Đồng Nai closes illegal road-railway crossings

The Đồng Nai Traffic Safety Committee, in co-ordination with local authorities, has closed all illegal road-railway crossing in the province since March this year.

The work followed the request of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hòa Bình and the National Traffic Safety Committee.

Nguyễn Bôn, chief of the secretariat of the Đồng Nai Traffic Safety Committee, said the north-south railway system ran through five districts and towns of Đồng Nai Province with a length of 90km.

Local authorities set up 57 road-railway crossings with mobile warning system, guards and signals.

However, residents opened 66 illegal road-railway crossings without any warning signals, mainly in Biên Hòa City and Trảng Bom and Xuân Lộc districts.

The provincial authorities checked and decided to keep 11 crossings which are near industrial zones and residential areas. The province is setting up watchtowers, installing equipment and assigning guards to keep close watch at the 11 crossings all day and night.

Bôn said locals’ awareness was still low, so they could re-open the illegal crossings. In the future, the Đồng Nai Traffic Safety Committee would improve education, and wards people’s committees would strengthen inspection, imposing appropriate penalties on violators.

The province has witnessed five railway accidents, so far, this year, according to the Đồng Nai Traffic Safety Committee. The accidents killed six people and injured eight others, an increase by one and eight compared with the same period last year, respectively. Reasons for the accidents were locals crossing the railway line illegally and encroaching upon the railway safety corridor.

Palliative care guidelines updated

All people who suffer from life-threatening diseases will be eligible for palliative care, with the care beginning as soon as their diseases are detected, due to a change in a national guidance on palliative care.

Lương Ngọc Khuê, head of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment under health ministry made the statement on Thursday during discussion on amendments to the guidance.

According to the World Health Organisation, palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and treatment of pain and other problems.

In 2006, with assistance from national and international experts, the health ministry issued guidance on palliative care for cancer and AIDS patients. Khuê said the guidance was a legal basis and reference point for healthcare workers to deliver proper care.

“So far, hundreds of doctors and nurses have undergone palliative care training and thousands of patients have received improved care in the last stage of their life,” Khuê said.

The updated document expands the subjects of the specialised medical and nursing care to all people with life-limiting illnesses.

It also encourages the building of multi-component groups, which include medical staff, families, social workers and volunteers, to care for patients. Palliative care can take place at hospitals, at home and within the community.

Eric Krakauer, an expert from the World Health Organisation, said the therapy helps reduce pain and should be incorporated into primary and comprehensive healthcare.

Over 50 percent of HIV carriers buy health insurance

According to Việt Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control under the Ministry of Health, by May this year, Việt Nam had more than 209,000 people living with HIV.

In the first five months of this year, more than 1,900 people infected with the HIV virus contracted AIDS.

The first five month of this year saw 3,546 new HIV cases and 641 HIV-related deaths, deceases of 11 per cent and 34 per cent respectively compared with the same period last year. 

The administration also reported that only about 50 per cent of people with HIV in Việt Nam have health insurance cards, with some not buying the insurance as they are afraid of discrimination, others being unable to afford it and some lacking necessary personal legal documents.

People living with HIV/AIDS in Việt Nam used to receive assistance from international organisations to cover medical costs and medicines. Most of the assistance was cut when Việt Nam became a middle-income country.

In response, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc asked localities and central agencies to arrange funding to buy health insurance for all people living with HIV.

Historical relic of Vietnam-Laos special friendship

Lao Kho village in Son La province used to be a hideout by the North Laos Vanguard Division during the Laos resistance war against the French colonialists nearly 70 years ago.

There, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Kaysone Phomvihane was assisted by Vietnamese revolutionist Trang Lao Kho and local people. 

The North Laos Vanguard Division comprising of 14 Vietnamese and Lao official was based in 1948 in Phieng Sa, now Lao Kho village. For the next year, leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Kaysone Phomvihane was arranged to stay in Mr. Trang Lao Kho’s house. Mr. Phomvihane and other Lao revolutionists were secretly sheltered by the local Mong people in carrying out their activities.

Mr. Trang Lao Lu, son of Mr. Lao Kho, still keeps items including a bronze pot and a corn mill that his father, the Lao Party leader and Vietnamese and Lao revolutionists used during those years. At that time, Mr. Lu was only 7 years old. 

He recalls “It was a very difficult period. We were surrounded by forests. Enemies from Xieng Kho in Laos and Yen Chau district came here but they could not find the revolutionary activists. Lao Kho villagers protected Mr. Kaysone and members of the North Lao Vanguard Division. My brother successfully safeguarded President Kayson Phomvihane.”

Mr. Kaysone was adopted by Mr. Trang Lao Kho’s family. Phieng Sa or Lao Kho village in Phieng Khoai commune, Yen Chau district became a revolutionary base for activists to prepare for revolutionary events in Laos between 1948 and 1950. During those difficult days, local people offered food and even money to help the Lao revolutionists buy weapons. 

Mr. Lao Kho took them to the forest for work and each day brought them food, Mr. Trang Lao Lu recalls: “At that time, Mr. Kaysone sent a liason officer to talk to my father. Then my father gave him 30 dong to buy guns. Mr. Kaysone bought a gun and 30 bullets, sent a receipt to my father, and thanked our family for helping the Lao revolutionists. “

The Lao revolution was successful. The special friendship between the two countries has since been fostered by the two peoples. Lao Kho village has developed and become a meeting place to honor the Vietnam-Laos special friendship. 

The Vietnam-Lao Revolutionary Historical Relic was built on the foundation of Mr. Lao Kho’s house. It comprises of a memorial house and an exhibit room. A 18 meters tall monument symbolizing the Vietnam-Lao friendship was built on a nearby hill. It is decorated with patterns of lotus and champa flowers which represent Vietnamese and Lao cultures. 

The relic site is of great significance in educating young generations of the two countries and their bilateral ties. 

Be Thi Vui, who lives in Yen Chau district, said  “When at school, I learned about Mr. Lao Kho and Mr. Kaysone and the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. I visited this region 10 years ago. This time, I brought my son, a 2nd grader, to visit the relic and learn about the life of the locals. I hope that he has learned something from what he saw.”

Peoples in Lao Kho village of Vietnam and Phieng Sa village of Laos have increased exchanges and assist each other in reducing poverty and developing production.

American model of Vietnamese descent wins big competition

Hannah Vu, an American model of Vietnamese descent, has been selected to be one of the next models to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, reports the Zing online newspaper.

Miss Vu along with three other young and beautiful models from the Republic of Korea were chosen for the honour at a recently concluded model search competition sponsored by Nomad MGMT and Harper’s Bazaar.

Fire rips through Bac Ninh plastics manufacturing warehouse

A fire burned through the roof of a plastic manufacturing warehouse on Saturday, August 5, at the Que Vo Industrial Park in northern Bac Ninh Province, local fire officials reported

A fire public information officer said four units responded to the fire at Seiyo Co with heavy smoke and fire coming through the roof of the building in the early morning hours.

Although the fire never elevated to a second alarm, controlling the fire took several hours because of combustibles inside the warehouse, the official said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No dioxin contamination in Dong Nai River: scientists

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment in the southern province of Dong Nai has rejected rumors on social media that dioxin was found under the bed of the local Dong Nai River.

Results of sediment sampling and analysis show that the chemical does exist in the river, but with an amount much lower than allowed rate, Nguyen Ngoc Thuong, deputy director of the department, said on August 4.

The test was quickly done after rumors circulated on social media suggesting that the river is contaminated with dioxin.

Dioxin is a highly toxic chemical compound which is known to cause serious problems with reproduction, development, and the immune system. A great deal of scientific research also links the chemical to hormone disruption and cancer.

Samples had been taken for analysis at various parts of Dong Nai River, including those at Thien Tan Water Plant, Bien Hoa – Buu Long Quay, Hoa An Bridge, Bien Hoa Water Plant, and the Co, Hiep Hoa, and Ba Xe Islets.

The content of dioxin in these areas was found to be 1.2-3.7 ppt (part per trillion), far below the allowed threshold of 21.5ppt, indicating that the water is safe for everyday use, the environment department official underlined.

The analysis also corroborated that the treated water from all local water plants meet the safety requirements.

American private university Fulbright to teach Marxism-Leninism in Vietnam

Fulbright has received a lot of public attention as the first private non-profit American university licensed in Vietnam, and many are curious what it is going to teach.

Like any other university in Vietnam, its curriculum will include Marxism, Leninism and Ho Chi Minh ideology, the school’s president Dam Bich Thuy said at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on August 4. 

“They are part of history and there’s no reason to remove them from history,” she said, as cited by local media.

But the school will use a different teaching method, she said.

“If we include Ho Chi Minh ideology in the teaching of Vietnamese history or Vietnamese literature, I hope that students will feel more interested in the next several years,” Thuy said. The ideology was born in "a period Vietnamese people should be proud of." 

Meanwhile, Karl Marx will be featured alongside other important German philosophers for students to understand why Marxism emerged when it emerged. 

Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh ideology are compulsory subjects at all universities in Vietnam while those pursuing them as a four-year degree can study for free. But most students consider the current teaching too “dry”, hard to understand and many just learn to pass the tests.

Thuy said her school will offer sample classes to let students decide if they want to join.

Fulbright University Vietnam will receive 60 first students for its master program in public policy this September. All of them are on a full scholarship.

Its undergraduate program is expected to start in April next year.

The school’s opening in Vietnam has been met with mixed reactions.

On one hand, the school is hoped to bring high quality American style education to Vietnam, which currently ranks fifth among countries with the most students in the US.

Authorities team up to offer relief to flooding victims

A special relief committee organized by authorities of Son La Province has collected US$25,700 (VND597 million) from donors across the country for relief from the effects of recent flooding.

Much of that funding was used on Saturday, August 5, to purchase 15 tons of rice and other essential foodstuffs that were distributed by local police, army and other volunteers who teamed up to help the hardest hit villages in the region.

It really is a devastating situation to see families and businesspeople who have gone through this and we’re going to use the money to help those who were affected, said Nguyen Thanh Cong, secretary of the district of Muong La.

Mr Cong said walking around neighbourhoods and seeing people’s lives strewn across the landscape highlights just how personal floods are.

 authorities team up to offer relief to flooding victims hinh 1 Remarkably, in the process of distributing food, the relief workers managed to pull a villager of Nam Pam to safety after he was buried in mud and stone for several days. He is now recovering at a local medical clinic.

Hanoi eyes ties with Budapest in environment, relic preservation

Hanoi wants to work with Hungary’s capital Budapest on environmental issues, relics preservation and tourism development, according to Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Council Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc.

Ngoc, accompanied by Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Quoc Hung, visited Budapest on August 1-2 where she met with the city’s Vice Mayor for City Development Szeneczey Balazs.

During the meeting, she asked Budapest to increase delegation exchanges between the two cities and boost cooperation with Hanoi, particularly in environmental treatment and producing clean water from the Red River’s surface water.

Hanoi also hopes to learn from Budapest’s experience in tourism development and relic preservation which will be beneficial for its restoration, protection and management of cultural and historical relics.

Additionally, Hung discussed riverside urban planning, constructing overpasses and solving traffic jams with senior officials from Budapest. The two sides also talked about enhanced partnerships in information technology, management of residential databases and building public spaces.

For his part, Balazs gave his guests an overview of the city’s economic development, cultural relics, transportation, urban architecture and social welfare.

The vice mayor said he looks forward to deepening ties between the two cities and suggested the two sides to sign a framework agreement for cooperation.

Decisive factors to sustainable development in Vietnam, Laos discussed

The fifth theoretical workshop between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) concluded in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on August 4, focusing on rapid, sustainable development. 

Reports presented at the two-day workshop made it clear factors decisive to sustainable development in Vietnam and Laos, and analysed their practical experience in this field. 

They emphasised the key role played by the Party leadership in rapid, sustainable development. 

The participants also touched upon political stability, international integration, national defence and security, economic development in combination with environmental protection and improvement, and human resources, which all have links with rapid, sustainable development.  

They held that economic development should be the centre, and Party building should be the key in rapid, sustainable development. 

Besides, it is necessary to regard culture and human development as a spiritual foundation, and ensuring national defence and security as a regular task, they said. 

The scientists’ research outcomes are helpful for Vietnamese and Lao theoretical research agencies to improve their consultation work, contributing to successfully implementing Resolutions adopted in Party Congresses and the reform process in the two countries.

Vietnam, Laos seek to step up labour cooperation

The fifth Vietnam-Laos Ministerial Conference on Cooperation in Labour and Social Welfare was held in Vietnam’s central province of Da Nang on August 4. 

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung underscored the pragmatic and effective cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in all fields, including the affiliation between the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam (MoLISA) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Laos (MLSA).

He appreciated the Lao side’s coordination in accepting Vietnamese labourers to work for projects in Laos as well as the affiliation between the two ministries in opening an orthopaedics and rehabilitation centre in Can village, Vientiane, Laos, in December 2015.

Dung also talked about the MoLISA’s scholarships in labour and social welfare for the Lao side, their delegation exchanges, and cooperation in human resources development, especially in border areas. 

The Vietnamese minister thanked the MLSA and other relevant agencies of Laos for their close coordination in searching remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Laos, saying he hopes that the two sides will further their cooperation through the exchange of delegations and experience, and personnel training.

Dung views were echoed by his Lao counterpart Khampheng Saysompheng, who said that the partnership between the two ministries should be deepened across fields. 

Under the minutes of the fifth Vietnam-Laos Ministerial Conference on Cooperation in Labour and Social Welfare, the two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Vietnam-Laos labour cooperation agreement inked in 2013. 

They will also coordinate with the two countries’ defence ministries and concerned agencies to repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts as well as Lao soldiers who died during the war in Vietnam. 

At the same times, the two sides will intensify experience sharing and continue their cooperation in personnel training. 

The sixth conference will be held in Laos in 2019.

HCM City, US discuss new education model

Core ideas of the US liberal arts education, which promotes students’ independent brainwave and creates foundation for students to develop communication and study skills, were introduced at a workshop held by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) on August 4.

The event showed Vietnam-US relations from education angle, HUFO Chairman Huynh Minh Thien said in his remarks at the event, highlighting that education plays a significant role in the bilateral relations.

The Vietnam-US Friendship Association has served as an effective bridge to encourage the excellent quality of the US and Vietnamese education models, he added.

Lauded the association’s efforts to promote cultural and education links between the two countries, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Mary Tarnowka said that the US is proud to be a partner of Vietnam in education development and improvement process.

She underlined that education has been among top priorities of the US diplomatic mission in Vietnam in efforts to support projects on improving Vietnamese youths’ studying opportunities so that they can enter a competitive global market environment which requires high-quality workforce.

At the event, Professor Vu Duc Vuong from Hoa Sen University, PhD Tran Xuan Thao from Van Lang University, President of Fulbright University Vietnam Dam Bich Thuy and Adafin CEO Ken Liffiton discussed potential and challenges when implementing the US education model in Vietnam in the context of Industry 4.0.

Liberal arts education has flexible training curricula, encourages interdisciplinary subjects, provides in-depth knowledge and helps students develop skills to adapt to various working environment.-

Over 50 percent of HIV carriers buy health insurance

Only more than a half of HIV carriers hold health insurance cards, said the Health Ministry’s Department for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control.

According to the department, many of HIV carriers do not buy health insurance due to their fear of discriminations and waiting for being checked up, while others can not afford insurance fees or meet sufficient requirements to own a health insurance card.

As of May, 82 percent of HIV treatment clinics at hospitals and two-function medical centres signed contracts with health insurance agencies. Of the total, 44.4 percent are providing services through health insurance.

At present, nine provinces sign contracts on examination and treatment payments for HIV patients with insurance agencies.

The department stressed that to increase health insurance coverage among HIV carriers, the Prime Minister directed provincial and municipal People’s Committees to allocate budgets to ensure all people living with HIV have health insurance cards.

The department is also reviewing the demand for insurance cards of several disadvantaged localities in order to use international aid to support them.

As international donors are phasing out assistance for HIV/AIDS control in Vietnam, patients have to pay for health checks, regular tests and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment next year if they do not have health insurance cards.

The Vietnamese Government targets bringing 100 percent of people with HIV into the health insurance net by 2020.

It targets the 90-90-90 goal by 2020, which refers to 90 percent of all people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 90 percent of all people diagnosed with HIV getting sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90 percent of all people receiving the therapy having viral suppression.

According to the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, more than 205,000 people are living with HIV across the country.

Co Tu dancers to perform in Hoi An

Dance troupes from the Co Tu ethnic group living in the mountainous districts of Nam Giang, Tay Giang and Dong Giang of Quang Nam province will stage the Night Arts Performance of Co Tu People in the ancient city of Hoi An on August 6 night.

The Quang Nam provincial Tourism Promotion Centre said it will be the third performance by the Cơ Tu ethnic dance troupes after two nights on June 9 and July 8.

The Co Tu dancers will perform the traditional Tan tung da da dance of their group at the city’s Sculpture Park on the Hoai River bank at around 5pm on August 6.

The groups will then demonstrate dancing and the art of weaving brocade by hand, as well as gong and drum performances at the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, 26 Phan Boi Chau from 6pm to 7pm on the same day.

Traditional crafts, food and souvenirs of the Co Tu people will be on display at the museum for visitors to learn about traditional culture.

The last performance will start at around 7.30pm at the Anatara Hoi An Hotel on Pham Hong Thai street near the city’s old quarter.

In 2016, four types of cultural heritage – including the art of weaving brocade by hand; the Tan tung da da dance of the Co Tu ethnic group; gu (the art of decorating cay neu or a wooden pole of the Cor ethnic group); and the procession of Ba Cho Duoc (the goddess of the Cham people) – in the mountainous districts of Quang Nam were recognised as national intangible heritage.

The three mountainous districts are a popular destination for motorbike trips and off-road adventures that give a glimpse of the lifestyle of ethnic minorities at 1,600m above sea level.

Vietnam Red Cross pays heed to disaster prevention

Effective disaster prevention models of the Vietnam Red Cross (VRC) were introduced at a conference held in the northern province of Ninh Binh on August 4.

According to Director of the VRC’s disaster management department Tran Quoc Hung, the association has carried out community-based natural disaster risk management activities across 36 cities and provinces, including the evaluation of vulnerability and response capacity for over 300 communes and wards.

It has also planted over 24,000 hectares of mangrove and watershed forests in 11 provinces while building more than 27,500 houses, one fifth of which are resistant to calamities.

From 2005 to 2015, the association provided emergency aid worth 4.5 trillion VND (198 million USD) for 22.2 million people.

In 2016, the VRC implemented a number of cooperation projects on natural disaster prevention and response, including five with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

It has one project and a long-term cooperation agreement framework with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and one mangrove forest planting project sponsored by the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The VRC has focused on building disaster response forces at national, provincial and district levels and those based on the community as well as boosting connectivity with global counterparts.

Workshop seeks ways to promote gender equality

The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) and relevant agencies need to set out specific targets and breakthrough measures to bring all-aspect equality to women in the new period.

Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai made the statement at a workshop hosted by the VWU in Hanoi on August 4.

She suggested pushing ahead with institutional reform and mainstreaming gender into law-building.

After 10 years of implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No.11-NQ/TW on women-related affairs in the period of industrialisation and modernisation, the country has obtained fundamental targets, she said.

However, it is still necessary to analyse positive outcomes and restrictions in the field to put forth measures to ensure gender equality, Mai added.

Participants commented that living conditions of most women and girls have been improved with better access to healthcare services and more involvement in social and political affairs.

Notably, the proportion of female deputies of the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels has been increasing through tenures.

Statistics showed that 40 percent of centrally-run ministries and departments have key female leaders while 38 percent of cities and provinces have Chairwomen and Vice Chairwomen of provincial People’s Committees.

The panels suggested raising public awareness of gender equality and improving policies and legal regulations in the field.

5,000 people walk for AO victims, disabled people

A charity walk to call for support for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims and disabled people was organised in Ho Chi Minh City on August 5, attracting 5,000 people.

The event was held by the municipal Red Cross Society on the occasion of the Agent Orange Day (August 10).

Last year, a similar walk helped the organisation raise more than 1.3 billion VND (57,200 USD) for more than 2,800 AO/dioxin victims.

In 2011-2016, the programme collected over 13.6 billion VND (598,460 USD), providing support for a total of 18,480 people.

Suspected rare animal product found to be trafficked via Noi Bai

Customs officers at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi have discovered an animal product trafficking case, seizing nearly 3kg of goods suspected to be bone glue of rare animals.

At about 6:30pm of August 3, customs and police officers, after spotting suspicious signs, examined the luggage of a passenger who had just flown from Hong Kong (China) to Noi Bai, finding nearly 3kg of bone glue suspected to be made from rare animals named in Appendix II of the CITES list, according to initial information.

The customs sub-department at Noi Bai said the contraband is being verified and investigation is underway.

Director of the Hanoi Customs Department Nguyen Van Truong said the trafficking of banned items, including wild animals, by air is becoming complicated, especially via the Noi Bai International Airport.

The Noi Bai customs sub-department has uncovered 12 elephant tusk trafficking cases and three others involving rhino horns since the beginning of 2017.

Microbial technology proves useful for dioxin detoxification

The trial dioxin detoxification using microbial technology at A Sho airfield of A Luoi district, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, has generated optimistic outcomes.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held a workshop in Hanoi on August 4 to report on the outcomes of the test detoxification, which was carried out by the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s biology company BJC and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment.

By using the RoK’s microbial species, the land area considered to be most contaminated with dioxin at A Sho airfield received anaerobic treatment for three months and then aerobic treatment.

The dioxin concentration in the contaminated land declined from 161.65pg-TEQ per gram to 104.93pg-TEQ per gram, according to scientists from the BJC, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and the Korea Institute of Toxicology.

Basing on the test’ results, participants at the workshop highly valued the capacity and efforts of Korean experts. They asked authorised agencies of Vietnam and the RoK to complete necessary procedures to publicise official research findings and facilitate social organisations’ international cooperation in environmental protection and socio-economic development.

The US army sprayed some 80 million litres of toxic chemicals from 1961 to 1971, 61 percent of which was Agent Orange containing 366 kilograms of dioxin, over nearly one quarter of the total area of South Vietnam. 

Preliminary statistics showed that 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin, and about 3 million people became victims. Tens of thousands of people have died while millions of others have suffered from cancer and other incurable diseases as a result. Many of their offspring have also suffered from birth deformities.

Microbial technology proves useful for dioxin detoxification

The trial dioxin detoxification using microbial technology at A Sho airfield of A Luoi district, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, has generated optimistic outcomes.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held a workshop in Hanoi on August 4 to report on the outcomes of the test detoxification, which was carried out by the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s biology company BJC and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment.

By using the RoK’s microbial species, the land area considered to be most contaminated with dioxin at A Sho airfield received anaerobic treatment for three months and then aerobic treatment.

The dioxin concentration in the contaminated land declined from 161.65pg-TEQ per gram to 104.93pg-TEQ per gram, according to scientists from the BJC, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and the Korea Institute of Toxicology.

Basing on the test’ results, participants at the workshop highly valued the capacity and efforts of Korean experts. They asked authorised agencies of Vietnam and the RoK to complete necessary procedures to publicise official research findings and facilitate social organisations’ international cooperation in environmental protection and socio-economic development.

The US army sprayed some 80 million litres of toxic chemicals from 1961 to 1971, 61 percent of which was Agent Orange containing 366 kilograms of dioxin, over nearly one quarter of the total area of South Vietnam. 

Preliminary statistics showed that 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin, and about 3 million people became victims. Tens of thousands of people have died while millions of others have suffered from cancer and other incurable diseases as a result. Many of their offspring have also suffered from birth deformities.

Workshop connects overseas Vietnamese students, Japanese businesses

The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the administration of Saitama prefecture held a workshop on August 4 to introduce jobs for overseas Vietnamese students.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong said Saitama is one of the Japanese prefectures that pioneer in boosting all-aspect relations with Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the prefecture during his official visit to Japan in June, Cuong noted.

The ambassador said he was impressed when visiting a racing car engine manufacturing factory in Saitama where a lot of Vietnamese engineers are taking on important stages and have many initiatives to bring benefits to the company.

The workshop creates an opportunity for Vietnam and Japan to boost cooperation in human resources, he said, hoping Japanese firms could find potential employees through the event.

The workshop, the second of its kind, attracted 11 businesses in Saitama and about 70 overseas Vietnamese students.

Photos of ASEAN countries, people exhibited

An outdoor photo exhibition showcasing the beauty of the landscape, culture and people of ASEAN countries opened at Ly Thai To Statue Square on Hanoi’s walking street on August 5.

The exhibition, titled “ASEAN Countries and People”, is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN (1967-2017).

The event displays 230 works by 136 photographers from 10 ASEAN countries, 61 of whom are Vietnamese. Fifty photos were taken in Vietnam, while 180 others were captured in the other nine ASEAN countries (20 photos each), all of which vividly and truthfully depict the country, people, culture, society, economy and exchange activities of the member nations.

The photos were selected from a contest launched by the Department of Art, Photography and Exhibitions under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which attracted 10,127 entries by 1,248 amateur and professional artists from across the ASEAN region

“This is the photographic exhibition with the highest number of entries that has been held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam in recent years. The photographic event will enhance mutual understanding and relations among the countries, contributing to building a unified, active, developed, peaceful and prosperous ASEAN community,”  said Vi Kien Thanh, head of the ministry’s Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition. 

The organising board also revealed that the exhibition has attracted the attention of many photographers within the region. Since the submitting and marking of the entries was conducted via the internet, many countries sent a large number of entries by a number of participants.

The 10 most outstanding works by 10 photographers, who are also representatives of 10 ASEAN countries, were awarded trophies titled “ASEAN photos - 2017” by the organising board.

The awarded photos present new angles of the beauty of the local culture and people, such as We Love Malaysia by Tan Ee Long from Malaysia, Kyite Htee Yoe-The Golden Rock Pagoda by Nyaung U Than Htay from Myanmar and Bac Son Valley by Vu Kim Khoa from Vietnam.

The exhibition will last until August 11.

HCM City ready to bolster all-round ties with Lao localities

Ho Chi Minh City is ready to share experience and enhance all-round cooperation with Lao localities, Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan told senior officials of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) on August 4.

Nhan made the remark while meeting with a visiting LPRP delegation led by Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, head of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training.

He said the visit is made amidst the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and 40 years since the singing of the countries’ Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Their traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, including those between HCM City and Lao localities, have been nurtured by the two countries’ leaders and people and developing sustainably, he noted.

Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune expressed his delight at the flourishing bilateral relationship, adding that cooperation is becoming more and more substantive in all fields and has generated significant outcomes.

He voiced his belief that the Laos-Vietnam great amity, special solidarity and all-faceted partnership will continually thrive.

Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune also informed the host official about the content of his delegation’s working visit to Vietnam, along with the outcomes of the fifth theoretical workshop on rapid and sustainable development recently held in Kien Giang province between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the LPRP.

He said at the workshop, the two Parties’ officials shared much useful information in terms of both theory and practice, helping to fine-tune their respective Parties’ guidelines and policies.

During their stay, the LPRP delegation also visited the Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk), headquartered in HCM City.

PM praises patriotism of writers, artists

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has lauded the might of the pen of writers and the paint brush of artists as well as their contributions to the nation’s achievements.

He said that during the renovation period that had ushered in great socio-economic changes as well as artistic trends, the community of writers and artists had shown solidarity with the Party and the revolutionary cause.

They had also contributed significantly to national development, he added.

PM Phuc was speaking with the Vietnam Union of Literary and Art Associations for the first time in the capacity of the country’s Prime Minister in a meeting held in Hanoi on August 4.

The union, established in 1943, operates under the leadership of the Party and the management of the Government. It represents 40,000 artists and 74 member art associations throughout the country.

“Uncle Ho considered artists and writers to be as powerful as an army, helping build the soul and character of the Vietnamese people,” the PM said.

Union officials told the PM that in recent years, artistic works have progressed well, both in terms of quantity and quality. Many works showed profound depth, they said.

On behalf of the union’s member associations, Chairman Huu Thinh presented a “9 requests” petition to the PM aimed at alleviating difficulties and hardships for artists nationwide.

One of the pressing concerns raised at the meeting was State support for traditional arts that are losing ground against contemporary art forms. Financial support and access to social housing for struggling artists (in the form of an artist’s village) were also included in the requests.

Union members also asked the Government leader for provision of an annual working capital instead of having artists going around seeking funds. The proposal was accepted by the PM who said an annual fund of 90 billion VND (3.96 million USD) will be made available.

Stressing the union’s role as a political, social, and vocational organisation, the PM suggested that it improves links between member associations and handle financial matters better. He urged the promotion of young talents and the ties between different generations of artists.

He also told the union to take proactive measures to defend against the intrusion of negative cultural influences from the outside and ‘peaceful evolution’ attempts by hostile forces aiming to dilute socialist ideas.

Efforts made to ease difficulties for flood-hit northern localities

The Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) has donated 3 billion VND (131,970 USD) to Nam Pam commune, Muong La district of the northern mountainous province of Son La, which was ravaged by flood, to build a new medical station.

The firm also presented150 million VND (6,598 USD) as gifts to locals to ease their difficulties due to the recent devastating flood.

On August 3, Muong La suffered from the most devastating flood in 70 years, causing 17 deaths and missing, along with hundreds of billions of VND in property losses.

An official report showed that floods in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Son La and Cao Bang from August 1 to 3 had caused damage exceeding 538 billion VND (23.66 million USD).

The natural calamity left nine dead, 12 injured and 24 others missing. The flooding swept away 196 houses, destroyed 131 ha of rice and 124 ha of corn, killed more than 900 heads of fowl and cattle, and damaged several road and 144 irrigation works.

On August 4, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) also decided to provide nearly 1.6 billion VND (70,384 USD) to the three hardest-hit localities of Yen Bai, Son La and Lai Chau to help locals overcome difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has asked health departments of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Son La, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Hoa Binh provinces to repair health facilities affected by flood to ensure services for residents.

At the same time, the departments should implement plans to protect or move the health facilities to safer places to ensure safety for patients and health workers.

They were also directed to immediately roll out measures to clean the environment, monitor food safety, pasteurise water and prevent possible diseases.

Vice President: Vietnam pledges to ensure rights of children

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh has reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitments to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the country’s Law on Children.

While receiving Chief Representative of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Youssouf Abdel-Jelil in Hanoi on August 4, Thinh asked the UNICEF to continue its support to Vietnam in preventing child abuse, protecting children from injuries, and aiding children of disadvantaged families, especially in remote, border, sea and island areas, in addition to reducing the proportion of children with disabilities and congenital heart disease.

The Vice President also proposed the UNICEF share more experience in caring, protecting and supporting children, while coordinating with the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City to build a child-friendly city and expand this model to other localities.

She took this occasion to thank the UNICEF for its assistance to and cooperation with Vietnam over the past four decades, thus bringing practical benefits to Vietnamese children, especially disadvantaged kids.

For his part, Abdel-Jelil expressed his hoped that sound cooperative ties between Vietnam and the UNICEF would further develop in the time ahead.

The official hailed the Vietnamese Government’s adoption and enforcement of the Law on Children, describing the move as a significant achievement of the country.

The UNICEF is willing to support and cooperate with Vietnam to promote activities to take care of and protect children, he said.

The organisation will strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to build a comprehensive child development programme in Vietnam to improve intelligence of children, thereby helping the country generate high-quality, competent human resources in the future.

Forum hears children’s voices in HCM City

As many as 150 children aged between 9 and 16 from 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City gathered at a forum themed “Lang nghe tieng noi tre em” (Listen to Children) on August 4.

The event offered a venue for local children to express their ideas and aspirations on preventing violence and abuses, said Nguyen Thi Lien, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA).

Their ideas and proposals will lay a foundation for managers and policy makers to complete relevant legal documents and policies to promote children’s rights.

The forum also aimed to raise the awareness and sense of responsibility among authorities, families, schools and communities on children’s rights, thus developing a safe, friendly and healthy environment for local children.

Nguyen Van Gia Thuy from the municipal Department of Education and Training said the agency is working with the HCM City Lawyers Federation to develop an extracurricular course on sexual abuse prevention at school which focuses on gender education and martial arts for self-defence.

Nguyen Van Tinh from DoLISA said the social affairs and education sectors will jointly organise more programmes to enhance child protection.

Hoang Sa-Truong Sa exhibition comes to Thai Nguyen

An exhibition displaying maps and documents on Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos opened in Dong Hy district in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, on August 4. 

On display are documents, items, publications and nearly 100 maps published by domestic and international researchers and scholars, including materials in Chinese, Nom (old Vietnamese writing using Chinese characters), modern Vietnamese and French issued from the 17th to the 20th century by the Vietnamese feudal states and the French government in Indochina (on behalf of the then Vietnamese state) proving Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as well as the country’s exercise of sovereignty over the islands.

The exhibition also features 65 maps certifying that the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos belong to Vietnam, published by Western nations and Vietnam since the 17th century.

Photos of and documentations on socio-economic and cultural development in Truong Sa island district during the period of national industrialisation and modernisation as well as activities of the High Command of the Military Zone 1 in safeguarding the country’s seas and islands are also showcased at the exhibition.

The event, which runs until August 8, is part of the important activities to nurture people’s love for the nation, and enhance the awareness among officers, soldiers and people of national construction and defence.

Health Ministry’s team inspects dengue fever prevention in Da Nang

A working team from the Ministry of Health led by Vice Director of the Preventive Medicine Department Dang Quang Tan inspected the prevention and control of dengue fever in the central city of Da Nang on August 4.

The team advised the city to pay greater attention to killing mosquito larva in the community and spraying chemicals in areas of high risk, while raising public awareness of the work. Da Nang should also encourage locals to go to health facilities immediately after they find any dengue fever symptoms.

At the same time, the team also asked the municipal Health Department to roll out stronger measures against diseases and pandemics, especially dengue fever.

According to the Da Nang Health Department, since the beginning of this year, the city has recorded 3,800 dengue fever cases, up 85 percent over the same period last year. The unusual weather condition with high humidity was one of the reasons behind the spreading of the mosquito-borne virus.

In addition, most locals have paid inadequate attention to the killing of mosquito larva in their houses and residential areas to prevent dengue fever.

Ministry orders stricter management of medical equipment

The Ministry of Health has sent an official document to health departments in all provinces and cities asking for stricter management of medical equipment at State-owned medical stations.

Deputy Minister of Health Pham Le Tuan said that many medical stations had recently called for funds from different sources and organisations in order to improve their facilities and their medical workers’ ability to provide proper examinations and treatment.

The ministry has asked directors of all health departments to strengthen their supervision of equipment, examinations and treatment at State-owned medical stations so that all facilities are used appropriately and there’s no misuse.

The departments must check expenses, service fees and the period of paying back capital of investors who fund the purchase of medical equipment. If this period is shorter than the contract, medical stations and investors must discuss and adjust the service fees.

The ministry has instructed the departments to carefully study the Government’s Decree 15/2015/ND-CP, which regulates public-private partnership, and choose the most suitable investment methods.

Tuan said that departments, medical stations and organisations that are working together must approach higher-level authorities for approval. The co-operation project must be published so that partners and investors know about it and participate.

The health ministry is examining Circular 15/2007/TT-BYT so as to amend and supplement it, and add regulations about materials and chemicals tendering.

Cửa Việt firm gets brief sand mining ban

Quảng Trị Province has asked the Duy Tân Mineral Development Co Ltd to temporarily stop exploiting sand from the river in Cửa Việt Town.

Since the middle of July this year, the company’s ships have been exploiting sand at the Bắc Cửa Việt Shelter in Gio Linh and Triệu Phong districts.

Local are worried that this could cause erosion, and are opposing the move strongly, with some using their fishing boats to get close to prevent the ship from working.

At a meeting between local authorities and residents on Wednesday, Nguyễn Khai, 41, who lives in Cửa Việt Town in Gio Linh District, said some parts of the embankment of the Hiếu River where the Duy Tân Co Ltd was working had cracked, broken and sank.

“I know the company works without communicating with the community,” Khai said.

Despite disagreements with residents, on July 18, the company’s ship exploited sand right in front of a resident’s house.

Bùi Văn Báo, deputy chairman of the Cửa Việt Town Fatherland Front, said the company collected the sand going against regulations, causing worry in the community.

The company took sand from a very deep area which could cause landslides, he said.

Speaking at the meeting, Hoàng Minh Tân, general director of the Duy Tân Company, admitted the company’s mistake and promised to resolve the matter.

Trần Lương Quang, deputy chairman of the Gio Linh District People’s Committee, said the work of exploiting sand at the Bắc Cửa Việt and Nam Cửa Việt shelters was approved by Quảng Trị Province People’s Committee.

However, supervision of work was unsatisfactory as the company and local authorities did not join hands to work together, he said.

Quang proposed to invite concerned departments and organisations to check and assess the work to correct the faults.

Hồ Xuân Hòe, deputy director of the Quảng Trị Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, proposed that the company supply information and documents about its work to local authorities and residents.

Hòe also asked for compensation for residents.

HCM City seeks more funding sources for infrastructure projects

An additional VNĐ20 trillion (US$883 million) needed for infrastructure projects by 2020 will have to come from the city budget as well as from private sources, as disbursement of state budget funds remains slow, the deputy chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, Trần Vĩnh Tuyến, has said.

As of the end of July, only VNĐ13.2 trillion ($583 million) had been disbursed of the VNĐ26.2 trillion ($1.16 billion) from state budget funds allocated this year for infrastructure projects in the city, according to the Department of Planning and Investment.

The city still needs Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds of VNĐ7.7 trillion ($340 million) for projects for the rest of the year, but State funds can only provide 50 per cent of that figure.

A department official said that limited funds were causing projects to run behind schedule.

The slow disbursement of funds has also caused difficulties for project contractors, resulting in penalties and more interest charged for delayed payments.

The Metro Line No 2 project, which will link Bến Thành Station in District 1 to Tham Lương Station in District 12, has seen delays because of slow capital disbursement for land clearance, according to reports from district authorities.

A new bidding law on land compensation prices to residents who must resettle to make way for infrastructure projects has still not been approved, contributing to the delay.  

Tuyến asked local government agencies to adjust compensation prices if the prices are inappropriate, and told districts to review their methods on disbursing capital.

The city’s Department of Home Affairs is also responsible for price appraisals that would determine the amount of compensation for land.

He also said the localities should speed ​​up disbursement of all state budget funds by the end of the year.

“Localities that do not disburse all capital will have to report to the Government on how they use their state budget funds next year,” he said.

PVF tie with Viettel in U15 football tourney

PVF tied with Viettel 1-1 in Group B’s first match in the National U15 Football Championship on August 3 in the southern province of Tây Ninh.

Viettel dominated the match from early on, but in a quick attack, Trịnh Văn Chung put his header past Viettel’s goalkeeper and scored for PVF in the fifth minute.

The early goal helped PVF play more comfortably, but it bothered their rival, who made several defence errors, which PVF, however, failed to take advantage of and score.

In the 65th minute, Nguyễn Văn Tú levelled the score 1-1 for Viettel.

In the other match, Sanatech Khánh Hòa beat Đồng Nai 4-2.

In the sixth minute, Đồng Nais’ Quốc Lộc made a mistake in the penalty area and Khánh Hòa’s captain Lê Minh Thọ did not miss the opportunity in the penalty shootout, giving his team a lead.

In the 21st minute, Đồng Nai’s captain Lê Anh Tú levelled the score 1-1. Two minutes later, Lê Quang Khánh converted a pass from his teammate successfully, raising the score to 2-1 for Đồng Nai.

After the break, Khánh Hòa put in their utmost, which paid off with three goals by Đỗ Trường Trân in the 42nd minute, Nguyễn Anh Thi in the 49th minute, and Huỳnh Thanh Tuấn in the 71st minute.

Eight teams that qualified in April are playing this tournament, known as the Thái Sơn Bắc Cup. The teams, divided into two groups, are competing in a round robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals; the final will be played on August 12. The winners will walk away with VNĐ50 million (US$2,200).

Ân wins rapid category of Chinese chess event

Ngô Thừa Ân of HCM City won the rapid Chinese chess event of the girls’ U13 category at the National Junior Chinese Chess Championship in HCM City on Friday.

Ân totalled seven points after nine rounds. Her teammate Đỗ Mai Phương and Quách Minh Châu of Hà Nội were the runners-up with seven and 6.5 points.

In the girls’ U15 division, Lại Quỳnh Tiên of HCM City triumphed with six points, followed by Ngô Thị Bảo Trân of HCM City and Lê Mai Tuệ Anh of Bắc Kạn.

In the girls’ U18 event, Hanoian Kiều Bích Thủy won with 5.5 points. Nguyễn Diệu Thanh Nhân and Trần Thị Bích Hằng of Bình Dương finished second and third.

Meanwhile, Nguyễn Diệu Hà of Hà Nội and Đinh Trần Thanh Lam of HCM City triumphed in the U7 and U19 categories, respectively.

On the boys’ side, Hoàng Nhật Minh Huy of HCM City took gold in the U7 event with seven points, followed by Phạm Phú An and Nguyễn Huy Vũ of Hà Nội.

In the U9 category, Hà Khả Uy brought Bình Phước a gold medal after gaining 8.5 points. Phan Huy Hoàng and Lê Nguyễn Khang Nhật of HCM City took silver and bronze medal.

In the U11 event, Nguyễn Tấn Phát of HCM City defeated 43 others to win gold with 7.5 points. His teammates Huỳnh Hào Phát and Nguyễn Quốc Toàn got silver and bronze.

Hà Nội grabbed two more golds through Trần Anh Dũng and Hoàng Xuân Chính in the U13 and U18 events, respectively.

Players are competing in eight different age groups ranging from U7 to U18 for boys and girls in four categories: standard, traditional, rapid and blitz.

National women’s U19 football event kicks off

The National Women’s U19 Football Championship’s first leg kicks off on Saturday at Thống Nhất Stadium in HCM City.

The event will feature Hà Nội, Phong Phú Hà Nam, Việt Nam Coal and Mineral and HCM City competing in a round robin format.

The winner will walk with VNĐ50 million (US$2,170), while the runners-up will receive VNĐ30 million ($1,300) and VNĐ20million ($870), respectively.

The event’s organising board will also reward the best player, top scorer and the best goalie.

The event will end on August 20.

Last year, Phong Phú Hà Nam beat Việt Nam Coal and Mineral in the final to take the title.