Vietnamese citizens had greater satisfaction with the administrative services provided by State agencies last year, according to the Satisfaction Index of Public Administration Services (SIPAS) 2023 announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) on April 17.

Director of the MoHA’s Department for Administrative Reform Pham Minh Hung said the nation’s average satisfaction level in 2023 was 82.66%, compared to the 80.08% in the previous year.

The northeastern province of Quang Ninh topped the SIPAS rankings with 90.61% while Bac Kan, another in the northeast, was at the bottom with only 75.03%.

Hung said 57 out of the 63 provinces and centrally-run cities scored a higher index and six others lower compared to 2022. Meanwhile, 36 localities climbed up on the list, 24 others fell, and three had their positions unchanged, namely Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Lam Dong.

According to a MoHA’s survey of more than 39,700 respondents aged from 18 across the nation, 88.88% said there were no civil servants causing them difficulties while processing administrative procedures, and 90% held that they were not asked to pay bribes to fast track their procedures.

The level of satisfaction with access to services was 83%, administrative procedures 83.02%, civil servants’ performance 83.12%, service outcomes 83.03%, and complaint settlement 82.27%.

However, a hefty 85.12% of the respondents expected government agencies to better civil servants' service attitude, while 85.11% wanted quality improvement in the settlement of citizens’ complaints. Besides, 85.03% hoped for better capabilities of civil servants./.

Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang begins Venezuela visit

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang arrived in Caracas on April 17 (local time), beginning his three-day official visit to Venezuela at the invitation of the government of Venezuela.

Upon the arrival, the Deputy PM paid floral tributes to Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Monument on Simón Bolívar Avenue in the capital.

Addressing the ceremony, Quang highlighted the life and revolutionary cause of the late president who founded the Communist Party of Vietnam and gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. UNESCO also honoured the late president as a Hero of National Liberation and a Great Man of Culture of Vietnam.

Notably, Quang said, president Ho founded Vietnam’s modern diplomacy that attaches great importance to relations with Latin American countries.

He said his working trip is to deepen the friendship and cooperation with Venezuela, contributing to peace, cooperation, development and progress of the two peoples and the world as a whole.

This is also President Ho’s thought when he said ‘Vietnam wants to befriend all democratic countries and does not make enemies with anyone’ in the Declaration of Independence in 1945.

Quang thanked the government and people of Venezuela for supporting and preserving the monument in capital Caracas.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno affirmed that Venezuela highly appreciates the image, career and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh.

The image of President Ho is a symbol reminiscent of the heroic and brave Vietnamese people, she stressed.

According to the diplomat, Venezuela and Vietnam have historical similarities. Both countries continue to develop, and more importantly, they do not give up the fight to protect their independence and sovereignty.

She reaffirmed the affection, solidarity and understanding of the Venezuelan people towards Vietnam, and expressed hẻ wish that the relationship between the two countries would continue to develop steadily in the future.

Later the same day, Deputy PM Quang visited and talked to officials and staff as well as representatives of Vietnamese people in Venezuela.

Vietnam Day held in Belarus

An event themed “Hello Vietnam” was held in Minsk on April 17 to promote the Vietnamese culture, traditions, history, and cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus.

The event, co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Belarus, the Belarusian Society for Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and the Belarus-Vietnam Friendship Association attracted the Vietnamese community in Belarus and international friends with a Vietnamese musical performance, dances and an “ao dai”(Vietnamese traditional long dress) show.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Nguyen Van Nguy said it is a great opportunity for participants to learn about the Vietnamese culture and traditions, and exchange information on business cooperation between the embassy and the host country's agencies, organisations, and enterprises.

The event also aimed to mark the 49th anniversary of the Liberation Day (April 30), the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 7), and Belarus’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War (May 9)

President of the Belarusian society Nina Ivanova emphasised the significance of the Liberation Day to the Vietnamese people who fought for national independence and freedom for decades.

She also highlighted the diversity of the Vietnamese culture.

Member of the Belarusian Writers' Association Irina Tulupova told the participants about the characteristics of the Vietnamese literature and the translations of Vietnamese works into Belarusian./.

Central Highlands provinces seek closer trade, investment ties with India

A business and investment conference was held in Dak Lak province’s Buon Ma Thuot city on April 17 with the aim of enhancing connectivity between Indian firms and Central Highlands provinces.

