The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) has just delivered the first batch of 500,000 doses of 5-in-1 DPT-HBV-Hib vaccine to Pasteur Institutes across the country to address vaccine shortages for the National Expanded Programme on Immunization.

Pasteur institutes will shortly distribute the vaccine to all 63 provinces and cities to vaccinate children in the next two months, said NIHE vice director Duong Thi Hong.

The 500,000 does are among the 2.8 million doses of the 5-in-1 vaccine that the Ministry of Health has just completed procedures for procurement and bidding. Last August, the ministry was allocated funding to buy vaccines in the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

The 5-in-1 DPT-VGB-Hib vaccine is used to prevent five child killers - diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Small children are susceptible to these dangerous infectious diseases that can affect their health, development and even lead to death.

The vaccine was licensed in India in 2009 and approved by the World health Organisation a year later. It has been licensed for widespread use in 80 countries and territories worldwide.

In Vietnam, this vaccine is included in the regular Expanded Programme on Immunization, and children within the recommended age group are given free shots.

However, the vaccine has been in short supply in many localities since late 2023, prompting the Ministry of Health to lobby domestic and international donors to source this vaccine for children.

Following the distribution of the 500,000 doses of the 5-in-1 DPT-VGB-Hib vaccine, the ministry will continue to deliver this vaccine in the next batches to localities, to ensure a stable supply of the vaccine for the Expanded Programme on Immunization this year.

Overseas Vietnamese return home to commemorate legendary nation founders

Nearly 70 expatriates from more than 20 foreign countries and territories have returned home to commemorate Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the nation, at the Hung Kings Temple in the northern province of Phu Tho, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) said on April 21. 

The delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, on April 20 offered incense to ancestors - Father Lac Long Quan and Mother Au Co, and Hung Kings.

The annual programme is jointly held by the SCOV, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Phu Tho People’s Committee, contributing to raising overseas Vietnamese (OVs)'s pride of the nation’s heroic traditions, and strengthening the great national solidarity. 

The programme shows care, affection and responsibility of the Party and the State for OVs, better meeting their cultural and spiritual needs while affirming that they are an integral part of the nation. 

Every year, activities worshipping Lac Long Quan and Au Co take place ahead of the anniversary of Hung Kings on the 10th day of the third lunar month, which fell on April 18 this year.

Legend has it that Lac Long Quan (real name Sung Lam, son of Kinh Duong Vuong and Than Long Nu) married Au Co (the fairy daughter of De Lai). Au Co then went on to give birth to a pouch filled with one hundred eggs, which soon hatched into a hundred sons. However, soon thereafter, Lac Long Quan and Au Co separated. Lac Long Quan went to the coast with 50 of the children, while Au Co went to the highlands with the rest.

Their eldest son was made king, who named the country Van Lang and set up the capital in Phong Chau (modern-day Viet Tri city in Phu Tho province), beginning the 18 generations of the Hung Kings.

The kings chose Nghia Linh Mountain, the highest in the region, to perform rituals devoted to rice and sun deities to pray for healthy crops.

To honour their great contributions, a complex of temples dedicated to them was built on Nghia Linh Mountain, and the 10th day of the third lunar month serves as the national commemorative anniversary for the kings.

The worship of the Hung Kings, closely related to the ancestral worship traditions of most Vietnamese families, was recognised as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2012./.

HCM City public high schools cut back on admissions in 2024-25 academic year

HCM City’s 113 public high schools have an enrolment quota of 71,000 for the 2024-25 school year, 6,000 fewer than the previous year, according to the city Department of Education and Training.

Nearly 116,300 students will pass out of ninth grade this year, more than 5,000 higher than last year.

But 65 public high schools will reduce their enrolment quota, with Trần Phú, Vĩnh Lộc B and Hồ Thị Bi seeing steep cuts.

It means more than 45,000 students will have to go to private high schools, vocational education centres or centres for continuing education.

The three will offer a total of 50,000 seats.

There was a shortage of public schools, the department said.

