Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 1 signed an official dispatch demanding ministries, sectors, and localities to promote thrift practice and wastefulness combat.

In the dispatch, the PM requested ministers, heads of ministry-level and governmental agencies, and chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities strongly carry out certain tasks and measures to continue enhancing the efficient and effective implementation of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention.

Among those tasks and measures, he asked for seriously and fruitfully implementing the Politburo’s Directive No. 27-CT/TW on strengthening the Party’s leadership over thrift practice and wastefulness prevention, Party General Secretary To Lam’s directions on the issue, the Government’s Resolution No. 98/NQ-CP launching an action plan to carry out the Politburo’s Directive No. 27-CT/TW, and the Government’s Resolution No. 53/NQ-CP on implementing the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 74/2022/QH15 on stepping up the enforcement of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention.

PM Chinh ordered them to boost leadership and directions over the work; minimise administrative procedures as well as compliance cost and provide the best possible conditions for people and enterprises; eradicate the mechanism of “asking - giving”; increase power decentralisation for agencies and localities; and augment the monitoring, assessment, and accountability of state agencies, cadres, civil servants, and public employees.

Another task is to fine-tune relevant legal regulations so as to ensure the legal system’s consistency, address overlaps and contradictions, and improve the efficient management and use of state-owned resources.

The PM requested increasing the dissemination of legal regulations along with the Party and State’s guidelines and policies on the issue among agencies, enterprises, organisations, individuals, and the entire society. Besides, thrift practice and wastefulness prevention should be developed into a culture and a voluntary activity.

He demanded that the work focus on such fields as state budget management; public investment capital management and use; public asset management and use; the management of natural resources and minerals, especially land; the management of state capital and assets invested in enterprises; along with apparatus organisation and labour management.

In addition, examination and inspection should be ramped up while violations of the rules on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention be stringently handled, according to the dispatch./.

Training course for Vietnamese language teachers abroad opens

A training course on Vietnamese language teaching for 40 Vietnamese teachers and volunteers from nine countries opened in Hanoi on December 2.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Dong highlighted the growing demand for teaching and learning Vietnamese among overseas communities. He emphasised that the language is crucial in connecting Vietnamese generations worldwide, and the Party and State are committed to preserving the Vietnamese language and culture in OV communities.

Despite progress, challenges remain, requiring collaboration both at home and abroad to meet the community’s needs, he added.

The training course aims to equip teachers with modern teaching methods and provides a platform for sharing experiences and building a stronger Vietnamese language network.

Participating teachers are eager to enhance their teaching skills and connect with experts, contributing to the development of Vietnamese language education abroad.

The course, running from December 1 to 15, includes lectures, workshops, and cultural activities in Hanoi.

The annual training course for Vietnamese language teachers abroad, which was first held in 2013, aims to enhance the teaching capacity of professional and non-professional teachers, and update them with new knowledge in the field./.

Vietnamese Embassy supports Czech charities

The Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic participated in the annual International Charity Market organised by the Diplomatic Spouses Association in Prague on December 1, which aimed at raising funds for Czech charities.

This year's market brought together over 40 embassies in the Czech Republic, showcasing cultural diversity through an array of goods, including sweets, spices, handicrafts, books, glassware, porcelain, cosmetics, and fashion accessories.

In addition to the vibrant booths, the event featured performances highlighting traditional costumes, music, and arts, creating a lively cultural experience.

Speaker of the Czech House of Representatives Markéta Pekarová Adamová praised the embassies for contributing to the festive atmosphere and supporting a meaningful activity. She described the market as an inspiration, encouraging generosity toward charitable funds in the Czech Republic.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda also expressed his hope that this spirit of giving would inspire similar initiatives.

The Vietnamese Embassy's booth stood out with traditional cuisine and handicrafts. Iconic Vietnamese dishes and drinks, such as nem cuon (fresh spring rolls) and coffee, attracted many visitors, while the embassy's staff wearing the elegant 'Ao dai' (Vietnamese traditional long dress) added a cultural highlight to the event.

Anne Huisinga-Paret, Chairwoman of the Diplomatic Spouses Association, emphasised that the event celebrated diversity and solidarity. She noted that attendees not only enjoyed a vibrant multicultural atmosphere but also contributed to a good cause that is supporting those in need.

She added that all proceeds from the market, along with contributions from sponsors, will be donated to Czech charitable organisations. Last year’s event raised over 1 million CZK (approximately 41,725 USD) to support 14 charitable projects for children in the Czech Republic./.

Oanh sets national record again at Viettel Marathon Series

Nguyen Thi Oanh set a new national record at the Viettel Marathon Series 2024's Vietnam leg on December 1 in Hanoi.

It is the national team runner's second record in two months. She specialises in 1,500m, 5,000m, and 3,000m steeplechases and has won many titles in these three events in regional and continental competitions.

However, she is also no stranger to the 10,000m category, having topped the podium at the last SEA Games in Cambodia.

Recently, Oanh has participated in marathons and achieved remarkable results.

She not only won several big tournaments but also set a new national record of 2hr 44.20min at the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon on September 22, eight months after national champion Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa hit 2:44.52 in the Asian championship in Hong Kong.

In Hanoi on December 1, Oanh, who initially registered to run in the half marathon category and changed her mind in the last minutes, faced powerful rivals such as Hoa, former SEA Games champion Pham Thi Hong Le, young talent Bui Thu Ha and Laotian Lodkeo Inthakoumman, who won the Series' first stage in Luang Prabang on November 3.

But Oanh still managed to finish first in a time of 2:39.50, nearly five minutes quicker than the previous record.

It was the fifth national record in Oanh's collection. Previously, she won records in the indoor 1500m (4min 15.55sec), 3,000m steeplechase (9:43.83 which is also a SEA Games record), 5,000m (15:53.48) and 10,000m (33:13.23).

Hoa came second at 2:47.43, followed by Ha who ran 2:49.57./.

Tay Ninh’s Ba Den Mountain hosts first Vietnam-Japan cultural week

A week-long Vietnam-Japan cultural programme officially commenced on the evening of December 1 atop Ba Den Mountain in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh, marking the first event of its kind in the region.

Co-organised by the provincial People’s Committee and Tay Ninh Sun JSC, a subsidiary of Sun Group, it lasts until December 8, offering a rich blend of Japanese culture and Tay Ninh’s traditional cultural heritage.

As part of the event, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki presented 200 cherry blossom trees to the province for planting on the top of the mountain, symbolising friendship and collaboration.

In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world and stated that Japan highly values and wishes to strengthen the ties in various fields, including tourism as well as people-to-people and locality-to-locality exchanges.

Ito expressed his hope that the cultural week would attract more Japanese tourists to Vietnam and Tay Ninh, and vice versa.

Nguyen Lam Nhi Thuy, CEO of Tay Ninh Sun JSC, said that the event is to honour the traditional cultures of both nations. She described the occasion as a milestone for the Ba Den Mountain national tourism area, aiming to establish it as a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Japan.

Earlier in the day, Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, Vice Secretary of the Tay Ninh Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, received the Japanese diplomat, expressing his wish for deeper Vietnam-Japan relations and expanded Japanese investment in Tay Ninh to bolster bilateral ties in the time to come./.

Lang Son aims to complete over 900 houses for the needy before Tet

The norther mountainous province of Lang Son is striving to complete more than 900 new houses for the needy before the Lunar New Year or Tet.

During the launch of a programme to support the removal of temporary and dilapidated houses in the province held on December 2, Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Nguyen Hoang Tung, called on local authorities, organisations, businesses, religious groups, and the public to contribute cash, materials, machinery, and workdays.

According to Tung, the province has over 2,470 households in need of housing support, with 951 requiring new houses and 1,571 needing repairs. The province will cover 100% of the home construction or repairing costs for these families.

Under the programme, 951 new houses for war veterans, policy beneficiary families, the poor and near-poor, and those affected by natural disasters are set to be completed before January 19, 2025 or the 23th day of the last lunar month, while the repairs of 1,571 homes by April 30, 2025. As of November 29, localities had completed 614 out of the new houses.

The total cost for house building and repairing is estiamted at around 222 billion VND (8.7 million USD).

In response to the calls by the authorities, organisations, units, businesses, and individuals both inside and outside the province have committed to donating 160 billion VND for the effort./.

Adjustment approved for Đồng Hới Airport master plan

The master plan for Đồng Hới Airport has just been adjusted to meet transportation needs in the next phase of development.

According to the revised plan for Đồng Hới Airport in Quảng Bình Province approved by the Ministry of Transport, the air traffic control tower will be relocated to the southeast of the passenger terminal, covering an area of approximately 7,600sq.m.

Facilities, including the power station, technical building and water supply station, will also be constructed in the southeast area near the passenger terminal.

The airport will also include aviation service facilities, along with maintenance and repair services for aviation equipment and vehicles in the northwest area of the passenger terminal, adjacent to the aircraft maintenance zone (hangar).

Furthermore, areas for ground service vehicles and emergency and rescue stations will be located in the southeast area near passenger terminal 2 (T2).

A general aviation area will also be built in the northwest section of the passenger terminal.

Other infrastructure components will remain unchanged in accordance with Decision No. 1491/QĐ-BGTVT, issued in July 2018 by the Minister of Transport.

The Ministry of Transport has tasked the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAAV) to oversee and coordinate the management and implementation of the plan in compliance with current regulations.

During the implementation process, CAAV and relevant units will continue reviewing the planning of facilities, proposing adjustments and supplements to align with operational and developmental needs.

These updates will be incorporated into the 2021–2030 planning framework.

In the next stages, the CAAV and related units will reassess and calculate technical aspects to ensure their feasibility. Any adjustments or issues falling beyond their jurisdiction will be reported to the Ministry of Transport for further consideration.

Việt Nam applies new technology to improve treatment of leukaemia and haematology

Việt Nam's health sector has mastered many new techniques in treating leukaemia and haematological diseases, especially new therapies related to cell therapy.

Participants heard at the National Scientific Conference on Hematology and Blood Transfusion organised by the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) and the Vietnam Association of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Hà Nội on November 28.

The event was attended by 1,600 leading domestic and international experts and scientists in the field of haematology and blood transfusion.

Speaking at the event, NIHBT Director Nguyễn Hà Thanh said that the haematology and blood transfusion industry has recently approached international standards for blood transfusion in applying new techniques to diagnose and treat haematological diseases as well as ensure blood transfusion safety.

Thanh said that the NIHBT has earned many achievements in stem cell transplantation, which requires complex techniques and tissue from many different stem cell sources. The treatment of post-transplant complications has also achieved great progress, giving patients a new chance at life.

"The NIHBT alone has successfully performed 660 stem cell transplants and successfully transferred autologous stem cell transplant techniques to many hospitals across the country, helping patients access this modern treatment method," Thanh said.

In its treatment work, the NIHBT has continued to develop expertise and apply advances in world medicine. Thanks to continuously updating treatment regimens, including the use of new and targeted drugs and improving blood transfusion efficiency, the quality of treatment for haematological diseases is getting better and better, according to Thanh.

The Institute has made breakthroughs in its blood transfusion work, increasing blood donation mobilisation, building blood donor sources and coordinating and ensuring blood transfusion safety nationwide. As a result, the rate of voluntary blood donors has reached over 97 per cent of the country's total donors.

In the future, the haematology and blood transfusion industry will focus on developing advanced new techniques, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cell therapy such as CAR-T therapy and targeted treatment with new drugs. These are much more precise and effective treatments than traditional methods, helping to improve the quality of life for patients, Thanh said.

The conference focused discussion on the fields of clinical haematology, paraclinical haematology, genetics and molecular biology, blood transfusion, stem cells, thalassemia, haemophilia and blood coagulation.

In particular, five international experts presented reports updating knowledge on issues of stem cell transplantation from extracorporeal umbilical cord blood, targeted treatment, thrombosis and bleeding complications related to pacemaker implantation and cerebrovascular intervention.

The event aims to improve knowledge and skills and update scientific research in the field of haematology and blood transfusion. It is also an opportunity for domestic and international scientists to meet, exchange expertise, and present thematic reports with an overview of new research in the field. 

Stricter rules for social media, news aggregator sites

Việt Nam is set to implement stricter regulations on social media platforms and news aggregator websites under a new decree that takes effect on December 24.

Decree 147/2024/ND-CP aims to regulate live-streaming, content production, and revenue-generating activities on digital platforms, ensuring transparency and alignment with legal standards.

According to the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (under the Ministry of Information and Communications), only social media platforms with official licences will be permitted to livestream and engage in revenue-generating activities.

News aggregator websites and social media platforms must also embed a licensed identification code on their websites or apps, linking to the licensing authority’s database.

The decree also introduces measures to curb news aggregator websites' "news agency-like" behaviour. These platforms are now mandated to post news at least one hour after the original source and source information from at least three news agencies.

News aggregator websites linked to online newspapers can only produce content in specific fields, with linked articles capped at 50 per cent of the total monthly content.

To further distinguish between news agencies and other online platforms, websites are prohibited from using domain names or titles that may confuse users.

Social media platforms are also barred from organising user posts into fixed sections or publishing content in the form of investigative reports, interviews, or journalistic features.

Under the new rules, users are responsible for all content they share, store, and transmit online. Businesses and individuals must comply with industry-specific regulations, taxation and payment requirements when conducting online commercial activities.

Social media channels, accounts and community groups are also subject to naming restrictions. They must avoid names that resemble official news agencies or risk violating content removal orders.

Content in violation of the new rules must be removed within 48 hours of user complaints or within 24 hours upon request from regulatory authorities.

Livestreams on social media must adhere strictly to the decree's provisions and relevant tax and payment regulations. The government aims to ensure that online platforms operate responsibly, respecting the boundaries between social media and traditional journalism. 

SIF’s project strengthens autism education support in schools across HCM City

The Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) specialist education project has enhanced autism education in HCM City by strengthening the capabilities of 170 special education practitioners from 15 schools and one hospital.

The five-year Teaching and Learning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TLCASD) project was organised with the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education (HCMUE) and Rainbow Centre Singapore. It empowers educators to create inclusive learning environments for children with ASD through skills training and the exchange of best practices.

The project aims to equip special educators with a deeper understanding of autism and effective strategies to work with children with ASD. It also develops a system for education professionals to address the specific needs of ASD students as well as create a framework to involve parents and caregivers, in a holistic approach to supporting children with ASD.

About 170 Vietnamese teachers attended training workshops conducted by Singapore International Volunteers (SIVs) from Rainbow Centre Singapore. Some of these teachers also took part in a symposium and a study visit to Singapore.

These enhanced teaching strategies and taught them how to foster an inclusive learning environment for children with ASD. Ten teachers were also selected as Master Trainers, who will share their expertise with their peers in the sector. This ensures the sustainability of the project.

All participating teachers reported improved knowledge, skills and confidence to support students with ASD. Eighty per cent of the schools involved implemented changes to better address the needs of children with ASD, including evidence-based practices to improve classroom communication and structured learning environments.

Classrooms were restructured to include designated learning corners and visual aids to encourage communication and social interaction among students. Teachers also introduced activity-based interventions that use everyday tasks to teach skills. These activities were tailored to students’ interests and routines to foster functional skill development.

To extend support beyond the classroom, teachers conducted workshops and provided parents with strategies and resources to better guide their children at home. These efforts advanced inclusive and sustainable education for children.

Speaking at the closing event, Jaryll Chan, Executive Director, Programmes Division, Singapore International Foundation said: “This project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities across borders work together towards a common purpose.

"Through the dedication and expertise of our partners and volunteers, we are building an inclusive foundation for education, where children with ASD receive the support they need to thrive. We are honoured to contribute to this meaningful cause with HCMUE and Rainbow Centre Singapore.”

Dr Bùi Trần Quỳnh Ngọc, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, added: “We are deeply grateful towards the SIF, Rainbow Centre, and all the dedicated experts and educators. This project has enhanced teacher competency, developed valuable educational resources, and raised community awareness, creating a better learning environment for children with autism spectrum disorder.

"It is a testament to the enduring collaboration and friendship between Việt Nam and Singapore, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to advance special education and brighter futures for these children.”

Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director, Rainbow Centre Singapore, said: "Rainbow Centre's mission is to build good lives for persons with disabilities and we are proud to be part of this multi-year effort to share our team's knowledge and experience to contribute towards inclusive practices in Việt Nam. Regardless of geography and culture, we share a common mission towards empowering children with autism and their families." 

Việt Nam, Japan share experiences and solutions to reduce natural disaster risks

To minimise damage caused by floods in Việt Nam, it is necessary to strengthen the legal system and policies on natural disaster prevention and control, raising awareness of natural disasters.

Experts discussed these plans during discussions during the '12th Việt Nam – Japan Disaster Management Cooperation Dialogue' held on Thursday in Hà Nội.

The workshop, which discussed new approaches to flood reduction using risk information, was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

It was attended by representatives of local departments of agriculture and rural development from the northern and central regions.

Speaking at the workshop, Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Phạm Đức Luận said that the event was an opportunity for Vietnamese and Japanese experts to exchange information and experiences and devise solutions to reduce risks and mitigate damage from natural disasters, especially floods and landslides.

Assessing the overall situation of flooding and flood prevention and control, Deputy Head of the Natural Disaster Response and Overcoming Division under the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Nguyễn Xuân Tùng said that Việt Nam was a country vulnerable to many types of natural disasters, especially floods, across all three regions.

The annual rainy and flood season is commonly from June 15 to October 31 in the north, from July 1 to November 30 from Thanh Hoá to Hà Tĩnh Province, from September 1 to December 15 from Quảng Bình to Ninh Thuận Province, and from June 15 to November 30 in the Central Highlands and the south.

Heavy rains in recent years have caused serious flooding and significant harm to lives, property and the economy.

Tùng believes that it was necessary to strengthen community-based disaster risk management.

Along with that, efforts should be focused on building and perfecting disaster prevention and control plans, enhancing resilience to climate change, applying science and technology and international cooperation.

For different regions, based on regional characteristics, specific solutions for flood prevention and control should be implemented.

Referring to the experience of flood control from using disaster risk information in Japan, Yusuke Mizushima, from the International Affairs Division under the Water and Disaster Management Department, said: "We provide information on disaster risks through the ministry's disaster risk map information page. This map will show the frequency of floods and flood levels.

“Along with that, we use disaster risk information to assess flood risks and manage land use. At the same time, we guide people to move to areas with lower risks, require the presentation of disaster risk maps for real estate transactions and provide location-specific real estate information, and develop evacuation plans."

He said that the Japanese Government was initiating the 'Calling on relatives to evacuate' initiative to encourage people to contact family members far away so that they can evacuate in time and respond to risk warnings in that area.

Providing more information on planning and implementing disaster risk reduction solutions based on flood or landslide risk assessment results, Taichi Minamitani, from the Global Environment Division under the Japan International Cooperation Agency, said that Việt Nam and Japan had been coordinating to implement recent flood management projects. They include a 'Technical cooperation project for development planning for post-flood recovery and master plan for disaster prevention in central Việt Nam' and 'Technical cooperation project on capacity building for flash flood and landslide risk reduction in the northern mountainous region'.

To effectively carry out the projects, it is needed to organise flood risk assessment, develop an integrated flood management plan and response plan, and build an early warning system, he said.

Regarding flood control solutions for the Red River and Mã River systems, Tùng suggested regulating reservoirs to reduce floods, using the flood prevention capacity of the reservoirs to regulate and reduce floods for downstream areas, and improving the quality of the dike body and dike foundation to ensure flood protection in case high floods last for many days.

At the same time, he proposed planting forests, dredging riverbeds in locations with local sedimentation, and clearing the mouths of the Hồng, Ninh Cơ, Văn Úc, Thái Bình and Đáy rivers.

Tùng also proposed developing emergency response plans in cases where floods exceed the design frequency.

Open access to health insurance-covered examination, treatment exposes shortcomings

The policy of open access, which covers both district-level and provincial-level facilities, has contributed to reforming the financial management mechanisms in healthcare, ensuring patient rights and encouraging district-level healthcare facilities to invest in infrastructure, equipment and improved service quality.

These are undeniable benefits brought by the open-access policy.

However, nearly nine years after the policy was brought in, several issues regarding its implementation have been revealed.

The Health Insurance Law stipulates that from January 2016, open access applies to district-level facilities, and from January 2021, it applies to provincial-level inpatient treatment nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), the policy ensures patient rights, but it has also led to some shortcomings, especially the trend of insured patients bypassing lower-level facilities to seek treatment at higher levels, causing resource wastage and impacting the health insurance fund.

In some cases, healthcare facilities attract more patients than they can actually handle, leading to an increased number of medical examinations and treatments beyond the actual demand, affecting the efficiency of the health insurance fund.

Patients bypassing grassroots healthcare facilities for higher-level services also weakens the development of primary healthcare systems.

An assessment report by the MoH’s Health Strategy and Policy Institute showed that, although the open-access policy has made it easier for patients to access higher-level services, it also resulted in increased unnecessary hospital admissions and out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Meanwhile, there has been no notable difference in patient satisfaction between those using open access and those receiving initial medical care at grassroot facilities.

According to a report from Việt Nam Social Security (VSS), since the implementation of district-level open access in 2016, the number of medical visits at district-level facilities increased rapidly from 56.4 million visits in 2015, accounting for 43 per cent of total medical visits, to 106.9 million visits in 2019, a 190 per cent increase compared to 2015, making up 58 per cent overall.

Conversely, visits to commune-level facilities dropped significantly from 34.2 million visits in 2015, accounting for 26 per cent of total visits, to 30.7 million visits in 2019, a 90 per cent decrease compared to 2015, and representing 17 per cent of total visits in 2019.

By 2022, this dropped further to 14.6 per cent.

VSS stated that since 2021, with the implementation of provincial-level open access, inpatient treatment at provincial facilities has increased, while admissions at central-level and district-level facilities have decreased. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in cross-provincial medical visits.

The open-access results showed that some inpatient cases treated at provincial facilities could be effectively managed at grassroots levels, such as caesarean sections, normal births, gastritis, bronchitis, or vestibular dysfunction.

The implementation of the open-access policy also affects other policies, such as strengthening grassroots healthcare, cost controls and reforming payment methods.

Addressing this issue, at a recent discussion on the draft amendment to the Health Insurance Law at the National Assembly’s meeting, deputy Trần Khánh Thu of Thái Bình Province remarked that this mechanism may facilitate better access to services for insured patients, but could also lead to missed opportunities for early disease detection.

This reduces treatment opportunities for patients as they bypass primary healthcare services in favour of higher-level facilities.

Prolonged reliance on this approach may weaken grassroots healthcare systems, even risking collapse, threatening the achievement of Resolution No. 20/NQ-TW's goals to enhance public health protection, care and promotion in the new era, as well as Directive No. 25-CT/TW's objectives to strengthen grassroots healthcare.

This risks wasting the resources and efforts invested in grassroots healthcare over the years.

Grassroots healthcare is the foundation of Việt Nam’s health system.

Primary healthcare is the first point of contact for disease prevention, health issues and treatment and needs strengthening and consolidating to ensure an effective referral system across different levels of care.

Deputy Thu pointed out that patients' frustration with the referral process stems from the challenges faced in obtaining transfer documents, particularly for patients with chronic or severe illnesses.

Additionally, the limited availability of medication at grassroots facilities compared to that at higher-level facilities has led patients to bypass primary care.

The referral process is essential and necessary for managing public healthcare. Transfer documents provide administrative details, patient conditions and treatment histories, enabling receiving facilities to prepare for timely care and treatment.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Nguyễn Hoàng Bảo Trân from Bình Dương Province also agreed that the open-access policy has created issues related to bypassing and overcrowding at higher-level facilities, diminishing the use of primary healthcare services.

The current Health Insurance Law only covers open access for hospitals and commune-level facilities, but does not include district-level healthcare models such as medical centres, general clinics, military-civilian clinics, or health units of organisations.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Medical Examination and Treatment Law classifies healthcare into three levels: primary care, basic care, and specialised care, replacing the previous system based on hospital rankings.

Therefore, adjustments to the Health Insurance Law are needed to synchronise referral and open-access policies, ensuring effective health insurance management and payment mechanisms.

Additionally, strengthening the role of grassroots healthcare in primary care and insurance treatment is crucial. 

Argentinian ambassador promotes joint projects in HCM City

The Argentinian ambassador to Việt Nam, Marcos A. Bednarski, has been interacting with authorities and businesses in HCM City to strengthen ties between the governments and peoples of the two countries during his first visit to the city from November 25 to 28.

He made courtesy calls on local authorities, including those at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and on the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote cooperation and discuss the bilateral relationship, the role of the two countries’ markets in each other’s trade and investment policies and how to tap unexploited potential.

Việt Nam and Argentina have an enduring trade relationship.

In 2023 Argentina became Việt Nam’s 29th largest trading partner as bilateral trade reached US$3.446 billion.

Việt Nam has consistently been among Argentina’s top 10 trading partners in the past decade, and leading partner in Southeast Asia.

During his visit to HCM City, Bednarski also attended the inauguration of the Argentine-owned Sadesa Việt Nam factory.

Sadesa has invested $20 million in it.

He said the plant is expected to start operation at the end of 2024 and recruit 150 workers in the initial stages.

He also attended the opening ceremony of Biogenesis Bagó’s office in HCM City, its new regional headquarters.

Biogenesis Bagó is an Argentine biotechnology company with over 80 years of experience and long international exposure that specialises in products for animal health and productivity.

It makes vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease and rabies, and is an important supplier for many countries, including Việt Nam.

Bednarski chaired a workshop for tour operators to promote the exchange of information about the two countries’ tourism markets.

“Việt Nam is the Southeast Asian country with the largest number of South-South cooperation projects implemented by Argentina,” he said while replying to Việt Nam News at a press briefing on November 27.

“Several technical cooperation initiatives are currently underway, showcasing the strong collaborative ties between the two nations.”

The Argentinian biotechnology project focuses on building capacities to generate high-yield soybean varieties in partnership with the Institute of Agricultural Genetics run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Initiated in 2014, the project aims to enhance soybean productivity through innovative genetic techniques.

Argentina has been collaborating with the Southern Horticultural Research Institute since 2021 for a project to advance tropical fruit cultivation techniques to improve yields and quality.

Another initiative focuses on enhancing rice crop resilience in both Việt Nam and Argentina.

From November 4 to 8 a team of Argentinian experts travelled to Việt Nam to conduct joint fieldwork with their local counterparts as part of this collaborative effort.

A joint Argentinian project with the Hà Nội University of Science and Technology focuses on innovations for Việt Nam’s dairy industry, aiming to improve production processes and diversify dairy-derived products.

“These initiatives underscore the strong potential for continued cooperation in agriculture and technology, benefiting both nations through shared expertise and innovation,” Bednarski said. 

Computers and counselling help keep children happy in schools

New rooms for psychological counselling have become a trusted refuge for many students in Bình Tân District, the most populous district in Việt Nam.

Along with new computers and water filtration systems, the counselling rooms are part of a project to enhance school facilities for the benefit of children as well as their teachers and parents.

These efforts, under the project 'Building Safe and Quality Schools for Children in Bình Tân District, HCM City', have helped improve the school for many of the district's children from migrant families or those living in difficulties.

The project is funded by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) and implemented by ActionAid Việt Nam (ActionAid) and the Aid for Social Protection Programs Foundation Việt Nam (AFV), in cooperation with the Bình Tân District People's Committee.

It aims to help children in the district access quality education and a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Since the work started in March 2021 with a budget of over VNĐ10.5 billion (US$413,800), as many as 234 computers, three solar-powered water filtration systems, and three psychological counselling rooms for students have been donated by the project.

Other donations include more than 3,300 reference books for green libraries in participating schools, 45 sets of tables and chairs, swimming lessons for 120 students, bookcases and sunshades provided to three schools in Bình Tân.

The project also supported the construction of two shading systems for school yards and repaired restrooms.

Many training courses and communication programmes on children's rights have also been organised for teachers, students and parents through the project.

Most importantly, research has been done on the need for psychological counselling in schools, with support for students and teachers to establish counselling corners, contributing to making schools in the district safer and better for all.

Speaking at the project's closing ceremony, Lê Thị Ngọc Dung, Deputy Chairwoman of the Bình Tân District People's Committee, said: "The project has substantially improved the quality of education for children in Bình Tân District with both hardware and software support. The district has over 800,000 residents, many of whom are migrants, and the need for more schools has never been more urgent”.

“We acknowledge the project's contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on ensuring an inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, initiated by the United Nations and with active participation from Việt Nam," she said.

Sharing about her own journey, Lê Thị Minh Anh, a student at the Kim Đồng Primary School, said, "Previously, whether at school or at home, I was hesitant to talk to my parents, teachers and friends about my difficulties. Our teachers and the project guided me and my friends on communication skills and how to identify and solve problems in a calm and non-violent way.”

“I also learned how to discuss with classmates and schoolmates, and we learned about school violence and cyberbullying to prevent them. I participated in many activities and practised a lot, so I became more confident and open. Going to school is now a joy for me, every day,” she said.

Phenotype-compatible blood donors ready to save patients

Unlike regular voluntary blood donors, those with rare blood types or phenotypes compatible with specific patients need to be ready to respond whenever there is a need for their unique blood.

The dedication and readiness of these individuals ensure a vital source of rare and compatible blood for patients at the Hà Nội-based National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion.

Whenever Lê Thị Vinh, from Hà Nội’s Thường Tín District receives a call from the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion requesting a phenotype-compatible blood donation, she immediately rearranges her personal schedule, hops on her motorbike and heads to the institute.

Vinh said that she used to frequently participate in voluntary blood donation events with friends and family. Whenever the time came, she would travel more than 30km from her home to the institute to donate blood or platelets or join local blood donation drives.

About a year ago, she received a call from the institute asking her to donate blood because her blood type was compatible with a patient in urgent need. Without hesitation, she asked a friend to watch over her store and rushed to the institute.

"Since my house is quite far from the institute, that day I returned home late, but I was very happy knowing I had saved someone's life," Vinh recounted her first experience donating phenotype-compatible blood upon request.

Similarly, Thu Hằng from Hà Nội’s Hai Bà Trưng District discovered she had a phenotype-compatible blood type after participating in voluntary blood donations. Since then, she has donated blood multiple times upon receiving calls from the institute.

Hằng admitted that when she first learned about her compatible blood type, she felt a mix of surprise and concern. However, after receiving detailed explanations about her blood type and its significance to patients, she was determined to stay healthy and ready to respond whenever there was a need.

Phạm Ánh Ngọc, 25, from Hà Nội, has donated rare blood 16 times and remains eager to donate whenever she is called.

Ngọc vividly recalled her first time donating blood for a patient with a rare blood type. It was also the first time she fully realised the importance of her contribution.

"In 2022, while I was at work, I received a call from the institute asking me to donate blood. I was quite taken aback because I never thought my blood type was that rare,” she said.

“I didn’t even wait until the end of my shift. I asked for leave and rushed to the institute. On the way, I felt very anxious, worried that if I arrived late, the patient might be in danger," Ngọc recounted.

Since then, Ngọc has become among the first responders for the institute, always ready to help whenever someone needs her rare blood type.

Nguyễn Hoài Sơn, a 24-year-old from Hà Nội, shared his story. He has participated in voluntary blood donation since he was in college. After his first blood donation and subsequent testing, he was informed that he had the rare AB Rh(D)-negative, a rare blood type. 

Since then, Sơn has responded to calls from the institute for donations. Over time, he has come to understand the crucial role donors like him play in saving lives.

"Each time the institute calls me to donate blood for a patient, I know that both the patient and their family are very worried and are in urgent need of my blood. After every donation, I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve my fitness so I’m always ready to donate whenever needed," Sơn said.

Dr Trần Ngọc Quế, Director of the National Blood Centre under the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, explained that patients requiring frequent transfusions are exposed to more foreign antigens, increasing their risk of developing irregular antibodies.

In such cases, ensuring compatibility in the ABO and Rh blood systems alone is insufficient. Safe transfusion requires matching antigens across additional blood group systems, a process known as phenotype-compatible blood transfusion.

In Việt Nam, one rare blood type often mentioned is Rh(D)-negative, as it accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of the population. In contrast, in Europe and many other countries, Rh(D)-negative blood is much more common, found in 15–40 per cent of the population.

In 2024, the institute received nearly 240 requests for rare blood units and 2,458 requests for phenotype-compatible blood from healthcare facilities. However, the stored supply meets only 56 per cent of the demand. The remaining 44 per cent requires active outreach to donors.

Quế said that thanks to funding from various programmes and projects, the institute has been able to conduct extended blood antigen testing beyond the ABO and Rh systems for regular blood donors.

The information on donors with rare Rh(D)-negative blood or phenotype-compatible blood is stored in the institute’s database. This enables the institute to quickly contact appropriate donors when a patient requires their unique blood type, ensuring timely treatment.

Quế highlighted the extraordinary dedication of many donors, who prioritise blood donation despite busy work schedules and significant responsibilities.

"Their enthusiasm and readiness to help ensure we can maintain this precious and essential blood supply. The institute and I deeply appreciate, admire and are grateful for their timely and noble actions," he said.

Dr Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà, Director of the Thalassemia Centre at the instite, said the centre currently manages and treats approximately 3,000 patients with thalassemia.

To date, 30 per cent of thalassemia patients have received phenotype-compatible blood transfusions. This practice minimises transfusion-related complications caused by mismatched red blood cell antigens and reduces the likelihood of irregular antibody formation.

Additionally, it helps limit the need for iron chelation therapy in patients who require regular transfusions. 

HCM City to build second metro line with state funds instead of ODA

HCM City will finance its second metro line through the state budget instead of using official development assistance (ODA) loans. 

The 11-km Bến Thành - Tham Lương line connects Bến Thành Market in District 1 to Tham Lương Depot in District 12, following the first Bến Thành - Suối Tiên line set to commence operations next month.

The city has recently approved budget allocation for the project's remaining phases and plans to add a connection between the two metro lines in District 1.

The city will coordinate efforts between the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), the project manager, and other relevant stakeholders to finalise the implementation plan.

The HCM City State Financial Investment Company has been assigned the responsibility of collaborating with the Department of Finance and other agencies to investigate suitable funding options.

A comprehensive report on this plan will be submitted to the People’s Committee by this week.

The metro project is expected to cost VNĐ47.9 trillion (US$1.8 billion) and cover over 11km, with more than 9km built underground and the remaining section elevated.

Initially, the project was to be financed through ODA loans from the German Reconstruction Bank (KfW), the European Investment Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.

While the city government has not disclosed the rationale for the change in funding sources, a recent report from MAUR showed that securing financing has proven challenging due to modifications in the loan conditions imposed by international lenders.

The new metro line will traverse six districts, linking the city centre to the northwest gateway.

Approved over a decade ago, the project has undergone several modifications and is now expected to be completed by 2030.

The city recently announced plans to issue bonds for financing its long-anticipated metro projects, a strategy aimed at reducing reliance on ODA.

Under the city’s master plan, it aims to develop 183km of metro lines by 2035, requiring an estimated investment of $36 billion, which will include local budgets, central government support, ODA loans, and other financial avenues.

Currently, only two of the proposed eight lines and three monorails are under construction.

The first line, extending 19.7km from Bến Thành Market to Suối Tiên Theme Park, is set to commence operations on December 22, with trial runs already in progress.

Experts, however, have called for the city to evaluate public debt risks associated with bond issuance as a means of mitigating reliance on ODA.

The city must remain within a debt limit of 120 per cent of its budget revenue, experts said, adding that metro revenue will largely depend on ticket sales, which are expected to develop gradually. 

British ambassador discusses youth-led initiatives with ethnic minority students in Nghệ An

British Ambassador to Việt Nam Iain Frew discussed youth-led initiatives with students of Nghệ An Provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities No 2, aiming to foster psychological safety and a diverse, equitable and inclusive school environment.

It was part of his two visits to the central province, which began on Tuesday.

The initiative was funded by the UK Government's Chevening Alumni Programme Fund and implemented by Chevening Scholars and volunteers.

A core group of 25 students, representing over 750 students from the school’s ten ethnic minority groups, presented the communications plan for preventing school violence, promoting gender equality and LGBT+ rights, increasing inclusivity for ethnic minority students and promoting psychological safety in schools. 

Their plan outlines specific and practical steps to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among the students through awareness-raising activities, cultural recognition campaigns, broadcasts and in-depth group discussions in each class.

Through these activities, the core team aims to inspire students to collaborate in building a safe, inclusive and equitable educational environment for all, regardless of gender, religion, nationality, health condition or social background. Baseline and end-line surveys are included to monitor the programme's effectiveness accurately.

More than 90 per cent of the students at Nghệ An Provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities No 2 are from 12 economically disadvantaged mountainous areas, including some from Laos. This effort contributes to the Vietnamese Government's goal of creating a safe, healthy and friendly school environment as highlighted in Decree 80/2017/NĐ-CP, United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The school’s principal, Hồ Quốc Việt, said: "Recognising the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the school environment, our faculty has strived to incorporate extracurricular activities to increase awareness and cultivate essential skills among students.

“However, the scope and quality of these projects have been constrained. I am certain that this project, funded by the British Embassy and carried out in cooperation with Chevening Scholars, will be an important and organised step toward creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all of our students." 

Expressing his surprise at the students' dedication and enthusiasm, Ambassador Iain Frew said: "Listening to their perspectives and initiatives to create an enabling learning environment, where they can proactively and confidently participate in enhancing the quality of education, has left me very optimistic about the future of Việt Nam's youth.

"These students represent a generation full of passion, ambition and aspirations to contribute to building a society that leaves no one behind—a vision central to both Việt Nam and the UK."

Representing the Chevening Alumni group, Nguyễn Thị Diệu Linh, said: "I was delighted to listen to students' deep reflections on values, gender identity, and rights. They raised questions about how true equality can be reached, how they may avoid feeling ashamed of being 'different,' how their ethnic cultures can be free of discrimination, and how to rise beyond stereotypes.

“This demonstrates how much they value fair treatment and being accepted for who they are. I believe that big change starts with modest steps and with the help of the school's administration, these children will soon find solutions for themselves,” she said.

The core team of 25 students will continue to work with the Chevening scholars and project volunteers to carry out communication activities to raise awareness about Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Schools and conduct mid-term/final evaluations to assess the initiative's impact. 

Advanced technologies revolutionising senior care, conference hears

Latest tech trends in senior care, medical home care solutions and technologies for next generation nursing homes were among the key topics discussed at the inaugural “Vietnam Golden Age Care 2024” conference and exhibition held in HCM City on November 27.

Experts at the event highlighted the fact that elderly healthcare poses challenges amid the rapid ageing of populations globally, including in Việt Nam.

They said while life expectancy in Việt Nam has increased, the average time spent living with illness is about a decade. On average, each elderly person suffers from three to five diseases, mostly chronic conditions requiring long-term, sometimes lifelong, treatment, placing considerable pressure on the healthcare system.

Phan Phương Tùng, director of the HCM City Digital Transformation Consulting and Support Center (DXCenter), said citing the population database from the Ministry of Public Security that people aged 60 and older would account for 17 per cent of the population by 2030 and 25 per cent by 2050.

“The elderly population in Việt Nam is rapidly increasing. This is not only a sign of social development but also raises urgent issues regarding healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare policies.”

He said the advancement of technology has opened new opportunities to enhance elderly healthcare, alleviating the burden on both healthcare systems and families.

Dr. Nguyễn Văn Xáng, former director of Khánh Hòa General Hospital and chairman of the board of A Yersin company, said ageing leads to changes in the structures and functioning of the body, often causing psychological issues such as loneliness, anxiety and depression due to the loss of loved ones or changes in the living environment.

“Physical health also declines, with weakened cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems and reduced strength and mobility, which could hinder self-care,” he said.

In recent years, technology has become a game-changer in elderly healthcare, he said.

Many social organisations offer technology classes for seniors, helping them become familiar with smartphones and computers and enabling them to use health-monitoring apps, medication reminders and tools to track vital signs, empowering them to manage their health.

Social media platforms also help seniors stay connected with family and friends, reducing feelings of loneliness and fostering stronger bonds, he added.

In her presentation on technologies for next generation nursing homes, Hồ Thị Hoàng Yến, director of digital medical products at TMA Innovation, said: "The number of nursing homes in Việt Nam is currently too low for the population size. As the population ages, the demand for nursing homes will rise quickly, spurring investment in this sector.

“But Việt Nam still lacks technological solutions for nursing homes.”

Her company has invested in building a comprehensive solution for next-generation nursing homes, featuring residential, semi-residential and outpatient models, enhancing connections between families and communities, she said.

Organised by Quang Trung Software City, DXCenter, Vietnam Digita Technology Alliance, MobiFone Centre region 8, and bacsigiadinh.com, the event also showcased a variety of AI-powered technologies designed to support elderly healthcare.

They included user-friendly home devices and remote health-monitoring tools, smart wearable devices for tracking heart rate, blood pressure, medication schedules, doctor appointments, and nutrition plans, and issuing alerts for any irregularities.

Vương Quang Huỳnh, founder of bacsigiadinh.com, said: "Việt Nam faces rapid population ageing, but specialised elderly care services remain underdeveloped.

“Our goal is to connect service providers, technology innovators and investors to create a robust ecosystem, offering the best services to help seniors enjoy a fulfilling and happy life."

Ninh Thuận's new grape varieties gain protection

The Nha Ho Research Institute for Cotton and Agricultural Development has achieved a significant milestone as two of its new grape varieties, NH01-152 and NH04-102, have been granted plant variety protection by the Crop Production Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The protection certificates were issued on November 5 and are valid for 25 years, marking a major step in Ninh Thuận Province’s efforts to enhance its grape industry and expand its reach into international markets.

According to Phan Công Kiên, Deputy Director of the Institute, the recognition of these varieties will play a pivotal role in building the brand of Ninh Thuận grapes and ensuring long-term market stability.

Since its trial production in 2019, NH01-152 has proven to be a resilient and versatile variety. Capable of yielding between 12 to 16 tonnes per hectare per crop under standard cultivation and up to 20 tonnes with intensive farming, it thrives in hot climates and demonstrates excellent pest resistance.

Its large, red-wine-coloured berries with firm, sweet flesh have earned it comparisons to imported grapes, making it a promising contender for both local and international markets.

NH04-102, known for its distinctive finger-shaped, seedless berries, offers a sweet, crisp eating experience. This variety, cultivated on Couderc 1613 rootstock and grown under net houses, can produce between 12 to 15 tonnes per hectare annually, with up to 2.5 harvests per year.

Its deep purple-black hue, strong stems, and resistance to pests make it ideal for both fresh consumption and drying into raisins, ensuring excellent transport and storage capabilities.

The successful protection of NH01-152 and NH04-102 adds to the institute’s growing list of recognised varieties, including NH02-37 and NH02-97, both used for wine production. The institute’s gene bank now holds over 230 grape varieties, from table grapes to rootstock and leaf-harvest types, underscoring Ninh Thuận’s leadership in grape research and development.

With over 1,000 hectares of vineyards producing up to 28,000 tonnes of fresh grapes annually, Ninh Thuận is focusing on expanding VietGAP-certified cultivation and promoting large-scale farming with these new varieties.

The province also aims to integrate vineyard tours into its eco-tourism offerings, elevating the brand of Ninh Thuận’s high-quality grapes and enhancing its appeal to both domestic and international visitors. 

Sugary drinks fuel obesity and health risks

Uncontrolled consumption of sugary drinks is a major contributing factor to the rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders among adults and children nationwide.

These conditions also elevate risks for cardiovascular diseases, strokes and other severe complications.

According to Đinh Thị Thu Thủy, deputy director of the Department of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Việt Nam has experienced a sharp increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in recent years.

Data from Euromonitor 2023 reveals that total sugary drink consumption rose dramatically from 1.59 billion litres in 2009 to 6.67 billion litres in 2023, an increase of 420 per cent.

Per capita consumption also grew from 18 litres annually in 2009 to 66 litres in 2023, a staggering 350 per cent rise.

The Preventive Medicine Department reports that Vietnamese citizens consume an average of 46.5 grams of sugar daily, nearing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 50 grams per person per day.

This figure is nearly twice the ideal intake of less than 25 grams daily for optimal health, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

A UNICEF study on adolescents' consumption habits found that 43 per cent of teenagers in Việt Nam drink sugary beverages more than twice a week, 13.5 per cent consume them almost daily, and over 20 per cent drink two or more cans or bottles in one sitting.

A UNICEF representative said reducing sugary drink consumption has enormous potential to safeguard the health of Vietnamese children and teenagers.

Health experts recommend introducing an excise tax on these kind of beverages as a proven method, endorsed by the WHO, to cut consumption and curb associated health risks.

By increasing the price, taxation could encourage consumers to opt for healthier alternatives, lowering the prevalence of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes.

Thuỷ highlighted that the Ministry of Health has worked closely with the Ministry of Finance to provide data on sugary drink consumption and its harmful effects.

In response, the Ministry of Finance has included beverages containing sugar in the draft amendment to the Special Consumption Tax Law.

This marks the first time sugary drinks are being considered for taxation in Việt Nam.

The draft law, currently under review by the National Assembly, proposes a 10 per cent tax on beverages containing more than five grams of sugar per 100 millilitres. This aims to incentivise manufacturers to produce low-sugar options and encourage healthier consumer choices.

Nguyễn Tuấn Lâm, a WHO representative in Việt Nam, emphasised the link between regular sugary drink consumption and health conditions such as tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and gout.

Excise taxes are a highly effective way to reduce sugary drink consumption. Now it is the right time to implement such a tax in Việt Nam, according to Dr Lâm.

He proposed a gradual tax increase to 40 per cent of the manufacturer’s price by 2030, aligning with WHO recommendations for a 20 per cent impact on retail prices.

Lâm also supported additional measures, including front-of-package labelling and advertising restrictions, to further limit consumption.

The WHO advises that free sugar intake should not exceed 10 per cent of daily energy consumption, equivalent to 12 teaspoons. Ideally, this should be reduced to 5 per cent, six teaspoons, to yield greater health benefits.

UNICEF and WHO both report that many nations have implemented excise taxes to combat excessive sugary drink consumption.

The World Bank reported that by July 2023, 108 countries and territories had adopted nationwide excise tax policies on sugary beverages, with an additional three applying them regionally.

In ASEAN, six nations including Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia have already introduced such taxes. These policies have proven effective in reducing consumption and fostering healthier habits. 

USAID-funded community project to deliver healthcare for HIV

The LIFE Social Enterprise Co., Ltd launched a project called “USAID’s Sustainable Community AIDS Leadership and Empowerment” at a workshop in HCM City on Monday.

To be funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, it was approved by the HCM City People’s in September.

Its objectives include increasing the use of community HIV/AIDS and other health services by key populations, ensuring financial and operational management of HIV/AIDS prevention services; and promoting the implementation of policies to maintain the delivery of HIV/AIDS-related services and products effectively and sustainably, Nguyễn Nguyên Như Trang, director of LIFE, said.

The director of USAID Vietnam Mission, Aler Grubbs, said: “This project stands as a strong testament to USAID’s commitment to strengthening community-based responses to the AIDS epidemic.” 

SCALE has ambitious targets like providing HIV screening tests for 57,000 individuals in high-risk groups, identifying 3,500 HIV-positive cases and linking at least 3,300 of them with treatment and connecting 5,800 individuals who test HIV-negative but remain at risk with pre-exposure prophylaxis services.

It will prioritise continuous learning and resource sharing between project teams and partners.

It will promote innovative, sustainable healthcare service delivery models, including HIV prevention, co-infection care and chronic disease management tailored to the needs of target populations.

The workshop attracted 100 representatives from key stakeholders, including the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, PEPFAR, USAID, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HCM CIty Centre for Disease Control, various government agencies, and domestic and global organisations working in HIV/AIDS prevention. 

Bottlenecks in underground space planning need solving soon: experts

The efficient exploitation and use of underground space play a particularly important role during the process of urban development and construction.

This need is even more urgent in the context of climate change, which is increasing the severity of natural disasters.

A prime example is the northern provinces of Việt Nam, including Hà Nội, which have recently experienced significant damage from Typhoon Yagi.

The typhoon swept through Hà Nội, causing extensive damage in various areas. In addition to tens of thousands of trees being broken or uprooted, many other losses related to citizens' assets and vehicles were reported.

Nguyễn Nhật Trường, a resident of the Định Công urban area in Hoàng Mai District, shares that during the storm, many vehicle owners parking under trees, lamp posts, or electric poles were very worried about their assets. Due to the height and mass of the trees, lamp posts, and electric poles, once they fall, the consequences could be severe.

Trường further explains that despite warnings on public media and local authorities frequently issuing warnings about the storm's dangers, organising information campaigns, and advising residents to move their vehicles to avoid storm damage, finding a safe parking spot in densely populated areas like Định Công, Linh Đàm in Hoàng Mai District, and other inner-city districts was not easy.

Even if they found a suitable parking space, these areas were often already full.

As a result, many families had no choice but to park along roadsides, where there were many trees.

Images of the storm's aftermath, shared on media outlets, showed many vehicles crushed by fallen trees.

Seeing these scenes of damaged vehicles, many could not help but feel heartbroken, especially knowing that for many families, their savings over a lifetime were tied up in those vehicles.

Discussing this issue, former head of the Infrastructure Department (Ministry of Construction), Assoc., Prof., Nguyễn Hồng Tiến told kinhtedothi.vn that one of the reasons for the damage to citizens' assets after each storm or flood was that Hà Nội and some other provinces had not yet developed underground spaces, including underground parking.

In Hà Nội, many urban areas and high-rise apartment complexes have been built without underground parking, according to Tiến.

In some areas with underground parking, it is often only suitable for motorbikes, such as in the Linh Đàm area.

Numerous apartment blocks have been constructed, but there are no underground parking spaces, or the parking is mostly on the ground level, while land designated for such spaces is scarce.

In densely populated inner-city districts, old apartment complexes built in the 1960s also lack underground space for parking.

As a result, residents are forced to make use of public parks, roadsides, and pavements, often near large trees, to park their vehicles, leaving them without a safe shelter during storms.

“A critical point is that, during the construction of apartment complexes and urban areas, the investment in underground space requires significant additional funding,” he said.

“So, many investors tend to overlook this aspect. Without underground parking, many buildings are forced to use ground-level spaces within public areas for parking,” he added.

For example, residents of the apartment complex at 183 Hoàng Văn Thái in Thanh Xuân District mostly have to use pavements, roadsides, and public spaces for parking.

Therefore, the slow development of underground spaces leads to consequences such as urban flooding, infrastructure overload, vehicles parking in public areas disrupting urban aesthetics, and causing traffic congestion.

Speaking on the importance and role of underground space development, Tiến affirmed that the effective use and exploitation of underground space would bring many benefits.

Specifically, it would enhance the efficiency and quality of urban planning, reorganise urban construction space, increase land use value, and rationalise urban land resources for housing and public works.

It would also contribute to forming and developing the underground real estate market.

Moreover, underground space development would help address urban traffic issues, efficiently utilise land resources, and reduce environmental pollution impacts.

Most importantly, it would enhance safety and national security. Underground works could serve as a safe defence system in the event of natural disasters or war.

“Hà Nội is one of the leading localities in underground space development. The most visible example is the city's policy, since 2010, to underground electricity systems, communication networks, water supply, and drainage systems, as well as the development of tunnels such as the Kim Liên Tunnel, the Thăng Long Highway Tunnel, the Nguyễn Trãi Tunnel, and about 20 pedestrian tunnels,” Tiến said.

However, to meet the needs of a modern city, aiming to build a capital that is large in scale and competitive in the region and globally, Hà Nội needed to further accelerate underground space development, he said.

To realise this goal, based on Decision 1259/QĐ-TTg issued by the Government in 2011, Hà Nội had developed a master plan for underground urban space construction in the city's central areas that includes planning for subway lines, underground stations, underground structures, and underground parking lots.

In the upcoming Hà Nội Capital Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, and the adjustment project for the Hà Nội Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065, Hà Nội would once again specify each position and location for underground space development.

However, along with focusing on underground space planning and organising the implementation of underground space projects, the city must pay particular attention to technical, technological, and financial management conditions, Tiến said.

According to urban development experts, surveying, constructing, and maintaining underground structures require high technology and advanced technical standards.

Underground constructions must meet strict technical criteria for durability, ventilation, and operational convenience, ensuring safety under all conditions, including natural disasters (earthquakes, floods) and fire or explosion disasters.

Thus, the city needs scientific research programmes and projects to transfer modern technologies that serve the construction and operation of underground works.

Efforts should focus on enhancing management capacity to operate underground structures efficiently, training a workforce capable of adopting modern technology, and building a database for urban underground spaces.

The city should also pursue digital transformation in managing this field. In terms of financial conditions, the city must acknowledge that initial investment in underground construction requires substantial capital, and thus, special investment mechanisms are necessary.

It is necessary to mobilise other resources for investment and construction of underground spaces.

“To accelerate underground space development, Hà Nội should consider using state budget funds as a major capital source to invest in some underground works and parking lots that would alleviate infrastructure overload in parking for densely populated areas, while also creating a ripple effect to attract private investors to the sector,” Tiến said. 

Lao national arrested for transporting drugs into Vietnam

Police operating in Dakrong district the central province of Quang Tri have arrested a Lao national for transporting a huge quantity of drugs into Vietnam.

The suspect was identified as Ho Vay, 20, residing in Pa Lo village of Nong district of Savannakhet province, Laos.

Accordingly, at 9:40 a.m. on December 1, police caught Ho Vay red-handed as he was in the process of transporting 18,000 pills of synthetic drugs at Km 66+950 of National Highway 9 in Huong Hoa district.

Other exhibits, including a motorbike, a mobile phone, and LAK3,200 were also seized at the scene.

Vay confessed that he had been hired to transport the drugs from Nong district to Khe Sanh town in Huong Hoa district for money.

A further investigation into the case is now underway.

Local athletes bring home one more silver medal at global tournament

Nguyen Thi Le Kim took home a silver medal on the second competition day of the biennial World Taekwondo Poomsae (performance) Championships 2024 on December 1, with the event being held in Hong Kong (China).

The women’s individuals U40 category witnessed competition among 36 athletes. In the final round, Vietnamese representative Le Kim came second with 8,950 points. Lee Hana of the Republic of Korea reached 8,970 points to earn the top place on the podium.

Athletes from Germany and Norway shared the third-place position, respectively, to be awarded bronze medals.

This comes after Vietnam's group of six athletes won a gold medal on the first competition day on November 30. It was the first gold won by the nation at the championship since 2016.

In addition to the gold medal win, the country also earned a bronze in the male junior team event. So far, the Vietnamese team has bagged one gold, one silver, and one bronze medals.

The championships are the highest level of taekwondo competition in the world outside of the Olympic Games, featuring a record number of 1,727 athletes from 77 countries and regions. The old record went to the Chinese Taipei edition with 1,274 competitors from 59 delegations back in 2018.

The tournament is scheduled to last through to December 4.

Hungarian Officer’s Cross of Merit bestowed on Vietnamese diplomat

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Bich Thao was honoured with Hungarian Officer’s Cross of Merit during a recent ceremony held by Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This took place in recognition of Ambassador Thao’s exceptional contributions to the development of comprehensive ties between the two sides.

On behalf of the Hungarian President, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry Illés Boglárka presented the honour to Ambassador Thao, praising her as an experienced, passionate, and highly respected diplomat in Hungary. Over her more than three years serving as the Vietnamese Ambassador, she has played an instrumental role in advancing the partnership between both parties to new heights, she said.

The Hungarian official reviewed a number of important milestones in joint diplomatic and economic ties with Ambassador Thao’s contributions, noting that during her working tenure, the diplomat has also maintained strong relationships with Hungary’s Parliament, ministries, and local authorities, especially in education, culture, and justice.

She has actively promoted both nations’ culture and literature through events such as a ceremony held to honour Vietnamese and Hungarian translators in August, 2023.

She also acknowledged the Vietnamese Ambassador’s dedication to fostering cultural and educational exchanges, along with her contributions to a greater understanding of Vietnam’s rich history and culture among the Hungarian people.

Meanwhile, Daniel Lorincz, head of the ministry's Department of Regional Integration and International Trade, praised Ambassador Thao’s contributions to the growth of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, voicing his hope that the diplomat will continue to step up with greater efforts specifically aimed at reinforcing the bilateral friendship and ties of all-round co-operation.

For her part, the Vietnamese Ambassador expressed her deep gratitude towards the Hungarian State, ministries, and localities for their support during her tenure. She therefore pledged to continue dedicating herself to the further boosting development of the traditional friendship and comprehensive ties between the two nations.

Northern region braces for strong cold spell this weekend

Scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected throughout the northern region before enduring a strong cold spell this weekend, according to details given by the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

A cold spell is predicted to impact the northern region starting from December 6, with this leading to sharp declines in temperatures across the region until December 8.

In Hanoi, temperatures are expected to range from 17 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping further to as low as 16 degrees Celsius at night.

While mountainous areas may see temperatures of eight degrees Celsius, with several locations experiencing lows below six degrees Celsius. From Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai provinces, the arrival of a strong cold front will expand rainy conditions from December 6.

With the northern region set to experience more cold spells until the end of December, residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments whilst taking proactive steps in order to mitigate the cold’s impact.

Street performances launched in Da Lat

A special music programme offering street performances has been launched in Da Lat City as part of the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival which opens on December 5 and lasts until December 31.

The event, called Hát Lên Tình Yêu Đà Lạt (Singing for Da Lat), highlights performances by veteran and young singers, dancers and musicians from art troupes and theatres in the Central Highlands region. 

The shows will offer Vietnamese songs and music pieces in praise of Central Highlands people, their culture and lifestyle. The beauty of Da Lat, a resort city and famous tourist destination of Lam Dong province, will be featured.

They will be designed with new concepts to give fresh experiences to audiences. 

“Our artists want to honour Vietnamese music by entering the programme Hát Lên Tình Yêu Đà Lạt. We also hope locals and visitors will learn more about 130-year-old Da Lat City and its history through our performances,” said female musician Quynh Hop of HCM City. 

Hop has a series of songs about Da Lat, including the hit entitled Đà Lạt Thành Phố Ngàn Hoa (Da Lat, the City of Thousands of Flowers) released in 2004. 

She released a music book of 130 songs on Da Lat and its people last year to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the city’s establishment. 

The free street shows of Hát Lên Tình Yêu Đà Lạt will be staged every Friday and Saturday night, starting on December 6, on Tran Quoc Toan Street close to Xuan Huong Lake. The programme is scheduled to close after the first day of the New Year.

Da Lat is among Vietnam’s largest flower-growing regions, producing around three billion cut flowers annually. Last year, the city was named in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its commitment to promoting culture and creativity as part of its development.

The Da Lat Flowers Festival began in 2005 and attracts an average of 700,000 visitors annually.  

This year, the festival will have ten major events bringing diverse activities to residents and visitors. 

Flowers will be displayed everywhere around Xuan Huong Lake and on the central roads of the city until January 5 next year.

Da Lat has 2,500 accommodations and 33,138 rooms available to serve about one million visitors during the festival.

Vietnam, Laos strengthen special solidarity at UN

A delegation of Vietnamese representative offices in New York, led by Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, head of Việt Nam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), has visited the Lao Permanent Mission to the UN to offer congratulations on the occasion of Laos’ 49th National Day (December 2, 1975 – 2024).

Ambassador Giang took the occasion to praise the significant achievements of the Lao Party, State, and people in socio-economic development and international integration, and its successful tenure as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2024, despite global and regional uncertainties. The chairmanship has helped reinforce the bloc’s unity and centrality, while enhancing Laos’ international position and reputation, Giang said.

The diplomat affirmed that Việt Nam hopes to continue fostering the close, reliable coordination between the two delegations at the UN, contributing to implementing each country’s foreign policies of independence and self-reliance, promoting their roles in multilateral forums, and further strengthening their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

With appreciation, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, head of the Lao Permanent Mission, acknowledged the Vietnamese counterpart’s close collaboration and effective assistance, especially during Laos’ chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in New York (ANYC).

He said he believes that Việt Nam's recent diplomatic accomplishments, including contributions by its Permanent Mission to the UN, lay a strong foundation for the country to embark on a new era of national rise with support and companionship from Laos. 

External information work key to help the world understand Việt Nam

Nguyễn Quế Lâm, deputy head of the Steering Committee for External Information Service, has engaged in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) regarding the committee’s upcoming 10th National External Information Service Awards, slated to be held at the Hà Nội Opera House on Tuesday evening.

Marking a decade of development this year, the contest is not only a traditional journalistic competition but also a forum for those who love and support Việt Nam to creatively share its image, values, and intellect with the world, Lâm said.

According to the official, this year’s edition received nearly 1,300 entries across 10 categories. Submissions were presented in a wide range of languages, including familiar ones like English, French, and Spanish, as well as new additions such as Arabic, Uzbek, and Sinhala.

He said the VNA continues to lead in contributions, submitting the highest number of entries in the printed and online foreign-language media categories. Notably, the news agency has secured two top prizes in these categories.

Lâm went on noting that despite positive achievements over the past decade, it is necessary for the awards to innovate further for better quality, making a more effective contribution to external communication and to the realisation of the Party’s strategic objectives.

The awards have so far motivated those involved in the work to produce creative, high-quality content, he said. Moving forward, requirements include improving content quality, reaching a broader international audience, and helping international friends understand and love Việt Nam more, accompany Việt Nam on its path to socialism, and support the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam.

Beyond traditional journalism, the official recommended using more modern and creative media formats, which are concise, diverse, and capable of telling compelling, emotional stories about Việt Nam. 

Coast Guard busts drug traffickers

The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command under the Việt Nam Coast Guard (VCG) in collaboration with other forces have completed 17 drug-related criminal cases this year.

The unit on November 29 held a conference in the southern province of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu to review the work in 2024 and deploy tasks for the new year.

Speaking at the conference, Major General Trần Văn Xuân, deputy political commissar of Việt Nam Coast Guard, acknowledged and commended the achievements of the Coast Guard Region 3 Command in 2024.

He asked the unit to strengthen coordination and close co-operation with relevant forces, agencies and departments of coastal provinces and cities in patrolling, controlling, searching, rescuing and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, supporting people and fishermen in economic development associated with protecting sovereignty in seas and islands.

“The unit also needs to promote innovation within educational work and the dissemination of legal regulations to cadres, soldiers, people and fishermen,” he said.

Major General Ngô Bình Minh, Commander of the Việt Nam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province, said that out of the 17 drug-related cases, 22 people were apprehended, and about 21 kilogrammes of cocaine and 3,225 grammes of synthetic drugs were seized.

In 2024, the unit directly arrested and handled 20 violation cases, including 24 vehicles, with a total of administrative fines and auctions of seized goods of nearly VNĐ12 billion (US$471,475).

It received, verified and processed 110 information requests on search, rescue and maritime security.

The regional coast guard also handled nine cases, rescued 13 crew members, recovered one body, provided first aid to two fishermen, and towed two vehicles.

The unit also coordinated with the people's mobilisation committees of nine provinces and cities to organise the mass mobilisation programme called "Coast Guard accompanies fishermen,” with many activities.

Via the programme, the coast guard officers updated the local people and fishermen on the current situation of the country's seas and islands, the Law on Việt Nam Coast Guard, the Fisheries Law, and efforts in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities; and disseminated the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's policies and laws on the sea and islands in the new context.

It also distributed more than 10,000 leaflets; presented 1,520 gifts, 8,000 notebooks, 3,000 national flags and 1,100 personal life jackets and 160 lifebuoys, 1,200 cubic metres of water and 3,000 water bottles; and provided free health check-ups and medicine to 300 people.

Two new houses were built for disadvantaged households in Phú Yên and Bình Thuận provinces.

Nine contests called “I love my homeland’s sea and islands” were organised for 91 secondary schools, attracting more than 73,300 students. A total of 560 scholarships and 155 bicycles were presented to poor students who overcame difficulties to excel in their studies.

The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in collaboration with Squadron 3, Anti-smuggling and Investigation Department, and Vũng Tàu City’s police forces caught red-handed a fisherman illegally storing about five grammes of methamphetamine at around 5pm on November 27 in the city’s ward 12.

The subject P.V.N, 31, of An Giang Province, stored the drugs for the purpose of reselling to addicts who are crew members on fishing boats and cargo ships in the port area.

The cases were handed over to the functional forces for further investigation.

On this occasion, the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command commended 31 collectives and 229 individuals for outstanding achievements in this year’s emulation movement.

The unit also launched a campaign to fight against all types of crime at sea, including drug-related crimes and human trafficking, as well as smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in the period ahead of the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year), running from November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. 

Two consecutive accidents claim the lives of six teenagers in northern province

Two traffic accidents occurred within hours of each other in Tân Lạc District of the northern province Hoà Bình on Sunday night, killing six people on the spot, reported the provincial Traffic Safety Committee.

Both incidents involved a motorbike carrying three adults, more than the limit of two.

According to the committee, early on Monday, a passenger bus travelling on National Highway 6 in the direction of Sơn La - Hà Nội, passing through Phong Phú Commune of Tân Lạc District collided with a motorbike carrying three people going in the opposite direction.

The accident resulted in three fatalities.

Among the victims were two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old, both from Tân Lạc District.

Images from the scene show the passenger bus with a severely damaged front, while the motorcycle carrying the three victims was found underneath the bus.

Late on Sunday, at about 11pm, another accident occurred on National Highway 12B, in the area of Mãn Đức Town also in Tân Lạc District.

A truck with a licence to travel from Hòa Bình towards Lạc Sơn Province, collided with an unregistered motorcycle carrying three individuals travelling in the opposite direction.

The accident resulted in the deaths of all three people on the motorcycle at the scene.

Among the victims were two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old, all from Thanh Hối Commune of Tân Lạc District.

At the scene, the motorcycle was found mangled about 15m away from the truck. 

'Bright Tomorrow' Fund brings hope and belief to cancer patients

Cancer was becoming a major burden in countries around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries, said Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan at an art performance to raise support fund for poor cancer patients.

The meaningful programme was held on Sunday evening in Hà Nội by the ‘Bright Tomorrow’ Fund under the Ministry of Health.

In Việt Nam, more than 180,000 new cancer cases are reported per year, of which more than 120,000 die from cancer.

Minister Lan informed that in recent years, the cancer sector in Việt Nam had made remarkable progress, contributing to the cause of protecting, caring for and improving the people's health.

"Currently, the cure rate of some cancer types in domestic hospitals is on par with advanced countries in the region and the world,” she said.

“Another great advantage for cancer patients is that most tests, chemicals, radiotherapy and surgeries are fully or partially covered by health insurance,” said Lan.

With extremely expensive costs, poor cancer patients face a lot of difficulties, and many cannot access or afford advanced treatments without timely financial support.

In some cases, medical staff have to call for funds to provide cancer patients with money for medicines, food, accommodation, and travel.

"As those who are directly responsible for protecting, caring for and improving people's health, we are truly heartbroken to see many children permanently leaving their studies and unable to continue treatment due to their difficult family circumstances," said Minister Lan.

The ‘Bright Tomorrow’ Fund was established to help poor cancer patients.

Up to now, the fund has become a trusted address, a great source of motivation to help the patients continue treatment, and continue to live and live healthily.

With the desire to spread humane ideas, the ‘Bright Tomorrow’ Fund has built effective connections, creating great influence in the community.

The Vietnamese health minister emphasised that the activities and programmes worth more than VNĐ2 trillion (US$78.8 million) for poor cancer patients and children over the past 13 years are impressive and meaningful, and also affirm the very correct and accurate direction of the health sector when founding the fund.

In 2024 alone, the fund received more than VNĐ17 billion ($669,200) in donations from people, organisations and enterprises, as well as with medicine support worth more than VNĐ810 billion ($31.8 million).

All have brought invaluable spiritual medicine, helping poor patients gain more hope, determination and faith, have more conditions for treatment and return to a healthy life with their families, said Lan.

The art performance and fund-raising programme for poor cancer patients encouraged the spirit, help patients have confidence in their treatment journey, and share the difficulties they face.

The programme called for cooperation and spreading love in the community.

At the event, touching stories about the resilient journey of the "cancer warriors" were told, demonstrating the strong spirit and will of the patients, deeply inspiring, bringing faith and strength to those who are bearing the challenge of cancer.

Speaking at the event, Đỗ Văn Chiến, Politburo member, Chairman of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, highly appreciated the health ministry for understanding and sympathising with cancer patients with prestige and love.

The ‘Bright Tomorrow’ Fund has shown humanity of the Vietnamese people.

“As we all see, many cancer patients are poor and need support from the community and society. I hope that individuals and organisations in the country and abroad, foreigners living and working in Việt Nam, to take action to help poor cancer patients, so that they will have more faith in life,” he said.

The QR code to give support to the fund is available on the website ngaymaituoisang.vn. 

Hà Nội's agriculture sector striving for milestones on a new journey

The Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development last week celebrated the 70th anniversary of its establishment (November 30, 1954 - 2024) and received the First-Class Labour Order.

Reflecting on the 70-year journey of construction and development, Nguyễn Xuân Đại, the department head, stressed that the continuous growth and significant contributions of agriculture and rural development have played a key role in Hà Nội City's development and improved the lives of its residents, particularly farmers.

This proud legacy serves as a foundation for Hà Nội's agriculture and rural development sector to overcome challenges and achieve new milestones in its journey forward.

Over the past 70 years, alongside the nation's agricultural growth, Hà Nội's agriculture and rural development sector has seen remarkable progress. In 2023, its agricultural production value exceeded VNĐ59 trillion (US$2.3 billion), eight times higher than in 2008, placing it first among the localities in the Red River Delta and third nationwide.

Hà Nội currently boasts the highest number of specialised farming areas in the country, with high-tech agricultural products accounting for 46 per cent of the city's total agricultural production value, along with over 2,700 One Commune-One Product (OCOP) items.

At the same time, the capital city has been collaborating with other localities and regions to strongly develop product consumption linkage chains, thereby enhancing the added value of agricultural products.

The annual growth rate of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries has averaged 3.03 per cent, surpassing the targets set by the municipal authorities. Notably, Hà Nội's rural development programme also stands out as a national highlight.

Hà Nội is approaching its goal of becoming a city of new-style rural areas, as four districts - Đông Anh, Gia Lâm, Hoài Đức, and Thanh Trì - are achieving advanced new rural standards. Thanh Trì District was officially recognised as meeting advanced new rural standards in 2023.

Building on its 70-year legacy, the sector aims to develop a multi-value, green agriculture system, promoting circular economy principles tied to global agricultural value chains, industrial processing, and sustainable rural-urban integration, Đại said.

The focus is on transforming rural areas into “places worth living,” emphasising cultural preservation, ecological agriculture, and experiential tourism.

By 2030, Hà Nội aims for 50 per cent of districts to meet advanced new rural standards and 30 per cent to meet exemplary standards, with rural residents earning an average of VNĐ120 million ($4,700) a year or more.

As it transitions from traditional agricultural production to an agriculture-based economy, Hà Nội plans to create higher-value products that cater to global consumer expectations for aesthetics and sustainability, as outlined in the Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy (2021-2030, Vision to 2050), Đại said.

At the ceremony, Politburo Member and Hà Nội Party Secretary Bùi Thị Minh Hoài presented the First-Class Labour Order to the Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến highlighted Hà Nội's role as not only a political and cultural centre but also a key contributor to national agriculture. He expressed hope that Hà Nội would continue to lead in sustainable rural development, high-tech agricultural applications, and rural tourism, while showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Hà Nội People's Committee Chairman Trần Sỹ Thanh praised the agriculture and development sector's achievements, while underscoring that the sector is facing simultaneously major challenges and opportunities, especially given the need for sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and the demands of environmental protection.

The mayor of Hà Nội urged continued efforts in restructuring the sector to promote comprehensive, multi-value agriculture linked to modern urban development and enhanced rural living standards. 

Thai consulate, community organise blood donation campaign

The Thai consulate in HCM City, the Việt Nam Red Cross Society and Thai Business Association in Việt Nam on December 1 organised a blood donation drive to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, December 5, which is also Thailand’s National Day and Father’s Day.

The annual event, which provides hospitals with a safe supply of blood, collected more than 100 units of blood donated by the Thai community living in the city and locals.

Speaking at the event, Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the Thai consul-general, said the event brought together the Thai and Vietnamese communities in a voluntary spirit.

“It showed our gratitude to Việt Nam, which has welcomed … Thai people.

“It also demonstrated the close relationship between Thailand and Việt Nam not only at the Government level but also between the peoples and businesses in the two countries.”

HCM City drama festival honours patriotic plays

Cánh Đồng Rực Lửa (The Battle of Fire), a play about patriotism staged by the Quốc Thảo Drama Theatre, has been named the best play at the HCM City Drama Theatre Festival.

The work is based on a true event involving 32 civil defence guards, mostly women, who transferred wounded soldiers to the backline and weapons to the frontline. All of them were sacrificed at Làng Sấu Field in Bình Chánh District’s Vĩnh Lộc Commune in 1968 when they were on duty.

The play features veteran actors People’s Artist Tuyết Thu, Minh Nhí, and Quốc Thảo, who have more than 30 years of experience in the art.

The organisers, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Theatre Association of HCM City, also granted best play prizes to Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt - Người Mang 9 Án Tử (Field Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt - Nine Death Sentences) staged by IDECAF Theatre.

The play depicts the life of FM Duyệt, who was the Governor of Gia Định Citadel (later Sài Gòn and now HCM City) under the Nguyễn dynasty in the 19th century, and features talented artists Đình Toàn, Đại Nghĩa, Hoàng Trinh and Hoà Hiệp.

The festival which closed on Friday night, also gave prizes to plays Đồng Chí (Comrade) by the association, Giáng Hương (Women in the Theatre) by the Thiên Đăng Drama Theatre, and Cơn Mê Cuối Cùng (Internal Struggle) by the Hoàng Thái Thanh Drama Theatre.

The festival granted awards for best actors and best actresses, best director, playwright, composer, and many others.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thúy, the department’s deputy director, said, “The festival left a deep impression and emotions on the audiences, showing the development of theatrical drama in the city. Many plays were welcomed by critics and audiences.”

Thúy said the department would create favourable conditions for art troupes to attract and train new generations of artists and encourage the artists to create more quality plays.

She added the department would cooperate with theatres to bring award-winning productions to serve more audiences, particularly those in rural areas.

The festival, held from November 12-29, attracted more than 1,000 artists from 19 State-owned and private art troupes and theatres, presenting 24 plays with different topics of patriotism, love and social issues. 

New musical honours unchanging spirit of Vietnamese soldiers in peacetime

Can the noble ideals and dedication of Vietnamese soldiers be affected by the temptations of modern life?

A musical performance in Hà Nội aims to show the unchanging spirit of these soldiers. Whether during war or peace, they remain firm in their beliefs, always ready to sacrifice and driven by a strong desire to serve their country.

Khát Vọng Đỏ (Red Aspiration), produced by the Military University of Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Việt Nam National Opera and Ballet, centres on the family of Major General, Professor Dr Hoàng An, former Deputy Director of the Military Medical Academy.

This production highlights the challenges faced by military intellectuals today, including maintaining life ideals and dedication, navigating family relationship difficulties and adapting to changes in modern society.

The performance is both inspiring and moving, encouraging everyone to respect and preserve traditional values while striving for noble ideals and great aspirations. It sparks a desire to contribute, igniting a spirit of commitment to the homeland's peace and the prosperity and happiness of its people, as embodied by the 'Hồ Chí Minh Soldiers' in peacetime.

Based on a literary script by Dr. Nguyễn Đăng Chương and adapted into a musical by Lieutenant Colonel Phạm Thị Vân Anh, with music composed by Colonel Nguyễn Xuân Thủy and Lieutenant Đỗ Bảo, this production is a remarkable fusion of art and dedication.

The stories and music are presented through a modern lens, making the performance more accessible to young audiences.

The production, performed in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People's Army (22/12/1944 – 22/12/2024), the 35th anniversary of the National Defence Festival (22/12/1989 – 22/12/2024), and the 80th anniversary of the Political General Department (22/12/1944 – 22/12/2024), carries special significance. It is a large-scale production featuring numerous artists and offers a fresh and distinctive theatrical musical performance.

Embracing the Broadway musical style, Khát Vọng Đỏ showcases a diverse range of musical genres, including ballad, pop, and rock. It incorporates both Western classical music and folk tunes from the northern mountainous regions of Việt Nam.

Composer Đỗ Bảo said that, together with musician Nguyễn Xuân Thủy, they spent four months entirely composing the music for the musical.

The production features two orchestras with 60 musicians, a 20-member choir, 12 singers and 20 actors from the Military University of Culture and Arts and the Việt Nam National Opera and Ballet.

Composer Đỗ Bảo emphasised that a key highlight of the production is that all the artists will perform live. This strict professional requirement for musical performances ensures that the audience will be fully immersed in the authentic sound, from the instruments to the powerful vocals of the artists.

'We want the audience to experience the subtlety and authenticity of the sound and direct expression, without any recorded tracks. We hope to provide the highest and most perfect experience for the audience,' Bảo said.

Khát Vọng Đỏ will be performed at 8pm on December 6 and 7 at the Friendship Palace in Hà Nội.

Ancient town’s digitalisation wins international award

A project called ‘Hội An-Craft Villages Go Digital’ which promoted transformation in the ancient town, has won an international marketing award.

The project took an International Kotler Award 2024 in the category of ‘Impactful Digital & Inno-tech’, for efforts made by the ancient town in the digital transformation of craft villages for sustainable development and preservation.

The awards, founded by American marketing author Philip Kotler, are a way to honour the best marketers, businesses and organisations and sharing creativities on an innovation network among 100 countries in the world.

The Hội An City’s information and sports centre said the programme was started in collaboration among Hội An City’s people’s committee, HoiAnLife Innovation Lab and Tonkin Media, in May.

It said experts had shared their experience and knowledge in digital and technology applications in improving the value of craft products and accessing to domestic and international markets among family business owners and craftsmen in Hội An.

The ancient town has preserved 50 traditional crafts with the establishment of five craft villages. Three villages have been given the status of national intangible heritages, while the remaining two villages are in the process of trying to get official recognition.

According to the Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation in the city, there are 1,700 households and 685 small-scale enterprises engaged in crafts and folk arts, including carpentry, terra-cotta, lantern-making, bamboo work, nipa-palm processing, garment production and leather crafting.

Approximately 4,000 labourers and craftsmen generate an annual average income ranging from US$3,500 to $4,000 through their involvement in performance arts and craft trades, the centre reported.

Hội An, a UNESCO world heritage site, has received eight national heritage certificates. One for the annual Nguyên Tiêu (full moon day of lunar January) Festival, for Thanh Châu edible bird's nest, recognising Thanh Hà Pottery village and carpentry of Kim Bồng Village, the vegetable planting in Trà Quế Village, the mid-autumn Full Moon Festival (on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month), Chàm Islands’ hammock weaving from tree bark strings and making houses from bamboo and nipa palm in Cẩm Thanh commune.

Võ Tấn Tân, who owns the Taboo Bamboo workshop in Cẩm Thanh commune typifies one of the new generation of craftsmen, turning to making sustainable and low carbon souvenirs and decorations and boosting the creation of non-plastic, zero-waste and recyclable products.

Last year Hội An became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The ancient town and its twin town, Wernigerode, in Germany, won a joint sustainability award from the German Federal Government.

Meanwhile, the ‘Establishing Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and Free/low-cost Bicycle Sharing Programme in the city’ project scooped the Global Urban Mobility Challenge Award of the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative.

VBF sets targets for 2025, opens new headquarters in HCM City

The Việt Nam Boxing Federation (VBF) has announced five key tasks for the 2025 season at a recent annual meeting and opened its new headquarters on December 1 in HCM City.

At the annual meeting, delegates discussed challenges and shortcomings that came up over the past year, during the federation's working term.

In the new year, VBF plans to prepare for the national championships, strengthen foreign cooperation, promote boxing and professional training among the community and national teams, seek sponsorships and organise its workforce.

The National Boxing Clubs Championships will be held in April, with the National Youth Boxing Championships taking place in July and the National Boxing Championships in October.

At the new headquarters opening ceremony, VBF's Vice President and General Secretary Nguyễn Duy Hùng said: “The launch of the headquarters is a practical action demonstrating the VBF's commitment to the mission of standardising new forms of organisation and management for boxing in Việt Nam.

"Not only the facilities, but also the workforce, systems and working processes are being innovated and professionally planned at VBF, in order to meet the rapid development of World Boxing," he added.

The new headquarters will be a place for strategic planning, helping to develop specialised training programmes, organising high-class sporting events and improving techniques and skills for athletes and coaches.

VBF is coordinating with Punch King Fitness Việt Nam to organise a special event that will be announced soon. The event will feature well-known boxers and other famous names.

Under the new executive committee led by President Lưu Tú Bảo since its congress in October 2023, VBF has made remarkable achievements in both high-performance and professional boxing.

VBF has also supported athletes in reaching out to international arenas, bringing outstanding achievements to Vietnamese sports and helping to build a strong boxing community, attracting fans and raising the position of this sport on the world map. 

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV