The Ministry of Transport has decided to restart flights on two more routes: HCM City-Cà Mau, and Hà Nội-Điện Biên.

There will be one flight daily on the routes during the ongoing trial programme until October 20.

Before this the ministry had approved 38 flights daily between October 10 and 20, including 13 from HCM City, and one from Hanoi to HCM City and Đà Nẵng.

All passengers on all flights must have been fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the flight or recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.

All passengers are also required to furnish negative COVID tests done within 72 hours before the flight.

COVID-19: 2,000 cameras installed at Noi Bai airport for contract tracing

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi has established a monitoring centre with 2,000 surveillance cameras to serve COVID-19 contact tracing.

Leaders of the Ministry of Transport, the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam have inspected the observance of regulations at Noi Bai airport as domestic flights have been resumed.

Deputy Transport Minister Le Anh Tuan asked airlines and Noi Bai airport to make it clear regulations and procedures that are being rolled out, ensuring that all passengers are free from the coronavirus.

Messages on pandemic prevention and control, and quarantine should be spread among passengers in a simple way, he said.

To Tu Ha, Director of Noi Bai International Airport, affirmed that aviation businesses have set up a “green corridor”, minimised social interactions, and followed regulations on pandemic prevention and control.

Up to 98.9 percent of the airport’s staff have been fully vaccinated. The airport has also built a database on vaccination for all of its 15,800 employees, while utilising QR codes in contact tracing.

The airport is equipped with an automatic system measuring passengers’ body temperatures, and singling out those who cross the gates with their masks off or pulled down under their noses.

Hanoi has allowed airlines to resume routes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang from October 10 to 20, with one return flight on each route per day, carrying only 50 percent of their passenger capacity./.

WB Country Director welcome Government's adoption of guidelines on safe adaptation to COVID-19 

Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP adopting provisional guidelines on safe adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic is much welcome as it will reduce substantially unnecessary burden on people and businesses, as well as uncertainty and investors, including domestic and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ones, are reacting well to more predictability in the environment.   

World Bank (WB) Country Director for Viet Nam Carolyn Turk made that statement while attending a webinar discussing measures to boost post-pandemic economic recovery, flexibly adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, overcome economic disruption and strengthen locality-to-locality connectivity held on October 13.  

The country’s fundamentals are solid and the WB remains optimistic about the longer-term growth trajectory, she said, adding that the future will be partially determined by what the Government is going to do over the next six months.

The Vietnamese Government has already reacted by vaccinating people at a fast pace (over 1 million per day) and adopting a new government resolution providing nationally uniform framework for mobility restrictions, underscored Carolyn Turk. 

She suggested Viet Nam should use more its fiscal policy to start the economic recovery, adding that there is sufficient fiscal space as the debt level is only about 56 percent of GDP and has only marginally increased in the past year, while revenue collection has been performing relatively well.  

Meanwhile, borrowing costs are at their lowest level over the past few decades – in both domestic and international markets, as today the Government could actually borrow in EURO at almost zero cost, said Carolyn Turk.

“The good news is that Viet Nam can spend more without additional borrowing. This could be achieved by reallocating unspent resources or by allocating not allocated resources–both at the central and sub-national levels. The key constraint might not be money but the existing rigidities that prevent its efficient use in the short-term”, stressed Carolyn Turk. 

Key contents hinted at 9th extended conference of HCMC Party Executive Committee

“Through the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, both good manners and limitation, weakness of each official, organization and individual at all level have been unveiled clearly,” said Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen and he also hinted at key contents at the 9th extended conference of the 11th-term Ho Chi Minh City Party Executive Committee for the 2020-2025 tenure under online form this morning.

Speaking at the event, the city Party Chief informed that the Municipal Steering Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic Prevention and Control had checked and given assessments on the pandemic situation in the whole city under control at the current time.

On the other hand, Mr. Nen noticed that the city needed to continue to strive more to implement Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP dated October 11, 2021 of the Government, promulgating the Interim Regulation on “safe and flexible adaptation and effective control of Covid-19.

Secretary Nen mentioned the recent inspection of the HCMC National Assembly’s delegation on Covid-19 prevention and control across the city, notably the high appreciation and recognition from State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on efforts and achievements of the city Party Committee, local authorities and residents. Through the inspection, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc directed key contents for HCMC in the economic recovery and development under the new normalcy.

In the upcoming time, HCMC will kick off a conference to summarize Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control works, the fourth pandemic wave outbreak.

Therefore, the meeting will focus on discussing four major contents under the set working program of 2021, including economy, culture, society, national defense and security, the state budget revenue and expenditure in the first nine months of the year and tasks, solutions in the last three months of 2021, the medium-term investment plan for 2021-2025, summarization reports of ten-year implementation of Resolution No.09 on building and promoting the role of Vietnam's entrepreneurs in the period of accelerating industrialization, modernization and international integration along with some other reports as regulated.

Among them, the city Party Chief hinted at key contents, including economy and society. Mr. Nen shared that the Covid-19 pandemic had hugely affected the city economy and society. Many economic indexes have dropped sharply, especially the GRGP in the first nine months of the year reduced by 4.98 percent.

Besides, the State budget revenue in the first nine months is estimated to reach VND271,630 billion (nearly US$12 billion), accounting for over 74 percent of estimates, of which revenue from local and import-export activities gained 71 percent and 80 percent, respectively compared with the same period last year.

In the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, the city Party Committee has strongly promoted solidarity through the whole political system and people involved in the pandemic fight and social welfares.

Key contents hinted at 9th extended conference of HCMC Party Executive Committee ảnh 4
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen touches hand with each delegate.

The conference also had the presence of Nguyen Van Hung, Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission; Phan Van Mai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, Chairman of the city People’s Committee; Nguyen Thi Le, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Chairwoman of the city People’s Council; Nguyen Ho Hai, Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee.

On the traditional day of the Party building sector (October 14), Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen respectfully recognized and appreciated the contribution by former and current leaders in the sector of Party building, extending his gratefulness and congratulations to them.

The meeting was hosted and kicked off online from the hall of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee connecting with other places this morning.

Coach Park flies to UAE to prepare for Vietnam’s Asian Cup qualifier

Head coach Park Hang-seo left Oman for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 14 in order to link up with the Vietnamese U23 squad ahead of their upcoming qualifiers for the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

He was accompanied by goalkeeper Van Toan, defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh who are also set to join the national line up for the competition.

Defenders Nguyen Thanh Binh and Le Van Xuan were earlier sent from the senior team to the U23 squad after Vietnam lost 2-3 to China on October 7 in the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Vietnamese U23 team are currently in the UAE for their sixth training session.

Several days ago they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tajikistan in a friendly match. They are scheduled to play another friendly game against Kyrgyzstan on October 17 before coach Park unveils a final list of 23 footballers for the national lineup.

The Vietnam U23 squad will depart for Kyrgyzstan on October 21 to compete at the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The team are due to take on Taiwan (China) on October 27 and Myanmar on November 2. 

The team’s goal is to remain top of Group I and qualify for the final round of the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup which is due to take place in Uzbekistan in June 2022.

Musical and visual art piece "L'Histoire du soldat" to be screened online

Carefully choreographed with the participation of Vietnamese and French artists, and conducted by Honna Tetsuji from Japan, the musical and visual arts work “L'Histoire du soldat” (The Soldier’s Tale) will be screened online instead of going on tour to many places, due to the impact of the epidemic.

The musical is performed by the French Cultural Institute in Vietnam in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy and the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO). The musical will be performed by musicians from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and actors from the ATH Drama and Arts Space. The play is beautifully staged, imbued with illustrations by young artist Nguyen My Anh.

“L'Histoire du soldat” is the work of the great French-Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, with lyrics by the Swiss writer Charles Ferdinand Ramuz.

Launched 1918, the theatre work was composed for seven musicians and three reciters. It tells the story of a soldiers who chances upon the devil on the way home from war. The devil offers to buy his violin and in return give him a future-telling book which can make him the richest man in the world. But as the story goes on, the soldier only finds himself to be the most miserable due to the loss of the violin, his most valuable asset.

The musical and visual art "L'Histoire du soldat" was performed with the support of AIC Group and the Swiss Embassy within the framework of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Switzerland diplomatic ties.

In mid-April this year, the play was introduced to Hanoi audiences after a period of being staged by online form. According to the original plan, the show was to tour in a number of provinces and cities in Vietnam so that the public would have the opportunity to access this classic work of the world and enjoy the artistic talents of Vietnamese and international artists.

