Police break up trans-national drug trafficking ring

Vietnamese authorities have busted a large drug trafficking ring from Laos to Vietnam and then to China.

Receiving information from local people that a large drug racket was operating in Tuong Duong and Do Luong districts in Nghe An province, Nam Dinh’s police in coordination with the Marine Police Command and Drug Crime Investigation Department (C47) investigated tip offs.

On April 20, they caught Dinh Xuan Lai red-handed, trafficking 10 heroin cakes and 28 ecstasy tablets.

Lai, the ring’s leader, confessed he lives in Do Luong district, Nghe An province, and he had just finished a 25-year imprisonment term.

Lai often contacted Lao people to traffic heroin through Luong Minh Border Gate in Tuong Duong district, Nghe An province, and then transport it to Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh, where the drug is shipped to China.

The case is still open to investigation.

Minister warns against recurrent measles outbreak

Although the infectious disease is showing signs of waning, it is likely to break out again during the upcoming long holiday, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien has warned.

Vietnam will celebrate National Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) in a couple of days, and according to a Prime Minister decision people will have five days off work, starting on April 30.

Many outdoor celebrations will take place on this occasion that normally attracts crowds of holiday-makers, making it easier for measles virus to spread from human to human, Tien said.

Those who are suspected of contracting measles are advised not to go to parks or swimming pools to prevent the virus attacking healthy people in the community.

Tien said her ministry is mobilising all resources to keep measles under control and minimise the number of deaths.

The ministry is purchasing an additional 1.2 million doses of measles vaccine, and vaccination is compulsory for children under 10 years old.

A representative of the Hanoi Department of Health reported that 97% of local children have been vaccinated against measles.

The Ministry of Health has assigned the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), in collaboration with the Central Paediatrics Hospital and other relevant institutes, to conduct a national-level research project on measles and treatment in Vietnam.   

Localities work hard to fight measles

Local authorities nationwide are exerting every effort to eliminate the outbreaks of measles as soon as possible.

Medical staff in the northern province of Phu Tho have prepared every necessary technical infrastructure and medicine to cure the disease which might spread further in the coming time.

Besides enhancing communication campaigns to raise the public awareness of the issue and effective precautions, doctors and nurses will provide vaccination for nearly 9,000 local children.

Elsewhere in the southern province of Binh Phuoc, the Preventive Medical Department has worked out a measles vaccination plan for children between 9 and 24 months old.

It is striving to provide full vaccination for 95 percent of children in the age group.

Meanwhile, the Central Highland province of Dak Lak has approved a VND100-million (US$4,700) package for anti-measles work. More than 80 percent of children have received vaccination against the disease.

The northern border province of Lang Son, which sees only a small number of measles patients, is also working hard to ensure sufficient vaccination at 226 local clinics.

Statistics showed that as of March, nearly 9,700 nine-old-month children were not fully vaccinated, while those under five months old have yet to receive the vaccination in the province.

On April 23, the Medicine Management Department under the Health Ministry issued an official document on preparing sufficient measles and chickenpox vaccination.

The vaccination stations are allowed to order the number of doses directly from foreign importers.

A total of 3,569 measles cases were recorded as of April 23 in 61 out of 63 cities and provinces, with children under 10 years of age accounting for 68.3 percent, according to the Health Ministry.

A majority of patients (86.4 percent) were not vaccinated against the disease, while 9.9 percent of the patients had acquired just one shot of vaccine while at least two shots are required.

The disease has claimed 25 lives so far, but the number of fatalities from measles complications has amounted to 108.

Vietnam is in the stage of curbing measles and expects to eliminate the disease by 2017.

Many adults in HCM City hospitalized for measles

The HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases on April 22 admitted 91 patients all of them are suspected cases of measles, including 40 adults.

Doctor Nguyen Thanh Dung from the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases said that adult patients may experience more severe negative consequences on their health than children, noting that people can die from the disease.

