Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, has transcended its traditional roots and won hearts worldwide, with its latest milestone being the opening of “Pho Hanoi 1979” restaurant in the heart of Sydney, Australia, on December 2.

On opening day, the restaurant saw customers line up eagerly to try the dish, which they described as a symphony of flavours.

The soul of Pho lies in its broth, prepared using traditional techniques that involve a slow-cooking process. A complete Pho bowl is distinguished by the addition of chopped green onions and an array of complementary herbs.

Manager of the restaurant Tommy Le said “Pho Hanoi 1979” not only serves food but also bridges cultural experiences, offering a taste of Vietnam to both Vietnamese expats and Australian people.

Present at the restaurant on the opening day, Nguyen Trong Thin, a Pho master with 40 years of experience, praised the younger Vietnamese generation's creativity, determination, as well as their national pride and dedication to promoting the Vietnamese cuisine internationally.

Henry Nguyen, a Vietnamese-Australian businessman, expressed deep emotional resonance with the dish, saying beyond the brilliant taste, it brought the essence of the homeland in every spoonful.

The restaurant's appeal extended beyond the Vietnamese community as foreigners were enthusiastic about and impressed by the dish. They said they had a wonderful experience there and will bring their families to enjoy Vietnamese Pho.

Pho has become more than a dish — it has been part of the nation’s soul. Pho has had its name defined in renowned dictionaries and has been present in more than 50 countries across the globe.

In Australia, many locals have become familiar with the term Pho and seen it as a priority at parties due to its delicious taste./.

Vietnam, RoK push for energy efficiency investment

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held a workshop in the central coastal city of Da Nang on December 3, to promote investment in energy efficiency within Vietnam’s industrial sector.

In his remarks at the event, Quach Quang Dong, Deputy Director of the MoIT’s Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department, stressed that ensuring energy security is present in all national policies.

The Vietnam Energy Efficiency Programme for 2019 – 2030 (VNEEP3) aims to save between 8% and 10% of the country’s total energy consumption by 2030. Vietnam has also received significant assistance from the international community, notably the Republic of Korea (RoK) through a project on promoting energy efficiency investment in the industrial sector supporting Vietnam’s green growth action plan.

Dong said the project practically contributes to the realisation of VNEEP3 goals in the sector and to Vietnam’s efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to Yang Seo Hyeon, Deputy Country Director at KOICA Vietnam, the agency and the MoIT began the project in 2021, in a bid to improve energy efficiency in Vietnam's industrial sectors. As part of its activities to promote energy efficiency investment, 20 major enterprises from energy-intensive industries – such as paper, steel, plastics, fertilizers, and cement – were selected for participation in energy audits in 2023 and 2024. As a result, 366 energy-saving solutions have been implemented, resulting in an estimated annual energy-saving potential of 144,000 TOE. Additionally, the project has developed and revised two energy consumption benchmarks for the paper and steel industries and disseminated five technical guidelines for energy efficiency in paper and pulp, textile dyeing, steel, cement, and beverage industries.

At the workshop, delegates listened to six presentations delivered by Vietnamese and Korean speakers. These dealt with various topics, including an overview of the project, its activities and outcomes, and examples of typical energy-audit models in the RoK. There was also information on developing and revising energy consumption benchmarks for the steel and paper industries, and an introduction to the Risk Sharing Fund managed by Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB)./.

Vietnam women’s futsal team prepares for 2025 AFC championship qualifiers

The women’s futsal squad, under the leadership of Coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang, has officially resumed training in preparation for the 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for mid-January 2025.

Hoang shared that the focus of this training camp is to prepare for longer-term plans. Specifically, the entire team of 20 players is expected to gather on December 5.

According to the coach, the opponents will be more cautious and analyse the Vietnamese team more thoroughly, so the upcoming competition is expected to be tough.

The coaching staff and the whole team will make every effort, with detailed plans for the upcoming tournament, Hoang said, expressing his belief that the players will secure a spot in the finals.

According to the plan, the national women’s futsal team began training at the Thai Son Nam sports centre in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, on December 2. During the first week, they are set to focus on tactical drills in the mornings and physical and strategic training in the afternoons./.

Tay Ninh: Joint efforts to eliminate substandard houses, ensure social welfare

An event was held to present 3.5 billion VND (nearly 140,000 USD) to support progammes aimed at eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses and ensuring social welfare, and 1,000 gifts to policy beneficiary and poor households in Tan Chau district, the southern province of Tay Ninh, as the Lunar New Year approaches.

The event was a joint effort involving a delegation of the provincial National Assembly deputies, the Tan Chau district People’s Committee, Hung Nhon Group and De Heus Group.

The donation from Hung Nhon Group and De Heus Group included 1 billion VND to the provincial chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s fund for Agent Orange victims, 2 billion VND to a programme aimed at eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing, and 1,000 gift packages valued at 500 million VND to policy beneficiaries and impoverished families.

Vu Manh Hung, Chairman of the Hung Nhon Group’s Board of Directors, said the joint venture between Hung Nhon Group and De Heus Group is deploying a chain of 12 hi-tech agricultural projects in Tay Ninh, which not only showcases its dedication to sustainable investment but also contributes to local economic development. Many products from the venture successfully reach demanding markets in Europe and Halal-certified regions.

The joint venture is dedicated to helping the community by assisting low-income households, providing scholarships for disadvantaged yet academically gifted students, especially those in border areas, and scaling up support models to other localities where its projects are based, he said.

Vice Secretary of the district Party Committee and Chairman of the district People’s Committee Vu Hong Sang reported that since early 2024, Hung Nhon Group has funded the construction of six houses for disadvantaged families, with a total investment of 960 million VND - each worth 160 million VND. In addition, thousands of gift packages have been distributed to policy beneficiary, poor and near-poor households across the district./.

Vietnamese artisans bring unique handicrafts to Milan

Vietnamese firms are making their mark at the 28th Artigiano International Handicrafts Fair in Milan, the capital of Lombardy - Italy's largest economic and cultural hub, from November 30 - December 8.

The annual event has attracted nearly 2,800 businesses from 90 countries worldwide, showcasing the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship.

The Vietnam national pavilion, an expansive 180 sq.m treasure trove, hosts 16 outstanding enterprises exhibiting a wide range of intricate and unique handicrafts. Silk, lacquerware, ceramics, and leather products vie for attention alongside innovative eco-friendly and recycled materials, such as loofah and denim fabric.

The display also highlights Vietnam's One Commune, One Product (OCOP) initiative, with samples of tea, coffee, dried fruits, black garlic, turmeric powder, cashew nuts, coconut-based products, and rice noodles that are sure to delight the senses, said Director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Minh Tien.

Under the banner "Converging Values - Spreading Culture", the pavilion invites attendees to engage in experiential activities. From product tastings to captivating video presentations promoting OCOP products tied to Vietnam's diverse regional cultures and rural tourism, this approach aims to introduce Vietnam's iconic handicrafts and specialties to a broader European audience.

The fair also featured a seminar on Vietnam-Italy handicraft cooperation, with speakers sharing insights on their countries' respective strengths, consumer and aesthetic trends, and sustainable development practices, paving the way for future partnerships.

The Vietnamese delegation also engaged with the Handicraft Federation of Vicenza city, visited local ceramic workshops and artisan production facilities to explore potential synergies.

As the Artigiano Fair coincides with the pre-Christmas and New Year shopping season, it has garnered acclaim from countries and businesses worldwide. Its robust digital platform, boasting over one million registered members, ensures year-round promotion and consistent customer engagement, making it an invaluable resource for artisans.

Italy, a handicrafts market titan with an annual trade turnover exceeding 21.05 billion USD, offers fertile ground for Vietnamese artisans to flourish. Since its debut in 1996, the fair has been the global stage for artisans to showcase their products and cultural heritage. Vietnamese firms, joining since the early 2000s, have continually strengthened their global market presence./.

External information service showcases Vietnam's global standing

The 10th National External Information Service Awards ceremony took place at the Hanoi Opera House on the evening of December 3.

The event was attended by Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, along with other senior officials, leaders of press agencies, and award-winning authors.

The awards attracted enthusiastic participation from organisations and individuals within and beyond Vietnam. Submissions were diverse in format and content, showcasing a dynamic, resilient, and globally integrated Vietnam as well as the country's cultural identity and historical traditions. The jury awarded 10 first, 20 second, 30 third, and 49 consolation prizes to outstanding entries.

In his remarks, Nghia congratulated the winners and praised the significant contributions of external information efforts, particularly the workforce involved, to Vietnam's achievements in implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. Such efforts have helped strengthen the role, position, and prestige of the Party and the nation on the international stage.

This year’s organising committee received 1,289 entries, most of them belonging to the categories of print and online media, Vietnamese and foreign-language news sites, and television.

Featuring creative and modern presentation formats, the submissions delved into a broad range of topics, including significant political, diplomatic, and cultural events, and the nation’s achievements across various fields. They gave insights into Party and State policies, particularly in priority areas such as science-technology, digital transformation, and green economy development. Many works also promoted Vietnam's natural beauty, cultural values, and people.

Submissions from foreign participants offered in-depth, multi-faceted perspectives on Vietnam's diplomatic activities, its relationships with countries in the region and the world, its appeal as a fascinating destination, and its rich history and cultural heritage.

Notably, the 10th edition saw entries in new languages such as Arabic, Italian, and Hebrew for the foreign-language print and online media categories, and Uzbek and Sinhala in the book category. The competition also marked the participation of Vietnam’s overseas diplomatic missions and Vietnamese communities abroad.

The Vietnam News Agency emerged as the media organisation with the highest number of submissions, winning two first, four second, six third and six consolation prizes.

As in previous years, this season attracted contributions from numerous foreign scholars, researchers, and journalists, including those from Cambodia, India, Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Laos, and Taiwan (China).

The television category featured a strong showing from provincial and central broadcasting stations, along with works by foreign authors aired on international channels such as Pakistan World TV and Indonesia’s Southeast Asia Today./.

Vietnam, Cuba share experience in improving information production

A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Nguyen Tuan Hung held a working session with representatives from Granma, the official daily newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuban Central Committee headed by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Oscar Alberto Sanchez Serra in Hanoi on December 3.

He highlighted that the VNA is one of six key media agencies in Vietnam, tasked with delivering the country’s official information to domestic and international press systems. It has 63 representative offices in all provinces and cities nationwide and 30 others overseas.

For many years, the VNA has maintained close and reliable partnerships with two Cuban media agencies, namely Prensa Latina and the Cuban News Agency (ACN). Its representative office in Havana has consistently fulfilled its mission of external information, promoting Vietnam’s image to the Cuban people, and providing accurate and timely news about Cuba and the region.

According to Hung, his agency has recently promoted digital transformation in its news production and dissemination processes. It has established a steering committee for digital transformation and developed annual plans for this task. It is focusing on creating highly interactive, multimedia products tailored for digital journalism and spread across multiple platforms, effectively delivering the messages of the Party and State leaders as well as key national priorities in the new era. Notably, the VNA is also implementing new AI-powered services to enhance the quality and efficiency of its information activities.

For his part, Alberto Sanchez Serra said that Granma was founded on October 3, 1965, based on the merger of two revolutionary newspapers - Hoy and Revolución.

As the official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba, Granma currently employs around 210 staff, reporters, and workers, 70% of whom are under 35. The newspaper has correspondents in every province and city across Cuba. Recently, it has focused on developing a converged newsroom model and modern journalism practices. With goals to combat fake news, persuade the public, and continually improve, Granma aims to expand its reach on social media and other information platforms to counteract disinformation and wrong allegations from hostile forces.

The Granma delegation expressed their desire to learn with and share experience with the VNA in digital transformation, particularly in modernising news production and distribution systems and applying AI technologies to improve information production efficiency.

As part of the visit, they also toured several VNA units to explore their operational models./.

Training course for Vietnamese language teachers abroad opens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tac xinh dance, a cultural heritage of San Chay ethnic group

The Tac xinh dance of the San Chay ethnic minority group is often performed for tourists who visit Thai Nguyen province.

The dance is associated with the ritual of praying for a good harvest and to thank the gods for bumper crops and a prosperous life.

Sang co singing and Tac xinh dancing have long existed side by side with the traditional rituals of the San Chay in Phu Luong district, Thai Nguyen province. The simple rhythms and easy-to-understand body language of Tac xinh dancing have passed from generation to generation.

Hoang Thi Hang, head of Dong Tien commune’s Tac xinh troupe shared, “The dance re-enacts our daily life and production. There are dances called finding the way, building a village, sharpening knives, clearing the terraced fields, celebrating the harvest, and the dance of the doves.”

Tac xinh dancing carries wishes for favorable weather, peace, and happiness, and expresses gratitude to the ancestors.

At the traditional harvest ritual, when the master of ceremony gives the signal, two shamans appear, holding a bamboo tube in one hand and a stick in the other hand. They knock the stick on the bamboo tube twice to make a "tac, tac" sound. Then they hit the bamboo tubes on the ground to create a "xinh" sound. Then people divide into groups and dance to the Tac xinh rhythm.

Tran Thi Nu, a member of the Dong Tien troupe, said, “The musical instrument and the rhythm are simple, but unlike any other instrument. Dancers raise one foot at the Tac sound, and stomp down at the Xinh sound. The bamboo pole is a symbol of natural beauty and a bountiful harvest of rice and corn. When harvest time arrives, doves fly in to signal good things, a good harvest, and joy.”

Thai Nguyen province has made Tac xinh dancing part of its community tourism. Every San Chay village has a Tac xinh dancing and Sang Co singing troupe. The tac xinh sound echoing from the San Chay homestay villages creates a joyous atmosphere.

The San Chay believe that the more people dance and the more enthusiastic the musicians are, the more likely it is that the gods will respond. The San Chay people are proud of their cultural heritage, which inspires community solidarity.

“We practice Tac xinh dancing regularly to preserve our group’s identity. We teach the children to preserve our traditions.”

“I teach the children and we’ve made some modifications. For example, at the crisscrossing movement, they invite tourists to join the dance.”

In 2014, Tac xinh dancing was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Đà Nẵng airport, international terminal operator to merge online channels

Đà Nẵng International Airport and the Đà Nẵng International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company have announced the consolidation of their digital information platforms for travellers.

The company is the operator of the international terminal at the airport, the first private enterprise in the country to operate an aviation terminal.

For the unification, the two have aligned their accounts on social media like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

They have also established a centralised e-newsletter to provide updates to partners and travellers. 

Tô Ngọc Hải, deputy director of the airport and head of the editorial board of the airport’s electronic information portal, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with AHT to provide a unified e-information portal that makes it easier for travellers to find the information they need.

“This is also a significant step in enhancing the professionalism and impact of Đà Nẵng Airport's image in the eyes of passengers.”

Đà Nẵng International Airport will launch a new website in December that integrates information from both T1 and T2 terminals, making it easier for travellers to access flight updates and other airport activities.

Đỗ Trọng Hậu, deputy general director of AHT, said: “We are confident this partnership with Đà Nẵng International Airport will foster a more refined and comprehensive identity, guaranteeing a smooth and welcoming experience for all visitors.”

The two sides said they share a goal of establishing Đà Nẵng International Airport as a symbol of the country’s warm hospitality, and providing timely, effective and easily accessible information is one of the key factors in achieving this, and so they were unifying the online information platforms for the entire airport.

Located three kilometres from downtown Đà Nẵng, the airport is the largest in central Việt Nam and third largest in the country. 

The domestic terminal, managed by the Vietnam Airports Corporation, has 52 check-in counters and 11 boarding gates, and serves over nine million passengers a year. 

Sóc Trăng’s ST25 fragrant rice awarded 5-star OCOP rating

The OCOP (One Commune One Product) Council of Sóc Trăng Province recently awarded the highest 5-star rating to ST25 fragrant rice from Trần Đề District, further solidifying its reputation as a top-quality local product.

In line with the OCOP Programme, Sóc Trăng has promoted its signature products, enhanced product branding and facilitated trade promotion. The province organises exhibitions and trade fairs to introduce local specialities and has formed local councils to assess and categorise OCOP products.

In addition to ST25 rice receiving a 5-star rating, several products earned 4-star ratings, including canned baby corn, lotus seeds in rock sugar, canned pineapples and mushrooms and Hải Sơn durian-filled mooncakes (from Châu Thành District).

Other 4-star products from Vĩnh Châu Township included pandan-flavoured ready-to-eat bird’s nest, cordyceps-flavoured bird’s nest, Quốc Tín bird’s nest and high-grade instant bird’s nest. Another product was recommended for a 3-star rating assessment at the local level.

Since launching the OCOP Programme in 2018, Sóc Trăng has awarded OCOP stars to 238 products, including one 5-star, 18 four-star and 219 three-star products, developed by 135 companies, cooperatives and businesses. The number of OCOP products has already exceeded 118 per cent of the province's original targets.

Sóc Trăng’s famous bánh pía has also earned 3 and 4-star OCOP ratings. Hải Sơn Food Processing Ltd, a well-known cake producer in Hồ Đắc Kiện Commune, Châu Thành District, has had eight products awarded OCOP stars, including seven 4-star and one 3-star rating.

According to Hải Sơn, the company has invested in modernising production facilities while maintaining the traditional taste of bánh pía with safe, hygienic ingredients, resulting in a 5-10 per cent increase in domestic supply. Many local producers are also enhancing product quality and design to cater to diverse domestic and international markets, aiming to elevate existing products to higher OCOP ratings.

Vice Chairman of the Sóc Trăng People’s Committee, Vương Quốc Nam, highlighted the importance of improving the value of local products. He urged OCOP businesses to invest in raw materials, packaging and quality enhancement to boost market competitiveness.

Government agencies are encouraged to support local OCOP products by helping standardise unique offerings, promoting trade and expanding market access. Efforts will continue to broaden the reach of Sóc Trăng’s OCOP products within Việt Nam and to international markets.

Vạn Phúc silk village on verge of being global Creative Cities Network member

The International Jury of the World Crafts Council (WCC) has recently conducted a survey and evaluation to recognise Hà Nội's Vạn Phúc silk weaving village in Vạn Phúc Ward, Hà Đông District a member of the global Creative Cities Network.

The board included the President of the WCC Asia Pacific Region, Aziz Murtazaev, Vice Chairman of the Crafts Council for Southeast Asia and Nadia Meer, Vice Chairman of the Crafts Council for the Africa region.

At Vạn Phúc, the jury was given an overview introduction about the craft village. They went on a field trip at the Vạn Phúc Silk Conservation and Development Centre before visiting and working at Vụn ART Cooperative, Triệu Văn Mão Silk Weaving Factory and Vạn Phúc Silk Joint Stock Company, as well as meeting the weavers and artisans of the village.

The jury highly appreciated the unique values ​​of Vạn Phúc Village, especially its rich culture and history of development over centuries and its prominence in the field of handloom weaving.

They praised the workers in the hand loom areas, especially the weaving textile design and pattern making. However, they suggested that to advance further in the global Creative Cities Network, the village needed to build a craft museum, which would store valuable documents related to the history of formation and development and at the same time honour the outstanding artisans.

The jury praised the local artisans for skillfully applying technology to the manual designing process. Đỗ Văn Hiển's designs and creations were typical examples, his invention of digital brocade cards significantly brought benefits to local artisans.

The village needed support to have specialised training programmes to hand on traditional weaving skills to the younger generations. During these 70 types of weaving design patterns should be recorded in publications and carefully train for artisans. These efforts would ensure the sustainability of the craft village while attracting new talents taking part in this field.

According to the jury, Vạn Phúc should expand its international exchanges and cooperation as well as build a complete craft village ecosystem with a view to promote its great potential. It was necessary to establish stronger policies to support artisans and organise international fairs during the framework of the Vạn Phúc Craft Village Festival.

The WCC was ready to support Hà Nội in connecting with other members of the global Creative Cities Network to promote Vạn Phúc silk in Western fashion shows and through collections of famous designers.

Vạn Phúc is one of the most famous silk weaving villages in Việt Nam and has a tradition lasting more than a thousand years.

It was granted a certificate of 'Vạn Phúc Traditional Silk Weaving Village' in 2001 and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism placed Vạn Phúc's silk weaving craft on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2023.

Being a member of the global Creative Cities Network will be a great opportunity for Vạn Phúc to bring into play its potential, to strongly promote its unique values, sustainably develop its traditions and arts and create products that reach international standards and widely spread the quintessence and identity of the Vietnamese soul. VNS

Cambodian child receives free life-saving heart surgery

HCM City’s Children’s Hospital No 1 has successfully performed emergency heart surgery on a Cambodian boy suffering from a severe congenital heart defect.

The hospital also said more than VNĐ100 million (US$4,000) has been raised to support the child.

Two weeks ago, the two-year-old boy was brought to the hospital in a critical condition, struggling with severe breathing difficulties and restlessness.

Through an interpreter, the boy’s mother, 26-year-old Say Nia, explained that her son had been experiencing fevers, a productive cough and breathing issues for the past four months.

Initially diagnosed with pneumonia in Cambodia, he was monitored for potential tuberculosis. Despite frequent medical check-ups and prescribed home treatments, his condition did not improve.

Dr Nguyễn Thị Phương Châu from the hospital’s Cardiology Department revealed that upon admission, doctors diagnosed a rare defect in the membrane of his left atrium, accompanied by severe pulmonary hypertension.

This condition mimicked symptoms of pneumonia or pulmonary edema and could be easily confused with tuberculosis. The delayed diagnosis had significantly worsened the boy’s heart muscle function and escalated his pulmonary artery pressure.

Immediate surgery became imperative to save his life. However, the costs were a significant concern for Say Nia, who considered returning to Cambodia.

The medical team, committed to saving the child, proceeded with the surgery and garnered financial support from charitable donors to cover the expenses.

A week after the surgery, the boy's condition has stabilised, and he is preparing to be discharged from the hospital. Donations covered the entire cost of the surgery.

Say Nia shared her relief and gratitude: “When we arrived in Việt Nam, I had only VNĐ10 million. Almost all was spent within a week, and I had just over one million left when the doctors said my son needed surgery.

"I planned to take him home, but the doctors secured financial support, allowing my son to recover. I am profoundly grateful to the Vietnamese doctors.”

Dr Nguyễn Trí Hào, Head of the Cardiology Department, noted that left atrial membrane defects are exceedingly rare, with only one or two cases treated annually at the hospital. Despite being a heart condition, the associated symptoms often lead to misdiagnoses as pneumonia or tuberculosis, he added. 

Households in landslide areas waiting for full reallocation financial help

A total of 282 households in the mountainous region of the north central province of Thanh Hóa have been relocated to safer areas and provided with financial support through provincial funds.

The reallocation is a part of a project to arrange and stabilise the population in areas with a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion in mountainous districts of the province for the 2021-25 period.

However, to date, 151 households in Ón Hamlet in the border district of Mường Lát, in Co Hương Hamlet in Quan Sơn District, Lở Hamlet in Nam Động Commune and Tang Hamlet in Trung Thành Commune, Quan Hóa District, have yet to receive the full amount of relocation support, totalling nearly VNĐ3 billion (US$119,000).

Since 2022, residents of Lở Hamlet in Nam Động Commune, Quan Hóa District, who lived at the base of Pom Dưới Mountain, an area at high risk of flash floods, landslides and soil erosion, have been classified for relocation.

Following the Government’s investment in a new resettlement area, residents from Lở Hamlet were moved to the new site at the beginning of 2023.

Using State funds, the relocated households received financial support for building houses at their new locations, with each household receiving between VNĐ30 million and VNĐ80 million ($1,200-3,200).

However, 34 households in the village have yet to receive the full amount of resettlement support.

The delay was due to only a portion of the support funds being disbursed from State sources when the resettlement area was built and residents were relocated.

The remaining amount that is funded by the Việt Nam Fatherland Front and other organisations, has not been fully provided and mobilising funds from these sources has proven challenging.

As a result, after a prolonged period, residents are still awaiting for the complete disbursement of resettlement support.

Lương Văn Cẩn, a resident of Lở Hamlet, said that his family has been living in the resettlement area for a long time and was supposed to receive VNĐ75 million ($3,000) to rebuild his home.

However, his family has only received VNĐ50 million so far.

Similarly, Lò Thị Sử moved to the resettlement area long ago but has yet to receive financial support of VNĐ10 million ($400).

Her family is currently facing financial difficulties and still owes money to the bank for their home. She hoped that remaining funds will be soon released to help her family stabilise their life.

In 2023, the Quan Hóa District People's Committee arranged and relocated 111 households to the resettlement areas in Lở Hamlet and Tang Hamlet of Trung Thành Commune with a total support amount of VNĐ4.5 billion ($178,000).

However, the district still lacks nearly VNĐ2 billion ($80,000) to support residents in the new resettlement areas.

The district government has submitted a request to relevant departments and agencies for additional funding to support the residents.

Lê Văn Nam, deputy head of the Agriculture Office in Quan Hóa District, said that under Resolution 590 by the Thanh Hóa Province Party Committee in 2021, financial support for households relocated to new resettlement areas was approved.

However, households have only received provincial budget support, while funds from the Việt Nam Fatherland Front and other organisations have not yet been provided, he said.

The district’s People's Committee has requested the province’s People's Committee and Việt Nam Fatherland Front mobilise funds to support the residents, as they face numerous difficulties and need additional funding to sustain their lives in the new resettlement areas.

Under the plan for population arrangement and stabilisation in areas prone to flooding and landslides in the mountainous districts of Thanh Hóa for the 2021-25 period, so far, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local authorities have relocated 282 households to safe locations, with provincial funds providing direct support.

However, funding from the Việt Nam Fatherland Front has yet to be disbursed to these households.

Lê Bá Lương, head of the Rural Development Sub-department in Thanh Hóa Province, confirmed that the districts have submitted lists of households that have not received their full resettlement support funds to the department.

The department has compiled the information and requested that the provincial Việt Nam Fatherland Front address the issue.

In addition to providing support, Thanh Hóa Province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to promote public awareness of the Government's policies, encouraging residents to support the implementation of resettlement projects to ensure their safety and improve their livelihoods, he said. 

PM urges drastic measures on African swine fever in year-end months

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has ordered drastic measures, including large-scale vaccination campaigns, to prevent and control African swine fever.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as many as 1,452 African swine fever outbreaks have been reported since early this year in 1,003 communes in 48 provinces and cities.

Over 81,000 pigs have been culled thus far, an increase of 2.6 times over the same period last year.

Several typhoons this season have also caused severe damage to agricultural production and livestock farming.

African swine fever and typhoons have negatively affected the livestock industry, food supply and consumer price index, with prices expected to rise before the end of the year and Lunar New Year 2025.

In order to promptly and effectively prevent African swine fever, restore production and ensure an adequate food supply, the Prime Minister requested ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies and chairmen of provincial and centrally-run people's committees to take drastic and synchronous solutions to prevent and control African swine fever.

Local authorities have been asked to mobilise local resources to handle outbreaks and prevent new ones while destroying sick pigs, suspected sick pigs and dead pigs.

Farmers have also been ordered to sterilise cages and surrounding areas.

Localities will review and compile data on the total number of pigs as well as the number already vaccinated against African swine fever.

They will have to adjust plans and prioritise funding for centralised vaccine purchases before organising simultaneous vaccinations.

The PM also urged dissemination of information on the fever’s risks and told local authorities to take responsibility if an outbreak of African swine fever occurs in the area.

He asked for localities to build disease-free areas and facilities to serve exports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is presiding over and coordinating with ministries, sectors and localities to closely monitor the situation and proactively deploy measures to ensure an adequate food supply before, during and after the Lunar New Year. 

Humanitarian surgery programme provides free artificial hip and knee joints for poor patients

Operation Walk Ireland will provide free knee and hip replacement surgeries for about 70 poor patients at the 108 Military Central Hospital.

The patients are in extremely difficult circumstances with hip and knee diseases and with indications for joint replacement.

This year, Operation Walk Ireland sent a delegation of nearly 100 experts and medical staff in joint surgery, in coordination with doctors and medical experts of the 108 Military Central Hospital, to perform hip and knee surgery and provide post-operative recovery treatment for patients.

Many poor patients have knee and hip diseases that affect mobility, but do not receive surgery because of the high cost of treatment. Therefore, when participating in the programme, patients will receive free of charge the entire cost of artificial joint replacement surgery, each worth about VNĐ50 million (US$2,000). After surgery, all patients are trained to restore the motor function of their limbs and return to normal work and daily activities.

The humanitarian programme was under the framework of a cooperation programme between the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Operation Walk Organisation since 2008, helping patients restore the motor function of their limbs in order to resume normal activities.

The annual programme aims to continuously improve the hospital’s quality of examination, treatment and patient care in general and surgery for patients with knee and hip replacement indications.

It also helps strengthen the exchange and learning of experiences with Irish surgeons in the fields of joint replacement surgery, anaesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care, comprehensive care as well as rehabilitation for patients with knee and hip replacement.

Operation Walk is a humanitarian organisation specialising in joint replacement surgery, established in 1996 in the United States. After nearly 30 years of operation, the organisation has operated on thousands of patients worldwide.

In Việt Nam, Operation Walk has worked with many medical facilities, such as the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Military Hospital 175, to provide humanitarian activities since 2008.

Up to now, the 108 Military Central Hospital has coordinated with the Operation Walk organisations of the United States and Ireland to perform humanitarian surgery to replace hip and joint joints for about 1,000 patients in Việt Nam. 

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