However, due to the prolonged epidemic situation with many cultural and art programs being cancelled, the French Institute in Vietnam in collaboration with its partners decided to introduce the musical in online form on Facebook pages and Youtube of the French Cultural Institute in Vietnam, the Embassy of Switzerland, the VNSO, and the ATH Drama and Arts Space.

The musical will be broadcast at 8 pm on October 23.

COVID-19 vaccination now covers children aged 12 - 17: MoH

The COVID-19 vaccination will be expanded to children aged 12 - 17, starting this October in localities with sufficient conditions, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

In a document issued on October 14, the MoH asked provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide to expand the vaccination to people aged 12 - 17, with those aged 16 - 17 to get the shots first. The inoculation will be carried out basing on the vaccine supply and the pandemic situation in each locality.

The MoH noted it has authorised a vaccine for use for this age group on the basis of the producer’s and its instructions.

Each person will be injected with two doses of the same vaccine, the ministry said, adding that the work will begin in October in the localities have sufficient conditions.

Their health departments were told to boost communications to encourage locals to enable the eligible children in the age group to receive timely and full vaccination.

The MoH also requested epidemiology and Pasteur institutes to quickly make training plans and guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12 - 17.

As of October 11, more than 55 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered to people aged from 18 in Vietnam./.

Vietnam Airlines transports COVID-19 vaccine home from Europe

A flight from Budapest, Hungary, operated by Vietnam Airlines carrying COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies provided by several European countries landed at Hanoi’s Noi Bai international airport on October 14.

The goods consist of 560,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, including 100,000 and 60,000 doses donated by the Slovak and Croatian Governments, respectively, while 400,000 doses were resold to Vietnam by the Hungarian Government under a non-profit mechanism.

Meanwhile, the 12.5 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment worth 380,000 USD in total are gifts from Vietnamese expatriates in Hungary to their home nation.

As the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines plays a key role in transporting COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies serving the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. With its fleet and extensive network of routes, the airline has transported more than 250 tonnes of COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies free of charge./.

HCMC reports three-digit Covid case number, lowest in over three months

Among the 3,092 new Covid-19 cases that the Ministry of Health reported today, October 14, HCMC accounted for 909 cases, the lowest over the past 98 days.

The new cases nationwide included four imported cases and 3,088 domestic infections in 42 cities and provinces, down 370 cases over yesterday.

HCMC was followed by its neighboring provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Tay Ninh with 647, 483 and 274 cases, respectively.

In addition, 104 other cases were detected in An Giang, 80 in Kien Giang, 72 in Tien Giang and 61 in Binh Thuan. Other localities recorded fewer than 60 cases each.

In addition, the Soc Trang Center for Disease Control updated 1,059 Covid-19 cases detected earlier in areas under lockdown and at centralized quarantine centers to the national Covid-19 monitoring system.

The new cases have raised the country’s tally to 853,842, including 849,197 cases in the current fourth Covid-19 wave, which began in late April.

To date, 788,005 patients have recovered from Covid-19, including 719 Covid-19 patients released from hospitals today.

Meanwhile, 81 Covid-19 deaths were confirmed, including 61 cases in HCMC, 10 in Binh Duong, three in Long An and one each in Dong Thap, An Giang, Khanh Hoa, Daklak, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang and Soc Trang.

On the sidelines of the ninth congress of the HCMC Party Committee’s executive board on October 14, municipal vice chairman Duong Anh Duc said the city’s number of single-day Covid-19 cases has gradually fallen to some 1,000 over the past few days.

The city has achieved some positive results after deploying Directive 18 on adjusting Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures and gradually reopening the economy for two weeks.

Besides the decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases, the number of Covid-19 deaths in the city has tumbled to 60-70 per day. The total number of critical and extremely critical cases has also fallen to below 500.

In addition, more than 70% of enterprises in industrial parks, export processing zones and the Saigon Hi-tech Park have resumed their operation.

In related news, some 25,000 people in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau who have got the Moderna vaccine as the first jab for two months have yet to get the second dose, according to the provincial anti-Covid center.

As of September, over 54,000 people had yet to get the second dose while the time for the second dose had been long overdue.

In early October, the Ministry of Health allocated more than 29,000 Pfizer doses to the province and the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Health on October 8 distributed the vaccine to vaccination units to administer to those who have received the Moderna vaccine. 

VN thanks Poland for further donation of 890,000 vaccine doses: Foreign minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn has affirmed that Việt Nam always treasures and wishes to enhance all-around cooperation with Poland.

During a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for Polish Ambassador in Việt Nam Wojciech Gerwel, Sơn suggested both sides continue facilitating the exchange of visits by senior leaders and officials of ministries and agencies to foster political trust and mutual understanding, thus laying a foundation to expand bilateral collaboration in various fields.

He thanked the Polish Government and people for donating 501,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Việt Nam and key medical supplies to HCM City to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Poland will also deliver 890,000 doses of AstraZeneca to Việt Nam.

Sơn hailed Poland as the biggest trade partner of Việt Nam in Central and Eastern Europe. Two-way trade was maintained at an impressive figure in the first eight months of this year, reaching US$1.67 billion.

The host proposed Poland soon ratify the European Union-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and launch the bilateral economic cooperation consultation mechanism to tap benefits brought about by the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EVIPA.

Ambassador Gerwel, for his part, vowed to keep striving to further consolidate and tighten the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries to meet their practical interests. 

Foreign Ministry hosts conference of honorary consuls of Vietnam

The Foreign Ministry held the first conference of honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad in both virtual and in-person forms on October 14 with about 150 connection points.

Under the chair of Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung, the event was held to assess the work of honorary consuls over the recent past and define the directions for expanding the network of honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad as well as enhancing the network’s operation effectiveness in the time ahead.

Deputy Minister Dung affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to the role of the honorary consuls, and will always support and facilitate their work so that they can fulfil their mission.

Speakers from the Foreign Ministry introduced the participants to Vietnam’s foreign policy and the outcomes of the country’s external affairs. They also mentioned opportunities in cooperation and connectivity with Vietnamese localities and Vietnam’s foreign investment attraction policies.

The participating honorary consuls shared their views on the fields in which Vietnam can boost cooperation with other countries, and factors that can affect the making of decisions on investing in Vietnam.

They also suggested ideas to expand the network of honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad and discussed ways and mechanisms for more effective coordination between them and Vietnam./.

Kompasu dissipates, heavy rain lashes central Vietnam

Typhoon Kompasu weakened and dissipated before making landfall on October 14 afternoon, but its circulation is bringing heavy downpour to central coastal provinces of Vietnam.

Kompasu weakens and dissipates, bringing heavy rain to the central coast. (Photo: VNDMS)
At 04pm Kompasu weakened into a low pressure and dissipated before it approached the mainland, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

However, its circulation is dumping heavy rain on the central coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to  Quang Tri.

Meanwhile, another cold front is moving from north to south, and it will interact with the low pressure to cause a spell of lashing rain in the central region from October 15 to October 18.

Nghe An province is forecast to record rainfall of between 100-200mm, while provinces from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien-Hue will likely to have rainfall totals of 300-600mm, or even more than 600mm.

Parts of Da Nang and Quang Nam are likely to receive between 100-300mm of rainfall.

Torrential rain has over the past few days caused water levels in major central rivers to rise to the first and second alert levels. Several sections of roads in Quang Binh and Nghe An have been flooded, disrupting traffic flows.

Weather experts warned of potential risks of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and flooding in low-lying areas, especially in Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, even Hanoi capital and from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh.

Ministerial roundtable discusses public services for digital transformation

A ministerial roundtable with its theme highlighting the importance of public services for promoting digital transformation took place on October 14 as part of the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital World 2021.

At the discussion, participants focused on discussing the pandemic impacts on the use of digital services and contents, the role of government services in promoting digital transformation, and solutions for citizens to be best equipped with the right digital skills for a digital future.

In addition, they said there is a risk of a new digital gap in society, where vulnerable groups without digital devices and skills, such as the elderly, cannot access essential health care and information services.

They touched upon the coordination among Government, industries, and related organisations in miminising digital inequality and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

Earlier, on October 13, another ministerial roundtable mulled over infrastructure development and the role of the government in digital transformation.

The global digital conference and exhibition ITU Digital World 2021 is co-organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communication and the ITU./.

More vaccines donated by three EU countries arrive in Viet Nam

More than 560,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses donated by three EU member countries and 12.5 tons of medical supplies gifted by overseas Vietnamese landed in Viet Nam on Thursday.  

The vaccine donations include 100,000 doses from the Government of Slovakia, 60,000 doses from the Government Croatia and 400,000 doses from the Government Hungary. 

