National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue attended and delivered a speech at the plenary session of the first Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit which opened in Vientiane on December 5.

Describing the solidarity, friendship and political trust among the three countries as an invaluable asset that holds long-term strategic meaning in the national construction, protection and development of the countries, Hue stressed that Vietnam has treasured and taken developing ties with the neighbouring countries as a strategic mission and a top priority in its foreign policy.

The Vietnamese top legislator affirmed that the establishment of the summit is a milestone in the cooperation history of the three parliaments, which helps elevate the collaboration to the highest level, and is a bold step to concretise the outcomes of the high-level meeting among Party leaders of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in September 2021.

Hue put forth several measures to bolster cooperation among the three legislative bodies.

Regarding politics-foreign affairs, he suggested they join hands to preserve, nurture, and enhance the strategic values of the Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam traditional friendship and special solidarity.

They should complete institutions and issue legal policies to support the governments in developing the socio-economy and ensuring security – defence, while working closely and support each other at regional and international forums, especially the parliamentary cooperation mechanisms such as IPU, APPF and AIPA, contributing to building the ASEAN Community and promoting Mekong sub-regional collaboration.

In terms of trade, economy and investment, he suggested they continue supervising the implementation of the signed cooperation documents, as well as negotiating the signing of new ones to fully form legal corridors that facilitate collaboration to create breakthroughs in economic cooperation and promote connectivity among the three economies.

Touching on culture-society, Hue highlighted the three parliaments should join hands to examine the conditions to develop tourism, promote the “three countries – one destination” model, and strengthen cooperation across health care, education-training and cultural exchange.

He said the moves will help educate the young generations on the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam friendship, stressing the parliaments should ask the governments to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao peoples to study and work in each nation.  

Regarding environment and climate change issues, he highlighted that they should step up coordination and discussions on the relevant laws, and cooperation with competent international partners to promote the effective and sustainable use of natural resources, particularly the Mekong river, for common benefits of the three countries.

Additionally, they should encourage governments and relevant authoritiess to enhance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate change response measures.

On defence-security, Hue said that the three parliaments should continue support for each other to maintain stability and order in each country, and to prevent any forces from using one country’s territory against other countries.

He also suggested that they create favourable conditions for the completion of land border demarcation and marker planting between countries.

At the event, the three top legislators said that the establishment of the summit contributes to deepening the friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

They affirmed their commitment to deepening the cooperation ties and parliamentary partnership to maintain close collaboration for the benefits of the three parliaments, thus nurturing the friendship and solidarity and enhancing comprehensive cooperation across various fields.

They also laid a stress on the supervisory role of the parliaments in responding to global challenges, handling shortcomings, and promoting the implementation of agreements and projects for the benefits of the CLV Development Triangle Area and the three countries in particular.

At the event, representatives from international, regional and national organisations spoke highly of the cooperation among the three legislative bodies, as well as that of localities in the CLV Development Triangle Area. They pledged support for the countries in their sustainable development journey, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Before attending the plenary session, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and his Lao and Cambodian counterparts Saysomphone Phomvihane and  Khuon Sudary paid a courtesy visit to General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

NA Chairman meets with Vietnamese business community in Laos

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue met with representatives of over 160 Vietnamese enterprises in Laos on December 5.

Chairman Hue thanked the Lao National Assembly and Government for tackling difficulties faced by the Vietnamese firms, and called for making breakthroughs in bilateral economic, trade and investment ties.

Vietnam considers institutional frameworks, legal policies, human resources, especially high-quality personnel, infrastructure and logistics costs as strategic breakthroughs, he said, adding that Laos is also interested in these areas.

The leader asked the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos to collect businesses’ proposals at the event to submit to the 46th meeting of the Inter-Government Committee scheduled to take place in early 2024.

The two Parties and States are also focusing on sharing macro-economic management experience, and planning at sectoral and regional levels, the NA Chairman said.

Regarding infrastructure, he said both sides are preparing for projects related to Vung Ang Port, creating conditions for Laos to connect to the sea. Financial institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are interested in these projects. If funding from these organisations cannot be arranged, public investment should be considered.

About transport, he said Vinh city in the central province of Nghe An could be selected as a connection point to Hanoi-Vientiane expressway to facilitate East-West connectivity and boost cargo transport and tourism, which will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Inter-Government Committee.

Along with the launching of the direct Ho Chi Minh City - Vientiane flight service early next year, he stressed that completing road, air and rail connectivity will be a crucial factor that fundamentally changes the bilateral trade and investment relationship.

NA Chairman Hue acknowledged the businesses' recommendations on cooperation in finance, currency and exchange rate, saying that these recommendations will be forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration.

The two countries always create conditions for the Vietnamese business association in Laos to develop, he said, adding that the NA has approved in principle the building of a decree on setting up an investment promotion support fund for enterprises operating in and outside the country, and assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to collect opinions of businesses in Laos during the process of drafting this decree. 

The top legislator also took note of opinions related to investment in high-tech agriculture, rubber planting, large-scale agricultural production for export, energy development, especially renewable energy and wind and solar power, mining, infrastructure development, and tourism, especially in the Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Development Triangle, in order to effectively implement the "three countries – one destination" model.

He asked the Vietnamese business association in Laos to gather proposals of Vietnamese businesses in Laos, then send them to authorised agencies in the homeland for consideration and settlement.

NA Chairman meets Vietnamese community in Laos

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with representatives from the Vietnamese community in Laos on December 5, in the framework of his working trip to Laos to attend the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit.

Chairman of the General Association of Vietnamese People in Laos Pham Van Hung informed the Vietnamese NA leader that the Vietnamese community in Laos have been active in social and charity work, contributing to local social-economic development and poverty reduction in disadvantaged areas.

On behalf of the community, Hung proposed that competent agencies speed up the signing of an expanded agreement on labour cooperation, and increase the number of scholarships for Lao students of Vietnamese origin to study in Vietnam.

Talking to the representatives, Chairman Hue stressed the significance of the first CLV Parliamentary Summit and informed them of the socio-economic situation in Vietnam. He highlighted that the 8th plenum of the Party Central Committee had adopted a new resolution on national unity, which puts emphasis on the role of the overseas Vietnamese community.  

He took note of the proposals of the Vietnamese community in Laos, saying that they will be sent to the Governments of the two countries.  

The top legislator affirmed the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State on taking care of the overseas Vietnamese community, considering them an integral part of the Vietnamese nation.

On this occasion, the NA Chairman presented 100 gifts to the Vietnamese community in Laos.

Potential remains for Vietnam-Belarus cooperation: expert

The Vietnam-Belarus relationship is developing strongly, and the two countries boast potential to expand their cooperation in many fields, said Chairman of the Council of Experts of the Eurasian Research Fund Grigory Trofimchuk.

Trofimchuk told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) ahead of Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko’s official visit to Vietnam from December 6-9 that Vietnam has maintained its relations with almost countries of the former Soviet Union, including Belarus, noting the bilateral political and economic ties have been developing at different levels.

The two countries have held many discussions recently on ways to strengthen the collaboration, he added.

He said Belarus is working hard to access the Southeast Asian market, and Vietnam would serve as a bridge between the country and the region.

Trofimchuk suggested the two countries cooperate in such areas as chemistry, agriculture, auto industry, and health care, adding many big Belarusian firms have maintained their good relations with Vietnam.

Workshop seeks to tackle water challenges in Vietnam

A workshop on the Young Water Professional Network 2023 themed “Tackling water challenges in Vietnam” was held in Vinh Phuc province on December 5.

The event was jointly organised by the Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Water Partnership (AWP).

Deputy head of the department Ngo Manh Ha said that the workshop was the first step for the forming of Vietnam's network of young water professionals. Those chosen to this network represent officials, researchers, scientists, lecturers, and students, who are aged between 21 and 35, and working and studying at agencies, research institutes and universities in water resources management, natural resources management, climate change, the environment and several related fields.

Through guidance and interaction from Vietnamese and Australian experts, young professionals will strengthen dialogue with stakeholders, come up with solutions to challenges, and sustainably manage water resources in Vietnam, thus bringing long-term and sustainable effects to the environment, Ha added.