The entrance exam for public high schools is scheduled to take place on June 6 and 7. 

Work plan promotes national digital transformation for socio-economic development

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Committee for Digital Transformation, has signed a decision to issue the committee’s work plan in 2024, aiming to speed up national digital transformation in an effective and practical manner, creating breakthroughs in the country's socio-economic development and contributing to completing all socio-economic targets for 2024 and the 2021-2025 period.

The work plan’s objectives include strengthening the responsibility of organisations and individuals, especially leaders of state agencies at all levels in digital transformation, while synchronously and effectively implementing goals and tasks in the National Digital Transformation Programme to 2025 with a vision to 2030, e-government development strategies towards digital government, and the strategy for developing digital economy and digital society.

Specific targets of the work plan include developing 48,000 digital technology enterprises operating in localities, and 60% of businesses in industrial parks and export processing zones applying digital platforms in management and production, thus changing production and business processes, increasing productivity, operational efficiency, and reducing emissions.

Meanwhile, 40% of adults are expected to use online public services. This year, the Government will complete the supply of 53 online public services.

At the same time, 100% of the information system serving the processing of administrative procedures of ministries, sectors and localities will be connected to the system monitoring and measuring the level of service provision (EMC system).

Under the work plan, 100% of the reporting information systems of ministries, sectors and localities are expected to be connected to the government reporting information system, the centre for information and direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, while 100% of villages and hamlets accessing the national power grid are hoped to have mobile broadband coverage.

Besides, 100% of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, governmental agencies and People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities are scheduled to use the management support platform to ensure information security by level.

To achieve these targets, the National Committee for Digital Transformation gave a number of solutions, including strengthening inspections of the implementation of digital transformation tasks in ministries, sectors and localities, building a semiconductor IC industry development strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2035, promoting, connecting and providing favourable conditions for digital technology firms to engage in the digital transformation process in industrial parks and export processing zones, prioritising the use of digital technology solutions developed by Vietnamese businesses, speeding up the development of local digital technology businesses, and deploying electronic invoice solutions initiated from cash registers to prevent tax and budget losses./.

Dien Bien photo exhibition captures heritage across country

Up to 300 photos on world heritage, historical relic sites and landscapes across Vietnam are on display at an exhibition that opened in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on April 20.

The event, co-organised by the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts and the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, forms part of activities within the “Visit Vietnam Year - Dien Bien 2024”, towards the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – 2024).

As many as 21 cities and provinces nationwide are joining the exhibition, to last until April 25.

Apart from the 300 photos displayed at the shared area, the localities have also set up their own booths, aiming to promote their ecological and sustainable tourism potential, handicrafts, cuisines and specialties.  

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dien Bien province Vu A Bang expressed his hope that following the event, localities will work together to develop cooperation projects and programmes.

The exhibition also features cultural and art exchanges with the participation of both amateur and professional clubs nationwide./.

Vietnam's U23 squad determined to defeat Uzbekistan: coach

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan of Vietnam's U23 football team has affirmed that he and his students will perform with a “to fight, to win” spirit in the final group stage match against Uzbekistan on April 23.

The 2-0 victory over Malaysia and Uzbekistan defeating Kuwait 5-0 helped the Vietnamese national football team advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

At a press conference held on April 20 after the match, Tuan expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance against Malaysia. He praised the players' technical skills, saying they seemed to play better match after match. The match reflected the quality of the Vietnamese team and this victory deserves their efforts, he continued. 

The upcoming match against Uzbekistan on April 23 promises to be a decisive battle for the top spot, he noted./.

Exhibition on Japanese sushi opens in Hanoi
Exhibition on Japanese sushi opens in Hanoi hinh anh 1

The Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam on April 21 held an event to help Vietnamese people learn more about sushi - a Japanese typical dish and how to make it.

The event is within the framework of the exhibition "I Love Sushi" taking place from April 12 to May 5, at the centre.

Professor Hibino Terutoshi, a sushi expert and the exhibition curator, said that sushi is the most famous dish in Japanese cuisine. It originated in Southeast Asia.

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Japanese sushi has continuously changed its form and still exists today as a specialty dish of localities.

Sushi is not only a common dish but also a cultural symbol, associated with Japanese history, he said, adding that the event is expected to help the Vietnamese public gain more understanding about sushi as well as Japanese culinary culture.

Visitors have a chance to explore the activities of a sushi shop in Japan and types of sushi, and learn how to make some popular sushi dishes./.

Karate fighters to vie for regional victory in Thailand

Vietnamese fighters will take part in the 11th Southeast Asian Karate Federation Championship on April 22-27 in Thailand.

The 16-strong team, which gathers the best competitors who won gold, silver and bronzes from the 19th Asian Games in China last September, targets the top place in the medal tally.

Among them, trio Nguyễn Ngọc Trâm, Nguyễn Thị Phương and Lưu Thị Thu Uyên will defend their title in the women's team kata (performance) event.

Former world champion Nguyễn Thị Ngoan will fight in the women's 61kg kumite (combat) while her younger sister, a rising star, Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly will compete in the women's 53kg.

Asian Games bronze medallist Đinh Thị Hương will combat in the women's 68kg.

In addition to the national team, athletes of cities and provinces will also test their skills at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Centre while many Vietnamese referees will also officiate at the event. 

Bình Thuận introduces diverse activities for upcoming holiday

Sports events and a sea carnival are among several tourism products that the coastal province of Bình Thuận will serve local and international visitors during the upcoming holiday to mark National Reunification Day (April 30).

The province is working with its partners to host a kite festival at The Cliff Resort & Residence in Phan Thiết City on April 28.

The organisers and visitors will fly around 100 kites of different colours and sizes.

Most of the kites will have shapes of sea creatures such as octopus, seahorse and stingray.

At the Phú Quý Islands, one of the province’s most popular destinations, the province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its partner will hold a SUP (stand up paddleboarding) festival on May 3.

The race will have three categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles.

A music gala will also be held along with the awards ceremony.

Ngô Tấn Lực, deputy chairman of the Phú Quý District’s People’s Committee, said the district will support the organisers in launching more water activities such as diving, snorkelling and exploring coral reefs to serve tourists during the festival.

He added that the district also calls on visitors not to bring plastic bags and disposable plastic items to the island in order to build a sustainable, green tourism environment.

Meanwhile, the sea carnival will be held on April 27-30 in Phan Thiết City.

The event will include a colourful parade with hundreds of local and foreign artists and dancers around Miami Bikini Beach Park.

Music shows will be held from 7-10pm every night, featuring popular singers, rappers and DJs such as pop star Lân Nhã and Double2T, winner of the third season of Rap Việt, a reality TV music show that sought to find the next best rapper in Việt Nam.

The organisers will also hold a fireworks display on April 30 to celebrate the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day. 

Tourists come in great numbers to Điện Biên Phủ

The National Special Relic site of Điện Biên Phủ Battle Field in the mountainous province of Điện Biên is attracting an increase influx of tourists from across the country and abroad as only half a month ahead of the Grand Celebration on May 7th.

Statistics from the Relics Committee has shown that in the first half of April alone, more than 100 thousands of visitors flocked to the site, and the number keeps rising in the following days when the main celebration will take place for the historical victory's 70th anniversary (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024).

The tourists often chose to visit destinations such as A1 Hill, Martyrs' Temple, A1 Cemetery, Điện Biên Phủ Historical Victory Museum, De Castries Bunker.

Nguyễn Văn Điển, a veteran tourist from Hà Nội's Từ Liêm Distric said he joined a group of 40 tourists from the capital city, most of them are veterans and children.

Điển said he chose to visit Điện Biên Phủ Battle Field early as this year, its 70th anniversary is a big event and the site will be very crowded.

His group will stay in Điện Biên for two days and try to visit as many sites as possible particularly the martyrs' cemeteries, he added.

"This is not only a great opportunity to honour the heroic history of the nation, but also a time to educate younger generations, especially children about the bravery, heroic, indomitable tradition and the resounding victories of forefathers who sacrificed to protect the Fatherland. 