Meanwhile, 12.5 tons of medical supplies, worth US$380,000, consisting of two million syringes, more than 19,000 COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits, 300,000 KN95 masks and 25,000 medical masks, are gifts from overseas Vietnamese in Hungary.  

So far, Viet Nam has received around 88 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. As of late October 13, the nation administered 56,330,750 COVID-19 doses, with 16,493,600 people having been fully vaccinated./. 

Vietnamese girls join global programme on female leadership and talent

AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) has joined the global Girls Takeover campaign to draw attention to some of the obstacles faced by young women in Việt Nam.

The virtual event was organised for the International Day of the Girl on October 11. During the event, AstraZeneca leaders gave two female students from the National Economics University the unique opportunity to lead a webcast discussion and share their ideas on how AstraZeneca can further promote female leadership and women’s empowerment. 

Joining AstraZeneca leaders and employees, Yến Nhi and Mỹ Hạnh, from Hà Giang and Nam Định provinces, discussed their experiences and observations of COVID-19. They highlighted that the pandemic continues to pose several emotional and economic challenges. For those in remote areas, COVID-19 has also put girls at greater risk of exploitation, child labour and gender-based violence.

“COVID-19 has not only limited our chances to participate in meaningful social activities, but also exposed young girls to more misinformation, cyberbullying and harassment. I hope to see more programmes to help equip girls with the skills to protect themselves online,” said Hạnh.

The discussion was an opportunity for Hạnh and Nhi to learn about science and innovation for women through AstraZeneca’s work in addressing the pandemic and other diseases. The two girls then led the panel discussion and shared their ideas on how the company can further its support for female empowerment in Asia, with a focus on Việt Nam.  

“Programmes like Young Health Programme are really helpful as they equip girls with the knowledge and skills to take the lead. In addition, connecting girls, especially those in remote areas, with female leaders who can serve as role models can help inspire girls to take action for themselves,” said Nhi.

Nitin Kapoor, Chairman and General Director of Vietnam and Asia Area Frontier Markets, said that AstraZeneca will continue to encourage young women empowerment.

“It was inspiring for us at AstraZeneca to hear from such young female talents. This meaningful dialogue illuminated the challenges that continue to disproportionately affect girls and young women, exacerbated by the pandemic. However, with impactful partnerships and a genuine intent to help, organisations like AstraZeneca can and will go above and beyond to provide equal opportunities to girls and empower them to raise their voices to build a healthier, fairer future,” said Kapoor.

Since 2016, thousands of girls all over the world, and 982 girls from Việt Nam, have been stepping into the roles of leaders in politics, media, entertainment and business. These young women are demanding equal power and representation for girls and young women all over the world.

AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) is a global disease prevention programme that has a unique focus on young people aged 10-24, living in vulnerable environments and under-resourced settings around the world. 

Hanoi's Party official hosts ambassadors of EU, UK

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung received the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and the UK to Vietnam on October 14.

Talking to EU Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Dung noted some local socio-economic highlights in the recent past and said Hanoi looks to become a green, civilised, modern, and smart city, retain the “City for Peace” title, and maintain fast, comprehensive, and sustainable development.

The capital city is taking numerous concrete measures to recover and develop its economy after a long period of time under the COVID-19 impact. It is also stepping up administrative reforms, improving the investment climate, and removing difficulties facing businesses.

Hanoi has worked actively to integrate into the world, with priority given to international economic integration, he said, adding that it has basically put the pandemic under control thanks to drastic and effective moves.

Applauding the recent cooperation programmes between the EU and Hanoi, the official stressed that his city views the cooperation with EU members as a leading priority during its development process.

Hanoi hopes that the EU will continue assisting and sharing its experience in such fields as developing green economy and circular economy, protecting the environment, treating waste, training high-quality human resources, and preserving cultural heritage.

Speaking highly of efforts to contain COVID-19 by the Vietnamese Government and Hanoi, Ambassador Aliberti said he hopes people’s life will soon return to normal.

He stressed that EU members are ready to share experience in the areas they are strong at and hope that the two sides will accelerate the European University of Management project and the urban rail route No. 3 project, and work together in cultural heritage preservation.

The same day, the Party official of Hanoi met with Ambassador of the UK Gareth Ward, who emphasised the encouraging cooperation results in health care and education.

The British diplomat voiced his hope that the two sides will bolster partnerships in the fields his country has strength like finance, banking, education, climate change response, and environmental protection.

Dung expected the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, signed in late 2020, will help strengthen bilateral investment ties, thus contributing to the cooperation between Hanoi and British localities and partners.

He hoped Ambassador Ward will continue serving as a bridge to help intensify bilateral relations in a more effective and practical manner./.

Vietnam calls for multilateral cooperation at Non-Aligned Movement meeting

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, head of the Vietnamese delegation to the High-Level Commemorative Meeting to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has called on NAM members to enhance multilateral cooperation at both global and regional levels to raise the voice of the NAM in the international arena.

Mai, who is head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, made the call when addressing the NAM high-level meeting, which was held on October 11 and 12 and gathered 500 delegates from over 100 member states.

The ambassador took the occasion to congratulate the NAM for playing an important role in international relations and raising a strong voice in support of the interests and aspirations of mankind towards a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, equal and sustainable world.

Given different challenges facing NAM, including resources and territorial disputes among nations as well as an economic downturn and deeper social inequality due to COVID-19, Mai called on member countries to step up global and regional multilateral cooperation in contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes and ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines towards an inclusive and sustainable recovery after the pandemic.

The diplomat stressed the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in maintaining and promoting security in the region.

She affirmed that as a responsible member of NAM, ASEAN, and the UN Security Council, Vietnam always upholds the movement’s goals and principles in promoting peace, stability and sustainable development, especially maintaining maritime security and safety in the East Sea in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Participating member nations stated NAM is one of the largest multilateral forums representing the voices of developing countries in the current context of a changing world.

Highlighting such challenges as the COVID-19 and inequality in vaccine access, they urged the promotion of multilateralism in response to the pandemic and regarding international relations in general./.

Viet Nam mulls over resumption of domestic tourism

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam chaired a working session on October 14 with leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Health to deliberate on gradual resumption of domestic tourism and pilot reopening to foreign tourists. 

The issue was taken into consideration as the country’s vaccine coverage rate is increasing quickly and more vaccines are expected to land in Viet Nam from now to the end of this year.

Vu tasked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to adopt concrete instructions on how the tourism sector would adapt safely to the COVID-19.

He also asked the Ministry of Transport to promptly issue concrete instructions for road, railway and air transport activities.

Earlier in September, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s proposal to trial the reopening of Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang to foreign tourists.

From November 2021 to March 2022, Phu Quoc Island will be the first destination to welcome foreign arrivals on a pilot basis, mainly from source markets with good management of the COVID-19 pandemic and high vaccination rate such as Northeast Asia, the Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Australia. 

Foreign tourists who wish to visit the island shall be required to get fully vaccinated, with the second dose taken at least 14 days and not more than 12 months before the date of entry and must be tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before their departure.

Based on the outcomes of the pilot policy in Phu Quoc island, the tourism sector may consider reopening of other favorite tourist destinations such as Ha Long Bay in northern province of Quang Ninh, Hoi An City in the central province of Quang Nam, Nha Trang City in the central province of Khanh Hoa and Da Lat City in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong, to foreign arrivals. 

Meanwhile, from November this year, localities where the pandemic is put under control may consider allowing domestic visitors who are fully vaccinated provided that preventive measures are observed.

Director General of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said that in 2020, Viet Nam only received 3.7 million foreign arrivals, down 80 percent compared to 2019 while the number of domestic visitors decreased by 34 percent, reaching 56 million. 

Revenue gained from tourism was estimated at only VND312,200 billion, down 59 percent.  

Over the first nine months of 2021, around 31. 5 million domestic visitors were recorded, down 16 percent. 

State leader lauds war veterans' business achievements, social responsibility

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with 45 outstanding representatives of the Business Association of Vietnamese Veterans (BAV) in Hanoi on October 14, on the occasion of the Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day (October 13).

The State leader spoke highly of the BAV and its members’ achievements in production and business activities, along with their humanitarian deeds and social responsibility as seen in their assistance for former comrades, scholarships for children of veterans, financial support for those performing duties at sea and on islands, donation of trillions of VND to the National Fund for Vietnamese Children, and considerable contributions to the fight against COVID-19.

He asked the BAV to enhance coordination with ministries, sectors, and localities to advise the Veterans Association of Vietnam about creative and effective measures for caring for and protecting legitimate interests of members.

The BAV should bring into play the role of war veterans in the country’s new period and give recommendations about national development and safeguarding to the Party and State. Apart from improving business performance, it also needs to step up charitable activities, particularly supporting victims of Agent Orange, poor veterans, and those in disadvantaged areas, according to President Phuc./.

President tasks diplomats with external resources mobilisation for national growth

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 14 requested eight ambassadors and heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad for the 2021 – 2024 term make efforts to mobilise external resources serving Vietnam’s all-round development.

Handing over their appointment decisions to the diplomats at a ceremony, the State leader asked them to create mutual understanding and trust, promote firm cooperation with traditional partners in all fields, take full advantage of partners' potential, and bring about benefits in both bilateral and multilateral relations.

He also reminded them to step up the implementation of the vaccine and health diplomacy strategy.

The top priorities are economic development, the enhancement of Vietnam's prestige in the international arena, and the realisation of the nation’s aspiration for peace, he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of working with overseas Vietnamese, implementing citizen protection measures, mobilising resources from the expatriate community for national construction, and promoting the preservation of Vietnam's traditional culture among them.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai committed that the diplomats will always try their best and stay flexible and adaptive to successfully complete their assigned tasks, as well as closely follow the development requirements of Vietnam, including the vaccine diplomacy, ensuring the interests of the nation./.

COVID-19: 3,092 new cases reported on October 14

Vietnam recorded 3,092 cases of COVID-19 on October 14, including 4 imported, a drop of 370 cases compared to the previous day, according to the Ministry of Health.

HCM City still recorded the highest number of infections with 909, followed by neighbouring Dong Nai province with 647 and Binh Duong province with 483.

In addition, the southern province of Soc Trang reported 1,059 more cases which were detected earlier but yet to be added to the national tally, bringing the tally to 853,842.

According to the Ministry of Health’s report, 4,427 patients nationwide are in serious conditions, with 588 requiring invasive ventilation and 21 on life support (ECMO).

On the day, the country saw 81 deaths from the disease. The death toll now hits 20,950.

A further 719 patients were given the all-clear, taking the total number of recoveries to 788,005.

By October 13, the country had injected over 57.45 million doses of vaccines to date, with more than 16.8 million people now fully inoculated./.

Bamboo Airways opens Hanoi- Dien Bien route

The first Bamboo Airways flight from Hanoi landed in Dien Bien Phu airport in the northern border province of Dien Bien on October 14, marking the official launch of Bamboo Airways' Hanoi-Dien Bien route.

The airline operates three return flights a week on the route using Embraer 190 aircraft. The flight frequency will gradually increase depending on actual travel demand.

Bamboo Airways General Director Dang Tat Thang said the new service will facilitate the travel of locals and tourists, helping attract investment to Dien Bien and increasing exchanges between Dien Bien and other socio-economic and cultural hubs of the nation.

He unveiled that the carrier will launch a direct route linking the province and Ho Chi Minh City in December, serving surging travel demand during the holidays.

Le Thanh Do, Chairman of the Dien Bien People’s Committee, expected the new air route will help open up opportunities for the province to develop tourism and attract investors./.

Da Nang to pilot welcoming foreign visitors from November

 

The central city of Da Nang will pilot its plan to welcome international visitors in November, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

Da Nang city has prepared economic recovery plans, including resuming tourism activities.

In the short term, the municipal Department of Tourism has submitted to the municipal People's Committee two plans to reopen to tourists.

For the pilot plan to welcome international arrivals, Da Nang will carry out in two phases, starting from this November.

The plan targets commercial visitors and overseas Vietnamese entering Vietnam for business or visiting relatives, with focus on the markets of Russia and the Republic of Korea.

Meanwhile, the plan to welcome domestic visitors will be implemented in three phases. Tourism activities are held for local residents from October 20.

From November 2021, the city will establish a tourism bubble model between Da Nang and some other localities.

The third phase will be implemented as the Government allows resuming all activities in the new normal nationwide./.

Int’l webinar talks criminal justice for juveniles

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (HCMUL) held an international webinar on criminal justice for juveniles on October 13.

In his opening speech, HCMUL Acting Rector Associate Professor Tran Hoang Hai said learning about international principles and standards as well as countries’ experience in criminal justice for juveniles in combination with considering political, socio-economic and cultural characteristics will contribute to offering more feasible solutions to educating juveniles into more socially responsible persons.

Asso. Prof. Trinh Tien Viet, Vice Dean of the Law Faculty at the Vietnam National University – Hanoi suggested authorities continue fine-tuning criminal policies and regulations in the Penal Code 2015 on criminal responsibility for those aged below 18 and punishments on them.

He proposed soon establishing units in charge of criminal cases involving those aged below 18 in investigation agencies and People’s Procuracies, improving professional expertise of judges in the trial of juveniles, and enhancing supervision over the enforcement of criminal laws and punishments on them.

Participants at the event discussed judicial issues for juveniles and experience from India and Canada, as well as the organisation of criminal judicial system for juveniles./.

Da Nang to pilot welcoming foreign visitors from November

The central city of Da Nang will pilot its plan to welcome international visitors in November, according to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh.

Hanh said on October 13 that the city has prepared economic recovery plans, including resuming tourism activities.

In the short term, the municipal Department of Tourism has submitted to the municipal People's Committee two plans to reopen to tourists, Hanh stated.

For the pilot plan to welcome international arrivals, Da Nang will carry out in two phases, starting from this November.

The plan targets commercial visitors and overseas Vietnamese entering Vietnam for business or visiting relatives, with focus on the markets of Russia and the Republic of Korea.

Meanwhile, the plan to welcome domestic visitors will be implemented in three phases. Tourism activities are held for local residents from October 20.

From November 2021, the city will establish a travel bubble model between Da Nang and some other localities.

The third phase will be implemented as the Government allows resuming all activities in the new normal nationwide./.

Vietnam boosts diversification of energy resources: PM

Vietnam has accelerated the diversification of energy resources, with a focus on clean and renewable energy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said in a recorded speech at the 4th Russian Energy Week that is taking place in Moscow from October 13-15.

As a country experiencing high economic growth in ASEAN and hit hard by climate change, Vietnam has been aware of the significance of energy restructuring, towards raising the ratio of renewable energy in tandem with the economical, efficient and sustainable use of energy.

Vietnam is drawing up a planning scheme on national electricity development for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2045, which sets three major orientations in energy restructuring.

Accordingly, the country will step up the diversification of energy resources. To that end, it has issued many mechanisms promoting the development of wind, solar and biomass power, as well as electricity from solid waste.

Vietnam has also reduced coal thermal electricity production, while boosting the development of gas-fired thermal power.

In an effort to economically and effectively use energy, the country has rolled out the National Energy Efficiency Programme for 2019-2030, the PM said.

For the Vietnam-Russia ties, Chinh said Vietnam always treasures the traditional friendship, covering cooperation in energy that has borne fruit over the past decades.

Oil and gas collaboration is an important pillar of the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, he affirmed.

Vietnam will further consolidate its institutions, policies and laws to support the energy sector, promote public-private partnership, and create optimal conditions for enterprises from Russia and other countries to operate in energy in Vietnam, the PM affirmed.

Chinh’s speech has been appreciated by other delegates at the event.

Initiated by the Russian Government in 2017, the Russian Energy Week is an important event in the energy sector, which serves as a platform for discussions on development and international cooperation in energy. It brings together leaders from many countries, international organisations and major businesses in energy./.

Health Minister reveals scarcity of Covid-19 vaccine

In yesterday's talk with the media about the supply of Covid-19 vaccines and vaccinations for people, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long revealed a scarcity of Covid-19 vaccines.
According to Mr. Long, in the past time, with great efforts in the vaccine strategies, especially through vaccine diplomacy, so far our country has received 80 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the support of the international community.

However, the access to the Covid-19 vaccine of Vietnam as well as many countries that are not able to produce the vaccine for their own is still facing many difficulties including the legal issues related to the purchase, sale, and import of vaccines.

Moreover, the vaccine supplier offers conditions such as indemnification agreements, disclaimers, the confidentiality of the information and also risks related to untimely delivery.
Next, the vaccine shortages resulting from higher-than-expected demand, have taken place globally.

Finally, nations have been adding more people to the list of vaccination. Health Minister Long disclosed that as scheduled, Vietnam will receive a large number of the vaccine in October but the supply is not stable. Presently, Vietnam has received 20 percent of the vaccines as per the plan.

Regarding the current rate of Covid-19 vaccination, Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that we have been organizing the largest vaccination campaign at more than 12,000 vaccination sites in all provinces and cities including both fixed and mobile injection points.

Therefore, Vietnam's vaccination rate is currently at a high level compared to many countries in the world. More than 1 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered for a single day sometimes.

HCMC resumes public passenger transport activities

Numerous people yesterday flocked to Sai Gon Railway Station to buy tickets departing from Ho Chi Minh City to the Central and Northern provinces while few people registered interprovincial fixed-route buses.

A ticket seller at the Sai Gon Railway Station said that many people came to purchase tickets for their journeys to the Central and Northern provinces during the passing days.

According to regulations, passengers departing from Ho Chi Minh City have to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 updated on electronic health book, PC-COVID app or full-vaccinated record card. In addition, their second shot of the vaccine must be administered for at least 14 days.

People who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 within six months are eligible to buy the tickets. Besides, all of the customers have to show negative results for Covid-19 within 72 hours, perform health declaration and those cases with symptoms like cough and fever will not be allowed to travel.

By yesterday morning, the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station have not been re-operated yet.

Deputy Director of the Western Coach Station Joint Stock Company Tran Van Phuong said that many transport businesses registered to re-operate but the agency is waiting for feedback from other localities following the proposals of the Municipal Department of Transport.

At the new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Thu Duc City, there are no vehicles in its parking lots. Meanwhile just part of the old Eastern Bus Station in Binh Thanh District has reoperated.

Vice Director of Eastern Coach Station Ta Chuong Chin said that over 40 transport businesses had registered to resume their activities and they were waiting for feedbacks from other localities.

Head of Thong Nhat Transport Service Cooperative Ho Van Huong also shared that the HCMC Department of Transport had piloted reopening of fixed-route buses from October 13 but there was no feedback from other localities.

Covid-19 fresh cases, deaths are dropping dramatically

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health today said that Covid-19 fresh cases and deaths from Covid-19 are dropping dramatically.

The Department revealed that after nearly two weeks of implementing Directive 18 on controlling the Covid-19 epidemic, and gradual socioeconomic recovery in Ho Chi Minh City, the epidemic situation in the city has been better.

Accordingly, the city has seen a decrease in new cases, severe cases, patients receiving treatment per day and deaths for consecutive days.

Specifically, the number of new cases on October 1 was 3,670 cases while it was 2,723 cases on October 2 and 1,018 cases by October 12. Hospitalizations per day are also dipping while more people have been discharged from hospitals per day after October 1.

For instance, the number of hospitalizations and discharges were 2,046 and 2,866 respectively on October 1 and the number of hospitalized cases and discharges were 1,880 and 3,064 on October 2 respectively; on October 3, there were 1,631 hospital admissions, 4,069 discharges. It appears the Southeast Asian country may finally be curbing the pandemic’s impact.

The number of critically ill patients in hospitals continued to drop after October 1. For example, it was 5,290 on October 1 while it was 5,185 on the next day and 3,162 cases on October 12. The average number of deaths from September 26 to October 2 was 822 but it was 219 from October 10 to October 12.

Nevertheless, the Department of Health advised people to follow the Ministry’s 5 K principle.
According to the Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City, 56,214 people in the city have received Covid-19 vaccine jabs on October 12.

Photos of stone statues of elephant on Nguyen Hue walking street are fake news

The photographs posted on social media on October 13 showing some stone statues of elephant on Nguyen Hue walking street in HCMC’s District 1 are fake news, announced Chairman of the People’s Committee of District 1 Le Duc Thanh.

The photographs posted on social media on October 13 showing some stone statues of elephant on Nguyen Hue walking street in HCMC’s District 1 are fake news.

Some social media accounts spreads images of stone statues of elephant places in front of the Rex Hotel and the center of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. The fake news has confused the public.

Social media users must be aware of problems regarding fake news, yet they unknowingly give it credence by sharing fabricated news on social platforms. People should join hands with the authorities to the growing influence of fake news on social media.

New Covid-19 prevention models bring dropped fatality rate in HCMC

After a long battle with Covid-19, HCMC is finally seeing signs of recovery in the reduced number of fatalities, all thanks to the efforts of medical staff in deploying efficient treatment models under the guidance of city authorities.

The Party Committee and government of HCMC at the start of August 2021 decided to prioritize taking care of Covid-19 patients at home and developing effective treatment strategies over tallying new cases, said Phan Van Mai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee and Chairman of the city People's Committee.

Thanks to the models being implemented, the fatality rate in HCMC since September 2021 has dropped to under 200 per day and continuing to go down. At the same time, there have been no more patients passing away at their own house since then.

As of the end of September 2021, there were 200 Covid patients being monitored at home and 100 in common quarantine areas across Ward 14 of Go Vap, tended to by two mobile medical units who also supply them with prescription drugs.

Meanwhile in District 10 and District 8, the outpatient model which includes a counseling team and a quick response team also saw initial success when piloted. The counseling team is in charge of checking on patients daily and keeping their spirits up, immediately notifying the quick response team in case of emergencies.

At one time, there were 131 counseling teams, each in charge of 60 patients remotely, said the person in charge Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vuong Thi Ngoc Lan of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HCMC.

The number of Covid-19 outpatients as of September 23 was 32,744, which went down to 17,839 as of October 11. HCMC has set up over 500 mobile medical units, 312 quick response teams, along with 1,500 expert medical consultants to ensure safety for the outpatients.
Currently, prescription drugs for Covid outpatient are categorized as package A, B, and C. The Department of Health and the Ministry of Health have distributed 150,000 A and B packages as well as 16,000 C packages respectively.

Among medicine packages supplied to Covid-19 outpatients, package A consists of common drugs including antipyretic and vitamins enough for 7 days. Package B includes anti-inflammatory drugs containing corticosteroids and anticoagulants enough for 3 days.

Package C consists solely of Molnupiravir, which is an antiviral drug being experimented as part of the Ministry of Health’s research. It has been clinically tested at Thong Nhat hospital with positive results. Patients must sign a waiver before being prescribed this package.

HCMC in September managed to organize 90 treatment facilities for over 40,500 Covid-19 patients categorized into three tiers based on severity. The model has helped medical staff regulate resources effectively in the long run.

Specifically, the first and second tiers consist of 12 and 68 hospitals respectively. The third comprises 10 fully equipped facilities with a capacity of 3,268 beds for critically ill patients.
Most notably, a field hospital in Tan Binh which integrates all three tiers has seen a drop in mortality rate from 5 percent to under 3 percent across the district. It was put into operation on August 18 with 1,000 beds, among which 50 are reserved for intensive care and 150 for critical patients.

Meanwhile, hospitals in the second tier always maintain communications with facilities of the third tier, ready to transfer patients whose condition might turn severe drastically, giving them the best chance of survival.

Ministry issues new circular on enrolment and training for master’s degrees

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued a new circular on enrolment and training for a master’s degree in 2021 with changes to suit the country’s present conditions when it has been hit by Covid-19.

Changes in the newest circular on enrolment and training for master’s degrees include enrolment on the internet and online training with some requirements.

Simultaneously, the circular 23 adhered to the Law for Higher Education No.34 which allows educational institutions to conduct blended learning, a combination of learning at a distance and the traditional on-campus learning along with requirements to improve training qualities.

Moreover, according to the latest circular, lecturers should provide less than 30 percent of the program volume when conducting online teaching. Additionally, master graduates must achieve the fourth level of the Vietnam National Qualification Framework comprised of six levels.

The new circular also says instructors of university graduates who wish to pursue a master's course must obtain Ph.D degree, especially in art schools. However, in reality, only excellent artists or people’s artists who have not obtained Ph.D degrees yet but have invaluable experience in the field. Therefore, the new circular’s article 8 assigns training institutions to set regulations on criteria for instructors of master students.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education and Training, a master's degree program must comply with the standard regulations on research-oriented or application-oriented training programs. The duration of master's degree training is determined on the basis of the number of credits that must be accumulated for each program and prescribed by principals of the training institution. It should be two years.

Regarding the admission method, the training institution will base on the university study results and propose research with a research-oriented master's program. Schools promulgate regulations on organizing admission examinations to suit their schools and training majors, such as reviewing academic records, work experience, essays about themselves, and letters of recommendation from lecturers or managers.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nhan, Head of Training Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, said that the new Circular 23 allowing online enrollment and training at master's level is in line with the current trend.

In his opinion, two important new points in this regulation are flexible enrollment methods which allow training institutions can organize entrance exams or admission and allows online training 30 percent of the program volume. This will reduce exam pressure and create conditions for both learners and training institutions in the context of the epidemic. Certainly, training institutions must be responsible for their training quality.

According to a leader of Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, the Circular 23 has many good points approaching international standards such as allowing credit accumulation, switching training institutions, diversifying forms of enrollment and training...

However, the Ministry of Education and Training should continue to improve some points in the future. Firstly, the Ministry should explain why online training must not exceed 30 percent of the volume of training programs but 10 percent or 80 percent. Moreover, how a school calculates the percentage of training program volume when it conducts both on-campus learning and online learning. More importantly, there should be 100 percent online training with specific regulations on quality assurance conditions.

Second, regulation makers should consider the learner's current job as a criterion. For example, if you graduated from Computer Science but worked as an educational manager for more than 3 years, you can study a master's program in Educational Management. Such additional regulations both encourage lifelong learning and are practical.

Third, in terms of training locations, the Ministry of Education and Training should allow local training of applied master's programs, instead of compulsory training at training institutions. This approach ensures the right to access new knowledge at low cost for many learners, making the most of online training. It is more effective to have the specific geographical scope and quality requirements (such as accreditation) and to closely monitor the training process.

Students of 23 cities, provinces learn at schools

The Ministry of Education and Training yesterday announced students of 23 cities and provinces learned at schools.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Education and Training about situations in 63 provinces and cities as of October 8, students in 23 northern cities and provinces including Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Binh Dinh, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Hai Duong, Hai Room, Hoa Binh, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh have studied in classrooms.

Besides, nine localities including Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dak Lak, Lang Son, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, Quang Nam, Son La, Thua Thien - Hue and Khanh Hoa conducted blended learning, a combination of learning at a distance and the traditional on-campus learning. The remaining 31 provinces and cities have organized online and television teaching.

The Prime Minister has just asked the Ministry of Education and Training to direct returning to school normally in safe places, especially in remote places, mountainous areas and islands.
In yesterday's talk with a reporter of SGGP Newspaper, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training Nguyen Van Hieu said that students of Thanh An Primary School and Thanh An Secondary-High School in Thanh An Commune in the outlying district Can Gio did not return to school in person on October 11.

Previously, in its proposal to the city People's Committee, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City said that 242 students of these two schools will learn in classrooms from October 11 after having fully prepared safety and prevention measures against Covid-19.
Specifically, 60 teachers and 242 pupils and students in grades 1, 2, 6, 9 and 12 were tested for Covid-19 and teachers and students were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 before returning to face-to-face learning.

In addition, the two schools had conducted fumigation of surfaces and objects including tables and chairs, teaching utensils that are touched often. Students’ seats were re-placed to ensure distance regulations.

Moreover, the schools repaired toilets and bought additional medical equipment for the prevention of the Covid-19 epidemic to welcome students back to school.

Nguyen Van Hieu informed that tomorrow the Standing Committee of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee will meet to discuss the reopening plan for these two schools.

The leader of the Department of Education and Training said that more than 1,500 educational institutions in the city have been used for the prevention of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Up to now, only 150 schools were given back for cleaning and renovation work for on-campus teaching. It is expected that in mid-November 2021, the handover of educational facilities to the new school will be completed.

According to the plan, students in all grades in Ho Chi Minh City will return to school provided that they meet the requirements for disease prevention in January 2022.

00 artists of HCMC to be awarded titles of People's Artist, Meritorious Artist

100 artists of various fields in HCMC will be awarded the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist, announced the Council for considering and awarding the title of People's Artist, Meritorious Artist at a recent meeting.

The artists performing in many different forms of art, such as drama, cai luong (southern folk opera), hat boi (Vietnamese classical opera), circus, puppetry, music, TV, movie, theatrical costume design, theater lighting and audio, performing art teacher.

Nominees include popular artists, namely Meritorious Artist Thanh Dien, Thanh Kim Hue, Hung Minh, Dam Loan, Thanh Nguyet, Le Thien, Thoai My , My Uyen, Trinh Kim Chi, Trong Phuc, Phuong Loan, Huu Quoc, Tan Giao, Que Tran, Ngoc Khanh, Huu Danh, Phi Vu, Giang Quoc Co, Giang Quoc Nghiep, The Hien, Ho Van Thanh, Thanh Thuy, Ngo Tuyet Mai, Bach Long, Chi Linh, Huu Nghia, Minh Nhi, Dai Nghia, Dinh Toan, Quy Binh, Trinh Trinh, Vo Minh Lam, Dien Trung, Le Thanh Thao, Ha Nhu and others.

11th HCMC Art Photo Contest reveals winners

The Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) in coordination with the HCMC Photographic Association (HOPA) held an award ceremony of the 11th HCMC Art Photo Contest. 

The organizer presented one gold medal, two silver medals, three bronze medals and five consolation prizes.

Despite the challenges posed by this virus, the organizer of the event of this year received 998 artworks of 172 authors. The submissions described the unity and solidarity of the people in the fight against Covid-19, main construction works in the Doi Moi (Renewal) period, and achievements in the fields of economy, politics, culture, society, national defense and security.
On this occasion, the HCMC Photographic Association has launched the “Vietnam wins war against Covid-19” photo contest honoring the frontline forces in the struggle against the virus from October 9-December 5.

Ministers meet to talk actions towards drug-free ASEAN

The 7th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) officially opened and convened the plenary session via videoconference on October 14 under the chair of Cambodia.

The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Minister of Public Security General To Lam.

Participants got updates about the development in ASEAN and listened to speeches on drug-related issues by heads of delegations. They looked into reports on the outcomes of the 41st and 42nd ASEAN senior officials’ meetings on drug matters, along with a mid-term review report on the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016 - 2025 and the ASEAN Cooperation Plan to Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking in the Golden Triangle.

A chairman’s statement was adopted at the end of the event.

Addressing the plenary session, Minister To Lam affirmed that Vietnam echoed ASEAN’s common stance about the uncompromising attitude towards drugs and the long-term goal of a drug-free ASEAN Community.

He emphasised that as a member nation, Vietnam has made active contributions to common activities of the bloc. It has been stepping up comprehensive and balanced solutions, and combining the implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016 - 2025 and the ASEAN Cooperation Plan to Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking in the Golden Triangle 2020 - 2022 with its national programme on drug prevention and control.

Vietnam supports the mentioned issues and believes that the outcomes of the 7th AMMD would demonstrate a high-level political commitment of ASEAN on the drug combat in the 2016 - 2025 period, according to the official.

Vietnam took part in the AMMDs held by Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It hosted the 6th meeting in Hanoi in 2018./

Localities asked to revise plans on fighting IUU fishing

Coastal cities and provinces have been requested to review, amend and supplement their plans on implementing measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in line with their specific situation, towards the goal of ending violations of foreign waters by fishermen by the end of this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) made the request in a document sent to Chairpersons of People’s Committees of the 28 coastal cities and provinces, regarding the realisation of the Prime Minister’s conclusions on combating IUU fishing and removing the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card.”

Under the document, the MARD, the standing body of the National Steering Committee on IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, asked the local leaders to put a focus on instructing competent departments, agencies and forces to drastically and effectively implement the PM’s directions.

Heads of Party Committees and administrations at all levels should hold responsibility for the implementation of anti-IUU fishing tasks, according to the document.

The ministry also urged the localities to invest more in fisheries infrastructure, ensure adequate personnel and equipment for fishery management agencies, and seriously observe regulations on monitoring fishing boats and catches at ports and handling violations.

The localities also need to devise more support mechanisms and policies towards fishermen, especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to stabilise their livelihoods.

Fishermen should be prioritised in vaccination to make them feel secure in fishing and ensure the growth of the fisheries sector, the ministry said./.

Italy wishes to promote relations with Vietnam

Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development Gilberto Pichetto Fratin affirmed that Italy hopes to further promote ties with Vietnam, one of its most important markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Visiting the Vietnamese Embassy in Rome on October 13, Fratin showed delight at the growing strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy over the years.

He highlighted Italy's priorities in economic development in the time to come, underlining the need for joint efforts in adapting to climate change, considering this an important international cooperation area.

The Deputy Minister affirmed his support to the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and said he will hasten the Italian parliament to ratify the deal for interests of both countries. He expressed his hope that tourism activities between the two sides will be resumed soon. He agreed on coordination in organising the eighth meeting of the Vietnam-Italy Joint Committee on economic cooperation.

He also stressed the increasing interest of Italian firms in the Vietnamese market.

For her part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue thanked the Italian Government for providing COVID-19 vaccines for Vietnam, while sharing her positive assessment of bilateral cooperation, especially in economy thanks to free trade agreements in which both Vietnam and Italy are members, including the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

She said she hopes that the Italian Parliament will soon ratify the EVIPA, thus promoting the bilateral economic ties in the future. She spoke highly of commitments given by Italy as a member of G7 and G20 in global issues such as health care and climate change.

She also highlighted Vietnam’s interest in the economic recovery and transformation, considering it a chance for both sides to improve the quality of their relationship./.

NA Standing Committee wraps up fourth session

The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) wrapped up its fourth session in Hanoi on October 14 under the chair of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Hue said after three and a half days of sitting, the committee completed the agenda and reached consensus on contents that are expected to submit to the legislature’s second session scheduled to begin on October 20.

The NA Chairman said that all reports, proposals and verification reports have been carefully prepared and the concerned agencies have made additional contributions in many aspects which were considered and approved with high consensus. This will be a foundation to ensure the success of the National Assembly's second session, he said.

Hue requested the NASC's Ombudsman Committee to collaborate with concerned agencies to summarise opinions and recommendations of voters through meetings with NA delegations.

The committee was also assigned to consult the NASC and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front to complete the reports, ensuring that suggestions, thoughts, feelings and aspirations of the people and voters nationwide were sent to the second session of the 15th National Assembly.

Emphasising that there are only five days left to the opening of the second session, the NA Chairman suggested that agencies of the NA and the Government take time to accomplish all reports, clarifying shortcomings and achievements and analyse objective and subjective causes in the implementation.

Hue said that the second session is expected to be held in two phases, including face-to-face and via teleconference. Legislators will meet from October 20 to November 1, and then from November 8 to 13.

The NA Chairman stressed the need to ensure the best quality of the meeting even though the duration will be shortened, in order to make the soundest decisions in such a short period of time./.

Deputy PM asks tourism sector to take firm steps to reopen

The tourism sector should take firm steps to resume its services safely, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said at a working session with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) on October 14.

He asked the ministry to quickly issue guidelines on safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of COVID-19 in a number of culture, sports and tourism activities.

Regulations set by tourism associations should match guidelines of the ministry, he said, stressing that all services must follow the health ministry’s “5K message” - khau trang (facemask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering) and khai bao y te (health declaration).

Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said the tourism sector has suggested reopening borders to foreign visitors in a set roadmap.

Accordingly, Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang will receive vacationers in November on a trial basis. Other localities like Quang Ninh, Da Nang and Quang Nam will follow the suit in December.

Vietnam expects to fully reopen to international tourists in the second quarter of 2022 as COVID-19 prevention and control measures are ensured, Khanh said.

In this regard, Dam urged the MCST and tourism associations to hold working sessions with Kien Giang and Khanh Hoa provinces that are home to famous tourist destinations, and other relevant ministries and agencies to raise specific proposals regarding time, scale, procedures and anti-pandemic measures.

Any roadblocks should be reported to the Prime Minister, he said./.

Labourers allowed to use private cars to travel between Dong Nai, HCM City

The southern province of Dong Nai has agreed with Ho Chi Minh City's proposal on allowing labourers to travel between the two localities by their private cars.

In a document sent to the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City on October 14, the People’s Committee of Dong Nai clarified that labourers travelling between Dong Nai and HCM City using their own cars must be vaccinated against COVID-19 14 days prior to their trip or recovered from COVID-19 within six months, and show their negative COVID-19 testing result which is valid in seven days.

The southern industrial hub said that regulations on workers’ traveling between the province and HCM City will be changed when Dong Nai implements the Government’s Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP on temporary guidelines on safe, flexible and effective adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early this month, the People’s Committee of HCM City sent a document to nearby provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An and Tay Ninh asking for facilitating labourers' travel from/to the city to serve production activities. HCM City suggested the provinces allow labourers to use their private vehicles for their trips.

According to the Industrial Park Management Board of Dong Nai, the permit will facilitate for businesses' production recovery and meet the demand of labourers, especially foreign experts who work in Dong Nai but reside in HCM City.

The board said that currently, Dong Nai firms are empolying more than 7,000 foreign labourers, including nearly 5,700 skilled workers and experts. Of them, many are residing in HCM City./.

Steering committee on smuggling prevention sets out tasks

The National Steering Committee for Anti-smuggling, Counterfeit Goods and Trade Fraud (National Steering Committee 389) convened a meeting in Hanoi on October 14 to review its activities in the third quarter and set out tasks for the fourth quarter.

Speaking at the event, Chief of the Standing Office of the committee Le Thanh Hai said in the past nine months, prices of goods were basically stable. Online sales and express delivery and postal services were mostly chosen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smuggling, counterfeits and trade frauds remained complicated in several key areas, especially in the production of medical supplies and equipment for the fight against the pandemic. As of the end of September, competent agencies nationwide authorities discovered over 100,000 violation cases, seized over 7.5 trillion VND for the State budget, and launched criminal proceedings against 2,148 persons in 1,615 cases.

In his conclusion, permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh acknowledged achievements in the fight against smuggling, trade frauds and counterfeits in the past nine months.

He pointed out loose management in localities as a serious issue that needs to be fixed in the near future.

Minh suggested agencies and units seriously follow the Politburo’s decrees, resolutions and conclusions, including upholding responsibility of leaders for the discovery and strict punishment of violations.

Between now and the year’s end, authorities must enhance inspection to promptly deal with smuggling and trade frauds, especially those related to people's health like medical supplies, as well as stockpile goods to prepare for the Lunar New Year, he said./.

Vietnam, Indonesia hold 2nd defence policy dialogue

Vietnam and Indonesia held the 2nd defence policy dialogue virtually on October 14 to discuss plans and orientations to further strengthen defence ties.

The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, and Lieut. Gen. Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence.

The two sides highly valued the results of the 4th meeting of the joint working group on military-defence cooperation on September 29, 2021 and the 2nd meeting on defence industry cooperation on September 30, 2021.

Participants affirmed that despite complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bilateral defence cooperation in the past time has continued to be maintained and deployed flexibly, recording positive results. The two sides have effectively maintained the mechanism of the joint working group on cooperation in training, and closely coordinated and consulted each other at multilateral mechanisms and events.

They also discussed the role played by their armies in preventing and controlling COVID-19, and introduced the National Defence White Paper of the two countries, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and peacefully settling disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to continue effectively and flexibly implementing cooperation programmes, focusing on the areas of training, and exchange of delegations, especially high-level delegations.

They will also step up cooperation in defence industry and among armed services and arms; and technical cooperation between the coast guard forces, the air defence-air forces, and the military medical forces of the two countries in the fight against COVID-19./.

Quang Nam moves to stamp out COVID-19 outbreak at school

Quang Nam province in central Vietnam has scrambled to control a coronavirus outbreak that was recorded at a secondary school for ethnic students in Phuoc Son district on October 13.

Ethnic students and teachers in Phuoc Son district are taken samples for COVID-19 tests.
An additional five positive cases were confirmed on October 14 after 17 students and a teacher of Phuoc Chanh school were diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus a day earlier, said local authorities.

The authorities immediately shut the school and conducted contact tracing as well as COVID-19 testing to early detect and isolate all F0 cases.

As many as 330 students and 25 teachers have been placed in quarantine at the school, and their first COVID-19 tests have proved all negative.

Le Quang Trung, chairman of Phuoc Son district’s administration, said 30 medical workers were mobilised to take samples for COVID-19 testing to separate F0 cases from the wider community.

The source of virus infection is yet to be identified.

Ancient tools found in archaeological site in Tuyen Quang

Hundreds of ancient stone tools dated around 5,000 years ago have been found in an archaeological excavation in Na Khau hamlet, Phuc Yen commune, Lam Binh district in the northern province of Tuyen Quang.

The excavation is being jointly conducted by the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology and the Tuyen Quang provincial Museum from October 1 – 25.

According to the types of artifacts and their features, researchers initially assume that the excavation site used to be a shelter for hunter-gatherers 5,000 years ago.

Ly Manh Thang, Deputy Director of Tuyen Quang Provincial Museum, said that the museum will prepare a scientific dossier and submit it to the Provincial People's Committee to seek recognition of the site as a cultural relic of prehistoric people.

The museum will also continue coordinating with the Vietnam Institute of Archeology to carry out further excavations at the site in order to conduct a thorough evaluation of the site’s cultural value.

The discovery of vestiges of prehistoric inhabitants in Tuyen Quang province is of great significance for the archeology of Vietnam. The research results will also make important contributions to the study of Hoa Binh culture in Southeast Asia.

Hanoi buses remain deserted after resuming services

Many buses in Hanoi attracted only a small number of passengers on the first day services were resumed following a long suspension due to Covid-19.

A representative from Hanoi Transportation Corporation (Transerco) said that many people might not know about the bus services resuming. In addition, many students are still waiting to return to their universities and schools.

Bus routes throughout the capital are allowed to operate at 50 percent of their maximum capacity to ensure the safety distance among passengers for Covid-19 prevention.

Bottles of hand sanitiser, QR codes for passengers to scan and notices on the Health Ministry’s 5K messages are available on all buses.