Regarding water resources management recommendations for Vietnam, John Riddiford, Chair of the International Water Association's Watershed and River Basin Management specialist group, advised agencies to be consistent in policy and legal framework so as to understand the full value of water through the commitment to management, and promote transparency and accountability.

CLV Parliamentary Summit discusses cooperation to enhance CLV economic connectivity

A session on enhancing parliamentary cooperation in promoting connectivity among the economies of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam (CLV) towards sustainable and inclusive development took place in Vientiane, Laos on December 5, as part of the first CLV Parliamentary Summit.

Opinions at the event stressed that since the launch of the CLV Development Triangle Area initiative in 1999, the three countries have signed numerous important cooperation agreements covering various areas such as economy, investment, trade, customs, transportation, culture, education and training, thus facilitating the smooth flow of goods, people and vehicles across the borders.
      
The three legislatures have made efforts to fine-tune laws, policies and mechanisms to ensure a full legal framework for promoting economic connectivity, they said.

The Vietnamese delegation suggested that the three national assemblies should promote coordination through annual or ad-hoc exchanges and discussions when necessary, hold high-level parliamentary conferences periodically with substantial and effective cooperation contents, and enhance the role of lawmakers, especially those from the border provinces in the CLV development triangle area.
 
They also proposed building favourable mechanisms concerning administrative procedures, taxes and land access to attract investment, especially in hi-tech projects; issuing policies conducive to investment connectivity and upgrade of infrastructure at the three countries' border gates; developing the private sector into a growth engine of the area.

The Governments of the three countries should pool resources for rapid and sustainable development of their economies, strengthen connectivity and effectively roll out programmes and projects in the development triangle area, particularly those related to education-training, transportation, clean and renewable energy, and digital connectivity, the Vietnamese delegates said.

Representatives from ministries, agencies and localities suggested that the three legislatures conduct annual thematic supervisory activities regarding the realisation of connectivity targets towards sustainable and inclusive development. They highlighted the need to enhance representation for citizens, convey the public voices in monitoring State activities, and further facilitate citizens and communities' involvement in the process of building laws and policies.

British friendship organisation co-founders awarded Vietnamese medals for peace and friendship

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) on December 4 presented the Medal “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” to Ben Chapman, Warwick Morris and Paul Smith, the co-founders of the Vietnam-UK Network (VUKN), to honour their outstanding contributions to the relations between the two countries.

The medal, the highest award of the Presidium of VUFO, was presented by Nguyen Van Phuc, First Vice Chair of the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association (VUFA), at VUKN’s annual pre-Christmas reception in London, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK relations and 10th anniversary of the Network.

According to VUKN, its founders were honoured not only for their outstanding contributions to the culture, politics, economy, and society of Vietnam over the decade through the establishment and development of the Network, but also for their contributions and achievements in a number of other important roles which have contributed positively to the development of the Vietnam-UK relations. Founding Chair of VUKN, Ben Chapman, was a former Member of Parliament while former Chair Warwick Morris was former British Ambassador to Vietnam and former Vice Chair Paul Smith was founder of software group Nash Tech with years of business experience in Vietnam.

The Network said the presentation of this commemorative medal affirmed Vietnam's high appreciation of the contributions of British individuals and organisations to the relations between the two countries and peoples. 

At the event, VUKN and VUFA also signed a new five-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), which acknowledges the two organisations’ long standing and fruitful on-going relationship while marking a new era of partnership between them. The partnership is expected to enhance the relations between British and Vietnamese peoples in various fields of mutual interest, from business, science and technology, environment to culture and welfare.

Addressing the event, VUKN Chair Mark Kent, who is also former British Ambassador to Vietnam, said this year marked not only the 50 years of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations but also the 10th anniversary of VUKN. He highlighted the contributions of the VUKN founders as well as diplomats and many others from both countries to this achievement.

Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long reaffirmed the commitment to do everything to enhance cooperation and relations between the two countries.

He said the achievements in developing relations between the two peoples and the effective cooperation between VUFA and VUKN have been largely attributable to the contributions and enthusiasm from the VUNK co-founders, its Chairman Mark Kent and members.

Established in early 2013, VUKN is a friendship organisation run by British volunteers to promote friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

President meets voters in Da Nang city

President Vo Van Thuong met voters in the central city of Da Nang on December 5 to inform them about the results of the sixth session of the 15th National Assembly that concluded recently.

Local voters expressed their trust in the investigation and trial of corruption cases, but they also voiced concern as corruption and negative phenomena have grown more and more sophisticated. What is even more worrying is that many cases involve those who work to combat corruption such as inspection officials and auditors.  

They suggested the NA strengthen supervision of anti-corruption work and the trial and judgment enforcement in corruption cases; strictly handle officials who commit acts of corruption, bribery, and taking advantage of positions and powers for personal gain; improve the recovery of State assets lost in corruptions cases, and build a really clean contingent of public employees.

Some voters also mentioned problems related to secondary school education, and the quality of vocational education; and the shortage of drugs and medical equipment for medical examination and treatment.

Clearing up local voters’ concern over the anti-corruption work, President Thuong reiterated the Party and State's determination to prevent and combat corruption and negative phenomena, which he said is the foundation to solve more corruption cases.

He cited the direction made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Head of the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, on intensifying the prevention and fight against corruption and negative phenomena right in agencies involved in anti-corruption.

The President noted that this year, the Politburo has issued two regulations on controlling power, preventing and combating corruption and negative phenomena in inspection, supervision and enforcement of Party discipline and in inspection and audit activities; and in investigation, prosecution, trial and judgment enforcement activities.

The President said he hopes that Da Nang's officials will strengthen coordination with relevant central agencies to jointly resolve voters' petitions.

CLV legislatures strengthen cooperation in national defence, security

A session on enhancing the supervisory role of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) National Assemblies in national defence-security to ensure peace and stability was held in Vientiane, Laos, on December 5, as part of the first CLV Parliamentary Summit.

At the event, Chairman of the Vietnamese NA's Committee for National Defence and Security Le Tan Toi highlighted the crucial role of the three legislatures in oversight activities and in defence and security supervision in particular.

He urged them to further uphold their supervisory role to prompt each government to effectively implement signed agreements on national defence and security, toward ensuring the security, safety, peace and stability in the CLV development triangle area.

The Vietnamese side also proposed the governments of the three countries regularly direct their relevant agencies involving in border management and protection to well coordinate in bilateral patrols to firmly safeguard the borders and border markers, share information and combat various crimes in border areas, especially terrorist activities and those aimed at subverting the three administrations of the three nations.

Together with the Vietnamese delegation, the Cambodian and Lao sides suggested continuing to strengthen oversight over the implementation of the signed bilateral agreements, especially in crime prevention and control, investment and trade, residence management while stepping up the negotiations and signing of international treaties to address defence and security issues. This aims to facilitate socio-economic development in the CLV development triangle area.

They emphasised the need to identify and enhance mechanisms for exchanging information and activities of the three committees to effectively coordinate the implementation of the signed agreements.

The three sides agreed to continue their fight against drug and human trafficking crimes, strengthen cooperation in water security issues and disposal of bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance left over from the war.

Ambassador: Vietnam, Belarus develop ties with increasingly high level of trust

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Nguyen Van Ngu has highlighted the achievements and prospects of Vietnam-Belarus relations, and expectations for the upcoming Vietnam visit by Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko from December 6-9.

During an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency in Belarus, the Ambassador said bilateral ties have deep roots dating back to the Soviet era when President Ho Chi Minh visited Belarus in 1957 and 1961, marking significant milestones in the development of the two countries' relations.

During the national construction process, Belarus has also assisted Vietnam in training thousands of students, researchers and workers. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belarusian Government and people provided Vietnam with medical equipment. Ambassador Ngu affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, Government and people of Vietnam will never forget that invaluable assistance.

More than three decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, Vietnam and Belarus have been maintaining and developing their traditional friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with an increasingly high level of trust, he said.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the ambassador said Vietnam and Belarus are collaborating in numerous areas, ranging from national defence to economy, trade, culture, education, sci-tech, people-to-people and locality-to-locality exchanges. The two countries have established a solid legal framework to promote cooperation in various fields, with about 50 cooperation agreements, including international treaties and agreements between ministries and agencies. Around 10 Vietnamese provinces have established friendly and cooperative relations with 6 out of 7 provincial-level localities of Belarus.

On the international front, Vietnam and Belarus share fundamentally similar stances and regularly consult each other at various forums and multilateral mechanisms. Vietnam has already implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Belarus is a member. Ngu believed that there remains ample potential for bilateral cooperation, especially in economy, trade and investment.

According to him, the key products of both countries complement each other rather than compete. Vietnam has many products of strength such as rice, coffee, tea, seafood and apparel that are well-known globally. Meanwhile, Belarus has renowned products like potassium fertiliser, agricultural machinery, meat, dairy products, and various high-quality items. There are also many areas in sci-tech cooperation that the two countries could further step up.

He revealed that during the upcoming visit by the Belarusian PM, ministries and agencies will finalise the signing of a cooperation agreement in sci-tech. The two countries are actively discussing an agreement that would exempt their citizens from visa requirements.

In conclusion, he wished that following the visit, the two countries’ ministries, agencies, localities and businesses would understand each other better and formulate initiatives and contracts to realise their cooperation potential.

NA Chairman visits Academy of Politics of Lao People's Public Security

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue visited the Academy of Politics of the Lao People's Public Security in Vientiane on December 5, as part of his working trip to Laos and his attendance at the first Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit.

NA Chairman Hue expressed his delight at visiting the academy, a project symbolising the cooperation, solidarity and mutual support between the two Parties and countries, and between the two public security forces of Vietnam and Laos in particular.

Built on an area of 6.5ha with total investment of 250 billion VND (10.4 million USD), the academy meets the training needs for 1,200 students each year. It was inaugurated and put into operation after just seven months of construction.

He hoped that the academy will become a major research and political theory teaching centre of the Ministry of Public Security and Laos.

The Vietnamese Party, Government and NA will always create conditions for the Vietnamese people’s public security force to enhance cooperation with their Lao counterpart, he said, suggesting the two Ministries of Public Security continue supporting each other to ensure the effective operations of the academy.

The Vietnamese leader believed that in the future, the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and the two public security forces in particular will be preserved, inherited and further grow. He expected that the two forces will engage in numerous practical activities and projects bearing the hallmark of the profound friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

On this occasion, representatives from the Lao Ministry of Public Security and the Academy of Politics thanked the Vietnamese Party, Government and Ministry of Public Security for their assistance in building the academy.

Chairman Hue later presented gifts and planted a tree at the premises of the academy.

Vietnamese Party delegation visits Australia to strengthen bilateral relations

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, who is also President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, visited Australia from December 4-5.

During their stay in Canberra and Sydney, Thang and his entourage met with President of the Senate Sue Lines, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres, and Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley, among other officials.

At these meetings, Thang expressed his rejoice at the positive, strong, comprehensive development of the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership over the past years, elaborating that the mutual political trust has been consolidated, economic and trade relations have made positive strides, and collaboration in education-training, science-technology, and national defence and security has been expanded.

The Vietnamese Party and State treasure and wish to advance the bilateral strategic partnership in the time ahead, making the two countries leading economic partners of each other, and deepen cooperation in the areas where both have potential and strengths like energy transition, digital transformation, climate change response, knowledge connectivity, and innovation, the official affirmed.  

The Australian officials highlighted the significance of the visit as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, saying Australia attaches importance to its comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, including the close collaboration between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Human Rights Commission, and the HCMA in personnel training, ensuring human rights and gender equality, and implementing joint development projects.

The two sides shared the view that relevant agencies of the two countries should continue to exchange views to concretise cooperation contents in the new situation, thus promoting the bilateral ties, for the sake of their people, and businesses and localities.

Vietnam’s servicewomen play active role in UN peacekeeping operations

Joining in United Nations peacekeeping operations since 2014, Vietnamese peacekeepers fulfilled their duties well, and the female officers of the military and police forces have contributed substantially to these achievements.

Vietnam sent the first female military officer to UN peacekeeping operations in January 2018, and she served as an operational staff officer at the mission in South Sudan.

At present, the rate of Vietnam’s female officers taking part in UN peacekeeping operations is at 15.5%, which is higher than the average target set by the UN at 15% by 2028.

As of May 2023, 81 of the 529 Vietnamese officers sent to UN missions were women, including 12 deployed individually, 21 as members of Engineering Unit Rotation 1, and 48 as members of Level-2 field hospitals. In particular, the country has also sent the first female police officer to a peacekeeping mission.

At the UN missions, Vietnamese servicewomen have shown remarkable performance in many positions such as military observer, operational staff officer, training staff officer, doctor, and nurse.

Addressing an international conference on women with the UN peacekeeping operations held in Hanoi on November 26, 2022, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said Vietnam has become one of the leading countries in the efforts to increase women’s participation in these operations.

Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and former Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, noted that the country’s deployment of a high rate of servicewomen to UN peacekeeping operations reflects its strong efforts and commitments to help maintain global peace and security, promote the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and especially bolster women’s role in UN peacekeeping operations.

This is an important achievement in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, she said.

The servicewomen, who stand ready to stay away from family, take on difficult challengers and the dangers of missions and harsh training and living conditions and excellently fulfill their peacekeeping duties. They are a source of inspiration and trust for women and girls in not only Vietnam but also in the host countries. Lacroix said that UN female peacekeepers bring about greater trust, and they are important role models for women and girls in the host countries.

Vietnamese servicewomen have assisted local people in growing vegetables and caring for and teaching children. They have also offered charitable health check-ups and treatment, built roads and schools, and made and presented face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic to locals. They work ceaselessly to popularise the image of Vietnamese soldiers and women among their colleagues from other countries and local residents.

During his official visit to Vietnam from October 21 to 23 last year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that living thousands of miles away from their homeland, Vietnamese peacekeepers, both men and women, are risking their lives to bring about peace, hope, and opportunities for a better life for people in the most disadvantaged places in the world.

He added the ultimate goal of UN peacekeeping operations is to build trust, and the Vietnamese officers have been able to do so. Female peacekeepers of Vietnam have helped spread the image of the country’s land, people, and culture to international friends, and also beautify the image of UN peacekeepers.

Vietnamese, Lao NA Secretariats step up cooperation

General Secretary of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong had a working session with Secretary General of the Lao NA Pingkham Lasasimma in Vientiane on December 5.

At the session, Cuong congratulated and praised the preparation by Laos for the first Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit, with a practical agenda that demonstrates the roles and responsibilities of the three parliaments in promoting the comprehensive collaboration among the three countries.

Pingkham, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese NA Secretariat and NA Office for assisting the Lao NA Secretariat in preparing for the summit, expressing his hope to receive further assistance from Vietnam so that the country can well prepare for the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) in 2024.

He suggested Vietnam study the opening of Vietnamese language classes in Laos, and continue to support the nation with the communications work for the NA’s activities.

The two officials expressed their delight at the robust relations between the two parliaments and their Secretariats and Offices in the past time, with the effective implementation of agreements signed during the official visit to Laos by NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in 2022.

They discussed cooperation between the two NA Secretariats and Offices in the coming time, including coordination to organise AIPA-45 and several conferences in Laos in 2024.

They reached consensus that together with the establishment of the CLV Parliamentary Summit – the highest level of cooperation mechanism among the three parliaments, the three NA Secretariats and Offices should bolster collaboration, enhance mutual understanding and trust, while sharing experience with and giving advisory to each other to carry out the outcomes of the summit, as well as cooperative activities of the three parliament in a timely and effective way.

On this occasion, Cuong presented a gift from the Vietnamese NA to its Lao counterpart.

Vietnam, France step up peacekeeping cooperation

A delegation of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) under the Ministry of National Defence, headed by its director Colonel Pham Manh Thang, has completed a trip to Paris to work with different sections of the French army.

The delegation visited the combat support center DAO under Regiment RCA No. 1 stationed in Canjuers, an outlying and harsh climate area. The unit’s mission is to conduct final training steps for forces to be deployed to operational areas, including the UN peacekeeping missions.

The delegation also had a working session with Colonel Francois Duhomez, the head of the French General Staff’s Asia-Pacific department.

At the session, the Vietnamese side stated that peacekeeping cooperation between Vietnam and European countries, especially France, has seen positive developments.

The VDPO expressed its hope for more diverse and effective joint work with France in the field, focusing on the exchange of delegations as well as of lecturers, experts, and trainees participating in peacekeeping training courses organised by both sides. The delegation proposed that France consider the possibility of supporting the transport of Vietnamese forces deployed to UN peacekeeping missions.

Agreeing with these proposals, the French side appreciated notable achievements of the Vietnamese peacekeeping forces and suggested both sides consider researching and incorporating into their future cooperation issues currently concerning the UN. These issues include climate change response and addressing misinformation about peacekeeping activities in the deployment area.

Antique artifacts of Central Highlands provinces on display in Gia Lai

An out-door exhibition entitled “Tay Nguyen – Gia Lai Paradise” displaying antique artifacts of local ethnic people opened in Pleiku city in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on December 5.

On display, which runs until to the end of December 2024, are thousands of antique artifacts of collector Dang Minh Tam, including musical instruments, hunting and weaving tools, ceremonial objects, jewelry items and other items in the life of ethnic groups in the five Central Highlands provinces.

Highlights of the exhibition are a white elephant bone chair dating back 700 years and a collection of elephant hunting tools dating back more than 100 years of the M'Nong ethnic group.

The exhibition is an activity to implement the project on preserving and promoting the heritage value of the Central Highlands gong cultural space in Gia Lai province as well as the traditional values of the Central Highlands people in general and Gia Lai province in particular.

Vietnam participates in int’l charity fair in Sri Lanka

 The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka has attended an international charity fair organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country together with foreign embassies, diplomatic delegations and enterprises there.

The event, the first of its kind, aims to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Day and the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. Proceeds from the fair will go to Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital in country’s capital city of Colombo.

The fair was attended by 60 foreign embassies, including the UK, India, Indonesia, the US, Turkey, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Italy, representative agencies, international organisations, businesses and local press and media agencies.

Vietnam's stand attracted a large number of visitors with handicraft products such as Dong Ho paintings, Ha Dong silk, lacquer boxes, conical hats, products made of bamboo and coconut and specialties.

Beautiful images of Vietnam and its peace-loving people were also introduced to international friends through videos, pictures, magazines and leaflets.

Communist Party of Vietnam delegation visits Egypt

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Politburo member and Minister of Public Security To Lam, paid a working trip to Egypt from December 2-5.

While in Egypt, Lam met with President of the Egyptian Senate and Chairman of the Nation’s Future Party (NFP) Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek, held talks with General Secretary of the Egyptian Communist Party Salah Adly Abdelhafiz and General Secretary of the Egyptian Socialist Party Ahmed Bahaa El Shafey and had a working session with Egyptian Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfik.

At the meetings, Lam affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach importance to traditional friendship and cooperation with Egypt, while highlighting the sound development of bilateral relationship in all fields over the past 60 years.

Speaking highly of Egypt's prestige and position in the Middle East and North Africa, he proposed specific directions and measures to deepen bilateral relations in the future.

The Egyptian officials praised Vietnam’s role in the region and the world and expressed the desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and investment.

The two sides agreed to continue promoting friendship and cooperation, increasing all-level delegation exchanges and maintaining bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They consented to organise the 6th meeting of the Vietnam-Egypt Joint Committee soon and improve the effectiveness of cooperation between the CPV and political parties in Egypt, and between socio-political organisations of the two countries.

They also agreed to continue to coordinate closely and effectively at international multilateral forums, faciliate trade exchange, exploration of business cooperation opportunities towards diversifying product lines and ensuring a balance of interests of both sides. Notably, the two sides concurred to enhance consultation and cooperation to deal with traditional and non-traditional security challenges, such as combating terrorism, transnational crime, and climate change response.

They committed to guaranteeing the security of safety of investment, trade and tourism activities in the two countries, simplifying visa producedures for citizens of the two countries, among other measures.

During his meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese community in Egypt, Lam urged the embassy to continue promoting the spirit of “bamboo diplomacy” and proposing measures to promote bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam Coast Guard vessel visits China’s Guangzhou province

Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG)’s Vessel CSB 8002 and a delegation led by Colonel Doan Ngoc Triet, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Region 2, are visiting Guangzhou city, China’s Guangdong province.

On December 4, the ship docked at Zhangzhou port where it was welcomed by Director of the China Coast Guard (CCG) Major General Yu Zhong and leaders of the Chinese locality.

Yu highlighted the sound relations between China and Vietnam as well as the fruitful cooperation between the two forces.

He said he believes that the visit will help lift up bilateral law enforcement cooperation between the two sides to a new height, contributing to the stable and sustainable growth of the Vietnam-China ties.

Major General Le Quang Dao, Commander of the VCG Command who attended the event, said that the visit affirms the close coordination between the two forces, contributing to reinforcing the friendship and solidarity between the two Parties, States and peoples.

As scheduled, during their stay in China, the Vietnamese delegation will visit CCG ships and join their Chinese counterpart in a joint exercise on search and rescue work and fire prevention. They will take part in sports activities and tour a number of cultural sites in Guangzhou.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park attracts over 660,000 visitors

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a world natural heritage site in the central province of Quang Binh, has welcomed more than 662,000 visitors so far this year, rising over 6% from 2022, its management board reported.

They include over 83,000 international arrivals, up 231%. Meanwhile, the park’s tourism revenue has increased 23% to approximate 270 billion VND (11.1 million USD) this year, statistics show.

The board attributed those results to various measures taken to attract more tourists, including promoting the marketing of tourism products and services via many channels, especially digital platforms, to grab travellers’ interest.

It has coordinated with travel establishments and companies to offer many new tourism products and services like the tour of Ba Cave, the one at Phong Nha Cave at night, and another of Xuyen Son Ho – a lake located 4,500m deep into Phong Nha Cave.

At Phong Nha Cave, lighting experts have been invited to give advice about light arrangement inside the cave to ensure aesthetics as well as brightness for visitors to explore this destination.

Many facilities at the Chay River - Toi Cave and Nuoc Mooc Spring ecotourism areas have also been upgraded to better serve travellers.

In addition, the park management board is also speeding up the building and upgrade of many facilities and the landscape of Tien Son Cave so that this place will be reopened by the end of this year.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, covering over 123,000 ha, harbours terrestrial and aquatic habitats, primary and secondary forests, sites of natural regeneration, and tropical dense forests. It is also rich in large, often spectacular, and scientifically significant caves, including Son Doong - the world's largest cave. 

The property has been honoured as a world natural heritage site twice.

On July 3, 2003, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO recognised this park as a world natural heritage for the site’s exceptional global value in terms of geology and geomorphology.

Twelve years later, on July 3, 2015, the park was once again honoured, this time for the criteria of outstanding value representing the evolutionary and development processes of terrestrial ecosystems, and possessing meaningful natural habitats for biodiversity conservation.

Hà Nội proposes toll collection for Ring Road No 4 once completed

The Ring Road No 4 expressway, spanning 113km and passing through Hà Nội, Hưng Yên and Bắc Ninh, is expected to be put into use from 2027. — VNA/VNS Photo

Hà Nội People's Committee has proposed that the Ministry of Transport and the provinces of Bắc Ninh and Hưng Yên agree on the toll rates and schedule for fee increases for the use of the Ring Road No 4.

The initial toll rate per kilometre on the Ring Road No 4 is proposed to be VNĐ1,900 (US$0.078) for standard vehicles, ensuring financial viability and falling within the regulated price range, according to the capital city's People's Committee.

The third component of the Ring Road No 4 project, utilising the public-private partnership (PPP) model, includes the construction of a four-lane expressway in the initial phase, expanding to six lanes in the completed phase.

The expressway, spanning 113km and passing through Hà Nội, Hưng Yên and Bắc Ninh, is expected to be put into use from 2027.

As per Hà Nội's proposal, vehicles with less than 12 seats and trucks under two tonnes will pay the lowest toll per kilometre at VNĐ1,900 ($0.078) or about VNĐ214,000 ($8.81) for the entire 113km, while trucks of 18 tonnes or more and 40-foot containers pay the highest at VNĐ7,220 ($0.3) or about VNĐ815,000 ($33.54) for the entire route.

The vehicle fees will be gradually increased every three years until the project is fully paid for.

By 2054, as the payback period approaches, the toll per kilometre on the expressway is projected to reach a low of VNĐ5,400 ($0.22) and a high of VNĐ20,520 ($0.84).

The third component of the Ring Road No 4 project has a total investment of VNĐ55 trillion ($2.26 billion). This includes VNĐ26.6 trillion ($1.1 billion) from the State budget, VNĐ28.5 trillion ($1.17 billion) from the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) source.

Explaining the toll rates, the capital city's People's Committee stated that the proposed pricing framework for driving on the Ring Road No 4 expressway is consistent with the North-South Eastern expressway built in the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) form during the 2017-2020 period, by current regulations.

The current toll fee for expressways around Hà Nội, such as Pháp Vân - Cầu Giẽ, is VNĐ1,250 per km for standard vehicles.

The Hà Nội - Hải Phòng expressway charges VNĐ2,000 per km for standard vehicles, with a 20 per cent fee increase every five years according to the BOT contract. Since its operation in 2015, this expressway has not adjusted its toll prices.

The Bắc Giang - Lạng Sơn expressway currently has the maximum toll fee of VNĐ2,100 per km for standard vehicles.

Considering the proposed toll rates and financial plan, Hà Nội evaluates that the PPP project for Ring Road No 4, with a State budget support of VNĐ26,767 billion (nearly 50 per cent of the total investment) would be feasible.

According to a representative of the Ministry of Transport, the current initial toll fee for expressways with four to eight lanes in urban areas ranges from VNĐ1,500 VND to VNĐ2,100 per km for standard vehicles.

Therefore, the proposed toll of VNĐ1,900 per km for Beltway No 4, applicable in 2027, is considered reasonable.

PPP projects always need to calculate a financially feasible plan based on the benefits for the three parties involved: the state, investors, and the public.

The Hà Nội People's Committee proposes dividing the third component of the Beltway No 4 project into two categories.

The VNĐ26.6 trillion from the State budget will be used to build Hồng Hà, Mễ Sở, Hoài Thượng bridges, and sections from the junction of Highway No 6 to the Hà Nội - Hải Phòng expressway intersection.

The fund from BOT source with VNĐ28.5 trillion will be used to construct highway sections from the Nội Bài - Lào Cai intersection to the National Highway 6 intersection and from the Hà Nội - Lào Cai highway intersection to the Hải Phòng - Nội Bài - Hạ Long expressway intersection. This will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to the Traffic Construction Project Management Board, Department of Transport, so far, the localities with roads passing through have reclaimed and cleared 87.12 per cent of the land area for the project. The total disbursement for these localities has reached over VNĐ1,000 billion, ensuring the committed schedule.

Weightlifters to take Olympic tickets in Qatar’s Grand Prix

Vietnamese athletes are in the hunt for Olympic tickets at the IWF Grand Prix II Weightlifting 2023 in Qatar this week.

A team of the five strongest competitors arrived in Doha and are ready for the tournament, which is scheduled on December 4-14.

Competitions will be held across 10 weight categories for men ranging from U55kg to over-109kg, and as many for women from U45kg to over-87kg.

The Grand Prix is one of the qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Olympics and performances at the Qatar meet will award the lifters competing in the Olympic weight classes with OQR (Olympic Qualification Ranking) points.

The OQR points will be based on the best total results (snatch, clean and jerk) that the athletes manage to lift in qualifying competitions.

The top 10 athletes based on OQR, which will include one highest-ranked athlete per country in each weight category, will obtain Olympic quotas for their national teams after the qualification cycle ends in April 2024.

"All Vietnamese athletes have prepared well with a view of winning an Olympic place in Paris 2024. Weightlifters are really confident and determined so we expect to make our Olympic dream come true," said Nguyễn Huy Hùng of Việt Nam's sports authority.

In Doha, former world champion Trịnh Văn Vinh and Asian winner Nguyễn Trần Anh Tuấn will compete in the men's 61kg. There are a total of eight weightlifters in this category, from China, North Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Asian champion Quàng Thị Tâm will be seen in action in the women's 59kg against reigning Asian Games gold medallist Kim Il-gyong of North Korea and silver medallist Shifang Lou of China.

There are top-notch weightlifters in the division from Canada, Venezuela, Italy, Belgium, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Canada.

Young talent Phạm Đình Thi will take part in the women's 49kg. She will go up against nine other weightlifters including those from Canada, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Asian bronze medallist Phạm Thị Hồng Thanh will vie for a medal in the women's 71kg category.

She will face more than 10 other weightlifters from Canada, China, United States, Italy, the Philippines, and Great Britain.

Lastly, Sarno and Macrohon will take centre stage on December 12 in the women’s 71kg division.

Among them Vinh and Tuấn are the best hopes for Việt Nam, according to Hùng. Tuấn is world No 8 while Vinh places No 10. Meanwhile world No 12 Thanh would be a secret weapon which could 'explode' at the tournament.

After Qatar, athletes will take part in the Olympics' Asian qualification zone in February, 2024 in Uzbekistan, and the 2024 World Cup in April in Thailand.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, there are 120 official spots in weightlifting (60 men, 60 women) and each country can have no more than three athletes in each weight class. 

Phu Quoc voted world's leading nature island destination for second time

Phu Quoc, the nation’s largest island, has been named as the World’s Leading Nature Island Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards.
This marks the second time that Phu Quoc has surpassed several strong international rivals such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Lofoten in Norway, the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, and Zanzibar in Tanzania to receive the prestigious prize.

Covering a total area of 567 square kilometres and home to 180,000 people, Phu Quoc in the southern province of Kien Giang has been blessed with wild and natural beauty.

It features a monsoon tropical climate and has two seasons, the dry season which takes place from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The average temperature on Phu Quoc is 28 degrees Celsius, which allows visitors to enjoy the island’s beauty at any time of the year.

The island is also home to a marine sanctuary and a national park which is famous for trekking activities.

According to information given by the organising board, the winners of World Travel Awards were chosen based on votes made by the public and travel professionals from across the globe.

The island was also honoured by foreign media outlets and a number of internationally renowned magazines, including Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Travel Lemming-website, Channel News Asia-Singapore, and The Week.

Vietnam-Japan friendship trees planted in Da Nang

A tree planting event marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties (September 21, 1973 - 2023) was held by the central city’s Union of Friendship Organisations and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Da Nang City (JCCID) in Da Nang.

The tree plantation, an initiative of the JBAD with contributions from Japanese enterprises in Da Nang, is one of a series of activities throughout the year 2023, promoting the relationship between Vietnam and Japan, as well as Japan and Da Nang, Vice Chairman of the Union Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen said.

She said star apple trees, grown at Lien Chieu District’s Park, will imprint a deeper and closer relationship between the two countries, and Da Nang with Japanese partners.

Head of JCCID, Hirayama Keiji, said these star apple trees act as a typical symbol of the longer and stronger ties between Japan and Vietnam.

He said the tree growing event not only marked the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties but also contributed to a greener earth as Vietnam and Japan look towards a ‘green’ future.

Keiji Hirayama said that the event also welcomed the elevation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

Shimonishi Kiyoshi, Deputy Head of the Japanese General Consulate in Da Nang, said many cultural exchanges and activities have been held in Vietnam, including Da Nang, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A painting and writing competition on Japan was organised among students at schools in the city. Free community concerts by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Five, as well as the annual Japanese Cultural Day in Da Nang, were held, he said.

Da Nang was a stop for the Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko as part of their official trip to Vietnam.

The city is home to 228 investment projects from Japan, worth US$1.04 billion, creating 40,000 jobs for provinces in central Vietnam.

Da Nang has been calling for stronger and deeper investment from Japanese businesses in Kisarazu, Yokohama, Osaka, Chiba, and Kanagawa, in Japan.

More than 300 students from the Da Nang-based private university have been employed by Japanese companies for work and study in Japan since 2017.

Nine cities in Japan, including Fukuoka, Yokohama, Maebashi, Chiba, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Tottori, and Nagasaki, and 82 Japanese businesses, have inked cooperation deals for human resources training and employment from central Vietnam.

The Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa, which was put into operation in Lien Chieu district, has been seen as the largest investment from Japan in Da Nang.

Four prefectures from Japan, including Kisarazu, Kawasaki, Sakai, and Yokohama, have inked friendships and cooperation with Da Nang, and the annual Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Day has been organised in Da Nang since 2014.

Japan upgraded its Consulate Office in Da Nang City to a General Consulate just a year after it was founded in 2020.

Balance bike riding tournament features 700 child cyclists in Hà Nội

The eighth Ander Saro Cup Việt Nam, a balance bike racing for children, will features 700 young cyclists competing for trophies on December 10 in Hà Nội.

According to organisers, this will be the largest edition which will see competitors nationwide gathering at the Aeon Mall Long Biên.

The tournament aims to encourage and improve exercise for children from a young age.

Previously, the competition was organised in different cities and provinces such as HCM City, Lâm Đồng, Hải Phòng and Hà Nam.

In addition, children's independence and confidence through physical activities will be promoted. At the same time, it will unite family members and spread positive messages and encourage sports in children from a young age.

"We are very happy that the tournament brings many useful activities for children, creating health, courage, and determination of children," said Hoàng Xuân Lương, vice chairman of the Việt Nam Olympic Committee (VOC).

"The VOC will accompany the tournament, supporting in term of policies and directions to create a useful annual playground for children."

Head of the organising board Trần Quang Huy said to ensure the quality of the tournament, the number of children participating will be limited to 700. They would take part in individual categories and family relay this year. But it was expected to welcome up to 2,000 children in the following years.

"We have the desire to organise an international-scale Ander Saro Cup competition in Việt Nam in the coming years. Vietnamese athletes can exchange, learn and connect with friends around the world," said Huy.

"To do that, we need help and guidance from the VOC, sponsors and media.” 

VNU-HCM promotes training in high-quality IC design

Seeing strong demand for human resources in the semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) technology industry in Việt Nam, Việt Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM) targets to train about 1,500 engineers and 500 master's degree students in IC design by 2030.

VNU-HCM chancellor Vũ Hải Quân said the university had set a goal of providing in-depth training in IC design to meet the need for high-quality human resources for the development of the semiconductor IC technology industry in the country and the world.

“This target helps affirm VNU-HCM’s position domestically and internationally, contributing to the implementation of the university’s goal to be among the leading higher education institutions in Asia,” he said.

Accordingly, its member universities will train and grant industrial and international certifications in IC design to around 15,000 engineers over the next seven years.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has recently emphasised the need to increase investment in the development of human resources for the research of semiconductor IC technology in Việt Nam.

Many local universities have begun enrolling and training students in IC design and IC Technology majors to meet labour market demand in this field.

However, training human resources in this field requires the schools to have good facilities, modern laboratories, training programmes, experienced teaching staff, and cooperation networks.

Among member universities of VNU-HCM, the HCM City University of Technology has been a pioneer in training the semiconductor IC design industry for over 20 years, providing about 300 students with expertise related to IC design to the labour market each year.

So far, more than 6,000 students have graduated in this field from the university.

The HCM City University of Technology Principal Mai Thanh Phong said the semiconductor IC supply chain was divided into four stages: design, production, packaging and testing, and equipment manufacturing.

“Việt Nam has many advantages to participate deeply in IC design for the global semiconductor IC supply chain, which accounts for 53 per cent of the added value of a product,” he said.

Many big IC companies, such as Samsung, LG, Sharp and Foxconn, were reported to be planning to expand in Việt Nam, creating a demand for high-quality semiconductor IC human resources and huge opportunities for the country.

Therefore, Việt Nam needed stronger human resources to serve the growing IC demand and create greater investment opportunities.

To meet this urgent demand, the HCM City University of Technology stayed ahead of the world's science and technology development trends, Phong said.

The university’s vision is to become an excellent scientific research and training centre that plays a pioneering role in leading the domestic semiconductor IC field, according to Phong.

Its training programmes in IC are developed and taught by a team of 200 lecturers from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Department of Materials Technology.

All lecturers graduated with PhD degrees from countries with advanced semiconductor IC industries such as the US, Germany, France, Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

In the upcoming 2024-25 academic year, the university will officially begin two new majors, IC design and Semiconductor IC.

Graduates from the university with bachelor's degrees in IC Design will be able to find a job at most IC design companies both locally and abroad.

The Semiconductor IC major at the post-graduate level will provide advanced knowledge and skills in designing and manufacturing ICs.

“The majors are expected to supply high-quality human resources for the semiconductor IC industry," Phong added.

Huỳnh Phú Minh Cường, deputy head of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the HCM City University of Technology, said training high-quality IC design engineers required modern laboratories, good training programmes, experienced lecturers, and collaboration between domestic and international training institutions.

Since 2013, the university set up a lab for microchip and high-frequency systems which specialises in the design and testing of semiconductor ICs, with modern equipment and a research team of about 40 people.

The research team of the lab successfully designed the three microchips of CMOS RF DVB-T2 TUNER, attached with the university logo, which had been manufactured in Taiwan (China).

“Everyone is working hard to show the skills of the university’s professional team and the effectiveness of the training programmes here,” he said.

The HCM City University of Technology has established cooperation relationships in training and scientific research in the field of semiconductor IC with many famous universities in the world such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Texas A&M University in the US, and KAIST in the Republic of Korea.

The school has also cooperated with large organisations and businesses such as Marvell Technology and Synopsys, and received copyright sponsorship of specialised software systems from Synopsys and Cadence - the world's two largest companies providing IC design tools.

To achieve the goal of in-depth training in IC design, Vũ Hải Quân said it would be necessary to invest in a system of laboratories in both the north and south of the country for common use by universities in research and training in IC design.

“Through these laboratories, Việt Nam can develop a number of innovative startups in the field of semiconductor IC technology,” he said.

He proposed that the Government soon issue a strategy for developing the semiconductor technology industry, including investment resources for training and research.

He also recommended policies on promoting links and cooperation between universities and businesses; international cooperation; and cooperation with universities around the world to expand and develop advanced training programmes on IC design. 

HCM City, Saint Petersburg boost cooperation across multiple fields

Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, held a working session on December 4 alongside a delegation of Saint Petersburg led by Grigoriev Evgeny Dmitrievich, chairman of the Committee for External Relations of the Russian city.

At the session, Hoan affirmed that the southern metropolis stands willing to boost co-operative activities with St Petersburg in trade, education, and healthcare.

The city incentivises and offers favourable conditions for local businesses to engage in trade with St Petersburg, while also striving to intensify cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two localities, he said.

Hoan emphasised that the southern city hailed the signing of collaboration agreements between Vyborgsky district and Thu Duc city, as well as between Kronstadt district and Can Gio district, hoping that the agreements will soon be translated into specific co-operation programmes and projects.

Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City stays ready to work alongside St Petersburg to speed up the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation between the elected bodies of the two cities. 

In response, the Russian official noted that St Petersburg desires to work with Ho Chi Minh City to concretise co-operation agreements into specific tasks and projects for the wider benefit of people of the two countries.

Highlighting the socio-economic potential and position of the southern city, he called on municipals leaders to support the signing of MoUs for the purpose of boosting co-operation between districts and agencies of the two localities.

Dmitrievich added that he backs the launch of direct flights between St Petersburg and the southern city moving forward.

Italian Film Festival opens in HCM City

Six outstanding Italian movies are being screened at the Italian Film Festival 2023 held in HCM City until December 8.

The festival is organised by the Consulate General of Italy in HCM City in coordination with the Asian Film Festival in Rome, COLAB Vietnam, and CGV Cinema, to offer Vietnamese audiences a glimpse into contemporary Italian cinema.

Italian Consul General Enrico Padula said, “Italian cinema has always been highly appreciated in Việt Nam for its artistic qualities and as a window into its society, past and present. This film festival offers HCM City audiences the latest movies coming from Italy, well representing the contemporary evolution of its cinema.”  

The screening features one comedy, three drama and two crime action movies, some of which have won accolades at prestigious festivals.

The films are curated by Antonio Termenini, Artistic Director of the Asian Film Festival in Rome, who will join the audiences of each film in Q&A sessions.

The works tell the tales of urban life, depicting modern Italian society in the face of new challenges while also trying to connect with and maintain its age-old traditional heritage.

The award-winning drama Leonora Addio directed by Paolo Taviani recounts the daring adventure of Pirandello’s ashes and the eventful journey of the urn from Rome to Agrigento.

The film won the FIPRESCI (the International Federation of Film Critics) Prize at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival in 2022.

Giulia Louise Steigerwalt’s September is a journey of three characters who realize that the life they find themselves in is not the one they had dreamed of.

The film earned Steigerwalt Best New Director awards at the annual David di Donatello Awards given out by the Academy of Italian Cinema in 2023, and the Silver Ribbon Awards by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists in 2022.

The crime action series Diabolik (2021) and Diabolik – Ginko Attacks (2022) by directors Antonio Manetti and Marco Manetti are set in the fictional state of Clerville in the late 1960s.

The films follow a battle between master thief Diabolik and his accomplice Eva Kant with inspector Ginko, who tries to stop his evil plans.

Meanwhile, Francesca Archibugi’s drama The Hummingbird (2022) is about the life of fateful coincidences, loss, and loves of the male protagonist Marco Carrera, or “the hummingbird”, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Sandro Veronesi.

Another drama, The Return Of Casanova (2023) directed by Gabriele Salvatores, tells the story of an experienced and acclaimed director at the end of his career, who has no intention of accepting his own decline.

All screenings will start at 7pm at CGV Lý Chính Thắng at 83 Lý Chính Thắng in District 3. Admission is free.

Music festival attracts thousands of fans to pedestrian area

A music festival held at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square at the pedestrian area surrounding Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake in Hà Nội attracted a massive crowd of fans.

The Modern Music Festival, with free entry, showcased performances by a lineup of renowned Vietnamese artists, including Hứa Kim Tuyền, Lyly, Hoàng Duyên, JSOL, Mỹ Anh, Hakoota, DJ Mie, and the chart-topping pop sensation Sơn Tùng M-TP.

Sơn Tùng M-TP electrified the atmosphere with his smash hits like Hãy Trao Cho Anh (Give it to Me), Em Của Ngày Hôm Qua (You of Yesterday), and Chạy Ngay Đi (Run Now).

As the festival concluded, Sơn Tùng M-TP was surrounded by a sea of fans and needed 20 bodyguards to escort him to his private vehicle.

Sơn Tùng M-TP, whose real name is Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, stands as one of Việt Nam's most prominent pop stars. Hailing from the northern province of Thái Bình, he has achieved notable accolades, including an MTV Europe Music Award and recognition in the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Việt Nam. 

Parliamentary summit to elevate collaboration among CLV countries: Official

The top legislators of Việt Nam, Laos and Cambodia will discuss measures to strengthen the parliament's role in promoting the cooperation, solidarity and political partnership among the three countries during the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit in Laos, according to deputy head of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for External Relations Lê Thu Hà.

In order to foster collaboration among the three countries in the parliament channel alongside the Party and State channels, during the 43rd General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-43) in November 2022, Vietnamese NA Chairman Vương Đình Huệ, President of the Cambodian NA Samdech Heng Samrin and Lao NA Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane signed a joint statement on the establishment of the biennial CLV Parliamentary Summit mechanism to be co-chaired by Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian top legislators.

Hà stressed that the organisation of the first CLV Parliamentary Summit marked an important milestone in the history of cooperation among CLV parliaments and the elevation of the partnership among the three legislatures to the highest level, contributing to reinforcing and promoting the special traditional solidarity, close attachment and mutual support among the three Parties, States and peoples.

She added that the event also affirmed the determination of the CLV parliaments in further deepening their partnership and cooperation, benefiting the people of each country.

Sending out the message of peace, friendship, solidarity and cooperation for prosperity and sustainable development, the top legislators of the three countries would deliver important speeches on strengthening the role of CLV parliaments in beefing up cooperation, partnership, solidarity and prosperity among the three countries, she said.

According to Hà, the summit will listen to a report by the Coordination Committee for the CLV Development Triangle area and another report on field survey results in provinces in the Development Triangle area of three CLV countries, to be presented by the NA delegations of three CLV countries.

CLV Committees on Politics-Diplomacy, Economy-Culture-Society and Defence-Security Cooperation will convene their meetings within the summit’s framework, with the participation of Government agencies and representatives from localities in the CLV Development Triangle area.

The CLV Parliament Summit is scheduled to issue a joint statement demonstrating the political determination and commitments of leaders of the three legislatures in further expanding and deepening their partnership, thus promoting the comprehensive cooperation of the three countries in all areas of politics, culture, economy, external relations, security and defence for the socio-economic growth in each country and the common interest of the people in the CLV Development Triangle area, said Hà.

The deputy head of the Vietnamese NA Committee for External Relations said that as the initiator of the upgrade of the CLV committee-level conference mechanism to the CLV Parliament Summit, the Vietnamese NA had actively proposed ideas and coordinated closely with the first summit's host - the Lao NA, to build the agenda and decide main discussion topics of the summit as well as CLV committees.

The Vietnamese NA had also actively engaged in the drafting of the joint statement of the summit, giving many ideas to complete the documents in a constructive, goodwill and responsible spirit, contributing to promoting consensus, she said.

Hà expressed her belief that the summit would be a success, laying the official foundation for multilateral cooperation at the highest level among the CLV parliaments, thus continuing to develop the political ties among the three countries, contributing to reinforcing solidarity, cooperation and mutual support among them, and bolstering the bilateral relations between Việt Nam and Cambodia, Việt Nam and Laos, and Cambodia and Laos at the same time.

Regarding NA Chairman Huệ’s visit to Laos on the occasion of the summit, Hà said that the NA leader was scheduled to hold meetings and talks with leaders of the Party, State and NA of Laos to inform them on the situation of Việt Nam, the outcomes of the NA sixth session as well as the country’s external relations and major orientations for the future, and discuss measures to further strengthen bilateral ties in the coming time. The meetings would also mention regional and international issues of shared concern.

The NA Chairman Huệ would also meet Lao alumni and students who studied in Việt Nam and the Vietnamese businesses and community in the neighbouring country, she added. 

High-ranking Party delegation visits Australia

A high-ranking delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics (HCMA), and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, paid a working visit to Australia on December 4-5.

During his stay in Canberra and Sydney, he met Senate President Sue Lines, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres, New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Andrew Barr, Human Rights Commission President Roselind Croucher, and leaders of the Lowy Institute.

At the meetings, Thang expressed his joy at the positive, strong and comprehensive development of the Vietnam - Australia strategic partnership in recent times as evidenced in strengthened political trust and fruitful cooperation in economy, trade, education - training, science - technology, and defense - security.

He affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam attach importance to and wish to elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries in the coming time, especially in the new fields in which the two countries have a lot of potential and strengths, such as energy transformation, digital transformation, climate change response, knowledge connection and innovation.

An overview of a working session between Vietnamese politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres
The Australian leaders, meanwhile, emphasized that Australia values comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, including close and effective cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Human Rights Commission of Australia and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in training leaders and managers, ensuring human rights and gender equality, as well as in implementing development cooperation projects between Australia and Vietnam.

The two sides said the relevant agencies of the two countries should continue delegation exchanges to concretize the connotation of bilateral cooperation in the new context, thereby further fostering bilateral relations.

While staying in Australia, the delegation also visited and talked with officials of the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Sydney.  

Vietnam and Australia established diplomatic ties on February 26, 1973. The two countries lifted their ties to a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and a strategic partnership in 2018.

Currently, Australia is Vietnam’s 10th largest trading partner, while Vietnam is Australia’s seventh largest trading partner, with two-way trade last year reaching US$15.7 billion, an increase of 26.7% year on year.

Police bust massive firecracker, gingseng smuggling ring from China

The police in the northern mountain province of Lai Chau said on December 5 that they have successfully smashed a ring transporting and trading a huge amount of illegal firecrackers and ginsengs from China.

The mastermind behind the ring was Lung A Dao, 27, residing in Co Ky village in Tung Qua Lin commune of Phong Tho district.

According to the police, Dao contacted Vietnamese citizens working in China to purchase ginsengs before then reselling them in the locality.

In early December, Dao purchased a huge amount of firecrackers and illegally transported them across the border into Vietnam.

At 18:00 p.m. on December 4, the police in collaboration with border guards of Dao San Border Station caught red handed Lung A Dao, Lung A Sang, and Lung A Hai residing in Tung Qua Lun commune illegally transporting 112 kg of firecrackers.

Searching Lung A Dao’s house, the police also seized 40 kg of ginsengs.

At the police station, Dao confessed that he had intended to sell the haul of ginsengs under the Lai Chau ginseng brand name.

He also said he had illegally entered Yunnan of China with the intention of buying the firecrackers, as well as hiring several Vietnamese men to transport them into Vietnam for sales.

A further investigation into the case is now underway.

Voting begins for top 10 cultural, sport, and tourism events in 2023

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on December 5 launched a vote campaign to select top 10 cultural, sport, and tourism events in Vietnam this year.

A direct vote cast by representatives of central and local press outlets is held on December 5 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi.

Roughly 100 nominations have been registered and only 15 of them have been selected for the final vote, according to Nguyen Anh Vu, editor-in-chief of Van Hoa (Culture) newspaper managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Among the nominations are the repatriation of the Nguyen Dynasty’s gold imperial seal to Vietnam, the recognition of the Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago as world natural heritage, and the national women’s football team competing in the FIFA Women's World Cup Finals for the first time.

Other nominations include the 80th anniversary celebration of the Outline of Vietnamese Culture launched by the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnam’s marked achievements at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and the tourism industry’s outstanding performance following the introduction of the new visa policy.

The vote will be held in two forms, with direct votes cast by representatives of central and local press outlets on December 5 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi.

Others will be able to vote through the websites http://sukienvhttdl.bvhttdl.gov.vn/, www.baovanhoa.vn, and www.toquoc.vn from 8:30 a.m. on December 5 to 5 p.m. on December 7.

The voting results are set to be announced later.

Police in Thanh Hoa Province discover secret room for fireworks production

Police officers in the North-Central Province of Thanh Hoa today discovered gangsters who built a secret room for illegal fireworks production.

Previously, through probing into social order in Nong Cong District, police officers in the district caught Le Van Anh residing in Tan Phuc Commune red-handed illegally storing 29kg of firecrackers on November 29. Expanding the investigation, the police force continued to arrest Nguyen Quang Dung and Hoang Xuan Thanh in Tan Phuc Commune.

During a bust in Thanh's residence, the police discovered a secret basement behind Thanh's house. This 5.5m long basement has a small door enough for one person to enter where gangsters used to produce fireworks.

Searching this basement, the police confiscated 54.8kg of powders to color fireworks, 10kg of particles to color finished fireworks, 2.2kg of explosives, 7kg of paper fireworks tubes.

At the police station, Hoang Xuan Thanh admitted that he had gone to social networks to learn the formula and how to produce explosive fireworks. After learning to make fireworks, Thanh ordered through social networks raw materials to produce firecrackers such as packaging, firecracker shells, explosive chemicals (potassium powder, charcoal powder...), and coloring chemicals such as copper powder, magnesium powder, and sulfur powder. After completing the work, Thanh stamped it like foreign smuggled fireworks and sold it for VND800,000 (US$32.9) each box.

Police officers are currently furthering their investigation.

Quang Nam to host first culinary culture festival

The first Quang Nam culinary culture festival will take place from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024, in Hoi An ancient town.

The event will attract around 50 display booths featuring OCOP (One Commune, One Product) products and local dishes of 18 districts and communes in the province and other neighboring localities.

The festival also includes cultural exchanges, cooking classes for politicians and tourists, art performances, entertainment and tourism activities, and a night event honoring the value of Quang Nam culinary culture.

Speaking at the press conference held on December 4, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province Van Ba Son said that the Quang Nam Culinary Cultural Festival aims to honor, preserve, and promote cultural, culinary and tourism values of Quang Nam Province as well as promote tangible and intangible cultural values, natural resources and attractive tourism products to visitors at home and abroad.
 
It will also create an opportunity to introduce typical local products, cuisine, and agricultural items of Quang Nam Province, provinces and cities in regions across the country contributing to further enhancing the position and image of the country, Vietnamese people, and the people of Quang Nam Province to recover tourism in the post-pandemic period.

Especially, Hoi An City will organize a ceremony receiving UNESCO recognition as a creative city in the field of music on December 31.

Hoi An is portrayed as an intersection of cultures and a place to nurture the community's creative spirit. The ancient town has been honored as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts. The city is expected to be developed into one of the focal points in Asia spreading peace from its sustainable creativity.

Vietnamese doctors master single-port endoscopy

Pediatric Surgery Ward at Hanoi-based Saint Paul General Hospital is one of two centers in the world to perform laparoscopic common bile duct surgery without complications.

Saint Paul General Hospital, a sizable multidisciplinary medical facility in the heart of Hanoi, has successfully performed a newly developed laparoscopic surgical technique for the treatment of common bile duct cysts, on a foreign pediatric patient.

After a week of surgery, the four-year-old Australian kid recovered quickly and is expected to be discharged from the hospital today [December 5].

The endoscope, which was less than 2 cm wide, would leave no scar at all.

The surgery of bile duct cysts or choledochal cysts has marked an advanced step in Vietnam’s pediatric surgery which meets the international level.

The patient’s dad, Rob Warren said: “We were worried when my child was diagnosed with this illness and sought treatment both at home and abroad, but we received no reassurance. By chance, I came across a website that told me that many of these challenging cases had been well handled by Dr. Tran Ngoc Son at Saint Paul Hospital in Vietnam. We received excellent care, treatment, and services at Saint Paul Hospital from the moment my child arrived.”

He thanked Dr. Son and the hospital for the treatment which “exceeded their expectations.”

This is one of nearly 300 pediatric patients diagnosed with choledochal cysts who have undergone this surgical technique at the hospital.

Associate Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Son, Deputy Director of Saint Paul General Hospital, said the hospital’s Pediatric Surgery Ward is one of the world’s two centers to conduct single-port endoscopy to treat bile duct cysts without complications. 

New cold spell hits northern Vietnam, brings rain to regional localities

Northern localities of Vietnam are expected to brace for a new cold spell that will bring rain to northern and even central localities.

The cold air front is moving towards Northern Vietnam and is anticipated to hit border localities on December 6 morning before spreading across the region later on the day, said the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
  
Strong winds accompanies rain will cause temperatures to fall to 15-18 degrees Celsius in the plains and 13-15 degrees Celsius in the highlands.

Several mountainous areas such as Sa Pa town in Lao Cai province are set to see temperatures to drop to below 11 degrees Celsius.

The new cold air wave will send temperatures in the capital of Hanoi tumbling to a low of 17 degrees Celsius on December 6 before rising a bit on the following days.

The cold front will also affect north-central and central localities, prompting temperatures to go down to 16-19 degrees Celsius.

Notably, the cold spell will also bring rain to central localities, with Ha Tinh and Thua Thien-Hue to receive between 20-70mm of rain on December 6. Rain is expected to subside on December and the following days.

Weather experts say in December, cold air will increase in frequency, but tend to be weaker than the average of previous years due to the impact of the La Nina phenomenon.

Two die in HCM City house fire
 
Two people were killed in a house fire in HCM City's Tan Binh District on Tuesday evening.

According to a police report, the fire broke out following a loud explosion at 8.40pm on December 5 at a house in a small lane in Le Van Sy Street.

Seeing the fire, some neighbours came to help take out four people who were injured by suffocation and send them to hospital.
Firefighters arrived later and managed to control the fire after 30 minutes.

However, checking the house which was already burnt down, police found two bodies, one on the ground floor and the other on the staircase.

Earlier the same day, an eight-year-old girl was also killed in another house fire in District 4.

The fire occurred at 3.35am at a house in a small lane in Ton That Thuyet Street. Ten people managed to escape while an eight-year-old girl died from suffocation caused by the fire.

Police are further investigating the cause of the fires.

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