Vietnam calls for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, the unconditional release of hostages, and an end to hostile actions and violence in the escalating conflict between Hamas forces and Israel, said Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa.

Thoa made the urgent call statement while addressing a debate on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within the framework of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly from December 15 – 18, and December 20 in New York.
 
The Vietnamese diplomat expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and her sympathy for the losses and casualties of innocent people.
She called on all parties to protect civilians in line with international law, stressing that Vietnam strongly condemns attacks targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure.

Thoa announced the Vietnamese Government’s decision to donate 500,000 USD to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA) in a bid to support the UN's efforts in Gaza, saying that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive solution based on international law and relevant resolutions of the UN.

Previously, on December 12, the UNGA adopted the resolution " “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, which calls for an immediate, sustained humanitarian truce leading to cessation of hostilities between Israel, Hamas, the unconditional release of hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access. It also reiterates the call for all parties to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law, and protect civilians.

Vietnam enjoys sound ties with South American countries: Diplomat

An array of political and cultural activities were held to mark the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Argentina and Uruguay, Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay Duong Quoc Thanh has said.

He told the Vietnam News Agency that the official visits to Argentina and Uruguay by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in April contributed to promoting the close relations and cooperation between Vietnam and the two South American countries.

Besides, right after Javier Milei was elected as the President of Argentina, President Vo Van Thuong sent him a letter of congratulations, in which he expressed his hope to continue bolstering the comprehensive partnership with Argentina during Milei’s 2023-2027 tenure.

Thanh added that in a working session with a delegation from the Communist Review - the magazine of the Communist Party of Vietnam who paid a working trip to Argentina, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Interantional Trade and Worship of Argentina Diana Mondino said she wants to discuss with Vietnam experience in renewal and economic integration as well as to enhance relations between the two countries.  

The diplomat said  President Milei’s administration will continue boosting the ties with Vietnam in the time ahead as political parties in the country have laid a stress on the significance to expand the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, which was set up in 2010.

Regarding the cooperation prospects between Vietnam and Uruguay, Thanh said in Hue’s high-level visit, the mayor of Montevideo pledged to build a Vietnamese cultural space on an area of 500 square metres, which will be a symbol of the solidarity and friendship between the two Governments and peoples.

In a recent meeting with Thanh, Paraguay Foreign Minister affirmed that as the interim chairman of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) in the first half of 2024, Paraguay will speed up the negotiations of the free trade agreements with several Asian countries, including Vietnam.

Additionally, Minister of Industry and Commerce Luis Castiglioni announced his plan to lead a delegation of Paraguay officials and businesses to visit Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries in May 2024.

Thanh stressed that 2024 will be a good time for Vietnam and MERCOSUR to begin negotiations towards the signing of an FTA. However, he said Vietnam should pay due heed to MERCOSUR member states’ requirements on market access on the basis on mutual benefits so as to remove bottlenecks and unlock the opportunities in the economic relations with this potential region.

Vietnam, African Union establish diplomatic relations

Vietnam wishes to strengthen cooperation with the African Union (AU) in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment and culture, and in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa, Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia Nguyen Nam Tien has said.

He made the statement while presenting his letter of credentials to chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa on December 15, marking the official establishment of Vietnam-AU diplomatic relations.

The diplomat underlined that Vietnam stands ready to make more direct and proactive contributions to the AU's common effort for an African of integration, prosperity and peace, that is promoted by the African people themselves and represents a dynamic force on the global arena.

Ambassador Tien said he will do his utmost to lift cooperative ties between Vietnam and the AU to a new height.

The diplomat briefed the host about Vietnam's recent achievements, saying that the country has established diplomatic ties with 189 out of 193 UN members and trade relations with more than 230 economies. It is currently the 4th largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 37th in the world. The agricultural sector, as a driving force of the country's economy, has contributed to ensuring national food security and creating jobs for millions of workers, thus contributing to poverty reduction and social welfare, he added.

In Africa, Vietnam has set up diplomatic ties with 54 out of 55 countries and will soon establish diplomatic relations with Malawi.

The chairperson of the African Union Commission spoke highly of the achievements Vietnam has obtained in national construction and development, while highlighting the country's important role in ASEAN.

He said he believes that in the coming time, Vietnam will make greater contributions to Agenda 2063 for peace and security in Africa, contributing to strengthening all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Africa.

Ambassador Tien took this occasion to convey President Vo Van Thuong’s invitation to the chairperson of the Africa Union Commission to visit Vietnam soon.

 Ceremony presents 17th Vietnamese Talent Awards

The 17th Vietnamese Talent Awards were presented in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 20.

