The draft Power Development Planning (PDP) VIII has demonstrated the trend of developing clean and renewable energies in line with commitments to cutting carbon emissions at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Under the planning, offshore wind power will be given priority in the near future.

Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Department Hoang Tien Dung said Vietnam is gradually mastering advanced technologies, developing human resources and investing in important technical infrastructure to lay a solid foundation for energy application and development.

He added that Vietnam still much relies on imported technology to develop wind power so that the country needs to stay more active in building projects and producing spare parts, towards increasing the rate of domestically-made items.

Dung also suggested developing biomass and geothermal energy, and even energy derived from tides and sea waves in the future.

According to him, apart from developing a smart grid, technology related to energy storage is also a good orientation. When renewable energy is developed at a high level, it is possible to consider hydro producing and storing, he said. 

Well-known peach garden in Thanh Hoa ready for Tet

Xuan Du commune in Nhu Thanh district is a well-known peach blossom area in the central province of Thanh Hoa. As the Lunar New Year, or Tet, approaches, local gardeners are busy taking care of their trees so they will bloom on time and welcome in Vietnam’s biggest holiday season.

Most local residents plant peach blossoms. Every year, in lunar November, local gardeners begin the final stages of caring for their trees so they will bloom just as Tet arrives.

According to peach growers in Xuan Du, plucking peach tree leaves requires care and meticulousness, because any carelessness will affect the eyes and buds. At this time, many peach growers in Xuan Du spend tens of millions of dong hiring workers to do this manual work.

The peach trees in Xuan Du are healthy, with large flower buds, long-lasting blossoms, eye-catching colours, and green leaf buds. The trees are always preferred by customers every Tet.

Nearly 17,000 COVID-19 cases recorded on January 2

Vietnam confirmed 16,948 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours as of 4pm on January 2, including 34 imported and 16,914 domestic ones in 63 cities and provinces, reported the Health Ministry.

Hanoi topped the nation with 2,045 cases, followed by Hai Phong (1,804), Vinh Long (1,280), Tay Ninh (946), Binh Phuoc (782), and Khanh Hoa (780).

The country has so far recorded 20 imported cases related to Omicron variant, including one in Hanoi, 14 in Quang Nam and 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, which were put under quarantine following their arrival.

The total caseload has amounted to 1,763,040, placing the country at 31st out of 224 countries and territories.

With 32,831 fatalities so far, Vietnam ranked 26th out of 224 countries and territories.

Traffic accidents kill 12 on second day of New Year

Twenty road accidents took place on January 2 nationwide, causing 12 deaths and injured 13 others.

The figures represented reductions of one accident and one death compared to the same day last year.

No accidents were recorded on the rail and water ways.

In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and neighbouring localities, traffic order and safety during the day are guaranteed, without traffic jams and serious traffic accidents.

To ensure traffic safety and social order for the end of the year, New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays, and spring festivals, the police in 63 localities has so far examined, detected and handled 5,936 cases of violation and issued fines worth nearly 6 billion VND (262,524 USD).

Over 300 billion VND added to 31st SEA Games’ preparation budget

An additional 301 billion VND (13.17 million USD) from the 2021 State budget for sport and training has been approved for regular expenditure tasks needed for the preparation for the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

According to a decision freshly signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, 283 billion VND of the sum is earmarked for the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; and 18 billion VND for the Ministry of Public Security.

The 31st SEA Games, hosted by Vietnam, will run in Hanoi and 11 neighbouring localities from May 12 to 23 this year. With 40 sports covering 526 events, the tournament is expected to attract some 10,000 participants.

Frequent COVID-19 testing activities are expected throughout the course of the Games.

Vietnam strengthens measures to care for COVID-19-hit children

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has signed the Prime Minister’s Directive No.36/CT-TTg on strengthening measures on care for and protection of children hit by COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) must work with other ministries and agencies to propose measures regarding care for and protection of orphans in general and orphans caused by the pandemic in line with the law, raise public awareness of the effort to uphold the role of the society and residential community in the process, thus ensuring comprehensive growth of children.

The MoLISA was also required to regularly report the implementation of the Directive to the PM.

The Ministry of Health will continue popularising pandemic prevention and control measures while stepping up vaccination for children as directed by the Government and PM.

The Ministry of Information and Communications was required to effectively carry out the programme “Internet connection and computers for students” while the Vietnam Television and the Voice of Vietnam must continue airing school lessons as well as skills to help children improve their physical and mental health.

The People’s Committees of centrally-run cities and provinces were assigned to ensure timely, safe and effective vaccination and treatment for children in line with the Government and PM’s directions and Health Ministry’s guidelines.

Ministry urged to conduct necessary procedures to buy vaccines for children aged 5-11

The Prime Minister has requested that after the child vaccination policy is approved by competent authorities, the Ministry of Health must conduct necessary procedures to buy vaccines for children aged 5-11.

It was part of the PM’s directions about COVID-19 vaccination under Document No.9629/VPCP-KGVX recently issued by the Government Office.

The Government leader also asked the Minister of Health to ensure sufficient vaccines for people of all ages and take direct responsibility to the Party, State and people for the task.

The Health Minister must convene meetings with experts and work with medical and army staff to drastically step up vaccination, ensuring that it is done in a safe, scientific and effective manner. The minister was also assigned to report vaccination progress in January 2022, and guarantee enough vaccines for children aged above 12 to complete the injection of booster doses for this group in the first quarter.

The Ministry of Health was asked to study information about COVID-19 prevention and control measures posted on the Government portal to direct the effective fight against the pandemic. 

HCM City strengthens management of quarantine for entries

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has issued a document on the process of management of medical quarantine for entries as directed by the Prime Minister in accordance with the Government Office’s Dispatch No.9406/CD-VPCP dated December 23, 2021, in an effort to control the spread of new Omicron variant.

Accordingly, all entering the country via Tan Son Nhat International Airport from January 1, 2022 must register for QR codes at PC-COVID app or the website https://antoan-covid.tphcm.gov.vn. If they test negative for SARS-CoV-2 at the airport, they must follow 5K regulations from the airport to their residences. It they test positive, they will be put under quarantine or sent to temporary COVID-19 treatment hospital No.12 for treatment.

Those who are fully vaccinated, recover from COVID-19 or test negative at the airport are not permitted to leave their residences within three days and test for the virus using RT-PCR method on the third day since their arrival. In case they show the symptoms of coughing, high temperature or breath difficulties, they must immediately report to local medical station.

For unvaccinated or partly vaccinated passengers, they must undergo self-quarantine at their residences within seven days from their arrival and seriously follow COVID-19 prevention and control regulations.

Muong ethnic group’s stilt houses preserved via community-based tourism development

The central province of Thanh Hoa is making efforts to develop community-based tourism in its mountainous district of Ngoc Lac in a bid to preserve the traditional stilt houses of the local Muong ethnic people, which account for over 70 percent of the district’s population.

According to the local authorities, the district houses 1,465 stilt houses of the Muong ethnic community, including more than 700 in Thach Lap commune alone. Many of them date back some 100 years.

Ngoc Lac has developed a 2021-2025 project to conserve such traditional value in association with the development of community-based tourism. As planned, Muong stilt houses in Lap Thang commune will open their doors for visitors in early 2022.

Quang Ninh assists Lao province in COVID-19 combat

Quang Ninh province of Vietnam has presented 20,000 USD to the Lao province of Luang Prabang to assist the latter in the fight against COVID-19.

Vietnam’s Consul General in Luang Prabang Nguyen Dang Hung handed over the aid to local authorities on December 31.

On the coming days, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang is set to deliver Quang Ninh’s aid, 10,000 USD each, to the other two northern Lao provinces, Houaphanh and Xayaboury, to help with the COVID-19 combat there.

Resolution on medical mechanisms, policies for COVID-19 fight

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has signed a decision of the NA Standing Committee regarding a number of mechanisms and policies in the health care sector serving COVID-19 prevention and control activities.

The decision, signed on December 30, covers the mobilisation of human resources for COVID-19 testing, vaccination and treatment; treatment costs and payment; the management of drug and drug ingredients; the stabilisation of medical equipment prices; and policies for those who are mobilised for pandemic prevention and control.

According to the resolution, medical examination and treatment practitioners in Vietnam, including foreigners, are allowed to carry out testing, vaccination, medical examination and treatment for COVID-19 other than the scope of their certificated professional activities.

The resolution took effect immediately after being signed.

An Giang: Nui Sam national tourism site to reopen on January 1

The Nui Sam national tourism site in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang’s Chau Doc city, considered the biggest cultural spiritual tourism hub in the region, will reopen to visitors on January 1, 2022.

According to Tran Quoc Tuan, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, the reopening takes place in a ‘new normal’ condition, with human resources, medical equipment, and COVID-19 prevention measures requested to be in place to ensure the safety for tourists and the local community.

The safety measures include QR code scanning at ticket booths and a series of hygiene activities.

Recognised as a national tourism site in 2018, Nui Sam spans about 1,500 ha and covers many historical and cultural relics.

The site welcomed more than 5 million visitors on an annual basis on average.

National Tourism Year 2022 expected to give a boost to Quang Nam tourism

As the host of the National Tourism Year 2022, the central province of Quang Nam is expected to grasp the opportunity to rejuvenate its tourism sector and promote the image of Quang Nam and Vietnam in general to visitors at home and abroad, Nhan dan newspaper reported.

The National Tourism Year 2022 will be held under the theme ‘Quang Nam – A green tourism destination’ with assorted activities and events, introducing the culture and tourism potentials of the central province, according to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Van Tan.

The programme will officially open on March 25, 2022, at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park in Hoi An city.

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang serves as Acting Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang was selected as Acting Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at the 6th meeting of the 8th VBS Executive Council on December 31.

Before holding the new position, Thich Tri Quang was Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the VBS’s Patronage Council.

His predecessor, Supreme Patriarch Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue, passed away on October 21 at the age of 105.

Netherlands finances 19.5 million USD for climate adaptation project in Vinh Long

Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Xuan Ha and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman have signed an agreement for Development Related Investment Infrastructure Vehicle (DRIVE) funded by the Netherlands Invest International, to support the Vinh Long Climate Resilience Project, the Vietnam Government Portal (VGP) reported.

Under the agreement, the Netherlands grants 19.5 million USD (EUR 16.5 million) to the aforesaid project totaling 202.2 million USD (EUR 170 million) in Vinh Long city to make the city more climate resilient and to protect its people against flood risks, she said.

The rest of the amount is covered by the World Bank and by Vinh Long province. The significant amount of Dutch grant, played a crucial role to make the project possible, added Akkerman.

The Dutch grant will be provided to build a water treatment plant in Vinh Long city in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long.

The water treatment plant is a component of the wider Vinh Long City Urban Development and Enhanced Climate Resilience Project.

Journalists’ Association asked to make most of digital transformation

The 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Journanists’ Association took place in Hanoi on December 31.

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong said the press must continue to renew itself to truly become an accurate, timely, powerful, influential and responsible channel of information in society.

He proposed the Journanists’ association actively adopt action programmes and specific and substantive activities to continue increasing its position, role, quality and operation efficiency.

The Congress elected a 52-strong Executive Committee and an Inspection Committee with 15 members for the 2020-2025 tenure.

Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan dan Newspaper and Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, was elected President of the association. 

Vietnam National Day held at EXPO 2020 Dubai

The Vietnam National Day at World Expo 2020 Dubai officially opened on December 30 with a flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong said that by joining the expo, Vietnam aimed to introduce the image of a dynamic country and get closer to 191 participating countries in the world.

At the ceremony, participants enjoyed a Vietnamese traditional art performance show.

On the occasion, senior officials of Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and another MoU on promoting Vietnam’s culture and tourism in the Middle East.

More students return to school from January 4 in HCM City

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has approved a plan to allow an additional 680,000 students in secondary and high school grades to return to school on January 4.

Students in grades 7, 8, 10 and 11 will resume in-person classes next week, after the New Year holiday.

On December 13, around 150,000 students in grades 9 and 12 in the city returned to school after nearly eight months at home due to the pandemic.

Under the new plan, only 6th graders will not be allowed to return to school.

The decision was made after the city’s Department of Education and Training proposed to let more than 680,000 students return to classes after the New Year holiday. Students in these grades have been fully vaccinated and safety plans have been prepared.

Students will be reviewing lessons and completing mid-term exams from January 4 to January 22.

Vietnamese traditional performing art introduced to the world

Information about the characters in Vietnamese hat boi (classical drama) is now available in English on ichLinks, an online platform providing information about intangible cultural heritages in the Asia-Pacific region.

The project, entitled "Types of Characters in Vietnamese hat boi: A Quick Guide", has been jointly conducted by Cultura Fish Group and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP).

Founded in 2020, Cultura Fish is a project with the core mission to inspire and promote the beauty of Vietnamese traditional practices for the youth.

Fifteen typical hat boi characters are selected to be featured on the platform, along with illustrations and videos that explain their face makeup and performance techniques, like kep, lao or dao motifs.

The characters are performed by many famed artists of the art form like Huu Danh, Linh Phuoc, Linh Hien, together with many others from the Ho Chi Minh City Hat boi Theatre.

CAAV orders drastic measures to prevent Omicron spreading

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has asked relevant agencies to apply drastic measures to control the spreading of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Accordingly, passengers who have gone through countries where Omicron was found are required to take rapid COVID-19 tests before boarding and after landing in Vietnam.

Areas for COVID-19 rapid testing will be set up in international airports with passengers covering the testing cost.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam and Van Don International Airport were asked to work with relevant agencies on the procedure of handling passengers who are tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while reviewing the passenger serving process in international airports to avoid congestion, especially in testing areas.

Hanoi man jailed for five years for anti-State activities

A man in Hanoi was sentenced to five years in prison during a trial on December 31 on the charge of  “making, storing, distributing, or disseminating information, documents, and items against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” under Article 117 of the 2015 Penal Code.

Apart from the jail sentence, Le Trong Hung, 42, residing in Hai Ba Trung district, will be put on probation for five years after serving his prison term.

According to the indictment of the Hanoi People’s Procuracy, Hung produced and published seven video clips on Facebook fanpage “CHTV Vietnam” from April – September 2020. Their contents distorted and defamed the people’s administration, causing public agitation and violating the interests of the State, legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organisations.

The board of juries concluded that Hung’s behaviours are extremely serious, directly violating national security, defaming the people’s administration and socialist regime, and hurting public trust in the State’s political institutions, thus calling for serious punishment.

Vietnam Red Cross Society launches campaign to support poor people

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) announced on December 31 that it and the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB Bank) have launched a campaign to help disadvantaged people enjoy a warm and happy Tet (Lunar New Year Festival).

It is part of the VNRC's movement to support the poor and Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims ahead of the upcoming Tet, which is the biggest traditional festival of Vietnamese people.

They can transfer money to the bank’s account ‘2022’ owned by the VNRC with a message ‘Tetbinhan’ (safe Tet).

The VNRC will hand over the donations to needy people nationwide.

Bank statements and activities of the campaign will be regularly updated at https://thiennguyen.app/donate-target/1476496130551336960./.

Lao Cai girl dies after receiving Pfizer shot

The girl named P.S.M. of the Dao ethnic group was given her first Pfizer shot on November 21 without any reactions.

She received her second shot on December 30 and produced some post-injection reactions, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain and nausea.

She was given first aid and immediately transfered to Sa Pa General Hospital for emergency treatment. However, doctors tried in vain to save her life, and the patient died the same day. Other people who received similar Pfizer shots together with the dead patient the same day remained in stable health condition.

The Lao Cai provincial Department of Health set up a group of health professionals to examine the case and found the patient had suffered post injection anaphylaxis (grade IV) - a severe, potentially life threatening allergic reaction. Her death was not related to vaccination procedures, transportation, storage and use, they concluded.

Que Ngoc Hai nominated as Best Defender at 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup

Vietnamese captain Que Ngoc Hai has been nominated as the Best Defender at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup thanks to a string of outstanding performances put in at the tournament.

According to the organising board of the AFF Cup, Vietnam conceded only two goals across the six matches they played in at the tournament, confirming their longstanding reputation for being a defensive powerhouse.

It notes that, along with being strong on the ball and in his overall positioning and reading of the game, Hai also recorded the highest number of interceptions and blocks in another strong showing at an international tournament.

The six other nominees competing for the title are Theerathon Bunmathan, Kritsada Kaman, and Narubadin Weerawatnodomof Thailand, Asnawi Mangkualam and Pratama Arhan of Indonesia, and Safuwan Baharudin of Singapore.

The Vietnamese defender is currently in third place in the running for the award, just behind Asnawi Mangkualam and Pratama Arhan of Indonesia.

Former chairman of Hà Nội receives eight years imprisonment

The Hà Nội People’s Court on Friday afternoon returned verdicts for seven defendants in the case of illegal interference in bidding activities, enabling Nhật Cường Company to win contracts.

Nguyễn Đức Chung, former chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee, received three years imprisonment for “abusing position and power while performing duties”, and earlier was sentenced to five years imprisonment for “appropriating secret State files”, thus he was condemned to a total of eight years.

According to the indictment, Chung abused his position and power to illegally interfere in bidding activities for a deal on the digitisation of business registration documents in 2016 at the city’s Department of Planning and Investment.

Later, he asked the department to allow Nhật Cường Company to pilot digitalisation of the bidding package for the personal purpose of making the company win the bid and enjoy the benefits, causing losses of over VNĐ26.5 billion (US$1.16 million) to the State budget.

Chung’s activities were defined as violating bidding regulations, causing serious consequences, in accordance with Article 89 of the Law on Bidding.

Dong Da District allows resumption of on-site food and drinks service

Authorities of Đống Đa District have allowed restaurants in the district to resume on-site services after the area’s pandemic level is readjusted to level 2 (medium-risk).

From 6:00 am, January 1, the district continues to implement level 2 pandemic prevention measures in the entire district according to Resolution 128 of the Government, the directive documents of the City People's Committee and the District People's Committee on flexible response, effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The District People's Committee asked agencies, units and businesses to step up communication work, raise awareness and responsibilities of cadres, civil servants, and public employees to strictly comply with regulations on pandemic prevention and control. There should be absolutely no negligence with the developments of the pandemic but people should not panic, either.

HCM City to ensure 100 per cent of workforce for epidemic prevention and control during New Year holiday

All forces participating in epidemic prevention and control in HCM City must be on duty during the 2022 New Year holiday.

The HCM City Department of Health has issued a written notice on stricter implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures during the upcoming holiday.

All relevant forces must be available, and medical facilities are required to maintain emergency services and treatment operations around the clock.

Year-end parties, early spring meetings from these units, and unnecessary festivals or events with large crowds will not be allowed.

Earlier at a press conference on December 23, deputy head of Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in HCM City Phạm Đức Hải said the epidemic situation in HCM City had been complicated, with a rising number of new cases and deaths every day.

Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccine rollout hits 150 million doses milestone

On the last day of 2021, Việt Nam’s total number of COVID-19 vaccines administered crossed 150 million doses, a significant milestone reached four months earlier than planned.

According to the health ministry, more than 1.6 million doses were given on Thursday (December 30), bringing the total to more than 150.93 million doses, just six weeks after the country hit the 100 million mark on November 16.

137,305,579 shots have been administered for the adult population (aged 18 and above), including 69,970,003 first doses and 63,287,656 second doses, 1,171,258 third Abdala vaccine doses, 994,301 additional doses, and 1,882,362 booster doses.

First-dose coverage among people aged 18 and above has hit 99.4 per cent, and second-dose coverage in this age group reached 89.9 per cent.

Regarding immunisation of children aged 12-17, 12,013,079 doses have been administered in total, including 7,548,180 first doses and 4,464,899 second doses (Việt Nam only uses Pfizer vaccines for this age group).

Food and beverage businesses approved for sidewalk trading in Hanoi's downtown district

After much discussion, the municipal authority of Hà Nội has agreed to allow Hoàn Kiếm District to utilise sidewalks for food and beverage businesses, once COVID restrictions allow. 

As per a document signed by the vice-chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee, Dương Đức Tuấn, the fee for the temporary use of the pavement is VNĐ45,000 (US$ 1.97) per sq.m per month.

The committee permitted Sun Capital Real Estate Co., Ltd., Prodigi Pacific Việt Nam JSC and Toàn Cầu Global Invest JSC to temporarily hire sidewalks for fast food and drinks business in Hoàn Kiếm District – one of the downtown districts of Hà Nội.

The sidewalks used for service are clearly defined as areas close to the walls of houses and inside the facade of houses connected to the first floor spaces. Licensing will be every six months. 

Flight passengers from countries with Omicron required to undergo rapid COVID-19 tests

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has just issued a document enforcing stricter regulations for passengers arriving in the country, a move aiming to control the spread of the Omicron variant.

Following the new instruction, if passengers have gone through countries that detected Omicron infections prior to arrival to Việt Nam, they must take quick tests for SARS-CoV-2 before boarding and leaving the aircraft. 

Passengers have to bear the costs of tests, which will have a reasonable price in line with the Ministry of Health's to-be-issued regulations.

The ACV will also assess the current arrival process at the airports for adjustments and updates, ensuring there is no congestion at terminals, especially in SARS-CoV-2 testing areas.

Airlines are asked to coordinate with related stakeholders and authorities to conduct rapid testing and handle cases testing positive for the virus. 

They are also not allowed to carry passengers who do not meet the requirements of the quick tests, as per direction of the Prime Minister. 

Hanoi no longer requires passengers from Omicron-hit countries to stay in centralised quarantine

Passengers on flights from countries where the Omicron variant is present will no longer have to quarantine in centrally-controlled facilities on arrival in Hà Nội, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAAV).

Earlier this week, the Hà Nội People’s Committee issued Plan No 310/KH-UBND in response to the Omicron variant. Under the plan, all passengers from countries where Omicron is present must undertake centralised quarantine, regardless of passenger health history, vaccinations or prior COVID-19 infections.

A representative from the aviation authority said that the CAAV held a meeting with city leaders, during which the vice-chairman of the city People’s Committee, Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền, said that the city decided to deactivate Plan No 310.

According to regulations issued by the Health Ministry, fully vaccinated people entering Việt Nam to work for less than 14 days are not required to undergo medical isolation. However, Hà Nội decided to unilaterally impose stricter requirements under Plan No 310.

On December 29, the Ministry of Transport proposed to the Prime Minister the resumption of regular commercial international flights, stating that the removal of centralised quarantine for passengers was a key factor in facilitating this resumption.

Enterprises urged to give priority to supplying oxygen for medical facilities

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged oxygen suppliers to prioritise medical facilities in the southwestern region and HCM City as many are struggling with supplies.

According to preliminary statistics, southern provinces need about 400 tonnes of oxygen per day on average with HCM City needing more than 100 tonnes and other provinces about 50 tonnes each.

Nguyễn Văn Thanh, director of the ministry’s Department of Chemicals called on enterprises to arrange about 500 tonnes of oxygen daily for medical purposes.

The ministry is also working with ministries of transport, public security and sciences and technology to ensure smooth transportation of the oxygen.

Mekong Delta urged to take measures to cope with drought and salt intrusion in 2022

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a directive on the implementation of solutions to cope with drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, which is forecast to be harsh in the coming dry season.

2022 is forecast to be a year of water shortage in the Mekong River basin.

Reports from the ministry show that the flood water in the Mekong River Delta is currently at approximately the average level of many years.

Tonle Sap in Cambodia, an important source of additional water for the Mekong Delta in the dry season, is now at a level lower than the average of many years in the same period of about three billion cubic metres.

The average total water storage capacity of upstream hydropower reservoirs is currently at 80 per cent of design capacity.

The ministry said it was likely that reservoirs upstream would limit water discharge during the first months of this dry season.

Polish science-fiction comic book published, translated in Viet Nam

On the centenary of Polish writer Stanisław Lem's birthday, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Hà Nội together with Kim Đồng Publishing House (Việt Nam) and the Booka Publishing House (Poland) will introduce the comic book Con tàu bất bại (The Invincible)  to Vietnamese readers.

The sci-fi book, based on the novel of the same name, was adapted by Rafał Mikołajczyk and translated by Nguyễn Chí Thuật. It is a full-size hardcover artbook in colour.

Con tàu bất bại (The Invincible) tells the story of a group of scientists and astronauts who are sent to planet Regis III on a spaceship called "Invincible" to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the ship "Kondor." From samples collected on Regis III, the scientists come up with various theories, but realise that they cannot explain everything.

They then discover that things they thought could never happen become true in front of their eyes. The journey to find the truth about the Kondor ship turns out to be the beginning of another journey towards a truth that is more overwhelming, more terrible, than anyone can imagine.

The work is a complete adaptation of the thoughts and worries about the development of technology and artificial intelligence, as well as concerns about human limitations in a vast universe, of the late Polish writer Stanisław Lem (1921-2006).

It is currently available on the website of Kim Đồng Publishing House.

Source: VNS/VOV/VNA/SGGP/ND

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES DECEMBER 31

HCM City remains Vietnamese travellers’ favourite destination for New Year celebration