Under the project, the area of residential land will increase from 56.89 hectares to 61.14 hectares.

The areas for education, infrastructure, parking lots and other community activities serving local people and visitors will increase form 10.63 hectares to 17.75 hectares.

According to Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the central coastal province of Binh Dinh Province Nguyen Tu Cong Hoang, Nhon Ly fishing village will have a land fund of more than 100 hectares for conservation and development that is divided into areas including Bai Bac and Bai Nam fishing villages, an administrative center, a new residential area, and a park.

MoHA suggests identity number for each civil servant

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is collecting opinions on a draft circular stipulating the form and management of a formal card for civil servants and public employees. 

Accordingly, on each card of a civil servant or public employee is a unique identity number, consisting of three information groups: working unit, citizen ID number, title or position.

This identity number is extracted from the national database of officials, civil servants, and public employees to recognize the position and title of each of the above staff. Therefore, anyone not updating their information on this database will not obtain such a card.

The card can be made of plastic or an electronic one, attached with a chip to store information. Each position or title has one corresponding color. There is also a QR code printed on the card containing the basic information of the owner, including date of birth, gender, citizen ID number, working unit code, title.

At the end of 2022, MoHA launched the national database of officials, civil servants, and public employees in state agencies. This database manages about 2.5 million electronic documents with full information about all officials, civil servants, and public employees in the country. It serves the task of managing and designating human resources.

Four key traffic projects inaugurated simultaneously

The Ministry of Transport this morning simultaneously inaugurated four key traffic projects including Dien Bien Airport, Tuyen Quang - Phu Tho Expressway, My Thuan 2 Bridge and My Thuan - Can Tho Expressway.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attended the inauguration ceremony for the My Thuan- Can Tho Expressway Project in Vinh Long Province; and Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai together with leaders of ministries, sectors and localities in the Mekong Delta region joined the inauguration ceremony for the My Thuan 2 Bridge Project in Tien Giang Province.

 Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai and delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the My Thuan 2 Bridge Project.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was very touched as four key transport projects were inaugurated simultaneously with a total investment of nearly VND18 trillion (US$740 million).

The Prime Minister extended his thankfulness for the leadership and direction of the Politburo, Party Central Committee's Secretariat, notably General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; the National Assembly and People’s Council at all levels, ministries, sectors, localities, Vietnam Fatherland Front, political – social organizations and people of localities; the efforts of investors, consultancy agencies, contractors, staff, workers performing construction in three shifts, four crews throughout the holidays and so on to overcome difficulties and make projects completed earlier as expected.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the My Thuan – Can Tho Expressway, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vinh Long Province Lu Quang Ngoi said that the inauguration of My Thuan – Can Tho Expressway together with the My Thuan 2 Bridge was notably meaningful for the socio-economic development of the whole country in general and the Mekong Delta in particular.

The two projects contributed to completing the transport infrastructure, transport system and logistics of the Mekong Delta; connecting the expressway from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho which will become a vital traffic axis connecting trade activities of cities and provinces in the region with the country’s economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, thereby attracting investments into industrial parks and clusters and creating a motivation to promote socio-economic development in association with national defense assurance, security for cities and provinces in the region.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the My Thuan 2 Bridge, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tien Giang Province Nguyen Van Vinh said that the inauguration of My Thuan 2 Bridge and My Thuan – Can Tho Expressway was joyfulness, excitement and expectation for a bright future.

As of this morning, Dien Bien Airport and Tuyen Quang - Phu Tho Expressway were inaugurated.

As for the Dien Bien Airport, the project started work in January 2022 with a total investment of more than VND1.4 trillion (US$58 million) to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – 2024).

The project focused on renovating and expanding the exploitation capacity of the current passenger terminal from 300,000 to 500,000 passengers per year.

The Dien Bien Airport can now receive aircraft A320, A321 with a capacity of 180 to 200 passengers instead of ATR72 with a capacity of up to 100 passengers.

Modern information systems and navigation equipment would also help aircraft take off and land at this airport under conditions of clouds and limited visibility.

Dien Bien Province is the only locality in six Northwestern border provinces. The project contributed to attracting businesses performing investment in tourism, trade and services development as well as strengthening the connection between Ho Chi Minh City, localities in Southern region and Northwestern region, creating an important driving force for socio-economic development, ensuring security and national defense.

Regarding the Tuyen Quang – Phu Tho Expressway, the project started construction at the end of February 2021 with a total investment of over VND3.7 trillion (US$152 million).

The project was invested by the two provinces of Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho with a total length of more than 40 kilometers, with a design of four lanes and a speed limitation of 90 kilometers per hour.

The project will reduce the travel time from Tuyen Quang Province to the capital city of Hanoi to nearly two hours.

The expressway route plays an important role in forming a rapid connection axis from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang Province, Thanh Thuy International Border Gate in Ha Giang Province heading to China.