The event, co-organised by the provincial People’s Committee and the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, offered a platform for the localities and enterprises to boost trade and investment links, as well as collaboration in health care, education, information-technology, and tourism.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak People’s Committee Nguyen Thien Van briefed the participants on local advantages and potential, and expressed his hope that the Consulate General will help lure more Indian firms as their investments there remain limited.

The committee wants to establish close ties with Indian partners across spheres, from trade and investment, to tourism, education, health care and IT, he stressed, saying he hopes that Dak Lak will be a supplier of agricultural products like durian, cashew and coffee for the South Asian nation.

According to Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi, the 56 participating businesspeople specialise in such fields as agriculture, IT, education and pharmacy.

Pointing to the moderate trade revenue between the two countries, which stood at only 14 billion USD last year, the diplomat believed that through the conference, Indian and local businesses can seek orientations for their cooperation.

On this occasion, some memoranda of understanding in agriculture and IT were signed by Vietnamese and Indian enterprises./.

Festival connects Vietnamese, Lao culture

The Vietnam-Laos Cultural Festival took place at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Laos’ capital city of Vientiane on April 17.

The event, organised by the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese in collaboration with the Vietnam Business Association in Vientiane and Vietnam Cultural Centre in Laos, aimed to popularise typical images and culture of Vietnam to Vietnamese as well as Lao people living and working in the capital city.

The event not only contributed to strengthening bonds and deepening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, but also created opportunities for businesses of the two countries to meet, exchange and share experiences, investment cooperation as well as market development for mutual interest, according to the organisers.

A variety of activities were held during the festival, including special art performances highlighting the unique cultures of Vietnam and Laos.

Pavilions featuring wooden furniture and handicraft items from businesses from both countries as well as costumes of Vietnamese ethnic groups were also organised. Particularly, visitors had a chance to get calligraphy works./.

Activities held nationwide to commemorate Hung Kings

Localities across Vietnam held activities in commemoration of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the country, on April 18 or the 10th of the third lunar month.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in the city held a ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Hung Kings at the Hung Kings Memorial Site in in the National History – Culture Park.

Speaking at the event, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Tran Kim Yen reviewed the heroic tradition of national building and defending of the Hung Kings and expressed gratitude to them.

Following the incense offering ceremony, the city's leaders and dwellers joined a parade and offered “chung” cakes, “day” cakes, fruits, and specialties of the southern region to the altar of the Hung Kings, expressing gratitude to the Hung Kings' contributions to national construction and defence.

On this occasion, other cultural events were held there including a “chung” cake wrapping contest, camping, a book fair, traditional martial art performances, dragon dances, drum festivals, folk game booths, and artistic programmes.

In the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of Hung Kings was held at the Hung Kings temple in Binh Thuy district.

Local authorities and people performed rituals commemorating Hung Kings such as offering incense and flowers.

A similar ceremony was held at the Lac Giao temple - a national historical and cultural relic in Buon Ma Thuot city, the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak. 

The ceremony was featured with Ede ethnic group’s gong performance, gongs and drum beating at the opening ceremony, and incense, flower offerings to the Hung Kings.

Also on the occasion, many residential areas and worship facilities in the neighbouring province of Kon Tum held activities towards the legendary nation founders.

Similar ceremonies were also organised in the southern provinces of Ca Mau, Kien Giang and Vinh Long./.

PM visits police command centre, checks cultural centre construction in Phu Tho

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the command and control centre of the Phu Tho police and examined the construction of this northern province’s house of culture and arts on April 18.

The trips took place after the Government leader attended an incense offering ceremony in commemoration of the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam, in Phu Tho earlier the same day.

At the command and control centre of the Phu Tho Department of Public Security, he had a meeting with local police to look into the implementation of Plan 06 on developing and applying resident data, e-identification, and e-authentication to serve national digital transformation during 2022 - 2025 with a vision to 2030, and other tasks.

Stressing the request for enhancing digital transformation and the building of digital society, digital administration, and digital citizens, PM Chinh praised local police’s efforts and achievements in implementing Plan 06.

He asked the force to show stronger determination and greater efforts in this regard, properly coordinate with other forces and agencies in the use of common data to prevent wastefulness, and develop modern and open information technology infrastructure.