So far, the awards, launched by the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education (VAPE) in 2005, have attracted more than 7,500 authors and scientists with over 3,600 entries. Among them, 210 information technology products and scientific works have been honoured, including 50 applied and implemented in regional and international markets.

This year, organisers presented one first, two second, three third prizes, and three consolation prizes in the field of digital technology; one prize in the field of science - technology; four prizes to four groups of authors in medicine - pharmacy; two prizes to two groups of authors in agriculture and rural development; and five prizes to five individuals in the field of self-learning.

Addressing the event, PM Chinh said the Vietnamese Talent Awards have become a prestigious programme that has effectively connected research and innovation events and applied research results to life. The awards have helped affirm the Vietnamese wisdom, products, brands, and potential in the region and the world.

He congratulated the winners and commended efforts by VAPE, organisations, and sponsors for maintaining the awards over the past year, which he said has considerably contributed to education promotion, talent encouragement, and common national achievements.

Amid a fast changing world, the globalisation trend, and intensive international integration, especially the Fourth Industrial Revolution strongly affecting every aspect in society, each country, business, and person need to unceasingly learn, do research, make innovation, and apply science - technology to create new values matching the development process. During this process, people is the centre, key stakeholder, main resource, and target of development, he noted.

The Government leader requested ministries, sectors, and localities develop an open educational system that ensures equal learning opportunities and social equality in learning conditions for all people while stepping up the “learning family”, “learning clan”, and “learning community” movement to develop “learning citizens”.

With hundreds of thousands of people becoming learning citizens each year, the country will have a big treasure of talents and an abundant resource of wisdom to build an increasingly high-quality workforce, he went on.

The PM also asked the organisers to consider supplementing other suitable scientific fields to the awards such as the science of education.

He expressed his belief that the honourees will keep nurturing their dreams and ambitions and exert tireless efforts to surmount challenges to create many new ideas and scientific products in order to contribute more to the community, society, and sustainable development of the country.

PM requests ensuring conditions for children, students in ethnic-inhabited areas

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 20 signed a dispatch requesting efforts to ensure food, accommodation, living and learning conditions for preschool children and boarding and semi-boarding students in mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas.

Over the past years, the Government and the Prime Minister have issued mechanisms, policies, programmes, and projects regarding this issue.

However, the implementation in some places is not good, affecting the living and learning conditions of preschool children and students in these areas, the dispatch noted.

The Government leader asked the Ministry of Education and Training to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies and People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct and review the organisation and implementation of meals for preschool children and boarding and semi-boarding students in mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas, and the implementation of other policies for them; and strictly handle collectives and individuals if there are violations.

Attention must be paid to strengthening direction, management, and inspection over the implementation of policies on ethnic education, ensuring food hygiene and safety, school safety, accident and injury prevention, and fire prevention in educational institutions.

The PM requested the strict implementation of regulations on financial and asset management, the purchase of education equipment, and teachers’ ethics.

The Government Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs was asked to effectively uses resources under the National Target Programme for socio-economic development in mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas in the 2021 - 2030 period for education to ensure 100% of the schools and classrooms in extremely difficult communes and villages are solidly built.

Tea enjoyment culture exchange held in Thai Nguyen

A tea-drinking culture exchange was held in the northern province of Thai Nguyen on December 20 evening, attracting crowds of Vietnamese tea lovers, tea culture artisans, and those from tea craft villages nationwide.

This is the highlight of a week-long event to exhibit and introduce typical products of 28 provinces and cities across the country hosted by the Cooperative Alliance of Thai Nguyen province.

Activities at the festival recreate tea spaces and spotlight tea drinking culture in the past, helping participants understand more about the art of making tea and enjoying tea.

Vu Thi Thu Huong, vice president of the provincial Cooperative Alliance said the event offers a venue for tea growers, processors and drinkers to introduce the tea culture and special tea products of each region in the country, thus honouring the value of Vietnamese tea.

It also helps enhance cooperation and experience sharing in planting and processing tea and promoting tea products among cooperatives and businesses, she said.

Thai Nguyen is renowned for tea cultivation. The province has developed community-based and agricultural tourism connected with its tea culture, thus attracting a large number of visitors from far and wide. So far, the provincial administration has recognised six community tourism sites, including two tea culture-based ones, which have drawn a large number of visitors. They have helped popularise the Thai Nguyen tea brand and local farm produce while generating higher and more sustainable income for rural residents.

President meets chiefs of Vietnamese representative offices abroad

President Vo Van Thuong on December 20 met with ambassadors and chiefs of Vietnamese representative offices abroad who have returned home for the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference.

The State leader attributed significant diplomatic achievements of the country in 2023 to contributions by Vietnamese representative offices abroad, particularly their heads.

Emphasising the rapid, complex development of the world situation, Thuong asked diplomats in general to improve themselves to meet new requirements, and the chiefs of overseas representative offices in particular to implement major tasks of the diplomatic sector in the time ahead.

Strengthening political and economic relations should be taken as the focus, while unlocking potential in other areas should be the breakthrough, he said, stressing the need to pay more attention to economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy, and promoting multilateral diplomacy.

The chiefs of representative offices must have thorough understanding about host countries, provide timely consultation for the Party and the State on their relations with Vietnam, and better citizen protection, the leader continued.

The diplomatic sector needs to play a more active role in international agreements and expanding cooperation, thus contributing to reforms at home, he said, expressing his hope that it will carry forward its pioneer role and contribute to achieving national development goals.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son reported that the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference, which is taking place in Hanoi, reviews not only the work over the past time of the diplomatic sector but also external affairs of ministries, agencies and localities. It focuses on analysing relevant resolutions, conclusions, directives and projects on external relations of the Party Central Committee, and its Politburo and Secretariat, so as to propose key tasks and measures in the field for the remaining of the 13th Party Congress tenure and following years.

The conference is also an opportunity for the sector to discuss a number of major and important topics in external relation with a view to contributing to the review of 40 years carrying out the diplomatic direction of the Doi Moi period, the minister said.

Vietnamese peacekeepers at UNISFA build good relationship with local community

Việt Nam Peacekeeping Forces at the UNISFA Mission contributed to boat repairs for the people of Mijak village. — VNA/VNS Photo

As part of the vibrant celebrations for the 79th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army (December 22) and the 34th anniversary of the National Defence Festive Day (December 22), the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Forces at the UNISFA Mission undertook a series of impactful activities in the central Abyei area.

To foster strong ties and mutual assistance between the Việt Nam People's Army and the local community, the Mission orchestrated various events. In December 2023, the Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers dedicated weekends to grading and levelling the grounds of Comboni Secondary School, as well as excavating and installing gas and oil tanks for five local gas stations. Responding enthusiastically to the initiative, the Corps also conducted surveys, repairs, and road constructions in administrative and residential zones, facilitating convenient movement for local government officials and residents. Additionally, they contributed to boat repairs for the people of Mijak village.

On December 16, 2023, the Việt Nam Peace Enforcement Force at the UNISFA Mission collaborated with local authorities to host medical examinations and distribute medicines for civil servants and employees from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Finance in the Abyei Centre area. To ensure the success of the medical outreach, the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Force implemented a comprehensive communication strategy, including the production and placement of propaganda posters.

This effort drew the participation of doctors from Ghana's Field Hospital level 2+, local medical professionals and numerous volunteers. The Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers further provided generator systems, specialised medical equipment, and cooling fan systems to maintain clinic operations in the hot weather conditions of the Abyei area. Approximately 250 officials and employees of local government agencies, including the Minister of Health and the Mayor of Abyei region, registered for the medical examinations.

Major Nguyễn Mậu Vũ, political commissar of the Việt Nam Army Corps of Engineers, emphasised the significance of these activities, stating: "All of these activities demonstrate the nature and good traditions of the army and the spirit of 'Helping friends is helping ourselves.’"

The Việt Nam Border Guard force is deeply committed to these principles, prioritising humanitarian activities to assist local authorities and residents to the best of their ability, he said.

These activities represent a concrete and meaningful expression of celebration for the 79th anniversary of the Việt Nam People's Army and the 34th anniversary of the National Defence Festival.

Looking ahead, as part of the commemorative activities, the Corps of Engineers has scheduled a sports race at the Highway base on the morning of December 22. This event, featuring units and agencies from the Mission, will include various contents such as the men's 5,000m run, women's 3,000m, and coordinated events for both men and women. The objective is to enhance the health, solidarity and mutual support among the peacekeeping forces at the UNISFA Mission. 

VFF leader pays pre-Christmas visits to Hanoi Archdiocese, Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North)

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee  Do Van Chien on December 20 visited the Hanoi Archdiocese and Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North) on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas and New Year.

At the Hanoi Archdiocese, Chien wished Archbishop Giuse Vu Van Thien, Catholic dignitaries and followers a merry Christmas.

According to Chien, Catholic followers have actively participated in patriotic emulation movements and campaigns launched by the VFF as well as taken part in hunger eradication and poverty reduction in localities, contributing to the country's socio-economic development and stability. They have also actively implemented humanitarian, medical, and educational activities, benefiting vulnerable groups in society, he added.

He said he hopes that Archbishop Thien will continue to motivate and encourage Vietnamese Catholic followers and the Archdiocese to unite and uphold good cultural and moral values of Catholicism and the nation, actively accompanying the construction and development of the country.

For his part, Thien pledged that the Catholic community in general and the Archdiocese in particular to continue accompanying the nation and further promote their strengths to contribute to national development and construction.

During the visit to Evangelical Church of Vietnam (North), the President of  VFF Central Committee appreciated the Church's contributions, together with the entire Party, the army and the people, to successfully performing the task of socio-economic development.

Chien said he hopes that in the coming time, the head of the Church and other pastors will continue to encourage Protestant dignitaries and followers to further promote the tradition of patriotism and work together to build a prosperous and happy country.

HCM City highly values Japan’s support in infrastructure development: official

Ho Chi Minh City highly values Japan’s cooperation in and support for infrastructure development, and will create optimal conditions for Japanese constructors to implement such projects, said Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong on December 20.

The official told visiting Uehara Atsushi, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan during their meeting that Japan has helped HCM City with many infrastructure projects like Metro Line 1 and another on water supply improvement, suggesting the Japanese ministry continue to assist the city in the implementation of key projects.  

In reply, Uehara Atsushi noted with pleasure the fruitful development of the Vietnam-Japan relations, especially the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in November.

Leaders of the two countries agreed to accelerate official development assistance (ODA) projects, and strengthen cooperation activities in Vietnam, according to the official.

The Japanese guest expressed his hope that HCM City will pay more attention to removing obstacles to Japanese projects in the city, thus ensuring their progress, contributing to local development as well as the Vietnam-Japan relations.

HCM City, Japan’s Hyogo prefecture to cooperate in different fields

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai pointed to great cooperation opportunities for businesses from Japan, particularly Hyogo prefecture, during a reception for its Governor Saito Motohiko on December 20.

Mai noted his belief that Saito’s visit, which takes place after Vietnam and Japan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, will open up more substantive, effective cooperation opportunities for the two localities.

He suggested Hyogo firms invest in banking, finance, tourism, trade, agriculture, electronics, semiconductors and new materials in HCM City, adding that the two sides also boast potential for collaboration in other spheres like high-tech medicine, in-depth diagnostics, health products, and personnel training.

For his part, Saito spoke highly of HCM City’s development potential, saying many Hyogo businesses want to cooperate with the southern metropolis and engage in its development process.

Hyogo also hopes to strengthen cooperation with the city in such fields as personnel training, high added value production, and exchanges between residents, especially youths, he stressed.

Coast guard forces of Vietnam, Japan strengthen cooperation

Major General Vu Trung Kien, Deputy Commander in charge of law of the Vietnam Coast Guard and Vice Commandant Watanabe Yasunori of the Japan Coast Guard co-chaired the 10th bilateral meeting between the two forces in Tokyo on December 20.

This is one of the last events of a series of cooperative activities this year to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, the 75th anniversary of the traditional day of the Japan Coast Guard and 25 years of the traditional day of the Vietnam Coast Guard. It is held within the framework of a working trip to Japan by Vietnam Coast Guard delegation from December 19-22.

At the meeting, the two sides reviewed their cooperative activities, including sending ships to visit each other and coordinating in non-combat exercises at sea, exchanging high-level delegations, completing procedures for a project on improving maritime law enforcement capacity for the Vietnam Coast Guard funded by Japan and the 10th bilateral meeting between the two forces.

Major General Kien emphasised that all cooperation activities between the two forces in 2023 have been carried out seriously and effectively, thus helping the Vietnam Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard improve law enforcement capacity at sea.

He underlined that in the joint statement on upgrading the Vietnam-Japan relations to a "Comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world", the two sides agreed to bolster cooperation in maritime security and safety through the enhancement of cooperation activities, including joint trainings, information sharing, and capacity building between the Coast Guards from both sides.

This is clear evidence that the leaders of Vietnam and Japan acknowledged the sound cooperative relationship between the two coast guard forces and want to develop this cooperative relationship in the future to join hands to build safe, peaceful, cooperative and friendship maritime areas, he said.

The two sides agreed on cooperative activities in 2024, including organising the 11th bilateral meeting between the two forces in Vietnam.

During its stay in Japan, the Vietnam Coast Guard delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Japan Coast Guard, met the former Deputy Commander of the Japanese Coast Guard and visited a number of units and ships of Yokohama Coast Guard Station.

Japan provides additional $288m of funding for HCM City’s first metro line

Việt Nam and Japan have signed a fourth loan agreement for HCM City’s first metro line worth over JPY41 billion (US$288 million).

The funding is provided under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP), a type of Japanese ODA granted to projects that can benefit from advanced technologies and know-how of Japanese firms.

These projects are required to use Japanese as the main contracts or as the lead of the contractor joint venture, and at least 30 per cent of the materials used need to be from Japan.

Japan’s previous loan agreements for the project were signed in 2007, 2012, and 2016, worth a total of JPY155.3 billion ($1.09 billion).

The city’s metro line No 1 is a 19.7km line that will run between Bến Thành market in downtown District 1 and Long Bình Depot in Thủ Đức City. 

The line is now 97 per cent completed after facing many delays since work started in 2012.

With a total cost of over VNĐ43.7 trillion ($1.85 billion), it will include three underground stations and 11 elevated ones. 

The line is expected to be completed this year and begin commercial operations in 2024.

It is currently confronting obstacles related to financing for its mechanical and electrical components, as well as for its trains.

The loan agreement signing took place during Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s trip to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN – Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Japan from December 15-18.

Japan remains Việt Nam’s top ODA partner, having pledged a total of $674 million in ODA to Việt Nam this year, the highest amount since 2017.

As of the 2020 fiscal year, Japan had lent Việt Nam a total of JPY2.8 trillion ($27.5 billion) in ODA.

Vietnamese college contributes to personnel training in Laos, Cambodia

Thai Nguyen College in the northern province of the same name has been presented with the Friendship Order of Laos, and Cambodia’s Royal Order of Sahametrei-Tepidin in recognition of its contributions to human resources development of the two neighbouring countries.

A ceremony was held on December 20 to receive the honour and celebrate the 45th anniversary of the educational institution (December 20, 1978-2023), with the attendance of representatives from the Lao and Cambodian embassies in Vietnam.

In his remarks, Permanent Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pham Hoang Son commended the college’s contributions to people-to-people diplomacy of the province and the country, as well as the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and the two neighbours.

The official asked the college to continue developing a contingent of high-quality lecturers and pay more attention to Lao and Cambodian students, and suggested it give heed to such majors as technology, services, creative design, electronics, mechanics and automation, and optimise digital transformation and scientific-technological achievements in teaching.

The college has so far provided training for nearly 1,800 Lao and Cambodian students who have contributed to socioeconomic development of the countries, and promoting their solidarity and friendship.

Activities at Lao Cai int’l border gate surge toward year-end

Authorities in the northern province of Lao Cai have implemented many solutions to speed up entry-exit procedures, creating the most favourable conditions for people to enter and leave the country as the number of people traverse through Lao Cai International Border Gate surge in the last months of 2023.

About 6,000 people go through the gate a day, compared to about 3,500-4,000 a day in previous months, according to statistics of the border guard force. Of the figure, Vietnamese people account for 80%, Chinese arrivals make up 19% and those from other countries 1%.

To better serve the entry and exit activities of travellers, the border guard force has installed a check-in code scanner system at the gate. Tourists only need to bring relevant documents such as identity cards, travel documents or passports, and it takes only 5 minutes for the issuance of a barcode.

Dao Thu who lives in Lao Cai city’s Kim Tan Ward said since Lao Cai International Border Gate reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic, the time to complete entry-exit procedures has reduced significantly. In the past, it took two or three hours but now it takes less than two minutes to complete.

Major Dao Van Ninh, head of the Border Guard Post at Lao Cai International Border Gate, said that the unit has installed an automatic control gate, thereby shortening the time for entry-exit procedures for travellers. This arrangement allows more officers to handle procedures to make it convenient for people on holidays, he said.

Ben Tre local fishermen better aware of legal operating regulations

Thanks to drastic and effective measures, the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has seen great improvement in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing prevention and control.

Home to 1,725 fishing vessels, including 1,500 engaging in offshore fishing activities, Ba Tri district is one of the three coastal localities with fastest growth in Ben Tre's fisheries sector.

In order to secure sustainable development of the fisheries sector, the district has focused on educating local fishermen on violations of fisheries regulations that could cause international export restrictions of Vietnamese products.

Major Le Minh Trung - Political Commissar of Ham Luong border guard post said that the post has coordinated with the local administration of coastal communes in Ba Tri to review, evaluate and classify fishing boats with high risk of violating foreign waters.

The post has sent officers to households to popularise fisheries regulations and punishments for violations.

At the same time, it has strengthened communications via mass media and social platforms, ensuring that local fishermen understand all legal regulations regarding fisheries activities, thus enhancing their awareness in complying with the law.

Pham Van Tuan, a local in An Thuy commune, Ba Tri district, who owns a fishing vessel, said that thanks to communications activities, he has clearly seen the significance of installing the vessel monitoring system (VMS), which helps him and authorities to keep track of the movements of his vessel at sea.

From 2022 to September 2023, the Ham Luong border guard post advised the Ben Tre Border Guard High Command to apply administrative fines on six fishing boat captains and seven boat owners with a total fine of nearly 6.5 billion VND (267,027 USD).

With a 65-km coastline crossing three districts and 10 communes, Ben Tre has great potential for fisheries development. Currently, it has more than 2,760 fishing vessels, including 2,000 offshore fishing vessels. The province’s annual catch is over 200,000 tonnes.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Canh said that defining fisheries as a spearhead economic sector, Ben Tre has paid great attention to switching traditional fisheries to responsible and sustainable fisheries.

It has built a communications programme on IUU fishing prevention and control, while setting up a Steering Committee for IUU fishing prevention and control in 2017 with annual revision and elevation of the work.

Canh said that so far, Ben Tre has signed a coordination agreement with eight coastal localities in fishing boat management, as well as collaboration deals with the Coast Guard Regions 3 and 4 on IUU fishing prevention and control.

As a result, local fishermen's abiding by fisheries regulations has been greatly improved, while all fishing vessels have installed the VMS and strictly follow procedures in vessel registration, fisheries exploitation and operation recording.

HCM City, Seoul people-elected agencies boost cooperation

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council Pham Thanh Kien had a meeting with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Seoul Metropolitan Council Kim Hyeon-ki in Ho Chi Minh City on December 20.

At the event, Kien highlighted that the Seoul delegation’s visit will open up new cooperation opportunities between the people’s councils of both localities, adding the legislative bodies of the Vietnamese southern economic hub and the RoK's localities hold huge collaboration potential.

He suggested the two cities step up cooperation in economy, experience exchange, and training of high-quality human resources, as well as encourage enterprises from the RoK, especially Seoul, to seek cooperation opportunities in HCM City and Vietnam as a whole.

Korean enterprises have registered some 5.5 billion USD in 2,159 projects in HCM City, ranking fourth among 120 countries and territories having investment in the city, he said, adding the number of Korean visitors to the city has increased over the past time – a vivid illustration for the sound relations between Vietnam and the RoK, and between HCM City and Korean localities.

Kim, for his part, expressed his delight over the robust development in the Vietnam-RoK ties, especially after the two nations upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
 
Praising HCM City’s economic development potential, Kim said the Seoul Metropolitan Council stands ready to share its development experience with the Vietnamese city, including support for startup ecosystem and business connectivity.

Seoul will continue enhancing cooperation ties with HCM City in economy and education-training, he said, expressing his hope that the two people’s councils will accelerate discussions towards the signing of an agreement to bolster closer cooperation.

He took the occasion to thank HCM City for creating favourable conditions for Korean citizens to study and work in the city, and pledged to see the Vietnamese community in Seoul as part of the capital city’s population as well as work to take care of and ensure safety for them.

Cuban researcher calls 2023 a successful year for Vietnam’s diplomacy

The year 2023 is a particularly successful year of Vietnam’s diplomacy in elevating the country’s relations with important partners in the international arena, said a senior researcher at the Cuban Centre for International Policy Research (CIPI).

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Dr. Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez from the CIPI, who is also Director of the International Relations Programme of Cuba, said the complexity of the world today with big uncertainties has led to the need for a peaceful, diverse, and responsible diplomatic policy to help enhance international relations.

Vietnam’s diplomatic sector has obtained many outstanding achievements as seen in the visits by leaders of world powers like the US and China and the elevation of bilateral ties with some countries, he went on.

Over the past months, Vietnam has carried out a number of high-level activities with both China and the US. Last August, Party General Secretary of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong visited and planted a memorial tree at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son province, which borders China. US President Joe Biden came to Hanoi in September, and the two sides lifted their relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh took part in bilateral activities in the US also in September. Meanwhile, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong attended the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China in October. In early December, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam.

These activities reflect achievements of Vietnam’s foreign policy, Ruvislei opined, elaborating that the country has further intensified the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and agreed to build a community with a shared future with China. It has also upgraded the connections with Japan to the “comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world”.

At the multilateral level, Vietnam started 2023 with its role as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2023 - 2025 tenure. Besides, it was elected Vice Chair of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The country has also continued acting as an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In addition, Vietnam and China agreed to promote a cooperation plan to connect the Two Corridors, One Belt framework with the Belt and Road Initiative.

He held that the upgrade of relations with other countries, including the US and Japan, will be the leverage for economic growth that Vietnam needs, adding its bilateral relations, including in science and technology, education, culture, and defence, have grown considerably over the recent past.

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s rich and diverse culture, Ruvislei said culture could become an important bridge helping advance the country’s reach to the world, and that although Vietnamese cuisine has been present at many restaurants across Asia, there remains much room for it to be further popularised and have its influence expanded.

In a complex world situation, maintaining independence in its foreign policy while not abandoning the principle of protecting an equal world where all people are respected regardless of their origin is a clear-sighted path of Vietnam’s diplomacy, according to the expert.

10th theoretical workshop of Vietnamese, Lao parties wraps up

The two-day 10th theoretical workshop between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) concluded in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh on December 20.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the workshop, Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, who is also President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, delivered a report on the CPV’s leadership of cultural and human development in the country.

Meanwhile, head of the Lao delegation, Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, presented a report on culture and human development in the socialist-oriented development process and lessons learned.

Participants discussed and analysed each country’s current situation and solutions, thereby clarifying several urgent theoretical and practical issues of mutual concern. The presentations also emphasised the Party's key role in leading the country, and highlighted its pioneering position in directing cultural and human development in the reform process in Vietnam and Laos.

The two sides affirmed that after nearly 40 years of implementing their comprehensive renewal policy, Vietnam and Laos have gained great achievements of historical significance. Those results prove that the Party's reform policy is sound and creative, and the path to socialism conforms with the objective and practical rules of the Vietnamese and Lao revolutions, and in line with the trend of the times.

The two sides agreed to organise the 11th workshop in Laos.

Việt Nam has 400,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses reserved for high-risk groups, outbreak areas

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dương Thị Hồng, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hà Nội, said there are over 432,000 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with an expiration date at the end of September 2024, being kept in cold storage.

These vaccines are being carefully preserved following the correct procedures, she said.

This is the 'reserve' of vaccines that would be used for areas with large outbreaks and high risks. Currently, there are approximately 50,000 people registered for another dose.

Based on professional recommendations, individuals in vulnerable, high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, people with underlying conditions, and those with chronic diseases should receive a fourth dose.

In the Plan for Sustainable Control and Management of COVID-19 in the 2023-25 period, the Ministry of Health stressed the importance of developing and implementing a vaccination plan suitable for different target groups and schedules.

While priority is given to vaccinating high-risk groups, but COVID-19 vaccination should be integrated into regular vaccination sessions at healthcare facilities, or vaccination campaigns can be organised in line with local deployment realities.

Việt Nam has administered over 266.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (in the population aged from under five years old) and is one of the countries with the highest COVID-19 vaccine coverage in the world, according to health authorities.

The primary (two-dose) vaccination coverage rate for individuals aged 12 and above is approximately 100 per cent. Third dose coverage rate for children aged 12 to under 18 is 69.4 per cent, the rate is 82.1 per cent in individuals aged 18 and above.

Fourth dose coverage rate for high-risk individuals aged 18 and above has reached 89.6 per cent.

The first and second dose vaccination rates for children aged 5 to under 12 are 92.5 per cent and 76.7 per cent, respectively.

In Việt Nam, the COVID-19 situation is still under control. The number of cases is low, scattered in a number of localities, and the infected persons suffering only mild or no symptoms. Hospitalisation and severe cases at treatment facilities are low. Epidemiological surveillance has not yet identified new or unusual variants.

Health officials have also taken note of a spike of COVID-19 incidences in some neighbouring countries in ASEAN like Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the increase in respiratory-related illness cases and reports of cluster of unexplained pneumonia cases in children in a number of northern provinces of China.

Health authorities in these countries attribute the resurgence of COVID-19 cases to a decrease in the population's immunity and increased travel and festivities during the year-end holiday season.

Việt Nam secures three gold medals at Asian Youth Chess Championships

Việt Nam's youth chess team excelled at the ongoing Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023 in Al Ain, UAE, claiming three individual gold medals in the blitz chess category.

In the U14 girls' category, Mai Hiếu Linh clinched the gold medal. With an impressive performance over nine rounds, she accumulated a total of 8.5 points, including eight wins and one draw, securing the top position and the gold medal. Kaliakhmet Elnaz from Kazakhstan and Mohamadi Niyousha from Iran earned the second and third places with eight and seven points, respectively.

Notably, Linh, initially seeded seventh in the event, showcased outstanding skills. She discovered her passion for chess at the tender age of four and has devoted the past ten years to honing her abilities. Linh hails from a family with a rich sporting tradition, as her parents were renowned cyclists.

In the U14 boys' category, Đinh Nho Kiệt put up an impressive strong performance, finishing nine games with seven wins and two draws, accumulating eight points and securing the gold medal.

In the U18 boys' category, Vietnamese player Nguyễn Quốc Huy and Sharipov Davron from Uzbekistan both finished the competition with seven points. However, Huy claimed the first position due to a superior tiebreaker, while Davron settled for second place. In the same category, Huy's teammate, Đậu Khương Duy, earned a bronze medal with a total of 6.5 points.

In the blitz chess category, Việt Nam's Lương Hoàng Tú Linh and Vương Quỳnh Anh won the silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the U16 girls' category. Nguyễn Xuân Phương secured the U8 silver medal, and Bành Gia Huy earned the U16 bronze medal.

The Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023 will continue until December 22, featuring participants from 41 countries and territories. Việt Nam have fielded a team of 48 players across various age groups, and this tournament is significant for the young players, being the final important competition of the year. 

More New Year holiday train services added

More trains will be provided to serve the higher demand for the coming New Year 2024 holiday.

The Vietnam Railways Corporation will increase train services NA3, NA7, SE35, SE36, NA4 and NA12 on the Hanoi-Vinh route; TH1 and TH2 on the Hanoi-Thanh Hoa route and LP9 and HP3 on the Hanoi-Haiphong route. 

For the Hanoi-Lao Cai route, train service SP1 from Hanoi to Lao Cai will be added on December 28-30, meanwhile, train SP4 from Lao Cai to Hanoi will be added on December 31 and January 1.

Discounts will also be offered to students, trade union members, children, the disabled and the elderly.

The Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company has sold more than 111,000 tickets for the 2023 Tet Lunar New Year holiday.

Northern border province proposes smart gate project
 
Authorities in the northern border province of Lang Son have proposed to build a smart gate to improve border customs with neighbouring China.

Speaking about the project at a Tuesday meeting, the deputy head of the Dong Dang-Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Authority, Nguyen Vinh Phu, said that they had proposed a pilot scheme to the government on transforming international border gates linking them with Chinese localities, which will utilise AI, automated guided vehicles, and smart warehouse management system.

"The project is estimated to cost approximately VND 8 trillion (USD328.68 million), mainly mobilised from local businesses and companies," Phu said. "We expect to implement the pilot smart gate scheme between January 2026 and December 2028."

The official added that both sides will develop a command centre to monitor the operations of the smart border gates and connect and share data.

The smart border gates are expected to improve border customs throughput capacity and raise import-export turnover by threefold by 2027 and fivefold by 2030.

During a recent visit to China, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang witnessed the signing and handing of a framework agreement on jointly promoting the construction of smart border gates between the People's Committee of Lang Son Province, Vietnam and the Government of Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi, China.

Two-way trade between Lang Son and the Chinese side reached an estimated USD4.78 million this year, up over 56 percent yearly.

Thua Thien Hue hydropower plant fined for unlicensed operation

Authorities in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue have just issued a fine of VND210 million for the Bo River Hydropower Company for operating their plant without a licence.

In a decision signed by the chairman of Thua Thien - Hue People's Committee, the investor of the Bo River Hydropower Plant was fined VND30 million for not having saved the files on their project's completion and VND180 million for having put their project into operation without permission by authorised agencies.

The investor has also been required to gather and submit files and documents related to the project, carry out procedures on the completion, acceptance and transfer of the project before putting it into use, as well as hand in all the money collected from their illegal power generation to the province's budget.

The Song Bo River Hydropower Plant was built in A Luoi District with a total capacity of 20 MW and an expected annual output of 68.70 million KWh. The project started construction in February 2018 and was completed in October 2020.

Quang Nam academics leave due to slow pay

A group of 17 lecturers at the Quang Nam Medical College have resigned in protest against slow payment. 

In a joint letter sent to the college management board, the lecturers said that they would stop work from December 18 as they haven't received salaries for half a year.

A source told Dantri that the college owed salaries to 114 teachers and staff members for the past six months, totalling over VND5.70 billion. In addition, the school has also failed to pay social insurance fees for their staff for many months.

The staff members and teachers here have filed complaints to local authorities asking for support but the problems have not been solved.

Speaking with Dantri about the problem, the Head of Quang Nam Medical College, Huynh Tan Tuan, confirmed that they have received the resignation letters from 17 lecturers.

"We had a meeting with them on December 15 to discuss the problem," he said, saying that the school has faced financial difficulties due to problems in financial management and the falling number of students."

Chairman of Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee has asked the college to solve the problems and send a report to the committee.

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