-USD project aims to build institutional capacity to support child-centred and climate-sensitive activities through policy advocacy to access 27,000 children under 18 in central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, especially Soc Trang, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces. It will also improve water and sanitation services and conduct screening for severe acute malnutrition to make timely interventions in 2025. Speaking at the event, Hiep thanked the Japanese Government and UNICEF for supporting risk reduction and other fields, including nutrition, healthcare, education and clean water supply, to meet basic needs of people in natural disaster-prone areas. The signing of the document marked an important milestone in the close partnership among the Governments of Vietnam and Japan and UNICEF, he said. Hiep further noted that his ministry hopes the Government of Japan and UNICEF will continue sharing experience and promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in enhancing the resilience of natural disaster response projects and management system. He also expected Japan and UNICEF to put forward recommendations for Vietnam, carry out behaviour-change campaigns, and enhance awareness of people and policymakers in disaster risk reduction in order to build a disaster-resilient society. Flowers, for her part, said the climate crisis is a crisis of children’s rights. Vietnam is facing climate change-related disasters, like drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, as well as historic floods and landslides in central Vietnam last year, she said. Many communities already hit by natural disasters are suffering adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, she noted, adding that the project will address vulnerable issues in multiple areas, namely clean water, sanitation, nutrition, education and children’s protection. Additionally, the project does not only consider children as a vulnerable group but also an agent of change for a green, clean and safe community. According to the UNICEP Children’s Climate Risk Index 2021, Vietnamese children and adolescents are at the highest risk of being affected by climate change./. Vietnam Airlines operates first pilot flight carrying foreign visitors to Da Nang The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on November 17 operated its first pilot fight carrying international tourists from Seoul (the Republic of Korea) to the central coastal city of Da Nang. Aboard the flight were passengers from the RoK, the US, the UK, Austria, Czech Republic and Australia, who travelled to Vietnam for tourism or visiting relatives. To board the flight, each passenger must have a vaccine passport, a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure, and a return ticket, among other requirements. Before boarding, Oh Young-roh, a RoK national, told the Vietnam News Agency reporter that he goes to Vietnam to visit his family. He hoped the Vietnamese Government would consider reducing the current quarantine period of seven days for those having negative test results and being fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before their arrival. Tommy Addis from the US said that he is glad to return
to Vietnam and that he respects all regulations for pandemic prevention and
control of the nation. After the pilot flight, the airline will continue to operate many others to the five Vietnamese locations of Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ninh that have been allowed to welcome international tourists on a pilot basis./. Luxembourg keen to expand all-around cooperation with Vietnam Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri has affirmed a strong desire to further expand co-operation across multiple fields with the nation, especially through the framework of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which came into force in August, 2020. During a reception held on November 17 for Vietnamese Ambassador to Luxembourg Nguyen Van Thao, the local diplomat presented a Letter of Credence from President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Grand Duke Henri. In response Grand Duke Henri express his appreciation for co-ordination between the two countries and mutual support at multilateral and regional forums such as the UN, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the Francophonie. He also underscored the importance of strengthening co-operation as a means of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the region, including the East Sea, internationally known as South China Sea. For his part, Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao expressed his honour at assuming the role of Vietnamese Ambassador to Luxembourg and affirmed that he would ramp up efforts aimed at promoting and deepening traditional friendship ties between the two countries. The Vietnamese diplomat used the platform to thank Luxembourg for its valuable support through various development co-operation schemes as effective contribution to boosting the Doi Moi (Renewal) process along with socio-economic development locally. He conveyed the invitation of President Phuc to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg to visit Vietnam in the near future, especially as the two countries are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023. Ambassador Thao applauded Luxembourg's role as a global financial centre that is capable of attracting several of the world's largest investment and distribution funds. The Ambassador went on to affirm the country’s readiness to create favourable conditions for Luxembourg, the fifth largest investor of the EU into the Vietnamese market, to expand co-operation and increase investment in fields of dual interests. This includes finance, climate change adaptation, renewable energy, circular economy, cultural and educational cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. Sharing the commitment to respond to climate change and digital transformation efforts, Ambassador Thao stated that the Vietnamese side has a strong desire to learn from experience, increase financial resources, and improve the overall quality of human resources. Therefore, the country expects Luxembourg to continue to help the nation enjoy access to investment sources in a number of important fields, such as financial technology, innovation, smart infrastructure, green transport, and the training of highly-skilled human resources, the Vietnamese diplomat told his host. The Ambassador also suggested that Grand Duke Henri support and urge EU member states to swiftly complete the ratification process of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby bringing greater opportunities to Luxembourg businesses interested in expanding investment in the country. Cuc Phuong National Park receives two grey langurs The Cuc Phuong National Park recently received two rare grey langurs from Forest Protection Department of central Thanh Hoa province, its official said on November 17. They were previously discovered in tired condition by a local man in Lang Chanh district, Thanh Hoa province. He later contacted the district’s forest protection unit to hand over them. The primates are scientifically named Trachypithecus crepusculus and protected under the Decree No.06/2019/ND-CP and Decree 84/2021/ND-CP on the amendments and supplements to several articles of Decree No. 06/2019/ND-CP on the management of endangered, precious and rare forest plants and animals and implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. According to experts from the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, there are currently about 500 grey langurs in the wild. The centre now cares for six female and one male grey langurs./. HIV prevention campaign launched The Health Ministry’s Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) launched a campaign on HIV prevention on November 17. The campaign will run till December 15 with various activities in response to the National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control and 2021 World AIDS Day (December 1). It aims to raise public awareness of HIV prevention and eliminate discrimination related to the disease. The event is directed by the VAAC with technical and financial support from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Vietnam Health Development Cooperation Organisation together with other partners. During the event, the latest HIV countermeasures will be popularised for the public and young people at high risk, including safe and effective therapies such as anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. It will also call for health care for all people in a fair manner irrespective of their HIV situation. The campaign will also feature a music video clip and an art exhibition showcasing 10 works by contemporary artists based on over 1,000 stories about love and lives of people with HIV. The display will open to visitors in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City on December 11-12. Following the campaign, the CAAV will also launch a similar event to encourage those living with HIV to get vaccinated against COVID-19, fight wrongful information and provide scientific data about COVID-19 vaccines in Vietnam./. Webinar discusses solutions to ecosystem restoration in Vietnam Vietnam needs to encourage and improve capacity and responsibility for the environment and nature and implement preventive actions in management agencies and businesses to minimize nature degradation, an expert has said. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Dap from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS)’s Institute of Human Geography made the suggestion at a webinar on November 16, which focused on solutions to contribute to developing specific programmes to promote rapid and sustainable development in Vietnam. Assessing environmental degradation, global ecosystems and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Dap said countries are working together to build a global strategic framework on biodiversity with the goal that by 2050 people will live in harmony with nature, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used. While proposing solutions to restore Vietnam's ecosystem and biodiversity in the context of the 4th industrial revolution, Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) said to effectively implement restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, it is necessary to promote nature-based socio-economic development in the principle of being in harmony with nature. Attention should be paid to living in harmony with nature in the process of developing national, regional and provincial plans; establishing more nature reserves, green corridors and biodiversity corridors; increasing investment of resources in finance, policy, science and technology, including attracting the participation of indigenous communities on the principle of happiness and peace for people, he said. In the coming time, Vietnam needs to train scientists, managers, and technicians with specialized skills in restoring poor terrestrial and marine ecosystems, Huynh said, noting that this is a crucial solution in restoring and enriching the ecosystem. According to Dr. Nguyen Song Tung, Director of the Institute of Human Geography, Vietnam is currently facing the loss and rapid degradation of biodiversity. In addition to natural causes, human activities have had a great impact on the destruction of nature. In the process of socio-economic development, a series of forests and natural covers have been invaded, causing the environment to be damaged and lose its protection function against natural disasters and extreme weather, the expert said. Participants proposed measures to restore the ecosystem, protect ancient trees and minimise harms caused by climate change, including disease prevention. They also focused discussions on issues related to the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam./. Railway sector earns nearly US$132,000 on first day of selling tickets The Vietnam Railways Corporation yesterday said that a total number of 2,243 train tickets for the upcoming Tet holiday have been sold so far, bringing a turnover of nearly VND3 billion (US$132,000) after 24 hours of opening the sale. Among them, 21 percent of customers have directly
