Fishing boat with 11 fishermen rescued off Nha Trang

Eleven Vietnamese fishermen aboard a ship that was about to sink were rescued at a place some 60 nautical miles to the southeast off Nha Trang City in the central province of Khanh Hoa this morning by ship SAR 27-01 of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

Nguyen Xuan Binh, deputy director of the centre in Zone 4 in Nha Trang, said the ship tugged the fishing boat to Phu Quy Island in Binh Thuan Province as rough seas had hindered efforts to take the boat to the mainland.

Vo Thanh Nhan, Ky's 28-year-old son and captain of the fishing boat, said big waves had filled the vessel with water, causing the engine to stop.

The owner of the fishing boat KH 98118, Vo Ky, a resident of Vinh Phuoc Ward in Nha Trang City, had informed the centre of the accident at 09:30pm on Tuesday (December 17).

At 1.00am this morning, the centre sent the rescue ship SAR 27 - 01 to sea for search and rescue activities, although it had lost contact with the boat.

Ky said the boat had been near the Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) for nearly one month and was on its way back home with about 15 tonnes of fish when the accident occurred.

Binh said the fishing boat KH 98118 was scheduled to reach Phu Quy Island District early this afternoon.

Vietnam refuses to accept new registration document of Indian Company

Truong Quoc Cuong, Head of the Drug Administration of Vietnam under the Ministry of Health, decided on  December 18 to revoke registered number and not accept new registration document of XL Laboratories Pvt Company of India.

Vietnamese health authorities decided to withdraw and refuse new registration document from Idian- XL Laboratories Pvt as Indian company that has been recently found to have violated Vietnamese medicine regulations.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam recently received documents from testing units reported that Indian company produces medicine with poor quality. For instance, some drugs of the Indian company that do not meet the contents of registration dossiers already approved by the MoH include Tifaxcin-100 with registered number VN-3448-07; Tinidazole 500 mg with its registered number VN-7891-09; Kalflam with its registered number VN-1672-06; Diclofokai with its registered number VN-5689-10.

Teachers, pupils to sing national anthem at flag-raising ceremony

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training has asked all teachers, students and staff members of local schools to sing national anthem at the flag-raising ceremony held every Monday as well as other ceremonies.

According to the department, attending the flag-raising ceremony and singing the national anthem is an important part of showing Vietnamese national pride.

Currently, at many schools, teachers and students do not sing the national anthem, but listen to a recorded version prepared for the ceremony, usually held every Monday and at other official events.

The regulation on singing the national anthem is aimed to foster patriotism and revolutionary ideals for teachers, students and staff members of schools.

Preschools have also been requested to teach the national anthem to children and include it in other activities.

Vietnamese student wins the ASEANPrenuers Autodesk Design Competition 2013

Quyen Do, a final year student from Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Vietnam just won a design competition co-organised by Autodesk in cooperation with ASEANPrenuers - an ASEAN based student body.

The competition with the theme “Design What’s Next” was to inspire the next generation of young talents to inculcate the right values needed to design better solutions using Autodesk software.

The competition challenged students to apply their creativity and 3D design software skills to address real-world challenges in three categories that included: Manufacturing, Architecture, SketchBook& 123D Design.

Quyen Do won the competition in the Architecture category for his project on ‘Vietnam Exhibition & Research Center of Nature’.

More than 300 teams from eight Asean countries had registered to participate in the competition.

Students accessed Autodesk technology through student community and ARC granted to schools/institutions.

The main selection criteria for the AEC category was students should create a design concept that is region-specific and addresses the principles of sustainability or concepts of building intelligence.

The winning design project needed to demonstrate measurable energy use improvements as a result of design optimisation using Autodesk software.

Quyen Do used Autodesk software Revit, Vasari and Ecotect to design his project. The winning team was awarded a cash prize and a trip to Autodesk Panorama 2013 at Autodesk University, Las Vegas in the US where winners get to meet and network with the champions of local design competitions organised by Autodesk in 15 countries.