The number of measles infections among kids remained unchanged at the HCM City Pediatrics Hospital No1 on the same day. However, many hospitals and healthcare centres in the city is running a dire shortage of vaccine, leading to a patient overload in Pasteur Institute and Pediatrics Hospitals No1 and No2.

Many adult patients of measles had to lie in the corridor of the hospital as there are not enough beds for them.

Nguyen Thi Cam Thuy, a 20-year-old patient from Mekong Delta Tien Giang province, was sent to the hospital for suspected measles virus. She was worried about her disease and treatment services due to the lack of facilities.

Director of the HCM City’s Preventive Medicine Department, Nguyen Tri Dung, reported that since the beginning of 2014, the city has found 1,470 cases of measles. Fortunately, there has been no fatality, he said.

Poverty rate drops to new low of 7.8%

The rate of poor households has dropped from 22% in 2005 to 7.8% last year, reports the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Total funding mobilised for poverty reduction target from 2005 to 2012 was more than VND864 trillion (US$41 billion), the ministry said at an online meeting between the National Steering Committee on Sustainable Poverty Reduction and 63 provinces and cities on April 23.

The meeting was held to review poverty reduction results between 2005-2013 and devise the orientation for 2014-15.

However, it is agreed that poverty reduction will be unsustainable if the gap between rich and poor do not decline further, particularly in the northern mountainous and Central Highlands regions.

In many areas, the rate of poverty remains at more than 50%.

Overlapping in poverty reduction policies and management mechanisms was cited as a main reason for the low efficiency in poverty reduction.

The meeting agreed that poverty reduction policies should take into account real conditions of each locality.

At the meeting Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh asked relevant ministries, agencies and localities to speed up poverty reduction tasks.

He said reduction must focus on areas with high rates of poor households, especially in mountainous and remote areas.

The PM added that poverty reduction policies needed to include those who had escaped poverty and households on the threshold of poverty.

Post offices open on Truong Sa Island

The first post office was established on April 23 in Sinh Ton commune, Truong Sa Island, Khanh Hoa province, improving local cultural life.

A second is expected to follow on April 25 in Truong Sa town, providing mail delivery services, and internet access to residents.

The two offices are equipped with books, newspapers and internet stations, said Director of the provincial Post Office Le Viet Cuong.

Earlier this month, a school was completed on Sinh Ton Island as part of a programme named “For beloved Truong Sa students”.

The school was built at a cost nearly VND12.5 billion, which was raised by donations from both in and outside the country.

Outstanding firms receive science-technology award

Hanoi hosted a ceremony on April 24 to present the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) 2013 Award to leading Vietnamese science and technology firms.

The awards were given to 33 most prominent projects involved in six areas - mechanical automation; material technology; information technology, electronics, and telecoms; bio-technology; environmentally friendly technology and efficient use of natural resources; and energy saving and use of new energy.

Among top prize-winners were a project implemented by engineer Nguyen Cong Lam and his colleagues to design electric vehicles to transport patients in hospitals, and a project of Nguyen Van Quy from Thanh Hoa province on non-chemical rice preservation in a low-pressure environment for 30 months.

Addressing the ceremony, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, Nguyen Thien Nhan said the WIPO Award has helped stimulate the emulation movement of scientific and technological creation and innovation in Vietnam.

He asked the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Organizations and relevant agencies to continue organizing such awards, with a focus on high-tech application, environmental protection, and energy saving.

On this occasion, the organizing board also launched a similar award for 2014.

Ireland continues financial assistance for Kon Tum

Ireland will continue to select the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum as one of eight Vietnamese localities receiving its financial assistance from in the coming time, Irish Ambassador to Vietnam Damien Cole has said.

The ambassador took part in a tour of the province on April 23, to review the implementation of Irish funded projects there.

He made fact-finding visits to the Ba Na ethnic people’s Brocade Trade Village in Thang Loi ward, Kon Tum city and a new section of road in Ya Tang commune, Sa Thay district – both of which were funded by the Irish Government. The diplomat also called in on several local households that are enjoying the benefits of Irish aid.