bought tickets at the train stations and 79 percent of passengers have
performed the purchase online. According to the plan, the railway sector will
initially open selling train tickets for the North-South route including
SE1/2, SE3/4, SE5/6, SE7/8 and twin trains of Sai Gon – Da Nang route with
around 36,000 seats. On the first day of selling, many customers registered to buy the whole wagon to ensure safety and not to contact strangers. Passengers who buy the whole wagon will receive the special privilege of a ten percent discount on the ticket price, buy the whole cabin will get a promotion of 15 percent and receive food for free during their journey by the end of the year; be arranged waiting rooms and private entrance. Localities, tourist companies hope year-end travel season to bring recovery After months in lockdown, several provinces and cities
across the country have started to welcome back tourists under strict safety
guidelines, showing positive sign of tourism recovery in the last months of
this year. Ms. Truong Huong Thuy of District 12 said that her family had a chance to enjoy fresh air in a tour to Can Gio District and took a cycling tour to visit local salt farmers in Thanh An Island Commune after spending much time for staying at home due to social distancing periods. Saigontourist Group, one of the country's leading tourism agencies organized a group tour to the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on November 13-14. According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism, the province will receive travelers to visit safe destinations in self-contained tours ensuring standards for healthcare and safety. Deputy General Director of Vietravel Tourism Company Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang said that the company has worked with provinces of Ha Giang, Tay Ninh, Khanh Hoa and Binh Dinh to develop tourism cooperation and local economy. Travel companies such as TST Tourist and Viet Media Travel Corporation have also received many calls on tours at the end of year. According to Director of the Center for Trade, Tourism and Investment Promotion of Dong Thap Province Vo Tien Thanh, the local authority has allowed tourist sites, leisure and entertainment venues to resume their operation. The province plans to carry out a pilot program of tourism recovery from the middle of November to the middle of December. The next phase that will resume all its tourism activities will begin in the middle of January, 2022. In the beginning of November, Kien Giang Province has received visitors to tourist sites, leisure and entertainment venues. Domestic travelers must only complete healthcare declaration. In addition, the province is ready to welcome back international visitors. A flight operated by Vietjet Air and departed from South Korea’s Incheon is expected to carry around 250 passengers to Phu Quoc Island on November 20. Meanwhile An Giang Province will strengthen special tourist products to attract visitors and promote the province’s culture and tourism via social platforms, such as Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube, Instagram. The province expects to draw 3-4 million domestic tourists from now until the end of year. There are over one month left until the end of 2021 and the pandemic has been basically put under control leading to an increase in leisure travel. Localities and tourist companies put their hopes on the year-end travel season to gradually recover the smoke-free tourism industry. Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh led a delegation to inspect plans on receiving international tourists in Da Nang City and Quang Nam Province on November 14-15. He asked all tourist facilities to strictly comply with the decision No. 4122/HD-BVHTTDL on temporary guidance for receiving international visitors to Vietnam, and coordinate with functional units to update latest standards for safety in travel and tourism. Travelers will be allowed to take part in tourism activities as scheduled before the departure. Before entering the country, they need to prepare the necessary documents and install and declare health through Vietnam Safe Travel application (Vietnam Safe Travel - VST) on smartphones; save the QR code or print the QR code to present at the border gate. Co Loa special national relic site recognised as tourist destination Co Loa special national relic site in Dong Anh district has been put on the map as a tourist destination, according to a decision promulgated by the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee on November 15. The municipal People's Committee assigns Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre to be in charge of the management and development of the tourist site in accordance with the Law on Tourism and related documents. Co Loa historical, architectural and archaeological complex was listed as a special national relic site in September 2012. Located in Co Loa, Viet Hung, Duc Tu, Uy No communes in Dong Anh district, Co Loa was built in the third century BC as the capital of then Au Lac (now Vietnam). The Co Loa relic complex houses around 60 historical, architectural and art relics, including the upper shrine dedicated to King An Duong Vuong, and temples worshipping warrior Cao Lo and Princess My Chau, and the Bao Son Pagoda. Archaeologists have unearthed many valuable objects throughout the citadel, including bronze statues and arrows, and sophisticatedly decorated earthenware and stone utensils. The site not only evidences the creativeness, culture and technical levels of the ancient Vietnamese in their struggles against foreign aggression but it is also an ideal place for visitors to explore cultural values and landscapes of a northern village. In addition, the Co Loa Ancient Citadel plays an important role in the spiritual life and cultural practices of local villagers. The Co Loa festival is held annually on the sixth day of the first lunar month to commemorate King An Duong Vuong, the founder of the Au Lac feudal state. Police officers prosecuted for violations related to Thu Duc City Hospital The Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Agency on November 10 issued a decision on prosecution and detention of two officers of the Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling and Economic Crimes under the Ministry of Public Security, Bui Trung Kien and Le Thanh An for allegedly abusing position and power to appropriate property. The decision is approved by the Supreme People's Court. The other accused persons included Bui Thi Hong Giang,
director of Bui Gia and Partners Law Firm; Tran Van Long, General director of
Viet Media Travel Corporation; Ha Duy Tuan of Bac Ninh Province; Nguyen Ngoc
Trieu, former member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
and former member of the People’s Council of Ha Giang Province who abused
their positions or powers to appropriate property. Hanoi, Vientiane promote ties in new period The Party Committee, authorities and people of Hanoi always treasure and strive to develop the special, loyal and pure relations with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, as well as Party committees, authorities and people of Lao localities, especially Vientiane, said Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung. During an online talks with Secretary of the Party Committee of Vientiane and Chairman of the Vientiane People’s Council Anouphap Tounalom on November 17, Dung suggested both sides work closely together to enhance exchanges at all levels, focus on stepping up ties in agriculture, education-training, justice, labour-invalids and social affairs. He proposed renewing methods of cooperation in fields of shared interest such as building the Party and political system, legal documents at local level, overseeing and inspecting administrative units, building e-government and urban planning and management. The two capital cities should adopt measures to boost trade and investment, people-to-people exchange to raise mutual understanding, and consider signing a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation for the new period in the near future, he said. The Lao official, for his part, expressed his hope that via the talks, the two cities will outline future cooperation orientations, especially those regarding signed agreements, as well as facilitate high-level exchanges to share Party building experience, improve State management and create favourable conditions for ties between their two People’s Councils. He proposed the two sides continue to encourage their economic sectors to reinforce ties across economy, culture, education and science to make breakthrough progress, especially in signed projects. Anouphap Tounalom also wished the two cities would work together to study the building of shopping and tourism centres. He hoped leaders of Hanoi would continue supporting effective agriculture projects and joint work between the two labour departments. Basically agreeing with the Lao side’s proposals, Dung suggested adding them into minutes of cooperation for 2021-2025 for signing this year. During the 2017-2020 period, Hanoi and Vientiane strengthened their cooperative ties via all channels and in all