Autodesk PANORAMA held in Las Vegas in conjunction with Autodesk University 2013 – the premier international event for Autodesk users.

This is the first year that Autodesk PANORAMA was held outside of Asia Pacific.

Quyen Do recently traveled to Las Vegas and participated in the Autodesk PANORAMA conference.

Significant macroeconomic trends are making role of design more critical, particularly in the world of business, than ever before. These are challenges that designers, architects, engineers and digital artists face today.

By partnering in this competition, Autodesk equips students with the technologies they need to address these challenges and take advantage of the available opportunities.

HCM City student wins Canada contest

A HCM City high-school student has won a quiz and essay contest about Canada organised by that country's embassy in Ha Noi.

For winning "Explore Canada from A to Z," Phu Dung Dang Khoa of the Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted will be awarded a scholarship to study English or French and Canadian culture for two weeks in Canada, and a cultural tour for his accompanying parent or guardian.

The second prize was won by Truong Quoc Van of the American International School in HCM City, and the third prize was shared by Truong Quoc Viet of the American International School and Nguyen Le Thuy Tien of Hanoi Amsterdam High School.

The competition was held as part of celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Viet Nam.

It had attracted around 700 students and featured three rounds -- an online quiz, an English or French essay, and an interview.

The prizes will be given away in HCM City on Sunday (December 22).

Poor ethnic people supported during Tet holidays

The People's Committee of central Quang Ngai Province will deliver free necessities to 47,000 poor ethnic households in mountainous disadvantaged areas so they can better celebrate the Lunar New Year, or Tet holiday, which falls late next month.

Among the items provided included fish sauce, salt and cooking oil.

The cost for the holiday assistance has been set at over VND5 billion (US$238,000 ).

The committee asked departments and agencies to review lists of eligible households, the quality and quantity of delivered goods and the plan for deliveries to ensure that the aid would reach people in time for the holiday.

Japan funds 8 development projects

The Japanese Government will provide more than US$853,000 in non-refundable aid for eight development projects, its envoy in HCM City, Hida Harumitsu, announced yesterday.

A ceremony was held in HCM City yesterday to sign grant contracts for four projects in education, three in healthcare, and one to supply clean water in Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Dong Thap, Binh Phuoc, and Long An provinces.

The central province of Binh Thuan will receive more than $236,000 for building a primary school in Duc Linh District and a kindergarten and primary school in Tuy Phong District.

Central Highlands Lam Dong Province will get $104,000 to build a primary school in Di Linh District and southern Tra Vinh Province, $113,500 for a primary school in Tieu Can District.

More than $353,000 will be provided for equipping three district general hospitals in Phung Hiep in Hau Giang Province ($121,910), Tan Hong in Dong Thap ($120,759), and Bu Dop in Binh Phuoc ($110,382), all in the south.

A water supply system will be built at a cost of $45,900 to supply more than 200 households in Vinh Binh Commune in southern Long An Province's Vinh Hung District.

Local markets face fire risk during Tet festival

Markets in the city are facing a fire risk as a result of products being prepared and collected for the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) festival.

The municipal fire fighting and prevention police have issued an alert following a fire that broke out in a market in Cau Giay District on Monday, destroying nearly 40 kiosks that were selling clothes and shoes.

The markets at risk include large ones, such as Dong Xuan and Da markets in Hoan Kiem District and Hom market in Hai Ba Trung District, along with makeshift markets.

A large amount of products that have been transported to these markets to meet customers' demands during the Tet festival, together with the large number of people thronging the markets, have increased the fire risk.

This situation was noted by the head of the Ha Noi Fire Fighting and Prevention Police's Fire Prevention Office, Nguyen Tuan Anh, while talking with Cong an nhan dan (Public Securities) newspaper.

In many markets, products are encroaching on the walkways and even blocking emergency exits, while the kiosks are packed close together. This would help a fire to spread further and will also hinder fire fighters in their work, he said.

Inflammable materials also put the markets at risk. In Dong Xuan market, for example, more than 70 per cent of 2,300 kiosks sell inflammable products, such as footwear, clothes and materials.

People's negligence towards fire prevention also put the markets at risk. Many traders still cook or burn incense in high-risk areas or return home without turning off electric equipment.

Anh said the municipal fire fighting and prevention police have worked with local forces to regularly check fire prevention tasks in markets, particularly before and after the Tet festival.

In September this year, the Ha Noi fire fighting and prevention police made a 12-day inspection to monitor security guards working night shift in 10 markets and trade centres in the city.

Earlier, a massive blaze at a four-storey trade centre in northern Hai Duong Province caused VND500 billion (US$24 million) worth of damage.

EU donates 114 million euro for local healthcare sector

The European Union (EU) has agreed to grant an additional 114 million euro to Vietnam’s healthcare sector until 2017.

The second national forum on hospital quality management was told by Delphine Malard, a senior official of the EU Delegation to Vietnam in Hanoi on December 18.

MsMalard said that the donation has affirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to helping improve the Vietnamese healthcare services.

In recent years, the EU has assisted the country in modernising medical services in a bid to helping patients have easier access to better healthcare services, not only in hospitals but also in their community clinics.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam urged the healthcare sector to intensify practical measures to deal with over-subscribed hospitals, quality and care standards and the management of healthcare service fees.

Dam also requested the sector implement uniform measures to provide patients with the best possible local healthcare services and high-quality pharmaceutical products at the most competitive prices.

Association urged to work for Vietnam-Belgium friendship

The Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association (VBFA) needs to make greater efforts to promote cross- cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Belgium.

Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Secretary General made the request at the third VBFA Congress for its 2013-2018 term in Hanoi on December 18.

Van asked the association to launch more initiatives with diverse forms to boost cooperation in economics, trade, science-technology-environment, education training, culture and tourism.

She also announced a decision awarding Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam the insignia “For Peace and Friendship among Nations”.

On the occasion, VBFA members were also presented with certificates of merit in recognition of their positive contributions to the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Delegates elected a 45-member new executive board led by Chairman Pham Manh Hung, who is also Deputy Minister of Education and Training and Rector of the National Economics University.

The same day, the VUFO and VBFA held a ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam – Belgium diplomatic ties during which they reviewed the tremendous achievements recorded over the past four decades.

Christmas greetings to Catholic dignitaries, followers

Ha Thi Khiet, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation, extended her best Christmas wishes to the Catholic dignitaries and followers during her visit to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the Archdiocese of Hanoi on December 18.

Khiet, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, spoke highly of the Church’s contributions to encouraging followers to participate in the process of national construction and defence.

She expressed her hope that the Church will continue working together with local authorities to improve the material and spiritual lives of its followers.

Pastor Nguyen Huu Mac briefed Khiet on the main activities of the Church in recent times, including the successful organisation of the 34th General Assembly of General Confederation of Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the establishment of the Hanoi Divinity and Bible school.

At the Archdiocese of Hanoi, Khiet congratulated the Vietnam Episcopal Council on its recent successful congress.

On the same day, a delegation of the Steering Committee for the Central Highland region and representatives from the Religious Department of the Central Highland province of Gia Lai visited and presented gifts to Catholic people.

Leaders from the southern province of Dong Nai have visited and extended Christmas wishes to local Catholic dignitaries and followers.

*** Nguyen Thien Nhan, Chairman of the Fatherland Front’s Central Committee has warmly congratulated the Vietnam Catholic Bishop’s Conference, the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) and the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South) on the successful results of their general assemblies.

He said he believes that the Christian dignitaries and followers in the country will continue to uphold the patriotic tradition, develop with the nation and make practical contributions to building the great bloc of national unity for wealthy people in a powerful country and a democratic, fair and civilised society.

HCM City learns about Poland’s urban management

Ho Chi Minh City hopes to learn from Poland’s experiences in urban management, especially in solving traffic problems, a senior municipal official has said.

During a meeting with Jerzy Wenderlich, Deputy Marshal of the Polish Parliament’s Lower House (Sejm) in Ho Chi Minh City on December 18, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam briefed the guest on the socio-economic situation as well as advantages and challenges that the city faces.

She said Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country’s economic, cultural and social hubs, contributes average 30 percent of the national budget. The city also welcomes more than 50 percent of the total number of foreign visitors to Vietnam, she noted.

However, Ho Chi Minh City is facing many challenges, especially in urban traffic, she said, asking for more support from the Polish side to improve the situation.

Additionally, she proposed that Poland encourage its investors and localities to foster cooperation with the city. Wenderlich said he is impressed by the development of Ho Chi Minh City.

Poland is willing to support Vietnam in the environmental protection, especially in improving the water and air environment, he said.

He also pledged to create all favourable conditions for Polish businesses to explore investment opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam, Laos enhance transport cooperation

The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport and the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport have agreed to intensify cooperation in aviation, maritime, inland waterway and registration.

During their talks in the Lao southern province of Champassak on December 18, between Transport Minister Dinh La Thang and his Lao counterpart SommadPholsena committed to continuing to support each other at international forums and share experience in transport development.

Accordingly, Vietnam backs Laos’ bid to join the International Maritime Organisation and is willing to help the neighbour’s preparations for the process. Vietnam will also help Laos in search and rescue activities, as well as facilitates Laos’ goods in transit at Vietnam’s ports.

Both sides stressed the need to actively coordinate in completing a project on connecting Vietnam-Laos transport, which identifies a suitable express route, and another project on strengthening transportation management and ensuring traffic safety between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on a railway project connecting the two countries.

ACWC Vietnam hailed for women’s rights protection

The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) has been highly acknowledged for its works in Vietnam.

The recognition was made at a workshop in Hanoi on December 18 to review its operations over the past three years.

ACWC started out in Hanoi in 2020, primarily working against the trafficking of women and children while ensuring that their rights are fully met.

It presses for stronger involvement of women in politics, decision-making, management and democracy. The commission also pays attention to the quality of child education and improvement of women’s economic rights to land and asset.

In the recent past, ACWC Vietnam also made their contributions to final recommendations of the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Its publications about those working for Vietnamese women and children’s rights were also published.

In the next two years, the body will continue overhauling its network and introduce successful models of its member countries.

In the foreseeable future, ACWC will promote ties with its regional counterparts to provide relevant consultancy for regional Governments.

Vietnam-Cuba friendship association hold fourth congress

The fourth congress of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association was held in Hanoi on December 18 in the presence of President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong and Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Herminio Lopez Diaz.

The congress adopted a 45-member executive board, with National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan re-elected as the association’s Chairperson.

Addressing the event, Ngan said praised the association’s efforts during the past term in popularising Cuba and its key socio-political events, joining in international solidarity campaigns against the embargo for Cuba.

Party and State agencies’ engagement in diplomatic activities plays a crucial role in upholding solidarity with Cuba, she said.

President Hong underlined the need to further reform the association’s operation, especially in external relations which, he said, helps improve mutual understanding and court the Cuban people’s support for Vietnam’s development cause.

He proposed establishing the association’s chapters at localities and launching a campaign to write memoirs on Cuba with the intention of helping younger generations get an insight into the two countries’ close-knit relationship.

Cuban Ambassador Herminio Lopez Diaz pledged to spare no effort to consolidating relation between the two nations.

War veterans raise funds for Truong Sa soldiers

The Central Committee of Vietnam War Veterans’ Association has recently donated US$390.000 to Truong Sa fund.

The money is expected to build a high-speed combat vessel and produce a ceramic-made Vietnam administrative map on big Truong Sa island.

Deputy Political Commissar of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nguyen Ngoc Tuong received the donation in Hanoi on December 18 and hailed it as a huge incentive for Truong Sa soldiers to overcome difficulties and fulfill tasks assigned by the Party, State and people.

The Association has launched a fund-raising campaign among its 2.6 million members to donate to Truong Sa fund.

The campaign helps war veterans get a better understanding about the importance and role of seas and islands in national construction and defence.

The Vietnam Veterans Business Association also took the opportunity to present US$9,500 to the fund.

Forum discusses hospital quality

Improving patients' safety and quality of treatment were the main topics of the second national forum on hospital quality management that took place in Ha Noi yesterday.

The two-day event, organised under the European Union-funded Health Sector Capacity Support Project, aims to help national and international experts and hospitals in Viet Nam share management practices and achievements in health care services and patient safety.

At the event, health minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said that the country's examination and treatment system still faces many shortcomings and challenges, such as hospital overload, complicated administrative procedures and unfriendly behaviour by some medical staff towards patients.

Examination and treatment quality has not met the increasing demand of the public. The abuse of drugs, medical tests and hi-tech procedures were also problems caused by shortage of human resources in health care, according to Tien.

Various measures carried out by the health sector last year were remarkably effective in reducing the country's hospital overload. These included setting up satellite hospitals, appointing family doctors and sending doctors from central to lower-level projects.

The Phu Tho provincial health department's deputy director Nguyen Huy Ngoc said that lack of medical facilities and human resources were the main reasons causing hospital overload and patient dissatisfaction.

The department has tried to improve matters by implementing measures, such as increasing the number of examination and treatment rooms; training human resources; upgrading medical facilities and applying IT in examination and treatment, according to Ngoc.

The EU said that it is committed to helping the health sector in Viet Nam. "We have just agreed to provide an additional 114 million Euros to the sector (until 2017)," said Charge d'affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam Delphine Malard.

The EU will help to modernise the delivery of health services to ensure that patients, especially the poor, benefit from equal access and quality of services, said Malard.

The forum also aims to raise awareness among leaders, managers and professionals in the health sector about the need to improve the quality of health care and patient safety, and share experiences and best practices in both domestic and international hospitals.

Participants at the forum will also develop an action programme on risk management during health diagnosis and treatment, and disseminate the new 2013 Hospital Quality Criteria.

The country currently has 1,200 State-run hospitals, 157 private hospitals, more than 10,000 communal health clinics and 30,000 private medical clinics with 171,000 beds.

The system provides medical services to around 121 million patients annually.

Upgrades continue on VN-Korea IT college

The second stage of a US$6.2 million project to upgrade the Viet Nam-Korea Friendship Information Technology College began yesterday.

The college, built in 2007 with ODA funding of $10 million from the South Korean government, has been a major training centre for skilled IT workers and technicians, serving FDI enterprises in the central region.

The second stage of the upgrade will include the establishment of a new IT centre and laboratory, provision of new educational training equipment and development of new academic programmes.

The South Korean government will provide $3.6 million for the second stage, and the Vietnamese government will contribute the remaining $2.6 million.

Wildlife conservation work requires public awareness

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Tuesday held a meeting with central and local Party agencies, various ministries and other organisations on the critical issue of wildlife conservation.

Delegates discussed the current situation, challenges, and possible solutions for wildlife conservation with a particular focus on illegal and unsustainable consumption of animal parts.

Despite efforts to control the trade and protect wildlife, the illegal consumption has led to an alarming decline in wild populations of many mammal, bird, and reptile species, and poses a major threat to the survival of many endangered species in Viet Nam, according to participants.

A key outcome of the meeting was a resolution that will be communicated by the Central Committee for Popularisation and Education (CCPE) to all levels of the Party with guidelines to raise public awareness of the importance of wildlife, protection laws, and the impact of illegal consumption and trade on society.

It will instruct all Party offices to develop short- and long-term communication plans to address illegal wildlife consumption.

"Raising awareness is a critical aspect of reducing demand for wildlife products," Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen said.

"Illegal wildlife consumption has negative consequences for the whole of society and sustainable development of our economy.

"As a result of this meeting, many sectors will now have a better understanding of these consequences and join efforts to reduce wildlife consumption."

The meeting was the first under a new memorandum of understanding between the ministry and the CCPE in October.

The three-year agreement seeks to improve political will and awareness among Party members and the public of the environmental issues.

"We recognise the urgent need for widespread education on this issue, and are very happy that the first co-operative action between the ministry and the CCPE has occurred so soon after signing the MOU," Bui The Duc, deputy chairman of the CCPE, said.

The Department of Forestry reported nearly 18,500 cases of illegal wildlife consumption, and seized more than 199,300 animals and birds between 2,000 and 2013.

But they are thought to make up just 5-10 per cent of the wildlife illegally consumed, the meeting heard.

War veterans raise fund for Truong Sa soldiers

The Central Committee of Vietnam War Veterans’ Association has donated 8.3 billion VND (390.000 USD) to Truong Sa fund.

The sum is expected to build a high-speed combat vessel and produce a ceramic-made Vietnam administrative map on big Truong Sa island.

Receiving the donation in Hanoi on December 18, Deputy Political Commissar of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nguyen Ngoc Tuong hailed it as a great encouragement for Truong Sa soldiers to overcome difficulties and fulfill tasks assigned by the Party, State and people.

Vietnam War Veterans’ Association has launched money-raising campaign among its 2.6 million members to donate to Truong Sa fund.

The campaign has offered war veterans a better understanding about the importance and role of seas and islands in national construction and defence.

The Vietnam Veterans Business Association also took the occasion to present 200 million VND (9,500 USD) to the fund.

Association works more for Vietnam-Belgium ties

The Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association (VBFA) has been urged to further promote friendship between the two peoples via the establishment of ties among their localities, businesses, universities, science research institutes and social organisations.

Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Nguyen Thi Hoang Van made the call at the third National Congress of the VBFA for its 2013-2018 tenure in Hanoi on December 18.

Agreeing with orientations reached at the event, Van suggested the association spearhead more initiatives with diverse forms to foster bilateral partnerships in economics, trade, science-technology-environment, education - training, culture and tourism.

She also announced the decision to honour Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam with the insignia “For Peace and Friendship among Nations”.

VBFA members as individuals and collectives were also presented with certificates of merit in recognition of their efforts to consolidate the Vietnam-Belgium friendship and cooperation.

On the occasion, delegates elected a 45-member new executive board led by Chairman Pham Manh Hung, who is also Deputy Minister of Education and Training and Rector of the National Economics University.

The same day, the VUFO and VBFA hosted a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam – Belgium diplomatic ties.

Vietnam, Laos enhance transport cooperation

The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport and the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport have agreed to intensify cooperation in aviation, maritime, inland waterway and registration.

During their talks in the Lao southern province of Champassak on December 18, between Transport Minister Dinh La Thang and his Lao counterpart Sommad Pholsena committed to continuing to support each other at international forums and share experience in transport development.

Accordingly, Vietnam backs Laos’ bid to join the International Maritime Organisation and is willing to help the neighbour’s preparations for the process. Vietnam will also help Laos in search and rescue activities, as well as facilitates Laos’ goods in transit at Vietnam’s ports.

Both sides stressed the need to actively coordinate in completing a project on connecting Vietnam-Laos transport, which identifies a suitable express route, and another project on strengthening transportation management and ensuring traffic safety between the two countries.

They also exchanged views on a railway project connecting the two countries.

Vietnam, RoK collaborate on traffic safety

Vietnam and the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on their partnership in ensuring traffic safety.

The MoU was signed by the National Committee for Traffic Safety and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) on December 18.

Under the document, the two sides will cooperate to improve traffic safety through designing and implementing national traffic safety strategies coupled with building and applying traffic safety culture index.

The RoK saw a high rate of accidents 20 years ago with traffic accident victims reaching 13,000 every year, KOTSA President Chung Il Young said, citing a sharp increase in the number of autos, and poor infrastructure and management at that time as reasons.

However, he said, at present, as the number of autos increases by six fold, the number of accidents decreases by two thirds.

To score the success, the RoK has taken various measures in managing vehicles, including applying information technology in parallel with calling for relevant agencies’ engagement.

Lessons given by the RoK are expected to help Vietnam mitigate traffic accidents sustainably, said Vice President of the Committee Nguyen Hoang Hiep.

The MoU will support the two sides in mapping out appropriate steps in the management of transport services next year.

Traffic accident is now a pressing issue in Vietnam where nearly 10,000 deaths are reported every year and car and motor accidents make up 70 percent of the total.-

Over 900 people in Ha Nam respond to blood donation

Over 900 people took part in a blood donation programme held in the northern province of Ha Nam on December 18.

Donors are mainly students of local universities and staff of the provincial agencies and organisations, and the Viettel Military Telecommunications Corporation’s Ha Nam branch.

The donation is expected to contribute to saving lives of patients, particularly during the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.

The activity is part of the Viettel-launched “For the community” programme, aiming to pay tribute to the corporation’s subscribers and help unlucky people.

Running from early December, the activity has been held in a series of northern provinces such as Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and Vinh Phuc, attracting a plenty of donors.

It is set to close at the end of this month.-

New regular dialogue at work can make a difference

The new model of dialogue between employees and employers in factories, especially in garment factories have helped improve working conditions and the competitiveness of enterprises. Insight from Vietnam Economic News.

On September 7, 2012, 900 workers from Ando International, a women's garment manufacturer in Ho Chi Minh City, for the first time elected their representatives to attend regular meetings with the company’s management.

Every month, the representatives and the company’s trade union chairman met the company’s management to address issues related to labour standards and occupational health and safety (OHS) in order to tighten cooperation in the workplace.

More than a year after the new mechanism was applied, employee awareness of OHS and cooperation in the workplace at Ando International has significantly improved, said Ando International CEO Duong Thuy Tu.

Better Work Vietnam, a cooperative programme between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has put into operation the Performance Improvement Consultative Committee (PICC) since 2009. Employee representatives are elected every two years.

Factories with a PICC have recorded significant progress in terms of working conditions, wages, welfare, occupational safety and hygiene and working hours. Both employers and employees have highly appreciated the PICC.

Vo Kim Long, who has been working for Ando International for six years, said that the company’s sewing workshop is now airy and tidier thanks to PICC, and that employee representatives who are PICC members now make it possible for workers like him to contact the company’s management.

PICC was established in almost all 200 garment factories engaged in the Better Work Vietnam program. The programme plays an important role in combining the interests of the private sector with the observance of Vietnam's law and international labor standards through training and evaluation of the level of compliance.

According to Labour Relations Development Promotion Centre Director Nguyen Manh Cuong, PICC is important not only because it makes it possible for employees to participate in addressing issues related to observance of labor standards but also is strong evidence of how a regular dialogue mechanism between employees and employers specified in the new labour code that took effect in 2013 can make a real difference.

Better Work Program Manager Tara Rangarajan said that required social dialogue mechanisms posed by PICC show that Vietnam is making efforts to create a difference in the international market by not only relying on low labor cost. Companies with PICC can reach long-term growth and construct a working environment meeting the requirements of international customers while maintaining competitiveness.

Better Work Vietnam reports indicate steady growth in plants applying a business strategy that focuses on developing harmonious labor relations. About 65 percent of factories participating in the Better Work Program saw their sales increase and 75 percent of factories participating in the programme received an increased number of orders.

Director Cuong said he believes that PICC has a greater importance and can even benefit the whole economy. If every business improves, the entire textile and garment industry will improve and the image of the national economy on the international market will also become better, he said.

Cuong said that PICC proved the Government's commitment to improving working conditions for workers in the context of international economic integration.-

National meeting to discuss search for martyrs’ remains

A national online meeting will be held on December 20 to seek ways to speed up the search for and collection of fallen soldiers’ remains, according to Major General Tran Van Minh, head of the Defence Ministry’s Social Policy Department.

The Major General, who is also Head of Office of the national steering board for searching and gathering martyr’s remains, said the event will be attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, all military zones and 63 provinces and centrally run cities.

The search for the remains of those who laid down their lives for national liberation and re-unification during wars has started immediately after the war. A total of 939,462 sets of remains have been found and reburied in the country, 15,989 sets were brought home from Laos and another 14,549 sets from Cambodia.

However, more than 200,000 martyrs remain unaccounted for.