Vietnamese students in Europe hold football tournament in France

Vietnamese students in Europe held a friendly football tournament in Paris, France, on April 20-21, with representatives from the city of Lyon taking the trophy.

The tournament attracted the participation of 16 teams, including 15 teams from France and one team from Belgium.

Addressing the event, Minister Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in France Pham Thi Kim Yen confirmed that this marks one of the largest football tournaments for the Vietnamese student community in Europe.

The football tournament not only serves to promote the sporting movement among the students and improve their health, but also helps to strengthen the solidarity that exists among Vietnamese students abroad, Minister Yen shared.

During the two-day competition, a total of 40 exciting matches got underway, receiving plenty of encouragement from hundreds of fans, including students, overseas Vietnamese, and foreigners.

The AEV Lyon from Lyon ultimately won the championship title, while the VL9 team from Paris finished second.

Up to 1,000 ban flowers planted at Dien Bien Phu battlefield relic sites

About 1,000 ban (Bauhinia variegate) flower trees were planted at relic sites such as A1 Hill, Him Lam resistance centre and De Castries Bunker at Dien Bien Phu battlefield relic complex in the northern province of Dien Bien on April 21.

This was an activity within the framework of a tree-planting programme, launched by tourism company Vietravel, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Board in Dien Bien province.

A representative of Vietravel said that its Green-Go Green campaigns, which have been carried out since 2013, aim to call on people to join hands in planting trees, building a waste-free tourism environment, conveying the message of green tourism to visitors and contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnamese tourism.

This year, Dien Bien was chosen as the destination with the hope of contributing to the protection of the environment and the preservation of the historical relics of Dien Bien Phu./.

Book fair inspires reading culture among Vietnamese students in Russia

A book fair was held in Moscow on April 21 in response to the Vietnam Book and Reading Cultural Day, creating a chance for the Vietnamese community in Russia to meet, exchange books, and promote the reading culture.

Themed “Tram Ky uc” (memory station), the event was jointly organised by “Vong tay Viet-Nga” (Vietnam- Russia embrace) association and the Vietnamese Students’ Association in Russia, aiming at inspiring solidarity and patriotism among members of the overseas Vietnamese community.

A fund-raising event was also held to build schools for mountainous students at home.

The Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day was first held in 2022 following a decision by the Prime Minister.

The day is expected to encourage and develop the reading movement among the community, contributing to building a learning society. In addition, it aims to honour readers, authors, publishers, printers, and libraries that strive to preserve, collect, and promote books./.

Egyptian journal highlights significance of Dien Bien Phu Victory, Vietnam’s achievements

Egyptian newspaper Cairo Today on April 21 ran a story spotlighting the significance of Vietnam’s Dien Bien Phu Victory 70 years ago and the country’s achievements in its path to prosperity after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal).

Ahmed Hassan, the author of the article, held that the victory not only influenced Vietnam's history but also changed the world situation, paving the way for national independence movements in colonial and dependent countries.

This was the first time in the world history that the military of a colonial country defeated a European professional army, underlined the author, stressing that the victory not only had great significance for the Vietnamese people but was also a strong encouragement and inspiration for other colonial countries around the world in their fight against invaders for national independence.

With the inspiration called "Vietnam", colonial peoples in many parts of the world rose up to overthrow colonialism and regain the control of their country, especially in French colonies, he noted, adding that in 1960 alone, 17 countries in Africa gained national independence, making 1960 the "Year of Africa".

The Dien Bien Phu Victory also had international historical importance, opening a new era, a new phase in the heroic struggle of colonial peoples to liberate themselves, while encouraging and contributing to opening a bright future for the liberation movement of all peoples in the world.

Hassan called the victory "a brilliant golden milestone in history” which directly led to the signing of the Geneva Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina, creating a basis and conditions for Vietnamese people to advance to victory in the resistance war against the US and to liberate the South and reunite the country in 1975.

In the article, the author also highlighted great and historical achievements that Vietnam has gained over the past nearly 40 years, rising from a poor and underdeveloped country to an economy with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching 430 billion USD in 2023, ranking fifth among the ASEAN countries and 35th among the 40 largest economies in the world.

Vietnam has become the 22nd largest trade partner globally. The country has left the group of low-income countries since 2008 and on the way to become an upper-middle income country by 2030, according to the article.

It added that Vietnam is considered one of the leading countries in achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals.

Regarding foreign affairs, from a country under siege and embargo, Vietnam has now expanded and deepened diplomatic relations with 193 countries. By now, it has established comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with all the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, while sharing economic and trade relations with 230 countries and territories. This shows that Vietnam's position and reputation in the international arena is high, affirming its policy of being a friend, a trustworthy partner and an active and responsible member of the international community, read the article./.

Hanoi Great Souvenir Fair 2024 to take place next week

The Hanoi Great Souvenir Fair 2024 will take place on April 25 at the Hanoi Museum, providing an opportunity to showcase Vietnamese cultural and souvenir products.

The fair, which runs until 28 April, hosts 100 stalls from businesses, rural industrial units and artisans, as well as an exhibition area where pottery, lacquerware, mother-of-pearl inlays, embroidery, silk, bamboo wickerwork, wooden items, some of capital's One Commune One Product (OCOP) products, and a wide range of handicrafts and arts and crafts souvenirs are on display and for sale.

Thousands of local and foreign tourists and business visitors will be in attendance.

Hanoi boasts over 1,350 craft villages, with nearly 176,000 households involved in a diverse range of trades, representing 45% of the total number of craft villages in the country, according to the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade.

These villages are engaged in a vast array of artisanal activities, including woodworking, bamboo weaving, pottery, glass, textiles, fibers, embroidery, knitting, and small-scale engineering.

The municipal department highlighted that the items produced by these craft villages are renowned for their exquisite design and superior quality. Some of them have a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets. The handicraft sector plays a key role in the economic development and export activities of the capital.

Last year's Hanoi Great Souvenirs Fair was held at the Ho Van Historic Site in Hanoi as part of a series of events to welcome the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

Temple of Literature multimedia books released

Readers around the world can learn about Vietnam's Special National Relic Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) in Hanoi through a series of recently published e-books.

Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities has launched the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam electronic bookshelf with 10 multimedia books, 20 picture books, and some books in English.

The multimedia book series introduces the backgrounds and careers of some cultural figures and talents, such as Chu Van An (1292-1370), Nguyen Trai (1380-1442), Luong The Vinh (1441-1496), Le Quy Don (1726-1784), and Ngo Thi Nham (1746-1803), who have made important contributions to the Temple of Literature and left a deep impression on Vietnamese education.

In addition to information and images, the books also integrate a range of multimedia components such as videos, photo galleries, charts, and interactive maps, giving readers a new reading experience and promoting the strengths of the e-book format.

A set of 20 picture books presents stories about the ancient Temple of Literature and education in Vietnam during the monarchical periods. With a flip-open format like a printed book, this set of books is considered friendly and easy to use.

The electronic bookshelf also contains books in Vietnamese and English on the historical, cultural, architectural, fine arts, and landscape values of the Temple of Literature, known as Vietnam's first university.

According to Dr Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, these books, with their concise stories and vivid illustrations, will help readers easily remember and understand the nation's tradition of learning, respect for teachers and the use of talents.

The e-books can be read on computers and mobile devices running Android, IOS, and other operating systems through a web browser without having to install any software. This is extremely convenient for the elderly, children, or those who do not have the skills to install applications themselves.

The books are available at tusachvanmieu.ebook365.vn.

Hanoi's Old Quarter 2024 Cultural Activities opened

The Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi's Old Quarter Management Board is organizing a series of cultural events at heritage sites and public spaces in the Old Quarter from April 19 to May 31.

The events are to celebrate the 49th anniversary of Reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2024), the 138th anniversary of International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886 - 2024), the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024), and the event eminent physician Le Huu Trac listed on the UNESCO’s Cultural Figures and Historical Events, 2023-2024 Period.

In particular, the events include an exhibition booth modeled after the working space of Vietnamese herbalist families: medicinal plants, medicinal products, areas for medicine preparation, pulse checking, and consultation, among others.

In her opening speech, Tran Thi Thuy Lan, Deputy Director of the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, said that Thang Long - Hanoi was a convergence of hundreds of trades that configured the famous 36 streets of the capital. Hoan Kiem District is where the trade streets are concentrated, with communal houses dedicated to trade godfathers as the characteristics of today's Old Quarter.

With its unique architecture and distinct cultural identity, the Old Quarter is mainly a district of traditional trades. Among them, Lan Ong Street is known as the center of Oriental medicine, specializing in Vietnamese herbs. It is recognizable by the medieval wooden and bronze signs bearing the names of pharmacies that have survived for centuries.

Oriental medicine here is known for its diverse treatment techniques and methods as well as the medical teachings handed down by its predecessors. One of them was Hai Thuong Lan Ong (Le Huu Trac's alias), who had the humane motto of "life for all", the spirit of "lifelong learning", and the medical teachings of eight values that a good doctor should have: "Humanity - Virtue - Generosity - Humility - Clarity - Wisdom - Sincerity - Diligence". Another was Zen Master Tue Tinh and his influential view: "Vietnamese medicine to cure Vietnamese people".

A series of activities will be held for doctors to exchange experiences and discuss how to preserve and develop the profession. Among them, a meeting entitled "Hoan Kiem Oriental Medicine Associated With the Development of Lan Ong Craft Street", organized by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board in cooperation with the Hoan Kiem District Oriental Medicine Association, is to take place on April 20 of the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center.

The following are some events of the 2024 Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Activities:

* Bach Van Son Co., Ltd. introduces the methods of traditional medicine and offers free consultations and health checks using them, from now until May 12.

* Tran Gia Oriental Medicament Co., Ltd. will introduce the methods of traditional medicine and offer free consultations under the theme "Paying Tribute to Eminent Doctor Le Huu Trac and Lan Ong Traditional Medicine Street" until May 12.

* Dong Kinh Co Nhac group performs traditional music on the third floor of Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, until May 11.

* 22 Hang Buom Culture and Arts Center, in cooperation with Son Tay Town People's Committee, holds an art exhibition on "Thang Long Convergence", from April 25 to May 15.

* The Old Quarter Heritage Information Center at 28 Hang Buom Street cooperates with the Phu Yen Province Tourism Department to introduce Xi Thoai Brocade Village under the theme "Exploring the Traditional Beauty of Dong Xuan District, Phu Yen Province". Opening time: from April 20.

* Dong Lac Communal House at 38 Hang Dao Street hosts an exhibition of Hanoia lacquerware. Time: From April 19 to May 12.

* Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone, in cooperation with B-52 Victory Museum, Department of Politics (Hanoi Capital Command), and Vietnam Military History Museum, will host a photo exhibition entitled "Vietnam: Victories That Changed the Course of World History. Time: April 26 to May 31.

* Oriental Medicine Exhibition Booth at Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi until May 31.

VGCL proposes reduce working hours to less than 48hrs/week

The VGCL has just proposed that the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs consider regulations on reducing regular working hours per week for laborers.

According to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL), employees in state offices have a two-day weekend while those recruited by other businesses do not enjoy this policy, which is rather unfair.

Therefore, the VGCL recommended an urgent consideration by the Ministry Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to decrease the regular working hours to less than 48 hours a week in compliance with Resolution No. 101/2019/QH14, issued in the 8th session of the 14th National Assembly.

This means laborers in normal enterprises are also entitled to this two-day weekend (on Saturday and Sunday), or at least from the afternoon of Saturday to Sunday.

This proposal has received wholehearted support from a vast majority of hourly paid workers. However, those paid by product quantity currently opt for a wage increase rather than working hour decrease.

Some laborers wish for longer working duration of more than 48 hours per week (or more than 8 hours a day) in order to raise their earnings. Meanwhile, several businesses express their concern that such a working hour reduction might negatively affect the production volume as well as order fulfillment progress.

Girl killed, two other hurt as downpour, hailstorm hit Ha Giang

A little girl was killed while her mother and neighbor were hurt when a downpour and hailstorm hit the Northern Mountainous Province of Ha Giang yesterday.

After dumping huge hailstones in Cao Bang Province, the hailstorm continued to spread thick layers of rocks on the Dong Van stone plateau, around 4:30 p.m. April 21 on the way to Ha Giang Province.

Many tourists said that yesterday afternoon, a hailstorm devastated Dong Van District of Ha Giang Province. Pedestrians had to urgently find shelter when they were on the streets.

The hailstorm in Dong Van District hit the district around 4:30 p.m. and lasted about 15-20 minutes. After the rain, snow pellets blanketed the local fields in white.

Deputy Secretary Ly Mi Po of the Party Committee of Sung Trai Commune of Dong Van District said that since around dawn on April 21, an unprecedented thunderstorm with heavy rain pummeled the commune wrecking many house roofs. Worse, among them, a house collapsed, killing a 5-year-old girl in Phu Tung village because she did not have time to run out while her mother and a neighbor were injured.

The Dong Van District People's Committee said that the thunderstorm on the morning of April 21 also caused damage to crops and 27 houses in the communes of Sung Trai, Van Chai, Lung Thau, and Lung Phin. The People's Committee of Quan Ba District of Ha Giang Province also said that in the area, 80 houses had their roofs blown off, 6 livestock barns were damaged, and many construction works were affected.

Toll collection starts in Nha Trang-Cam Lam expressway on April 26

Toll collection in the Nha Trang-Cam Lam expressway will start on April 26.

The toll rates are determined based on the number of kilometers a vehicle travels on an expressway with VND1,669 per kilometer per car. The toll fees will be from VND82,000 (US$3.2) to VND311,000 (US$12.22) per vehicle passing through toll stations daily.

Accordingly, vehicles with less than 12 seats and trucks under two tonnes will pay VND81,904 for the entire 49.071km, while trucks of 2-4 tons and cars with less than 30 seats will pay VND106,475.

Trucks of 4-10 tons and 30-seat cars will pay VND139,236. Trucks of 10-18 tons and 20-foot containers will pay VND221,140. Trucks of 10-18 tons and 40-foot containers will pay VND311,234.

The Nha Trang – Cam Lam expressway has four electronic toll collections, including Dien Khanh, Suoi Dau, Cam Lam, and Cam Ranh, and another at the Km53+600.

On the Nha Trang – Cam Lam expressway, vehicles will travel from National Road 1A to the National Highway 27C in Dien Khanh District’s Dien Tho Commune and join the expressway at the intersections of National Highway 27C at Km5+783 and Cam Ranh at Km52+892 connecting with the National Road 1A through the National Highway 27B in Cam Ranh City’s Cam Thinh Tay Commune of Khanh Hoa Province.

The project has a total investment capital of over VND7,600 billion and is implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract. The project construction was started in 2021 and put into operation in May 2023.

Carbon market demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's commitment

The pilot carbon market demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's commitment to achieving a net zero economy by 2050 and responding to the challenges of climate change.

Tuoi Tre Newspaper in coordination with the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance organized the workshop ‘Carbon market - Motivation to build a green Vietnam’.

At the conference, Director Nguyen Toan Thang of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Ho Chi Minh City said that while implementing Resolution No. 98, Ho Chi Minh City is also carrying out two potential projects to create carbon credits. They are the LED street light replacement project and the project of installing solar power on office roofs.

The pilot carbon market demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's commitment to responding to climate change, contributing to enhancing the city's international position. Thereby, it helps governments, businesses and people save energy and expand the use of renewable energy.

At the same time, it helps the city attract domestic and foreign investors to green projects creating jobs and promoting economic development.

According to Director To Xuan Phuc of the Forest Policy, Trade, and Finance (FPTF) program, with a total area of 14.7 million hectares, Vietnam has the potential for the mobilization of a financial source from forestry carbon projects to preserve and develop forests.

As per calculations, each year Vietnam's forests can absorb nearly 70 million tons of carbon. The Vietnamese Government is participating in the mandatory carbon market, with a commitment to reduce emissions in the North Central region. In return, the World Bank will provide 10.3 million tons of carbon and pay US$ 51.5 million for the Southeast Asian country.

The Government is also negotiating with the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition. It is expected to mobilize an equivalent financial source from LEAF in the upcoming time through activities to protect forests in the Central Highlands and South Central regions.

With existing forests, Vietnam can also have the potential to mobilize financial resources through voluntary carbon markets. Currently, foreign and domestic investors are dramatically interested in forestry carbon projects. However, the Government currently does not have policies guiding this type of investment.

According to Mr. Phuc, the Government should consider issuing policy mechanisms soon to activate forestry carbon projects to meet both mandatory and voluntary markets.

At the conference, the organizing committee also announced the Green Vietnam project, aiming to raise awareness of the community and businesses about the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. The project is oriented toward encouraging individuals, organizations and businesses to apply environmentally friendly production and business solutions. At the same time, individuals, organizations and businesses with models and products aimed at sustainable development were praised.

Binh Dinh to pour huge money into storm shelter for fishing vessels

Binh Dinh Province yesterday announced its cooperation with the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry to establish a storm shelter area for fishing boats here.

Accordingly, both parties are preparing necessary documents for the investment procedure in a storm shelter in Tam Quan Fishing Port (sited in Hoai Nhon Town). This is a project of great importance to the fishery industry in the South Central coastal region as well as a number of North Central provinces.

Binh Dinh Province presented two investment alternatives, either VND378 billion (US$14.88 million) or VND710 billion ($27.95 million). After completion, this 70-hectare project can safely accommodate more than 2,300 fishing vessels away from heavy storms.

The Province also proposed more infrastructure investment in logistics so that Tam Quan Fishing Port can be upgraded from level 2 to level 1, and ultimately help Tam Quan estuary become a regional logistics center for the fishery industry.

Hoai Nhon Town has been the capital of offshore fishing in the Central region, having over 2,300 fishing ships with a length of more than 15m. Last year, seafood exploitation output of this town reached nearly 70,000 tonnes. This is also the largest tuna exploitation area in Vietnam, with an output of 9,500 tonnes per year.

However, for many years, Tam Quan Fishing Port has been silted up, narrowing the estuary and limiting the potential growth of the area, especially as to offshore fishing. The projects above are expected to help address this issue.

New bus app launched in HCMC

The HCMC Management Center of Public Transport has just launched Go! bus TPHCM (HCMC) mobile app on the messaging platform of Zalo to provide information on public passenger transport in the city.

Deputy Director of the HCMC Management Center of Public Transport Le Hoan said that the outstanding function of this application is that people can monitor bus locations and schedules in real-time from almost any location, such as bus stations, and waiting areas.

Passengers can buy tickets and experience river buses without downloading additional apps. Data about Metro Line 1 will be integrated into Go! bus mobile app when the line is officially put into operation in the coming time.

Passengers can add key world “Go! Bus TPHCM” in the search bar or search in Explorer and click the mini app Go! Bus TPHCM displayed on the screen.

Ha Tinh's festival recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the annual fishing praying festival held in Cam Lam Village in Xuan Lien Commune, Ha Tinh province’s Nghi Xuan District as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The People's Committee of Xuan Lien Commune on April 21 organized a ceremony to receive the recognition of the fishing praying festival in Cam Lam Village as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The hundred-year-old annual festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the first month on the Lunar Calendar at Dong Hai Temple in Lam Hai Hoa Village, Xuan Lien Commune.

The event includes various rituals to pray for good seas, happiness, and prosperity, and festive activities, such as performances of traditional music, a boat race, and folk games.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes