Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a cabinet monthly meeting on law-building in Hanoi on February 23, during which participants discussed and gave opinions to building seven laws and draft laws.

They are the Capital Law (revised), Law on People's air defence, Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law on Property Auction, Law on management and use of defense works and military zones, Housing Law (revised), Law on Real Estate Business (revised), and Telecommunications Law (revised).

In his speech, PM Chinh said the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly and the Government have highly focused on implementing three strategic breakthroughs, including institutional improvement. He also pointed out institutional problems which should be urgently addressed, stressing that it is necessary to pay more attention with greater responsibility to the building and improvement of institutions.

2023 is a crucial year in implementing the five-year goals and plans for the 2021-2025 period, and the building and improvement of institutions play an important role in this scheme, he stressed.  

The building and perfecting institutions must closely follow resolutions of the Party Central Committee, the NA and the Government, the PM said, asking for greater efforts and determination, and more decisive actions of cabinet members to ensure the progress and quality of the work.

E-visa to Mongolia made available for Vietnamese

Mongolia added Vietnam on its list of 98 countries with access to its electronic visa (e-visa), updated last Wednesday.

Vietnamese tourists will pay 25 USD and extras for the e-visa after filling the forms on the Mongolian Immigration Agency’s website. The e-visas are sent to tourists’ emails after three working days, which can be printed or saved on phones to be presented at the country’s border.

E-visas are only available for tourism, transits, and event participation.

Before the update, Vietnamese could only apply for regular visas, which take 5-7 working days.

Ambassador: US Embassy looks to help Vietnam with biodiversity protection

One of the efforts taken by the US Embassy in Vietnam is to help Vietnam with sustainable development, and partner with local communities to protect Vietnam's biodiversity, said US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.

He made the statement during a working session with leaders of the Hoang Lien National Park in the northern border province of Lao Cai on February 22.

Director of the Hoang Lien National Park Nguyen Huu Hanh expressed his pleasure at welcoming the Ambassador at the ASEAN Heritage Park recognized by the grouping.

He said the Global Environment Fund ranked the Hoang Lien National Park at A level, the highest level of biodiversity value in Vietnam. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated the park as a centre of diversity for plant species. 

The park also serves as a headwater protection area for the Red and Da Rivers and plays a vital role in providing water for socio-economic development in the downstream region.

According to him, the park boasts many mountain peaks of over 2,000m, the highest of which is Fansipan at 3,143m. Fansipan mountain is often referred to as the "Roof of Indochina". 

The park's flora is characterized by a combination of tropical and temperate elements. It is now home to about 2,847 plant species, 147 of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the International Red Book. 

In addition, there are 555 terrestrial vertebrate species in the park, including 60 rare and endangered species listed in the Vietnam Red Book and 33 others in the International Red Book.

Knapper, for his part, affirmed that both Vietnam and the US have big national parks and are striving to protect natural landscapes and relic sites there.

Earlier, he attended an event to raise awareness of human trafficking prevention and control and safe migration for teachers and students at Kim Dong secondary school in Sa Pa town. The event was part of a project to help human trafficking victims reintegrate into the community funded by the Pacific Links Foundation of the US.

US$346 mln invested to renovate Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len canal

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Tham Luong- Ben Cat- Nuoc Len canal infrastructure construction and environmental renovation project was held this morning.

Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai and representatives of the city departments and agencies attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman of HCMC People's Committee Phan Van Mai emphasized that the infrastructure development program is identified as one of three breakthrough programs in the Resolution of the 11th Party National Congress for the term 2020-2025.

Ho Chi Minh City sets the target of the infrastructure system development, facilitating socio-economic development, connecting localities in the Southern key economic zone, notably realizing the flood prevention and wastewater treatment projects in the period 2020-2045 which is one of the city’s key infrastructure development programs.

Typically, the two projects of renovating the drainage system, wastewater treatment and climate change adaptation in Tham Luong - Ben Cat basin and the basin of western the city are expected to start implementation in the coming time, helping to complete drainage infrastructure for the western and northern city.

Moreover, they will contribute to improving the environment, connecting traffic, creating a driving force for socioeconomic growth of the city and nearby localities; to building a civilized, modern and affectionate city.

According to Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Construction Investment Projects Management Board Nguyen Hoang Anh Dung, the city will invest VND8.2 trillion (US$346 million), including VND4 trillion (US$168 million) from the Central budget and VND4.2 trillion (US$177 million) from the local budget to dredge Tham Luong-Ben Cat-Nuoc Len canal route with a length of 31.46 kilometers, upgrade 63.11-kilometer long embankment route, build a traffic road along the canal with a length of 63.41 kilometers and complete drainage infrastructure, parks, trees, lighting systems and 12 ship terminals.

The project is expected to be finished in 2025.

Quang Tri conducts peak crackdown on IUU fishing

The central province of Quang Tri is conducting a peak crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing from now to May, in Vietnam’s common efforts to get the “yellow card” warning issued by the European Commission (EC) removed.

