A trial run of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Station metro line.

After five consecutive days of test runs, the Nhổn-Hà Nội Station metro line showed a feasibility rate of up to 99.65 per cent, according to the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board.

The trial runs, starting on December 5, was conducted in two phases, with the first lasting from five days to six weeks in order to evaluate the line's RAM efficiency.

If the efficiency recorded during the first five consecutive days failed to reach 98 per cent, the trial run will be extended until the goal is achieved, to the maximum of six weeks.

The second phase of the trial run was conducted on December 13 and 14 right after the RAM efficiency evaluation was completed, with several scenarios simulated, such as blackouts and fires.

The 12-kilometre Nhổn-Hà Nội Station metro line, the second of its kind in the capital city, starts from Nhổn in Nam Từ Liêm District and ends at the Hà Nội Station in Đống Đa District, and includes eight elevated and four underground stations.

Once fully operational, eight trains will be officially in service, with one used to ease overloading at peak hours.

Each train is designed to carry between 944 and 1,124 passengers. The trains are manufactured by France's Alstom company.

The project's investment of about VNĐ30.1 trillion (US$1.29 billion) comes from official development assistance of the French Development Agency and loans from the French Government.

The elevated section is slated for commercial operation by the end of this year, while the remaining part which is underground will be put into use next year. 

Officials share joy with religious communities in Xmas season in HCM City

Officials from the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs visited religious establishments in Ho Chi Minh City on December 15 to offer Christmas and New Year greetings.

At the Seventh-Day Adventist Church based in Phu Nhuan district, VFF Vice President and Secretary General Le Tien Chau wished the head of the church, Pastor Tran Thanh Truyen, and followers a happy and peaceful Christmas season.

He thanked the church and its leaders as well as followers for always accompanying the nation, complying with the law and actively joining patriotic movements held by the VFF and the Government. 

Officials share joy with religious communities in Xmas season in HCM City hinh anh 2
VFF delegation visits the General Confederation of the Evangelical Churches of Vietnam.(Photo: VNA)
The official wished that the church will continue actively joining social activities and national patriotic movements, contributing to building a great national unity and improving people’s lives.

Chau later visited the Vietnam Baptist Church and conveyed best wishes to the church's President - Pastor Nguyen Vo Khanh Giam.

The same day, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang also visited and extended wishes to the Seventh-Day Adventist.

Chairman of the Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Hoai Bac visited the Vietnam General Protestant Church (the South).

PM Chinh visits Europe’s leading research innovation hub

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 15 (local time) visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), an international research and development organisation active in the fields of nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

This created an occasion for Vietnam and Belgium to share experiences and discuss solutions to boost their co-operation in sciences and technology.

Chinh expressed his hope IMEC will strengthen co-operation with Vietnam, and that it will help Vietnam record rapid progress in technology development while the two sides with enjoy harmonised benefits and shared risks, he said, suggesting that it’s time to start a cooperative relationship between Vietnam and IMEC but a roadmap for the co-operation is needed.

IMEC President and CEO Luc Van den hove informed his guest that founded in 1984, it is now one of the world's leading innovation centres with infrastructure, human resources, and cooperation activities with world leading groups such as Samsung, Intel, TMSC, Meta, Sony, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

IMEC also has offices and research and development centres in countries and territories such as the Netherlands, USA, China, Taiwan (China), and India with about 5,500 researchers from 90 countries. It also supports businesses in licensing, training, and testing. In 2021, IMEC's revenue is about 732 million euros (nearly 780 million USD), and it is expected to rise to about 825 million euros this year.

Vietnam affirms ASEAN's commitment to promoting multilateralism

Vietnam, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), affirmed the bloc’s priority and commitment in promoting multilateralism at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s recent open debate on a new orientation for reformed multilateralism.

In his speech, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, highlighted ASEAN's priority and commitment to the respect and promotion of multilateralism for a more peaceful, prosperous, and fair world. The bloc recognises a need for reformed multilateralism in response to today's challenges, he added.

The diplomat emphasised the common view of ASEAN that reforming multilateralism must be accompanied by a commitment to pursue a multilateral approach, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to promote common interests, create a favourable environment for dialogue and cooperation, and avoid actions that intensify tension.

ASEAN supports reforming the Security Council, enhancing representation, democracy, transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency, Giang said.

He held that the voice of the developing countries and regional organisations, including ASEAN, need to be heard more in the global decision-making process.

The ambassador’s speech was also the first ASEAN joint one at the UNSC on this topic, made at the proposal by Vietnam.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the function that strengthening multilateralism is his highest priority since the start of his term of office, and that his report Our Common Agenda and the process it initiated are aimed at reinvigorating multilateralism to deal with today’s interconnected threats.

Csaba Kőrösi (Hungary), President of the UN General Assembly, underscored a need for the international community to closely cooperate in finding a multilateral solution in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Lonely Planet reveals eight attractive treks in Vietnam

The Australian version of renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has recently revealed eight best treks for travelers to enjoy when visiting Vietnam.

Accordingly, hill-tribe trek from Sa Pa town in the northern province of Lao Cai is the easiest hike for beginners and only take one to two days. 

With its towering topography, the mountainous north of the country offers the best trekking opportunities, but there are routes all over the country, the travel guide suggested.

Other routes on the list include Bac Ha and Fansipan mountain peak in Lao Cai province, Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan, Cat Ba National Park in Hai Phong, Cat Tien National Park, Mai Chau in Hoa Binh and Cao Bang province.

Governor of St. Petersburg congratulates Youth Union's 12th National Congress

Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov has sent a congratulatory message to delegates attending the 12th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) for the 2022-2027 tenure in Hanoi.

The message was handed over to Secretary of the HCYU chapter in St. Petersburg Do The Manh during his December 14 working session with representatives of the committee for external relations, youth policy and interaction with mass organizations of the Russian city, which aimed to discuss coordination plans between the two agencies in 2023.

In his message, Beglov stressed that Russia and Vietnam are friends and partners, adding youth policy is the most important cooperation content between the two countries.

The 5th Russia-Vietnam youth forum will be held in 2023 in Russia to mark the 100th year since President Ho Chi Minh set foot in the European nation for the first time, he said.

Exhibition marks 50th anniversary of 'Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the air' victory

An exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 15.

On display are more than 200 photos, documents and artefacts which manifest the smart leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh; solidarity between the army and the people in the 12-day battle which subsequently led to the signing of the Paris Agreement on ending the war in Vietnam.

The exhibition, “Epic of Dien Bien Phu in the air”, is jointly organised by Military Zone 7 and the Air Defence-Air Force.

According to Colonel Hoang Dinh Chung, political commissar of Military Zone 7, said this is a practical activity contributing to educating cadres, soldiers and people on revolutionary ideals and patriotism as well as promote the tradition of the heroic Vietnamese People's Army and build a regular, elite and modern army.

In the battle, the Vietnamese army and people shot down 81 aircraft, including 34 strategic B-52 bombers.

After the exhibition, all documents and artifacts will then be on display at armed forces units of Military Zone 7 and schools in HCM City.

Ticket prices for national team’s first AFF Cup match in Laos announced

The Laos Football Federation has started selling tickets ahead of the first match of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup 2022 between Vietnam and hosts Laos on December 21.

Ticket prices for the upcoming fixture range between LAK30,000 to LAK50,000, equal to between VND41,000 and VND68,000, respectively.

Fans can purchase tickets at the headquarters of the Laos Football Federation and at the New Laos National Stadium.

The AFF Cup 2022 is scheduled to run between December 23 and January 16.

Vietnam have been placed into Group B, with games against Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Laos on the horizon. 

In the first match of the tournament Vietnam will face Laos at the New Laos National Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on December 21. The stadium was built in 2009 and has a capacity of 24,000 seats.

Following this, the Vietnam national team will then play another away match against Singapore on December 30 before playing at home against Malaysia on December 27 and Myanmar on January 3, 2023.

HCM City sees rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases

HCM City is witnessing a sharp increase in children infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease, according to the municipal Centre for Disease Control.

The centre reported that so far this year, the city has recorded 18,779 hand, foot, and mouth disease cases among children. Over the past week, the city has detected two new clusters of the disease.

HCM City’s pediatrics hospitals are serving more patients of hand, foot, and mouth disease, including many who are being hospitalised for the treatment.

The patient number has been forecasted to continue to rise by the Lunar New Year or Tet Holiday.

Ly Son Island isolated due to rough seas

Transportation services to Ly Son Island District in the central province of Quang Ngai have been suspended due to rough seas.

Over the past week, the central region of Vietnam has faced cold weather and rough seas. Therefore, local authorities decided to halt the operations of all ships and boats to Ly Son Island District. This has affected 4,000 islanders.

Pham Thu Huong, chairwoman of the district People’s Committee, said Ly Son has been isolated numerous times amid rough seas. Local residents are reminded to store essential goods during this time.

Business activities are requested to ensure stabilisation of the price of goods while the locality is under isolation.

In case people are in dire need of visiting a mainland hospital for an emergency, they are allowed to hire a high-speed boat for the trip. But the service may cost up to VND20 million (USD816.32).

Binh Dinh proposes second provincial city

The south-central province of Binh Dinh has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs proposing developing An Nhon town into the second city of this province, which used to be the capital city of the Tay Son Dynasty and Vijaya Empire of the Cham people.

The chairman of the Binh Dinh’s People’s Committee has proposed establishing six wards under the management of An Nhon town and developing Anh Nhon into the province’s second city in addition to Quy Nhon City.

According to the chairman, An Nhon town now satisfies all the conditions of a provincial city under Resolution 1211 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, given that An Nhon was developed on a natural area of 244,494 square kilometers with a population of 108,019 residents.

An Nhon Town, recognized as a class 3 urban by the Ministry of Construction in 2021, is a convergence of economy, culture and society in the central highlands under the orientation of socio-economic development of Binh Dinh Province.

Exhibition showcases memories of women in war

An exhibition titled ‘Remember Barbara’ opened at the Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi on December 14, telling the stories of 14 women who are living witnesses of World War II.

The exhibition is the result of an eight-year project by French documentary photographer and videographer Maureen Ragoucy, who went to visit the women in France, Italy, England, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the US and Japan. At the time of the war, these people had to leave their homelands, flee from slums, be imprisoned, or face the loss of loved ones.

The exhibition features the words and voices associated with their portraits, thereby showing the war in a realistic and vivid way from their perspectives.

The exhibition will run until the end of December.

'Remember Barbara' has been exhibited by Ragoucy at many museums in France. In 2019, she received a creative support grant from the Hauts-de-France region to present her special project in Vietnam.

Vietnam News Agency, Yonhap promote cooperation

General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang and President and CEO of Yonhap News Agency Seong Ghi-hong on December 14 signed a new cooperation agreement to replace the old inked in 2017.

At their talks in Hanoi on the occasion of Seong’s visit to Vietnam from December 13-16, Trang thanked the official and colleagues of Yonhap for coordinating with the VNA in organising a photo exhibition on 30 years of Vietnam-Republic of Korea cooperation, which opened in the morning of the day, and another in Seoul from March 31 to May 5.

These activities are a testament to the fine and effective cooperation between the two news agencies, she said, adding that on the basis of the agreements signed, the VNA has effectively used texts and photos provided by Yonhap, especially when there are major events.

The VNA and Yonhap established their professional cooperative relations in 1994, two years after the two countries set up their diplomatic ties.

Vietnamese martial arts promoted in Italy

Nearly 100 athletes representing Vovinam Viet Vo Dao (Vietnamese martial art) Federations in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Spain and Vietnam have attended the International Vovinam Cup 2022-Grand Master Nguyen Van Chieu held recently in Montichiari city, Italy.

Luca, Marzochi, chairman of Vovinam Federation of Italy, said Vovinam was introduced in the country nearly 30 years ago, drawing the attention of a lot of Italians as it’s easy to practice. In recent years, despite a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federation has strived to popularise Vovinam among young people, especially in schools, through promotional activities, he said, adding that through practicing, they have a better understanding of Vietnam's cultural traditions.

A martial arts festival dedicated to Grandmaster Luu Van Trong of Binh Dinh Group’s Sa Long Cuong sect was also held in Italy’s Novara city on December 11.

The Sa Long Cuong sect is one of the traditional martial arts of Vietnam, which was founded in 1964 based on the traditional Binh Dinh martial arts that were handed down during the reign of King Quang Trung. The Sa Long Cuong sect has been taught in many countries, including Italy, Canada, France, and the United States. Trong has made a lot of contributions to introduce and expand the Vietnamese martial art in Italy.

Plenty of opportunities for Vietnamese orderlies to work in Japan

The Department of Overseas Labour (DOLAB) has unveiled plans to begin receiving applications for the recruitment of nurses and orderlies to work in Japan, with this scheme being under the terms of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Applications are open for submission from now until January 31, 2023, with the selection process of candidates expected to begin in the first week of February, 2023.

In order to participate in the programme, selected candidates are to be provided with expenses for food, accommodation, as well as living costs during the period of participating in a 12-month Japanese language training course in Vietnam.

Furthermore, other expenses such as airfares and visa fees to Japan will also be covered after completing the programme.

They will have the opportunity to receive a free advanced training course in Japan for two months before arriving at their workplace in the Far East nation, with their salary ranging between VND27 million and VND30 million.

The selected candidates will also receive allowances which directly relate to their work achievements, as well as being allowed to participate in national tests for nurses and caregivers in Japan to receive certificates to work there.

Australian magazine dubs Quy Nhon “hidden gem” of Vietnam

Located on the nation’s southcentral coast, Quy Nhon of Binh Dinh province has been described as a “hidden gem” due to its unspoiled sandy beaches, diverse local culinary, and unique historical and cultural vestiges.

According to reporter Steve Madgwick of Australian travel magazine Traveller, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang share plenty of similarities as they perfectly embody the travel cliché of so far being relatively hidden from foreign tourism, as well as boasting all the necessary elements needed for those looking to enjoy a fantastic beach holiday.

Quy Nhon has been declared a “hidden gem” for two reasons. Firstly, Vietnam is home to a with myriad of compelling big-name destinations, ranging from Hoi An on the coast to Sa Pa in the hills, all of which draws the attention of travelers. Secondly, Quy Nhon both suffers and benefits from its distance away from other locations, particularly as it is not yet serviced by international flights, he explained.

The Australian reporter also reviewed some spots for visitors to enjoy food tours. Xuan Dieu, also known as Seafood Street, is packed with family-run restaurants serving delicious banh xeo tom nhay, also known as jumping shrimp pancake, at prices that local workers can afford.

Unlike Southeast Asia's usual 'themed' tourist streets, the scores of cafes which are based on Do Doc Bao, Coffee Street, cater principally to the local taste for strong Vietnamese coffee, with Starbucks-clones inevitably dripping into the mix.   

Madgwick suggested that tourists not miss out on Quy Nhon Private Tours which can show them traditional artisan villages around 30 kilometres outside of town, including Phu Gia village which produces Non La, leaf hats, and Van Son village which specialises in ceramics and the popular Bau Da rice wine.

NA Standing Committee reviews medical law amendment, pandemic response

The amendment for the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment is expected to be submitted for approval at the next National Assembly (NA) meeting, said NA Chairman Vương Đình Huệ yesterday. 

Speaking at the 18th meeting session of the NA Standing Committee, the top legislator gave high regard to the efforts of the units who drafted and evaluated the amendment, saying that this document has been improved in response to feedback. 

However, the regulations on the medical license needed further discussion in terms of terminology. 

The NA chairman's suggestion is that each medical practitioner shall be granted only one license, which is valid for five years. The same duration is applied for license re-issuance and extension. 

On the capacity evaluation for medical examination and treatment by the National Medical Council, NA chairman Huệ said that the law must specify the council’s legal status, operation model and establishment. 

He also raised the question of how international license applies in Việt Nam, and highlighted regulations on license suspension and revocation. 

On the quality assessment of medical facilities, the legislator suggested referring to education quality evaluation, noting that an inspection agency is required for this matter. 

Regarding finances, NA chairman Huệ proposed revising Article 118 of the amendment, which should aim at complete financial autonomy, which takes into account recurrent expenditures, investment and organisational apparatus in accordance with the laws. 

He added that facilities that have full financial autonomy must conduct accounting, auditing and making public financial statements per regulations. 

Regarding medical examination and treatment service pricing, NA chairman Huệ suggested focusing on major issues, such as the regulations on the intangible values of the brand. 

He also said that it is necessary to regulate the elements in this pricing, with a sufficient roadmap issued by the government or the health ministry of insured medical services. 

Reporting on the implementation of Resolution No 30/2021/QH15 by the 15th tenure NA, the NA Committee on Social Affairs said that the document has had a positive impact on healthcare for the people, socio-economic stability and national defence - security during and after the pandemic. 

The validity of the resolution’s clause 3, which concerned control and preventive measures during the pandemic, will end on December 31, 2022 according to the document’s provisions. 

While acknowledging that shortcomings persisted, the NA Standing Committee gave high regard to the collective efforts in the fight against COVID-19 in the past two years. 

The NA Committee for Social Affairs also agreed to the proposal to continue the use of registration papers or medicine and of medicinal ingredients, the validity of which would expire on January 1, 2023 and is not yet extended according to the Law on Pharmacy.

This approval is to prevent a disruption in the medicine supply chain and a negative impact on the public’s healthcare. 

However, this is only a temporary solution to address the backlog of extension dossiers for medicines, said the committee. A thorough assessment is required to address the root cause and prevent the situation to occur again in the future. 

Youth engagement app launched to help make for safer roads for students in Việt Nam

AIP Foundation on Wednesday launched Youth Engagement App (YEA) pilot in HCM City, Pleiku City (Gia Lai Province), and Yên Bái City (Yên Bái Province) starting December 2022 to January 2023.

The launch of the app, part of the foundation's Big Data road safety programme, AI&Me: Empowering youth for safer roads, engages students from 18 project secondary schools and colleges on how to use the app.

The YEA offers young people an efficient way to identify and report high-risk road conditions, providing them with a platform for their voices to be heard.

Through the app, government officials will receive data as actionable recommendations to make effective and evidence-based road safety interventions. This will make it easier to identify blackspots for more in-depth analysis to determine the star ratings for school zones.

Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) is an evidence-based tool for measuring, managing, and communicating the risks children are exposed to on a journey to school.

It supports quick interventions that save lives and prevent serious injuries from day one.

AIP Foundation’s three-year AI&Me: Empowering youth for safer roads programme is supported by Fondation Botnar – a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and wellbeing of young people living in cities around the world – as well as the FIA Foundation, Anditi, and the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP).

The Traffic Safety Committees and the Department of Education and Training of all three provinces support the launch of the app in their areas.

Vietnam and Japan promote cooperation in transport

Vietnamese Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang paid a visit to Japan from December 12-15 to promote bilateral cooperation in transport as the two countries look towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023.

At the working session with Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Saito Tetsuo, the two sides expressed delight at the growth in transport cooperation along with the deepening ties between Vietnam and Japan.

Minister Thang suggested that the two sides sign a new memorandum of understanding on comprehensive cooperation to replace the one signed in 2010.

He also asked the Japanese side to share its experience in developing a synchronous and modern transport system and work together to address obstacles for infrastructure projects funded by Japanese official development assistance.

Japanese Minister Saito Tetsuo said he agrees with Vietnam’s suggestions and called on the two sides to continue promoting closer cooperation to achieve more substantive results in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties.

As part of his working visit to Japan, Minister Thanh also met with JICA Senior Vice President Keiichiro Nakazawa, surveyed a number of high-quality infrastructure projects in Japan, and worked with several Japanese agencies in infrastructure development.

Cold air to spread to Ho Chi Minh City

The National Center for Hydrology Meteorology Forecasting informed that an ongoing extreme cold front will continue to spread the Southern region including Ho Chi Minh City. 

It is expected that by tomorrow afternoon, the cold front will cover the whole Northern region before hitting the North-Central, mid-Central and South-Central regions.  

From December 17, one more bitterly cold wave will be likely to cover the Northern region on the large scale. 

Meteorologists estimated that this cold wave has remained at extreme intensity so coastal provinces should brace for the sustained wind of level 4-5. 

Under the impact of the cold weather, residents in Ho Chi Minh City will enjoy chilling nights and early mornings with temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius. 

In the upcoming days, the weather conditions in the city will be mainly dry and sunny.

People warned against abnormal phone calls

According to recommendations of the police, residents should not believe or perform guidance from phone calls with self-proclaimed functional forces to prevent defraudation triggering affection on both material and spiritual sides. 

Recently, the public security sector and specialized agencies have continuously given alerts and guided the ways on how to prevent abnormal phone calls.

From November of 2022, the Ministry of Information and Communications put hotline No.156 into operation to receive reflections from people related to abnormal spam phone calls or text messages showing signs of defraudation. 

However, malefactors have still been making phone calls to threaten, collect debts and finding ways to get people’s bank accounts, OTP codes or identification numbers.

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