The Ministry of Health reported on December 27 that as many as 14 localities nationwide have fully covered the basic doses of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 12-17.

Meanwhile, 11,218,402 doses of vaccines against COVID-19 have been administered to people of this age group, including 7,346,621 first shots and 3,871,421 second ones.

The coverage rates of at least one shot and two jabs are 80.7 percent and 42.5 percent of the total population in this age group, respectively, the ministry said.  

By region, the respective rates are 75.4 percent and 28.8 percent in the North; 69.2 percent and 26.7 percent in the central region; 80.1 percent and 6.6 percent in the Central Highlands; and 91.3 percent and 70.8 percent in the South.

The localities that have fully covered the basic doses for people aged 12-17 are Ha Nam, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Tien Giang, Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Binh Duong, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang.

NA to convene extraordinary session from January 4-11

The first extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly is scheduled to open via videoconference on January 4, linking with 62 delegations of deputies in centrally-run cities and provinces.

Before the opening ceremony, a preparatory meeting will be held to adopt the session’s agenda. The opening will also be live broadcast nationwide.

Legislators are due to look into four important contents submitted by the Government, including a draft resolution on fiscal and monetary policies for the implementation of the socio-economic recovery and development programme, and an investment policy on the construction of the North-South expressway for the 2021-2025 period.

They will also mull over a draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Public Investment, the Law on Public-Private Partnership, the Investment Law, the Bidding Law, the Electricity Law, the Enterprise Law, the Law on Special Consumption Tax, the Law on Enforcement of Civil Judgements and a draft resolution on piloting several special policies and mechanisms for the development of Can Tho city.

Passengers at Noi Bai international airport.

Vietnamese TV channel helps promote RoK’s Hallyu content

A Vietnamese TV channel has signed an agreement with seven provincial cities and counties of the Republic of Korea (RoK) on popularising the Korean culture (Hallyu or Korean Wave) in Vietnam and enhancing cultural exchange between the two countries.

The deal was inked on December 28 between VTC10 channel of Vietnam’s VTC Digital Television Network and seven Korean localities, including Goseong county of Gangwon province; Damyang and Boseong counties of South Jeolla province; Dangjin city of South Chungcheong province; Yeongdong county and Jecheon city of North Chungcheong; and Uiryeong county of South Gyeongsang, according to the authority of Seoul’s Yongsan district.

Under the agreement, the seven cities and counties will partner with VTC10 in producing Hallyu content which will be aired on the Vietnamese channel’s “Best in Korea” programme.

Vietnamese, Lao foreign ministers co-chair 8th political consultation

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith co-chaired the 8th ministerial-level political consultation in Hanoi on December 28.

The two ministers agreed to work closely with ministries and agencies to effectively realise signed cooperation agreements, results of high-level visits and hold celebrations for the Year of Vietnam – Laos, Laos – Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity 2022.

On December 29, the two ministers will co-chair a conference reviewing the “one-stop-shop” inspection model at Lao Bao – Densavan international border gate.

The Lao minister will also co-chair the 31st meeting of the Vietnam – Laos border delegations together with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Boundary Commission Nguyen Minh Vu.

Hanoi issues plan in response to Omicron variant

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung on December 27 signed and issued a plan on responding to the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in the city.

The plan aims to effectively implement measures to prevent the Omicron variant from entering, detect the earliest occurrence of this variant in the city, and prepare plans to control and intervene in order to minimise the impact of the pandemic on people's health and socio-economic activities if the variant is detected in the locality.

The municipal People’s Committee set tasks and measures, focusing on strengthening quarantine supervision at Noi Bai international airport; fostering surveillance and early detection of suspected cases of Omicron variant in residential areas, agencies, factories, enterprises; organising supervision through testing to early detect cases of Omicron variant infections.

Various activities celebrating New Year at cultural village

A series of activities will be organised at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in the Dong Mo tourism area of Son Tay Town, Hanoi, from January 1-3 in celebration of the new year.

Along with learning about the value and special features of brocade – the unique cultural heritage of ethnic minorities, visitors also have the opportunity to know how to make a product including cotton spinning, rolling, dyeing and weaving.

They have the chance to witness some rituals relating to the traditional craft of Zeng (broadcade) weaving of Ta Oi ethnic groups in Thua Thien Hue province and the role of Zeng in their spiritual life.

Artists from the Vietnam Circus Federation will bring special puppetry performances which are expected to bring laughter and joy to tourists when visiting the village.

The highlight of the event includes folk games, a showcase of the culture and customs of ethnic groups and experiential activities at the “common house” of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Plan approved to develop Ba Be Lake

Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam has approved a master plan to preserve and promote Ba Bể Lake, Bắc Kạn Province.

The plan aims to preserve the historical, cultural, scientific and aesthetic values of the lake, as well as protect the forests, biodiversity, geology, geomorphology and cultural heritage of ethnic communities in the area.

The plan will see the lake develop into an attractive tourist destination in Bắc Kạn, a locality in Việt Bắc region that covers Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Thái Nguyên, Tuyên Quang, and Hà Giang provinces. It aims to connect with other local historical-cultural relics and scenic spots, forming a chain of tourism products, promoting environmental protection and contributing to local socio-economic development.

In addition, the plan also defines the boundary of the protection of the area as a legal basis for managing the lake, identifying functional areas, organising space, architecture and landscapes, and arranging technical infrastructure for conservation and promotion.

RoK partners donate medical equipment, supplies to Vietnam

Vietnam received eight used ambulances and medical supplies donated by partners of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in a ceremony held in Yongin city on December 28.

The ceremony was organised by the fire police department of North Gyeongsang province and the International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA) of the RoK, and the Korea-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Association (KOVECA).

The ambulances are scheduled to be delivered to Ho Chi Minh City in January 2022.

On the same day, Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony to receive 80,000 medical masks from the RoK’s Gangwon province.

Previously, the Consulate General of the RoK in HCM City and member enterprises of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kocham) donated medical equipment and funding worth over 5.9 billion VND (nearly 259,000 USD) to help the southern hub combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tay Ninh offers free entrance fee for visitors to Ba Den tourism site in 2022

The southwestern province of Tay Ninh will allow tourists to visit Ba Den Relic Complex without paying entrance fee from January 1 to December 31 next year, according to Truong Van Hung, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Ba Den (Black Lady) Mountain, which is over 100 km to the northwest of HCM City, is famous for its majestic landscapes and magnificent caves and pagodas and is part of the Nui Ba Relic Complex in Tay Ninh province. 

The 24-sq.km complex covers an intricate system of mysterious caves, pagodas, and temples, making it a favourite venue for pilgrims. The Ba Den Mountain Festival in the first lunar month sees pilgrims come and pray for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.

Vietnam, Indonesia intensify collaboration in maritime security, safety

The Vietnam Coast Guard and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency on December 28 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in strengthening maritime security and safety between the two forces. The signing ceremony was held online.

The MoU marks the official beginning of the close and comprehensive cooperation between the two agencies since they signed a Letter of Intent on enhancing bilateral cooperation on August 23, 2017. The MoU sets forth specific contents and clearly defines the responsibilities and authority of each party in the process of implementing the document’s contents.

COVID-19: Cambodian Union of Youth Federations presents medical supplies to Vietnam

The Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia has presented Vietnam with medical supplies to support the country in the COVID-19 fight.

The gifts were handed over to the Vietnam Youth Federation (VYF)’s chapter in the southwestern border province of Tay Ninh, at the Moc Bai International Border Gate in Tay Ninh’s Ben Cau district on December 28.

The donations include face masks, gloves, protective gears and hand sanitizer, along with noodle.

Tet gifts to be presented to revolution contributors

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has signed a decision on the presentation of Lunar New Year (Tet) gifts to revolution contributors and their families.

Accordingly, gift packages worth 600,000 VND each will be presented to revolution contributors, including those involved in revolutionary activities by the August Revolution in 1945; those holding the titles of Heroic Vietnamese Mother, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, and Hero of Labour in the resistance wars; war invalids and those entitled to the treatment similar to war invalids with 81 percent or more of their bodies injured; and other contributors stipulated by legal regulations.

Meanwhile, gift packages worth 300,000 VND each will be presented to war invalids, those entitled to the treatment similar to war invalids, and those engaging in the resistance wars and getting contaminated with toxic chemicals who have 80 percent or less of their bodies injured; people involved in revolutionary activities and the resistance wars and imprisoned by the enemies; along with other contributors stipulated by legal regulations.

Representatives of martyrs’ relatives and those worshiping martyrs, if those martyrs do not have relatives, will receive 300,000 VND worth of gifts.

Association of Agent Orange/dioxin victims honoured with Labour Order

The Vietnam Association of Agent Orange/dioxin Victims (VAVA) was honoured with the Labour Order, third class, at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 28, during which the association also marked its 60th founding anniversary.

As part of efforts to care for, support and gain justice for Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam, on January 10, 2004, the VAVA was founded, aiming to mobilise resources for the victims and struggle for justice for them.

Ninh Thuan promotes sustainable development in Nui Chua national park marine protected area

Authorities of south central Ninh Thuan province has strengthened measures to conserve endangered and rare species of marine fauna and flora, and sustainably restore and develop the ecosystem of the Nui Chua National Park Marine Protected Area.

The provincial People's Committee has issued a plan on management of the Nui Chua National Park Marine Protected Area in the 2021-2025 period with a budget of over 3.3 billion VND (nearly 145,000 USD), which will focus on activities to preserve the value of natural resources and cultural - historical relics, and rationally exploit and promote the value of the marine protected area.

The management of the marine protected area will be carried out on an area of 7,352 ha.

Phu Quoc expected to become tier-1 city in 2025

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is working towards turning Phu Quoc into a first-tier urban area in 2025, making the island city a national and international maritime tourism centre.

According to Chairman of the Phu Quoc People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung, the committee is focusing on completing criteria for a tier-1 city, including those in sustainable socio-economic development, infrastructure system, human resources, and environmental protection.

Hung said that Phu Quoc will promote tourism development towards higher quality and sustainability, making it a spearhead economic sector with close connections with other domestic, regional and international localities.

In 2025, the city expects to welcome 10 million visitors, including 4 million foreigners, with average growth of 27.2 percent per year.

PM honours initiatives in COVID-19 fight

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday congratulated collectives and individuals with outstanding initiatives and achievements in national socio-economic development amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme on 75,000 initiatives to overcome difficulties and develop the country was launched after the 13th National Congress of the Party when the country began the dual goals of COVID-19 pandemic containment and economic development.

By using a digital technology platform, after nearly 80 days from March 10 to May 31, the programme attracted 250,177 initiatives, equivalent to over 300 per cent of the target.

These initiatives were from intellectuals, scientists, managers, business leaders, officials, public employees, workers, and soldiers, covering a wide range of fields and sectors, and most of the initiatives have generated concrete benefits, worth over VNĐ148.9 trillion (US$6.5 billion) in total.

At the event, the Government and the confederation’s leaders presented certificates of merit to seven collectives and 128 individuals with outstanding initiatives.

Hanoi warned over high risk of COVID-19 infection during holidays

Hà Nội People’s Committee has ordered the city health department and other relevant agencies to prepare for up to 3,000 new COVID cases per day.

The warning was issued after a surge in infections in the capital city over the past few days with more than 1,800 cases per day on average.

For the past nine days, the city has topped the list of new cases nationwide.

On Monday, the city confirmed 1,948 new transmissions including 658 community cases, mostly in Hoàng Mai, Đống Đa, Thanh Trì, Thanh Xuân districts.

Since the fourth wave of the pandemic, Hà Nội has recorded 41,357 cases including 14,991 in the community.

Medical experts have warned that the number of cases will keep increasing at the end of the year when year-end parties and conferences are held.

Concert tour about late songwriter Son begins in HCM City

Famous songs by the late songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn, a talented artist in Vietnamese contemporary music, will be featured in a concert tour in HCM City on Thursday. 

The event, Em và Trịnh – Chuyện Những Nàng Thơ  (You and Trịnh Công Sơn- Love Stories), includes five shows in HCM City, Đà Lạt, Huế, Hà Nội and Cần Thơ. 

The first show on New Year’s Eve will highlight pop star Cẩm Vân and young singers Avin Lu, Thịnh Suy, CeCe Trương and Lan Thy.

Sơn’s popular works, including Biển Nhớ, Ru Tình (Lullaby to Love), Huế-Sài Gòn-Hà Nội and Nối Vòng Tay Lớn (Circle of Unity), will be performed.

Organised by Sơn’s family and Galaxy Studio, the tour is part of a launching project for Em và Trịnh (You and Trịnh), a film about the life and career of Sơn. The film will be in cinemas next year. Em và Trịnh portrays Sơn and his music in the 1960s and 70s.

Vietnam, Cuba to augment cooperation across the board

Vietnam and Cuba reviewed co-operation for this year and consented to co-operation contents ahead in 2022 during the 39th meeting of their Inter-Governmental Committee, held via an online platform in Hanoi on December 28.

Through various conferences and workshops, both online and in-person, the two sides have managed to popularise the Vietnam-Cuba trade agreement among their businesses and relevant associations.

The co-operation project on rice production in Cuba for the 2019 to 2023 period has been carried out as scheduled. Meanwhile, the two sides have co-ordinated to raise proposals regarding the project which will help Cuba with aquatic farming and corn cultivation.

Remarkable progress has also been recorded in collaboration on health care and bio-technology, particularly with Cuba providing the Vietnamese side with five million doses of the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine.

Jail term of 3-4 years proposed for former Hanoi chairman

The Hanoi City People’s Procuracy on December 29 proposed a jail term of three to four years for former Hanoi chairman Nguyen Duc Chung for his illegal interference in bidding activities at the municipal Department of Planning and Investment.

According to the procuracy, Chung’s acts affected the operations of State agencies and damaged the prestige of agencies under the Hanoi City government, the local media reported.

Besides Chung, the procuracy suggested handing down a prison term of 36-42 months each to Nguyen Van Tu, former head of the municipal Party Committee’s office who later served as former director of the municipal Department of Planning and Investment; and former deputy director of the department Nguyen Tien Hoc for allegedly violating bidding regulations, causing serious consequences.

HCMC spends over VND9 trillion on Covid fight

HCMC has spent over VND9.1 trillion (US$400 million) on the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, including VND4.1 trillion from the city’s budget and more than VND5 trillion from other sources.

According to a report recently sent by the city government to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, some 292,000 migrant workers have left the city for their hometown due to the pandemic, especially during and right after the stringent social distancing period.

Up to now, the city has received more than VND6.7 trillion in aid for the Covid fight, including over VND1 trillion in cash, medical supplies worth over VND4.1 trillion, social welfare bags worth VND786 billion, as well as Covid vaccines, food and necessities.

In addition, in 2021, the city supported 7.4 million people affected by the pandemic. The aid amounted to over VND12.8 trillion, including over VND10.5 trillion from the city’s budget and some VND580 billion from the State budget.

Source: VNA/VOV/VNS/SGGP/SGT/ND/VGP

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES DECEMBER 29

Hospitals in Hanoi ordered to admit all critical Covid patients