The first phase of the My Thuan – Can Tho Expressway has a total investment capital of over VND4,826 billion (US$198 million) with a length of 22.97 kilometers which started works from January 4, 2021, spreading through localities of Vinh Long and Dong Thap.

The first phase of the project has four lanes, 17 meters in width, a speed limitation of 80 kilometers per hour and three intersections in the whole route.

Besides, the My Thuan 2 Bridge and pathways to the two bridgeheads were invested by the Project Management Board No.7 under the Ministry of Transport with a total investment of over VND5 trillion (US$205 million) from the State budget.

The My Thuan 2 Bridge was located on the expressway axis from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, connecting two expressways of Trung Luong – My Thuan and My Thuan – Can Tho, linking two localities of Vinh Long and Tien Giang which is considered as a vital transport route with a huge traffic volume of the region.

State leader requests courts be true source of support for people

President Vo Van Thuong, head of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, attended a national conference held in central Da Nang city on December 24 to launch tasks for the court sector in 2024.

Officials reported that facing a continued increase of cases with higher complexity in 2023, courts at all levels have not only properly settled different types of cases but also carried out judicial reform tasks, including enforcing the Law on Mediation and Dialogue at Court and holding trials via videoconference.

Addressing the meeting, President Thuong appreciated the court sector’s activeness, creativity, and breakthrough solutions to improve its performance, thus helping curb crime growth, facilitate civil, business, and trade transactions, and protect people’s peaceful life.

In particular, courts at all levels have successfully brought to trial many major corruption cases and coordinated with related agencies to deal with obstacles to the settlement of large cases, he said, noting that results of those settled cases have won high support and evaluation from the public, and also reflected the stringency of law as well as the Party and State’s determination to fight corruption and other negative phenomena.

The State leader also applauded the enhanced application of information technology and the serious popularisation of courts’ verdicts and decisions, which have guaranteed people’s right to access to information, enabled people and people-elected bodies to supervise courts’ activities, and improved court officials and judges’ capacity and sense of responsibility towards their duties.

Pointing out certain shortcomings, he said amid the country’s intensive international integration and the fast expansion of the economy’s size, civil, business, trade, labour, and administrative disputes are also surging, thus mounting pressure on courts. Meanwhile, the building of a law-governed socialist State and judicial reform require higher effectiveness and quality of judicial activities.

Given this, President Thuong asked Party committees and leaders of all-level courts to step up judicial reform and ensure the independence of the judiciary.

Besides, it is necessary to press on with improving the judging quality, minimise the verdicts that have to be cancelled or amended due to subjective causes, and better the quality, precision, and feasibility of courts’ decisions, especially the use of penalties, he went on.

He also ordered improving courts’ governance capacity on digital platforms and providing more convenient judicial services for people to help improve their activities and build the image of friendly courts that are truly a source of support for people in the protection of justice, human rights, and citizens’ rights.

In addition, the President also demanded promoting the Party’s leadership over courts’ activities, firmly adhere to the principle of democratic centralism, build a clean and strong court sector, and seriously implement the Politburo’s regulations on controlling power control and preventing corruption and negative phenomena in investigation, prosecution, judging, and judgement enforcement.

Quang Ngai starts construction of Hoang Sa - Doc Soi Road project

On December 24, the People's Committee of Quang Ngai Province held a ceremony to announce the provincial planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 and to commence the Hoang Sa - Doc Soi Road project.

President Vo Van Thuong attended the event and initiated the groundbreaking. Also in attendance were key figures such as Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Central Party Committee, Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court; Mr. Tran Quang Phuong, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly; Mr. Tran Hong Ha, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Le Khanh Hai, Chairman of the President Office; Ms. Bui Thi Quynh Van, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Quang Ngai.

Mr. Dang Van Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ngai Province, revealed that the provincial plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister, embodies a "fresh perspective and a new vision," in harmony and coherence with the developmental orientation and vision of the nation. Accordingly, Quang Ngai opts for a balanced development across three key pillars: "economy - society - environment," emphasizing that "businesses and individuals are at the core and serve as the primary driving force for development," and considering "investment, educational development, and training as a fundamental contribution to enhancing and ensuring the quality of the workforce for sustainable, long-term development needs."

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ngai Province highlighted the goal that by 2030, Quang Ngai strives to become a relatively well-developed province in the country, with a per capita income at least matching the national average.

The provincial planning for Quang Ngai also outlines the pivotal role in shaping the development landscape of the province, fostering strong organic links with the North Central and Central Coastal provinces, as well as the Central Highlands. It serves as a vital tool for Quang Ngai Province to chart the course, coordinate, and manage all economic and social development activities, along with territorial spatial development within the province in the upcoming period.