To implement the Prime Minister’s Directive 45/CT-TTg on some urgent tasks and solutions in this regard, Quang Tri will continue disseminating the 2017 Law on Fisheries and regulations related to IUU fishing among fishermen, providing training to improve the capacity of the cadres working at fishing ports and those specialised in this issue, instructing owners of fishing boasts that are 6 - 12m long to apply for fishing licences, and guiding owners of the vessels at least 15m long in the installation of vessel monitoring systems, according to the provincial steering committee for IUU fishing combat.

Authorities will keep a watch on the operations of vessel monitoring systems around the clock to early detect and prevent fishing vessels from infringing foreign waters, give guidance on how to handle incidents at sea to fishermen, and strictly deal with owners of violating vessels.

The province will also increase patrols and examination of vessels’ adherence to regulations against IUU fishing.

Over the recent past, thanks to the strong implementation of anti-IUU fishing rules, Quang Tri has no longer recorded local fishing vessels or fishermen’ infringement of foreign waters, the steering committee said.

Border gates in Lang Son in full swing

In the first two months of 2023, export activities through border gates of the northern mountainous province of Lang Son have increased drastically, particularly shipments of farm produce.

To create optimum conditions for exporting enterprises, authorised units at border gates have implemented solutions to facilitate quick customs clearance.

In the reviewed period, the number of customs declarations at Huu Nghi Border Gate rocketed 91% year-on-year with all the declarations submitted via the electronic customs system.

In order to increase custom clearance capacity, the border gate has assigned more personnel for the work and extended working hours, including during weekends.

From the beginning of 2023, Tan Thanh border gate has cleared more than 830 batches of fresh fruit with about 155,0000 tonnes  (worth 48 million USD), a surge of 200% compared to the same period in 2022.

Statistics of Lang Son authority showed that over 1,360 batches of fruit with 220,000 tonnes were shipped to China via five border gates in the province namely Huu Nghi, Tan Thanh, Dong Dang, Chi Ma and Coc Nam in the first two months of 2023, a rise of 140% against the same period in 2022.

To better facilitate export activities via border gates, border guard, customs and quarantine units at border gates continue to enhance their coordination to promptly address problems arising in the process of customs clearance while promoting technology application in inspecting and controlling vehicles moving through the border gates.

RoK delegation pays working trip to Ha Nam

A delegation of the council of the Republic of Korea’s Gyeonggi province led by Jung Yoon-kyung, member of the council's Education, Women, Family and Life Committee, paid a working trip to the northern province of Ha Nam on February 21.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Le Thi Thuy said Ha Nam has been promoting external activities and international cooperation with foreign localities, international organisations and foreign investors, including Korean localities, agencies and businesses. The RoK is now the biggest investor in Ha Nam with nearly 150 projects worth over 1.7 billion USD, she said.

Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in 2017, ties between Ha Nam and Gyeonggi have deepened in various areas. The two sides maintain regular exchanges and mutual visits. Gyeonggi has helped Ha Nam successfully hold investment promotion conferences, thus introducing more investors from the RoK and Gyeonggi in particular to the northern Vietnam province.

Jung, for her part, said the two provinces will step up economic, cultural and art exchanges given that the COVID-19 pandemic has been put under control.

She promised that Gyeonggi will continue introducing Ha Nam’s investment environment to investors of the RoK and the province in particular, as well as assist Ha Nam in holding investment promotion events in the RoK.

US Ambassador learns about Lao Cai’s human trafficking combat

A working delegation led by US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper paid a working trip to the northern border province of Lao Cai on February 21, during which the diplomat held a working session with Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Trinh Xuan Truong and attended a discussion on human trafficking prevention and control hosted by Family Health International 360.

Chairman Truong said at present, the provincial Social Work Centre and Compassion House are providing reintegration support for human trafficking victims in line with the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat.

He wished that both sides would hold seminars and conferences with the participation of investigation officers to share experience in anti-human trafficking. He also called on the US’s non-governmental organisations to help trafficking victims reintegrate into the community sustainably.

The host suggested the Ambassador encourage US firms to learn about business opportunities in the province.

Knapper, for his part, expressed his delight at achievements and efforts made by Lao Cai as well as the US Government in the fight against human trafficking in Vietnam.

He wished to learn more about the province’s socio-economic situation and infrastructure development.

According to him, the US Embassy is encouraging more Americans to visit Vietnam and Lao Cai’s Sa Pa town in particular. He hoped that the two countries will upgrade their ties to strategic partnership this year.

The US supports a strong, prosperous and independent Vietnam; respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime of Vietnam, he said.

In the afternoon the same day, Knapper attended a discussion on supporting human trafficking victims within the framework of the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project aims to help the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ Department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat, departments and agencies perform the Government’s priorities in human trafficking prevention and control from July 2021 to September 2023, toward supporting victims and those at high risk of becoming victims.

Lao Cai is one of the 25 localities to sign a cooperation mechanism to support human trafficking victims.

On the occasion, the US Ambassador visited the Compassion House under the management of the provincial Social Vices Prevention and Combat Sub-Department.

Founded in 2010, the Compassion House has received and helped 320 female victims who were lured and sold across the border. Its operation is funded by the US’s Pacific Links Foundation.

Hoi An’s mid-autumn festival named intangible heritage

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has listed the mid-autumn Full Moon Festival (on the 14th day of the eighth lunar month) of Hoi An ancient town in central Quang Nam province as a National Intangible Heritage.

The Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation of Hoi An city said the mid-autumn festival of Hoi An was one of 14 recognised by the ministry, and the official certificate will be handed over soon.

The centre said the festival this year will be held with a series of activities and cultural performances in the Old Quarter and on the Hoai River banks on September 29, promoting tourism recovery after the pandemic.

It’s a post-harvest festival during which people gather together in celebration of a bumper harvest by making cakes and offerings from farm produce, expressing thanks to Heaven for peace and abundant crops, according to the centre.

Lion and unicorn dances are a focus of the festival on the main stage in the Hoai River Square and along the streets of the Old Quarter.

The festival is decorated by lanterns in the Old Quarter and candle-lit paper flowers released on the Hoai River on the 14th and 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It’s also a favourite rendezvous for local people and foreign tourists visiting and exploring the culture and lifestyle of Hoi An.

The UNESCO-recognised world heritage site received the annual Nguyen Tieu Festival – the fifth national intangible heritage of Hoi An after Thanh Chau bird's nest, Thanh Ha Pottery village, carpentry of Kim Bong Village and Tra Que vegetable garden.

HCM City promotes partnership with China’s Hainan province

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen received visiting Secretary of the Party Committee of China’s Hainan province Shen Xiaoming in the city on February 21.

Nen welcomed Shen’s visit, describing it as the first step for the two localities to strengthen their partnership in many fields.

He recalled difficulties that HCM City faced during the hard time when the fourth wave of COVID-19 hit the country, and the support from international friends, including China. Currently, the city is on its post-pandemic economic recovery period.

Highlighting the similarities between HCM City and Hainan, Nen said both act as an economic hub in each country.

Hainan is successfully implementing the free trade model, while HCM City is the centre of Vietnam’s southern economic region, he noted, expressing hope to receive the sharing of experience from the Chinese province and promote bilateral partnership in various fields such as high technology, health care, new and renewable energy.

Nen said he hopes for more visits and direct meetings between leaders of the two localities and their departments in the future, enabling the two sides to share experience and continue to foster their cooperative and strategic partnership.

For his part, Shen congratulated HCM City on overcoming the pandemic and stabilising locals’ life, and showed his impression at the growth of the city in recent years.

He said that since June 2020, the Chinese Government decided to turned Hainan into a free trade zone. The policy has proved its efficiency, as the province has topped Chinese localities in terms of GDP growth. Hainan is also the leading locality in foreign investment attraction, he added.

Shen said that in recent years, Hainan has seen breakthrough development in green energy economy, especially electricity vehicle manufacturing.

Commenting that HCM City is the most dynamic and developed locality of Vietnam, Shen proposed the two sides learn from each other and promote their collaboration in many areas for common development.

The two localities should resume their direct air route and bolster cooperation in tourism, agriculture, biotechnology, services and green economy, he suggested.

Vietnam attends annual meeting of special committee on UN Charter

The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations opened its annual meeting on February 21 with the participation of representatives from more than 80 member states.

This year’s session focuses on the role of the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security, and the peaceful settlement of disputes as well as the role of regional mechanisms and agreements.

Addressing the session, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, underlined the need to abide by the UN Charter and principles of international law to maintain international peace and security, especially when the world is facing many common challenges.

Regarding sanctions, Thoa said the measure should only be applied when it is the last solution. In order to prevent adverse effects on economic activities and people's lives, sanctions should be built on a clear legal basis with specific objectives and application time, she said.

In addition, it is necessary to make periodic reviews to ensure that when the goal is achieved, sanctions are also lifted, said the Vietnamese representative who called on sanction committees and expert groups to fully consider the impact of sanctions on third countries.

Over the peaceful settlement of disputes, Thoa affirmed that Vietnam always upholds this fundamental principle of international law, and supports measures stated in Article 33 of the UN Charter.

Vietnam supports the exchange and sharing of information on national practices in using regional mechanisms and agreements to build trust, prevent and reduce conflicts, she stated.

She affirmed that at the regional level, the ASEAN has taken the leading role in efforts to establish a series of effective dialogue mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).

Along with continuing to reinforcing fundamental documents for friendly cooperation and dispute settlement such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the association has worked with partners to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and negotiate for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), said Thoa.

The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations was established in 1975, creating a forum for member states to discuss the implementation of the Charter. The Special Committee meets annually to consider relevant proposals. Since its adoption in 1945, the UN Charter has been revised three times in 1963, 1965 and 1973.

HCM City ousted from National Cup after 2-0 loss

Việt Nam Coal and Minerals eliminated defending champion HCM City from repeating as champs with a 2-0 victory in a third round match of the National Women's Football Cup on February 21 in Hà Nội.

As it was a key game that decided the second team to advance to the semi-final round, both two sides started slowly and cautiously.

Facing the defending champions with sharp goal hunters, Coal and Minerals chose to play defence.

HCM City, after a dozen minutes testing its rivals, opened attacks but failed to find the Coal and Minerals' back of the net. At the same time, its defenders made deadly mistakes.

At the 18th minute, Thanh Mai's straight shot hit a defender of HCM City and bounced back. Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Vạn ran in the box to shoot the ball and easily opened the scoring.

Coach Đoàn Thị Kim Chi pushed her players to speed up and made several changes to strengthen her front line. But none of their attempts were converted into a goal.

Meanwhile, her defenders were also having a bad day, failing to stop Vạn from passing smart balls to her teammates in the box. At the 72nd minute, Thuỳ Dung finally took the ball and her close-range finish made it 2-0 for Coal and Minerals.

With three teams having six points, Coal and Minerals jumped to top place of Group A due to better goal difference. Thái Nguyên T&T is second.

In the last-four round, Coal and Minerals will play Phong Phú Hà Nam, Group B's second-place team, at the Việt Nam Youth Football Centre on February 24.

Thái Nguyên will meet with Hà Nội 1 at the same time at the PVF Football Training Centre in Hưng Yên Province. 

Meanwhile, HCM City dropped to third and was disqualified from the race to the trophy. They will have a last match for the fifth-place playoff against Group B's bottom team Sơn La on February 23. 

Contest encourages children to collect, learn about stamps

A contest of postage stamp collection and knowledge for children aged 8 – 15 nationwide, themed ‘your country in stamps’, was launched at a ceremony in Hanoi on February 22.

Accepting entries submitted from February 22 to May 31, the competition requires eligible candidates to collect stamps, answer a list of questions, and write an essay revolving around the key topic.

The entries, preferably written by hands and demonstrated with stamps, should be sent via post to the headquarters of the Vietnam children support & development centre in Hanoi.

Details of the contest can be found on the websites of Vietnam Post (http://www.vnpost.vn) and the Central Council of the Ho Chi Minh Vanguard Children's Union (http://www.thieunhivietnam.vn).

Addressing the ceremony, Le Anh Quan, Vice President of the Central Council of the Ho Chi Minh Vanguard Children's Union, said the theme of the competition has a special meaning in helping kids learn about the nation’s history, therefore they will become more aware of their responsibilities for the national protection cause.

Vietnam calls for end to hostilities, peaceful solutions to Ukraine issue

Vietnam has made an urgent appeal to the parties concerned in the Ukraine conflict for ending hostilities, avoiding acts of escalating tensions, and resuming dialogue to seek comprehensive, satisfactory, and durable peaceful solutions to differences.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, attended the UN General Assembly’s emergency special session on Ukraine on February 22, one year since the conflict broke out.

In his remarks, Giang voiced concerns about the situation in Ukraine over the past year, recent worrying developments, and the conflict’s consequences, including heavy human and property losses, and negative impacts on the region and the world as well as common efforts to promote international cooperation and respond to global challenges.

He underlined the need to comply with international law and the UN Charter, especially the fundamental principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and not using or threatening to use force.

Vietnam urgently appeals to the parties concerned to end hostilities, avoid acts that escalate tensions, and resume dialogue and negotiations to seek comprehensive, satisfactory, and durable peaceful solutions to differences in conformity to and with respect for international law and the UN Charter, with the legitimate interests and concerns by the relevant parties taken into account, for the sake of regional and global peace and stability, the diplomat said.

Giang added Vietnam holds that the international community should increase safeguarding security and safety for people, ensure conflict-hit people’s urgent needs are met, and protect and maintain civilian facilities, especially the infrastructure essential for people’s life.

He also highlighted the country’s appeal to the UN, countries, and international organisations and partners to continue augmenting efforts to deliver assistance to conflict-hit people and to support the UN and the UN Secretary-General’s roles and efforts in seeking solutions.

Vietnam is ready to make contributions within its capacity to diplomatic, reconstruction, recovery, and aid provision efforts in Ukraine, according to the ambassador.

The emergency special session will go on February 23 (New York time) to continue listening to member states’ opinions and consider a draft UN General Assembly resolution on the principles of the UN Charter on comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Pilot posthumously awarded certificate in recognition of merit to Fatherland

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision to posthumously award a certificate to pilot Tran Ngoc Duy in recognition of merit rendered to the Fatherland.

The decision stated that upon reviewing a proposal by the Minister of Invalids, Labour and Social Affairs, the PM decided to posthumously bestow the certificate to Duy, Deputy Squadron Leader - Chief of Staff of Squadron 1, Regiment 921, Division 371 of the Ministry of National Defence’s Air and Air Defence Force, who died in a military training aircraft crash on January 31.

Earlier, the Ministry of National Defence decided to posthumously promote him from the rank of Captain to Major Colonel. The Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union also decided to posthumously award the "Brave Youth" badge to him.

On January 31, Duy piloted a military jet SU22 in a training session. At 12:27 pm, while landing, the aircraft encountered a problem. The pilot was ordered to parachute, but he tried to fix it instead. The aircraft eventually crashed and he died.

Vietnamese border provinces, China’s Guangxi eye stronger cooperation

The Vietnamese northern border provinces of Cao Bang, Lang Son, Ha Giang and Quang Ninh and China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on February 22 held a video conference on enhancing cooperation between border localities of the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Secretary of the Party Committee of Ha Giang province Dang Quoc Khanh spotlighted the long-lasting traditional friendship between the two countries’ people and the sound development of the bilateral relations in recent times, saying that exchanges and meetings between the two sides at all levels have been regularly organised with various forms, contributing to strengthening friendly relations and political trust.

The localities of the two countries also coordinated closely in implementing solutions effectively and synchronously to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, and promote production and business activities and cooperation in key fields, he said.

Khanh underlined the need for the Vietnamese border localities, and Guangxi to continue to fully tap potential and advantages, promote exchange and comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, and maintain smooth trade activities at border gates in order to ensure the operation of goods supply chains.

It is also necessary to resume trade activities at border crossings and border gates in order facilitate the exchange of goods by border residents; and soon completely restore entry - exit activities at border gates of the two sides towards resuming and developing tourism in the Vietnamese and Chinese localities, he said.

Liu Ning, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said 2022 was a successful year in external affairs between China and Vietnam.

Cooperation between the four northern border provinces of Vietnam and the Chinese autonomous region has developed across fields, especially border trade, he noted, suggesting the two sides continue to build a more effective and substantive connection, cooperation and exchange mechanism, and expand bilateral trade cooperation methods, thus further boosting economic and trade and cooperation, especially cross-border trade.

Liu expressed his belief that with the efforts and determination of the two sides, the cooperation between the Vietnamese localities and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will continue to be implemented effectively, significantly contributing to promoting socio-economic development and benefiting the sides’ people, and deepening the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the coming time.

The two sides agreed to tighten the solidarity and friendship, promote the development of cooperation mechanisms in various fields, and lift local cooperation to a new height, contributing to further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.  

At the event, the two sides inked an agreement on cooperation in personnel training in the 2023 – 2027 period, and eight agreements in other areas.

Within the framework of the conference, the 14th meeting of the Joint Working Committee of the provinces of Ha Giang, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, and Cao Bang, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was organised.

Measures needed to solve bottlenecks for cultural development: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on February 22 requested more efforts to address bottlenecks for cultural development while working with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the National Master Programme on Development of Vietnamese Culture in the 2023-2030 period.

Appreciating efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant ministries and sectors as well as enthusiastic opinions of experts, artists, and intellectuals in making the programme, Ha stressed the need to promote cultural development in balance and harmony with politics, economy and society.

He urged the ministry to review the underway projects, plans and strategies; as well as urgent issues and new contents in the Conclusion of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the National Culture Conference in November 2021 to be included them in the programme so as to ensure there is no overlap, and there are specific goals and projects until 2025.

The most important task is to institutionalise the Party's resolutions and guidelines, focus on removing bottlenecks for the development of culture, and build a contingent of artists and writers who meet ideological and political orientations and requirements in the new situation, Ha stressed.

According to the Deputy PM, cultural development must be associated with human development, and the preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage and cultural values.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said that the programme aims at revitalising and promoting culture to truly become a solid spiritual foundation of society and an important internal strength, and to ensure sustainable development and safeguarding of the Fatherland.

Vietnam impresses visitors at cultural festival in Egypt

Vietnam is leaving strong impression on visitors at the Sakia Exhibition for Cultural Services, which opened in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo on February 22.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt shows many documents, books and photos on culture, history, land and people of Vietnam, especially its outstanding achievements after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (renewal).

Besides books on tourism introducing attractive destinations and unique features of regions, there also are magazines, photos, maps and documents and documentary screenings on Vietnam and the country’s specialities of fried spring rolls and coffee.

The event is party of a series of activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Egypt (1963-2023).

The Sakia Exhibition for Cultural Services is held annually and allows countries to exchange cultural activities and boost solidarity and mutual understanding. This year's event attracts the participation of nearly 30 countries worldwide.

Cooperation between HCM City, Hungarian partners strengthened

Permanent Vice Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai on February 22 received Szojka Éva Szilvia, Consul General of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City, who came to bid farewell at the end of her tenure in Vietnam.

Mai applauded the positive and important contributions by the diplomat to developing a cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Hungary as well as between Ho Chi  Minh City with Hungarian partners.

Szojka Éva Szilvia highlighted that the two countries always support each other, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, despite many difficulties, the Hungarian Consulate General successfully organised activities in Ho Chi Minh City relating to tourism, cuisine, and education.

She that during her tenure, she was particularly paying attention to three specific areas of water resource management, agricultural development, and digital transformation. Each year Hungary still offered 200 scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Mai said that he will closely cooperate with her successor, creating better conditions for the Consulate General of Hungary to operate in Ho Chi Minh City, including promoting activities in the three areas and other ones relating to trade and investment between the two sides, contributing to promoting their bilateral relations.

On this occasion, Mai presented the Ho Chi Minh City Badge to the Hungarian outgoing diplomat in recognition of her contribution to the city.

PM suggests stronger cooperation between Vietnamese, Chinese localities

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 22 suggested China’s Hainan province enhance its exchange and cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City and the northern province of Quang Ninh.

At a reception for Secretary of the Party Committee of Hainan province Shen Xiaoming in Hanoi on February 22, the PM said the sides should step up mutually beneficial cooperation in tourism, transport, education, health care, culture, climate change response, search and rescue operations at sea and humanitarian treatment towards fishermen, contributing to maintaining maritime peace, stability and collaboration.

Chinh expressed his belief that Shen’s visit will contribute to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and ministries, agencies and localities of Vietnam in various spheres.

He rejoiced at the good development of the relations between the two Parties and countries over the past time, and suggested the two sides effectively implement high-level common perceptions reached during the official visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong last October.

The PM said he hopes that the two sides will step up all-level exchanges, promote cooperation across fields, especially trade towards a balanced fashion, expand investment collaboration, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and restore tourism links. He also urged China to soon include Vietnam in the list of pilot group outbound tours.

The two countries should work together to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he continued.

Shen, for his part, congratulated the Vietnamese Party, State and people on the great achievements they have recorded in Doi Moi (reform) process and socio-economic development.

Hainan attaches importance to and stands ready to boost cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, he stressed, adding that Hainan agencies will closely coordinate with the Vietnamese side to effectively implement the common perceptions reached during Party General Secretary Trong’s visit, as well as PM Chinh’s proposals, including those on the restoration of flights and cruise routes to Vietnam, the establishment of a Vietnam trade promotion office in Hainan and the increase of the import of Vietnamese agricultural products, including coconuts, contributing to the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Man in Can Tho prosecuted for abuse of freedom, democracy rights

Police in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on February 22 decided to arrest and launch criminal proceedings against Le Minh The for “abusing the rights of freedom and democracy to violate the State’s interests, legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals" in accordance with Article 331 of the 2015 Criminal Code which was revised and supplemented in 2017.

The, 60, resides on Tran Quang Dieu street in An Thoi ward of Can Tho city. His house was also raided.

Earlier, on March 20, 2019, The was sentenced to two years in prison on the same charge.

In July 2020, he finished serving his prison sentence and returned to his hometown until now. While living there, he still often posted and shared articles and photos with illegal contents on his personal Facebook page, leaving them available for share and comment.

The case is being investigated by the local police.

Deputy PM calls for GEAPP’s support in energy transition

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on February 22 called on international partners, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), to further advise and support Vietnam in policy making and creating an optimal legal environment for energy transition projects within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

At a reception in Hanoi for GEAPP CEO Simon Harford, Ha noted that Vietnam wishes to receive consultancy and technical support from international partners during its implementation of the JETP.

Particularly, Vietnam is calling for assistance in the construction of offshore wind power centres and smart transmission systems which are affordable by Vietnamese people, he added.

In reply, Harford briefed the host on the outcomes of his working sessions with representatives from some ministries and partners in Vietnam, during which they defined specific support requirements in the JETP implementation as well as the modernisation of the energy sector.

He called energy transition a complicated, long-term process, and pledged that the GEAPP will be a long-term partner that stands ready to advise and help Vietnam with suitable solutions.

The GEAPP will also mobilise more international partners in technology, finance and administration to enable Vietnam to use more clean energy sources, promote production and create jobs in new sectors, thus taking the lead in the region in renewable energy, he said.

Senior Lao leaders receive Vietnamese Party delegation

Le Hoai Trung, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for External Relations, has paid a working visit to Laos at the invitation of his Lao counterpart Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

On February 22, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith received, while Thongsavanh Phomvihane held talks with the Vietnamese delegation. 

At the receptions, the Lao leaders spoke highly of the outcomes of the working session between the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations and its Lao counterpart, saying that those have contributed to further deepening the Vietnam - Laos special solidarity.

The Lao leaders congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, expressing their delight at the fruitful development of the bilateral relations.

They affirmed that Laos attaches great importance to the relationship with Vietnam, stressing that the two commissions need to continue to closely coordinate, enhance the exchange of information and experience, and support each other, thus successfully implementing resolutions of their party congresses and agreements between senior leaders of the two Parties and States.

For his part, Trung affirmed that Vietnam's foreign policy always attaches importance and gives top priority to developing the special relations between the two countries.

He acknowledged with pleasure that the cooperative relationship between the two Parties and States has increasingly developed in a more practical and effective manner in all fields, contributing to maintaining the stability and development of each country.

The official took this occasion to convey the regards of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other senior Vietnamese leaders to Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other leaders of Laos.

At their talks, Trung and Thongsavanh reviewed the cooperation between the two commissions.

They also emphasised the necessity to further boost coordination between the agencies in implementing agreements between senior Party and State leaders of the two nations and expand and improve the efficiency of cooperation between other commissions of the two Parties.

Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomes leader of China's Hainan province

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for the Secretary of the Party Committee of China’s Hainan province, Shen Xiaoming, in Hanoi on February 22.

The two officials spoke highly of cooperation achievements across fields between Vietnamese localities and Hainan, and compared notes on orientations and measures to promote their friendship and cooperation in the time ahead.

Son suggested Vietnamese and Chinese localities step up meetings and cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, and exchange experience in spheres where Hainan has strengths like climate change response, aquaculture, and agriculture, and especially rice cultivation in the areas affected by saltwater intrusion.

The minister also called for stronger cooperation in tourism, people-to-people exchange, and the restoration of direct flights between the two sides.

Localities should seriously implement the common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries on the satisfactory settlement of disagreements and working together to maintain peace and stability in the region, Son said.

He suggested the two sides enhance collaboration in search and rescue operations at sea, help fishermen find storm shelters when necessary, and provide them with humanitarian treatment, matching the friendly neighborliness between the two countries.

For his part, Shen stressed that Hainan attaches importance to cooperation with Vietnamese localities, and stands ready to maintain regular exchanges and meetings.

Hainan will work to facilitate the penetration of Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural products, into China through Hainan, and serve as a gateway for Chinese firms to invest in Vietnam, thus contributing to the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Vietnam – important partner of EU: EP Foreign Affairs Committee

The Chair of the European Parliament (EP)’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister has affirmed Vietnam is an important partner of the European Union (EU) and noted his wish for stronger cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on February 22 on the occasion of his visit to Indonesia and Vietnam from February 20-24, McAllister lauded the achievements Vietnam recorded in cooperation in trade, investment, environment, and energy.

The EU appreciated Vietnam’s support for the EU-ASEAN relationship, he said, highlighting the Vietnamese delegation’s constructive engagement in the ASEAN-EU Summit commemorating the 45th anniversary of their relations in Brussels, Belgium, last December.
The EU and ASEAN share commitments to multilateralism and rules-based international order, McAllister said.

He reiterated that the EP supports ASEAN’s efforts in seeking solutions to the crisis in Myanmar, and calls on the country’s military authorities to seriously observe the Five-Point Consensus agreed upon by ASEAN leaders.

The EU is steadfast in its view on the need to ensure the rule of law in the East Sea, as well as the vital importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in the region, he affirmed.

McAllister noted with pleasure the growing economic and trade ties between the two sides, saying the EU is ASEAN’s third biggest trade partner, after the US and China, and the second foreign investor in the 10-member grouping.

Given challenges regarding climate change, the EU is working hard to assist ASEAN member countries to shift towards greener and cleaner energy, he said.

Acting President receives new Ambassadors of Switzerland, Malaysia, Cambodia

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on February 22 hosted receptions for the Ambassadors of Switzerland, Malaysia and Cambodia to Vietnam who came to present their credentials.

Receiving Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass, Xuan affirmed that Vietnam has always attached importance to its traditional friendship and cooperation with Switzerland over the past 50 years.

She proposed the two countries maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels, and continue to closely coordinate with and support each other at multilateral forums and international organisations.

The Acting President also suggested encouraging Swiss enterprises to do long-term business in Vietnam, especially in the fields of green growth, digital transformation, circular economy, finance - banking, insurance, manufacturing, hi-tech agriculture, and education - training.

Xuan proposed Switzerland, as the country with an important voice in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), continue promoting negotiations on the Vietnam - EFTA Free Trade Agreement to achieve practical results that are in conformity with the interests of both sides in the coming time.
 
Gass expressed his hope that the two countries will continue enhancing political relations, stepping up high-level meetings, and organising visits this year.

It is necessary to promote collaboration in education and trade, and people-to-people exchanges, he said, adding that he will help boost Swiss FDI inflows to Vietnam thanks to the country’s favourable investment environment.

At the reception for Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai, Xuan agreed with his proposal of stepping up delegation exchanges this year as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.
 
Acting President receives new Ambassadors of Switzerland, Malaysia, Cambodia hinh anh 2
At the reception for Malaysian Ambassador Tan Yang Thai, Acting President Xuan agrees with his proposal of stepping up delegation exchanges this year. (Photo: VNA)
She proposed Malaysia create a safe and favourable labour environment for Vietnamese labourers in the country on the basis of an agreement on labour cooperation signed in March 2022.

Xuan also proposed speeding up negotiations towards the early signing of a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defence cooperation and work to build a cooperation agreement on ensuring cyber-security.

The Acting President appreciated and asked the two sides to maintain active coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums and organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations.

The Malaysian Ambassador said that he will coordinate with the authorities of the two countries to organise activities in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.

He asked authorised agencies to create more favourable conditions so that more and more Malaysians will visit or do business in Vietnam.

Welcoming Chea Kimtha – the first female ambassador of Cambodia to Vietnam, Xuan showed her belief that the diplomat will have a successful working tenure, thus contributing to fostering the bilateral relations.
 
She affirmed that Vietnam always treasures and gives high priority to consolidating and enhancing its traditional friendship and all-around collaboration with Cambodia.

The Acting President proposed the two nations continue working with and assisting each other at regional and international forums, for the benefits of the two countries' people, and for the development of ASEAN.

Chea Kimtha vowed to exert efforts to help step up the implementation of the signed cooperation agreement as well as people-to-people exchanges, and intensify communications for the two nations' people, especially youths, to understand more about the bilateral relations and continue developing these ties.

Ben Tre seeks cooperation with ASEAN countries

The People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on February 22 held a seminar to promote its potential in trade, investment, cultural exchange, and education to localities and investors from other ASEAN countries.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Ngoc Tam said that the Government of Vietnam is implementing a project to build a coastal road from Ho Chi Minh City to Tien Giang through Ben Tre and connecting with Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau provinces. In the future, Ben Tre will be located on the axis linking the eastern coastal provinces of the Mekong Delta.

With a dense network of rivers and canals, and a diverse ecosystem, Ben Tre province has favourable conditions for the development of agriculture, aquaculture, marine economy, and renewable energy, especially wind power. In the next period, the province's orientation will develop toward the East.

Director of Ben Tre province’s Department of Planning and Investment Duong Van Phuc emphasized that the province has abundant and diverse sources of agricultural and aquatic materials. 

Its agriculture is developed based on coconut trees, fruit trees, and fisheries. Over the years, the province has always strived to create an open business investment environment, creating a reliable destination for investors. In the period 2016-2020,  Ben Tre always ranked in the top ten in the country in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and the province belongs to the group of good and very good governance.

Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Agustaviano Sofjan said that one of the keys to defining smart cities and smart agriculture is being connected with technology and innovation is also an essential driving force for the development of smart cities and smart agriculture.

Truong Thi Nhi, Director of Forever Green Resort, said that Ben Tre has the potential to develop resorts for multicultural elderly people. The model of health care and rehabilitation is very necessary for the elderly, middle-aged women, and patients. It needs to be invested in and developed based on available resources and the cultural values of the province.

Murderer of two sentenced to death in Bình Phước

A man has been sentenced to death for murdering his girlfriend and her mother.

Bình Phước People's Court heard how Lê Công Minh, 35 and Phạm Thị Phục Hưng, 32 were in a turbulent relationship with Minh often beating her up.

Hưng's mother Trần Thị Kim Phượng, 67, knew about her daughter's beatings and forbid Minh from entering her house.

At 4pm on February 9, 2021, a drunken Minh asked a friend to drive him to Hưng's house in Hớn Quản, Bình Phước to return a motorbike when he met Phượng.

Phượng grabbed Minh's hair and tried to pull him out of the house. Hưng heard the fracas and ran out of the bathroom to stop the fight, but Phượng kept on punching Minh.

Minh took a pocket knife and stabbed Phượng multiple times. Hưng, who tried to intervene was also stabbed in the torso. Both the mother and daughter succumbed to their wounds and died.

After committing the murder, Minh took the motorbike and the knife and left the scene, but was arrested by Hớn Quản District Police where he confessed to both killings.

Minh had a criminal record relating to handling stolen goods, gambling and deliberating inflicting injury. 

Five monkeys in HCM City handed over

A family in HCM City has handed over five monkeys to the municipal Department of Forest Protection Management.

Phan Vi Quang, 50, from Binh Chanh District’s Le Minh Xuan Commune said he was given three small monkeys six years ago. Then as they grow, they became more aggressive towards strangers. Fearing what they could do, he caged them.

A short time later, a female pig-tailed macaque suddenly appeared in front of his family’s monkey cage, so he added it to his collection.

After that, the female pig-tailed macaque gave birth to a baby monkey, raising the troop to five.

"The monkeys are quite gentle to us, but fierce to strangers. I worry that they could attack our neighbours, so I decided to hand them over to the city’s Department of Forest Protection,” he added.

To capture the animals, the forest management forces used anaesthetic darts. The monkeys have been taken to Cu Chi District’s wild animal rescue centre before being released into the wild.

Another strong cold spell to hit northern region

A strong cold spell is forecasted to hit the northern and northern central regions from February 24, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

From February 24, the temperatures will sharply fall to between 13-16 degrees celsius in the northern region and some provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue, and to between 10-13 degrees celsius in mountainous areas and there will be rains, the centre said.

The cold spell is forecasted to last several days.

Bac Ninh Province organises Quan Ho Singing Contest

The 2023 Quan Ho (Love Duet) Singing Contest officially opened in the northern province of Bac Ninh on February 22, as part of the activities within the framework of the festival entitled ‘Travelling to the land of Quan Ho folk singing’.

The contest aimed to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3 1930-2023) and respond to the 80th anniversary of the “Outline of Vietnamese Culture”.

The Quan Ho Singing Contest, which will last until February 23, features the participation of more than 500 artisans, actors, actresses, musicians and singers from eight art troupes from districts and cities around the province.

At the contest, artisans, actors, actresses and musicians will compete on the music stage and singers will perform ancient Quan Ho songs. The elaborate stage and the combination between both music and Quan Ho songs creates a new vitality for the Quan Ho Folk Singing of Bac Ninh Province.

Also today, the Spring Press Festival officially kicked off, displaying nearly 100 publications from both central and local press agencies. The festival contributes to helping locals and visitors see all aspects of social life, Party building, economic development, defence and security of the country in general and in Bac Ninh in particular.

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