Gov’t suspends, fines newspaper $6,200

The Authority of Press under the Ministry of Information and Communications ordered a three-month suspension of Thế Giới Tiếp Thị (Marketing World), a supplement of Nông Thôn Ngày Nay (Countryside Today) newspaper, for its violations in two articles.

The suspension took effect last Saturday, following a proposal by Nông Thôn Ngày Nay newspaper to consolidate staff and rebuild the paper publishing process to avoid mistakes.

The newspaper was also subjected to an administrative punishment of VNĐ140 million (US$6,200).

RoK to send fire engines to Vietnam

The Republic of Korea (RoK) will provide Vietnam with 9 used fire engines, announced the RoK’s Ministry of Public Safety and Security (MPSS) on May 15.

The move is part of a RoK aid programme to send 16 used firefighting trucks, water tankers and ambulances to developing countries this year.

Aside from Vietnam, the other countries to receive equipment are Cambodia, the Philippines, Mongolia and Laos.

The MPSS will spend 77,600 USD to repair the vehicles as well as provide accompanying equipment and personnel training.

The RoK has sent fire engines to developing countries since 2005, with 166 having been shipped to 11 countries so far.

Quang Binh urged to support people affected by mass fish deaths

Quang Binh authorities should focus on the collection and treatment of dead fish as well as promotesupport for farmers affected by recent mass fish deaths in four central provinces, particularly before resuming production.

The statement was made by Politburo member and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission (PCCEC) Nguyen Van Binh during his working session with leaders of the central province of Quang Binh on May 15.

At the meeting, the Politburo member appreciated the achievements that the provincial Party and people have made over the past years.

Regarding mass fish deaths in central provinces, he affirmed that it was a very serious environmental problem. The Politburo and the Secretariat has directed the Government to implement urgent solutions to support affected farmers and fishermen overcome difficulties as well as set out long-term and synchronous measures to stabilise the people’s lives.

In addition, relevant ministries and branches have been asked to urgently identify the cause of the mass fish deaths as well as strictly handle violations, noted Politburo member Binh.

He also urged Quang Binh province to co-ordinate with relevant authorities to set policies on debt charge-off and interest rate reduction for affected households.

The head of PCCEC emphasised that the commission would support the province in building an overall plan for the economic development strategy until 2030, with a vision towards 2035, as well as in overcoming difficulties in socio-economic development during 2016-2021.

First rains appear in central region

Medium rains accompanied with north east wind of level 3- 4 covered the central provinces of Thua Thien- Hue and Quang Tri on the large scale yesterday evening.

The rains swept through in two provinces during an hour after the long- lasting extreme hot air hit nationwide for past months. It is considered as the first rains of this year’s rainy season.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Thua Thien- Hue province, the rains yesterday not only helped local resident save billions dong for irrigating industrial and vegetable plants but also brought cool air for thousands of forest hectares in districts of Nam Dong, A Luoi, Huong Thuy and Huong Tra of Thua Thien- Hue province, and Vinh Linh, Dakrong of Quang Tri province which have been warned in high forest fire.

On the same day, the small- medium rains occurred in some places of Quang Ngai province.

Photo, film exhibition on ASEAN Community opened in Quang Ninh

Over 300 art works and 60 documentary films featuring the ASEAN Community are on display at an exhibition which opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh on May 14.

The exhibition, held by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the provincial People’s committee, is part of activities in a government plan of action to popularise ASEAN and the formation of the ASEAN Community as well as the benefits brought by the community.

The art works and films were selected from outstanding entries submitted to several prestige festivals and competitions on the ASEAN member countries and people held from 2010 to 2015 by the MIC. They depict a wide range of themes such as the landscapes, traditional cultures and environmental protection in the region.

The exhibition aims to call for Vietnamese nationals to join hand in building the ASEAN into a community for peace, stability, prosperity and people-oriented as well as increasing people’s awareness of the ASEAN Community establishment in late 2015.

All the works will be presented to the provincial People’s Committee after the exhibition, which will run until May 17.-

Promoting Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, ASEAN-Russia dialogue relationship

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc headed a high-level delegation leaving Hanoi for an official visit to the Russian Federation and to attend the Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue relationship at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

Taking place as the regional and international situation is witnessing unforeseeable developments, the visit affirms that ASEAN and the Russian Federation in general,and Vietnam and the Russian Federation in particular, appreciate the role of bilateral and multilateral co-operation mechanisms.

This is PM Phuc's first visit to Rusia since he took office, coming as the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia continues to flourish in many fields; bilateral political relations are boosted with high reliance; and delegation exchanges between the two countries have been conducted regularly, particularly at the high level. Both countries have implemented effectively the 2015 list of prioritised tasks to promote bilateral ties and organised periodically strategic and defence dialogues effectively.

Despite difficulties in the global economy, economic, trade and investment co-operation between Vietnam and Russia has maintained good growth. Two-way trade turnover reached US$2.2 billion in 2015 and US$590 million in the first quarter of the year, making the European country 17th out of 101 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 114 projects and total registered capital of US$2 billion. Vietnam’s investment in Russia has increased rapidly with 20 projects worth nearly US$3 billion. Energy is a strategic and effective traditional co-operation field, bringing in a significant income for both countries’ budgets. Positive results have also been seen in culture, tourism, education, training, security, national defence, science and technology.

Co-operation between the two countries’ localities has been maintained and expanded. The Vietnamese community in Russia follows the host country’s laws, makes significant contributions to Russia and participates in charity activities.

Vietnam and Russia have signed over 100 documents on all-round co-operation, forming a sound legal framework for enhancing and deepening bilateral relations.

During the visit, the two sides will review the implementation of large joint projects in specific fields and discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern. The visit aims to realise the foreign policy set by the 12th Party Congress, highlight Vietnam’s achievements in the doi moi process, enhance the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, and deepen bilateral ties effectively.

This year, ASEAN and Russia celebrate the 20th anniversary of a bilateral dialogue relationship. Over the past two decades since 1996 when Russia officially became a full dialogue partner of ASEAN, positive and effective steps have been taken in bilateral political, economic and humanitarian co-operation. Russia has affirmed many times that it attaches importance to co-operation with ASEAN and supports the bloc’s realisation of the 2015 ASEAN Community’s Vision, as well as its central role in backing collaboration against terrorism and transnational crimes, boosting regional connectivity, narrowing development gaps and taking part in ASEAN-led mechanisms in order to contribute to regional peace, stability and security. Meanwhile, ASEAN values Russia’s participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and its co-operation in specialised fields, saying that both sides should devise specific measures to make co-operation more effective and practical in aspects of mutual concerns, including politics, security, economics, culture and society.

For the anniversary, PM Phuc and leaders from Russia and ASEAN will discuss specific measures and devise plans to boost the ASEAN-Russia dialogue relationship and table regional and international matters of mutual concern, contributing to fostering bilateral relations effectively and practically. The two sides have planned to adopt several important documents to lay a basis for joint action plans in politics, economics, culture and security.

May the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia and the dialogue relationship between ASEAN and Russia continue to see sound achievements, for the interests of people in each country, contributing positively to maintaining peace, stability, co-operation and development in Asia and Europe, and the world.

Early elections held in border communes in Lai Chau

More than 5,800 voters in three border communes in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau casted their ballots on May 15 to elect deputies to the 14th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2016-2021 term, one week ahead of the national election day.

In Ta Ba commune, from dawn, ethnic minority voters donned their traditional costumes and together went to polling stations. The colourful clothes of ethnic minority groups of La Hu and Ha Nhi brightened up the scenery in the border region.

Arriving at the polling station from dawn, Ly Xo Pu, 20, of La Hu ethnic group, happily shared he had butterflies in his stomach as this is the first time he can exercise his citizen right. Pu added that he has carefully studied the information about the candidates and is confident he will make the right choice, selecting capable persons to lead the development of the country and the locality.

At the polling station No 4 in Ta Ba commune, voters lined up for their turn immediately after the flag-saluting ceremony at 7 am.

Leaving the voting room with a happy face, Vang Pe Du, who is over 70 now, is the oldest voter at the polling station. He said whenever the election day comes, he always put aside all work to take part in the big festival with his children and grandchildren.

Du expressed his expectation that elected candidates would be worthy representatives of ethnic minority groups and recommend policies and suitable solutions to help improve the living standards of ethnic minority people.

Ta Ba is a mountainous commune in the border district of Muong Te. In the election of deputies to the National Assembly and the all-level People’s Councils for the 2016-2021 term, the commune has 1,800 voters casting their vote at eight polling stations.

Ly Nhu Chu, Chairman of Ta Ba Commune’s People’s Committee, Ta Ba has a large area sprawling over rough terrains and a scattered population with some hamlets located as far as 60 kilometres away from the centre of the commune.

Therefore, the commune government had to dispatched personnel to serve the election day from May 13.

Voters in the commune will elect 25 delegates out of 40 candidates for the commune’s People’s Council for the 2016-2021 term.

Along with Ta Ba, 4,000 voters in communes of Mu Ca and Ta Tong also went voting early on May 15.

Dao Van Khanh, Chairman of the Muong Te District’s People’s Council and Standing Vice Chairman of the Election Committee, said at 32 early polling stations in the district, most people gathered in the morning to exercise their citizen rights.

Additional voting boxes were also brought to sparsely-populated areas for voters’ convenience.

According to initial statistics from the Muong Te District’s Election Committee, in the morning of May 15, more than 80 percent of voters casted their ballots with order and security at all polling stations ensured.

The polling stations will remain open to 7 pm.

Buddhist art exhibitions open in HCM City

Nearly 500 art works, books and documents as well as tools featuring Buddhist cultural values are on display at an exhibition which opened at Pho Quang Pagoda, Tan Binh district, Ho Chi Minh City on May 13.

The exhibition, held by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s HCM City chapter, is part of the activities to celebrate the Buddha’s 2560th birth anniversary, which falls on May 15 (the 8th day of the fourth lunar month).

The chapter also organised a display of paintings and sculptures themed “Buddhism and the environment”, depicting people living in harmony with nature and a green environment.

Visitors have a chance to better their understanding about Buddhist spiritual life and philosophy through 100 art works by 12 domestic and foreign painters.

Venerable Thich Nhat Tu from the VBS’s HCM City chapter said that all activities held on the occasion spotlight environment protection, calling for public involvement in conserving the nature.

The exhibitions will run until May 29.

Research centre on Hung Kings period makes debut

The Hung Vuong (Hung Kings) Cultural Research and Development Centre made its debut in Hanoi on May 15.

Pham Van Dan, Director of the Centre, said the centre was established with the goal of researching and developing the tangible and intangible values in the Van Lang culture in the Hung Kings era.

The centre’s research will help promote national characteristics as well as preserve the traditional culture.

It will conduct activities to educate the public on traditional history and encourage patriotism as well as strengthen national unity.

The centre is campaigning for the construction of temples dedicated to Hung Kings in Phu Quoc Island and Truong Sa Archipelago. The idea has received support from relevant management agencies and local governments.

National contest for young choreographers to be held

A national contest for young choreographers will be held in mid June in the southern city of Can Tho to promote young artists.

As entries for the contest, choreographers can present a short dance play that is under eight minutes with a maximum of five dancers.

The participants should not have attended any professional dance contest before.

The topics for the performances may cover daily life, patriotism, praise the goodness in humanity and criticise the cruelty in society.

Folk, modern, European classic and modern ballet dance languages should be used in the dance plays.-

Painting exhibit honouring lotus symbol opens

The Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre is filled with lotus beauty and fragrance, and many lotus paintings are on display.

The exhibition showcases 42 canvas and lacquer paintings by Phạm Thị Thanh Mai, Đặng Đình Ngỡ, Bùi Trọng Dư and Vũ Tuyên.

The lotus is a beautiful symbol in Vietnamese culture. The artists exhibiting praise the lotus, as well as the persona of the Vietnamese people.

Tuyên selected 16 of his most beautiful paintings from among 1,000 he has painted of the lotus. He said President Hồ Chí Minh’s homeland is Sen (Lotus) Village. So celebrating his birthday (May 19) with a lotus exhibition is very appropriate.

The exhibition will run until the end of this month at the Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre, 50 Đào Duy Từ Street, Hà Nội.

Vo Nguyen Giap Park inaugurated in Truong Sa

A park named after the late General Vo Nguyen Giap was inaugurated after two months of construction on Son Ca Island in the Truong Sa (Spratly) district, the central province of Khanh Hoa on May 15.

The park sprawls over an area of 400 sq.m, in the centre of which is a monolithic sandstone statue of General Giap that is 1.76m high.

As many as 300 historic photos are also printed on an arc ceramic wall, depicting General Giap’s career in close relation with the Vietnam People’s Army and well-known battles and victories in the resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy Ngo Si Quyet said the park is a reflection of Truong Sa soldiers and the army’s warm sentiment to the General.

It is also to educate the public about the fighting spirit of the army and people in the national liberation and defence.-

Canada, Czech Republic observe 126th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh

The 126th birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh was celebrated at a gathering in Montreal, Canada on May 15 with the gift of a painting of Uncle Ho to the Vietnam Embassy by Canadian artist Etienne Gelinas.

At the birthday bash, author Dr Nguyen Dai Trang also introduced guests to her two books on the life of Uncle Ho and his teachings, which were first published in 2010 and 2013.

“There are many reasons, to pay respects to the late president – his many accomplishments, his character, his leadership,” said Dr Trang. “For me, it’s his love of the common man.”

Vietnam Ambassador to Canada To Anh Dung praised the president for his military leadership and his support for the nation’s high ideals. He praised the late president for his pride in Vietnam.

While many citizens today are too young to have known Uncle Ho, they all benefit from his leadership, said Ambassador Dung.

On the same day, the Embassy of Vietnam in the Czech Republic held a dialogue on the teachings of President Ho Chi Minh that found the participation of more than 100 Vietnamese and Czech people from all walks of life.

“Ho Chi Minh was truly magnificent,” said Ambassador to the Czech Republic Truong Manh Son. “You just get a shot in your arm of patriotism, reminiscing about the greatest president we ever had.”

Ambassador Son spoke at length telling the guests about the childhood of President Ho Chi Minh through his later years when he travelled abroad to save the nation as well as the last years of his life.

“Ho Chi Minh believed in high moral values, and he spoke of them often,” said Ambassador Son.

Repairs to HCM City walking street start

Repair works began on May 15 to fix defects along the Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, the new get-together location for city-dwellers and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the venue’s developer, the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Traffic Management Zone No.1, workers are replacing 32 stone manhole covers with cast iron lids, with the work scheduled to be completed by the end of next month.

The 670 meter long, granite-paved Nguyen Hue pedestrian street spans from Le Thanh Ton to Le Loi Street in the heart of the city.

The VND497.5 billion (US$22.21 million) street was opened in April 2015 and has become a favorite destination for local people as well as tourists.

The venue attracts many people every night, and gets even more crowded on the weekend.  

Earlier on May 15, traffic and other activities were banned along the pedestrian street between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm as streets in District 1 had regular maintenance work done, according to the Urban Traffic Management Zone No.1.

Designed to last 100 years, the granite surface of the Nguyen Hue pedestrian street has deteriorated after only one year.

As observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, many of the granite stones along the sidewalks have become scratched or in some cases broken.

The surface damage had occurred even before the street underwent its final acceptance inspection.

The street’s developer said relevant agencies and departments are reviewing each of the subunits of the project before officially beginning the final acceptance inspection.

Vietnam leaves good impression at Czech folk culture festival

Vietnam has joined an ethnic cultural festival in the Czech Republic. This is the 3rd time Vietnam introduced its cultural identities to local people in the Republic.

A traditional conical hat dance performance by Vietnamese girls in “Ao dai” long dress.

Dinh Thu Trang, a member of a local art club, said, “We have performances to join other ethnic groups’ shows in Lovosice. Vietnamese families with 2nd and 3rd generations have introduced Vietnamese culture to the community for better integration.”

Viewers show interested in Vietnam’s bamboo pole dance.

The Czech Republic government recognized Vietnamese community as the 14th ethnic group 3 years ago.

Following Ho Chi Minh’s example helps push back degradations

Accelerating the study of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morals and lifestyle is a crucial content of Party building and reinforcement, said Dinh The Huynh, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat.

The move aims to build a pure and strong Party in terms of politics, ideology, organisation and morals, and a staff of capable and quality officials, he said at a teleconference in Hanoi on May 16 to review the five-year effectuation of the Politburo’s Directive No. 03-CT/TW on studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s moral example.

He said such efforts will help guard against degradation in political thought, morals and lifestyle while adding more strengths to the fight against corruption, wastefulness and bureaucracy.

The official noted that outcomes reaped during the actualisation of the Directive have effectively contributed to realising the Resolution on Party building adopted at the 11 th Party Central Committee’s fourth plenum as well as the 11 th National Party Congress’s Resolution.

Calling on the entire Party, population and army to continue responding to the campaign, Huynh stressed that studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s example should become a self-awareness and regular deed of all-level Party committees and organisations, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations and localities.

Heads of these agencies, Party officials, public servants and young people should be the pioneers in the drive, he said.

A report presented by Politburo member Vo Van Thuong, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committee’s Information and Education Commission, showed that the campaign has helped raise awareness of not only Party officials but the public at large.

Party officials, especially those holding key positions, play a decisive role to the success of the drive, he said.

Other delegates at the event pointed to limitations and solutions to raise the efficiency of the work in the time ahead.

Nearly 720 collectives and individuals who made outstanding performances in the campaign were honoured on this occasion.

Tens of fishermen rescued from thunderstorm & cyclone operation on sea

Tens of local fishermen living in communes of Hai Trach, Duc Trach and Nhan Trach were rescued by border police and soldiers when sudden cyclone and thunderstorm sunk their vessels under sea water at 5 am on Friday, announced deputy chairman of the People’s Committee of Bo Trach district of Quang Binh province Nguyen Ngoc Tuan yesterday.

After receiving information, the rescue forces immediately towed the fishermen's boats ashore from dangerous location.

Around 30 boats was operating in dangerously turbulent waters near cyclone, three of which were sunk near ashore.

On the same day, vessel of fisherman Nguyen Phong Van suddenly was blown by cyclone and strong wind while he was catching fish in the territorial water of Ha Tinh province. Unlucky, he passed away after moving to hospital.

Sugar plant fined for polluting river

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of the northern province of Hoa Binh has announced a fine of VND480 million (US$21,470) to Hoa Binh sugar plant for releasing untreated wastewater into the Buoi River.

The discharge has killed huge volume of fish in the north central province of Thanh Hoa in the lower reaches of the river.

Besides, the company has been suspended in six months and required to solve the problem.

Before resuming operation, it must build wastewater treatment system which will be attested to meet standards by authorized agencies. The company will face heavier penalty if repeating violation.

Previously, the plant has taken responsibility for releasing wastewater into the river damaging fish fam

Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee meets local voters

Five candidates for the 14th National Assembly, including Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Dinh La Thang, met with voters from Hoc Mon and Cu Chi districts in Ho Chi Minh City from May 8-15.

Local voters were briefed on the biographies and action plans of the five candidates. Their action plans which were assessed as practical focused on addressing urgent issues including food safety and hygiene, environment, administrative reform, anti-corruption, security and improvements to people’s living standards.

Voters hoped that NA candidates would positively contribute to the building and completion of the legal system after elected to the 14th NA.

NA candidates also need to monitor the operations of authorities at all levels in implementing administrative reform, reducing inconvenience to the people and providing accurate and timely information about the East Sea to voters.

On behalf of the NA candidates, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Dinh La Thang promised that NA candidates would actively contribute to the building of the legal system, supervise the law enforcement, and deliver opinions of the people to the NA, contributing to deciding important issues of the nation.

He noted that the Party and State have many plans to protect the nation, including the protection of national seas and islands, and are investigating the mass fish deaths in central coastal provinces to collect evidence and impose strict punishments on individuals and organisations harming the environment.

He hoped that voters would await valid results of the investigation in order to properly support fishermen and the upcoming elections of deputies to the NA and People's Councils.

Lam Dong workshop reviews NA’s 70-year development

The formation and development of Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) from 1946 to present were reviewed at a workshop in Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on May 14.

As part of activities celebrating the general election of deputies to the 14th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2016-2021 tenure, the event saw more than 100 researchers and experts from universities in the province and local 13 th NA deputies delegation.

Participants discussed the significant milestones in the legislature’s development and the role it plays in the process of turning Vietnam into a modern industrialised country.

They also focused on reforming the NA’s operation and organisation, promoting the relationship between NA deputies and voters, and strengthening the role of female NA deputies.

On January 6, 1946, in response to President Ho Chi Minh’s appeal, Vietnamese people, regardless of gender, social class or religion, took part in a general election to elect Vietnam ’s first National Assembly by a democratic, equitable and direct ballot.

This extremely important event was set in the country’s history as an important milestone, marking a great step-forward in the country’s democratic institution and ushering in a new period of national development. On the day, 89 percent of voters nationwide cast their ballots to elect the first 333 NA deputies.

Over the past seven decades with 13 tenures, the National Assembly has marched together with the nation and carried forward its role and position as the people’s highest representative agency and the country’s most powerful body in line with the Constitution and the law, significantly contributing to national liberation, reunification, construction and defence.

Work starts on Cambodia-Vietnam friendship memorial

Construction on a Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Memorial began in the Cambodian province of Battambang on May 12.

The memorial covers an area of more than 10,000 sq.m surrounded by greenery, costing an estimated 500,000 USD funded by the Vietnamese government.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony, Battambang governor Chan Saphol expressed gratitude to Vietnamese voluntary soldiers for their support to the provincial authorities and people.

He said the memorial will be a symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples, and between Battambang and the Vietnamese government, army and people in particular.

Country enters storm season with 9-11 hurricanes this year- weather forecast

Weather began changing from dry season to rainy season in recent days, marking signals of this year’s incoming storm season in the country, said deputy director of the Hydrology Meteorology Forecast Center of the southern region Dang Van Dung in a talk with Sai Gon Giai Phong reporters.

Mr. Dang Van Dung said although the first medium to heavy rains have appeared in some places of Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces since midweek of April, the long-lasting extreme heat wave still last on the large scale.

According to forecast center, dry and hot weather will be able to drop in HCMC and southern region from now to the end of May as the rainy season is starting hitting the southern region, he said.

The temperature will not increase higher than that in the same period of last year when the highest temperature in the southeastern region was measured at 38- 39 degrees Celsius and in southwestern region at 36- 37 degrees Celsius, he added.

This year’s rainy season is forecast to happen nationwide since May. The first rains will come early to provinces of Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai. Meanwhile, the rain could hit Ben Tre and Ba Ria- Vung Tau later than some places at least 10 days because of the influence of southwestern monsoon.

According to weather forecast, this year’s rainfall will increase more than last year. Around 9- 11 storms and tropical low pressures will enter East Sea, including 4- 5 storms affecting directly to Vietnam from August to October.

Proceedings taken against untruthful release of fish death information

Police in the northern province of Thai Binh on May 13 decided to launch criminal proceedings against the illegal use of information on the Internet regarding the mass fish deaths in Con Vanh beach, Tien Hai district, which is worrying the public and hurting local economy.

Earlier on May 9, police summoned Bui Duc Hai, 22, native of Quynh Phu district, over the release of untruthful information about the case.

Hai admitted that he hatched an idea of posting similar articles about fish deaths with unknown causes, which have been of public interest recently.

He confessed to copying four pictures of dead fish and jellyfish and another one depicting a woman sitting on the beach and a dead fish ahead, later fabricating an article claiming that dead fish, oyster and jellyfish are drifting on shore of Con Vanh beach.

On July 5 afternoon, Hai posted the article and copied pictures on his website thaibinhplus.vn, which has yet to be licensed by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The case is under investigation in line with the law.

Con Vanh is located inside the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve recognised by UNESCO in 2004.

It is blessed with a system of rich and primitive mangrove forests, a well-known tourism area with a 7km-long beach and a 450sq.m swimming area.

Czech-Vietnamese dictionary wins second prize

Three volumes of the Czech-Vietnamese dictionary, considered a bilingual encyclopaedia, won the second prize of the Dictionary of the Year award by the Union of Interpreters and Translators of Czech Republic on May 13.

Co-authored by Ivo Vasiljev and Nguyen Quyet Tien, the dictionary comprises six volumes targeting Vietnamese expatriates and Czech people who want to learn Vietnamese. Three of which have been completed.

It covers a wide range of spheres, including socio-culture, history, geography and biography. The first volume was launched in November 2013 with 10,100 words, the second debuted in November 2014 with 9,200 words and the third in November 2015 with 19,200 words.

The annual award has a history of 23 years, aiming to honour dictionaries of academic and practical value.

The board of judges is represented by prestigious professionals in linguistic and translation fields.

The award ceremony was held at the Book World Prague, an international book fair and literary festival.-

Health Ministry launches hand-washing communications campaign

The Ministry of Health (MoH) on May 15 launched a public communications campaign in order to encourage people to wash their hands more frequently as a way of minimising risk of catching diseases.

Speaking before 300 delegates and nearly 2,500 students and teachers at the ceremony in Hanoi, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said washing hands frequently with soap is an effective, simple and cheap hygienic measure.

A MoH research showed the rate of malnutrition at children aged under five could be cut from 1 to 10 percent if mothers wash their hands regularly.

The minister also called all sectors, governments at all levels, organisations, agencies, social-political organisations and the mass media to coordinate with the MoH to step up public communications efforts to bring the message of “Washing hands with soap regularly” to people from all corners of the country.

The campaign will come to provinces and cities via activities at communities, schools and the mass media.

A competition is also opened on the campaign’s fanpage www.facebook.com/10trieubantaysach to promote the practice to people from more walks of life.

The Unilever Vietnam Fund also responded to the campaign with “Fighting diseases seasonally” programme at 22 provinces and cities nationwide.

According to the latest survey carried out by the MoH, only 23 percent of respondents said they wash their hands before meals and 36 percent wash their hands after going to toilet.

Enterprises urged to help protect rights of children

UNICEF will engage with businesses in Vietnam to build a culture of respect and support for children’s rights among them, an official has said.

Marianne Oehlers of UNICEF Vietnam’s chief programme partnerships office told a workshop in HCM City on May 13 that UNICEF has identified a set of key industries with a high impact on children and significant value-chain influence.

The event, held under the overall framework of the "Meet to Meet the SDG" Platform, aimed to explore how the business community can take action on children’s rights in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It sought to explore, in partnership with experts and colleagues from UNICEF, what the business community can do to realise the goals with a child rights perspective.

The priority sectors include travel and tourism and footwear and apparel, Oehlers said.

A study on the impact of the apparel and footwear sectors on children’s rights in Vietnam will be done between 2016 and 2017.

A toolkit on children’s rights will also be customised for the apparel and footwear supply chains.

Preliminary findings from child rights impact assessments carried out in Vietnam’s travel and tourism sector last year will be presented.

“By focusing on children and supporting their rights, businesses can benefit from improved access to skilled labour and improved employee satisfaction, improve the communities in which you work, raise the value of your brand and thereby also your bottom line,” Jesper Moller, UNICEF’s deputy representative, said.

“Virtually all companies interact with children in some way. Businesses impact children in the workplace, in the market place and in the community as they are the children of your workers, children that consume your products, and children in the community where you operate.

“The first step in the journey for a responsible business is to make children visible, understand that they are there and that the company has various levels of impact on children’s lives.”

To help private sector partners do that, UNICEF has joined Save the Children and the UN Global Compact to develop the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP).

CRBP was developed and released in 2012 and launched in Vietnam in 2014.

It is the first comprehensive set of principles to guide companies on a full range of actions they can take in the workplace, marketplace and community to respect and support children’s rights.

Ten principles identify actions all businesses should take to respect and support children’s rights.

They are child rights integration, child labour, young workers and family-friendly workplace, protection and safety of children, products and services, responsible marketing and advertising, environment and land acquisition, security arrangements, emergencies, and support for community and government efforts for children.

Gia Lai reburies remains of volunteer soldiers found in Cambodia

A ceremony was held at a martyr cemetery in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on May 14 to rebury the remains of 30 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in the Cambodian battlefield during wartime.

The remains were found in the Cambodian provinces of Rattanakiri, Stung Treng and Preah Vihear during the 2015-2016 dry season.

So far, as many as 1, 345 sets of remains of fallen Vietnamese soldiers and experts have been repatriated from Cambodia .

About 4,000 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died during wartime are still lying in Cambodia .

The two countries have set a target of completing the majority of the search, gathering and repatriation of martyr remains by 2020.

Poland’s Constitution Day marked in HCM City

The 225th Constitution Day (1791-2016) of Poland was marked with a ceremony held in HCM City on May 13 by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the city’s Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association (VPFO).

Nguyen Dang Cuong, President of the VPFO, emphasised Vietnamese people in general and HCM City’s people in particular are always grateful for the assistance that Poland and its people have given to Vietnam in the struggle for independence as well as the cause of national reconstruction.

Going through important landmarks in Poland’s history, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska said her country’s Constitution, which was promulgated on May 3, 1791, was the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world.

The ambassador took the occasion to thank the Vietnamese people for their special affection for Poland throughout the 66 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

She believed from traditional ties, the friendship between the peoples of the two countries will grow ever closer and the cooperation between the two countries in all fields will be further expanded.

Congratulations to HCM City Buddhists on Buddha’s birthday

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai on May 14 visited and offered greetings to outstanding Buddhist organisations and dignitaries in Ho Chi Minh City on the Buddha’s 2560th birth anniversary.

As the Buddha’s 2560th birthday takes place on the occasion of the election of deputies to the 14th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2016-2021 tenure, Mai he expressed her hope that the Buddhist organisations and dignitaries will join hands with the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels to encourage followers to actively respond to the important event.

The official spoke highly of charitable activities the Buddhist organisations have provided for disadvantaged people, saying that they are in line with the government’s policy in ensuring social welfare for the needy.

She hoped that the dignities and followers will continue their efforts to uphold solidarity between religious groups and lead good secular and religious lives, thus contributing to building a prosperous Vietnam.

Together with a grand ceremony to welcome the Buddha’s birthday, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) will also organise a line-up of significant events, including the National Buddhist Congress and a ceremony to mark 35th founding anniversary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), according to Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Chairman of the VBS Executive Council.

Greetings to Thua Thien-Hue Buddhists on Buddha’s birthday

Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFFCC) Le Ba Trinh visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Board of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on May 13 to extend his greetings on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2560th birthday.

He was companied by provincial officials and Eivind Archer, Country Representative in Vietnam for Norwegian Church Aid.

Trinh handed over a letter of greetings from VFFCC President Nguyen Thien Nhan to Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns at home and abroad on the celebration.

He wished local Buddhist followers a happy festive season, noting his hope that they will join hands in building a strong national unity bloc.

The official lauded local Buddhist dignitaries and followers for their timely support of local fishermen who are affected by the recent mass fish deaths.

The VBS’s chapter in Thua Thien-Hue has partnered with the Norwegian Church Aid to effectively implement projects on natural disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation, and improving people’s capacity to cope with natural disasters.

Most Venerable Thich Khe Chon, permanent member of the VBS’s Executive Council in Thua Hien-Hue and deputy head of the VBS’s Executive Board in the province, thanked Party and VFF leaders as well as authorities and organisations for their attention to local Buddhists on this occasion.

Belgium shares experience on food safety with Vietnam

The roundtable entitled “Belgian Food Safety Agency’s Experience” took place in Hanoi on May 13 to share Belgian experience on food safety policies.

It was co-organised by the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-MUTRAP) and the Belgian Embassy to Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Jean-Francois Heymans from Belgium’s Federal Agency for Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) gave attendees a brief introduction of the agency which was established in 2000 in response to a food safety crisis in the country.

Farms in Belgium have been ordered to cull a large amount of livestock after chickens and other animals were found to be fed with dioxin-contaminated feed in 1999, causing the country an economic loss of up to 500 million USD, he said.

Since then, the FASFC has worked to enforce measures related to food safety, animal health and plant protection to meet consumer demand as well as the European Union (EU)’s standards, Heymans noted.

Vietnam today is confronting food safety, making the issue top priority of Vietnamese people and government, he added.

Bui Huy Son, EU-MUTRAP Director, said experience from Belgium is important to Vietnam as there is an urgent need for Vietnamese state agencies to change their ways of operation and management in order to adapt to the development of the local food industry and ensure the implementation of food safety regulations and standards.

Aid in rice, cash proposed for fishermen hit by mass fish deaths

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) on May 13 called for aid in the form of rice and cash for fishermen in areas hit by mass fish deaths following surveys of affected areas.

The VRCS’s chapters in the central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue sent out their disaster-response teams to assess the damage, the impact of mass fish deaths, the community’s and local governments’ response capability and the affected community’s urgent needs with a view to proposing suitable assistance.

Based on information collected during the fact finding trips to 17 hardest-hit communes, the society proposed providing 660 tonnes of rice and 20.7 billion VND for residents in the affected areas.

In the long term, fishermen hope to receive help to restore their livelihood in the form of debt extension and preferential loans, the society said.

Previously, the VRCS has delivered emergency aid, including 30 tonnes of rice to communes in Ky Anh and Cam Xuyen Districts of Ha Tinh province and 15 tonnes of rice and 75 million VND for 750 fishing households in three coastal communes in Quang Binh province.

Early election approved in 51 military units

Officers and soldiers in 51 army units in 10 provinces nationwide will cast their ballots for deputies to the 14th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils earlier than the Election Day slated for May 22, as approved by the National Election Council.

Education and popularisation campaigns about the election process have been carried out promptly while the conduct of vote of confidence on candidates, establishment of electoral groups and the posting of candidate lists have been done in line with legal regulations.

By May 13, 913 electoral groups were set up in army units nationwide, with 1,300 military officers standing for the election to the People’s Councils at all levels.

Early voting was held for 100 officers and soldiers from Vietnam Maritime Police Region 3 and Naval Squadron 129.

Since the beginning of April, the military units have made meticulous preparations to ensure safety during the elections.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 63 provincial election committees, 712 district election committees and 11,162 communal election committees have been formed nationwide.

There are 184 constituencies for the NA elections and 87,805 constituencies for People’s Council elections at all levels.

Several remote, border and island areas are allowed to organise voting earlier than the official General Election day.

Truong Sa voters go to the polls early

Voters in Truong Sa island district, the central province of Khanh Hoa, on May 15 cast votes to choose the most capable candidates for the 14 th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for 2016-2021.

The island district comprises three constituencies - Truong Sa township, Sinh Ton and Song Tu communes with 21 polling stations, where voting was held one week ahead of the national election day of May 22.

In Song Tu island commune, the voting started at 7am following a flag saluting ceremony at the sovereignty marker area.

One of the first persons to cast their votes, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thoang expressed hope that the elected candidates will use their intelligence and moral virtue to contribute to national development.

Monk Thich Quang Kinh from Song Tu Tay Pagoda wished that the elected deputies will bring into play the spirit of democracy, brainpower and solidarity to make the NA the truly highest State power organ of the people.

Fishing boat QNg 96020 carrying 15 crewmembers from Quang Ngai Province docked at Song Tu island for the election day.

After casting his vote, fisherman Dinh Ben said he hoped that the 14 th NA will continue issuing policies to support fishermen who make a living on traditional fishing grounds in Truong Sa and Hoang Sa.

Le Quoc Anh, Chairman of Sinh Ton commune People’s Committee, said officers and soldiers are assigned to work on shift to ensure all of them have time to go to the poll.

In Truong Sa township, Chairman of the chapter of Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Truong Sa district Phan Ngoc Quang said voters are very enthusiastic to join the voting.

Preliminary outcomes of the voting will be reported to the Truong Sa district Election Committee.

Smart water use contest launched in HCM City

A contest entitled “Water and Life” was launched at a ceremony in HCM City on May 14 to call for initiatives and solutions on sustainable water use and management.

The contest is jointly organised by the General Department of Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee’s HCM City chapter.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Director of the General Department Nguyen The Dong expressed his hope that the contest will gather initiatives from the young generation to address with the impacts of climate change in the southern region.

General Development Officer at USAID Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City Stephen F.Berlinguette said the contest presents opportunities for the Vietnamese young people to contribute their part to the community improvement.

Individuals or groups, aged between 16-25, can send their feasible solutions to enhancing the effective use and management of water from May 14 to October 30, 2016.

As many as 12 most outstanding initiatives in three categories of saline intrusion, drought and water contamination will be honoured at an award ceremony slated for December.

The total prizes are worth 210 million VND (9,500 USD).

Water level in Khanh Hoa’s longest river hits record low

Water level in Cai River - the longest one in the central province of Khanh Hoa - has dropped to below the historical record low observed last July, reported the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on May 13.

Water flow in the river, at 1.15m/s, also reduces by 97 percent compared to many-year average.

Due to the prolonged drought, the total volume of 18 water reservoirs in the province has fallen to 102 million cu. m, compared to their designed capacity of 247 million cu. m. The reservoirs now cannot irrigate all rice fields as priority in water supply is given to daily use, industrial production and animal husbandry.

As of May 13, more than 4,000 households with 16,600 individuals have run short of fresh water for daily use, mostly in several communes in Nha Trang city and the districts of Khanh Vinh, Khanh Son, Van Ninh and Cam Lam.

It is the second consecutive year Khanh Hoa has faced severe drought due to the impacts of El Nino.

The province has asked for a State budget of 66 billion VND (3 million USD) to cope with drought and saltwater intrusion.

Dien Bien intensifies protection of migrant openbill storks

The People’s Committee of the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien has urged its localities and agencies to intensify measures to protect migrant Asian openbill storks - a species listed as extremely rare in Vietnam’s Red Book.

In its document dispatched on May 11, the committee asked Dien Bien Phu city and districts to steer their communes and offices to safeguard openbill storks and wild animals by encouraging locals not to hunt for and keep them illegally and not to use wildlife products.

The transport, slaughter and trading of endangered animals and birds, particularly Asian openbill storks, are prohibited.

Forest wardens were requested to coordinate with authorised offices and localities to increase patrols and inspections to timely detect any violations, targeting Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien district and Muong Lay town.

The storks inhabit South and Southeast Asian countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, they are known as co nhan (swallow) or co oc (snail storks) since they mainly eat snails. They also eat frogs, crabs, large insects and other small living things. They are mostly seen in the country’s southwestern region.

According to the Vietnam Association for the Conservation of Nature and Environment, the number of storks has decreased sharply over the past few years, putting them on the verge of extinction.

The heavy, gentle storks are an easy target as they seek food in the rice fields, it said.

Song Tu Tay clinic becomes operational

A new clinic was inaugurated in Song Tu Tay island commune in Truong Sa district, the central province of Khanh Hoa on May 14.

The 1,000-square metre clinic was built at a total cost of over US$894,600 aised by the the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) from trade union members nationwide.

It includes four rooms with eight beds and nine functional rooms such as emergency, X-ray scanning, ultra-sound scanning and surgery rooms.

On the occasion, the VGCL presented one ultra-sound scanner, water purifiers, water pumping machines, televisions and refrigerators and other equipment to the clinic.

According to VGCL Vice President Tran Van Ly, the clinic will ensure health care for naval soldiers as well as give prompt treatment to fishermen meeting accidents while fishing in Truong Sa waters.

Along with medical staff, health care equipment and medicines have been offered to the Song Tu Tay island clinic in the past few years.

It has provided medical check-ups and treatment for thousands of naval soldiers and fishermen every year.-

Child-molestation pretrial in US postponed as Vietnamese defendant changes lawyer

A pretrial hearing into the alleged child molestation of Vietnamese comedian Minh Beo was postponed for two weeks from May 13, as the defendant changed his lawyer in the last minute.

Lawer Do Phu and his client, whose real name is Hong Quang Minh, were present at the Superior Court of California, West Justice Center, in Westminster on May 13 (US time) as scheduled, before the attorney filed Minh Beo’s request to change lawyer to the judge.

Judge Derek J. Johnson accepted the request, allowing Mia Yamamoto to replace Do Phu in defending the 38-year-old Vietnamese, who was arrested on March 24 in the US on three felony counts, including oral copulation of a minor.

Yamamoto then sought to adjourn the pretrial hearing to May 27 to give her more time to collect evidence, to which the judge agreed.

Minh Beo pled not guilty at an April 15 arraignment and is slated to stand his preliminary hearing on June 10. The postponed pretrial does not affect the schedule of the preliminary hearing.

Vietnamese – American lawyer Do Phu told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after the court process that he is not disappointed to be replaced by another attorney, which is “not uncommon in more than 20 years of my career.”

He however was surprised as Minh Beo had never told him of such a decision, even though the lawyer had seen him in his jail cell as many as six times, with the latest visit on May 9.

“He never told me he would find a lawyer to replace me,” Do Phu said.

“I can confirm that during the course of our contract I had no money or other conflicts with Minh Beo or his family.”

However Do Phu said he would cooperate with Mia Yamamoto, showing her what he believes is vague evidence prosecutors used against the defendant.

“I will tell her all of my plans in defending Minh Beo, especially the unaccented text messages he exchanged with the undercover police,” he said.

Do Phu said he believes Mia Yamamoto is able to bring the best possible result for Minh Beo.

OVs join friendly table tennis tournament in Berlin

On May 14, nearly 130 Vietnamese players from seven European nations met in Berlin, Germany to participate in a friendly table tennis tournament of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in Europe.

In his speech, Vietnam Ambassador to Germany Doan Xuan Hung glowingly spoke of the sports movements of OVs in European nations while hoping that these movements will be further developed in the time ahead.

On the occasion, the participants enjoyed a culinary festival and special art performances by the overseas Vietnamese singers and players.

Scottish judo star in fatal condition after Vietnam motorbike accident

A Scottish Commonwealth Games judo star has been admitted to a hospital in Hanoi with severe brain injuries after a motorcycle accident in Vietnam earlier this week.

Stephanie Inglis, 27, a silver medalist at the 2014 Glasgow Games, was carried by a motorbike taxi driver to a school in the northern city of Ha Long, where she taught English, when the accident happened on May 11.

Her skirt got caught in a wheel, pulling her off the bike and eventually leaving her in a comma due to serious head injuries, according to a police report.

She was transferred to a hospital in Hanoi for intensive treatment, but doctors warned that she was in critical condition as she had sustained severe brain injuries.

Stephanie’s parents are also preparing to travel to Vietnam to take care of her, according to a source close to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

According to BBC, a campaign has been launched to raise fund to help the victim with medical costs, as her travel insurer refused to cover the accident.

Besides the silver earned for Team Scotland in the women's 57kg event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Stephanie also won medals at tournaments all over the world.

The athlete has traveled to Vietnam to work as an English teacher for poor children in a charity program.

French winemaker to host champagne dinner in Đà Nẵng

Antoine Roland-Billecart, a sixth-generation descendent of the 197-year old Champagne House, will come to Đà Nẵng for an exclusive champagne dinner at La Maison 1888 inside the InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort on May 20.

It will be the first time that Roland-Billecart, the proprietor and winemaker of famed champagne Billecart-Salmon, visits Việt Nam and the central coastal city.

Established in 1818 by Nicolas François in Mareuil-sur-Ay, Billecart-Salmon is known in France and around the globe for producing the most elegant champagnes.

Diners will have chance to taste the world-renowned champagne and celebrate its history of success in champagne production with Roland-Billecart.  

Three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire and local chefs will prepare an extravagant menu with five French dishes at the restaurant, located just 600m above sea level, starting at 6.30pm.

La Maison 1888 was recognised as one of the world’s 10 best new restaurants by CNN, and one of the 101 best restaurants in Asia by the Daily Meal, a US food website.

Farmers ease shortage of vocational teachers

An increasing number of farmers have been trained to teach agricultural techniques to their peers, alleviating a lack of teachers in the field.

The teaching method has proven effective, as students can easily relate to their teachers, said Nguyen Hong Ly, Vice President of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association who introduced the model in Hanoi on May 12.

The teachers are normally excellent farmers who run a successful business and have a good reputation in their communities. They understand local customs and language, and can visit learners’ home to help them with their rich practical experience.

However, many of these teachers have no qualifications or presentation skills. Therefore, they have faced difficulties in gaining trust when teaching outside their localities.

Most of their classes suffer a lack of teaching materials, Ly said.

Short-term measures to address the issue include increasing State financial assistance for additional training courses for farmers-turned teachers and workshops.

The growth of the teaching model is important, as Vietnam aims to train 5.5 million rural labourers in the next five years.

Agricultures has transformed Vietnam from a food-hungry country into one of the world’s largest exporters of rice, rubber, cashew nuts and fisheries products.-

Farmers play central role in new-style rural development

Hanoi should promote the role of farmers in developing modern rural areas from infrastructure and production to healthcare, education and culture.

Secretary of the municipal Party’s Committee Hoang Trung Hai made the comments at a conference in Hanoi on May 12 to review the national target programme on building new-style rural areas between 2016 and 2020.

He urged the capital to mobilise budgetary resources and encourage organisations, businesses and individuals to speed up building infrastructure in rural areas, especially in the fields of environment, wastewater treatment, and clean water supply.

He called for restructuring agriculture and boosting the use of high technology to develop production value chains.

The official suggested increasing the criteria for sustainable rural development, while preserving and promoting unique culture and customs.

Participants highlighted effective rural development models and pointed out some shortcomings in the field such as backward agricultural production, low and unstable incomes and uneven numbers of new-style rural communes among districts.

All communes across the city have completed new rural construction plans, with 201 out of the total 386 fulfilling all of the programme’s criteria.

Dan Phuong district, in particular, was recognised as the first new-style rural district while Thanh Tri, Dong Anh and Hoang Duc districts are submitting appeals to the Prime Minister to gain the status.

Hanoi has completed and surpassed targets on improving farmers’ living standards with the rate of poor households cut down to 1.9 percent. All farmers now have access to clean water.

The capital is aiming to turn more than 80 percent of communes and 10 districts and towns into new-style rural areas by 2020.

On the occasion, authorities granted the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit to 20 units and individuals for their outstanding performance in the field.

Organic farming needs support policy to grow

Organic farming in Vietnam lacks certification and support policies from the State, a representative from the Cultivation Department said at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 12.

As heard at the seminar, organic farming is important for Vietnam amid concerns over food safety. However, the business is small scale and underdeveloped.

A domestic agency to accredit organic products has yet to be established, meaning organic exports have to seek accreditation from foreign organisations such as the Control Union, the Institute for Marketecology and the Japanese Agricultural Standard.

The Government issued Decision 01/2012/QD-TTg on support policies targeting good agro-forestry-fishery practices, including organic farming, but the assistance has mostly gone to farming based on good agricultural practices.

Vo Minh Khai, head of Vien Phu Organic & Healthy Food JSC, said the lack of transparent policies and regulations on organic farming is the main obstacle for the sector.

Regulations on clean production and good certification are not specific, he said.

Tran Thanh Nam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said organic production is a practical demand of agribusiness in Vietnam, whose geographic and social features are suitable to organically produce rice, tea, vegetables and fruit.

The MARD will work to promote Vietnamese organic goods domestically and internationally, Nam said, adding that his agency and the Ministry of Science and Technology will study the difficulties organic firms face.

Support policies will be proposed to develop of the sector, he said.-

VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/TT/TN/Dantri