Cause of helicopter crash not identified

The cause of the helicopter crash that killed three military officers on Tuesday has not been established, a colonel said.

Colonel Nguy?n Hoàng T?n, political head of the Military Command of northern Bà R?a- Vung Tàu Province announced the information at a press briefing this morning.

Even though some sources blamed the crash on bad weather and air turbulance, this information was “unreliable because an investigation is still in progress,” he said.

A helicopter with three people on board -- one pilot teacher and two pilot trainees -- crashed in the region of the Dinh mountain range while on a routine flying exercise on Tuesday.

The province’s Military Command mobilised forces and some 400 people to search for the helicopter. It was found a day later in Yên Ng?a Pass on Bao Quan Mountain, which is part of the Dinh range in Tân Thành District.

VN writers impress French contest

Vuong B?ch Liên won the first prize in the journalism writing contest Young Francophones Reporters –Vi?t Nam 2016, which was organised for the first time by Le Courrier du Vietnam (CVN), a weekly French language newspaper under Vietnam News Agency.

Liên won the prize with two French language reportages. The first features the daily life of Mông ethnic group in Mèo V?c in northern mountainous Hà Giang province; and the second portrays her meetings with members of different ethnic groups in Tr?m T?u District of Yên Bái Province whose generosity highly impressed her.

She said she was touched by the courage, innocence and optimism of the people she met in Mèo V?c and Tr?m T?u, despite their life hardships.

Her two reportages were highly appreciated by the jury for the originality of the subjects, beautiful writing style in fluent French, and illustrative photos.

Liên, who is currently a reporter at the Vi?t Nam News, started learning French at the age of 12 and has fallen in love with the language that she finds “very beautiful”.

“This contest has an important significance because it allows young Francophone people like me to show our love of the French language and of our country Vi?t Nam,” she said.

“I believe that this contest will encourage more and more young people in Vi?t Nam to learn French and that Vi?t Nam will further strengthen its active role in the Francophonie in the near future.”

Previously, in 2003, she also had won first prize at the song lyrics writing contest entitled UTOPIA for young Francophone in Vi?t Nam, which was organised for the first time outside Europe.  

The second prize of Young Francophones Reporters –Vi?t Nam 2016 went to Nguy?n Th?y Tiên from Hà N?i, with the entry entitled Vendeur De Rue (Street Vendor), and the third prize was presented to Nguy?n Th? Thùy Linh from the northern province of Qu?ng Ninh with the story Le Sourire de L’ancinne Maison (The Smile of the Ancient House).

This competition, with the theme “The power of words” aims to encourage young Francophone living in Vi?t Nam aged from 18 to 35 years old to write articles about Vi?t Nam in French language, while showing the vitality of French language, through their talents of writing and illustration.

It provides an opportunity for Vietnamese and foreign participants to express their feelings, emotions and points of view about the country, while highlighting the richness and diversity of the French language.

Launched from May 10 to August 31, the organisation board received 57 entries across the country, from Hà N?i to southern provinces like C?n Tho, and even one entry by a border guard from the central province of Ngh? An, who won prize of impression.

“The competition has fulfilled its initial goals, which are to promote the image of the only French-language newspaper in Vi?t Nam, to create a playground of creativity for young Francophones in Vi?t Nam, to offer chances for contestants to familiarise themselves with journalism as well as to introduce Vi?t Nam’s culture and people to the community of 80 Francophonie countries”, said Nguy?n Thu Hà, the editor-in-chief of CVN.

The competition is supported by the Asia Pacific Regional Office (BRAP) of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), the Group of Francophone embassies and international delegations to Vi?t Nam (GADIF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and others.

The jury of the contest was composed of journalists, French language teachers, writers, representatives of OIF and of different Francophone embassies. 

Running event raises funds for central provinces

The British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) will hold the second Fun Run for Charity at the Ecopark urban area in the northern province of Hung Yen on November 6 to raise money for flood victims in Vietnam’s central provinces. 

This will be the biggest charity event held by the BBGV. 

Christopher Jeffery, Vice-Chair of BBGV and Dean of British University Vietnam said that as central provinces have suffered heavily because of recent flooding, this time BBGV will donate all the proceeds collected in the event to people in the region. 

Fun Run for Charity was first held in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000. In the past 16 years, the event drew the participation of over 85,000 people and raised about 9 billion VND (403,200 USD), which was used to support wildlife conservation, health, education and welfare improvement. 

In 2015, the event attracted more than 2,000 participants.

Japan provides grants for transport, health projects in Vietnam

The Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City signed an agreement on October 21 on providing non-refundable aid worth 405,556 USD for five projects in southern Vietnam. 

The agreement is part of the the Japanese Government’s non-refund able aid programme for Vietnamese localities. 

The provinces benefiting from the newly-signed agreement were Ca Mau, Long An,Binh Phuoc, Hau Giang and Dong Thap province. 

Accordingly, four bridges will be built in Ca Mau province and three others in Long An province, to facilitate transport, education and socio-economic development of local communities. 

Meanwhile, Binh Phuoc’s provincial general hospital will be provided with ophthalmic equipment to perform cataract operations. HauGiang and Dong Thap province will also receive medical equipment to improve medical services of the localities. 

Addressing the signing ceremony, Japanese Consul General in HCM City Nakajima Satoshi said the Japanese Government will continue to support infrastructure development in Vietnam, contributing to deepening the Japan-Vietnam friendship. 

From 1995 to late 2015, the local-level non-refundable aid programme of the Japanese Government supported 164 projects in 26 southern provinces and cities through grants worth over 13.1 million USD. Main fields of support are education, health, agriculture and rural infrastructure.

Headquarters of national mine action centre unveiled in Hanoi

The headquarters of the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC) was inaugurated in Thach That district of Hanoi on October 20. 

Covering 52,400 square metres in Thach Hoa commune, the headquarters was built at a cost of more than 415 billion VND (18.6 million USD). It includes many facilities such as a commanding office, an exhibition hall of post-war bomb and mine consequences, and accommodation for specialists. 

In March 2014, the Prime Minister decided to set up the VNMAC amid the urgent demand for addressing unexploded ordnance (UXO) impacts, according to Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich, who is also the standing deputy head of the State Steering Committee for the national action programme on settling post-war bomb and mine consequences (Programme 504). 

The centre has worked closely with relevant ministries and localities, domestic and international organisations, and foreign embassies to perform its tasks. It has also coordinated with other agencies in designing and proposing UXO impact settlement policies and plans, he said at the inaugural ceremony. 

He asked the VNMAC to boost international cooperation to call for foreign support, aside from domestic resources, for Programme 504. It should also build a training programme on UXO detection and clearance while stepping up education about UXOs, especially for children in contaminated areas, so as to help Vietnam be free of UXOs and related accidents in the near future. 

According to the State Steering Committee for Programme 504, about 800,000 tonnes of UXOs are scattered across 6.6 million hectares or 20.12 percent of Vietnam’s land, mainly in the central region. 

The US army used more than 15 million tonnes of bombs and mines during the war in Vietnam, four times the amount used in World War II. As a result, Vietnam has been listed among the countries most contaminated with UXOs.

French chef debuts molecular gastronomy

Molecular gastronomy is a new conception for most of Vietnamese people. French chef Raphael Szurek of Hà N?i’s fine-dining establishment French Grill, has organised a workshop on the theme for a group of local food bloggers and reporters.

During the workshop, chef Szurek, who used to work at two famous three-starred Michelin restaurant in Paris--Le Cinq in the Four Seasons Hotel George V and Le Grand Vefour--gave not only an explaination but also a vivid demonstration. 

Molecular gastronomy is an approach to cooking that applies scientific methods to create unexpected looks and flavors. However, in chef Szurek’s words, the definition seem much more simple.

He said the cuisine is the art and science of selecting, preparing, serving and enjoying food.

“It requires special skills, special equipment, special ingredients, and a lot of practicing – all together bring necessary components for creativeness. In addition, every single step of the whole cooking process also requires extreme accuracy, from quantity to timing,” said the chef.

That’s why, together with guest mixologist Richard McDonough from the UK, Szurek created a special menu for the on-going Molecular Night 2.0, which is taking place at the JW Marriot Hotel Hanoi all this week. This is the second time the French chef introducing the art and science to the local foodies, following the successful debut event last year.

Attending the special gastronomy event, connoisseurs will be welcome by a canapé called “Tofu”. Made with main ingredient mozzarella, the bite-sized cheese balls were cooked in a special broth which creates a jelly coat outside the balls. The appertiser goes along with Hanoi’s Finest cocktail – a mixture of Hennesy VSOP, tonic and peppermint.

The connoisseurs’ taste buds then will be treated with “Wind”, which features caviar, crème fraiche and sea urchin, Specially, the portions have been presented as clouds moving on the table [by using a magnet equipment].

The following dish in the menu is “Earth” – made from foie gras aero and placed on a pillow filled up with porcini scent. The foodies will wallow in a space of porcini aroma when the dish is on the table and waiter use a sharp tool to pierce the pillow to release the scent.

Other molecular creations of chef Szurek include “Water” – a dish of abalone, cucumber and herbs; and “Fire” – charcoaled Japanese Wagyu BBQ.

While “Water” offers the sea visual with a small stable of Himalayan salt put on the plate, the “Fire” recalls dinners about the volcano and fire by the black colour of sidedish ingredients and the orange-colour sauce.

The dinner will be completed with the chocolate dessert called “Space”.

The Molecular Night 2.0 is taking place at the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi until Sunday.

Vietnamese Consulate General receives Laos’ Friendship Medal

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang province, Laos was awarded with the Friendship Medal of the Lao Government for its contribution to fostering bilateral relations.

On behalf of the Lao Prime Minister, Khamkhan Chanthavisuk, Governor of Luang Prabang province, presented the honour to Vietnamese Consul General Tran Van Tuan at a ceremony in the locality on October 19.

Chanthavisuk highlighted the contributions made by the Consulate General, especially Consul General Tran Van Tuan, to promoting the friendship between Vietnamese localities and their Lao counterparts.

The Vietnamese diplomatic agency and authorities of Lao localities have coordinated in boosting trade and investment links, training, constructing infrastructure, and facilitated the travel of citizens Vietnam, Laos and other countries.

On the occasion, 11 staff members of the Consulate General were also presented with the Friendship Medal.

Workshop promotes modern tourism

A workshop was held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20 to promote modern tourism to fully tap Vietnam’s tourism potential.

Director of the Saigon Culture Art and Tourism College Vu Khac Chuong said tourism development is yet to match potential due to lack of investment, poor infrastructure and service quality.

Participants shared the view that Vietnam has great tourism potential with a 3,000 km-long coastline, 125 beaches, 40,000 relic sites and landscapes, including world-class ones.

Therefore, the country can promote numerous types of modern tourism, such gastronomy tour, field trips to countryside, sea and island tourism, and spiritual tourism.

They also underlined the need to develop high-quality human resources to meet requirements of these new modern tourism models.

Nguyen Van Luu, member of the Tourism Advisory Board, said it’s necessary to make an overall survey of tourism workers in all provinces in the country, thus taking specific plans to improve their capability.

Tran Thi Mai from the Ho Chi Minh City Open University also said that human resources development is vital for the sustainable and responsible modern tourism development.

Meeting seeks to address bomb/mine aftermath in Vietnam

Vietnam’s development partners gathered at a meeting in Hanoi on October 20 to discuss measures to address the consequences of bombs and mines left over from war in the country.

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh said though war ended in Vietnam for many decades ago, the unexploded bombs, mines and explosives have killed over 50,000 people and injured more than 60,000 others.

Bombs and mines not only pose risks to local life but also hinder the country’s socio-economic development and cause environmental pollution, he said, noting that around 6.1 million hectares of land (equal to 18.82 percent of the country’s total area) are contaminated with unexploded ordnances.

Addressing the aftermath of bombs and mines is the major policy of the Party, State and Government, he said, adding that the country spends big annually on this activity as well as supports victims in integrating into the community.

Vietnam has also received active support and cooperation from the international community in the field, which has become an important content in the collaboration between Vietnam and foreign partners, he noted.

Participants suggested calling for funds from both domestic and international organisations and individuals to implement the national programme on settling post-war bomb and mine consequences (Programme 504) while completing an information management system and a database on bomb and mine victims nationwide.

The State Steering Committee for Programme 504 announced a map of areas suspected of bomb and mine contamination and launched a group of partners to address post-war bomb and mine consequences.

People nationwide continue assisting central provinces

Individuals and organisations nationwide across the country continue sending cash and kind to support locals in the central region in overcoming the consequences of recent floods. 

As of October 20, the Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee received nearly 2 billion VND (90,000 USD) after three days of launching the support campaign. 

The proceedings were donated by the staff of the 14 th NA Standing Committee, (50 million VND), the Ministry of Transport (500 million VND), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (200 million VND), the Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Company (500 million VND), the VFF-Bac Giang chapter (400 million VND), the Vietnam National Chemicals Group (200 million VND), among others. 

Domestic donors could send financial donations to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee at bank account 371301058784 (VND) provided by the State Treasury, swift code QHNS: 1058784; or at 0011001932418 provided by the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank). 

Those abroad could send to Vietcombank accounts 0011371931538 with swift code “BFTVVNVX”. 

Phi lanthropists can also donate cash to the VFF Office at room No. 109, block B, No. 46 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. 

Relief goods could be sent to chapters of the VFF and the Vietnam Red Cross Society at all levels to be transferred to affected areas. 

The campaign runs until the end of November 30, 2016. 

The VRS Central Committee also coordinated with the National Humanitarian Portal 1400 to launch a SMS campaign which is underway from mid-night of October 18 to mid-night of December 16, through which people nationwide could text “UH” and send to 1404, each worth 18,000 VND (0,81 USD). All proceeds will be sent to the victims.

Prolonged rains and floods hit the northern central region hard, claiming 25 lives, injuring 18 others, and causing huge economic damage.

Vietnamese, Lao women enhance cooperation

The women’s unions of Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union and the Lao capital city of Vientiane signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the 2016-21 period in HCM City on October 20.

Under MoU, the two sides will exchange delegations to share experience in their movement activities, facilitate the two countries’ businesswomen and intellectual women to meet and exchange experience in start-up, production and business as well as boost cooperation and cultural exchange.

They will coordinate to organise Vietnam-Laos culture exchange programmes in HCM City.

In the coming time, the HCM City women’s union will present 500 gift packs to member and women from difficult backgrounds in nine districts of Vientiane capital and donate 200,000 VND (9,000 USD) to the Vientiane women’s union to support scholarship and vocation training programmes for its needy members and students.

To Thi Bich Chau, Chairwoman of the HCM City women’s union, briefed her association’s operations in recent times while emphasising close cooperation with the Vientiane women’s union.

Khamphay Latsamy, Chairwoman of the Vientiane women’s union, said the signed cooperation programmes between the two sides will contribute to boosting and diversifying their operations and movements, thus tightening traditional friendship and special solidarity between women and people of the two countries and two cities in particular.

Quang Ngai improves education for ethnic students

The central province of Quang Ngai plans to build 20 new boarding schools for ethnic students by 2020. 

The move will raise the total number of local boarding schools to 39. 

There are more than 45,000 students across mountainous districts in the province, 2,000 of whom are studying at seven boarding schools. 

Expanding the boarding school network is expected to facilitate ethnic students’ access to receiving education. 

The locality will also provide financial aid for tuition fees and accommodation, school supplies and 15kg of rice per month for ethnic students. 

Vietnamese and ethnic languages will be taught at the schools, among other activities to improve learning and teaching quality. 

In the 2015-2016 school year, investment for education in the province reached nearly 12.5 billion VND (562,500 USD), almost double that of the previous school year, at 7.5 billion VND (337,500 USD).

Binh Tien Bridge and Road project launched in HCM City

The Binh Tien Bridge and Road project will be built by four contractors with total investment of 3.508 trillion VND (157 million USD) to relieve traffic congestion, the city’s Transport Department has said. 

The transport project links District 6’s Pham Van Chi Street and East-West Avenue; District 8’s Tau Hu and Doi canals; and Binh Chanh District’s guyen Van Linh Street. 

Expected to be completed by 2020, the project will be divided into two sections. 

The first section from District 6’s Pham Van Chi Street to District 8’s Ta Quang Buu Street will be managed by DMK Company and 319 Corporation. 

A bridge will be built over Tau Hu and Doi canals, with total investment of 2.605 trillion VND (117 million USD). 

Since the section will be implemented under a Build-Transfer (BT) model, the two contractors will receive plots of land equal to 40 percent of the investment capital, while the remaining 60 percent will come from the state budget. 

The two contractors will also be able to use several land plots in District 8’s ward 6, 14 and 15. 

The second section of the project, from District 8’s Ta Quang Buu Street to Binh Chanh District’s Nguyen Van Linh Street, will be handled by the Licogi 16 Joint-Stock Company and BCCI Company, with total investment of 903.6 billion VND (40 million USD). 

The two contractors will be given land along Binh Tien Bridge and Road and other land plots in return. 

Though Binh Tien Bridge and Road project was approved by the government in 2010, it has yet to start because city authorities have faced challenges arranging the land for contractors. 

Binh Tien Bridge, including roads leading to the bridge, will be 3,200 metres long and 30-40 metres wide. It will have four main lanes. 

To reach southern metropolitan areas, drivers have had to rely on Nguyen Tri Phuong Street and National Highway 50; and Y, Cha Va, and Nhi Thien Duong bridges. 

However, due to rapid urbanisation and traffic congestion, more problems have occurred at these hotspots in recent years.

More aid for flood victims in central region

Various organisations are helping victims of recent flooding in the central region.

Vietnam News Agency (VNA) held a ceremony on October 19 to launch a fundraising drive for people affected by floods in the central region. 

VNA Deputy Director General Nguyen Hoai Duong called on all VNA staff to donate at least one-day’s salary to support the victims. 

The National Assembly Office and the Ministry of Education and Training also launched separate campaigns for the same purpose. 

The same day, the Ministry of National Defence raised a total of three billion VND (135,000 USD) to support the victims. 

Prolonged rains and floods in recent days have hit the northern central region hard. 

Heavy rains and floods in the central region, including the provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue, have claimed 25 lives and injured 18 others. Four others have been reported missing, according to reports from the National Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control.

Italy helps Vietnam enhance flood warning capability

The Government of Italy has agreed to provide preferential loans for Vietnam to enhance its flood warning capability and wastewater treatment. 

The loan agreement, worth a total of 13.7 million EUR, was signed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong and Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Cecilia Piccioni in Hanoi on October 19. 

9.7 million USD will be used for the first phase of the project to upgrade the wastewater collection and treatment network in the southern province of Tay Ninh.

The remaining four million EUR will be used for the second phase of the project on enhancing the capability of the central region in flood warning and adapting to climate change.

Int’l conference on social sciences in Laos

The fifth edition of an international seminar discussing the development of human resources in social sciences in the context of global integration in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia took place in the Lao capital Vientiane on October 19. 

Attendees agreed that the sector should assess the impacts of global and regional integration on social development in each country, make forecasts for the next decade and devise methods to contribute to social development in each country, the region and world. 

In the future, the three countries should renew management of social science workforce development, actualise the strategy on education development with a focus on social sciences, pool all possible resources for the effort between now and 2020 and expand international cooperation in the field. 

On collaboration mechanisms, participants suggested the academies of social sciences of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia focus on issues impacting the lives of people living in areas bordering the three countries, hold more scientific seminars, offer post-tertiary training and short-term courses and conduct youth exchanges. 

Nguyen Quang Thuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), said the seminar underscores the importance of scientific cooperation in strengthening mutual understanding among the three countries amid globalisation. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of the Lao National Academy of Social Sciences (NASS) Professor Soukkongseng Saingaleuth lauded the ideas and reports presented at the event, adding that a major topic for the next seminar slated for Cambodia in 2017 will be historical and cultural ties in the three countries’ border areas. 

The annual seminar is alternately held by the VASS, the NASS and the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

Central Highlands upgrade irrigation network

Provinces in the Central Highlands are investing dozens of billion VND to upgrade irrigation works to ensure water supply for winter–spring crops. 

Dak Lak Province has more than 770 irrigation works, the most among Central Highlands provinces, but 80 of which have been damaged to different levels. The province has conducted reparation on several big- and medium-sized irrigation systems, such as Buon Yoong, Krong Buk, upper Ea Sup, and lower Ea Sup reservoirs. 

Dak Nong Province has also invested in upgrading more than 50 irrigation works, including the Thuan An and Dak Sak reservoirs to ensure water for coffee farms in Dak Min district. 

Similar efforts are underway in Kon Tum Province. 

Currently, the region has 2,352 irrigation works of all sizes, serving 215,765 hectares of winter – spring crops, mostly wet rice, and 21 percent of the local coffee cultivation area. 

The Tay Nguyen Central Highlands comprises five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Lam Dong. 

Situated at an average altitude of 500m, the region’s soil is mostly basaltic, suitable for planting coffee trees, rubber , pepper and other industrial crops, with coffee the most important product.

Photo exhibition reflects modern Hanoi

Contemporary life in Hanoi is reflected through photos displayed at an on-going exhibition in the capital. 

The 125 photos showcased were chosen with a photo contest launched by the Hanoi Photographic Artists’ Association in June. The association received more than 1,500 entries from about 200 photographers. 

No photo met the criteria for top prize. Three first runner-ups included Nguyen Hoang Hien (The Development of Western Hanoi), Bui Phuong Thao Nguyen (City of Peace) and Tran Anh Tuan (Hanoians Welcome Hoang Xuan Vinh). 

Chairman of the association Dang Dinh An, said the contest and exhibition celebrate the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10) and reflect modern life in the city, the relationship between tradition and modernity, construction, people’s activities and the city’s development. 

“The photographers captured remarkable moments such as Olympic winner Hoang Xuan Vinh coming back from Rio De Janeiro, the development of western Hanoi, and a ceremony respecting peace of Hanoi – City of Peace.” 

The exhibition runs at Exhibition House, 45 Trang Tien Street.

Vietnamese lacquer paintings present at Malaysia Art Expo

Contemporary Vietnamese painters have sent their lacquer works to the Malaysia Art Expo 2016, which opened in Kuala Lumpur on October 20.

Vu Tuan Anh, Director of Viet Art Space, which represents Vietnam at the event, said this is the first time Vietnamese painters have attended the Malaysia Art Expo. 

Works of such contemporary lacquer artists as Tran Phi Truong, Ngo Hai Yen, Hien Nguyen, Nguyen Duc Viet and Vu Tuan Dung are on display, which drew the attention of visitors. 

According to Anh, Vietnamese lacquer paintings have been researched and collected for years, however, they have yet to be well known. Therefore, participating painters hope to introduce the traditional lacquer arts to international audience through the event. 

The four-day event draws the participation of artists and works from 30 countries and territories, with hundreds of visitors flocking in on the opening day.

National ophthalmological conference held in Can Tho

The 2016 national ophthalmological conference took place in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on October 20, attracting more than 1,400 domestic and foreign delegates. 

More than 200 scientific papers have been submitted to the conference this year. 

The conference is held every year to evaluate the prevention of blindness in the country and serve as a forum for experts in the field to share the outcomes of latest research. 

According to Director of the Central Eye Hospital Nguyen Xuan Hiep, short-term training courses will be organized within the event’s framework, providing a chance for local eye doctors to share treatment experience with leading international ophthalmologists. 

The doctor noted that the number of blind people over 50 years old in Vietnam continues to drop strongly, from 443,700 in 2000 to 329,300 in 2015. If including those under 50, the total number of blind people is around 378,700. 

According to him, the main cause of blindness is cataract (74 percent of the cases). 

Statistics of the Vietnam Ophthalmologists Association show there are nearly 2,000 eye doctors working in both public and private hospitals. While the number is sufficient to meet treatment demand, most of the doctors work in cities and delta areas, leaving remote regions lacking in eye experts. 

Delegates at the conference shared the opinion that more eye doctors should be trained for disadvantaged areas and efforts to improve access to eye care should be included in health care development plans, in order to achieve the target of reducing the rate of blindness among under-50 people to 1.6 percent by 2020.

US aids central Vietnam in protecting forests

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will granted around 24 million USD to a forest conservation project in the central provinces of Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue for 2016 – 2020. 

The fund was announced by Gloria Steele, USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia at her working session with authorities of Quang Nam on October 20. 

Steel said the project was designed to improve local incomes via boosting investment in smart agriculture as well as forest and bio-diversity conservation. 

The project, with the participation of the two authorities, will encourage residents to take part in small-scale and sustainable farming. 

To support Vietnam in becoming a low-carbon economy, the USAID is committed to backing the country in climate change adaptation and green energy development.

Emergency Operations Centre launched in Hanoi

The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology on October 20 launched the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) office, aiming to collect information of epidemics in 28 northern provinces to build a national database and give warning of unusual epidemic signs. 

The centre, which is connected with the international EOC, is built with the support of the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with an objective to improve the capacity of detecting and coping with global health risks. 

The support is part of the CDC’s Global Health Security Agenda starting from July 2014, which has covered 50 countries across the world. Along with assistance in technology and finance, the CDC also helped the centre in personnel training. 

According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam is located in a hot spot of communicable diseases and is affected by speedy population increase and urbanisation, migration and climate change. This has led to more occurrences and transmissions of diseases, especially newly-emerging dangerous ones, he added. 

The official stressed that the operation of the centre at the institute is among specific activities to be taken by Vietnam in implementing its commitments to the Global Health Security Agenda. 

It is the second milestone in the process of building a national EOC in Vietnam, which is expected to collect and analyse data of epidemics from different sources and make plans to respond to urgent epidemic situation, said Long. 

He also expressed hope that with the assistance of the US Government, the CDC and international organisations, other EOCs will be set up in the Pasteur Institutes in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, the Central Highlands region and at localities, forming a complete network to actively deal with public health incidents.-

Former Uruguayan consul reappointed

Nguy?n Vi?t Loan Foster was recently appointed Honorary Consul of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay for the second time by Uruguayan President Tabaré Vazquez.

She will lead the Consulate of Uruguay in HCM City.

Loan Foster is an entrepreneur who came back to Vi?t Nam from Italy in 1990 and established the first business centre in Hà N?i.

She had served as a Honorary Consul in the Consulate of Uruguay in Hà N?i from September 2009 to November 2011.

During her tenure, she had not only helped reinforce bilateral trade and commerce but also facilitated the Embassy of Uruguay and the arrival of Ambassador Carlos Irigaray in November 2011.

Lý Qu?c Tu?n, director general of the Consular Department under the foreign affairs ministry, praised Foster for her contributions to bilateral relations in trade and commerce, tourism, sciences and technology between the two countries.

She established many businesses in the hospitality sector and recently opened a luxury Vi?t Nam tour operation aiming to attract high-end visitors to the country.

Farmers disagree with Chà Và fish death report

The reason for the huge number of fish deaths in Chà Và River, in Bà R?a-Vung Tàu Province’s Long Son Commune, was prolonged heavy rain, the provincial People’s Committee said.

Officials arrived at the conclusion at a meeting between the provincial People’s Committee, the natural resources and environment department, local authorities and affected households and made the announcement yesterday.

Heavy, continuous showers led to a sudden drop in the amount of saline and dissolved oxygen in the river water and killed fish, they said. Local agencies had collected water and fish samples to identify the cause.

Between October 10 and 15, 254 tonnes of farmed fish from 90 households in Long Son Commune died, causing an estimated loss of VNÐ29 billion (US$1.31 million). Most of the fish were pomfret and cobia, and all were almost large enough for sale.

Fish farmers have opposed the conclusion, saying that in all their years of fish breeding, it’s not as if this year received the highest amount of rainfall, for such a drastic effect.

Instead, farmers blamed the six seafood processors in neighbouring Tân H?i Commune for the fish deaths. These units have been discharging waste water and polluting the river for the past two years, they alleged.

On October 13, farmers laid out all the dead fish on Highway 51 in Vung Tàu City in protest and demanded compensation from these enterprises.

Fish farmers want a dyke built to separate the waste water and the local drainage system so that contaminated water does not flow into the river.

Tr?n Van Cu?ng, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the department has asked provincial authorities to make a list of affected households so that they can be offered supportive policies such as debt expansion and breeding baby fish.

The department has also asked the committee to urge agencies to complete the construction of a seafood processing area in Ð?t Ð? District quickly and move seafood processors out of residential areas. Work must be completed by the first quarter of next year, he said.

This is the sixth time since 2015 that fishermen in Long Son Commune have suffered losses from massive fish deaths. The most serious incident occurred in September 2015, when 33 households lost VNÐ18 billion ($900,000). Fish breeders sued the firms for compensation, but so far only two of the companies have given the farmers compensation.

Unexploded bomb found in Quang Tri

An unexploded bomb was discovered this morning in the area bordering Laos in central Qu?ng Tr? Province.

Local residents found the bomb near the edge of the Sê Bang Hiêng River in Hu?ng L?p Commune, Hu?ng Hóa District, after a downpour caused land erosion.

They informed the province-based mobile demining team of Peace Trees Vietnam, a humanitarian organisation working for the safe clearance of unexploded bombs and mines in the province.

The team later safely moved the bomb to another location where it would be destroyed by an explosion.

The bomb type is said to be MK 82-500LB. It is 2.17m long, weighs 227kg and has a diameter of 30cm.

It is believed to have been dropped by US forces during Vi?t Nam’s resistance war against the Americans. At that time, Sê Bang Hiêng was an important location lying on the 17th parallel -- the military demarcation line established by the Geneva Accord in 1954, which temporarily divided North and South Vi?t Nam.

The area suffered from heavy bombardment by US forces during the war to prevent support from the Northern military to forces at the Khe Sanh battleground in Hu?ng Hóa District.

Qu?ng Tr? Province is among the localities that suffered the most in the aftermath of the war, with more than 390,000ha of land, or 82 per cent of the province’s total area, getting contaminated with unexploded ordnance. According to the province’s Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, since the end of the war in 1975, bomb and mine accidents have killed and injured some 8,500 people, 31 per cent of whom were children. 

Cig smuggling needs snuffing out

The scale of tobacco smuggling has fallen but the situation remains complicated, especially in ‘smuggling hubs’ like the Southern cities and provinces of HCM City, Long An, Tây Ninh, An Giang, and the northern provinces of H?i Phòng, Qu?ng Ninh, Thái Bình, a conference on combating smuggling has heard.

Speaking at the conference held in HCM City on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hòa Bình asked local authorities of such provinces to intensify and mobilise all forces to crack down on cigarette smuggling.

Bình said that despite the efforts of central and local governments, the battle against smuggling, counterfeit goods and commercial fraud had not been satisfactory.

At the conference, a representative from the border guard said that new jobs for residents living near the border would help reduce smuggling. Many of the smugglers are manual labourers.

He said that international cooperation in fighting tobacco smuggling was needed since neighbouring countries encouraged the activity.

According to the National Steering Committee on Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods, authorities in six Southern provinces where tobacco smuggling is reported as serious have uncovered 15,363 cases, seizing more than 11 million boxes of cigarettes.

The local authorities prosecuted 373 criminal cases and 471 people who committed violations.

In Long An Province, between October 2014 and June 2016, more than 3,780 cigarette smuggling cases were uncovered with over four million boxes of cigarettes involved.

Some 56 criminal cases were prosecuted against 79 people who were charged with violations.

Local authorities collected more than VNÐ6 billion (US$272,000) in administrative fines.

During the same period, officials in Tây Ninh uncovered more than 1,500 cases involving 1.5 million cigarette packages involving 649 people.

Some 76 cases and 139 people were prosecuted in criminal courts.

In HCM City, officials investigated 3,577 cases in which 1,398 people took part in smuggling about 2.5 million cigarette packages.

A report at the conference revealed administrative penalties totalled VNÐ17 billion ($772,000) involving about 115 people prosecuted.

The situation remains serious despite action taken to prevent smuggling in Southern provinces, the smuggling hub of the country.

Smuggled cigarettes are not displayed in broad daylight as before, but clandestine trades still take place at some restaurants, hotels and bars.

The Ministry of Public Security notes that smuggled cigarettes account for 24-25 per cent of the domestic market, while the confiscated amount accounts only for 6-7 per cent.

Smuggling causes a range of issues from potential consumer health problems and failure of tax collection, to public disorder and the corruption of officials.

Many reasons were given for the currently complicated smuggling situation, the conference heard.

First, in domestic markets, the tax applied to cigarettes is exorbitant. Tax includes 65 per cent for special consumption tax, 10 per cent VAT, 135 per cent for corporate income tax, and a 1.5 per cent tobacco harm prevention fund tax. This, plus strict policies cause the price of cigarettes to be higher than in other countries.

Secondly, local authorities lack determination in directing the fight against smuggling. The communication between local authorities and enforcement agencies as well as the equipment and support supplied are insufficient. In some cases, officials turn a blind eye to or even collude with smugglers.

Thirdly, people’s livelihoods in remote areas are not stable; therefore, they are susceptible to persuasion from criminals into participating in illegal activities. The fines are low and not much deterrence; the main owners and ringleaders of the operation just pay up and continue smuggling.

Vi?t Nam is one of the first countries to participate in the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). No other members of FCTC allow the re-exporting of contraband cigarettes.

According to the Deputy Manager of the Government Office, Lê M?nh Hà, there needs to be a plan to control tobacco retailers. Raising awareness of the harm of cigarettes is also much needed, as when the demand decreases, the supply will decline.

“Leaders of provinces where smuggling persists and flourishes will be held accountable before the Government. A heavy-handed approach is needed in dealing with violators. Implementing ‘New rural’ programmes and offering vocational training to people in border areas to help them get secure livelihoods would also help,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Hip hop, jazz artists to perform at Piu Piu

Multi-faceted entertainer Ohene Cornelius and saxophone player Stanford Reid from New York will host a performance at Piu Piu on October 22. The two artists will play hip hop, soul and jazz.

There will be live performances by New York-based duo Adrienne Mack-David and feleciacruz, and resident DJ Skullz.

The show will begin at 10pm at 97 Hai Bà Trung Street in District 1.

Hard Rock Café to host spooky parties

Hard Rock Café Vietnam will host two Halloween parties on October 28 and 29.

Themed “Walking Dead Man,” the event on October 28 will feature dance performances by zombie dancers. Entrance is free.

The “Hell Festival” party on October 29 will include live music by Sweet Nightmare band from Indonesia. There will be prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are VNÐ150,000.

The venue is at 39 Lê Du?n Street in District 1.

Famed rock DJ party returns to City

Saigon Players, an English-language theatre group, will present its annual Halloween party at Saigon Outcast on October 28-29.

The party will feature an interactive screening of the most popular Halloween film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, released in 1975. It will also include shadow actors playing roles in the movie. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite character in the film.

All profits from the event will be donated to local charities.

The event will begin at 7pm at 188/1 Nguy?n Van Hu?ng Street in District 2.

Tickets are VNÐ250,000 with a bag of props. They can be bought at Saigon Outcast, La Habana in District 1, and Pitchers Sports and Grill in District 7.

Runaway bigwig will be hunted down: Vietnamese general

The fugitive, Trinh Xuan Thanh, has fled the country amid a probe into nearly US$150 million of losses at a state firm he chaired.

Vietnamese police have been asking their counterparts in the US, Canada and some European countries to help them hunt down a fugitive linked to massive losses of US$150 million at a unit of state oil and gas PetroVietnam.

Trinh Xuan Thanh, former chairman of PetroVietnam Construction JSC (PVC), will be caught, Lieutenant General Phan Van Vinh, the general director of the central Police Directorate, said on the sidelines of a workshop on international fugitives on October 19.

“We have received strong support from many countries," Vinh said. "They promised to join hands with Vietnam to hunt down Trinh Xuan Thanh.”

He said Vietnamese police will find a way to bring the suspect to justice, even if the country does not have an extradition treaty with Germany, where the 50-year-old man is believed to be hiding.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security last month issued an international arrest warrant for Thanh.

Thanh is accused of mismanagement and causing losses of around VND3.2 trillion (US$147 million) at PVC, a unit of the state-owned oil giant PetroVietnam, under his watch between 2011 and 2013. Four other executives from the company have been arrested.

Thanh sought overseas sick leave in mid-August and has never returned since, the police said. He was expelled from the Communist Party on September 8, a move that would pave the way for him to face criminal charges.

The now-infamous official first caught media attention in June for driving a US$230,000 Lexus with a government license plate in a country where the annual average income was around US$2,100.

The scandal caused uproar over the use of public money, prompting the Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong to order a probe into his political career and how he had been promoted.

Government inspectors found that Thanh and his team, starting in 2009, had launched many offshoot units and partnered with a number of companies, but few of the ventures proved effective. Most of their business projects during the period ended up being delayed or even canceled.

After his stint at PVC, Thanh continued to be kicked upstairs with an apparently successful political track record, holding various government positions before taking his latest post as vice chairman of the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang.

He was not nominated for re-election for the 2016-2020 tenure in June. Then in July, he was also stripped of his legislator-elect status.

At the workshop on Wednesday, Vietnamese police said the number of suspects fleeing the country surged to more than 1,100 as of September. The police have issued international warrants for 300 fugitives.

Most of the runaway suspects have fled to Cambodia, Laos, China and the US on fake identities.

Vietnam Embassies raise money for flood victims

The Vietnam Ambassadors in Malaysia and the Czech Republic have hosted awareness and fund raising events to help those affected by the recent tragic floods in the Central Region.

Ambassador to Malaysia Pham Cao Phong: When we in the Embassy heard the news about the terrible floods in Vietnam, we immediately began to think of what we could do as well as what we could say about the tragedy.

The idea of a fundraiser came up, said Ambassador Phong, noting that he thought it would be nice to involve the Overseas Vietnamese (OV) community in Kuala Lumpur. We are appreciative of the response received and offers of help.

So far we have collected US$652 (VND15 million) and we’ll continue to solicit funds through October 31, after which we’ll deliver the moneys collected directly to the people of the Central Region.

Ambassador Do Xuan Dong of the Czech Republic hosted a music gala and charitable auction in Prague that attracted roughly 200 members of the OV community from across the nation.

The approximately US$10,000 that was raised at the event will go to help the flood victims of the Central Region.

We are here to pay tribute to the victims of the flood, Ambassador Dong told the guests at the fundraiser. We are here to show, on a very personal level, how much the homeland means to us.

The Ambassador went on to thank those present for their emotional and financial support during the hard times following the tragic flooding which left so many dead and families without homes.

Those who lost their homes must be relocated and provided with accommodation, so they will still need a lot of assistance, he noted.

Hanoi New Music Ensemble opens 2nd season October 23

The Hanoi New Music Ensemble begins its second season on the evening of October 23 at L’espace, sponsored by l’Institut français du Vietnam with a blend of music from Paris, Hanoi and Los Angeles.

The concert opens with a triptych of works for solo flute, Debussy’s Syrinx, followed by a tombeau for the late Nguyen Thien Dao, a masterfully evocative work for flute and six gongs from the Vietnam War era, Tuyen Lua or Frontlines.

To complete the short triptych of pieces is Le merle noir by Olivier Messiaen, Ton That Tiet Thu Phuong and Pierre Boulez Derive 1. After the intermission, part two of the concert will continue with Didier Latroupe Stele, Ton That Tiet Voyage and Tran Kim Ng?c Ph?c Hon Kính Trang Cha.

To conclude, the concert offers Ky Uc or Memory by Vu Nhat Tan, which received its world premiere in, d’accord, Paris. A powerful percussion concertino with passages of dragon drumming exorcism and lush woven tapestries of marimba, vibraphone and piano, which piece should bring the house down.

The Hanoi New Music Ensemble was founded in 2015,  an initiative of composer Vu Nhat Tan, violinist Pham Truong Son, composer Tran Kim Ngoc and American conductor Jeff von der Schmidt.

Dragons need win for play-off berth

Danang Dragon have a last chance to enter the top four before the play-off.

They must beat Saigon Heat in the Vi?t Nam Basketball Association League’s last qualification match on Sunday.

In their most recent meet on October 5, the Dragons surprisingly defeated the Heat 75-73 on the former’s home court. However, this time it will be far more difficult as the bottom-placed Dragons have to play away from home against the top rivals, who are the first Vietnamese professional club and have been playing at the ASEAN Basketball League for several years.

Moreover, the Dragons’ performance has not been stable recently as they depend too much on Joly Rudolphe. And with Rudolphe being guarded closely, the Dragons are finding it hard to create opportunities for attack.

Meanwhile, other players, such as Stefan Nguyen, Ðàm Huy Ð?i, Horace Nguyen and Jimmy Kien, are not playing consistently and their scoring skills are limited.

On the other hand, the Heat are in a secure position, with top place and leading stars in the line-up. Vi?t Arnold is a genius with perfect three-point throws, while Tr?n Ðang Khoa and Miller Darrell have proven their talents at matches, having also been voted Most Valuable Player several times.

In another game, HCM City Wings, who share the first spot with the Heat, need a win over Hanoi Buffaloes as encouragement ahead of the tense play-off round.

The Wings have one win more than the Buffaloes, helping them move ahead of their rivals in the points table.

Their fourth clash this season will be a chance for the Buffaloes to equalise their result after losing twice and winning one against the Wings previously.

The huge number of home fans at the Hà N?i University of Science and Technology Gymnasium will be to the advantage of the Buffaloes. What they need to do is to limit the power of Jaywuan Hill, who is appreciated for his great ball managing skills and smart improvisation.

Further, eyes on Nguy?n Hu?nh H?i, Ngô Tu?n Trung, Lê Ng?c Tú and L?i Xuong Thanh are needed to make sure they have no room to work around.

People have complained about the Buffaloes playing a defensive game. Some said that with these tactics, coach Todd Purves may not be successful in the long term.

However currently at No. 3 position the Buffaloes are still one of the candidates who could win the trophy.

National record smashed at national swimming champs

A national record was smashed three times in the men’s 800m freestyle at the National Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Sports Palace in Hà N?i yesterday.

Tr?n Tân Tri?u of Long An won in a time of 8:11.64, beating the old record of 8:16.49.

Nguy?n Huy Hoàng of Qu?ng Bình came second with a time of 8:11.75, while Lâm Quang Nh?t of HCM City 8:12.44

After four days of competition, HCM City lead with 10 golds, seven silvers and four bronzes. An Giang rank second with six golds, four silvers and four bronzes. While Qu?ng Bình is third with six golds, two silvers and three bronzes.

Vi?t Nam needs to best Bahrain for World Cup ticket

Just one more win and Vi?t Nam will earn its berth at the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea next year.

Their task now is to beat Bahrain in the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation U19 Championship tomorrow.

The game , based on statistics alone, seems to be a match of teams on the same level.

In the history of the championship, Bahrain’s best result was a silver medal won in 1986. Earlier, in 1977, they ranked third.

Vi?t Nam has played several championships and this is the country’s first entry into the quarter-finals.

In the world ranking, Bahrain is No 123 while Vi?t Nam is ranked 136.

Bahrain struggled to top Group A with four points after one win, one draw and one loss. They advanced to the knock-out stage due to better difference in goals and their head-to-head with Saudi Arabia and South Korea, who also pocketed four points.

Vi?t Nam is second in Group B, with one win and two draws, being one of four teams that has conceded no losses during this event, although they were considered the weakest team in this group.

The hosts’ advantage is their home turf and local fans’ support, as well as their great physiques that helped them run the field for 90 minutes each match.

Bahrain, under coach Abdulaziz Abdo, played short balls and attacked from the center, with two-thirds of their seven goals scored during these attempts.

Vietnamese players must keep their eyes on trio Ali Alnaar, Mohamed Yusuf and Aziz Khalid, who played key roles in Bahrain’s playing style.

While their strikers are giving an impressive performance, their defenders did not seem to be pulling their weight, conceding six goals in three matches.

A win against Bahrain will send Vi?t Nam to the semi-finals as the tournament’s four strongest teams.

As the tournament acts as a qualification for the U20 World Cup 2017, these four teams will effectively secure their berths as the AFC representatives, besides South Korea, who qualified automatically as hosts.

The match between the two sides will be held at Bahrain National Stadium in Manama City at 11pm, Hà N?i time, on Sunday.

Vietnamese Don Quixote's in airport assault may face legal charges

The two unidentified Vietnamese men who jumped in to help a female aviation employee under assault by two passengers at the Hanoi airport on October 18 may face charges for disrupting public order, the Northern Airport Authority said.

While many Vietnamese men were busy celebrating women on National Women’s Day on October 20, the two mystery men who put an end to the two-on-one assault of a female airline employee at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on October 18 may be charged with disrupting public order.

Attackers Tran Duong Tung and Dao Vinh Thuan had just missed their flight to Ho Chi Minh City when they reportedly attacked Vietnam Airlines airport service deputy Nguyen Le Quynh Anh after catching her filming their verbal abuse of officers in the airport’s security scanning area.

Security footage showed an infuriated passenger thrusting one of the attackers to the ground while another passenger quickly came to his aid, followed by a four-way confrontation between the attackers and the intervening passengers.

The men, dubbed Vietnam’s Don Quixotes by local media in honor of Cervantes’ fictional chivalrous character, left the scene shortly after airport security responded to the scuffle. Authorities have yet to identify the pair.

“We have not been able to confirm their identity, though initial reports say they are Vietnam nationals. They are not acquaintances of [the assaulted airline employee], and likely only jumped in to her help during the assault,” Deputy Director of the Northern Airport Authority (NAA) Nguyen Huy Duong told the press on October 20.

According to NAA Director Tran Hoai Phuong, the authority is working to identify the mystery men to gain clarification on their actions that could “disrupt public order.”

“If everyone took it upon themselves to become involved in such a way, it could easily lead to a mass chaotic fistfights in such a sensitive place,” Phuong explained, adding that relevant authorities will look into the incident.

Though authorities are considering charges, public reaction has been in favor of the mysterious ‘airport heart-throbs’, who many say reacted appropriately to the violent assault when airport security had yet to respond at the scene.

Starting Friday, the attackers Thuan and Tung, the former being a traffic inspector at Hanoi Transport Department, will be barred from flying for six and 12 months, respectively, for their violation of airport regulations.

Half a ton of African ivory seized at Vietnam port

Ho Chi Minh City customs officials seize nearly US$1 million worth of ivory, the third major ivory seizure in Vietnam this month.

Customs officials at Cat Lai Port in Ho Chi Minh City seized around 500kg of ivory hidden in two timber containers imported from Africa on October 21.

The ivory found in the two containers, which are owned by the HCMC-based Dao Gia Company, is worth more than VND20 billion (US$881,700).

The elephant tusks were covered in glue and stuck to the center of timber blocks, which were then laid randomly with normal blocks in the containers.

Authorities decided to search the suspected containers by hand after scanners failed to detect the smuggled ivory.

A number of pangolin scales were also found in the two containers.

This latest case has raised the number of major ivory seizures in Vietnam to three in just a month.

On October 6, customs officials in Ho Chi Minh City also seized around two tons of ivory hidden in another timber shipment in two crates from Mozambique.

That seizure followed October 1's discovery of 300kg of elephant ivory at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, where officials found tusks from Nigeria falsely labeled as glass.

Vietnam outlawed the ivory trade in 1992, but shops still sell ivory dating from before the ban and weak law enforcement has allowed its illegal trade to persist.

Although the ivory trade is banned in Vietnam, the country remains a top market for ivory products prized locally for decorative and medicinal purposes, according to conservation groups. The country is also a busy thoroughfare for tusks trafficked from Africa destined for other parts of Asia, conservationists say.

Vietnam has brushed off such allegations.

Vietnam Airlines cancels Hong Kong flights ahead of Typhoon Haima

Services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be resumed on October 22.

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has canceled 10 flights from Vietnam to Hong Kong and Taiwan on October 20 and 21 as Typhoon Haima is heading to Hong Kong.

Vietnam Airlines said six flights scheduled to leave Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for Hong Kong on October 20 evening and October 21 have been canceled. Extra flights will be added on October 22.

Earlier it also canceled four flights from to Taiwan on October 20 and moved the passengers to other flights on October 21.

The typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of up to 145 kilometers (90 miles) per hour, is forecast to make landfall within 100 kilometers to the east of Hong Kong around noon on October 21, before moving further into mainland China.

Many flights to and from Hong Kong have been canceled or delayed. Many schools, banks, and government offices were closed on October 21.

Haima, which lashed the Philippines with torrential rains and raging winds on October 20, is the third-strongest typhoon of the season, behind Nepartak and Meranti.

Vietnam has escaped the worst after Haima moved north, instead of east as feared earlier.

VFF ensures delivery of aid to central provinces

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan affirmed that all donations to flood victims in central region will be delivered to the target localities for prompt distribution next week.

At a ceremony to receive donations from the Finance Ministry in Hanoi on October 21, Nhan said VFF chapters will monitor the distribution of aid to ensure it reaches those in need.

He also lauded the support from all ministries, businesses, organisations and individuals for flood victims.

On behalf of the Ministry’s staff, Minister Dinh Tien Dung handed over 1.3 billion VND (58,240 USD) to the VFF.

Organisations and individuals can donate for people in the flooded areas through local authorities or the networks of the VFF and Vietnam Red Cross Society.

Since October 17, total donations collected through VFF have reached over 4 billion VND (179,217 USD). The VFF had transferred a total of 4.1 billion VND to the five flood-hit central provinces as of October 21.

Programme to boost Russian tourism in Vietnam

The Russian Centre of Science and Culture joined hands with the Southeast Asia representative office of Russian Tourism Agency, the Vietnam Society of Travel Agents and Aeroflot Airlines to launch a programme themed “Russia in Winter and World Cup 2018” on October 21.

Highlighting the role of the travel programme, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vasilevic Vnukov said this is an opportunity for Vietnamese travellers to explore the cities and regions of Russia. The unique travel tours in winter are expected to draw a large number of visitors to Russia in 2018.

Vice President of Vietnam Society of Travel Agents Phung Quang Thang noted that Vietnam and Russia are partners in various fields, including tourism. Through the programme, Vietnam’s travel agencies could know more of Russia’s attractions and services, thus offering more travel destinations for Vietnamese as well as opportunities for cooperation with Russian businesses.

In the event, the Southeast Asia representative office of Russian Tourism Agency introduced some of Russia’s famous attractions in winter such as Republic of Tatarstan and its capital Kazan, the Republic of Karelia, northernmost Murmansk and Sochi city.

Vietnam tourism, food spotlighted in Argentina

The Vietnam Embassy in Argentina organised an event to promote Vietnamese tourism and cuisine in Buenos Aires’ La Plata city on October 20. 

Opening the event, Claudio Aguilar, Vice President of the Federation of Hotel and Gastronomy of Argentina (FEHGRA), stressed that Vietnam is a favourite destination of Argentineans for its cultural diversity and scenic sites. 

The country’s history and food are also a big draw to international tourists, he said. 

A representative from the Vietnam Embassy introduced to participants Vietnam’s history, culture, UNESCO-recognised heritage, and tourist destinations, saying room for the two countries’ tourism cooperation remains extensive. 

The event featured various tourism publications, the screening of the “Welcome to Vietnam” video by the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, and traditional Nem (spring rolls). 

A day earlier, hundreds of Vietnamese and Argentinean students gathered in a cultural exchange at Cordoba city.

Central Theoretical Council marks its 20th anniversary

On October 22, the Central Theoretical Council hosted a meeting marking its 20th anniversary and receiving the Independence Order, First Class.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran Dai Quang, Permanent Secretary of the Party Central Committee Dinh The Huynh, and other leaders were among those in attendance.

In his address, Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized challenges and difficulties facing Vietnam during its development process. He asked the council to better fulfill its tasks of providing scientific foundation for the development of national strategies, policies, and law. 

To mark the occasion, President Tran Dai Quang presented the Council with the Independence Order, First Class.

NA examines ways to spur economic development

On October 22, National Assembly (NA) deputies to the second session of the 14th National Assembly discussed ways to further promote economic development.

They praised the government’s efforts to overcome numerous difficulties over the past months and its directions for the future. Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung, a deputy of Ninh Binh province suggests ways for the government to realize the set socio-economic targets said, “It’s necessary to focus on the disbursement of construction capital which should be considered a breakthrough solution. In addition, we need to strengthen the expansion of export market, prevent fake and low quality goods, smuggling, and trade frauds. We also need to tighten financial disciplines”.

Nguyen Duc Kien, a deputy of Soc Trang province said, “I think the government needs to speed up the SOE equitization. We need to have specific lists of investment using stocks from the SOE equitization to protect state assets and balance the budget. We also need to effectively respond to the restructuring plans put forth at the 4th session of the 11th Party Central Committee and the 12th National Party Congress”.

The same day, the deputies discussed the 2016-2020 economic restructuring plan. Tran Hoang Ngan, a deputy of Ho Chi Minh City said “In addition to restructuring public investment, credit agencies and state economic groups, we also restructure state budget to improve the efficiency of capital utilization and tax collection. 

This plan also aims at improving the self-reliance of the national economy with focus on promoting the private sector. The plan also focuses on resource allocation with priorities given to potential areas”.

They also discussed a 5-year financial plants, public debt management, mid-term public investment, state budget implementation, estimates, and allocation.

Airport emergency response exercise conducted at Buon Ma Thuot

An emergency response exercise was carried out at Buon Ma Thuot Airport on October 21 involving a simulated event where a distressed plane was forced to make an emergency landing.

The drill involved more than 230 personnel and 30 vehicles from the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA), Buon Ma Thuot Airport, Vietnam Air Traffic Management and local emergency response units.

In the exercise, the traffic controller at Buon Ma Thuot Airport received a message from a plane that its landing gear was broken, asking for support from the ground.

When the plane was landing, one of its tyres was punctured due to the high speed of the plane and a sudden break, causing the plane to overshoot the runway and igniting a fire.

CAA Deputy Director Do Quang Viet said the exercise was designed to enhance readiness to deal with any emergencies to ensure the safety of air traffic, passengers and airport facilities, as well as to improve coordination between different agencies.

Vietlott protects record lottery winner's identity

Vietlott said they had protected the winner's identity as requested after many people raised doubts about the company's credibility when it gave the prize to a masked man on October 18.

On October 16, 32-year-old Nguyen Thi Anh Dao from Tra Vinh was revealed as the lottery winner of over VND92bn (USD4.14m) of Mega 6/45 by Vietnam Computerised Lottery One Member Limited Liability Company, Vietlott.

Dao said her father named Thai would go to HCM City to receive the prize on October 18. Her house was surrounded on October 19 after Dao said she had plans to donate some money to charity organisations and hundreds of gifts to poor people. 

However, images of the awards ceremony appeared on October 18 showing a masked man accepting the prize. Security was tightened for the ceremony and reporters were not allowed to attend. The man was only revealed as a middle-aged man named Thai from Tra Vinh Province.

According to Vietlott, representative of the Ministry of Security, the company provides surveillance software, Thai and his family attended the ceremony. Vietlott said it already transferred the prize after tax, VND82bn, to Thai.

On the pictures provided by Vietlott, Thai wore a mask while accepting the prize and this has raised doubt from the public about the company's transparency, especially when many people had suspected that Vietlott might not be able to gather such huge amount of money in five days.

However, Vietlott said the winner requested to remain anonymous in accordance with Circular 75 on the confidentiality of prize-winners.

"By the request, we could only announce the first name, sex and the province," Vietlott's representative said. "Thai also only wore the mask when the pictures were taken. The ceremony lasted for one hour and attended by representatives of state agencies." 

After news that the VND92bn prize found its winner, many people are flocking to buy tickets with the hope that they would win the next grand prize that is worth VND12bn. Vietlott said their ticket sales were increasing each day.

After the Jackpot prize was announced, their lottery ticket sales on the next Monday increased by 5%. Revenue in neighbouring Can Tho city to Tra Vinh, increased by 30% and the revenue in HCM City, where the winning ticket sold, increased by 230%.

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