sectors, with many effective joint projects in economics, health care, education, agriculture, military and people-to-people exchange. Under the signed MoU, the two sides exchanged many delegations at both high and grassroots levels, expanded cooperation in agriculture development, and shared experience in building a research institute of socio-economic development of Vientiane. Hanoi helped Vientiane in building the traditional house of the municipal Military Command and provided scholarships for Vientiane’s students and officials. Hanoi also presented medical supplies to Vientiane in support of its fight against COVID-19, including 30,000 medical masks, 10,000 rapid test kits and 40,000 USD. The Lao capital city also sent aid worth 15,000 USD to Hanoi to help with the fight against the pandemic./. HCMC finalizes plan for school reopening: City Chairman Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai emphasized that city administration will work with the education sector and the health sector this week to soon finalize the plan for school reopening after Covid-19. Particularly, students in outlying districts of Cu Chi and Hoc Mon possibly go back to school earlier than their peers in other districts. At the meeting between President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a group of National Assembly deputies of Unit 10 with voters in Cu Chi and Hoc Mon districts on November 16, Chairman Mai disclosed some key tasks in the fight against Covid-19 and socio-economic recovery in the southern metropolis. The National Assembly deputies of the unit 10 include President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairwoman of the People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thi Le, and Political Commissar of the HCMC High Command, major general Phan Van Xung. The meeting was held online and offline with the participation of Chairman of the Government Office Le Khanh Hai, Chairman of HCMC People’s Committee Phan Van Mai, and Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoa Binh. According to Mr. Mai, the southern largest city and other provinces will organize the memorial ceremony for Covid-19 victims on November 19. He said that the development of the coronavirus pandemic is still unpredictable; therefore, he warned people not to neglect preventive measures against Covid-19 with gradual economic recovery as per the government’s Resolution 128. Learning the lesson from the last fight against
Covid-19, the city is focusing on strengthening health care facilities and
methodologies to keep track of the daily development of the pandemic in each
district. Many cases of Covid-19 were detected at factories that have not promptly informed the local authorities for isolation but let infected employees return to their accommodation and residence for a long time. He said the city administration has asked the health sector to close this loophole. When it comes to economic recovery, Chairman Mai assessed that because of the prolonged social distancing, business activity is grinding to a halt, Covid-19 has disrupted the supply chain of goods and badly affected people’s livelihood. Therefore, when the epidemic is under control, Ho Chi Minh City has gradually opened up socio-economic activities while safety is the top priority. He revealed Ho Chi Minh City is basically recovering gradually. Specifically, nearly 100 percent of enterprises in industrial parks, export processing zones, and high-tech zones have resumed operations at 70-90 percent of their capacities in various industries. Mr. Mai affirmed that the southern metropolitan area is both implementing the central government’s policies and a program to support production and business enterprises. In addition, the city is finalizing a plan for economic recovery and development in two phases from now to mid-2022 and from mid-2022 onwards. Regarding vaccine coverage, Mr. Mai emphasized the city has a high vaccine coverage rate. However, many residents have not been vaccinated for different reasons. The Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has asked localities to continue encouraging unvaccinated inhabitants to go to the nearest medical facility for getting vaccine jabs. Regarding the third dose vaccination, Chairman Mai announced that the city has been well prepared and registered with the Ministry of Health. However, while many other localities have low vaccine coverage, the government must carefully calculate. Regarding vaccination for children, up to now, Ho Chi Minh City has basically completed the first dose vaccination for children aged 12-17 years old. Presently, children are going to get the second dose of the vaccines – an important step for school reopening. Referring to school reopening that many people are paying much attention to, Chairman Mai said that this is a significant issue for a city with 1.7 million students. Mr. Mai acknowledged that students are having to study online resulting in many problems as many poor students do not have devices. Plus, students may get addicted to video games. Therefore, he directed the Department of Education and Training to coordinate with the Department of Health to prepare for reopening schools. In the fight against the epidemic, Chairman Mai emphasized that city authorities are taking heeds of improvement of the grassroots health system. Regarding social housing, Chairman Mai acknowledged that social housing is a headache during the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic. Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on three pillars of epidemic prevention, economic recovery, and social security. In which, social housing is a part of the social security pillar, including housing, employment, and support for disadvantaged people. Ho Chi Minh City is directing the construction sector to coordinate with related agencies to implement the city's housing development plan for the period 2020 – 2025. The city planners will pay attention to the construction of affordable housing for workers, low-income people, and alternative houses for replacement of houses on and along canals, old apartments and other social houses to meet the housing needs of city dwellers. HCMC strives to complete Ring Road No.2 by 2025 According to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the city will prioritize sources to complete Ring Road No.2 from 2021 through 2025, especially the first and second phases of the project; finish the investment procedures and start works of Ring Road No.3. At the same time, the city will concentrate on implementing a road connecting Tran Quoc Hoan Street with Cong Hoa Street, synchronizing with the T3 terminal project of Tan Son Nhat international airport. A statement of the HCMC’s People’s Committee’s Office yesterday said that Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai had assigned the city Department of Transport to collaborate with the Department of Planning and Investment and the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board of HCMC to study and consult the Municipal People’s Committee and HCMC Party Committee to promulgate Resolution on attracting, mobilizing and concentrating sources for the city’s transport sector; propose the sections to call for investment for the key and urgent transport projects in the city. On the basis, the Department of Transport will coordinate with the Department of Planning and Investment to study the investment capital for the projects with set dual targets of effectively using public investment capital and other capital sources; consult the People’s Committee of HCMC to implement solutions to enhance the circulation at the traffic intersections, handle and overcome the traffic accident black spots; concentrate on the investments into stations and some key traffic projects such as the roads on the riverside of Sai Gon River, Thu Thiem 4 Bridge and over-head roads; collaborate with functional forces of provinces and cities to study and propose some mechanisms and policies on key interprovincial projects. The Municipal Department of Transport is responsible for collaborating closely with the HCMC Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board to remove the barriers, obstacles and accelerate the process of the Metro Line No.1 project; strive to start works of the Metro Line No.2 project as scheduled. In addition, the city Department of Transport shall implement the synchronized solutions and works connected with the Metro Line No.1 as soon as the project is put into exploitation. HCMC accelerating work to fulfill
annual economic, administrative targets Due to the latest severe Covid-19 outbreak this year, most districts in HCMC are facing great difficulties fulfilling the annual socio-economic targets. For instance, District 11 has only reached 11 out of 15 assigned goals, and is expected to finish only two more, while the numbers in District 1 and District 7 are 11/37 and 35/40, respectively. To complete as many targets as possible, many localities are adopting solutions to help enterprises to recover their business and manufacturing activities in order to increase city budget revenues. Chairman of District 11 People’s Committee Tran Phi Long informed that his district has formed task forces especially for this mission via field trips to major companies located here to address issues within their power. Other requests are sent to the municipal authorities for answers. At the same time, the localities strictly follow instructions on tax reduction, extension, and exemption for eligible businesses, along with devising a suitable route for those with large tax debts for gradual payment. District 1 and Go Vap District, meanwhile, are working with the HCMC Industry and Trade Department, the State Bank of Vietnam – HCMC Branch to continue supporting policies for enterprises regarding debt restructuring, interest reduction, fee exemption and debt group keeping. Suitable policies on payment extension for value added tax, corporate income tax, individual income tax, and land rent in 2021 are introduced, with simple procedures for quick processing. All districts and Thu Duc City are promoting commercial activities and aiding businesses to marketing their products to national and international distribution channels. As to the administrative reform process in HCMC, many localities like District 11, District 1 are trying to offer level-3 and level-4 administrative procedures online to avoid crowds or direct contact. Data of certain fields such as tax, market management are integrated to create convenience for document handling and minimize verification of individual’s and business’ papers. The one-stop electronic information system and public service portal of many districts are exploited in administrative procedures. As many as 259 papers are process per day on average in District 1. Vice Chairman of District 7 People’s Committee Le Van Thanh informed that his district is focusing on establishing its e-government and smart urban area, developing the digital society and economy, as well as successfully carrying out the digital transformation process via the use of its operation center for Covid-19 prevention and economic recovery. It also aims at increasing online level-4 administrative procedure provision. Similarly, Thu Duc City has already launched its smart operation center and is now going through its digital transformation process to reduce document handling time. It aims at having 50 percent of level-4 administrative procedure done online at the end of this year. Go Vap District introduces the target of having all administrative procedures processed on time at the end of 2021. It is carrying out the program ‘Accepting and Processing Administrative Papers within One Day’ for certain procedures related to issuing new household business certificate (except conditional business groups), terminating household business activities, civil status adjustment, which normally takes 3 days to finish. Chairman of HCMC People’s Committee Phan Van Mai stated that thanks to the launch of this 90-day campaign, many localities have witnessed a stronger determination among state officers in processing administrative procedures for individuals and businesses, which is a positive signal in the administrative reform. He also reminded that when applying solutions to fulfill the assigned annual target, district leaders have to identify the ultimate difficulties that residents are facing to address them. Budget collection, for example, should be carried out correctly but flexibly to help vulnerable companies overcome their obstacles first. Ben Tre tourism sector ready to reopen The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre plans to restart
tourism activities after nearly two years of closure due to COVID-19. The
so-called “Coconut Mecca” is now preparing the measures necessary to ensure
the safety of visitors. More than half of the 162 tourism companies in Ben Tre have registered to reopen. The province is also boosting cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City to create tourism links between the two, attracting visitors under the “Single Route - Multi Destinations” motto. The “Coconut Mecca” - Ben Tre - is now ready to offer attractive and diversified tourism products once more, like trips along Mekong Delta waterways and around gardens, cultural and historical tours, and craft village tours, which will help it revive its economy after months of lockdown./. VN bearing double burden of diseases: Health experts Over the past time, the health care index of Vietnamese people has improved a lot, but still faces a heavy burden of disease and death, especially non-communicable diseases. Health experts say that our country is facing and solving a double burden of disease. While infectious diseases like Covid-19 are complicated, non-communicable diseases also tend to increase rapidly. The epidemic of NCDs poses devastating health consequences for individuals, families and communities, and threatens to overwhelm health systems. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for almost 70 percent of all deaths in the country annually, said Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan. He added those who died of Covid-19 all have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Worse, according to Dr. Thuan, the Southeast Asian country is bearing the burden of mental health. It is estimated each year, more than 14 million people, or equivalent to 15 percent of the country’s population, suffer from mental disorders. Ho Chi Minh City-based University Medical Center has just treated a 63-year-old man in the city who was hospitalized due to sudden chest pain and breathing problems. The elderly man has a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart failure, converted atrial fibrillation, coronary artery stenosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and previous cerebral infarction. The examination results showed that the man had 70 percent coronary artery stenosis, and fibrous tissue and calcium dissected into the endothelium at an angle of 900. Doctors soon performed a stent placement and gave him some medication. After nearly a week of follow-up, he was discharged from the hospital with stable health. Doctors said the rise of NCDs has been driven by primarily four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets. According to the assessment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and many other international organizations, Vietnam's health care indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality rate, disease control, medical examination, and treatment are better than that of other countries at the same level of economic development. However, Vietnam is facing an increasingly serious increase in disease burden and mortality from non-communicable diseases. Today, non-communicable diseases are responsible for 7 out of 10 of deaths in Vietnam. Acknowledging this situation, Dr. Thuan said that the
burden of non-communicable diseases accounts for 70 percent of the total
disease burden nationwide, and these diseases are the leading cause of death. Moreover, 77 percent of Vietnamese men drink alcohol and nearly half drink excessively. He revealed more than half of adults eat less vegetables and fruits and people eat twice as much salt as recommended by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, about one-third of the population today lacks physical activity, and the rate of overweight and obesity increases by an average of one percent per year. Non-communicable diseases are the culprit of hospital overcrowding, hindering socio-economic development. Last but not least, non-communicable diseases require lifelong treatment resulting in increased medical costs and reduction of labor productivity and severely affects public health," said Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan. To prevent non-communicable diseases, health experts said that authorities necessarily focus on a group of solutions such as promoting inter-sectoral coordination in formulating and implementing policies to control disease risk factors, encouraging people to increase physical activity and have healthy food especially reducing salt and consumption of soft drinks. At the same time, local administrators should increase communication to raise people’s awareness of NCDs and know how to detect early signs of disease for timely examination and treatment. In addition, administrations should improve grass-roots health care institutions to early detect diseases. Over 47,000 Covid-19 patients in HCMC treated at home At the press conference, Deputy Director of the Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City Dr. Nguyen Huu Hung said that some localities have seen the rise of Covid-19 cases; therefore, the city had planned to expand the isolation centers in districts for preparation of all situations. Dr. Hung announced the news at a press conference to inform about the epidemic situation in the area and issues of public interest held by the city's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on November 15. Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control Pham Duc Hai chaired the press conference. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has 16 field hospitals but city authorities planned to keep only three hospitals while closing all of them from now to the end of the year. To care for Covid-19 patients, the Department of Health has proposed that districts set up district-level field hospitals. Eight districts have set up field hospitals with 300-500 beds for admission of Covid-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms. Covid-19 people who are eligible for home isolation will receive home-care. Following dwellers’ complaints that Covid-19 patients couldn’t have contacted with medical workers in healthcare infirmaries, Dr. Hung said that the Health Department has issued warnings to these clinics. Afterwards, the city health authority will establish inspection teams to check this matter. Dr. Hung affirmed that all Covid-19 patients who are eligible for home –care are indicated to use bags of medicine, but the medical station does not give it to patients, medical staff must be responsible before the health authority. He wanted reports of specific cases so that the Department of Health can issue punishment on right persons. In respect of home-care for Covid-19 patients, Deputy Director of the city’s Center for Disease Control Nguyen Hong Tam said that currently, of more than 64,000 Covid-19 patients, more than 47,000 of them are being treated at home. In the coming time, the health sector is planning to open more mobile medical stations in districts to take care of infected people at home. Simultaneously, concentration isolation areas in districts are also being re-established. Regarding the proposal for eateries across the city be allowed to sell beer and alcohol, Deputy Director of the City Department of Industry and Trade Le Huynh Minh Tu said that the service has been piloted in Thu Duc City and District 7 over the past few weeks until November 15. Currently, the Department is working with two localities to make preliminary reports about the pilot service. The Department has proposed the city People's Committee to allow food and beverage businesses to serve alcoholic beverages while keeping track on the pandemic development. The city is taking opinions from departments and agencies on the draft implementation of Resolution 128. Deputy Director Tu said that according to the city's new draft, just several restaurants in some districts are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. When it comes to preventative measures for the organization of fairs and exhibitions in the end of the year, Mr. Tu said that the draft implementation of Resolution 128 will regulate the number of participants and proper distance between people. At the press conference, Mr. Hai emphasized the principle of the city which places people’s safety first; thus, city authorities will consider the development of epidemic to have a suitable solution. More than 13.8 million doses of vaccines have been administered so far; 7.8 million received the first doses of the vaccines and nearly 6 million people received the second doses of vaccines. The Ministry of Health documented 8,616 more coronavirus patients in Vietnam on November 15 in addition to 1,205 recovered patients and 101 deaths. The latest infections, including 13 imported and 8,603 locally-transmitted cases, were logged in 57 provinces and cities. Localities reopen physical schools As of mid-November, 18 provinces and cities in Viet Nam have yet reopened physical schools and keep on with online teaching, according to the Ministry of Education and Training. The ministry reported that up to 45 localities have gradually resumed face-to-face learning, an increase of 23 localities in comparison with the previous month. Specifically, nine northern provinces re-opening physical schools are Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, Son La, Hoa Binh, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Lang Son. Eighteen localities are applying online teaching and learning from television, including two northern provinces of Ha Giang and Ha Nam and 16 southern provinces such as Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Ca Mau, Ba c Lieu, Soc Trang, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Dong Nai, and Binh Thuan. The rest of 36 localities are combining physical teaching and online teaching in which students in green zones are allowed to take face-to-face learning and others in risk areas keep online learning. Specifically, in Bac Giang province, learners at Yen Viet district came back to school from November 15. Binh Dinh province and Da Nang city postponed preset plans on school reopening from mid-November. Students at Chi Linh City and Thanh Ha district of Hai Duong Province shifted to online learning from November 11. In Hai Phong city, resurgence of community infections forced schools to resume online learning. In Thai Binh province, schools at Vu Thu district were temporarily closed./. Vietnam calls for further sharing of COVID-19 vaccines, treatment drugs at ASEP-11 Pham Thi Hong Yen, permanent member of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Committee for Economic Affairs, has called for further sharing of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs between members of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP). This is a basic solution to economic recovery, Yen said while addressing a discussion session of the 11th ASEP on November 16. She also suggested countries that have strength in the production of vaccines and treatment drugs to enhance their support to developing nations and those severely affected by the pandemic, helping their citizens gain equitable and timely access to vaccines, treatment drugs and modern medical equipment. The Vietnamese legislator highlighted the need to beef up partnerships and cooperation in the transfer of vaccine production technologies, and to improve capability for COVID-19 response. Yen proposed boosting partnerships between ASEP and regional and international parliamentary organisations in preventing and handling crises and emergencies, saying ASEP member parliaments should quickly consolidate national policies to ensure COVID-19 prevention and control, and economic recovery for both short and long terms, especially targeting the green, circular economy. She stressed the significance of trade liberalisation, transnational investment, international transportation, innovation, creation, digital transformation, application of scientific and technological advances, and high-quality personnel development to fulfill these objectives. The meeting concluded the same day with the issuance of a joint declaration, under which the ASEP committed to strengthening multilateralism and global partnership for peace, stability, development and human rights based on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law. The meeting also emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue, trust building, adherence to the principle of mutual security and constructive diplomatic engagement, especially parliamentary diplomacy in preventing wars and conflicts. ASEP-11 urged ASEM partners to cooperate more extensively on the production and distribution of safe, effective and quality-assured COVID-19 vaccines to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination by continuing investment in scientific research and development, technology transfer, manufacturing and making vaccines available and affordable to all and as common global public goods, and to work cohesively to promote an inclusive and effective immunisation against the virus so that socio-economic recovery can be carried out faster and in a robust and inclusive manner./. Workshop discusses digital technology’s role in infrastructure development The Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission held a workshop on November 16 to look into the promotion of digital technology application to building and managing socio-economic infrastructure during the process of national industrialisation and modernisation until 2030 with a vision to 2045. Vice Chairman of the Economic Commission Do Ngoc An said the 13th National Party Congress issued the guidelines of “continuing to step up industrialisation and modernisation on the basis of scientific - technological advances, innovation, and technological achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)” and focusing on implementing certain solutions, including building synchronous and modern socio-economic infrastructure; developing information and telecom infrastructure to create the foundation for national digital transformation and facilitate a digital economy, digital society, smart production, new production and business models, sharing economy, e-commerce; and conducting digital transformation in all enterprises and State agencies. The successful implementation of this breakthrough will greatly help turn Vietnam into an indutrialised country soon, he noted. An said socio-economic infrastructure in the country has been developed over the past years, gradually meeting national construction and defence requirements. The digital infrastructure is relatively modern and covers all provinces and cities nationwide, he added. However, there remain problems, he pointed out, elaborating that the speed of the telecom and IT networks is still slow, unable to meet the demand for developing Internet of Things, smart cities, and smart production. The access to wideband services in rural and mountainous areas remains limited, the national digital transformation is slow, and there are numerous challenges to the fight against cybercrime. At the workshop, participants said weaknesses in socio-economic infrastructure are one of the major hindrances to the development of Vietnam’s economy. That fact required the optimisation of chances in the 4IR to reform the growth model, restructure the economy, make strategic breakthroughs, and industrialise and modernise the country. They discussed challenges to digital infrastructure development and ways to build synchronous and modern socio-economic infrastructure, thereby helping fuel economic growth, resolve social issues, and transform Vietnam into a modern industrialised nation with upper-middle income by 2030 and a developed and high-income nation by 2045./. "Live fully in Vietnam" campaign welcomes back int’l visitors The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)
has officially launched a campaign called "Live fully in Vietnam"
to welcome international tourists back to five destinations in the country. With this campaign, for the first time since March 2020, foreign visitors will have the opportunity to experience new tours and routes in the country. The campaign kicked off at a favourable time, after the World Travel Awards 2021 named Vietnam among one of the Asia's Leading Destinations last month. The award also recognized Ha Long Bay – the UNESCO-recognised heritage site in Quang Ninh province - as a leading tourist attraction in Asia. Another UNESCO heritage site - Hoi An Ancient Town in the central province of Quang Nam - also re-opens to visitors. The ancient port town has regularly won tourism titles such as: "The most romantic city", "the most beautiful and charming city”, or “ the best cultural destination”. While Ha Long and Hoi An have been favourite destinations for decades, Phu Quoc is a rising star of Vietnam’s tourism sector. Luxury and world-class resorts are scattered along the 150km long coastline of the island, stretching through national parks and tiny fishing villages. Meanwhile, Nha Trang and Da Nang are two prominent seaside destinations in the central region. Nha Trang is the scuba diving centre of the country, and Da Nang is the famous coastal city that brings a new, creative and balanced feeling. Vietnam is opening the five destinations mentioned above following careful preparations, with comprehensive safety measures in place to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. Fully vaccinated travellers from 72 countries with vaccination certificates recognised by Vietnam, who hold vaccination certificates or COVID-19 recovery certificates and having negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure, are now welcomed to these destinations. Children under 12 years of age are not required to have certificates of vaccination./. President attends great national unity festival in Hanoi President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the festival of great national unity in Dien Bien ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, on November 17 evening. The President hailed Dien Bien ward for its achievements this year and wished every resident would overcome difficulties and achieve goals adopted by the 13th National Party Congress. He asked local authorities and people to raise public awareness of following the Party policies and guidelines, the State laws and local regulations. He also suggested Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels and mass organisations to grasp public opinions and aspirations. Answering questions raised by local residents, he affirmed that the State will soon have enough vaccines to ensure that people are fully vaccinated./. Fourth Vietnam-Uruguay political consultation held Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung and Uruguayan Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations Carolina Ache Batlle co-chaired the fourth Vietnam-Uruguay political consultation via videoconference on November 17 to discuss bilateral ties and issues of shared concern. The two officials shared the two countries’ situation and the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, as well as measures to promote economic growth and ensure social welfare. In order to continue expanding Vietnam – Uruguay friendship and cooperation, the two sides vowed to continue working closely together to facilitate high-level visits when conditions allow, effectively maintain the mechanisms of Joint Committee on Economic-Trade and Investment Cooperation, and political consultation between the two foreign ministries, as well as encourage collaboration between ministries, agencies, localities and businesses of the two countries in various forms. Dung affirmed that both sides hold potential for cooperation in economy and trade. He thanked Uruguay for supporting Vietnam at multilateral forums and international organisations. Batlle, for her part, hailed Vietnam as one of the important partners of Uruguay in Asia, and agreed to partner with Vietnam in the process of expanding and accessing markets in South America and Asia-Pacific. The two officials agreed to push ahead with concretising cooperation contents in several promising fields towards the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, they concurred to coordinate stances and offer mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums to which Vietnam and Uruguay are members./. 60-year Party membership badge presented to former Deputy PM Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented the 60-year Party membership badge to Vu Khoan, former Secretary of the Party Central Committee and former Deputy Prime Minister, during a ceremony in Hanoi on November 17. In his speech, the PM said it is the Party’s noble distinction to honour Khoan’s contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and nation. According to the PM, during his working time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade, Khoan was an excellent diplomat with strong mettle and a researcher with insightful studies. Following retirement, he still offered suggestions and advice to the Party and State. Former Deputy PM Khoan spoke highly of achievements in the fight against COVID-19, social welfare, socio-economic development and diplomatic activities by the Party and State leaders. He expressed his belief that the country will overcome difficulties and challenges and reap greater successes. He vowed to do his best to make further contributions to the Party, country and people./. Nearly 11.78 million pandemic-hit workers benefit from unemployment insurance The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) has so far given over 28 trillion VND (1.23 billion USD) from the unemployment insurance fund to nearly 11.78 million COVID-19-affected workers. The spending was in line with the Government’s Resolution 116/NQ-CP and the Prime Minister’s Decision 28/QD-TTg on assisting employees and employers impacted by the pandemic. As of November 16, the agency approved applications of 805 units invloving over 152,000 employees in 57 provinces and cities to be temporarily suspended from paying the pension and death gratuity fund with an amount of more than 1.065 trillion VND. At the same time, the VSS has confirmed a list of more than 2.47 million employees from 64,900 units in 63 provinces and cities to be benefited from different policies for aid, training, and preferential loans./. President meets prestigious locals in Bac Kan President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met in Hanoi on November 17 a delegation of reputable people and exemplary village heads in the northern province of Bac Kan on the occasion the 91st anniversary of Traditional Day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18) and 18 years of launching the great national unity festival. The President affirmed the position and role of reputable people and exemplary village heads in bringing the Party’s policies and orientations and the State’s law to ethnic communities. He affirmed leaders of ministries, sectors and localities, including Bac Kan, and the entire political system have to continue paying attention to the 13th National Party Congress’s point of view on building a contingent of personnel and people with typical prestige in ethnic minority areas. Localities also need to pay attention to fostering, arranging, and employing reputable people in social and mass organisations in residential areas, he said, adding that it is also necessary to early detect young, positive, enthusiastic, innovative faces to "rejuvenate" the prestigious teams. The President suggested that village heads and reputable people in Bac Kan in particular and the entire country in general should constantly uphold their pivotal role in all aspects of social life; mobilise people to well observe the of orientations and policies of the Party as well as the law of the State; and be responsible for helping people overcome poverty./. Ceremony to commemorate COVID-19 victims in Hanoi, HCM City A ceremony to commemorate people who lost their lives to COVID-19 will be held simultaneously at 8am on November 19 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the organising board for HCM City’s major celebrations told a press conference on November 17. The event will be co-hosted by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Culture and Sports Vo Trong Nam said the event will be live broadcast on Vietnam Television channel. Several reportages and a speech by the President of the VFF Central Committee will be screened before a ritual starts at 8:30 to commemorate the victims of the pandemic. Candle lighting rituals will also be performed in Thu Duc City and all districts of HCM City to pay tribute to victims in the pandemic. All religious establishments in the city will ring bells and vessels at ports will blow their horns. The city asks residents to turn off lights and lit candle in memory of the deceased at the same moment. Meanwhile, districts located along Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe and Tau Hu-Ben Nghe canals will release coloured lanterns at 8:35pm the same day. Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Health Department Nguyen Hoai Nam said as of November 16, the city recorded 17,263 deaths caused by the pandemic, with 41.5 percent of them being men, 58.5 percent women and 86.5 percent aged above 50. Three medical workers, 38 children and 62 pregnant women were among the dead victims of the disease./. Vietnamese documentary eligible for Oscar 2022 nomination The 26-minute documentary ‘The Eternal Springtime’ by
Vietnamese director Viet Vu has met the criteria for the 2022 Academy Awards
(Oscar) nominations for best documentary (short subject). Before the nomination, ‘The Eternal Springtime’ was premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and participated in many film festivals in Ukraine, China, and Azerbaijan. Viet Vu is the only Vietnamese filmmaker selected for the inaugural Seed Lab, operated by the non-profit Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab./. HCM City suggests further assistance to COVID-19-hit old persons, orphans The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on November 16 sent a document to the municipal People’s Committee suggesting more assistance for lonely older people and orphans affected by COVID-19 in the city. Accordingly, they will receive health insurance cards, travel pass cards used on public transport means, and entrance tickets to entertainment and cultural areas, sport clubs, and other paid services free-of-charge. The poor and lonely old persons aged above 60 are expected to receive 1 million VND (43.4 USD) each per month while those aged above 80 are eligible for 800,000 VND each monthly till the end of their life. The lonely poor and old persons aged 60-80 who are capable of self-catering will receive 650,000 VND each monthly while those who are not poor are eligible for 480,000 VND till their death. Children who become orphans caused by the pandemic will be allowed to pursue study till high school level for free. Orphans aged under four will receive 1 million each per month while those aged above four will obtain 800,000 VND till they reach 18. To ensure fairness and equality for all orphans in general and orphans caused by COVID-19, the department proposed providing additional 480,000 VND each for 1,413 orphans who are receiving social subsidies in the community till they turn 18. Statistics from the department showed that among 1,413 orphans aged under 18 caused by the pandemic, 66 lost both parents and 19 newborns lost their moms. Over 400 senior citizens lost their children or caregivers to the pandemic./. COVID-19: New cases on November 17 top 9,849 Vietnam recorded 9,849 cases of COVID-19 in 56 localities during 24 hours from 4pm November 16 to 4pm November 17, including 10 imported cases, according to the Ministry of Health. Ho Chi Minh City continued to record the highest number of infections with 1,337, followed by the neighbouring province of Dong Nai with 664 and Binh Duong with 601. The national tally reached 1,055,246. According to the Ministry of Health’s report, 4,338 patients nationwide are in serious conditions, with 394 requiring invasive ventilation and 11 on life support (ECMO). On the day, the country saw 67 deaths from the disease. The death toll now hits 23,337. A further 3,873 patients were given the all-clear, taking the total number of recoveries to 874,870. By November 16, the country had injected over 102.03 million doses of vaccines to date, with more than 36.80 million people now fully inoculated./. Vietnam – Singapore training centre marks 20th founding anniversary The Singaporean Embassy in Hanoi has recently held a ceremony to celebrate the two decades since a memorandum of understanding signed between the Vietnamese and Singaporean foreign ministries to establish the Vietnam – Singapore Training Centre (VSTC). The centre was upgraded to the current Vietnam – Singapore Cooperation Centre (VSCC) in 2018. Speaking at the event, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam said the celebration and the 20,000th Vietnamese participant in the Singapore Cooperation Programme are a clear proof to the strong and long-term partnership between Singapore and Vietnam. The two countries are very interested in collaboration and human resources development, considering them the key to their progressive and sustainable growth, the diplomat noted, affirming that Singapore continues to be strongly committed to supporting Vietnam's development journey. He said the VSCC has been upgraded to host online courses taking place given the COVID-19. Despite pandemic-induced disruptions, the number of people enrolled in its courses remained high, with its online platforms attracting more public personnel across many provinces in Vietnam. Lauded the centre’s sound outcomes regarding its training of Vietnamese personnel over the past 20 years, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung expressed his delight at its courses covering diverse fields such as language, communications, management, law, and finance, banking. The VSCC is an exemplary model in the Vietnam – Singapore strategic partnership, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s human resources improvement amid its regional and global integration processes, Dung affirmed. Thanking the support from the Singaporean side, he hoped that Vietnamese personnel would have more chance to enhance their capacity from courses offered by the centre in response to regional and global challenges and serving Vietnam’s demand for recovery and development after COVID-19./. Radio The Voice of Vietnam wins two awards at ABU Prizes 2021 Two radio programmes produced by Vietnamese national radio broadcaster The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporters were honoured at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes 2021 virtually held on November 17 as part of the 58th ABU General Assembly. It is the first times the VOV has won two prizes at the awards. “Water for Life” was named the winner of the Radio News Reporting category. According to ABU Prizes, the radio report was conducted at a time when tens of thousands of people in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien were facing water shortage. It also raised voice for the need to protect children’s right to water. “The story shed light on a subject that is heart-breaking, considering that access to water is something that we take for granted in most countries,” commented the jury. “Powerful presentation, audio effects well recorded and produced in a way that complements and strengthens the story.” “Never Give In” won the Radio Special Jury Prize. The programme tells a touching story of a young man named Duong Quang Huy who faces daily and hourly struggles against depression. Huy used to live with suicidal thoughts but he tried to overcome it. He hopes that people suffering from this disease will never give in to it. Commenting on the documentary, the jury said: “Compelling and complex, this piece had a strong structure that mostly used sounds to enhance the brilliant content. I can feel the sadness through the whole duration, from the first to the last sound. This is a significant topic about survival and hope and none of us can stay out of it.” This year, the VOV sent to ABU Prizes 2021 nine entries, including six radio, two TV and one digital content programmes, four of which made to the final round. They were among more than 300 entries competing in the three main categories of Radio, TV and Digital Content. The ABU is an international association of broadcasting organisations with 279 members in 73 countries and territories. The VOV has become an ABU member since 1964./. Book provides brief history of last feudal dynasty in Vietnam A book titled “Quoc trieu chanh bien toat yeu” (An abridged version of the Nguyen dynastic annals) compiled by the Nguyen Dynasty’s Institute for National History has made debut in a new look. “Quoc trieu chanh bien toat yeu” is an important reference source about the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) as it recorded numerous ups and downs in the history of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam, especially the French invasion in the middle of the 19th century. The book features brief records of events from the reign of King Gia Long (1762 - 1820), the first king of the dynasty, to the era of King Dong Khanh (1864 - 1889). The first chapter, covering the period from 1778 to 1802, focuses on military rebellions, while the next seven chapters show the development and the prime of the new dynasty and then its uncertainties. In 1923, it was translated into the national script and distributed to schools as ordered by King Khai Dinh (1885 - 1925). Today, it remains a useful source of information for both researchers and ordinary readers. “Quoc trieu chanh bien toat yeu” provides an objective panorama of Vietnam’s economic, political, cultural, and military affairs during more than a century. Together with other historical documents compiled throughout the Nguyen Dynasty, it is also an important source of information about the national sovereignty. Its new version is published by the Nha Nam Culture and Communication Company. The Nguyen Dynasty’s Institute for National History, put into operation in 1821 under the reign of King Minh Mang (1791 - 1841), was the organ in charge of studying and storing historical materials and making official historical records of the dynasty./. Top legislator meets voters in Hai Phong city Voters in Hai An district in the northern port city of
Hai Phong have expressed their support for decisions made at the
recently-ended second session of the 15th legislature. The NA and its agencies are continuing to make efforts to reform and improve the efficiency of operations, ensuring that all decisions and policies serve legitimate rights and interests of people and businesses, he said. The top legislator also informed the voters about major orientations to further raise the operational efficiency of the NA in the time ahead./. Hanoi ceremony marks World Children’s Day UNICEF Vietnam and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) jointly held a ceremony in Hanoi on November 17 to mark the World Children’s Day (November 20). The event, themed “Promoting, protecting and caring for children's mental health,” aims to raise awareness of the significance of mental health to the growth of children and adolescents, who are future generations of the country. Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said that the World Children’s Day is a chance to act and advocate policies and raise public awareness of urgent problems facing children. This year, the World Children’s Day takes place in a
special context where children and adolescents are suffering severe impacts
from the COVID-19 pandemic on their learning and mental health, said Ha,
noting that child abuse has been on the rise. Ha said that the MoLISA has coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies in popularising knowledge and information about caring for children’s mental health and social psychology to medical workers, teachers and parents as well as children’s caregivers in quarantine facilities, families, schools and residential areas, while improving the capacity of services on mental health care and psychological trauma prevention among children amid COVID-19, and helping form a network for child care in the community. The official called on ministries, sectors, agencies and organisations to give greater attention to and take stronger actions to enhance the mental health for children and their caregivers to help them overcome the COVID-19 crisis. According to UNICEF Chief Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers, in the past two years, due to impacts from COVID-19, many issues related to child rights have been affected. Even when the pandemic ends, its socio-economic impacts and consequences in people’s psychological health still persist, she said. Noting that mental health has yet to receive adequate attention, Flowers stressed the need to encourage children to share and speak out their problems to receive support and improve their mental health. Governments of countries should consider plans and strategies on caring for children’s mental health, while investing in children supporting services, she said, stressing the need for schools, communities and parents to recognise children’s problems and give them timely support. On the occasion, the organising board launched a challenge on posting video clips on mental health on Tiktok Vietnam. The World Children’s Day is celebrated annually to mark the adoption of the UN Convention on the Right of the Child, giving a chance to raise public awareness of important issues affecting the life of children, and promote the engagement of children and adolescents in observing their rights./. Vietnamese expats in Italy help repair schools in disaster-hit central areas Overseas Vietnamese in Italy have raised nearly 300 million VND (around 13,200 USD) to finance the repair of schools in remote areas in central Vietnam which were hardly hit by natural disasters last year. Donations have been sent to the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association by not only Vietnamese but also Italians, with the Italy-Vietnam Mutual Assistance Association, the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Italy, the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association, the Italy-Vietnam Cultural Bridge Association, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, and the association of Italian families with adopted Vietnamese children among the donors. The sum has been used to repair a school for children with disabilities in Le Thuy district of Quang Binh province and a kindergarten in Huong Hoa district of Quang Tri province and help these schools replace equipment damaged by flooding. At the beginning of 2021, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association Tran Thanh Quyet and former President of the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Italy Phan Hoang Nam visited the schools to survey their needs and develop plans for the repair. The repair was completed last month, thus improving the learning environment for local students. Earlier this year, about 80 million VND sourced from a fund for central Vietnam has been used to aid Vietnam’s COVID-19 response efforts./. Seminar on Vietnam’s sustainable development held in Algeria Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Nguyen Thanh Vinh on November 15 chaired a seminar on Vietnam's sustainable development with the attendance of leaders and trainees of the Algeria University of War. At the seminar, Vinh briefed participants on Vietnam's socio-economic development after 35 years of renewal, as well as issues related to sustainable development in the country. He underlined Vietnam’s solutions to successfully implement 17 sustainable development goals set in 2020, while giving a number of examples on Vietnam's development policies, including those on international integration and deep engagement in the international market. Participants showed interest in Vietnam’s economic development strategy amid COVID-19 pandemic as well as the country’s implementation of free trade agreements, commitments and initiatives in climate change response, and contributions by Vietnamese communities abroad to the homeland's economic development and sustainable growth. Ambassador Vinh said that on the foundation of the sound traditional friendship between the two countries, Vietnam is willing to share its experience with Algeria, thus further strengthening bilateral ties in all fields for the development of both sides and benefit of people in both countries. In a meeting with the university's Principal Major General Noureddine Khaloui, Vinh expressed his impression at the training programme and infrastructure system of the university, which train officers for the Algeria People’s Army. The Vietnamese diplomat said he hoped Vietnam and Algeria will build and maintain many cooperation and exchange programmes in the field of defence and other areas. For his part, Khaloui highlighted the sound traditional friendship between Vietnam and Algeria, affirming that Algeria highly valued Vietnam’s success in socio-economic development, considering it as a sustainable growth model./. Vietnam calls for further sharing of COVID-19 vaccines, treatment drugs at ASEP-11 Pham Thi Hong Yen, permanent member of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Committee for Economic Affairs, has called for further sharing of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs between members of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP). This is a basic solution to economic recovery, Yen said while addressing a discussion session of the 11th ASEP on November 16. She also suggested countries that have strength in the production of vaccines and treatment drugs to enhance their support to developing nations and those severely affected by the pandemic, helping their citizens gain equitable and timely access to vaccines, treatment drugs and modern medical equipment. The Vietnamese legislator highlighted the need to beef up partnerships and cooperation in the transfer of vaccine production technologies, and to improve capability for COVID-19 response. Yen proposed boosting partnerships between ASEP and regional and international parliamentary organisations in preventing and handling crises and emergencies, saying ASEP member parliaments should quickly consolidate national policies to ensure COVID-19 prevention and control, and economic recovery for both short and long terms, especially targeting the green, circular economy. She stressed the significance of trade liberalisation, transnational investment, international transportation, innovation, creation, digital transformation, application of scientific and technological advances, and high-quality personnel development to fulfill these objectives. The meeting concluded the same day with the issuance of a joint declaration, under which the ASEP committed to strengthening multilateralism and global partnership for peace, stability, development and human rights based on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law. The meeting also emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue, trust building, adherence to the principle of mutual security and constructive diplomatic engagement, especially parliamentary diplomacy in preventing wars and conflicts. ASEP-11 urged ASEM partners to cooperate more extensively on the production and distribution of safe, effective and quality-assured COVID-19 vaccines to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination by continuing investment in scientific research and development, technology transfer, manufacturing and making vaccines available and affordable to all and as common global public goods, and to work cohesively to promote an inclusive and effective immunisation against the virus so that socio-economic recovery can be carried out faster and in a robust and inclusive manner./. Webinar discusses solutions to ecosystem restoration in Vietnam Vietnam needs to encourage and improve capacity and responsibility for the environment and nature and implement preventive actions in management agencies and businesses to minimize nature degradation, an expert has said. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Dap from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS)’s Institute of Human Geography made the suggestion at a webinar on November 16, which focused on solutions to contribute to developing specific programmes to promote rapid and sustainable development in Vietnam. Assessing environmental degradation, global ecosystems and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Dap said countries are working together to build a global strategic framework on biodiversity with the goal that by 2050 people will live in harmony with nature, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used. While proposing solutions to restore Vietnam's ecosystem and biodiversity in the context of the 4th industrial revolution, Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) said to effectively implement restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, it is necessary to promote nature-based socio-economic development in the principle of being in harmony with nature. Attention should be paid to living in harmony with nature in the process of developing national, regional and provincial plans; establishing more nature reserves, green corridors and biodiversity corridors; increasing investment of resources in finance, policy, science and technology, including attracting the participation of indigenous communities on the principle of happiness and peace for people, he said. In the coming time, Vietnam needs to train scientists, managers, and technicians with specialized skills in restoring poor terrestrial and marine ecosystems, Huynh said, noting that this is a crucial solution in restoring and enriching the ecosystem. According to Dr. Nguyen Song Tung, Director of the Institute of Human Geography, Vietnam is currently facing the loss and rapid degradation of biodiversity. In addition to natural causes, human activities have had a great impact on the destruction of nature. In the process of socio-economic development, a series of forests and natural covers have been invaded, causing the environment to be damaged and lose its protection function against natural disasters and extreme weather, the expert said. Participants proposed measures to restore the ecosystem, protect ancient trees and minimise harms caused by climate change, including disease prevention. They also focused discussions on issues related to the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam./. Workshop discusses digital technology’s role in infrastructure development The Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission held a workshop on November 16 to look into the promotion of digital technology application to building and managing socio-economic infrastructure during the process of national industrialisation and modernisation until 2030 with a vision to 2045. Vice Chairman of the Economic Commission Do Ngoc An said the 13th National Party Congress issued the guidelines of “continuing to step up industrialisation and modernisation on the basis of scientific - technological advances, innovation, and technological achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)” and focusing on implementing certain solutions, including building synchronous and modern socio-economic infrastructure; developing information and telecom infrastructure to create the foundation for national digital transformation and facilitate a digital economy, digital society, smart production, new production and business models, sharing economy, e-commerce; and conducting digital transformation in all enterprises and State agencies. The successful implementation of this breakthrough will greatly help turn Vietnam into an indutrialised country soon, he noted. An said socio-economic infrastructure in the country has been developed over the past years, gradually meeting national construction and defence requirements. The digital infrastructure is relatively modern and covers all provinces and cities nationwide, he added. However, there remain problems, he pointed out, elaborating that the speed of the telecom and IT networks is still slow, unable to meet the demand for developing Internet of Things, smart cities, and smart production. The access to wideband services in rural and mountainous areas remains limited, the national digital transformation is slow, and there are numerous challenges to the fight against cybercrime. At the workshop, participants said weaknesses in socio-economic infrastructure are one of the major hindrances to the development of Vietnam’s economy. That fact required the optimisation of chances in the 4IR to reform the growth model, restructure the economy, make strategic breakthroughs, and industrialise and modernise the country. They discussed challenges to digital infrastructure development and ways to build synchronous and modern socio-economic infrastructure, thereby helping fuel economic growth, resolve social issues, and transform Vietnam into a modern industrialised nation with upper-middle income by 2030 and a developed and high-income nation by 2045./. VFF leader highlights significance of great national unity Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien has highlighted the significance of the great national unity bloc on the occasion of the 91st anniversary of Traditional Day of the VFF (November 18). Talking with the press, Chien said no other country in the world has a great national unity festival that is celebrated in each residential area like in Vietnam, which should be further promoted. As such, the Party Delegation to the VFF next month will submit to the Party Central Committee's Secretariat a scheme on building a self-governance model in residential areas to further promote the spirit of great national unity, which is an invaluable tradition and asset of the nation, he said. The national unity spirit will help the country overcome any challenges, as clearly seen in the fight against COVID-19, the VFF leader said. He noted that when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, especially during the fourth resurgence, the entire Party, people and armed forces joined hands in the spirit of “fighting pandemic is like fighting enemy”. In response to the appeals by the Party General Secretary and the VFF, Vietnamese people in and outside the country donated millions of welfare bags and tens of thousands of tonnes of food and medical equipment to send to localities hard hit by the pandemic to help them with the fight. In particular, the business community, philanthropists and people from walks of life donated nearly 20 trillion VND to help those in need, especially buying vaccines to expand vaccine coverage. Residents also actively joined anti-pandemic movements at checkpoints and community groups. According to the VFF leader, the festival is held in concurrent with the Traditional Day of the VFF, providing a chance for people to review the history tradition of the VFF and for leaders of the Party, State and authorities at all levels to meet communities to grasp public aspirations and helps convey the Party and State’s policies and guidelines to the public. In such spirit, Party and State leaders came to residential areas to listen to public aspirations. Citizens also discussed measures to effectively carry out the Party and State’s policies and restore socio-economic development./. Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan |
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