Taxi and inter-provincial transportation services also resumed operations from October 14. However, only some routes have been operated. For instance, this morning, Nuoc Ngam Station only received Hanoi-Lang Son coaches.

KTO support coincides with 1.1m vaccine donations from South Korea

A campaign to support Vietnamese healthcare staff and other frontline forces in the COVID-19 fight has been launched by the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO).

With the message 'Give love, give strength', the 2021 Korea Love Box campaign shows solidarity with Việt Nam in the current fight against the pandemic.

“As a Korean friend who always accompanies and supports Việt Nam, the Korea Love Box campaign has been launched to send sincere thanks and gratitude to medical staff, as well as other frontline workers, who strive night and day against the pandemic,” said Park Jong Sun, Chief Representative of KTO in Việt Nam.

Park Jong Sun, Chief Representative of KTO in Việt Nam (3rd right), and representatives of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society give gifts to medical staff of the Thanh Nhàn Hospital in Hà Nội.
KTO, in collaboration with Việt Nam Red Cross Society and Hope Foundation, has given out 1,000 gifts worth more than VNĐ1 billion (about US$44,000) to six hospitals in Hà Nội and HCM City. Included in the gifts are Korean specialities such as red ginseng, chicken stewed with ginseng, and other traditional souvenirs. 

In Hà Nội, the gifts were given to doctors and nurses of the Đống Đa General Hospital and the Thanh Nhàn Hospital, while in HCM City, they were delivered to the COVID-19 hospitals No 8 and 13, the HCM City Hospital of Tropical Diseases, and the Hospital of Phạm Ngọc Thạch University of Medicine.

KTO has also released a music video called 'Way Back Home', aimed at all Vietnamese people. The song, which was composed and performed by Korean singer Shaun, has become an international hit.

The music video shows KTO preparing for their Korea Love Box campaign. The KTO hopes the music video will provide hope and support as Việt Nam overcomes the pandemic.

Several famous Vietnamese singers and music groups, such as Đông Nhi, Ông Cao Thắng, Han Sara, Uni5, and LipB, also feature in the music video. The Vietnamese lyrics were composed by songwriter Châu Đăng Khoa.

“Through the Korea Love Box campaign, KTO want to encourage the Vietnamese people towards the future and the ‘new normal’. Korea will continue to make efforts to become the first choice of Vietnamese tourists when the tourism market reopened,” Chief Representative of KTO in Việt Nam, Park said.

He also said that next year will be the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between South Korea and Việt Nam. Both KTO and the Korean government hope all the cultural exchange activities and tourism will resume when the time is right. 

On October 13, 1.1 million AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Việt Nam under the courtesy of South Korea. This is the northern Asian country's first direct cross-border sharing of its vaccine stockpiles.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, South Korea President Moon Jae-in said Korea would donate more than one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Việt Nam. 

Mekong Delta needs to up COVID vaccination rate to prevent possible outbreaks

The COVID-19 vaccination rate for people aged 18 and above in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta is less than 30 per cent.

The region has 12 provinces and a city with a total population of around 20 million, or nearly a fifth of the country's population.

The main cause for the low vaccination rate is a shortage of vaccines, a global problem so far.

The region expected to be allotted nearly 22 million doses based on Ministry of Health announcements, but has only received 6.6 million doses.

Of them, more than 2.6 million doses went to COVID hotspot Long An Province.

Long An has vaccinated 1.5 million people, or 98 per cent of its adult population, with 41 per cent being fully vaccinated. 

It is followed by Tiền Giang and Bến Tre with 50 per cent and 39.4 per cent, but only 10 per cent in the two places are fully vaccinated.

Cà Mau has the lowest vaccination rate at 13.9 per cent.

The rate of adults receiving the second dose of vaccine is very low at under 10 per cent in Bạc Liêu, Đồng Tháp and Vĩnh Long.

In Cần Thơ city, an economic hub, the rate is only 7.7 per cent.

The city received 420,000 doses and has vaccinated 24.8 per cent of its population.

Much of the delta has received thousands of people returning to their hometowns by motorbike from COVID-hit localities like HCM City.

But the lack of pandemic prevention measures by local authorities means the returnees pose a high risk of spreading the disease.

They are also putting great pressure on local medical and quarantine facilities, and authorities are using schools for quarantine.

Dozens of COVID-positive cases have been detected among them so far.

Dương Tấn Hiển, deputy chairman of the Cần Thơ People’s Committee, said 500,000 doses have been allotted, but the city needs another one million to achieve the 95 per cent vaccination rate ordered by the prime minister.

Vaccination will be prioritised for workers at industrial parks, production facilities, trading, service establishments, and small household businesses, teachers and students.

Many factories are set to resume operations.

“If vaccines are not enough for workers, it will be very difficult to resume safe production,” Hiển said.

The city hopes to give 80 per cent of people aged 50 and above at least one dose by the end of this month.

Đoàn Tấn Bửu, deputy chairman of the Đồng Tháp Province People’s Committee, said the ministry should consider giving more vaccines to his province to immunise returnees. 

Safe return to normal life in HCMC

People in HCMC are getting very excited after the epidemic has been put under control. Many activities have been allowed to resume while residents return to normal life two weeks after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

A lot of people come to parks, including Gia Dinh in Go Vap District, Hoang Van Thu in Tan Binh District, Tao Dan and Le Van Tam in District 1, Hiep Phu in District 12 to do the morning exercises every day. Fully vaccinated individuals should feel confident in the protection they have received in participating outdoor activities.

Mr. Tran Hoang Vu, a resident of Tan Binh District said that he has not enjoyed fresh air in the morning and seen many people travelling on streets like these days for a long time due to the pandemic and long-term social distancing measures.

Venues, including Nguyen Hue walking street, HCMC Book Street in District 1; Crescent Lake Park and Starlight Bridge in District 7, the pavements on the banks of the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in District 3 and Phu Nhuan have also seen many visitors and the reopening of takeaway food and soft drink services.

After months of social distancing, the municipal authorities have allowed barber shops and gyms to reopen at 50 percent capacity. The hairdressing salons have been inundated with customers who have to make an appointment one day before coming.

Right after the city eased Covid-19 restrictions, people have rushed to traditional markets, supermarkets, and electrical home appliances supermarkets, such as BigC, Lotte Mart, Bach Hoa Xanh, Ba Chieu, Can Cu 26 for shopping. However they have to meet healthcare requirements.

Food and beverage stores along streets, including Nguyen Thuong Hien in District 3, Cach Mang Thang 8 in District 10, Nguyen Tat Thanh in District 4 and Vo Van Ngan in Thu Duc City have reopened to the public and only offer takeaway.

Poor students still lack tablet computers for online learning

The program “Internet and computers for students" is of great significance, especially in the context of the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic when students had to learn on the internet for the new school year 2021 but many students of low-income families lack tablet computers and learning equipment.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the program "Internet and computers for students" launched by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Information and Communications to support online resources and tools for learners, teachers and educators in disadvantaged areas during the outbreak of Covid-19 aims to have the internet to all households and computers for children from poor households.

In response to the program, other technology enterprises had practical supporting acts by offering free six online teaching and learning platforms, including VNEdu, ViettelStudy, MobiEdu, Onluyen, Hocmai, Misa EMIS worth up to VND200 billion.

Moreover, FPT Software, a leading Vietnamese tech company, immediately supported 100 computers and 1,000 online learning devices for disadvantaged children in the Central City of Da Nang.

This company has also gratis provided 3,300 tablet computers, FPT internet package, VioEdu online learning platform for disadvantaged students in seven southern provinces and cities including Can Tho, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Tra Vinh, Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

Deputy Director of Vietnam's telecoms giant VNPT Nguyen Nam Long said that the company has committed itself to giving 37,000 tablet computers for underprivileged students in the program as well as accompany the education sector to reduce the gap between rural and urban areas and distant areas to ensure that no student will be left behind by remote learning.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, 7.35 million students in all grades in 26 provinces and cities are learning on the internet. Around 1.5 million students in 26 cities and provinces need learning equipment for distance education.

Ha Noi: All returnees from Coronavirus-hit localities allowed to isolate at home

Ha Noi authorities decided Monday that returnees from Coronavirus-hit localities are allowed to self-monitor their health at home.

The latest move was made as the capital city has decided resume air passenger transport from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang from October 10-20 on a trial basis.

These passengers are required to

(i) Have full vaccination certificate (with the second dose taken at least 14 days and no more than 12 months before departure time), or COVID-19 recovery certificate issued within 6 months before departure time.

(ii) Have negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours before departure time.

(iii) Comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message./.

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