Vietnam recorded 111 new COVID-19 infections, including two imported cases and 109 in quarantine sites or sealed-off areas, in the last six hours to 6pm on May 19, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Among the locally-infected cases, 78 were detected in Bac Giang, 21 in Bac Ninh, six in Dien Bien, two in Da Nang, one in Ho Chi Minh City, and one in the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital’s Tan Trieu facility.

So far, Vietnam has seen 3,217 domestic infections and 1,473 imported cases. The number of COVID-19 cases since April 27, when the new outbreak began, is now 1,647.

Among patients still under treatment, 37 have tested negative for the coronavirus once, 29 twice and 23 thrice.

As many as 2,687 patients have been given the all-clear from the virus, while the death toll remained at 37.

Meanwhile, 121,000 people are being quarantined nationwide./.

Uncle Ho remembered on his 131st birthday

A delegation from the provincial border guard high command offers flower to President Ho Chi Minh.

Organisations and people from all walks of life in the central province of Nghe An have offered flowers and incense to President Ho Chi Minh at Kim Lien special national relic site in the leader’s home village on the occasion of the beloved national leader’s 131st birthday.

Among them were delegations from the provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Fatherland Front committee.

The delegates expressed their immense gratitude towards the late leader, who dedicated his whole life for the national liberation cause, and the struggle for the country’s peace and happiness.

They pledged to study and follow President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and lifestyle, as well as strive to successfully carry out the resolutions adopted at the 19th provincial party congress and the 13th National Party Congress.

President Ho Chi Minh led the country to success in its struggle for national independence. On September 2, 1945, he read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming to the world the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam./.

PM orders highest efforts to ensure success of general elections

The Prime Minister has asked ministries, agencies and People’s Committees at all levels to raise the high sense of responsibility and pay great attention to preparations for the general elections, slated for May 23.

In a document sent to ministries, agencies and localities ahead of the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026, the Government leader urged the Ministry of Health to regularly provide updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry needs to supplement appropriate plans and solutions to deal with any pandemic incidents during the elections, and establish a working group that will receive and respond to health information from May 18 to the end of the political event.

The Ministry of Information and Communications should work harder to encourage voters to cast their ballots on the day, he said, suggesting the utilisation of both traditional and modern communication methods, with more attention paid to remote, far-flung and ethnic minority-inhabited areas.

Prompt actions are needed to handle distorted online information about the elections, the PM stressed.

Meanwhile, the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security will continue with the task of dealing with acts that aim to harm political security and social order and safety, and sabotage the elections.

He asked localities to draw up detailed plans and scenarios for the elections amidst the complex development of the pandemic, saying more heed should be given to constituencies and polling stations under medical quarantine due to COVID-19.

The PM also ordered plans on natural disaster and fire prevention and control on the election day./.

Hanoi tests all arrivals from provinces hit by coronavirus 

The move came as the pandemic situation in Bac Giang, 50 kilometers from Hanoi, turned more complicated.
All people who arrived from the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, the country’s Covid-19 hotspots, and areas with active cases in 28 other cities and provinces would be tested for the novel coronavirus, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung has said.

The move came as the pandemic situation in Bac Giang, 50 kilometers from Hanoi, turned more serious. Health experts have said that the province’s outbreak is unpredictable and could last longer than expected.

Since April 29, Hanoi has recorded 82 Covid-19 patients who have been infected in the community across the city.

Meanwhile, the pandemic situation in neighboring provinces of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh is increasingly serious (336 cases confirmed in Bac Giang and 252 others in Bac Ninh). A number of industrial zones in the two provinces has continuously recorded new Covid-19 patients.

“The biggest risk for the city now is the influx of people from Bac Giang and Bac Ninh since a large number of workers from the provinces live in Hanoi, posing a high risk for Hanoi," Dung stressed.

A report from the Hanoi Department of Health showed that there are more than 6,300 people working in the two provinces have come from Hanoi.

Dung said the city will assign relevant units to be on duty 24 hours a day standing ready to place the pandemic-hit areas on lockdown if it was needed, the municipal leader noted.

He reiterated the measures of detecting, urgent tracing, quick testing, and absolute isolation for people making close contact with Covid-19 patients so that the outbreaks can be curb in the shortest possible time.

“If cross-contamination occurs, the managers of the quarantine camps must be held responsible and be strictly sanctioned,” he required.

He said districts and towns are allowed to set up concentrated isolation areas with a capacity of at least 1,000 people.

Huge bomb safely deactivated in Quang Tri

Sappers with the Military High Command in the central province of Quang Tri on May 18 successfully deactivated and removed a huge bomb left over from wartime that was found in the Thach Han River.

The MK 82 bomb was 1.5 metres in length, 230 kg in weight, and 27 cm in diameter, and had a detonator.

It was discovered at a depth of 3 metres by a local man who was fishing about 10 metres from the river bank.

Quang Tri is the most polluted locality in Vietnam in terms of unexploded ordnance (UXO), which are scattered over 81 percent of its land area and have killed over 3,430 people and injured 5,100 during peacetime./.

HCMC authorities create zones for coronavirus following two positive cases

Following the two positive Covid-19 cases in Ho Chi Minh City, authorities in the southern metropolis has decided to establish many zones for coronavirus.

A 35-year-old man in Sunview Town Apartment Buildings in Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc City was positive for SARS-CoV-2 for the first test carried out by Vinmec Central Park International Hospital. The city administration sealed off the apartment block where he resides soon yesterday.

His female colleague at Deloitte Vietnam Company, a 34-year-old woman, in Tan Kieng Ward in District 7 was also tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to an epidemiological investigation, the woman flew to the Northern City of Hai Phong from April 24 and returned to HCMC on May 5. She experienced a fever on May 8 yet she self-medicated and stayed at home. On May 11, she was back to work. She is being under quarantine in the centralized isolation area in District 7.

The health sector in HCMC is tracing those who had contacted with her and passengers on the flight with her for quarantine.

The woman had visited many various places including a hair salon at 76 Dinh Tien Hoang in District 1 and a bookstore Nguyen Hue street.

The Ministry of Health this morning said, within the past 12 hours, the country had 31 new cases of Covid-19 including one imported case who was quarantined upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. The remaining 30 cases were recorded domestically in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh ( with 16 cases), Bac Giang (with 10), Lang Son (with 3), and Ho Chi Minh City (only one).

Hai Phong tightens curbs during night curfew across city from May 18

The Northern City of Hai Phong authority tightened curbs during night curfew across the city from May 18 to effectively constraint the Covid-19 outbreak.

A mandatory 10 PM to 5AM curfew was imposed on the city from 10 PM on May 18. People are not allowed to go out from 10 PM to 5AM if they don’t need to. Police forces will handle and issue punishment on violators.

On the evening of May 18, Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee Nguyen Van Tung, Head of the City's Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, sent an official dispatch requesting relevant departments, local administrations in districts, and people seriously implement the regulations against Covid-19 to curb the transmission of Covid-19 in the community.

Moreover, related agencies and local governments, residents have been asked to strengthen disease prevention and to keep social order for the successful organization of elections for deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure.

The chairman also asked residents not travel outside from 10 PM to 5 AM and not gather more than ten people in public places as well as keep safety distance with others.

Those who experiencing fever, coughing, and respiratory diseases should not self-medicate at homes but go to the nearby medical facilities for testing. Drugstore assistants must ask buyers of medicines for respiratory diseases to fill health declaration and inform local medical facilities.

Eateries and beverage stores just provide takeaway services. Stands selling non-essential items in traditional markets and commercial centers are not allowed to open. Private medical institutions of ear-nose-throat and dental offices in the city must be closed. The authority ordered suspension of public transport across the city.
Tracing measure is applied to find contacts of Covid-19 positive people.

At a meeting with newly appointed Secretary of Hai Phong City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang yesterday afternoon, leaders of Hai Phong City Department of Health said that after two people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 but source of the infection is unknown, the city steering board for Covid-19 prevention and control requested district administrations and forces to fumigate and create zones for the coronavirus. Of thirty-four contacts F1, 22 were tested and 19 were negative while of 66 contacts F2, 11 contacts F2 were negative.

Vietnam adds 30 cases to domestic COVID-19 tally on May 19

Samples for COVID-19 testing

The domestically-transmitted COVID-19 cases in Vietnam has risen to 3,072, with 30 patients confirmed in the past 12 hours as of 6am on May 19, the Ministry of Health said.

Of them, 16 were recorded in Bac Ninh province, 10 in Bac Giang, three in Lang Son and one in Ho Chi Minh City.

The ministry also documented one imported case on the morning, bringing the total imported infections to 1,471.

As many as 1,502 COVID-19 patients were confirmed in the nation since it was hit by the fourth COVID-19 wave on April 27.

A total of 121,010 people who came in close contact with COVID-19 patients or arrived from pandemic-hit areas are being quarantined nationwide, including 2,217 at hospitals, 32,348 at other quarantine sites, and 86,445 at residences.

Among the COVID-19 patients, 37 have tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 once, 29 twice, and 23 thrice.

More than one million COVID-19 vaccine shots were given to frontline medical workers and members of community-based anti-COVID-19 groups in Vietnam as of 4pm on May 18. The country began its COVID-19 inoculation campaign on March 8.

The Ministry of Health said that Vietnam will receive 31 million Pfizer vaccine doses in Quarter III and Quarter IV.

According to Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long, his ministry has spared no efforts to seek vaccine sources for the nation, and around 110 million doses will be supplied for Vietnam this year, 38.9 million doses of which are from COVAX Facility, 30 million from AstraZeneca, and 31 million from Pfizer/BioNTech.

Furthermore, the ministry has registered to buy additional 10 million doses through COVAX under the cost share mechanism.

Negotiations are underway to purchase more vaccines from Moderna, Johnson&Johnson, CureVac, Spunik V and Sinopharm, helping diversify vaccine sources to serve the locals, he added.

Currently, four Vietnamese vaccines are under development, produced by Nagogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC, the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC), Vaccine and Biological Production Company No. 1 (Vabiotech) and the Center for Research and Production of Vaccines and Biologicals (Polyvac)./.

Award-winning film fined for failing to get licence

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued fines to the producer of the award-winning film Taste for "releasing without licence".

The Ho Chi Minh City-based Le Bien Pictures Company was fined VND35 million (USD1,522) for sending the film to the 71st Berlin International Film Festival without having the licence to release the film by local authorities.

"The company has violated Government Decree 158/2013/NĐ-CP on culture, sports, and tourism," the ministry said.

The film, which was directed by Vietnamese director Le Bao and co-produced by some foreign producers from Singapore, France, Thailand, Germany, and Taiwan, recently won the Special Jury Award in the 71st Berlin International Film Festival’s Encounters section.

The 97-minute film depicts a slum in Ho Chi Minh City, where a Nigerian footballer moves in with four middle-aged Vietnamese women after his club is dissolved.

The 71st Berlinale took place online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The prize for Le Bao's film was announced on its website and fan page on March 6.

Vietnam attends IPU's virtual meeting on sustainable development

A Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) delegation led by Vice Chairman of the NA's Economic Committee Duong Quoc Anh attended a virtual meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Standing Committee on Sustainable Development on May 18.

Held as part of the ongoing 142nd IPU Assembly, the meeting highlighted a theme of mainstreaming digitalisation and the circular economy to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly responsible consumption and production.

Speaking at the event, the Vietnamese delegation praised the theme, which also reflects a resolution of the IPU. With 29 notes and 36 orientations, this is a comprehensive, ambitious, but extremely necessary resolution, especially in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

To realise the document, IPU member parliaments need to raise general public awareness of the resolution with communications activities intensified firstly targeting their agencies, then the Government and the people, said the delegation.

According to Vietnam’s speech presented at the meeting, education plays an important role in equipping people with circular economy knowledge to put it into practice and helps shape responsible consumption habits early on. At the same time, the ability to use digital tools and skills, and the readiness to implement digitalisation must also be considered one of the basic contents of the educational programmes at all levels.

As the resolution points out, the IPU should strengthen cooperation with its member parliaments who are members of other organisations, including regional parliamentary ones, to collect evidence and information on the circular economy, environment and digitisation in order to build a guiding framework for further parliamentary actions.

The IPU should also actively create an official forum for member parliaments to continue to learn from each other's practices and experience as well as further increase the support from the parliaments of donor countries./.

HCMC residents buying cough, fever medicines have to declare health status

The health authority of HCMC today, May 17, asked pharmacists citywide to require people who buy medicines for fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms to declare their health status, aimed at promptly detecting community-infected cases amid the complicated Covid-19 situation.

Buyers of such types of medicines have to make health declarations via the website at tokhaiyte.vn or mobile apps, namely NCOVI, Vietnam Health Declaration, according to Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Health, reported VnExpress.

Also, retailing pharmacies were told to report suspected Covid-19 cases to the local competent forces or to Covid-19-related hotlines.

The city will strictly tackle any pharmacy that fails to comply with the requirement and causes community coronavirus transmission, he added.

The latest resurgence of Covid-19 has been raging in Vietnam since April 27, spreading to 27 provinces and cities already. Up to now, HCMC has reported one locally-infected case. The local health authority has raised the city’s Covid-19 alert risk to the highest level and actively adopted various preventive measures.

Vietnam informs Cambodian party on outcomes of 13th National Party Congress

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) held a virtual conference on May 18 to discuss the outcomes of the CPV’s 13th National Congress and the cooperation between the two parties and nations.

Chairing the event, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung informed the Cambodian side on the key content of the congress's documents and stressed that the congress affirmed Vietnam’s policy on staying steadfast in creatively applying and developing the Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought to serve the goal of national independence and socialism. The congress has also set forth the nation’s development goals toward 2025 and 2030 and its vision toward 2045.