In 2013, the Irish Government offered VND7.5 billion (US$352,500) in non-refundable aid to five infrastructure projects in extremely impoverished communes in Kon Tum.

France bolsters education cooperation with Vietnam

Campus France - the French national agency for the promotion of higher education, international student services, and international mobility - held a Vietnam Day in Paris on April 24 to provide an overview of Vietnam’s university system and the students’ demand for training.

The event aims to help universities in France to learn about the process of building training programmes with Vietnamese partners.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Campus France Director General Antoine Grassin said that remarkable improvements have been made in Vietnam’s tertiary teaching programmes, enabling them to keep up with regional and international universities.

Many cooperative programmes have been implemented between the Vietnamese Government and other governments. Especially, Germany, France, the UK and Japan signed documents to run education projects in Vietnam.

Antoine Grassin reviewed the results of cooperative projects between foreign partners and Vietnam over the years including European Excellence in Management Education(CFVG) and Excellent Engineer Training Program (PFIEV) and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH).

He underlined the Vietnamese Government’s determination to implement higher education projects with France. France has made substantial financial contribution to projects in Vietnam and grant scholarships for Vietnamese students to follow tertiary education programmes or training courses in the country.

Nguyen Thanh Huyen, deputy head the Ministry of Education and Training’s International Cooperation Department said that the close co-ordination between Vietnamese and French universities has facilitated Vietnamese students’ selection of fields of study.

At present, France takes the lead among nations which have cooperative programmes with Vietnam with 72, followed by the US (65), the UK (45), Australia (39) and China (35).

Jackques Frere, the French Embassy’s Attaché in charge of higher education and scientific cooperation said that the USTH cooperative project on university and scientific research and has been implemented since 2009 with a view to building a university of international standards and training outstanding students in the field of science and technology.

The university is expected to take shape in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in the time ahead.

Requiem for Dien Bien Phu fallen soldiers

On April 25, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in collaboration with the Dien Bien province People’s Committee held a requiem for heroic fallen soldiers in the Dien Bien Phu campaign.

The requiem was attended by Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the VBS Central Committee and Buddhist clergies.

In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, participants burnt incense in commemoration of the soldiers and their heroism.

Earlier, on April 24, rites to rest the souls of soldiers took place at Independence, Him Lam and Tong Khao Martyrs Cemeteries.

The requiem is a practical activity marking the 60th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory (1954-2014), upholding the tradition of “When drinking water, remember the source,” paying a debt of gratitude” to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Campaign and in the cause of national liberation and defence in general.

The Netherlands’ National Day observed in HCM City

On April 24, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City celebrated the Netherlands’ King Day and National Day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dutch Consul General Simon van der Burg hailed the flourishing relationship between the Netherlands and Vietnam with ever-growing trade value, noting the Netherlands continues to maintain its position as one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam.

In observance of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the Dutch Consulate General successfully organized the “Holland House” event in HCM City last year ​​with the participation of thousands of visitors keen to learn about Dutch businesses, and Dutch culinary art and culture.

On education, the number of  Vietnamese students learning at Dutch universities is on the rise and the stronger development of cooperative relations between universities and research institutes has made it easier for more Dutch lectures to come to Vietnam.

HCM City People's Committee Deputy Chairman Le Manh Ha highlighted the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship over the past 40 years, saying it lays a solid foundation for setting up a strategic partnerships in various fields- climate change adaptation, maritime industry, hi-tech agriculture,  water management and education and training.

The local relationship between HCM City and the Netherlands has also flourished with last year’s trade turnover between reaching more than US$650 million, Ha noted.

As of January 2014, the Netherlands has had 73 investment projects totaling nearly US$480 million, ranking 10th in the countries and territories investing in the city.

More support for HIV/AIDS-affected children

The Prime Minister has agreed with the national plan of action for HIV/AIDS-affected children for the 2014-2020 period, said the Vietnam Government Portal.

Under the newly-approved document, by 2020, all schools will enroll children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Ninety percent of this group of children will be able to access services on health care, education, consultation, nutrition and physical development as well as entertainment.

Almost all sites and social organisations which support, take care of and treat HIV positive children will be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills.

The action plan aims to strengthen the role of administrative authorities, perfect the legal system in favour of the protection of HIV/AIDS children carriers, and pilot a service model to take care of them at the community.

It also targets to improve competence of social organisations and service providers in order to avoid discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected children and boost social engagement and international cooperation.

Earlier, the PM released Decision 84/2009/QD-TTg approving a national plan of action for HIV/AIDS-affected children up to 2010, with a vision towards 2020. The document is a concerted effort of interdisciplinary agencies and international organisations in Vietnam to take care of, treat and assist children living with HIV/AIDS.

Since 2012, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has piloted the care service model for children living with HIV/AIDS in eight provinces namely Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Nam Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Yen Ba, Quang Nam and Phu Tho.

So far, over 3,100 children have benefited from the model.

Project reduces cement sector’s greenhouse gas emissions

The Ministry of Construction and the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) on April 24 launched a project aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Vietnam’s cement sector.

Minister of Construction Nguyen Tran Nam said as of the end of 2013, there were 71 cement plants using rotary kilns in the country, with a total design capacity of 73 million tonnes.

The industry released about 57 million tonnes of CO2 into the environment in 2013. Meanwhile, its design capacity is expected to top 100 million tonnes of cement in the 2016-2020 period, he noted.

The NDF-funded project will be carried out in two years starting from February 2014.

It will assess the potential amount of GHG released by cement factories, and build a standard emission level, a measurement system and a nationally appropriate mitigation action for this industry.

An Giang enhances remains search and repatriation efforts

The southern province of An Giang is working hard to promote the search and retrieval of soldiers’ remains, both at home and abroad, in the period of 2014-2020.

Under the direction of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the provincial People’s Committee has set up the Steering Board for the search and repatriation of remains from now and beyond 2020.

Accordingly, the board will focus on directing and managing agencies, organisations and localities in collecting information in a bid to locate more remains in the province.

It will also be responsible for the search and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who laid down their lives in Cambodia.

The locality plans to find the remains of nearly 500 fallen soldiers in the next six years, including 168 at home and 300 others in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu and Takeo provinces.

Lao PM meets Vietnamese teachers

The Lao Party, State and people are extremely grateful to Vietnam for its comprehensive support of the country over the past time, especially in human resources training, Prime Minister Thongsinh Thammavong said on April 24.

The Lao Prime Minister made the statement during a reception for former Vietnamese teachers, who provided education for many generations of Lao students in the past.

The host also recalled the time when he lived and studied in Vietnam.

He said that apart from educating a large number of Lao students, Vietnam also sent many experts to Laos to assist the country’s education development.

At present, Vietnam still continues supporting his country in the field, contributing significantly to its national construction and development, the Lao PM added.

Vietnamese guests said they will continue to educate Vietnamese and Lao generations on the traditional friendship and special solidarity between the two countries.

France helps Vietnam improve supermarket management

The transfer of supermarket management books from international development partners to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) was ceremoniously celebrated in Hanoi on April 24.

Utilising the books, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia will cooperate in developing vocational education under the sponsorship of the International Francophone Organisation (OIF), the association for the promotion of education and training abroad (APEFE) and Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI).

The aim of the programme is to improve the efficiency of vocational education, increase employment opportunities for young people and promote the sharing of human resources between the three nations and French speaking countries.

The MoET asked the OIF, APEFE build training programs on supermarket management to generate more jobs for students after graduation.

Four training institutions have been selected to implement the pilot program in the 2012-2016 period including Indochina College, Thu Duc College of Technology, Da Nang Polytechnic College and Hai Duong College.

Two organisations will get involved in the 2014-2018 period including Can Tho Technical Economic College, and North Thang Long Economic and Technical Institution.

At present, four out of ten books have been published and delivered to students and teachers free of charge. These documents are very scientific, concise and in accordance with the real situation at supermarkets at present.

The program will be replicated at many training institutions nationwide.

RoK group builds 40 homes for disadvantaged families

Hanhwa Life Insurance group from the Republic of Korea (RoK)on April 24 signed an  agreement to build 40 houses in six provinces at a cost of US$1,600 each.

Six provinces include Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Long An, Vinh Long, Dak Lak and BInh Dinh.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kim Ki Young, Director of the ACEF Korean Cultural Centre said that these projects will greatly improve cultural exchange and friendship between the two nations.

Le Van Hong, President of Kien Giang province’s Union of Friendship Organizations in turn emphasized that these projects are of great social significance as they will help households escape poverty and stabilize their lives, especially helping the elderly, disabled and children.

The cooperative project has enhanced cooperation among localities and friendship organizations, making a significant contribution to the development of cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK, he said.

In 2013, ACEF co-ordinated with RoK and Vietnam organizations to build 93 houses for disadvantaged people in the south including the Vietnam Friendship Village in Vung Liem district in the southern Vinh Long province.

WB signs agreements to modernise Vietnam’s poorest areas

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) entered into credit agreements with the World Bank (WB) on April 24 of close to US$390 million for projects to modernise of some of the nation’s poorest areas.

 “These projects respond to different drivers of poverty in the country including limited livelihood opportunities, remoteness, low productivity of agriculture and ineffective social assistance programs” said Victoria Kwakwa, Country Director for the World Bank in Vietnam.

The funding will assist the Central Highlands Poverty Reduction Project (US$ 150 million), the Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (US$ 180 million), and the Social Assistance System Strengthening Project (US$ 60 million).

The Central Highlands Poverty Reduction Project aims to support the Government of Vietnam in addressing extreme poverty in the region, the second-poorest in the country.  It will finance village and commune infrastructure; sustainable livelihoods; connective infrastructure, and provide trainings in livelihoods skills, project management, and more general public administration skills for the 26 poorest districts in the provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai.

The goals of the Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project are to increase water and land-use efficiency; enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce vulnerability to adverse climatic events for farmers and rural households in the Central Coast Region (Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Quang Nam provinces) and selected provinces in the Northern Mountainous Region (Ha Giang, Phu Tho, and Hoa Binh).

The objective of the Social Assistance System Strengthening Project is to strengthen the social assistance system nationwide, including developing a national database of poor and near-poor households and improve the management information system.

The three projects will be provided with loans for 25 years at an interest rate of 1.25%.

South Africa Freedom Day observed in Hanoi

Freedom Day (April 27) is a day set aside for South African people to celebrate the hard-fought struggle for national liberation from colonial powers.

South African Ambassador to Vietnam Kgomotso Ruth Magau made the statement at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 23 marking the 20th anniversary of Freedom Day.

Magau reminded the audience that this was the first anniversary since President Nelson Mandela – a great symbol of South Africa – passed away.

The late President left a legendary heritage – a peaceful and united nation, she said.

Currently, South Africa is building a closer united society and a better life for all people, she said, adding South African people now have more chances to access basic services, thus improving their living conditions.

Magau stressed that Vietnam is an important trade partner of South Africa. At present, the two countries have gone to great lengths to strengthen their friendship and seek bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially in trade and industry.

For his part, Vietnamese, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat said that as a close friend of South Africa, Vietnamese people always follow and hail South Africa’ achievements in the national process of construction and development.

Under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa has become one of the leading developing nations in Africa, with an ever increasing presence in the international arena, Phat affirmed.

He expressed his hope that with great potential in finance, trade and science and technology, abundant natural resources and rich cultural identities, the country will obtain further achievements, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

Japan hands over solar system to HCM City school

A solar power system was handed over to Tan Nhut secondary school in Binh Chanh district, Ho Chi Minh City on April 23, becoming the first among 10 local schools benefiting from an initiative funded by Japan’s AEON Environmental Foundation.

Under the US$500,000 scheme, solar panels will be installed right in school campuses, helping them save 40% on their monthly electricity bills.

Speaking of the project’s benefits, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Manh Ha said students will become environmentally-conscious and learn to recycle items and use renewable energy.

On the occasion, the foundation and the municipal Department of Education and Training signed an agreement to install the system in more local schools.

Since 2009, the foundation has presented this system to 15 Japanese schools. In the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia has benefitted most from the scheme, followed by Vietnam.

 Vietnam attends ASEAN Science and Technology meeting

Nearly 200 policy makers, scientists, academics and senior officials from 10 ASEAN member states are attending the 67th meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST-67) in Singapore from April 21-25.

The Vietnamese delegation is headed by Tran Quoc Khanh, Vice Minister of Science and Technology and Vietnam COST Chair.

According to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), COST-67 will focus on reviewing the ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology and Innovation 2015-2020, which will serve as the blueprint and implementation framework for the next phase of ASEAN’s science and technology efforts.

In closed-door sessions, delegates will also discuss key areas, including talent mobility initiatives to encourage young talent to take up STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers and the harmonisation of technical standards across ASEAN.

They will be briefed by the eight sub-committees under the purview of ASEAN COST, which met on April 21 and 22, on their progress in such areas as biotechnology, sustainable energy research, microelectronics and information technology, and marine science and technology.

At the opening ceremony on April 23, S. Iswaran, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry, said that since its establishment in 1978, ASEAN COST has been leading efforts to promote regional cooperation and mutual assistance in research and development programmes. He added that Singapore chairs the Health Flagship Programme, which aims to strengthen ASEAN’s capabilities to combat infectious diseases that are of concern to ASEAN.

The minister reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to joining efforts to improve metrology capabilities and standards application in the various ASEAN forums and partnerships and to embarking on joint science and technology projects of mutual interest with all ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.

CIHBT - a pioneer in stem cell transplants in Vietnam

The Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (CIHBT) has conducted 107 stem cell transplants since the first in June 2006, helping treat patients with deadly blood diseases.

The CIHBT unveiled the figure at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 23, saying it is one of the pioneers in Vietnam in performing such transplants, and between 70%-80% of its operations are successful.

Stem cell research and application has been conducted since the 1990s. Ho Chi Minh City Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital carried out the first hematopoietic stem cell transplant for a patient with blood disease in 1995. It was then followed by Hue Central Hospital, the CIHBT, and the National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi.

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen urged the CIHBT to build a stem cell bank to help improve patients chances of getting suitable stem cells. She asked the institute to formulate legal documents regarding research and application of hematopoietic stem cells towards developing a law on stem cell.

The institute’s director Nguyen Anh Tri affirmed that stem cell transplant is one of the key methods to help patients access modern treatment methods with cheaper expense than regional countries.

The institute will develop a bank for umbilical cord stem cells in the community, to treat more hereditary diseases in the future, he said.

Argentina talks highlight Vietnam’s profile

Vietnam’s long history of struggles against foreign invasion, plight for national independence and recent road to development and integration was introduced in Buenos Aires on April 22.

The talks, co-organised by the Equilibrium Global Company, the Association of Spouses of Diplomats (ACAD), Argentina-based Spanish Viajes El Corte Ingles Travel Agent, Emirates Airlines and the Vietnamese Embassy, aimed to help Argentinean people to gain a better understanding of Vietnam in the current development process and to promote Vietnamese tourism to international friends.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Dinh Thao, Chairman of the Argentina-Vietnam Cultural Institute Poldi Sosa and Coordinator of the Southeast Asia Research Centre under the National University La Plata briefed the participants on Vietnam’s history, geopolitical role, and its recent Renewal achievements, raising its prestige in the region and the wider world.

Ezequiel Ramoneda highlighted Vietnam’s historical landmarks, particularly the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory over French colonialism.

Speakers also lauded progress in Vietnam-Argentina relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties more than 40 years ago, with bilateral trade value reaching nearly US$1.6 billion last year.

They spoke highly of Vietnam’s foreign policy, particularly its relations with other countries in Asia, as well as its multilateral cooperation.

Francisco Jesus Gimenez from Viajes El Corte Ingles presented some tours of Vietnam for Argentinean people.

An Emirates Airlines representative introduced aviation services for Argentinean people who want to visit Vietnam. Since June 2012, Argentinean people can use Emirates’ services from Buenos Aires and transit in Dubai then fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese journalists aim for Asian Journalism Awards

(VOV) - Journalists and media agencies can submit their works to participate in the Asian Environmental Journalism Awards (AEJA 2014) from April 22 to August 3, according to the Vietnam Forum of Environmental Journalists (VFEJ).

The award, organised by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), aims to honour journalists who have made outstanding achievements in the environmental field.

The VFEJ will help disseminate information on the prize and implement support activities. Ms Loh Xiao Juan from the SEC said that the award has been launched since 2012 aiming to acknowledge individuals and organisations’ tremendous achievements in the environmental journalism.

There will be six categories for the award including an environmental story of the year, an environmental journalist of the year, environmental blogger of the year, environmental photo of the year, young journalist of the year and an environmental report conducted by media agencies.

This year’s award is expected to attract many Vietnamese environmental journalists’ works,Loh Xiao Juan said.

The award ceremony will be held in Singapore on October 16. Accordingly, journalists and media agencies can submit their works online at http://www.sec.org.sg/aeja/login.php.

Conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Department of Biodiversity Conservation on April 22 hosted a round-table discussion on how to improve conservation and sustainable use of wildlife resources in Vietnam.

Speaking at the seminar , Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen said conservation and sustainable use of wild animals in the territory of a country depends not only on its policy, but are also governed by international regulations and affected by the policies of other countries.

Therefore, conservation of biodiversity in general and conservation of wild animals in particular need international cooperation as well as efforts at the national level.

Issues tabled for discussion covered the appropriate model in the context of Vietnam; Vietnam can apply what wildlife management models from other nations; Vietnam should prohibit all forms of commercial breeding and priority species for protection.

Some participants also said that wild animal breeding farms for commercial purposes is growing drastically in terms of volume. So whether this will support conservation or increase the pressure on wild animals remains to be seen.

They also proposed preventing farms from raising protected species and globally threatened animals named in the Red Book, duly punishing farm owners who violate regulations on wildlife protection.

Farms must be responsible for the documents proving the origin of the breed rather than the law enforcement agencies, they added.

Earlier, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) collaborated with the Vietnam Forest Ranger Department to conduct a survey on 78 breeding farms with a view to promoting conservation of natural populations.

Results showed that 22 species are currently bred at farms, including 12 nationally threatened species, 6 globally threatened, 4 nationally protected and 5 named on the red list of globally endangered animals.

Northern province increases cooperation with Russia

A Russian delegation led by Dr. Prof and Chairwoman of the People's Council of the Primorky Krai region Galina Alekseeva has conducted a fact-finding tour of northern Hoa Binh province to seek wide-ranging cooperation in various fields.

The trip aims to survey investment research, support cultural and tourism activities and provide vocational training and employment for local people with disabilities.

At an April 22 working session with provincial leaders, Alekseeva and her delegation members showed their interest in education-training, cross-cultural exchange and socio-economic development of the province as well as Vietnam.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Bui Van Cuu said he hopes that the Russian expert team will serve as a bridge for enhancing extensive cooperation across a variety of fields, thus helping stimulate Hoa Binh’s socio-economic development and tighten the Vietnam-Russia ties of cooperation and friendship, especially cooperation between Hoa Binh and Russian regions in the fields of culture, tourism, education and training.

After the meeting, the Russian delegation surveyed the caves of Cao Phong district and toured Russian experts’ resort and a vocational training center for disabled people in Hoa Binh city.

Natural resources management inspection intensified

Hanoi is enhancing its inspections of natural resources and environment management in the capital in order to promptly detect and resolve infringements.

The municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment said on April 22 that from now to the end of this year, it will form 52 inspection delegations to oversee the use of land and minerals and the protection of the environment and water sources.

The delegations will check the State management on land use in all 12 districts of the city.

The execution of the Land Law, the Law on Environmental Protection and the Law on Water Resources at industrial zones and urban areas will be strictly upheld.

The department added that unannounced inspections will be conducted to easily uncover any violations.

Dong Thap, Cambodian province ink deal to strengthen ties

Officials of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap and its neighbouring Cambodian province of Prey Veng on April 22 inked a cooperation agreement aiming to foster their all-round relations.

Under the deal, Dong Thap and Prey Veng will maintain meetings between their border guard agencies and local authorities to ensure political security and social order in border areas, plus twinning more border communes in order to enhance the solidarity and friendship.

Both sides agreed to work closely in applying technical advances in agricultural activities and protecting the environment in the lower Mekong River. They will also promote cross-border trade and tourism collaboration.

Prey Veng will continue supporting the search and repatriation of remains of voluntary Vietnamese soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Cambodia.

In 2013, the volume of goods traded between the two provinces totalled 350,000 tonnes. Dong Thap shipped over US$143 million worth of commodities to Prey Veng, doubling the sum from the year before.

The Vietnamese locality has given medical check-ups to about 3,700 people in Prey Veng and presented scholarships to Cambodian students.

On April 21, the Border Guard High Command of Dong Thap and authorised agencies of Prey Veng also signed a cooperation agreement on ensuring security and order at border areas.

President meets with Truong Son war veterans

President Truong Tan Sang said he expects that war veterans and ex-voluntary youths will inspire young generations to dedicate their efforts to the nation on its path to growth.

He expressed his hope while welcoming the Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association in Hanoi on April 22, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Traditional Day of Truong Son Soldiers (May 19).

President Sang said the Party and State are always grateful to war heroes for risking their lives for national independence and reunification. He assured them that policies benefiting them and their families will be improved in the coming time.

Established in 2011, the association started out as Battalion 559 on May 19, 1959. They won a legendary victory along the Truong Son route, known as Ho Chi Minh trail during the anti-US war.

The association has so far developed into a network of chapters across 47 cities and provinces nationwide with nearly 300,000 members.

The recent charity event “Nghia tinh Truong Son” (Sentimental attachment to Truong Son) raised nearly VND50 billion (US$238,000), and saw 700 bank deposit books and thousands of gifts given to the families of war heroes, Agent Orange victims and poor households.

Dak Nong asks for foreign assistance to improve infrastructure

Leaders from Dak Nong province held a meeting on April 22 with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank (WB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to call for international aid.

Provincial leaders put forward a request for total investment capital of VND4,000 billion with a focus on developing infrastructure in Gia Nghia town, purchasing medical equipment for a general hospital and building an economic zone at the border gate of Dak Mil district.

Bank representatives said that the province should devise a long-term socio-economic strategy, make the most of advantages of land and geographical location and adopt incentive policies, to call on investment and improve the business environment effectively. In particular, the locality should create favourable conditions for the private sector to develop.

They suggested that DakNong should put forth solutions to manage, protect and develop forest areas in association with the improvement of people’s living conditions, especially ethnic minorities groups.

Furthermore, the province should give priority to building rural infrastructure, developing healthcare networks and reducing poverty sustainably, as well as preserving the traditional culture of the central highland people.