He demanded the police of Phu Tho press on with safeguarding security and order, including security and safety at the Hung Kings Temple Festival, stay alert and ready to deal with any circumstance, be close to the people, ensure a thorough grasp of the areas they are in charge of, improve personnel training, promote science - technology application and digital transformation from the grassroots level, and boost coordination with other forces.

The local police need to continue paying attention to the Party building, the PM said, asking for close coordination from departments, sectors, and localities in Phu Tho to help the force fulfill duties.

Inspecting the construction of the Phu Tho house of culture and arts in Viet Tri city, Chinh applauded the local Party organisation, administration, and people’s attention to building comprehensive infrastructure, developing civilised and modern urban areas, reviving folk festivals, and practicing unique cultural heritages.

The house of culture and arts is expected to be an architectural highlight and a venue of cultural and art performances along with community activities to serve local residents and visitors’ demand for cultural enjoyment.

The facility covers 17,805 sq.m. and is set to have 1,000 seats. Invested with nearly 400 billion VND (15.7 million USD), it is scheduled to be completed this year.

Hailing the rich history and culture of Phu Tho, home to the worship of the Hung Kings and the Xoan singing – two intangible cultural heritage pieces of humanity recognised by UNESCO, PM Chinh emphasised the importance of developing culture on par with economic, political, and social aspects.

He highly valued workers’ presence at the construction site despite public holidays and demanded provincial leaders, contractors, and workers continue efforts to carry out and complete the project on schedule while ensuring its quality, aesthetics, occupational safety, environmental hygiene, and corruption prevention.

The Cabinet chief also told the province and relevant agencies to train personnel and ready a mechanism for operating and managing the facility in a transparent and effective manner./.

Cooperation with Vietnam among EU’s priorities in Indo-Pacific: official

The Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium - the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union (EU) held a meeting with the Asia-Oceania Working Party (COASI) of the EU Council on April 17 to update the latter on the country’s socio-economic situation and foreign policy and suggest cooperation areas to be promoted.

The event took place ahead of a visit to Vietnam by a COASI delegation from April 24 to 26.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the role of and its relations with the EU amid the highly volatile regional and international situation.

The two sides share many common concerns in such fields as trade, investment, climate change, green transition, international law adherence, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks, he noted, considering these as potential areas for them to consider enhancing cooperation in in the time ahead.

Vietnam and the EU have secured a foundation of long-term and comprehensive relations. The Southeast Asian country also boasts sound relations and traditional friendship with EU member states. Given this, after the trying times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and facing global and regional challenges, it’s now good time for them to strengthen connections, he remarked.

Thao expressed his belief that the COASI delegation’s visit will help build up mutual understanding to further intensify the Vietnam - EU links.

COASI Chairman Michal Safianick said the COASI delegation coming to Vietnam will gather about 30 members, including representatives of 27 EU member states, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Council. The first trip of COASI to Southeast Asia aims to learn more about Vietnam and the region and seek opportunities for boosting Vietnam’s cooperation with the EU as well as the bloc’s members.

The cooperation with Vietnam is one of the EU’s priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, he said, adding that Vietnam and Indonesia are the destinations of the COASI delegation’s visit given their importance and roles in the region.

Safianick went on to say that Vietnam and the EU hold considerable cooperation potential driven by current agreements, especially their bilateral free trade agreement (EVFTA) and the one on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

At the meeting, representatives of EU countries also voiced their hope that the visit will help deepen their understanding of Vietnam, especially its viewpoints and policies on socio-economic development, security, defence, and external affairs, thereby contributing to mutual understanding and trust and opening up cooperation opportunities.

Some areas they showed interest in include trade, investment, climate change, green transition, blue economy, maritime security, cyber-security, digital transformation, and democratic and human rights issues.

COASI delegations’ visits to countries/regions outside the EU are annual activities organised by the EEAS and COASI with a view to learning more about the regions and partners important to the EU to bolster the bloc’s relations with them and help develop the EU’s foreign policy./.

Unsatisfactory support policies for learners at universities

The financial resources of autonomous universities are heavily dependent on learners’ payment of tuition but schools spend little on learners. Moreover, support policies such as scholarships and credits for learners are not satisfactory.

The current revenue source of autonomous higher educational institutions is largely contributed by learners (no less than 70 percent), but in fact, schools’ spending structure for student training is very low.

According to the latest survey of the Ministry of Education and Training, schools have mainly spent their expenditure on lecturers including salaries, wages, overtime, and allowances accounting for 73 percent while funding for teaching and learning facilities only accounts for 7 percent. Other funding sources for training activities account for 18 percent and employee income accounts for 2 percent.

With such a spending structure, it is easy to see that the current funding source of autonomous universities is borne by learners, but spending on enhancing teaching and learning conditions accounts for a low proportion, so the quality of teaching and learning is hard to improve.

Meanwhile, the annual salary fund increased by 13 percent, but the cost of hiring lecturers increased by 32 percent; therefore, it shows that the requirement to spend on salaries and wages for the apparatus and lecturers is increasing rapidly, putting pressure on revenue, while State budget resources are limited. That is one of the great difficulties and challenges for autonomous higher education institutions.

Schools’ basic spending levels must comply with State regulations which have limited their autonomy. On the other hand, lecturers’ salaries must still comply with the levels and positions prescribed by the State, while there is no source of income, or low source of income, so there is no source of payment for increased income.

Another paradox worth mentioning is that the budget allocation is not commensurate with the Party and State's policy on prioritizing investment in education. The total annual budget allocated to the education sector increases lower than the growth rate of other sectors and decreases significantly compared to the decrease rate of other sectors. For instance, in 2020, total budget expenditure increased by 7 percent but the budget allocated to the education sector only increased by 6.6 percent whilst in 2021, the total budget expenditure of the country decreased by 3.4 percent but the budget allocated to the education sector decreased by 4.7 percent.

The State budget basically only meets salaries and regular expenses, the source of expenditure for professional activities is low, the funding to enhance training quality is limited, and there is no longer a revenue-expenditure gap to increase the income of lecturers and administrators to promote innovation.

Every year, the State cuts regular expenditures by 5 percent-15 percent, so schools are facing difficulties. Revenues from educational service activities are mainly to offset the costs of generating revenue sources, so there is not much money to supplement funds for the development of public service activities including facility renovation and equipment purchase.

The Ministry of Education and Training announced that there have been still some special problems such as over-collection, collection of revenues outside the prescribed regime, spending on incorrect sources, and spending on teaching overtime not in accordance with regulations although schools are asked to transparently publicize all information while implementing autonomy.

During the pilot autonomy phase, after 1-2 years of implementation, some schools such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Law and HCMC University of Technology and Education were found to have committed violations in tuition fee collection, enrollment, training cooperation, and staff recruitment.

In October 2023, many officials and lecturers of a large university in Ho Chi Minh City that has been autonomous under the pilot model since 2008 denounced violations by school leaders. According to the denouncement, the school vice principal allowed two persons to use their personal accounts to collect money from students in the dormitory from VND550,000-VND940,000 each student.

Moreover, from 2018 to 2023, the school cooperated with a foreign university to organize exam preparation and foreign language certification exams for more than 1,000 students with a tuition fee of VND12.5 million a student for each course but this amount of tuition fees was not submitted to the school's financial planning department; as a result, nearly VND12.5 billion was lost. The case has now been handled, the lost money was recovered to support tuition and scholarships for students.

According to a recent survey by the World Bank on the financing of Vietnamese higher education, household contributions to higher education have increased steadily over time. Moreover, students’ tuition fees are now the most important source of revenue for public schools.

The 2021 survey of public higher education institutions shows that household contributions have increased from 55 percent to 77 percent and the State budget has decreased to only 9 percent. This rings the alarm bell about the lack of sustainability in higher education institutions’ finances. The financial burden as well as the risk of being left behind is becoming more and more apparent for students from low-income families.

Currently, students can only enjoy the credit program managed by the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies but the process and procedures are cumbersome and complicated and the loan value is only limited to enough or nearly enough to cover basic tuition fees, leading to increasingly low coverage. There has been a gradual decrease in the number of students and loan beneficiaries from 2.4 million students in 2011 to 725,000 students in 2017 and only 37,000 students in 2021.

Overseas Vietnamese in Laos, France, Israel commemorate Hung Kings