Trung stated that Vietnam consistently implements the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of external relations.

Vietnam proactively and actively works for comprehensive and extensive global integration as well as to maintain a peaceful and stable environment and constantly improve its international position and prestige, the official added.

He underscored that the Vietnamese Party and State always attach great importance and give top priority to the good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, long-term, and sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Co-chairing the conference, head of the CPP central committee’s commission for external relations Prak Sokhon expressed his delight at the success of the congress and his belief that under the CPV’s leadership, Vietnamese people will reap more fruitful outcomes in building and protecting the nation.

The official, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, thanked Vietnam for its significant assistance for Cambodia in the past and his nation’s current response to COVID-19.

Acknowledging the development of the Vietnam – Cambodia ties, the two sides pledged to continue promoting bilateral engagements between the two parties and countries across fields, particularly in COVID-19 prevention and control.

They said they will work together to effectively implement the countries’ high-level agreements and vowed to do their utmost to protect and foster the Vietnam – Cambodia relations./.

TV show Running Man Vietnam season 2 kicks off

Running Man Vietnam, one of the most popular TV reality shows in Việt Nam in 2019, has returned for a second season.

The 15-episode show is adapted from South Korean reality-variety show Running Man, in which participants complete in various missions in urban areas to win the race.

The Vietnamese version will feature nine participants, including MC Trường Giang, rapper Karik, actors Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Jun Phạm, Liên Bỉnh Phát, Trương Thế Vinh and Thúy Ngân, and singers Ngô Kiến Huy and Jack.

The show began filming in April in HCM City, and will travel to famous destinations in Việt Nam such as Phú Quốc, Sa Pa, Đà Nẵng, and Hà Nội.

Jack, 24, the youngest participant, said: “I’m very excited to experience the Running Man Vietnam’s  journey from the South to the North. But I am worried because I’m scared of heights, snakes and water, and can’t swim well.”

“Participating in Running Man Vietnam is an opportunity for me to conquer my fears,” he said.

Jack is one of a number of Vietnamese singers reaching great success in 2020. He won the Best Southeast Asia Act category at the 2020 MTV European Music Awards, and the Best Music Video Act the annual 25th Asian Television Awards in January.

Đỗ Hoàng Anh, a student at Lạc Hồng University in Đồng Nai Province, and a fan of Jack, said: “Running Man Vietnam is fun and entertaining, and has difficult action games.”

“It’s the first time my idol is taking parting in a such game show. I can’t wait to watch how he survives in the show”.

Running Man Vietnam was first broadcast on the HCM City Television (HTV)’s channel HTV7 in April 2019, consisting of 15 parts.

Each episode of the first season of Running Man Vietnam earned 10-31 million views on YouTube.

The Running Man Vietnam season 2 will air on HTV on July 11.

Belgium, Vietnam cooperate in domestic waste treatment

Belgium is one of the countries with the highest rate of recycling and reusing waste in the world. A number of Belgian companies operating in the field of waste treatment have been cooperating closely with Vietnam over the past time, including Menart.

Anthony Roméo is designing a domestic waste treatment line, which will be installed in the southern province of Dong Nai, where his company has a cooperation project with Sonadezi Environment Joint Stock Company. The project aims to recycle domestic waste in the province into humus compost.

Menart, a family business established in 1961, specializes in the field of designing, manufacturing and installing machinery and equipment, which are used to produce organic fertilizer and to treat waste of different kinds. The company has projects in many countries in Europe, Africa, America and Asia. In Vietnam, Menart built waste treatment plants in many provinces, including Dong Nai, Soc Trang, Kon Tum, Ha Tinh, Thai Nguyen and Ha Nam.

At this workshop, Menart engineers will install and test parts of the waste treatment line before they are shipped to Vietnam.

The waste treatment plant, which specialises in recycling domestic waste into humus compost, covers 21.7 hectares. The plant conducted test run at the end of last year with a capacity of 450 tons per day. The plant is expected to help the rate of landfill wastes in Dong Nai go down to below 15%./.

Tien Giang to produce more dragon fruit as part of climate-change adaptation plan

The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, the country's largest fruit producer, is expanding its dragon fruit growing area as part of its agricultural restructuring and climate-change adaptation plans.

Tien Giang has nearly 10,000ha of dragon fruit. Of the specialised dragon fruit area of 7,400ha in Cho Gao district, more than 5,200 ha have yielded an annual output of 162,000 tonnes.

Dragon fruit, one of the province’s key specialty fruits, has competitive advantages and can adapt to climate change.

Ngo Huu Tue, secretary of the Cho Gao District Party Committee, said to improve quality and competitiveness at home and abroad, the district has encouraged farmers to grow the fruit under Vietnamese good agricultural practices (VietGAP) standards.

Last year, the province granted VietGAP certificates for 1,118ha of dragon fruit in the district, taking the district’s total VietGAP dragon fruit area to 2,180ha, up 9.2 percent of the target set for last year.

Duong Thanh Tam, who grows a 0.9ha red-flesh dragon fruit orchard in Cho Gao’s Tan Thuan Binh commune, said that under VietGAP standards, farmers use mainly biological pesticides and organic fertilisers.

Instead of using concrete posts to grow dragon fruits under traditional growing methods, Tam uses trellises, which offer higher yield and quality.

He earns a profit of 600 million VND (26,000 USD) a year from his orchard.

Many rice farmers in the district have switched to growing GAP-standard dragon fruit and have joined agricultural co-operatives to secure outlets for their produce.

Le Van Thuy in Cho Gao’s My Tinh An commune said he turned his 1ha unproductive rice field into dragon fruit using Global GAP standards, and joined the My Tinh An Dragon Fruit Co-operative.

Thuy has also used advanced farming techniques like irrigation spraying and electric lamps at night to stimulate growth in order to produce off-season fruits that sell at higher prices.

Thuy and other co-operative members have been trained in farming techniques under VietGAP and Global GAP standards. Their cost of registering for VietGAP and Global GAP certificates is also subsidised.

Thuy has a farm contract with outlets which ensures a minimum price of 10,000 VND a kilogramme. He earns nearly 1 billion VND (43,400 USD) a year from growing the fruit under Global GAP standards.

“The profit is more than 10 times higher than from high-quality rice,” he said.

The price of off-season dragon fruit is normally three times higher than the price of main season dragon fruit. Off-season red-flesh dragon yielded an average profit of 300 million VND (13,000 USD) per hectare a crop for farmers. The off-season harvest of dragon fruit lasts between November and April.

The district’s dragon fruit was awarded a collective brand name “Thanh long Cho Gao” by the National Office of Intellectual Property.

The district’s dragon fruit has been exported to many markets, including the EU and the US.

Cho Gao district plans to expand its specialised dragon fruit growing area to more than 7,500ha by the end of this year.

It also plans to have an additional 500ha of dragon fruit granted VietGAP certificates this year, taking the district’s total VietGAP area to 2,684ha by the end of this year.

The district will provide VietGAP standard farming techniques to about 1,800 farmers this year, and strengthen linkages between farmers and buyers.

The district has nearly 9,400ha of various types of fruits, including dragon fruit, and green-skin and pink-flesh grapefruit./.

Da Nang to halt taxi, app-based vehicles, 4-seat cars, delivery services

Secretary of Da Nang City’s Party Committee Mr. Nguyen Van Quang required the suspension of taxi, app-based vehicles, 4-seat cars, delivery services, etc as the management for drivers and shippers was difficult.

Amidst the current surge of Covid-19, Secretary of Da Nang City’s Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang required the Municipal Department of Transport to publish the notification about the operation suspension of the above-mentioned services and shippers.

Besides, Mr. Quang also asked those drivers to check their sample tests and perform health declaration at health facilities.

Medical staff take samples for Covid-19 testing at Hoa Cam Industrial Park in Cam Le District, Da Nang City
On the other hand, the city leader also asked the public security and military forces, people to strengthen the patrols at night to detect the violated cases for not complying with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message Khau trang (facemask)- (Khu khuan) disinfection- (Khoang cach) distance- (Khong tu tap) no gathering – (Khai bao y te) health declaration.

The city Party chief also required the Municipal Department of Justice to urgently coordinate with Management Board of Da Nang Hi-tech Park and industrial zones in the city to consider the handle over the violations of Safi Company and Truong Minh Company on the Covid-19 prevention and control responsibilities.

The requirement was issued at a conference on the Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control in the city yesterday.

HCMC finds nearly 15 tons of used rubber gloves imported from China

Saigon Port Zone 1 Customs Branch under the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department yesterday checked and discovered a container containing the large number of used gloves imported from China into Vietnam at Cat Lai Port in Thu Duc City with the false customs declaration.

Following the customs declaration about the shipment, the gloves are new rubber gloves imported from China used for cooking; however, the customs authorities discovered all the gloves inside the container were crumpled and dirty like the used medical gloves through the inspection process.

Currently, Saigon Port Zone 1 Customs Branch continues to investigate the violation.

HCMC DoIC delivers all level-4 public services online
 
Due to the newest outbreak of Covid-19 in Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications (DoIC) offers 100 percent of its level-4 public services online to minimize direct contact between citizens and state officers, actively preventing any possible spread of the virus.

Accordingly, DoIC encourages citizens and businesses to apply for public services under its management online, including submitting necessary documents, paying fees, receiving results, at one of the two websites: dichvucong.hochiminhcity.gov.vn or dichvucong.ict-hcm.gov.vn

In total, there will be 45 public services to be delivered online, in the four fields of broadcasting and e-information, journalism, printing and publishing, postal and delivery.

Any people registering for an online level-4 public service procedure must follow these 5 steps:

1.      Signing up and submitting necessary documents online at the address of dichvucong.hochiminhcity.gov.vn or dichvucong.ict-hcm.gov.vn

2.      Waiting for those papers to be checked and received by DoIC in accordance with regulations. An email or SMS will then be sent, along with a QR code of the case, to confirm the successful receipt of those documents. If there is a need for more related papers, instructions will be sent so that the procedure can be completed as regulated

3.      Monitoring the status of the process via the sent QR code to ensure transparency

4.      Paying any possible fee online, which is announced via an SMS or email

5.      Receiving the expected result via the registered email or on the information portal of DoIC

If there is any question, citizens can contact the hotline of DoIC at (028)35202323 – ext 301 for further instruction.

Hanoi to offer bonus for task forces in Covid-19 fight 

The move is necessary to encourage forces participating in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hanoi’s authorities plan to offer bonuses for task forces participating in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung said at a working session on May 17.

The plan has been sent to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for approval. If it is allowed, the bonus that is about 70% of the forces' current allowance will come from the city’s budget.

Dung believes that the move is necessary to encourage forces participating in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Since early 2021, Hanoi and the whole country have dealt with four Covid-19 outbreaks. The current flare-up, even though it is harder, the city is exerting all effort to control the situation,” said the Hanoi Party chief.

Dung emphasized the great and decisive contributions of the frontline forces in the Covid-19 fight, including health workers, police, army men, journalists, and anti-Covid-19 teams in the community, among others.

The allowance will be increased to VND510,000 (US$22.13) per day, from the current level of VND300,000 (US$13.02).

Dung stressed the risk of Covid-19 infections in Hanoi these days is much more serious than last year’s outbreak. The city’s health sector has sent medical staff to various districts, including Thuong Tin, Dong Anh, Thanh Tri and Gia Lam in the Covid-19 fight and control over the coronavirus infections from illegal immigrants.

Since the new outbreak on April 29, the domestic case count of Vietnam's ongoing Covid-19 wave has risen to 1,340, with 13 patients confirmed Tuesday morning in Hanoi.

Vietnam started suffering a new Covid-19 wave three weeks ago and infections have since then spread to 28 cities and provinces.

Ever since the pandemic broke out, the nation has registered 4,378 cases, including 2,668 recoveries and 37 deaths.

Gov’t demands drastic measures to fight lumpy skin disease

The Government on Monday demanded drastic and comprehensive measures to control and prevent lumpy skin disease (LSD) on buffalos and cows.

The disease was first discovered in Viet Nam in October last year and has spread to 1,622 communes of 204 districts in 29 cities and provinces nationwide.

At least 44,700 cows and buffaloes contracted the disease which is anticipated to continue spreading further in the time ahead.

The Government urged localities to well organize vaccination, early detect new disease outbreaks, and timely provide information and warnings on the diseases in order to fully stamp out the existing outbreaks and prevent new ones.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall time prime responsibility and coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities in directing the import of vaccines as well as research and production of domestic vaccines.

The ministry was also tasked to coordinate with international organizations and other countries in combatting the disease./.

Áo Dài exhibition marks International Museum Day

A special exhibition featuring the áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) has opened at the Áo Dài Museum in Thủ Đức City to celebrate International Museum Day (May 18). 

It features a collection of 10 áo dài belonging to political, cultural and artistic stalwarts like Dr. Trịnh Thị Hoà, former director of the HCM City History Museum, and cultural researcher Lê Tú Cẩm, who have worked to improve the country’s museums. 

The women also encouraged young women in remote areas to study, develop careers and live more independently.

The museum’s director, Huỳnh Ngọc Vân, said the exhibition promotes cultural activities to mark International Museum Day and the images of Vietnamese women through the áo dài. 

The Áo Dài Museum, owned by veteran fashion designer Sĩ Hoàng of HCM City, opened in 2014 to share the history of the traditional long dress with foreign visitors and future generations and increase their awareness of traditional fashion. 

The museum displays many áo dài designs dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and their subsequent evolution.

It displays áo dài owned by theatre icons such as People’s Artists Kim Cương and Bạch Tuyết, considered gurus of cải lương (reformed opera). 

Others include garments owned by national heroine Nguyễn Thị Định, the first woman major general in the Vietnam People's Army, and former Vice State President Nguyễn Thị Bình. 

Visitors can try making their own áo dài using paper, and souvenirs such as dolls in áo dài are available for sale. 

The museum also has áo dài fashion shows and photo and painting exhibitions capturing Vietnamese culture and lifestyles.  

The exhibition is open every day between 8am and 5pm until June 12.

The museum is at 206/19/30 Long Thuận Street.

Seven Chinese experts fined for violating quarantine regulations

Authorities in the central city of Danang have issued fines for seven Chinese experts for failing to conform to the government's regulations on Covid-19 prevention and control.

Chairman of Hai Chau District People's Committee, Le Tu Gia Thanh, confirmed on May 17 that the Chinese men had been fined VND7.5 million each.

According to Thanh, the seven men had completed a 21-day mandatory quarantine after arriving in Vietnam in the northern province of Lang Son.

Under the government's regulations and following the men's commitment to local authorities, after completing their 21-day quarantine period, they would come to work at the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Zone in Quang Ngai Province where they would continue to monitor their health at their place of residence for seven more days.

However, after landing at the Danang Airport on the evening of May 14, the group didn't go to Quang Ngai but stayed at a hotel in Danang's Hai Chau District.

"The hotel then informed the local authorities about the men," the official said. "We had detained them for Covid-19 tests and then informed local authorities in Quang Ngai to arrange a place for them."

Thanh added that the hotel was asked to stop receiving guests until the seven Chinese men have tested negative Covid-19 after staying for seven days in Quang Ngai.

Hanoi committed to successfully hosting general election on May 23 

The capital city will step up its supervision effort to ensure the success of the election, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan has said.

As Hanoi’s preparation process for the upcoming general election remains on track, the city is determined to successfully host this important political event on May 23.

“This is particularly important as Hanoi is the country’s political-administrative hub with a population of around 10 million.”

According to Tuan, the city estimates to have 5.4 million voters, 10 constituencies for National Assembly deputies; 30 for deputies of city-level People’s Council; 269 for district-level; 3,056 for commune-level and 4,831 polling stations.

For the 2021-2026 period, voters in Hanoi would elect 29 National Assembly deputies and 95 deputies for the city-level People’s Council.

“The city is a key target for hostile forces to undermine social-political order,” Tuan noted, adding the serious Covid-19 pandemic situation has also caused major impacts on the preparation process for the election.

“A  change in this election is the close cooperation among various agencies to verify the credibility of candidates,” said Tuan.

The city’s election head also informed the establishment of 15 task forces to oversee the preparation process in Hanoi along with efforts to prevent Covid-19 infections at 30 districts.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the election committee has frequently updated electoral rolls, including the review of voters being students, workers at industrial parks, or those being quarantined or isolated for high risk of infection.

“Online platforms have been used to facilitate meetings between candidates and voters. In certain constituencies, the local election committee has been using loudspeakers to read out action programs of candidates,” Tuan noted.

“More importantly, the city has mobilized the entire political system to deliver short bios of candidates to each family household in accordance with the law, so that they have a better understanding of candidates,” he continued.

Tuan said the time from now on until the election day is a decisive period, in which the city would step up its supervision effort to ensure the success of the election.

Setting up voting scenarios for over 4,800 polling stations

Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen at a meeting yesterday called for local authorities to step up measures against each polling station, referring to certain localities are using QR Code for online health declaration and allocating isolation room in each constituency.

“There should be different plans on the election day to deal with four possible situations, including voting at fixed polling stations; at the home of people under self-quarantine; at quarantine zones, hospitals, health facilities; and areas subject to social distancing and isolation,” Tuyen informed.

“For hospital under quarantine, mobile ballot boxes would be delivered for patients to vote,” she continued, requesting election staffs to be trained thoroughly in terms of election procedures and measures against Covid-19.

On May 23, 2021, over 69 million voters nationwide will go to the polls to elect members of the 15th National Assembly and the People's Councils at all levels for the term 2021 - 2026. 

Hà Nội's Đông Anh District, Đà Nẵng CDC honoured for COVID-19 prevention work

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has awarded certificates of merit to collectives and individuals of Hà Nội’s Đông Anh District and Đà Nẵng City’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) for their outstanding work of COVID-19 prevention and control.

Three collectives and four individuals of Đông Anh District were honoured for their three-layer pandemic prevention model including people and officials of Đông Anh District, Đông Anh District Health Centre, people and officials of Lỗ Giao Village of Việt Hùng Commune, Secretary of the district’s Party Committee Lê Trung Kiên, chairman of the district’s People's Committee Nguyễn Xuân Linh, director of the district’s Health Centre Nguyễn Tiến Cương, and head of Lỗ Giao Village Nguyễn Hữu Phan.

According to Kiên, as soon as an F1 case was detected in the district on April 30, the local authority quickly implemented disease prevention and control measures in accordance with the guidance of Hà Nội authorities and the Ministry of Health to zone and strictly manage the pandemic outbreak.

Along with the measures, the district carried out a creative way to concretise the Prime Minister's directives by applying a three-layer zoning model in quarantined places to ensure safety, trade and transport and not upset people's lives.

In the three-layer model, based on the PM's directives, all positive patients are isolated as the core layer. For the second layer, there are checkpoints set up in every locked-down alley to deliver necessities to isolated households and the outer layer involved health checkpoints to measure the body temperature and record the information of everyone entering and leaving the alleys.

Using the model, the district locked down the source of the disease but did not impact the local daily life and production and business.

Along with the above measures, the district considered dealing with the pandemic outbreak a top priority task, said Kiên.

Hà Nội’s Health Department director Trần Thị Nhị Hà said: “Đông Anh’s 'three-layer' model was very creative and suitable for the local reality.”

“Hà Nội is conducting research and replicating the model to other localities in the city to effectively control the disease outbreak in the capital,” Hà said.

Chairman of Hà Nội People’s Committee Chu Ngọc Anh said Đông Anh District has taken measures to implement the model methodically, scientifically, creatively, timely, effectively, appropriately, successfully and in accordance with the pandemic developments.

“The district concretised the (PM's) directives into drastic and effective solutions in the right spirit of calmness, proactiveness, effectiveness and synchronisation," the chairman said.

On Monday, Đà Nẵng City’s CDC received the PM’s Certificate of Merit for its efforts in tracing and testing COVID-19 patients.

Since the pandemic outbreak last year, the city’s CDC has made constant efforts in early detection and rapid localisation to zone the source of the disease in the community.

The work of testing, monitoring and handling of COVID-19 cases has been recognised and appreciated.

This was also the first unit in the country to successfully deploy the pooled testing method.

The pooled testing method of five samples reduced testing costs to nearly VNĐ12 billion (US$520,385) from VNĐ55.4 billion ($2.4 million) of single-sample testing for the same number of samples, according to the city’s People’s Committee.

The method helped to test more people and save time. The statistics showed that during 16 days from August 8 to 23, 2020, the number of people who had samples taken for testing hit 97,103.

This year, facing the third pandemic wave with extremely complicated developments and pressure to test more samples in difficult conditions of human and material resources, the centre improved the method of five-sample pooled testing into 10-sample pooled testing.

The method has not only cut testing costs by 20 times but also helped speed up the testing process due to limited equipment and human resources as well as quickly detect new cases in the community.

Since May 1 up to now, nearly 70,000 test samples have been carried out by the Đà Nẵng CDC with test results required within 24 hours to keep up with the speed of tracing and large-scale surveillance.

Some days the centre receives nearly 22,000 samples. 

Vietnamese film 'Camellia Sisters' to stream on Netflix in June

After a successful theatre run in Việt Nam, the film Gái Già Lắm Chiêu V – Những Cuộc Đời Vương Giả (Camellia Sisters - Living Like Royalty) will be made available globally on Netflix on June 10.

Camellia Sisters was released on March 12 this year and consistently stayed in the top two in the Vietnamese box office during its run in theatres. This is the fifth movie in the well-known series Gái Già Lắm Chiêu (The Tricky Ladies) created by director duo Bảo Nhân and Namcito, featuring actors from across the country such as Lê Khanh, Hồng Vân, Hoàng Dũng and young breakout stars Kaity Nguyễn, Khương Lê and Anh Dũng.

Since pre-production, MAR6 Pictures has aimed for worldwide distribution via platforms like Netflix.

“To share Camellia Sisters to a wider audience base across the world, we have worked with our international sales agent Skyline Media to find potential platforms. After presenting the first look of Camellia Sisters to deliver its mood and tone, the story, the production value, we are excited for the upcoming release of Camellia Sisters in 190 countries globally,” said MAR6 Pictures’ producer and director Namcito.

Camellia Sisters was made with a budget of approximately US$2 million and aims to showcase the unique cultural values of Việt Nam.

“Our two important goals are to win domestic audience acclaim and to introduce a contemporary yet culture-rich Việt Nam to global audiences. We also enhanced the drama genre and lessened comedy elements to add more depth to the story. This is the movie project I got the chance to do my best in making art!” said director Bảo Nhân.

Vietnam’s northwestern localities step up cooperation with China’s Yunnan province

The northwestern provinces of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Dien Bien and China’s Yunnan province have agreed to enhance cooperation in the time ahead with a view to building a borderline of peace, stability and friendship.

The consensus was reached at an online conference between the Secretaries of the Party Committees of the four Vietnamese provinces and the Secretary of Yunnan Provincial Party Committee on May 18.

The event, the first of kind held between the provinces, aimed to evaluate cooperation among the localities in recent times, and discuss challenges that need to be addressed so as to develop the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic collaboration partnership in a stable and sustainable fashion.

Attending the conference, head of the Commission for External Relations under the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Le Hoai Trung spoke highly of the sound cooperation between the two sides in the past time.

He expressed his hope that they will work together to capitalise on their strengths and potential, making contributions to the socio-economic development in each province, as well as the stability and prosperity of the two nations.

Meanwhile, head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Song Tao commended the organisation of the conference, affirming his department stands ready to cooperate with the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations to bolster friendship exchange and collaboration between localities of both nations.

The Party chiefs of the five localities were unanimous to maintain regular meetings to promote mutual understanding, handle bottlenecks in cooperation in a timely manner, and build suitable coordination mechanisms.

They also gave their consent that it is necessary to implement three legal documents on Vietnam – China land border, and minutes of the meetings of the Vietnam – China Land Border Joint Committee.

Additionally, they agreed to ask competent authorities for approval to organise the second conference in the first quarter of 2022./.

Second national conference on general elections held

National Assembly (NA) Chairman and Chairman of the National Election Council (NEC) Vuong Dinh Hue on May 18 chaired a national conference to implement the tasks for the upcoming general elections.

The conference, which was held virtually, connects the NEC with the Election Committees in 63 centrally-run cities and province.

Addressing the event, Hue said that this is the second national conference that the NEC has held to direct activities related to the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels in the 2021-2026 tenure.

So far, preparations for the elections have completed, making the nation ready for the elections that will take place on May 23, he noted.

According to NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong, the preparations for the elections have been implemented comprehensively in line with the process stated in the Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils.

Cuong, who is also head of the NEC Office, said that at the request of 15 provinces, the NEC has issued a document allowing many polling areas in these localities to conduct early voting.

So far, some areas of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa and Quang Nam has organised early election./.

HCM City: Over 2,100 Party members receive membership badges

Some 2,179 Party members in Ho Chi Minh City were presented with membership badges at a recent ceremony held by the municipal Party Committee’s Standing Committee on the occasion of the 131st birthday of President Ho Chi Minh.

Of these, 22 people received a 75-year Party membership badge; 16 other were given a 70-year badge; 32 took a 65-year badge; 110 got a 60-year badge, and the remainders received 30-, 40-, 50- and 55-year badges.

As part of the celebrations, exhibitions on the life and career of President Ho and activities of local Party organisations, agencies, political, economic and social organisations, the armed forces, and individuals in implementing the Politburo’ Directive No 05-CT/TW on promoting the study and pursuit of Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, morality, and style were also held./.

Vietnam Buddhist Sangha offers medical aid for India’s COVID-19 fight

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has handed over medical supplies worth 1.8 billion VND (78,320 USD) to help the India government and people battle COVID-19.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on May 18 in Ho Chi Minh City, Chairman of the VBS Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon expressed his sympathy for the suffering and losses of Indian Buddhists and people due to the ravages of the pandemic.

The VBS called on Buddhist monks, nuns and followers and people around Vietnam to support their Indian counterparts to overcome the difficulties, he added.

Nhon underlined that the aid to the Indian people is part of activities marking the UN Day of Vesak this year, upholding the spirit of “the haves helping the have-nots” and nurturing the sound traditional relations between the people of the two countries.

On behalf of the Indian Government and its people, Indian Consul General in HCM City Madan Mohan Sethi expressed his gratitude to the VBS and Buddhist monks, nuns and followers and people in Vietnam for their assistance in the fight against COVID-19, and pledged to deliver the aid to the needy.

He also vowed to spare no effort in further strengthening the solidarity and friendship between the people of India and Vietnam.

During the handover ceremony, Nhon also presented the token of 75 ventilators and oxygen concentrators to the Consul General.

An additional 45 ventilators and oxygen concentrators will soon be handed over to the Indian Consulate General in HCM City.

Previously, the VBS also presented 100 ventilators and 50 oxygen concentrators worth 14 billion VND to the Embassy of India during a ceremony in Hanoi on May 12./.

Valuable items on display to honour late President

An exhibition on studying and following late President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style opened at the Presidential Palace historical site in Hanoi on May 18 to mark his 131st birthday on May 19.

Featuring over 300 photos and files, the display was curated following three categories.

The first category, themed Ho Chi Minh – an example of revolutionary morality, consisted of 170 valuable documentary photos that highlighted the late President’s determination in his quest for national independence, dedication to the Fatherland, the Party and the people, his trust and love for the people, and his integrity, honesty, modesty and thriftiness.

The second category showcased more than 70 photos on how the entire Party, people, and military forces have studied and followed Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style, in line with the Politburo's Directive 05-CT/TW.

The last theme – people’s affection for Ho Chi Minh worldwide - featured 60 items, including gifts from international friends and autographs of heads of state of other countries made during their visits to the site.

President Ho Chi Minh led the country to success in its struggle for national independence. On September 2, 1945, he read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming to the world the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam./.

Vietnam attends IPU standing committee’s meeting on fighting online child sexual abuse

Standing member of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for Social Affairs Le Thi Nguyet and standing member of the NA Committee for External Relations Le Thu Ha attended a virtual meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights on May 18.

The meeting, held in the framework of the 142nd General Assembly of the IPU, focused on global laws against sexual exploitation and abuse of children on the Internet space.

At the meeting, Vietnamese representatives said that in order to minimise online sexual exploitation and abuse against children, Vietnam needs to complete its system of legal documents in the field. The Government should issue legal documents on the implementation of measures to protect children on the Internet environment, along with policies to support disadvantaged children and those from ethnic-minority-inhabited areas and poor families, while promptly releasing decrees guiding the implementation of the Law on Cyber Security and applying measures to timely prevent toxic information on the Internet that may lead to the risk of child abuse.

At the same time, Vietnam will strengthen the coordination among the Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Justice, Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and its member organisations to conduct education and communication activities aiming at instructing, managing, inspecting and supervising the use of the Internet space in a safe, healthy and friendly manner, they said.

The Vietnamese representatives also underscored the need for relevant agencies to build long-term strategies and programmes on child protection on the Internet environment, increase international cooperation in the field, and assign specific agencies to coordinate actions among relevant ministries and agencies as well as public-private cooperation in the field.

Besides, relevant agencies should make sure that children can access information and have their image and private information protected, while managing, instructing and supporting them in using the internet and expressing their ideas and aspiration.

The representatives also stressed the need to review the current legal system regarding the handling of child abuse criminals to fill loopholes in the field, while supplementing mechanisms to address newly-emerging violations.

Participants in the meeting held that the digital world has brought about many democracy and economic opportunities, but also made children more vulnerable to online exploitation and abuse.

In September 2019, the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of the Child issued guidelines on combating child sexual exploitation and the sale of children in the digital age. The committee noted that despite some progress, there are still legal loopholes at national level that need fixing to deal with the problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has even increased the online risks for children due to the rising social isolation and economic instability, it said.

Participants proposed that the committee’s resolution should concentrate on the methods that parliaments can apply to promote and reinforce the legal system at national level to protect children against risks of sexual abuse on the Internet space.

They shared their viewpoints on effective measures in improving law enforcement and the use of technology and big data in identifying those conducting sexual exploitation and abuse against children./.

Studying, following President Ho Chi Minh’s example a regular task: Politburo

Studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and lifestyle has become a crucial, regular task of each Party committee and organisation, as well as each official and Party member, significantly contributing to Party building and rectification, according to a conclusion of the Politburo.

The conclusion was issued on May 18 to continue the implementation of the 12-tenure Politburo’s Directive No. 05-CT/TW dated May 15, 2016 on enhancing the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and lifestyle.

Over the past five years, the campaign has played a role in preventing and containing the degradation of political ideology, morality and lifestyle, and the phenomena of “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” within the Party, refuting wrongful and hostile views, and consolidating the public’s trust in the Party, State and socialism.

The Politburo said that such achievements have contributed to the success of the 13th National Party Congress and the cause of reform (doi moi) and national construction and defence.

To better the implementation of the Directive, it ordered raising the awareness of officials and Party members about the content, value and significance of the President’s ideology, morality and lifestyle.

His ideology and Marxism-Leninism have served as an ideological foundation and lodestar for the Party’s activities, it continued, describing President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and lifestyle as a great source of momentum and power for the entire Party, army and people to sail through difficulties and challenges, and successfully materialise the Resolution adopted at the 13th Party Congress and all revolutionary tasks in the new period.

Studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s example should go in tandem with Party building and rectification in each locality and agency, according to the Politburo.

It emphasised the role of setting examples by officials and Party members, particularly leaders, firstly members of the Politburo, the Secretariat and Central Committee of the Party.

Another task is to revamp communications methods, especially among young generations and overseas Vietnamese, while promoting role models in the campaign.

The Politburo requested renewing and improving the quality and efficiency of the study, application and development of Marxism-Leninism and President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, in order to satisfy requirements of national construction and defence in the new setting.

More attention should be paid to inspections and supervisions over the implementation of the Directive as well as the Resolution adopted at the fourth plenums of the Party Central Committee (11th and 12th tenures) on Party building and rectification, the Politburo said.

Any violations by Party organisations and members and officials must be strictly handled, it noted./.

Quang Tri presents medical supplies to help Lao localities fight COVID-19

Authorities in the central province of Quang Tri on May 18 presented medical supplies to three districts in Salavan and Savannakhet provinces of Laos to support their COVID-19 prevention and control.

The supplies, valued at amounted to 630 million VND (27,375 USD), included antiseptic solutions, protective clothes, thermometers, disinfectant sprayers, and medical masks.

The two Lao provinces share a border with Quang Tri; and the beneficiaries are Salavan’s Sa Mouay district and Savannakhet’s Sepon and Nong districts.

At the handover ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri People's Committee Hoang Nam said Quang Tri wants to join hands with the Lao provinces to put the pandemic under control in border areas for people’s wellbeing.

Representatives of Salavan and Savannakhet said the medical supplies will help improve their COVID-19 response capacity and vowed to soon distribute the supplies to those who need them.

To date, Quang Tri logged three domestic infections of SARS‑CoV‑2. The province has been running checkpoints in border areas to prevent illegal entry and exit.

Salavan and Savannakhet, meanwhile, have so far reported dozens of cases of COVID-19./.

Greetings extended to Buddhists in HCM City on Buddha’s birthday

Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City's Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen led a delegation to visit a number of Buddhist worship facilities in the city to extend congratulations to Buddhist dignitaries and followers on the occasion of the Buddha's 2565th birthday.

He lauded the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) and the Buddhist Sangha in HCM City for leading Buddhist followers to engage in the city's development, including the COVID-19 combat.

The official also thanked local Buddhist dignitaries and the municipal Buddhist Sangha for instructing Buddhist monks, nuns and followers to actively participate in the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026.

The Buddhist dignitaries affirmed that Buddhist monks, nuns and followers in Vietnam in general and HCM City in particular always accompany the Party, State and people nationwide in national construction and development.

The same day, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City's Archdiocese Joseph Nguyen Nang also visited the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in the city on the occasion. 

The Archbishop wished Buddhist dignitaries and followers a happy and peaceful festival, and highlighted solidarity and mutual support between Catholics and Buddhists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most Venerable Thich Nhu Tin thanked the Archbishop’s for his wishes and echoed the latter’s view on solidarity between the two religions in national development./.

Russian expert highlights Ho Chi Minh’s ideology in modern era

Professor Vladimir Kolotov, head of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at St. Petersburg University in Russia, was interviewed by the Vietnam News Agency on the promotion of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology in the modern age as his 131st birthday on May 19 approaches.

Discussing key points in Ho Chi Minh’s thought, Kolotov quoted President Ho's remark that "the Hung Kings founded the nation, we must protect it", saying that it is a guiding point of view that carries both the ideology of communism and the concept of protecting the interests of the Vietnamese people.

Reviewing the revolutionary career of the late president since 1923, when he first set foot in the Soviet Union, Kolotov said that Ho Chi Minh had been able to catch the most important parts of the ideological systems in the East and the West.

The Russian professor emphasised that Ho Chi Minh’s thought has been realised through the formation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - a free, developed, and civilised country.

Vietnam can creatively promote this ideology to protect its legitimate interests in a volatile world, he said, adding that this legacy is the country’s compass for national protection in complex situations./.

Vietnam supports UNSC to have one voice on Israel-Palestine issue

Vietnam has called on all parties to redouble efforts to combat terrorism in the Shahel region and supported the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to have one, strong voice on the Israel – Palestine issue during a video teleconference (VTC) on May 18.

“Vietnam is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, especially in the borders among Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as well as the recent attacks against peacekeepers, defence and security forces,” Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN told the UNSC’s VTC open debate on peace and security in the Sahel region (G5 Sahel).

The event was attended by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Commander of the G5 Sahel joint force Oumarou Namata, and representatives from G5 Sahel countries.

Quy urged the Sahel countries, United Nations, regional and international organisations to redouble their efforts to fight terrorism and violence extremism and prevent inter-communal conflicts.

The Vietnamese ambassador emphasised that “it is crucial for the Sahel region to have a coherent and integrated approach to security, humanitarian issues along with promoting peace, stability, and socio-development challenges in the Sahel.”

He voiced support the initiatives of A3+1 (Niger, Kenya, Tunisia plus St Vincent and The Grenadines) and France on the establishment of the UN supporting office for G5 Sahel to combat terrorism.

The meeting later discussed the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine, during which Ambassador Quy said “Vietnam joins with other members in expressing our grave concerns about the escalation of tension between Israelis and Palestinians, the rising number of casualties of both sides, and the massive destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of civilian population.”

Now that the situation is on the brink of all-out war, he called on all international and regional actors, especially the Quartet, to intensify their efforts to avoid the scenario of the recurrence of the 2014 catastrophic war, saying conflicts must be resolved through peaceful means.

“It is the time to end the cycle of violence, and it is the time for the Security Council to have one and strong voice on the issue,” he said./.

Brazil retains its position as Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America

Brazil remains Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America, with two-way trade turnover continuing to see exponential growth, reaching US$4.6 billion in 2020, up 2.3% compared to 2019.

Brazilian Vice President Halmiton Mourao expressed his wish to ramp up closer cooperation with Vietnam during a reception on May 17 for Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa who paid a courtesy visit to him before embarking on her mission.

During the meeting with the Vietnamese diplomat, Vice President Halmiton Mourao commented that Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in Southeast Asia, with an important geostrategic position which is located in an essential maritime route for trade exchange with other countries.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 8, 1989, the relationship between the two countries has continued to grow steadily, with great potential for broader cooperation across multiple fields on the basis of the comprehensive partnership framework, in which Brazil considers Vietnam an important partner.

Halmiton Mourao gave his positive assessment of Vietnam's COVID-19 pandemic control measures, noting the nation’s support of medical protective equipment to Brazilian agencies.

He also assured the Brazilian Government’s readiness to facilitate activities run by the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil, and support the Ambassador in fulfilling her duties as a contribution to the further development of the two countries’ relations.

For her part, Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa affirmed Vietnam’s recognition of great importance to Brazil's important role and position in the international arena and wishes to continue strengthening the framework of the comprehensive partnership between the two nations.

The Ambassador suggested the two countries in the coming time strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, after the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control, and continue to maintain cooperation mechanisms such as political consultation between the two foreign ministries and the Vietnam-Brazil Joint Committee in Vietnam which are important channels for both sides to review and promote bilateral relations moving forward.

Brazil remains Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America, with two-way trade turnover continuing to see exponential growth, reaching US$4.6 billion in 2020, up 2.3% compared to 2019.       

Vietnam is a dynamic economy with nearly 100 million people and is a member of many regional free trade agreements, Hoa said, adding that her nation welcomes Brazilian investment projects in Vietnam, and hopes that the two sides will increase information exchange on each other's markets in a bid to promote bilateral investment.

She also highlighted agricultural trade as an outstanding field of cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil after both sides recently successfully negotiated a package of four agricultural products, including opening the door to Brazil's cantaloupe and live cows into Vietnam, while opening the door for Vietnamese shrimp and removing some barriers to Vietnamese tra fish (pangasius) when entering the South American nation.

The Ambassador asked the two sides continue to accelerate negotiations on other packages of agricultural and aquatic products in the coming time as a means of bringing them to their markets on the basis of mutual benefits and balance of trade.

According to the local diplomat,  both nations should continue to work together to promote the completion of negotiations on bilateral cooperation documents such as the framework agreement on technical cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding between the two defense ministries, the education cooperation agreement at the governmental level toward expanding bilateral cooperation across a variety of fields.

Vietnam fosters cooperation with EAEU to ensure food security

Vietnam attended an international workshop held by the Eurasian Peoples' Assembly (APE) on May 18 along with representatives of over 20 countries, international and regional organisations.

The event, in both in-person and online forms, put forth proposals on the building of a more sustainable food security and prepared content of an agenda towards the 2021 UN Food System Summit slated for this September.

Addressing the workshop, Vietnamese Chargé d'Affaires to Russia Nguyen Quynh Mai reiterated the urgency of ensuring food security at present, saying that food wastefulness may reduce food supply and worsen hunger amid COVID-19.

She spoke highly of the role of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in setting up conditions for sustainable development in the post-Soviet era, adding that as a partner of the EAEU, Vietnam has enjoyed economic growth and always attached importance to ensuring food security, thereby raising people’s living standards.

Speaking from Hanoi, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Phuong Nga said against the backdrop of COVID-19, Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with the EAEU in ensuring food security to offset and prevent hunger around the world.

The signing of the EAEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has created a new momentum for development across all fields between the sides, she noted.

At the event, delegates discussed measures for a safer and more equitable food system in Eurasia and Africa, agreeing that international cooperation will help countries develop sustainably, as well as overcome hunger and poverty.

APE General Secretary Dr Andrey Belyanov highly valued Vietnamese delegates’ cooperation in the holding of the workshop in particular and the implementation of initiatives and projects of the APE at large.

He also voiced his belief in the huge potential for cooperation between the APE and Vietnam in the coming time./.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes