Sappers in the central province of Nghe An on August 1 safely defused a 340-kg bomb left from the war.

The bomb was detected at noon July 30 by an excavator who was digging soil to build a house for a family in Xa Luong commune, Tuong Duong district.

The worker alerted the commune’s military command, who quickly sent sappers to the site to remove the bomb to a safe area for deactivating.

Decades after the end of the war, Vietnam still suffers from the deadly threat of bombs, mines, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) left by war.

According to the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre, all 63 provinces and centrally-run cities in Vietnam are contaminated with UXO, with 5.6 million hectares of land in total (17.71% of the country’s acreage) affected. It is estimated that between 600,000 – 800,000 tonnes of UXO are still hidden underground, and 110,000 people have so far become victims of UXO.

Rare gibbon and monkey handed over to Ha Tinh national park
 
A rare white-cheeked gibbon and a rhesus macaque have been handed over to Vu Quang National Park in the central province of Ha Tinh.  

The gibbon was found at a church in Hong Linh Town’s Nam Hong Ward. Meanwhile, the rhesus macaque was handed over by Hoang Thi Minh in Cam Xuyen District’s Tan Tien Village.

According to Minh, she saw the macaque in a garden near her house in 2000 following a flood. She took it home to breed.

The health of the two animals is being closely monitored at Vu Quang National Park before they are released into the wild.

Quang Ngai province works to combat illegal fishing

The central province of Quang Ngai is doubling efforts to eradicate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing ahead of the fourth fact-finding trip to Vietnam by a European Commission (EC) delegation this October.

Sen. Lt. Col. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, Deputy Chief of the Staff of the Quang Ngai Border Guard Command, said the force has coordinated with the province’s sub-department of fisheries to frequently inspect and examine activities of all fishing vessels operating off Quang Ngai’s coast.

Some violating vessels and their owners have been handled, he noted, adding that authorities have also met each vessel owner, captain, and crew member to disseminate detailed information about IUU fishing and penalties to educate them in law adherence.

By the end of July, 2,934 local fishing vessels with the minimum length of 15m had been installed with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Among the 207 remainders, 128 have remained idle while 55 others have operated in other localities and not returned to Quang Ngai for years, according to the provincial fisheries sub-department.

Owners of the remaining vessels have pledged to equip their vehicles with VMS in the coming time, and they will be strictly handled if they still work without VMS, said Director of the sub-department Nguyen Van Muoi.

Despite strong management measures, some vehicles without registration or fishing licences still operate at sea. Meanwhile, via VMS, authorities have detected 81 vessels working beyond the boundary at sea and 260 losing contact for over 10 days since the start of 2023. They have imposed fines of over 500 million VND (21,100 USD).

To join nationwide efforts to remove the EC’s “yellow card” warning, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ngai People’s Committee Tran Phuoc Hien recently ordered agencies, units, and localities in the province to intensify the prescribed measure to put a halt to illegal fishing.

Ho Trong Phuong, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Quang Ngai has been properly carrying out the EC’s recommendations issued in the previous inspections, and is prompting efforts to complete implementation before the EC delegation’s coming trip.

The province is determined to join hands with other coastal localities nationwide to remove the “yellow card” for Vietnam’s fisheries sector, he emphasised.

The EC issued a “yellow card” warning for Vietnam in terms of IUU fishing in 2017. The "yellow card" is followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved or a "red card" if it is not. A “red card” may lead to a ban on aquatic exports to the EU.

Durian tree planting blamed for Bao Loc Pass landslide

The illegal growing of durian trees in a protective forest has been cited as one of the reasons that caused the landslide in Bao Loc Pass, according to an official.

Inspectors found 1,500 square metres of three-to-four-year-old durian trees on the hill behind the police station were buried in the landslide in Bao Loc Pass.

Trieu Van Luc, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, made the statement at a regular press meeting on Tuesday.

Luc said that initial investigations into the deadly landslide in Bao Loc Pass showed that prolonged heavy rains and weak ground cover at the site were the main causes of the natural disaster.

"The Law on Forestry defines that this area should grow native trees that have strong roots and non-falling leaves," the official said. "However, local authorities felled protective forest trees and replaced them with durian. Someone should be held responsible for this."

Inspectors found 1,500 square metres of three-to-four-year-old durian trees on the hill behind the police station which was buried in the landslide in Bao Loc Pass.

Google Earth showed that the area behind the buried police station was a green zone with dense vegetation in 2019. The zone was destroyed and levelled from the hillside to the opposite side in 2021. 

A serious landslide happened at a section of Bao Loc Pass, part of National Highway 20, in Lam Dong Province on July 30, burying a traffic police station with four people trapped inside. The bodies of three traffic police officers and one civilian have been found at the site. 

Deputy PM receives JICA Executive Senior Vice President

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang affirmed Vietnam’s efforts to speed up the projects funded by official development assistance (ODA) of Japan while receiving Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yamada Junichi in Hanoi on August 1.

The host official appreciated the Japanese Government and people’s effective support for socio-economic development and poverty reduction in Vietnam via ODA over the last more than 30 years, including a loan of over 60 million JPY (418,900 USD) signed in early July 2023.

Talking about the implementation of some ODA projects in Vietnam, Quang said he has frequently checked the progress of the projects funded by Japanese ODA, affirming that the Vietnamese Government is working hard to address bottlenecks to accelerate these projects.

He also called on the Japanese side to provide ODA for some railway, digital transformation, green transition, and climate change response projects in Vietnam.

Yamada informed his host about JICA’s orientation for supplying new-generation ODA for Vietnam in the time ahead, including standby credits for public health crises and natural disasters, loans provided through intermediaries, and financing owners’ capital for the private sector to carry out infrastructure projects.

Deputy PM Quang highly valued JICA’s proposals on new-generation ODA as they match Vietnam’s demand. He also assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to conduct detailed discussion with JICA about the issue.

Vietnam to have four-day National Day holiday

Vietnamese employees will enjoy four days off from September 1-4 for the National Day Holiday.

Because the holiday falls on the weekend this year, people will be given an extra day off on Monday (September 4) to ensure they still have two working days off. 

Vietnamese people will enjoy a four days off from September 1-4 for the National Day Holiday: Photo by NLD

Units that do not apply a fixed work regime with two days off every weekend need to arrange a suitable holiday schedule, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Employees who work on National Day are paid at least 300 percent of their salary in line with the Labour Code.

From 2021, the country has a total of 11 public holidays, while the number of days off for September 2 has been increased from one to two.

Hanoi ceremony marks 50 years of Vietnam - Singapore diplomatic ties

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on August 1 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam - Singapore diplomatic relationship (August 1, 1973 - 2023) and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

The event was organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam - Singapore Friendship Association, and the Singaporean Embassy in Vietnam.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan offered congratulations to the Singaporean Government and people on the anniversaries.

She noted that over the last 50 years, especially since the elevation of bilateral ties to the strategic partnership level in 2013, relations between the two countries have been developing strongly, dynamically, and substantively as seen in all-level mutual visits and meetings; economy, trade and investment; education; and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnam always keeps in mind and appreciates the practical assistance of international friends during trying times, she said, adding that Singapore was one of the first ASEAN countries to donate medical supplies to Vietnam amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two countries’ relations provide a success model in both bilateral and multilateral aspects, as well as in the region and the world. Sincere and trustworthy political ties have created a prerequisite for extensive, substantive, and fruitful cooperation in multiple fields, the Vice President emphasised.

Xuan expressed her belief that basing on the solid foundation built up over half a century, with the strong determination of both countries’ leaders, people and businesses, the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership will keep flourishing in the coming time to benefit the two peoples, help build a united, resilient and strong ASEAN Community, and contribute to regional and global peace, cooperation and development.

She affirmed that VUFO and the Vietnam - Singapore Friendship Association have been fulfilling their bridging role in linking the two sides and coordinating with Singaporean partners and people’s organisations to effectively carry out the signed agreements and strengthen people-to-people ties, thereby helping to further enhance the bilateral friendship, cooperation, and strategic partnership.

Hanoi lake reports mass fish deaths

A large amount of fish has been found dead in the Linh Dam Lake in Hanoi's Hoang Mai District over the past few days. 

According to some local people, the dead fish was first seen on July 29, floating near the two streets of Nam Son and Linh Duong.

"Environment workers have arrived to collect the dead fish but bad odour can still be smelt from surrounding areas," a local woman, Nguyen Thi Hoa, said. "The hot weather during the past few days has made the smell worse."

Speaking with the media, a representative from Hoang Liet Ward People's Committee said that initial investigations showed that the fish died due to changing weather which caused a lack of oxygen in the water.

This is not the first time the lake has reported mass fish deaths. The same problem occurred in previous years when heavy rains came following prolonged hot days.

PM hosts officials, businesses from US state of California

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received a delegation of officials and businesses from the US state of California led by Mayor of Oakland city Sheng Thao in Hanoi on August 1.

The Government leader affirmed that Vietnam always views the US as one of the leading partners and wishes to continue promoting bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner for the sake of the two peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region.

PM Chinh applauded the sound relations between Vietnam and California, including Oakland city, especially economic, trade and seaport cooperation.

California is one of the leading locality partners of Vietnam as nearly 100 businesses from the state have invested in the Southeast Asian nation, which in turn has carried out more than 70 investment projects in California, he went on.

The two sides boast huge potential for partnerships in economy, trade, investment, science - technology, energy transition, hi-tech, innovation, education, training, and startup, he noted, calling for cooperation to be maintained and fostered.

The host leader asked the Oakland Mayor and other California officials to continue helping develop relations with Vietnam, particularly in economy, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, and act as a bridge linking the US and Vietnam as well as their businesses, thus contributing to the two countries’ connections.

He expressed his hope that Oakland will keep facilitating delegation exchanges and information sharing so as to enhance the mutual understanding between its communities and Vietnamese localities. He also called on the US city's authorities to support Vietnamese people to integrate into the local society.

At the meeting, Mayor Thao spoke highly of the recent progress in the Vietnam - US relations.

She said Oakland will further step up the friendship and result-oriented cooperation with Vietnam in the fields that the city and California are strong at, especially transportation, logistics, high technology, digital economy and innovation, thereby helping with the relations between California and Vietnam.

Vietnam, Philippines hold first political consultation

The first political consultation between the foreign ministries of Vietnam and the Philippines took place in Hanoi on August 1.

The event, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro, was to implement the agreement reached at the 9th meeting of the Vietnam - Philippines Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in 2019.

The officials shared the view on the strong development of the two countries’ strategic partnership in all fields.

Lazaro affirmed that Vietnam is an important strategic partner of her country in the region.

Both sides agreed to propose the countries’ foreign ministers hold in-depth discussion about cooperation areas of common interest, including politics, defence, security, economy, trade, investment, maritime cooperation, and other fields, at the 10th JCBC meeting on August 2.

They stressed the importance of holding more meetings at all levels and bringing into play current bilateral mechanisms.

Viet said maritime cooperation plays a key role in the Vietnam - Philippines strategic partnership.

The officials agreed that their countries will continue expanding maritime cooperation, boost information sharing, further capitalise on existing mechanisms, and work closely with each other in the settlement of issues related to fishermen and vessels in the spirit of the strategic partnership and the ASEAN solidarity.

At the consultation, they also looked into some international and regional issues of common concern and pledged that the two countries will keep close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN.

The enhancement of the political trust and strategic partnership on both bilateral and multilateral dimensions will help the countries respond more effectively to challenges, work towards sustainable development, and help secure peace and stability for the region, they added.

Vietnam, Indonesia vow to strengthen defence cooperation

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien had a bilateral meeting with Lieut. Gen. Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, in Jakarta on August 1.

The meeting took place as part of Chien’s visit to Indonesia to attend the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) and ADSOM Plus (ADSOM+).

The two sides shared the view on the good friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia, saying they have made continuous efforts to promote the bilateral cooperation in a comprehensive, practical, and effective manner.

The signing of the agreement on the boundaries of exclusive economic zones between Vietnam and Indonesia in December 2022 was a milestone in the bilateral ties, creating a foundation for the two countries to step up cooperation between their forces at sea, including naval forces and coast guards, the officers said.

They noted progress in the bilateral deffence collaboration, particularly in all-level delegation exchange, the implementation of the defence policy dialogue mechanism at the deputy ministerial level, cooperation between naval forces and coast guards, and personnel training.

Chien suggested the two sides maintain their coordination in preparation for the upcoming official visit to Indonesia by the Vietnamese Minister of National Defence and his attendance at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, as well as for the defence policy dialogue at the deputy ministerial level slated for October in Vietnam.

The two sides should maintain and enhance cooperation in the existing areas while expanding it to new fields where both have potential and need like defence industry, military medicine and training, and soon reach an agreement on join patrol to intensify cooperation between their naval forces, Chien said, expressing his hope that Vietnamese and Indonesian law enforcement forces at sea will handle humanely violations by fishermen.

He affirmed the support of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to its Indonesian counterpart as ASEAN Chair 2023, saying he believed that the successful organisation of military-defence meetings this year will contribute to enhancing solidarity, unity and centrality of ASEAN.

The Indonesian officer thanked the Vietnamese ministry for its support and active participation in the events organised by the Indonesian ministry, as well as Indonesia’s initiatives this year.

Strong determination, actions needed for national digital transformation

National digital transformation is a heavy task requiring strong determination, great efforts, and drastic and effective actions, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told a recent meeting.

The PM’s instructions made at the conference reviewing national digital transformation in the first half of 2023 are summed up in a document released by the Government Office on August 1.

Accordingly, since the start of 2023, certain encouraging results have been recorded in national digital transformation and the implementation of Plan 06 on developing the application of resident data, electronic identification, and electronic authentication to serve national digital transformation during 2022 - 2025.

Both awareness and actions have continued to be improved substantially across all-level authorities, sectors, and localities. Digital transformation has helped promote national growth, industrialisation, and modernisation.

However, there remain certain shortcomings, heard the conference.

PM Chinh highlighted the view that digital transformation is currently a global and inevitable trend, so it is necessary to further raise all-level authorities and sectors’ awareness of this issue, keep up with the trend of the era, make development breakthroughs in key areas, issue priority policies to boost online public services, develop digital transformation infrastructure and platforms, and guarantee information safety and cyber security.

A digital citizen ecosystem is an important basis for national digital transformation, a digital economy is a critical impetus for economic development, a digital society is a basis of the Vietnamese society, and digital culture forms a crucial part of the Vietnamese culture deeply imbued with the national identity, he noted.

The Government leader requested harmonising interests of the State, people and businesses; viewing people and businesses as the centre, key players, targets, and momentum of development; and mobilising resources from and the engagement of the entire political system, people, and businesses in digital transformation.

He also demanded methodological implementation, a strategic vision, a breakthrough mindset, and strong and focus-driven actions in digital transformation.
 
The leader required that ministries, sectors and localities to further review and streamline administrative procedures and regulations, aiming to simplify at least 20% of regulations and reduce at least 20% compliance costs. Public services and administrative procedures provided on the national public service portal and ministerial-level portals should be further upgraded and simplified, which must be completed within the third quarter of this year. 

Besides, the PM also underlined the importance of stepping up communications to raise public awareness and encourage people to join hands in the task, according to the Government Office’s announcement.

Vietnamese, Lao provinces tighten friendship, cooperation

The central province of Quang Nam and Laos' Sekong province will step up communications to help local people better their understanding of the Vietnam-Laos time-honoured friendship and solidarity while increasing exchanges and consolidating the grassroots political system in border areas.

The consensus was reached during talks between the officials of the Vietnam Fatherland Front's Quang Nam chapter and the visiting delegation from the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC)’s Sekong chapter in Quang Nam on August 1.

The two sides told each other about the implementation of their agreement on communications cooperation that helps improve public awareness of the two countries’ relations and calls on residents in border areas for staying united, jointly solving social issues.

The two local fronts committed to calling on people, especially the Lao people and tribes, and ethnic groups in the border areas of the two localities to actively participate in activities to protect the border, landmarks, and security.

The two sides will create favourable conditions for front committees of localities sharing the borderline to strengthen cooperation and exchanges, helping each other develop the economy, improve living standards, and reduce poverty sustainably; strengthen twinning ties between communes and villages.

Chairwoman of the LFNC Sekong chapter Bunhien Bunchit thanked the leaders and people of Quang Nam province for their support in training human resources, medical examination and treatment, and economic development in border areas.

Quang Nam and Se Kong provinces share a 142 km-long borderline. The two sides have seen their cooperation grow in all fields for years.

Vietnam's national swimming team identifies opponents at 19th ASIAD

On July 30, the key athletes of the Vietnamese national swimming team completed the swimming competitions of the 2023 FINA World Aquatics Championships. They identified their strongest opponents at the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD).

According to the Vietnamese swimming team's coaching staff, Fei Liwei will be a strong opponent for Nguyen Huy Hoang.

According to experts, Fei Liwei has the potential to outperform the famous Sun Yang, who won four gold medals at the 18th ASIAD, including the 1,500m and 800m freestyle. Moreover, Fei Liwei is only 20 years old, giving him significant youthful strength.

The performances of Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese swimmers at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships provided the Vietnamese team with valuable preparation insights. The ace card to be present at the 19th ASIAD remains the tactical secret of each swimming team. Nevertheless, by witnessing Fei Liwei's performance, the Vietnamese swimming team understands the challenges they will face in the men's 1,500m and 800m freestyle categories.

Binh Thuan prepares best conditions to host EC’s IUU-fishing inspection team

The central coastal province of Binh Thuan’s steering committee for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has affirmed its determination not to allow local fishing vessels and fishermen to violate foreign waters and its active preparations for the fourth visit by the European Commission (EC)’s inspection team slated for October.

At its recent meeting to assess the implementation of prevention measures so far and to launch key works for the time to come. it was reported that so far this year, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has coordinated with relevant units to send six inspection teams to examine anti-IUU activities at key fishing areas and seafood export enterprises.

The steering committee, meanwhile, has established working groups to visit five southern provinces where Binh Thuan's fishing vessels are present to meet their owners and collaborate with local authorities to enhance the management, monitoring, and inspection of the boats.

In addition, the provincial fisheries department and border guards have teamed up with localities to conduct over 200 awareness-raising sessions for more than 22,000 fishermen, focusing on those involved in offshore fishing and high-risk IUU fishing practices.

As of July 28, Binh Thuan had achieved a 99.7% installation rate of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices on fishing vessels. Furthermore, the strict control of vessel entry and exit at ports as well as origin certification and confirmation of the seafood from fishing activities have been carried out in accordance with regulations.

Health sector to focus on enhancing service quality: Official

In the rest of the year, the Ministry of Health will focus on rolling out harmonious measures to enhance the quality of healthcare services and ensure effective operation of the medical examination and treatment system, according to Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan.

Addressing a conference in Hanoi on July 31, the official said that in the first six months of this year, the healthcare sector concentrated on building and giving advice on the promulgation of legal documents and a proposal to remove difficulties facing the sector after the COVID-19 pandemic.

She hailed efforts of all hospitals in purchasing medicines and medical equipment to meet patients’ demands.

The official noted that so far, Vietnam has received 258,000 doses of five-in-one vaccines for the expanded immunisation programme with the support of businesses, WHO and UNICEF.

However, she asked leaders of relevant agencies to continue to coordinate with ministries and authorised agencies to promptly order vaccines for the programme.

In the rest of the year, the ministry will focus on granting licence and expanding the circulation licences for medicines and medical equipment, while closely controlling the import of medicine and medical equipment and their prices, ensuring stable prices of the products and medicine supply.

At the same time, it will build a roadmap for adjusting health insurance premiums in line with the roadmap for adjusting medical service prices, while speeding up administrative reform and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen said that in the first six months of this year, the sector managed to maintain the achievements in the COVID-19 fight and controlling other diseases, along with ensuring support policies for health workers.

It also exerted efforts to speed up the disbursement of public investment capital, while completing 56 tasks assigned by the Government and the PM.

In the time to come, the sector will continue to build on the achievements in the pandemic fight and prevention and control of other diseases, heading to the announcement of the end of the COVID-19 in Vietnam.

At the same time, more efforts will also be exerted to remove obstacle and ensure the supply of vaccines for the expanded programme on immunisation, and to build scenarios to respond to all epidemic situation.

The official added that the ministry will take action to ease the overload for hospitals by expanding the network of satellite hospitals, strengthening science and technology application in local hospitals, popularising online medical examination activities and fostering connections among hospitals across the countries, including those in remote and island areas.

Photo exhibition features Hanoi’s socioeconomic achievements

An exhibition on socio-economic development in the capital city of Hanoi in the period from 2008 to 2023 opened on August 1 at the Exhibition House on 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Street in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

It is part of activities to mark the 15th anniversary of Resolution No 15/2008/NQ-QH12 of the 12th National Assembly on the adjustment of the capital city’s administrative boundary.

Nearly 150 photos are being displayed at the event, featuring changes in the city and outstanding achievements attained in 2008-2023 period.

Addressing the event’s opening ceremony, Tran Thi Van Anh, deputy director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports said with the expansion of administrative boundaries, Hanoi becomes the largest urban area in the country and one of the 17th biggest capitals in the world.

With great efforts and determination, the city has had success in many important achievements, creating profound changes in all fields, she said.

It reflects the strategic vision and historical significance of the policy on expanding the administrative boundary for the cause of construction and development of the capital in the modernizstion and industrialisation process and deeper international integration, she noted.

The exhibition will run until August 7.

Vietjet diverted flight in Australia, saving passenger's life

Vietjet flight VJ083 from Ho Chi Minh City to Brisbane on July 31 made an emergency landing at Darwin airport in Australia to seek medical aid for a passenger who experienced health issues.

The flight crew acted swiftly to provide in-flight emergency medical care to the Australian passenger, who was born in 1954. The pilot then made the decision to divert the aircraft to Darwin in order to ensure the passenger receive immediate medical help.

Upon landing at Darwin airport at 18:30 local time, after a flight duration of 4 hours and 40 minutes, the passenger was promptly transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The crew and airline staff collaborated closely with airport and medical authorities to ensure the passenger receive the necessary care and attention. The passenger's health condition stabilised after receiving timely medical assistance, and his family sent deep thanks to the crew.

Following refueling in Darwin, the flight resumed its journey to Brisbane, ultimately landing safely at 21:55 in the evening local time.

Reflecting on the decision to divert the flight, the captain expressed his emotion, stating, "In my tens of thousands of flying hours as a captain, I am continually filled with emotions when my decision can provide timely support to passengers. My colleagues and I always strive to serve passengers to the best of our abilities and prioritize their safety and well-being."

Proposed ferry route to better connect HCM City with Tiền Giang by 2024

The HCM City Department of Transport has proposed developing a sea ferry route connecting the city with Tiền Giang Province by 2024.

Under a proposal submitted to the People’s Committee, the ferry route will span 12km, enabling travel between HCM City’s Cần Giờ District and Tiền Giang Province’s Gò Công Đông District in just 30 minutes.

With an estimated investment of VNĐ114 billion sourced from the private sector, the ferry will have a capacity of over 250 passengers, 100 motorbikes, and 15 cars. There will be four trips per day.

The department will select an enterprise responsible for managing the transportation of vehicles and renting the ferry terminal, according to the proposal.

Cần Giờ District currently has three ferry routes connecting it to Nhà Bè District (HCM City), Cần Giuộc District (Long An Province), and Vũng Tàu (Vũng Tàu city).

However, the current ferry route between Cần Giờ District and Tiền Giang Province is operated by wooden boats with low capacity, and cannot transport cars.

The proposed ferry route is expected to improve connectivity between the city and Mekong Delta region, especially Tiền Giang Province.

It will help reduce the distance between HCM City and Tiền Giang Province by 40km, and save travel time by 40-50 minutes.

The ferry will also promote tourism in Cần Giờ District and enhance waterway connections between Cần Giờ District and neighbouring provinces.

HCM City gears up to implement resolution granting it increased autonomy

HCM City is gearing up to implement a National Assembly resolution that will grant it increased autonomy starting this month.

Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, Phan Văn Mãi, chairman of the People’s Committee, said Resolution 98, which takes effect on August 1, would grant the city increased autonomy to address the persistent challenges it faces.

“With increased autonomy, the city is better equipped to tackle infrastructure development and institutional governance,” he said. “This will not only improve the quality of life for its residents but also attract investment, create job opportunities, and promote innovation and technology.” 

Infrastructure development is a key focus of the resolution, according to Mãi. 

The municipal Department of Transport has estimated around VNĐ266 trillion (US$11.28 billion) will be needed for infrastructure projects in the city by 2025. 

With increased autonomy, the city can prioritise and expedite the implementation of these projects, which is crucial to improving transportation systems and connectivity. 

“A well-developed infrastructure will also contribute to attracting more investment from both domestic and international sources,” he noted.

Institutional governance is another area where increased autonomy will prove beneficial. Currently, local governments often face difficulties in implementing tailored reforms due to time-consuming coordination with national authorities. 

With greater decision-making power, city authorities can streamline administrative procedures, improve public services, and implement innovative policies to address the city’s specific needs. 

The resolution approved by the National Assembly in June also provides the city with the authority to offer incentives to individuals and businesses involved in innovation, science and technology, and start-ups. 

It allows the city to attract investment in strategic sectors such as chip manufacturing, new materials, and sports and culture through public-private partnerships.

To facilitate the implementation of the resolution, the People’s Council has approved several resolutions related to public investment and poverty reduction. 

A resolution has been passed to raise the public investment ceiling VNĐ99 trillion, which will mainly focus on major public projects.

Nearly VNĐ2.8 trillion from the city’s budget has been allocated for poverty reduction and employment. 

In addition, VNĐ2.9 trillion from the budget will be invested in infrastructure, specifically the construction of the HCM City - Mộc Bài expressway.

MoH continues comprehensive measures to avoid outbreak overlapping

The Ministry of Health affirmed that the healthcare sector would continue to monitor the development of disease outbreaks both domestically and internationally, particularly dangerous and emerging infectious diseases as well as prevalent ones, and prepare with various scenarios to avoid the overlapping of disease outbreaks.

Minister Đào Hồng Lan made these remarks on Tuesday during the conference on reviewing performance in the first half of this year and announcing tasks for the rest of the year.

After listening to nearly 20 opinions from various units and deputy ministers, Lan emphasised that the healthcare sector has been focused on the building of legal documents to resolve difficulties and obstacles in the procurement of medicines, medical equipment, and medical supplies to meet the healthcare needs of people.

The ministry has made efforts to engage in exchanges with international organisations such as WHO and UNICEF, as well as relevant domestic units to receive 258,000 doses of the 5-in-1 vaccine to serve the national expanded immunisation programme.

However, Lan requested the leaders of relevant units to continue their efforts in coordinating with other ministries to promptly carry out the purchase and ordering of vaccines.

In the final months of this year, the ministry will focus on implementing solutions to improve service quality and ensure effective operation of the healthcare examination and treatment system.

Furthermore, the ministry will prioritise licensing and renewing drugs and medical equipment, and thoroughly resolving backlogged records. It will also ensure the availability of medicines for the treatment of diseases such as dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease.

It will also strengthen supervision on import activities to ensure the quality of drugs, medicinal materials, and medical equipment; manage drug prices, and maintain a stable pharmaceutical market.

The ministry will concentrate on researching and developing a roadmap to adjust health insurance premiums to align with adjustments in healthcare service prices and the healthcare needs of people, she said.

At the conference, Deputy Minister Đỗ Xuân Tuyên said the healthcare sector achieved significant results in various professional fields during the first six months of this year.

The ministry has proposed solutions to address the shortages of medicines and medical equipment, and overcome remaining obstacles in the implementation of projects such as the construction of Bạch Mai Hospital and Việt Nam-Germany Friendship Hospital’s branches.

The ministry has carried out 201 tasks assigned by the Government from January 1 to July 24. Among these, 56 tasks were completed, while overdue and incomplete tasks are being firmly directed for resolution.

Tuyên said the ministry has continued to effectively fulfill its role as the permanent office of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and propose to reclassify COVID-19 from a group A to group B infectious disease.

The ministry has developed a plan for sustainable control and management of COVID-19 for the period of 2023-2025. It has conducted the appropriate COVID-19 vaccination plan based on the new situation and the annual COVID-19 vaccination in the national expanded immunisation programme.

In particular, the ministry has closely monitored and tracked domestic and international disease outbreak situations and prepared plans to respond to any disease situation, he stressed.

Figures from the ministry showed that in the first six months of 2023, both outpatient and inpatient visits increased at hospitals, with some hospitals experiencing a growth rate of more than 50 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

The patient satisfaction rate reached over 90 per cent.

Tuyên said the ministry would continue comprehensive solutions to reduce overload and improve the quality of services. This included expanding the network of satellite hospitals, with 23 nuclear hospitals and 138 satellite hospitals in 62 cities and provinces and the application of science and technology in medical examination and treatment.

The ministry will strengthen the inspection of remote medical consultation and connect central hospitals with healthcare facilities nationwide, including those in remote and island areas.

Furthermore, the ministry will review and develop regulations to create legal corridors for the procurement and bidding of drugs and medical equipment.

Theatre group works on cải lương book project

The HCM City Theatre Association and its partners are working to release a series of books on cải lương (reformed opera), a traditional genre of southern theatre which began in the early 1920s in the Cửu Long (Mekong) River Delta region.

The books will include information, photos and documents about the history and development of cải lương.

Tuồng, a form of Vietnamese theatre that originated in the 17th century in the central region before expanding to central and southern Việt Nam, particularly the Cửu Long region, will also be featured.

Images of Cải Lương Nam Bộ Troupe, which opened in 1952 and attracted artists engaged in the revolutionary movement in the South, will be highlighted.

Cải Lương Nam Bộ Troupe was formed from three cải lương troupes in the region. The troupe sent its artists to perform at the National Music and Theatre Festival in Hà Nội in 1955 after the 1954 Geneva Agreement on Indochina was signed.

The troupe played a very important role in the theatre’s development in the South.

Its artists used their art to encourage southern people, intellectuals, poor farmers, and workers to be involved in the national revolutionary movement. They travelled around the region to offer shows featuring the activities of the Việt Minh (Việt Nam League for Independence) Committee of the South in August 1945.

Cultural researchers and veteran artists of cải lương and tuồng, such as People’s Artist Trần Ngọc Giàu and Tôn Thất Cần, have worked on writing and editing the books.

“Our books provide young people with better knowledge of Vietnamese theatre,” said theatre director Cần. “We hope readers can learn more about traditional songs, tunes and dances used in Vietnamese theatre."

The first book, titled Sân Khấu Cải Lương TP HCM: 1975-2025 (The Developments of Cải Lương in HCM City between 1975 and 2025), will be introduced at a seminar organised by the HCM City Theatre Association in September.

The seminar on Vietnamese theatre will attract 40 veteran cải lương and tuồng artists who are old but still keep their art alive and perform it to younger artists.

The second book will feature 50 famous plays about Vietnamese history from different periods. The shows’ directors, scriptwriters and performers will be included.

One of the highlighted plays is Tiếng Trống Mê Linh (The Sounds of Mê Linh Drum), a production staged by Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre, one of the region’s leading traditional art troupes.

The play was first staged in 1977 and has been restaged many times, attracting cải lương stars Thanh Nga, Ngọc Giàu and Bạch Tuyết.

It tells the stories of Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, the two sisters who led the first resistance movement against Chinese occupation in the first century, around 2,000 years ago.

The sisters led their troops on elephants to repel Chinese invasions. Their victory delivered liberation for Đại Việt (an old name for Việt Nam) after 247 years of Chinese domination

The first and second books are scheduled to be released in December. 

Vietnam keeps FIVB Challenge Cup’s lineup for 1st leg of SEA V.League 2023

The Vietnamese women's volleyball team will maintain its current lineup for the first round of the Women's SEA V.League 2023.
 
On July 31, Head Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet informed Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper that, for the first leg of the SEA V.League 2023, taking place in Vinh Phuc Province, he would maintain the same lineup of 14 players who recently competed in France. In the second leg, the coaching staff would make appropriate personnel changes based on the team's condition and expertise.

Vietnam will be hosting the first leg of the SEA V.League 2023, and the matches will be held at Vinh Yen City Sports Hall in Vinh Phuc Province from August 4 to August 6. This venue previously hosted the 2023 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship in April 2023, where the Vietnamese national team participated and earned the championship.

In the first leg of SEA V.League 2023, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team will field a squad that includes players who have previously competed in the FIVB Challenge Cup 2023 and the AVC Challenge Cup 2023, namely Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Nguyen Khanh Dang, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Pham Thi Nguyet Anh, Doan Thi Xuan, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Nguyen Thi Kim Lien, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Ly Thi Luyen, Tran Tu Linh, and Dinh Thi Tra Giang. The Vietnamese women's volleyball team returned to Vietnam from France on July 31. On August 2, they will have a training session to familiarize themselves with the competition venue in Vinh Phuc.

The SEA V.League was previously known as the ASEAN Grand Prix. Last year, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team took part in two legs of this competition and achieved the overall second position, with Thailand being the top-ranked team.

The Women’s SEA V.League 2023 features four participating teams, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The first leg of the tournament will take place in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, while the second leg will be held in Chiangmai, Thailand.

JICA helps develop vocational training for AO victims

The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on August 2 to review a project on developing a vocational training model for people with disabilities caused by AO/Dioxin.

Speaking at the event, VAVA Chairman Nguyen Van Rinh said the clean vegetable growing project in Cam village in HCM City's outlying district of Hoc Mon, which was adapted from Japan's advanced agriculture, has been successful in Vietnam.

He suggested those directly involved in the project pay attention to spreading the model to generate jobs, increase income and improve the lives of AO victims.

So far, the project has successfully trained four agricultural engineers and six health care staff. The clean vegetable cultivation is being piloted on a total area of over 1,000 sq.m in the village. The harvested products will be sold directly to consumers, and the revenue will be reinvested to create a research and learning centre for AO victims in the city and neighbouring localities.

Hozumi Araki, Director of vocational training at the project, suggested creating conditions for the disabled to seek, maintain and return to employment; foster self-employment and entrepreneurial spirit, develop cooperatives and recruit the disabled in the public sector through appropriate policies and measures.

Deputy Minister inspects Hai Phong’s fight against IUU fishing

A working delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development led by Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien on August 2 paid a field trip to the northern port city of Hai Phong to inspect its fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Tien said the city has shown improvements compared to the inspection last year, such as a higher number of licensed operating ships and pioneering policies in the installation of the Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).

However, there are still cases of fishing vessels operating in wrong designated areas, and the city's handling of violations has not been fully effective yet, he added.

Vu Ba Cong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the city currently has 890 active fishing vessels registered on the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase).

In the first seven months of this year, the total number of fishing vessels that lost communication at sea was 171, including 102 vessels that were reconnected as per regulations. The local authorities had sufficient grounds to impose administrative penalties on five vessels and did not have evidence to fine 16 other vessels. They are currently investigating and monitoring 48 vessels.

The city has so far imposed administrative fines worth 718 million VND (31,200 USD).

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Tho said in the near future, the city will continue directing relevant agencies and localities to raise fishermen and local officials’ awareness of the Government, agriculture sector and the city’s directions regarding IUU combat.

The city also wants to receive timely support from relevant agencies to fulfill its tasks in the fight against IUU fishing, he said.

Vietnam, Philippines hold 10th meeting of joint commission on bilateral cooperation

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo co-chaired the 10th meeting of the countries’ joint commission on bilateral cooperation in Hanoi on August 2.

Manalo, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, affirmed that the Philippines always values consolidating and developing the friendly and multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, its sole strategic partner in ASEAN.

In response, Son emphasised the significance of Manalo’s trip in further promoting the bilateral strategic partnership.

At the function, the sides conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of the bilateral relationship since the 9th meeting held in Manila in March 2019 as well as of the implementation of the Vietnam-Philippines action programme for 2019-2024. They expressed their satisfaction with the sound development of the ties over the past four years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both sides agreed upon various specific measures to continue promoting collaboration across spheres, including high-level exchanges and contacts, especially the organisation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.'s visit to Vietnam at an appropriate time.

They aimed to effectively carry out bilateral cooperation mechanisms; advance the building of an action programme implementing the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership for 2025-2030; and to strengthen defence and security cooperation. Moreover, they agreed to strive to bring bilateral trade turnover to 10 billion USD at an early date, with a particular emphasis on rice trade.

They pledged to enhance maritime cooperation, share information and coordinate to promptly address arising issues at sea, and improve the effectiveness of cooperation in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Additionally, they concurred to promote collaboration in other important areas such as agriculture, culture, tourism, education, transport, science-technology, environment, and people-to-people exchange.

Vietnam and the Philippines will continue coordinating and supporting each other at multilateral forums, especially in ASEAN and the United Nations; as well as working with other ASEAN member states to maintain ASEAN's solidarity and centrality and promote the bloc’s sub-regional cooperation, contributing to building a strong and prosperous community.

The two ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation between their foreign ministries, regarding exchanges on international and regional issues of mutual concern, and joint works between their diplomatic academies.

Concluding the meeting, the ministers signed an agreement and agreed to organise the 11th meeting in the Philippines at a suitable time in 2025.

PM commends HSBC's contributions to Vietnam's economy

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has thanked HSBC Holdings Plc and HSBC Vietnam for their assistance and contributions to the development of the banking - financial industry in particular and the economy of Vietnam in general.

Receiving Group Chairman of the UK-based HSBC Holdings Plc Mark Tucker in Hanoi on August 2, PM Chinh believed that the presence of British banks in Vietnam such as HSBC and Standard Chartered will make positive contributions to fostering friendship and effective cooperation between the two countries.

He applauded HSBC Vietnam's efforts in expanding operations and forming strategic partnerships and collaboration with various Vietnamese State-owned and private businesses and corporations.

The government leader noted with pleasure that HSBC Vietnam has been operating effectively, actively engaging in dialogues, and working closely with management agencies, thereby contributing positively to the continuous improvement of the banking legal framework in Vietnam.

The PM spoke highly of the lender’s proactive approach and cooperation in attracting and supporting foreign investors in the process of expanding investment in Vietnam, as well as its engagement in the Vietnamese Government’s economic development programmes. Particularly, HSBC has taken practical actions to fulfill its commitments to Vietnam's green and sustainable growth, playing a crucial role in the Working Group supporting capital mobilisation for Vietnam's Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Hailing HSBC’s commitment to allocating up to 12 billion USD for Vietnam’s sustainable development by 2030, the PM hoped that HSBC would actively help Vietnam effectively utilise this financial resource, enabling the country to deliver on its climate change commitments and achieve sustainable development goals.

The Vietnamese Government expects HSBC to continue offering even more active support in arranging and connecting international credit sources for energy transition and low-carbon economic development, as well as in digital transformation, especially in banking and the development of circular and sharing economy, he said.

PM Chinh also called for HSBC’s assistance in sharing experience in building a contingent of capable credit appraisal officers to facilitate the process of granting credit to infrastructure, sustainable energy transition and other green projects; and providing essential funding for key sectors that drive Vietnam's green growth in the future.

Agreeing with PM Chinh’s proposals, Tucker praised Vietnam for choosing green development, including the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

He informed the host about HSBC's global activities and strategies, its commitment to important strategies of the Government, businesses, and consumers in Vietnam, and the results of its sustainable and green credit programmes in the country.

HSBC will continue its long-term business operations and actively contribute to the Vietnamese market, he said, suggesting the PM direct relevant ministries, agencies and localities to create favourable conditions for and work closely with HSBC to further foster the country's development.

HCM City, UK promote green growth cooperation

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan received visiting UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart on August 2.

Informing his guest on the local authority's plans to achieve the national goals for green development in all aspects of life, Hoan proposed that the UK share experience in building mechanisms, policies, and method for the operation and management of financial centres and green financial development.

He suggested the UK encourage British businesses to invest in and cooperate with the city in the construction of an international financial centre and development of the green healthcare, education, and energy.

The southern metropolis also welcomes the UK’s introduction of companies to participate in the 2023 HCM City Economic Forum, which focuses on green growth and sustainable development, he affirmed.

Hoan pledged close cooperation and favourable conditions for the successful organisation of the UK's event in the city to mark five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

For his part, Stuart affirmed that the UK will continue to cooperate and share experience with Vietnam, including HCM City, for the country to fulfil its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 as declared at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). The UK will also promote and introduce experienced and potential British businesses to participate in the municipal forum.

Acknowledging the initial results of cooperation between the UK and the city in building the international financial centre project, he highlighted further assistance to come serving its implementation. The UK government is also ready to assist the city in developing and deploying intelligent healthcare projects.

Stuart pledged to introduce experienced British investors to supply the city with the equipment, technique and technology for converting biomass to energy. He also promised to share experience in establishing legal frameworks, mechanisms, and standards for projects attracting financial resources for green development.

Vietnam attends ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the ASEAN Defence Senior Official’s Meeting (ADSOM) in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 2.

Addressing the meeting, Chien praised the efforts of the Indonesian Minister of Defence in ASEAN Chairmanship year. He also expressed his belief that the event will be a success, helping cement the solidarity and combined strength of ASEAN to flexibly and proactively cope with security challenges for a peaceful, prosperous and secure region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieut. Gen. Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence affirmed that the 2023 ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) theme of “Peace, Prosperity and Security” shows the commitment of Jakarta to bolstering peace and security in and outside the region while reflecting  the common commitment of ASEAN to strengthening stability and prosperity in the region.

At the meeting, delegates heard outcomes of the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting Working Group (ADSOM WG), the 16th Annual Meeting of the Network of ASEAN  Defence and Security Institutions (NADI-16) and the 20th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting; as well as defence cooperation among ASEAN member states.

They also discussed and agreed on documents to be submitted to the ADMM and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM ) for adoption in 2023, including new initiatives, the ADMM Joint Statement and the thematic ADMM Joint Statement.

In addition, the meeting scrutinised cooperation activities with a number of countries outside the region, preparation for the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting Plus Working Group (ADSOM WG), ADMM and ADMM meetings.

Theoretical, practical issues related defence, security, foreign affairs reviewed

Hanoi (VNA) – Theoretical and practical issues related to the socialist-oriented renewal process in Vietnam over the past four decades were reviewed during the first meeting of the Defence-Security-Foreign Affairs Group on August 2.

The event was chaired by the group's head General Luong Cuong, Politburo member, member of the Standing Board of the Central Military Commission, and Director of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).

Addressing the event, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theory Council, provided information about the working plan of the group, saying that the meeting will focus on reviewing and evaluating the recent 10-year period, and summarising some important theoretical and practical issues related to defence, security, and foreign affairs that have a significant impact on the national construction, development, and defence.

Delegates focused their discussions on the working plan and programme of the group, clarifying some details regarding the outline of the summary report, and the assignment of responsibilities to group members who join the drafting of important documents.

General Luong Cuong emphasised the significance of the review for supplementing and perfecting the Party's theory on the renewal policy, ideology on socialism, and the path towards socialism in Vietnam.

He agreed on the working plan and programme of the group, and assigned tasks to its members, and the secretariat in order to help the group successfully fulfill the tasks assigned by the Politburo.

Regarding the outline of the summary report, General Luong Cuong asked for clarifying the purpose, target, scope, content, research methods, and participants involved in the summary report; international and domestic contexts impacting the content of the summary; development process of awareness, and directions, policies, and solutions; forecasting impact factors from now until 2030, with a vision until 2045, among others.

Furthermore, the outline of the summary report should determine objectives, viewpoints, tasks, and solutions for implementing defence, security, and foreign affairs missions until 2030, with a vision towards 2045, he said.

Room for international integration remains huge: PM

National development has been promoted in both quality and quantity over the 10 years of implementing the Politburo’s resolution on international integration, but there remains huge room for Vietnam to further integrate into the world, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The PM, who is also head of the steering committee for the plan on reviewing the 10-year implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 22-NQ/TW on international integration, made the remarks while chairing the committee’s first meeting on August 2.

He noted that the resolution, issued by the 11th-tenure Politburo on April 10, 2013, marked an important shift in the Party and State’s mindset about Vietnam’s integration into the world, from “international economic integration” to “proactive, active, comprehensive, intensive, and effective integration into the world” in all aspects, including politics, defence, security, culture, society, science - technology, and education - training.

Under the resolution, since 2013, Vietnam has upgraded its relations with seven countries to strategic partnerships or comprehensive strategic partnerships, and with seven others to the comprehensive partnerships, raising the number of countries with which it has strategic or comprehensive partnerships to 33, including all superpowers in the world.

It has also officially taken part in UN peacekeeping operations, deeply engaged in many new-generation and high-standard free trade agreements and trade connections such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreemen (EVFTA), thus helping create favourable foreign relations for national development.

PM Chinh noted that the resolution implementation has brought about big changes, elaborating that the awareness of the issue has been improved with international integration identified as a task of the entire people and political system; actions made in a more proactive, comprehensive and intensive manner; the quality and quantity of development promoted; the country’s political stature and strength enhanced; external relations expanded; and GDP almost doubling compared to 10 years ago.

Perceiving that there remains huge room for Vietnam’s integration into the world, he pointed out several lessons for the process.

Accordingly, international integration holds strategic significance and is a task of the entire people and political system, with people and businesses acting as the centre, key players, resources, and momentum for the process.

Integration into the world contains both opportunities and challenges, and this is a difficult but compulsory task, the PM said, stressing that it is necessary to properly handle the relationship between independence, self-reliance and intensive, comprehensive and effective international integration; and to optimise internal resources and make use of external ones.

"International integration must be viewed as an important impetus for innovation and development. Besides, the process must be carried out in tandem with improving the country’s self-reliance, competitiveness, resilience, and adaptability to external changes," PM Chinh emphasised.

The Government leader underlined the need to grasp the domestic and international situations; “utilise the invariables in response to variables” for the sake of national interests; and strongly combine integration in different fields, with economic integration being the focus.

As there isn’t much time left before the deadline for the steering committee to complete the review and report to the Politburo, he asked the committee to hasten fulfilling their duties to propose the Politburo issue a document on directions for international integration for the coming time.

Third-class Fatherland Protection Order conferred on police officers killed in Lam Dong landslide

The President has posthumously conferred the third-class Fatherland Protection Order on three police officers who died on duty in a landslide in Bao Loc Pass in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong four days ago. 

Under the authorisation of the President, leaders of Lam Dong provincial Police on August 2 handed over the Order to the policemen's families on August 2.

The decoration shows the gratitude of the Party, State, and people to the police officers who have sacrificed for the cause of national construction and defence.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister on July 31 signed a decision granting the "The Fatherland Acknowledges the Merit" certificates to the three police officers. 

At 3:30 pm on July 30, National Highway 20’s section running through Bao Loc pass suffered a severe landslide. As a result, dozens of rock and soil blocks slid down covering the entire road surface of the pass.

The Madaguoi traffic police station with three police officers and a local resident inside was buried in the landslide. The officers were back to the station after their mission of helping ease the traffic jam in the pass.

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