This plan has identified the spatial and developmental vision through a structure consisting of two growth-driving centers, three urban centers, four strategic economic corridors, and six dynamic economic spatial zones. The central focus aims to attain objectives related to constructing new-style rural areas and advanced new-style rural areas, establishing the Oil Refining and National Energy Center in the Dung Quat Economic Zone, and transforming the Ly Son Island District into a central hub for sea-island tourism.

At the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlighted that Quang Ngai boasts a strategically significant location in the key economic zone of the Central region, with an integrated transportation network that connects the North-South and East-West regions, establishing links with the Central Highlands, and extending to the Southern provinces of Laos. Quang Ngai takes great pride in being the epicenter of Sa Huynh culture, one of Vietnam's three ancient cultures dating back 2,500-3,000 years. The region is also renowned for being a sacred land with exceptional individuals, revolutionary traditions, the homeland of the Hoang Sa naval fleet, and the birthplace of the heroes of the Ba To uprising, along with numerous patriotic figures, revolutionaries, and adept leaders of the nation.

Emerging from a state of poverty, Quang Ngai has transformed into a dynamically developing province, securing the fourth position in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) among the 14 provinces in the North Central and South Central Coastal regions. It has established itself as a key industrial hub in the South Central Coastal area, boasting an economic scale nearly double that of 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha commended the outstanding achievements that the Party, the Government, soldiers, and people of Quang Ngai have accomplished throughout their journey.

The provincial planning for Quang Ngai is a concrete manifestation of Politburo Resolution No. 26, crafted with the guiding principles of "Diversity - Synergy - Distinction," featuring a strategic vision and territorial framework that ensures comprehensive connectivity. By maximizing the province's potential and advantages, this planning is anticipated to generate new momentum for Quang Ngai, propelling accelerated development in the upcoming period.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the planning is the groundwork to materialize the passionate aspirations and dreams of generations of leaders, the Party, and residents of Quang Ngai Province, aiming to develop Quang Ngai into a relatively developed province across the country. Quang Ngai envisions itself as an environmentally sustainable and diverse region, featuring a well-balanced and competitive economic structure. It aspires to be an industrial hub, acting as an economic link to the Central Highlands and the Central Coastal region. The province is committed to preserving and promoting its cultural identity, aiming to stand out on the path of heritage in Central Vietnam.

During the ceremony, Quang Ngai Province granted decisions approving investors to undertake various urban development and industrial zone projects within its jurisdiction.

Vietnam causes impact at multilateral forums: Ambassador

Vietnam this year continues to leave meaningful impressions at multilateral forums, including the United Nations (UN), contributing to enhancing its position and reputation among the global community, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations.

As 2023 is a volatile year with a series of conflicts, new and existing challenges intertwined, and complicated global security, Giang said against this backdrop, Vietnam continues to prove itself as a responsible member that effectively contributes to the UN’s common efforts. Its meaningful contributions have stood out as Vietnam has upheld its stance on supporting peace, development, respect for international law, multilateralism, and most importantly, highlighting the importance of following the UN Charter across all pillars, from peace, security to development and protection of human rights.

According to him, a highlight of Vietnam's diplomacy in 2023 is its successful assumption of the position of Vice President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA)’s 77th session from September 2022 - September 2023. Vietnam has actively proposed and planned crucial decisions on various global issues, especially in the context that the UNGA has to handle an exceptionally busy agenda, possibly the busiest in many years.

Notably, Vietnam has chaired several UNGA’s sessions, discussed and passed a resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states with respect to climate change, the High Seas Treaty, and resolutions on holding high-level meetings on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. It has worked with other countries to propose initiatives and solutions on various major issues, coordinated and directly negotiated the drafting of documents. In particular, Vietnam has contributed ideas and initiatives to various ongoing processes at the UN to guide future directions, and continued playing an active role as a member of ASEAN, G-77, leading the Group of Friends on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). All these partnership relations have solidified Vietnam's diplomatic position at the UN forum, he said.

He added that this year, Vietnam continues making significant contributions in its capacity as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure, the International Law Commission (2023-2027), the UNESCO Executive Board (2021-2025), and the Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026).

On peace-security, Vietnam has always actively stepped up joint efforts to enhance the role of the UN, and build a global governance system based on the rule of law and respect to the UN Charter and widely-recognised international standards. In the context of increasing strategic competition and confrontations, and numerous challenges to multilateral cooperation, it has incessantly called for strengthening trust, increasing solidarity and international responsibility, promoting dialogue and mutual understanding to peacefully settle all disputes, for the common goal of peace, national independence, democracy and progress in the world. Vietnam has proactively contributed to and expanded its participation in UN peacekeeping activities, playing a part in preventing conflicts and building peace, particularly in hotspots in Africa, he said.

In terms of development, Giang stressed that Vietnam continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has been joining various core groups while proposing, coordinating, and negotiating numerous initiatives and cooperation documents on education, health care, water resource protection, energy transition, and climate change adaptation. Vietnam remains actively engaged in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Vietnam continues actively cooperating with UN mechanisms on human rights, defending national reports under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, and reports on the implementation of international human rights conventions of which it is a member.

Vietnam also continues affirming a strong commitment to promoting multilateralism, with the UN at the centre, respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. This includes upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, prioritising dialogue over confrontation, and peacefully settling disputes.

The Vietnamese diplomat cited UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers as saying that Vietnam is an active, proactive and responsible member in multilateral processes.

Forecasting a highly complex scenario with numerous uncertainties next year, Giang said Vietnam will continue stepping up its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external ties; comprehensive, extensive and effective global integration.

Vietnam will actively prepare for and contribute to major UN processes, including the Summit of the Future, the high-level General Debate of the UNGA’s 79th session, the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in January 2024; seriously fulfill its international commitments; and continue upholding its role as a member of crucial UN mechanisms.

The achievements and hallmarks that have been attained serve as a foundation to take pride in and believe that Vietnam today is not only ready to be a reliable, constructive and responsible partner of the global community but also possesses the expertise and resources necessary to shoulder responsibilities commensurate with the country's new stature, Giang concluded.

Phúc, Vĩnh win Sơn Trà Run Challenge

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Phúc and Võ Xuân Vĩnh won the women’s and men’s 26km of the VTV8 Sơn Trà Run Challenge – The Race in the Clouds, on Sơn Trà Mountain track, the first ever run on the mountain, marking an amazing Christmas Eve on December 24.

Phúc, a national walker and London Olympics 2012 competitor, clocked the time of one hour 58.32 minutes to win the women’s prize and a gift on Christmas season.

She beat Nguyễn Thị Nguyệt, who finished second in 2hr4.35min, and Lê Thị Phương, in third with a time of 2hr9.37min.

In the men’s race, Võ Xuân Vĩnh completed the uphill track in 1hr38.7min to take home first prize, edging out Huỳnh Ngọc Trai, who ranked second at 1hr39.45min, and Nguyễn Minh Tuấn, third place, with 1hr44.42min.

Nông Thị Quỳnh Như saved a time of 1hr3.49min to finish first in the women’s 16km on the wet, cold day, while Nguyễn Thị Hạnh and Thái Thị Kim Ngân ranked second and third, respectively.  

Trần Đình Hào took the men’s division with a time of 54.39min, while national walker Nguyễn Thành Ngưng finished second in 56.30min, and Hà Minh Huy took third in 59.34min.

In the 6km category, Nguyễn Thị Khánh Ly and Mai Quốc Tiến grabbed the first prizes for the women’s and men’s competition.

The first VTV8-organised race drew 1,500 runners to compete in the cool air and foggy scenery of Sơn Trà Nature Reserve track in Đà Nẵng City.

The event also promotes communication on the protection of biodiversity of Sơn Trà primary forest and environment in the most favoured tourism destination in the city. 

'Hà Nội Days in Lâm Đồng': opening up opportunities for mutual development

Hà Nội Days in Lâm Đồng' is currently taking place in Đà Lạt City, Lâm Đồng Province, with the aim of fostering investment, trade, and tourism between Hà Nội and Lâm Đồng.

This event, co-organised by the Hà Nội Promotion Agency (HPA) and relevant units, will last until December 24. It has more than 30 booths introducing tourism, trade and investment products of Hà Nội and Lâm Đồng.

Throughout the event, Hà Nội-based businesses and craft villages, such as the Thăng Long – Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre, Hà Nội Tourism Corporation, and the Monument Management Board, are actively promoting and showcasing tourism products, trade opportunities, and investment prospects from Hà Nội to businesses and residents of Lâm Đồng Province.

Artisans are showcasing Hà Nội's unique cuisine, featuring mouth-watering dishes such as Hà Nội phở, Hàng Than green rice cake, Ước Lễ pork paste, Thanh Trì rice rolls, and various exquisite handicraft products from renowned craft villages in Hà Nội.

To highlight the cultural charm of the capital city and entice Lâm Đồng residents to choose Hà Nội as their destination, the event also offers immersive experiences of Hà Nội's Cốm (green sticky rice) space, culinary product demonstrations, and showcases of regional specialties.

Simultaneously, artisans organise traditional cultural and artistic performances representing Hà Nội's heritage. This event provides a platform for unique artistic exchanges, showcasing the distinctive cultural identity and honoring intangible cultural values of the northern region.

As part of the event's framework, a discussion titled "Linking and Promoting Investment, Trade, and Tourism in Hà Nội – Lâm Đồng" took place, along with a cooperation signing ceremony between the two promotion centres of Hà Nội and Lâm Đồng Province.

Nguyễn Ánh Dương, director of HPA, expressed that this event contributes to fostering comprehensive cooperation between the province and the city in the areas of investment promotion, trade, and tourism.

It also aims to strengthen collaboration among organisations, associations, and businesses from both localities in developing commercial and tourism products, constructing tours, and establishing tourist routes connecting Hà Nội and Lâm Đồng. The ultimate goal is to enhance competitiveness and foster regional connectivity for mutual development. 

Traditional reformed opera doyen to be honoured

A TV show featuring People’s Artist Kim Cương, a cải lương doyen with 65 years of experience in the art form, will be released on the Hồ Chí Minh City Television on January 9.

The show Nghệ Sĩ Tri Âm (Live for People) will feature the life and career of Cương, and her contribution to cải lương (reformed opera), a 100-year-old theatre form of the South, and modern drama.

It will also outline the development of traditional theatre between the 1950s and 1990s in the South.

Cương will talk about her memories of famous cải lương artists including late People’s Artist Phùng Há, her teacher, and late actress Bảy Nam, her mother, who were pioneers and played an important role in developing the art.

“Nghệ Sĩ Tri Âm will tell the audience about the challenges and sacrifices that People’s Artist Kim Cương has made in pursuing cải lương. We hope this show will help theatre lovers learn about the art in particular and Vietnamese culture and lifestyle in general,” said the show’s producer Minh Hải.

Cương and veteran theatre performers Hữu Châu, Lương Thế Thành and Lê Phương will perform in the show.

They will perform famous extracts from Lá Sầu Riêng (Durian Leaf), a dramatic play about southern women written and directed by Cương.

The play was first staged in Sài Gòn (now HCM City) in 1963 and has been staged many times by troupes across the country.

Born into a traditional family in 1937, Cương’s love for cải lương came through her parents, the late talented performers Nguyễn Phước Cương and Bảy Nam, owners of the Đại Phước Cương Troupe, one of the region’s leading troupes.

She started her professional career when she was 17, performing with her mother, Nam, and actresses Phùng Há and Năm Phỉ, who are recognised as some of the region’s most talented cải lương performers.

In the 1960s, Cương became involved in modern drama and worked to combine it with cải lương.

She later established the Kim Cương Drama Troupe that grew to have more than 70 actors as its members. They performed dozens of plays written by Cương, mostly on the topics of women, love, family and social problems in the South.

Cương wrote and directed 50 plays during her career, most of which highlighted southern women and their character.

Fans can learn about Cương and her art by visiting the website https://kynukimcuong.vn. 

Biodiversity photos on show in central city

A collection of 63 photographs, chosen from 774 submissions by 109 artists from 11 provinces and cities, is currently on display at APEC Park in the central city, showcasing Đà Nẵng's rich biodiversity and commitment to environmental protection.

This exhibition, organised collaboratively for the second time by the city’s National Resources and Environment and the Photographic Artists Association of the city, aims to enhance community and artist engagement in the protection of nature reserves and the unique biodiversity of Đà Nẵng.

The best 15 photographs, capturing the vibrant lifestyles of wildlife and the beauty of flora and fauna in the nature reserves of Sơn Trà, Bà Nà-Núi Chúa, and the Special-use South of Hải Vân forest, were honoured with awards and a total cash prize of VNĐ100 million (US$4,000).

Đà Nẵng boasts a rich ecological system spanning 66,000 hectares – 51 per cent of its land area – and is home to 1,300 red-shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus), an endangered species of primates. These langurs inhabit a 4,400-hectare area within the Sơn Trà Nature Reserve.

The first exhibition, which was organised in 2020, drew 450 photos from 90 artists.

A painting of a woman washing her hair will be displayed at the Essence of a Pearl exhibition on the 4th floor of Madame Lân Restaurant at No 4 Bạch Đằng Street in Đà Nẵng from December 23 to January 7. Photo courtesy of Madame Lân Restaurant 
In conjunction with the New Year celebrations, a painting exhibition titled "The Essence of a Pearl" will be open to the public free of charge on the 4th floor of Madame Lân Restaurant at No 4 Bạch Đằng street in Đà Nẵng.

Marking its first-ever display, the exhibition showcases masterpieces by professors and alumni of l'École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, from 1925 to 1930, also known as the Indochina College of Fine Arts. The central themes of the exhibition are Vietnamese women and landscapes.

The event features 35 artworks by 14 renowned artists from l'École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, including pieces in lacquer, oil, wood engraving, and silk. It highlights the significant artistic contributions of Mai Trung Thứ, Lê Phổ, Tô Ngọc Vân, Joseph Inguimberty, and others.

Designed to create a shared space for the public that combines cuisine with various art forms, embodying the richness of Vietnamese culture, the exhibition is open daily from 9am to 8pm, starting December 23 through to January 7.

Visitors can register to attend the exhibition at: https://bit.ly/the-essence-of-a-pearl. 

Seminar spotlights achievements, outlook of Việt Nam-India ties

Vietnamese and Indian scholars and experts gathered at a meeting in Hà Nội on December 22 to discuss achievements of the Việt Nam-India relations over the past 50 years and outlook for the bilateral ties in the future.

Participants agreed that Việt Nam and India have shared a time-honoured relationship with strong connections in history and culture.

The modern stage of bilateral ties is closely attached with the name of President Hồ Chí Minh.

Former Foreign Minister Nguyễn Dy Nien, the first Vietnamese diplomat deployed to India to set up Vietnamese Consulate General, underlined that the bilateral relationship is a special one. India provided Việt Nam with great support during the past struggle for independence, he said.

Participants affirmed that despite considerable instability in the world, the solidarity and strong trust between the two countries have provided both sides with encouragement and confidence to overcome the current period.

Indian Ambassador to Việt Nam Sandeep Arya underlined that India and Việt Nam shared a similarity in promoting technology with the establishment of special task forces to make full use of the technological development during the growth process in each country.

At the event, participants also highlighted the potential of cooperation between the two sides in various fields, including digital transformation.

They emphasised that as both countries are striving for net-zero emissions, their experience in national energy transition can be helpful for each other, including models and policies regarding electricity auctions, power grid management, electricity purchasing and electric vehicle use encouragement. 

'Bamboo diplomacy' a valuable concept in int'l relations: Indian expert

Việt Nam's 'bamboo diplomacy' is a strategic and valuable concept in international relations, according to former Deputy National Security Advisor of India SD Pradhan.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in New Delhi, the expert said that the 'bamboo diplomacy' characteristic demonstrates the steadiness in policy and flexibility in external relations of Việt Nam based on President Hồ Chí Minh's ideology as well as national interest.

It reflects Việt Nam's great attention to the role of multilateralism in settling global issues, said Pradhan.

He held that over the years, the 'bamboo diplomacy' school has helped Việt Nam reap important achievements in external relations amid the complicated world situation.

The policy has helped enhance Việt Nam's position in the international arena and ensure the country's economic growth, said the expert, noting that Việt Nam has so far established strategic partnerships with countries from different blocs, ensuring the maintenance of independence and protection of national interests.

In terms of economy, Việt Nam has posted fast growth, at 8.02 per cent in 2022, higher than the forecast by the IMF and World Bank. Total import-export revenue of Việt Nam last year grew 9.5 per cent to US$732.5 billion, he said.

The expert underlined that the 'bamboo diplomacy' school should be popularised and added to research topics of academic organisations.

Pradhan also highlighted Việt Nam's contributions to building an environment of peace and prosperity in the world, especially as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-21 tenure and ASEAN Chair in 2020. In the period, Việt Nam chaired more than 30 meetings to discuss security issues in the Middle East, Colombia, the Central African Republic and West Africa, and evaluate operations of peacekeeping missions in Yemen, Cyprus and Libya, the expert said.

Regarding the relationship between India and Việt Nam over the years, Pradhan said that the two countries have shared the same approach. Both have emphasised the significance of maintaining peace and security for economic development, and the role of multilateralism, while sharing friendly relationships with other countries, he added.

The expert held that the two sides should continue coordinating actions at multilateral forums to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

In addition, the two countries need to become production/processing centres to promote their role as trade bridges between the East and the West. Besides, Việt Nam and India should strengthen cooperation in developing advanced technology to promote economic growth, while fostering cooperation in the field of defence, he asserted.

Tây Ninh boosts border economy, tightens border security

The southern border province of Tây Ninh has implemented many key projects to boost economic development in land border areas.

One of these highlights is the investment in developing the infrastructure of the Mộc Bài border economic zone.

Established in 1998, Mộc Bài border economic zone is not only a gateway for Tây Ninh Province in developing trade exchanges with Cambodia, but also plays an important role in socio-economic development.

With an important strategic position for national security and defence, it also maintains its role as the economic locomotive for the entire southwest border on the path to international integration.

It has attracted 56 investment projects, including 20 foreign-invested projects and 36 domestic investment projects, with registered investment capital of US$401 million and VNĐ8.6 trillion ($351.8 million), respectively.

Over more than 20 years of establishment and development, Mộc Bài border economic zone has made important contributions to the province’s socio-economic development.

Import-export turnover through the Mộc Bài border economic zone has increased sharply in recent years. It was $476.7 million in 2015, and increased to $878 million in 2019. Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, import-export turnover still reached $718.5 million in 2021.

The contribution of the Mộc Bài border economic zone to the province’s socio-economic development is also increasing. State budget revenue reached VNĐ149.5 billion ($6.1 million) in 2015, increased to VNĐ380.7 billion ($15.6 million) in 2019, and reached VNĐ246 billion ($10.1 million) in 2021.

Economic relations with ASEAN countries through import-export activities in Mộc Bài have also grown. Many local people have found jobs, improved their income, and enjoy stable lives, contributing to ensuring security and order in the border area.

Promoting green urban, industrial and service models

Vũ Tiến Lộc, a member of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee, said developing the Mộc Bài border economic zone contributes to expanding development for the southern key economic region, including HCM City, and is associated with strengthening national security and defense and foreign affairs.

Socio-economic development can be facilitated and accelerated by the presence of social and economic infrastructure.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly exposed the reality that the southern region, including HCM City, has an overloaded social and economic infrastructure in the centre and industrial areas, so we need to expand development space,” he said.

Accordingly, it is necessary to develop the Mộc Bài border economic zone with a vision of developing the industry-urban chain of the Mộc Bài border gate, HCM City and Cái Mép-Thị Vải Port associated with the trans-Asian economic corridor, he said.

Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, deputy secretary of the province's Party Committee, said it is necessary to shift the Mộc Bài border economic zone to a multi-functional development model, including industry-urban-smart services at national and international levels, with modern industry as an important driving force for local development.

It will focus on developing high-tech industry, clean energy, ecological-smart-modern urban areas, logistics services and inter-regional connection between the province and neighbouring localities, and tourism activities.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to attract experienced and prominent investors who have sufficient resources for investment in modern and well-planned urban development, and have potential partners in the field of manufacturing high-tech products, products using advanced technology and high-quality labour, high value-added products, and products deeply involved in the global value chain, he said.

With its location in terms of security and foreign affairs, the zone could become the intersection of international and national traffic axes in the country’s southwest region.

It is also an important gateway for services, tourism and transhipment of goods to Cambodia and other countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (including Laos, Thailand and Myanmar) and other ASEAN countries.

The governments of HCM City and Tây Ninh are speeding up key intra-regional infrastructure projects, including the HCM City-Mộc Bài Expressway, to clear traffic congestion at gateways to the Southern Key Economic Region.

Ngô Văn Hối, director of the provincial People's Procuracy, said 1,389 criminal cases involving 2,826 defendants were detected and prosecuted from November 2022 to October 2023.

Crimes related to social order included 534 cases involving 1,550 defendants, crimes infringing on property, the economy, and the environment totalled 514 cases involving 703 defendants, and drug-related crimes totalled 334 cases involving 543 defendants.

Criminal groups of all kinds were discovered including those performing illegal acts that cause damage to life, health, property and reputation.

“The main reasons for the increase in certain types of crimes is the global economic downturn, and conflicts and disputes between individuals or family members,” he said.

Standing Vice Chairman of Tây Ninh Province’s People's Committee Võ Đức Trong said the crime situation on the local border areas is still potentially complicated with sophisticated methods and tricks, especially illegal drug trading and transport in large quantities across border areas, fraudulent misappropriation of assets, and cross-border ​online gambling.

The provincial People's Committee has directed departments and relevant forces to deploy many measures preventing and fighting against social evils and crimes.

Many campaigns have been deployed to suppress crimes and organised crime groups aimed at reducing crime and social ills.

Provincial authorities have focused on fighting against Vietnamese scammed into illegal work in Cambodia.

In the coming time, the provincial People's Committee will promote crime prevention, focusing on dissemination and legal education based on real situations of the province.

It will improve the effectiveness of coordination between departments, sectors and socio-political organisations, develop effective models of crime prevention and control, and regularly organise peak attacks to suppress all types of crimes.

The province will focus on sustainable poverty reduction, ensuring social security and job creation, especially among ethnic groups and in border areas, to eliminate the root causes of crimes.

It will improve coordination, making cooperation more effective among agencies in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication processes required for cases.

It will improve the operational efficiency of the provincial’s steering committee for crime prevention and social evils, promote propaganda activities to mobilise the public to join the “All people protect national security” movement, and establish the Border Liaison Office (BLO) in Mộc Bài and Xa Mát.

It will also strengthen coordination and exchange information with Cambodia to fight cross-border smuggling and maintain security and order at border areas. 

HCM City plans $9.5b upgrade of road infrastructure

HCM City requires over VNĐ230 trillion (US$9.48 billion) for 59 major projects to improve its transportation infrastructure by 2030.

According to a report its Department of Transport submitted to the People’s Committee, the city’s coffers will cover VNĐ156.5 trillion of the amount and the rest will come from the Government and public-private partnerships (PPP).

The projects include construction of the HCM City – Mộc Bài and HCM City - Chơn Thành expressways.

Widening of the HCM City-Long Thành-Dầu Giây and HCM City-Trung Lương expressways HCM City is also planned.

The project to widen sections of National Highways 1, 13, and 22 in the city will cost nearly VNĐ34 trillion.

The department is also prioritising funding for the remaining three segments of Ring Road 2.

Other important works include two major bridges, Thủ Thiêm 4 and Cần Giờ, and improvements to six key traffic intersections.

Also on the cards are new regional connectivity roads in the north-west and extending National Highway 1 to Long An Province.

As of November, the city had only 2.38km of roads per square kilometre, well below the standard of 10-13.3km.

The country’s largest city is home to nearly 9.2 million vehicles, which has led to overloading of its transport infrastructure. 

Vietnam’s major diplomatic achievements at multilateral forums

The year 2003 continued to see the nation record major diplomatic achievements at multilateral forums, including the UN, which has contributed to promoting the country’s image and position in the eyes of international friends, according to Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN.

Amid an especially complicated world situation, the nation continues to prove itself to be a responsible member of the international community, effectively engaging in the common work of the UN. With significant contributions, the country upholds its ideology and stance in support of peace, development, respect for international law, multilateralism, and most importantly, upholding compliance with the UN Charter in all pillars from peace, security, development, and human rights protection.

According to Ambassador Giang, the highlight of Vietnamese diplomacy this year is the successful assumption of Vice President of the 77th UN General Assembly (September 2022 - September 2023), while participating in the process of making plans and global important decisions, especially amid the UN General Assembly having to handle a huge amount of work.

Most notably, Vietnam has chaired a number of UN General Assembly sessions which seek to discuss and pass resolutions requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provide advisory opinions on the issue of climate change and the Agreement on the Sea, as well as resolutions to organise high-level meetings on readiness to prevent and respond to epidemics.

The nation has co-ordinated with other countries to propose initiatives and solutions on many major issues, as well as becoming involved in collaborating and directly negotiating the making of documents.

This has seen the country contribute ideas and initiatives to many ongoing processes at the UN to shape the future. Indeed, it continues to play an active member of ASEAN, G-77, leading the Group of Friends of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

All of these partnerships have created a solid foreign position for the nation at the UN forum.

This year has seen the country make many meaningful contributions as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023 to 2025 term, the International Law Commission (2023-2027), the Executive Board of UNESCO (2021-2025), and the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026).

In the process of undertaking and implementing those responsibilities, the country has effectively contributed to the common work of the UN on all three pillars, including peace and security, development, and human rights.

Regarding peace and security, the Vietnamese side always actively steps up common efforts to enhance the role of the UN and build a global governance system based on the rule of law and respect for the UN Charter and standards which is widely recognized internationally.

In the context of increased competition and strategic confrontation, as well as multilateral ties facing numerous challenges, the nation has constantly called for strengthening trust, reinforcing international solidarity and responsibility, boosting dialogue and mutual understanding in order to peacefully resolve all disputes, all for the common goal of peace, national independence, democracy, and progress in the world.

The country has also actively contributed and expanded the scale of participation in UN peacekeeping activities as a contribution to preventing conflicts and building peace in hot spots in Africa.

Regarding development, Ambassador Giang emphasized that Vietnam continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The consistent Vietnamese viewpoint is always to put people at the centre and ensure they are the driving force of all policy decisions.

This is also the guiding principle that the UN always strives to pursue. The country has been participating in many core groups, making proposals, co-ordinating efforts, and negotiating many initiatives and collaboration documents on education, health, water resource protection, energy conversion, and climate change response.

Vietnam has continued to actively implement the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement, striving to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The nation has actively co-operated with UN mechanisms on human rights, while protecting the National Report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism and reports on the implementation of international human rights conventions in which the country is a member of.

Vietnam also continues to affirm its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism, with the UN playing a central role, respecting the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law, including respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, dialogue instead of confrontation, and a peaceful resolution of disputes.

Representatives of the UN and many countries highly appreciate the country’s practical and proactive contributions. Pauline Tamesis, resident coordinator in Vietnam of the UN, clearly stated that the nation is affirming its position and role regionally and globally, including taking on the role of a non-permanent member of the Security Council, being a member of the UN Security Council, being a member of the UN Human Rights Council, whilst also being one of the leading contributors to peacekeeping operations.

Rana Flowers, chief representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam, has highlighted the nation as a proactive, positive, and responsible member in multilateral processes.

Ambassador Giang forecasts that the international situation ahead in 2024 will still be extremely complicated with many unstable factors, the workload and the level of friction and complexity in UN multilateral activities will therefore increase.

The nation will continue to accelerate the implementation of a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and international integration which is proactive comprehensive, extensive, and effective.

The country will also actively prepare for and contribute to major UN processes, including the Summit of the Future, the high-level General Debate of the UNGA’s 79th session, the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in January, 2024, thereby seriously fulfilling its international commitments and continuing upholding its role as a member of crucial UN mechanisms.

The achievements and hallmarks that have been attained serve as a foundation to take pride in and believe that the nation today is not only ready to be a reliable, constructive, and responsible partner of the global community, but also possesses the expertise and resources necessary to shoulder responsibilities commensurate with its new stature.

Thereby, Vietnam moves to increasingly strengthen its role, position, and image as a peace-loving country, a responsible member, while participating more actively, proactively, and effectively in the common work of the UN in dealing with global challenges, the Vietnamese diplomat said.

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