Vietnamese press expands international cooperation

President of the Vietnam Journalists Association Thuan Huu 

The Vietnamese Journalists Association (VJA) and the Foreign Press Association in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (APES) have agreed to extend the two-year cooperation agreement they reached in late 2017. 

The consensus was reached during a meeting between VJA President Thuan Huu  and APES President Jean Musy as part of a VJA delegation’s working visit to Switzerland from June 29-July 4. 

Accordingly, the two sides will continue delegation exchange. In November 2017, an APES delegation headed by its President Jean Musy paid the first-ever visit to Vietnam. 

While in Geneva, the Vietnamese journalists had a working session with Delegate to International Geneva Olivier Coutau, who briefed his guests on the history, politics and administrative system of the Geneva city and state. 

Geneva houses the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) and 35 inter-governmental organisations, and diplomatic corps from 176 countries worldwide, he said. 

The Vietnamese delegation also met with representatives from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in Berne. 

They talked about the relationship between Vietnam and Switzerland, including bilateral trade and economic ties. 

Economic cooperation is always a pillar of the bilateral relations since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 1971. In 2016, two-way trade reached 2 billion Franc (roughly 2 billion USD), up 36 percent year-on-year. 

Vietnam is Switzerland’s fourth largest trade partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

With the presence of more than 90 groups and companies like Nestle, Novatis, Roche and Holcim in Vietnam, Switzerland has become the country’s fourth largest European investor. 

Total Swiss investment in Vietnam reached 2.4 billion USD, reflecting the increasing interest of Swiss businesses in the Southeast Asian market. 

The two countries have thus far signed more than 30 bilateral cooperation agreements in economy. Currently, Switzerland is teaming up with three other countries in the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) area to negotiate the signing of the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement. The latest round of talks took place last May. 

At a meeting with the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, the Vietnamese journalists were briefed on Switzerland’s vocational training and education. 

During their visit, the VJA delegation also visited the headquarters of the UN and landscapes in Geneva, Lausanne and Berne.

$31.1 bln under Prog 135 for Central, Central Highlands regions

Localities in the Central and Central Highlands regions have been allocated over 718 trillion VND (nearly 31.1 billion USD) under the Programme 135 in 2018 - Illustrative image 

Localities in the Central and Central Highlands regions have been allocated over 718 trillion VND (nearly 31.1 billion USD) under the Programme 135 in 2018, according to Nguyen Xuan Duc, head of the Department of Locality II under the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs. 

The regions’ localities are coordinating with relevant departments and sectors to approve a list of projects to be funded, while conducting the construction of hundreds of infrastructure projects related to transport, electricity, irrigation, and schools in disadvantaged areas, Duc said. 

Lam Dong province reported the highest rate of disbursement for building infrastructure facilities in extremely disadvantaged communes and villages in the first half of 2018, reaching 62 percent of the set plan. 

Poor households in the regions have also been provided with free seeds, animal breed and agricultural materials; offered training courses on agriculture and forestry development; and supported with building production development models, thus improving the income for regional residents and promoting poverty reduction. 

Duc said the effort to reduce the poverty rate in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas has shown substantial results, with the average rate of poor households in these regions now down to 14.4 percent. 

The Programme 135 launched in 1999, aims to improve living conditions for rural residents with a particular focus on ethnic minority communities.

A total of 2,139 extremely disadvantaged and border communes in 46 provinces nationwide were listed as eligible for support from the Programme 135 for the 2017-2020 period.

Ten provinces in the Central and Central Highlands regions– Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong report a total of 373 extremely disadvantaged and border communes.

JICA helps develop human resources in Ba Ria – Vung Tau

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Japan’s Sanjo city and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on July 4 held a conference to review the human resources development project for SMEs supporting institutions in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Long stressed that businesses need to pay more attention to the role of human resources in their development in order to create competitive edges.

They can learn from and help each other to improve their management capacity, thus generating jobs and contributing to local development, he said.

According to the province’s Department of Industry and Trade, the project, as part of the JICA partnership programme, aimed to enhance the management capacity of business owners and the capacity of training officials in charge of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in public agencies and organisations.

Implemented between April and July 2018, it targeted local SMEs operating in the mechanical sector and public employees responsible for industrial development.

Three businesses in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province selected to join the project are the Cua Huynh De Technical JSC, the Mekong United JSC and the Sao Vang JSC.

Under the project, Japanese experts provided training right at the three companies, helping them solve their existing problems, especially improving labour productivity to enhance competitiveness.

Thanks to the project, the management and supervision of quality, process and arising costs have become better, leading to higher growth, said reports by the Cua Huynh De Technical JSC and the Mekong United JSC.

The Cua Huynh De Technical JSC posted its growth of 29 percent compared to the time before participating in the project while the Mekong United enjoyed a surge of 52 percent and the salary of its workers increased by 15-20 percent on average.

Also at the event, JICA granted certificates of completion to the two businesses.

Chinese State Councillor extends sympathy over recent flood losses

Flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in June had left 23 dead and ten missing in the northern mountainous provinces 

State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi has sent a message of sympathy to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh over the heavy losses resulting from the recent floods in the northern mountainous provinces. 

The Chinese official also expressed his sympathy to families of victims and those affected by the natural disasters. 

He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Vietnamese Government, people in the affected localities will soon overcome the aftermath of natural disasters  and restore full production. 

Flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in June had left 23 dead and ten missing in the northern mountainous provinces, mainly in Lai Chau and Ha Giang, as of 7am on June 28, according to the Standing Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

Of the victims, 16 deaths and nine missing people were in Lai Chau province, five deaths in Ha Giang, one death each in Quang Ninh and Lao Cai, and one missing person in Dien Bien. 

Floods also pulled down or swept away 161 houses, damaged 958 homes, and submerged 1,800 others.

In addition, more than 1,500 hectares of rice and crops were inundated or destroyed, while nearly 600 hectares of aquaculture was damaged and 738 cattle and over 13,800 poultry killed.

Total damage was estimated at nearly 500 billion VND (around 21.8 million USD). 

Vietnam-France forum on smart, sustainable urban areas

The HCM City People’s Committee and the French General Consulate in the city sign an MoU on cooperation in air quality control on July 4

Business France and the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City organised the Vietnam-France forum on smart and sustainable urban areas on July 4. 

Representatives from the municipal People’s Committee and French General Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in air quality control to cope with the environmental challenges of sustainable development in the city. 

Accordingly, both sides will share their knowledge and technical expertise to launch an air quality control programme in the city, establish an air quality monitor system, and devise measures to prevent and mitigate air pollution – altogether contributing to environmental protection and climate change response. 

The city and the French Consulate General will cooperate in workforce training for air quality management, as well as launching specific projects within the MoU framework, including mobilising and allocating France’s financial aid to promote progress in environmental protection and climate change response. 

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Vinh Tuyen said the forum affords domestic and foreign firms a chance to seek partners, expand markets, and attract investment, adding that the MoU will help the city control and mitigate air pollution, contributing to building Ho Chi Minh City into a green, modern, and sustainable urban area. 

French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Vincent Floreani said French companies with successful projects are ready to partner with the city in this field. 

The event attracted experts, senior executives, and leading firms in architecture, urban transportation, energy, waste management, and water treatment. 

Participants discussed air quality management, green projects, and smart construction technology. 

Several French firms met bilaterally with Vietnamese State agencies and private partners to seek opportunities in promising fields. 

Vu A Dinh scholarships presented to Dong Nai’s ethnic students

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa (L), who is President of the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, presents scholarships to Dong Nai students on July 4

The Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund presented scholarships to poor ethnic minority students with outstanding learning performances in the southern province of Dong Nai on July 4.

This is the first time Vu A Dinh scholarships have been presented in Dong Nai. This year, 147 scholarships totalling 170 million VND (7,370 USD) were handed over to both school and university students.

Dong Nai is home to over 40,000 students belonging to ethnic minority groups mainly Hoa, Tay, Nung, Cho Ro, and Ma.

According to former Vice President Truong My Hoa, who is President of the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, education is one of the most effective paths to a bright future. Therefore, it is essential to support and invest in children’s academic careers.

The Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund – named after a young liaison officer who was killed during the French resistance war – was set up in 1999 by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to support poor ethnic students in their study. Since then, over 80,000 scholarships have been granted.

Last year, the fund handed over nearly 5,000 scholarships to ethnic students across the country. The “Mo duong tuong lai” (Pave the way to the future) project, carried out by the scholarship fund, assisted 50 ethnic female students to attend school. 

Meanwhile, three schools were constructed for students in the provinces of Dien Bien and Yen Bai under the “Thap sang tuong lai” (Lighting the future) scheme.

The scholarship fund also presented 3,000 scholarships to children of naval officers and fishermen in localities affected by natural disasters.

Flood victims receive relief funds

Flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in June had left 23 dead and 10 missing in the northern mountainous provinces, mainly the two mentioned-above provinces. 

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) yesterday received emergency aid from both domestic and foreign individuals and organisations to help households affected by the recent floods in the northern part of the country. 

The assistance came from Chinese Ambassador to Việt Nam Hong Xiaoyong with $US15,000, the Red Cross Society of China with $50,000 and the Chinese Business Association in Vietnam with $110,000. 

The VNRC also received $440 from the Government Inspectorate’s trade union. 

Many organisations and individuals nationwide have given assistance to locals in flood-stricken areas so that they can recover. 

The VNRC has already provided emergency aid worth over $49,300 to households in Lai Châu and Hà Giang provinces. 

VNRC Vice President Nguyễn Quốc Hùng said that his organisation would try to raise awareness of how to respond to natural disasters, and the flood victims would receive support via VNRC programmes and projects. 

Flash floods and landslides triggered by downpours in June left 23 dead and 10 missing in northern mountainous provinces.

Of the victims, 16 deaths and nine missing victims were in Lai Châu, five deaths in Hà Giang, one death each in Quảng Ninh and Lào Cai, and one missing person in Điện Biên, reported the Standing Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. 

Floods also pulled down or swept away 161 houses, damaged 958 homes and submerged 1,800 others. 

In addition, more than 1,500ha of rice and crops were inundated or destroyed, while nearly 600ha of aquaculture were damaged and 738 cattle and over 13,800 poultry were killed. 

The total damage has been estimated at nearly $21.8 million 

Nearly half of Gia Lai waterworks ineffective

Hundreds of billions of Vietnamese đồng have been wasted because of ineffective/unused water supply works in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. — Photo vov.vn

The People’s Council of the Central Highlands Province of Gia Lai have found 126 out of 313 water supply works in the province are operating ineffectively or are even unused.

The works were damaged, degraded or unused, causing waste of over VNĐ126 billion (US$5.5 million) in total as the province spent nearly VNĐ260 billion ($11.27 million) from its budget to build more than 300 works to supply water to rural areas since 2001.

The council found that some works were used for only few months.

Nguyễn Chúc, vice head of the province’s Irrigation and Aquaculture Department, said that the works were not maintained properly.

In some cases, small damage was not fixed in a timely manner, so the problem worsened until it was extremely difficult to repair.

The provincial People’s Council asked the People’s Committee to identify the responsibilities of relevant agencies and individuals in managing and operating such work. 

HUST fosters students’ IT skills for Việt Nam Industry 4.0

Hà Nội University of Science and Technology and SAP signed memorandum of uderstanding to build young talents for Việt Nam’s Industry 4.0. 

The Hà Nội University of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding with German software giant SAP on Wednesday to help equip young Vietnamese with the digital skills needed for the fourth industrial revolution.

HUST, Việt Nam’s first and leading multidisciplinary university, will collaborate with SAP to create programmes that will help upskill and prepare students for the IT labour market.

It will also offer them exposure to emerging technologies such as internet of things (IoT) and machine learning and teach soft skills like problem solving methodologies through Design Thinking.

The collaboration will benefit especially students in business, IT-related areas and the ELITECH programme.

Hoàng Minh Sơn, HUST’s president, said: “Our university’s efforts to promote education, research and technology transfer in the age of the fourth industrial revolution is truly in line with SAP’s innovative approach to digital transformation and Design Thinking.

Besides being a leading enterprise in technology, SAP’s commitment to investing in digital skills for the future will surely help us in the goal of building a digital-savvy workforce.”

Scott Russell, president of SAP Asia Pacific Japan, said: “People are at the heart of digital transformation. At SAP, we strongly believe in purpose-drive innovation to help the world run better and improve people’s lives.

“Together with HUST, we are committed to building a strong, digitally-empowered Vietnamese workforce that is ready for Industry 4.0”.

Globally, SAP has been engaged in initiatives to support several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

With respect to the fourth goal of quality education, SAP’s University Alliances and SAP Next-Gen deliver open, continuous education to re-skill and advance the future workforce.

Việt Nam is all set to embrace the fourth industrial revolution, with Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc issuing a directive to all ministries and agencies to focus on developing infrastructure to invest in technological innovations until 2020.

Last year, he announced a target of having one million workers highly proficient in digital technologies by 2020. 

Programme deals with polluting public welfare facilities

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc recently approved a target programme on tackling seriously-polluting public welfare facilities for 2016-2020. 

The 535 billion VND programme will be carried out in centrally-run cities and provinces with projects causing serious and extremely serious pollution, hurting public health and socio-economic development. 

It aims to improve environment quality in welfare facilities that hold reserves of plant protection chemicals and wastewater. 

Between now and 2020, 30 unhygienic and polluting dumping grounds and landfills will be dealt with. 

The programme will help collect and dispose of plant protection chemicals and restore the environment in 70 spots and build three wastewater treatment plants in urban areas.

Vietnam works to promote green growth urban development

Participants at the conference 

Policies for the implementation of the Vietnam Green Growth Urban Development Plan to 2030 were detailed at a conference in Hanoi on July 4. 

In his speech at the event, Deputy Minister of Construction Phan Thi My Linh said Vietnam considers green growth the key to sustainable development and prosperity. 

The Government issued the National Green Growth Strategy in 2012, and the National Action Plan on Green Growth for the 2012-2020 period in 2014. 

These created an important foundation to transform the growth model towards green growth, Linh said. 

Urban development, with the role as impetus for the nation’s socio-economic growth, is a top priority in the plan, she added. 

The Ministry of Construction has coordinated with partners to conduct research and surveys, and learned from international experience to priority tasks. 

Priority actions of the Vietnam Green Growth Urban Development Plan to 2030 focus on adjusting urban planning and urban development programmes in the direction of green growth and climate change adaptation,  drawing up plans,  mobilizing resources, applying science and technology and investing in green growth urban development. 

The plan is a commitment of the Government towards achieving the targets of the Green Growth Strategy in terms of urban development, Linh stressed.

Twenty-three cities nationwide have been selected to pilot the plan, she said, adding that the model will be expanded to more areas in the future. 

According to the deputy minister, the ministry issued a circular stipulating green growth urban building indicators related to economy, society, the environment and institutions.

By monitoring these indicators, urban areas will identify issues that need to be addressed annually and periodically, thus forming methods for managing and supervising urban development. 

This is the basis for proposing solutions for green growth urban development to suit the conditions of each urban area, Linh said. 

Adam Ward from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) said urban areas are facing many challenges, such as climate change causing urban flooding, traffic congestion and waste management. 

The building of green infrastructure systems in Vietnam is essential to increase the use of renewable energy, he stressed, adding that the GGGI is working with the Ministry of Construction to develop green urban policies. 

The GGGI will continue to work with the ministry to enhance the ability of urban areas to access financial resources for infrastructure construction, and building policies related the recycling of waste into renewable energy, he said. 

Held by the Ministry of Construction’s Department of Urban Development and the GGGI, this is the first conference among three of this kind that will be held Vietnam.

It is expected to improve the ability of managers of green growth urban development. 

During the event, managers, experts, scientists and representatives from enterprises joined discussions to build and manage green growth urban areas, part of efforts to realise Vietnam’s sustainable development goals.