Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong offered incense in tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 inside the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 7 on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival - the most important traditional festival of Vietnamese people.

The Party chief expressed his deep gratitude to the beloved President who devoted his whole life to the revolutionary cause of the Party, the nation and the people of Vietnam, and the international community.

The Thought, the morals and working style of President Ho Chi Minh have become invaluable spiritual assets of the Party and people.

House 67 in the Presidential Palace complex is the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived during the final years of his life and breathed his last. Many mementos associated with the President's life and career are still kept there.

Party leader’s writing energises efforts towards prosperous, civilised nation target

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s recent article titled "Proud and confident under the Party's glorious flag, determined to build a Vietnam more prosperous, powerful, civilized, heroic with a fine and long-lasting culture" has given more strength to the entire Party and people to strive for the goal of rich people and a powerful, democratic, equal, and civilised nation, some scholars and Party members have said.

The article was written on the occasion of the 94th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) (February 3, 1930 - 2024).

Speaking highly of the writing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Quy Quynh, head of the personnel affairs and examination division at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said the article highlights all the remarkable achievements the country has obtained under the CPV’s leadership.

Written in a succinct, simple, and understandable style, the article points out the fact that by undergoing many development periods of the world and humankind, the Party has identified right targets for each period and led Vietnam’s development in a way matching each development period of the world, he said.

Quynh noted it identifies the difficulties and challenges facing the Party, opportunities that must be seized, the focal and core tasks, along with regular tasks while demanding resolve and better implementation from the central level to each Party organisation, Party member, and the entire people to further develop the country.

The scholar held that to reach the goal of rich people and a powerful, democratic, equal, and civilised nation, each official and Party member needs to keep thoroughly grasping and seriously implementing the Party’s viewpoints and guidelines as well as the State’s laws and policies on fast and sustainable development, and apply them to their localities, agencies, and units.

Each Party member also needs to actively seize opportunities to help foster economic development, pay more attention to the harmonious development of economic, cultural, and social aspects, guarantee social welfare and security, and unceasingly improve people’s material and spiritual life quality.

It is also important that Party members are imbued with the Party’s ideology; severely comply with discipline and behave with integrity; boost creativity and innovation in the fields they work in; think big, act bold, and dare to bear responsibility; bring into play their pioneering role and set good examples; and work for the sake of their collectives, the people, and the nation, according to Quynh.

As a Party member at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Tran Quang Dau said featuring three main parts, General Secretary Trong’s writing provides an overview of the Party’s history, from its foundation to its leadership over the struggles for national independence, the South liberation, national reunification, the settlement of war consequences, the cause of Doi moi (Renewal), and integration into the world.

Over the last 94 years, the Party has always been a source of pride of the Vietnamese people, who trust in and view the CPV as the political pioneering force and the only real leader of the entire nation.

The CPV is not only the decisive factor of every victory of Vietnam’s revolution but also a source of steadfast confidence and pride of the nation, he went on.

Showing his interest in the article’s Part 3 on the implementation of the Party and State’s Doi moi and international integration policies, Dau noted that this part outlines some major orientations and general issues and also includes very concrete and detailed contents and requirements in terms of discipline, morality, and wisdom for each Party organisation, Party member, and people.

Leaders pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh on Tet occasion

A delegation of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly (NA) and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on February 7 on the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon.

The delegation included Politburo members: President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, and Chairwoman of its Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai.

Other members included former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, former President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and former NA Chairpersons Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, among others.

The delegates showed their profound gratitude to the late leader who devoted his whole life for the struggle for national liberation and reunification as well as the nation building cause.

The delegation also laid flowers and offered incense at the Monument for Heroic Martyrs on Bac Son street near the mausoleum.

On the same day, delegations from the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, as well as the Party Committee, People’s Council and People’s Committee of Hanoi paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and laid flowers at the Monument for Heroic Martyrs.

Senior officials of the Party and State also paid tribute to revolutionaries and martyrs at the capital city’s Mai Dich Cemetery.

Party chief extends Tet greetings to incumbent, former leaders

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong extended Tet (Lunar New Year) greetings to incumbent and former leaders of the Party, the State, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, at a meeting in Hanoi on February 7, the 28th day of the last lunar month.

The event saw the attendance of former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh; President Vo Van Thuong and former Presidents Truong Tan Sang and Nguyen Xuan Phuc; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and former PM Nguyen Tan Dung; Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue and former NA Chairpersons Nguyen Van An, Nguyen Sinh Hung, and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan; and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Truong Thi Mai, among others.

In his remarks, Trong emphasised significant, comprehensive achievements the entire Party, people and army recorded last year despite a host of challenges like epidemics and natural disasters.

The macro economy was stabilised, inflation controlled and major economic balances ensured, plus quarter-to-quarter growth, he elaborated, adding 10 out of the 15 socio-economic targets set for the year were fulfilled.

In addition, progress was made in culture, social welfare, poverty reduction, as well as the Party and political system building and rectification, the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena, and external affairs. Meanwhile, socio-political stability and national defence and security were consolidated and national sovereignty maintained.

Such achievements contributed to consolidating and advancing Vietnam’s role, position, and reputation in the international arena, making it a bright spot throughout the year, he affirmed.  

The leader also highlighted the democratic atmosphere within the Party and the society, which created collective strength and promoted the country’s new position and strength.

He thanked revolutionary veterans, officials, Party members, people and soldiers at home and Vietnamese abroad for their great contributions to the cause of reform, and national construction and defence.

Trong also hailed cooperation and support of international organisations and friends for national construction and defence in Vietnam.

The leader called for stronger determination and greater will of the Party, people and army to complete targets set for this year, focusing on stabilising the macro economy and removing obstacles to production and business.

More efforts are needed in such areas as culture, education, science-technology, environmental protection, social welfare, Party building and rectification, and the building of a law-government socialist State and a pure political system.

Other tasks include streamlining administrative procedures, combating corruption and other negative phenomena, preventing wastefulness and practising thrift, he said, stressing the need to strengthen national defence and security, maintain national independence and sovereignty, and ensure political security and social order and safety, as well as an environment of peace and stability conducive to the country’s rapid, sustainable development.

The Party chief urged comprehensively and concertedly implementing external affairs and intensive and extensive international integration, strengthening the great national solidarity bloc, raising public confidence in the Party, and further preparing for all-level Party congresses and the 14th National Party Congress.

Five earthquakes reported in Kon Tum on February 7 morning

Five earthquakes were recorded in Kon Plong district in the Central Highland province of Kon Tum on February 7 morning, according to the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre under the Institute of Geophysics.

All the earthquakes caused no disaster risk as the strongest quake occurred at 10:11:50 (Hanoi time) with a magnitude of 4.0 and focal depth at about 8.1 km.

Over one hour later, four other earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 3.3; 2.8; 2.5 and 3.7 and a focal depth ranging from 8.1-10.1 km.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said that the earthquake information centre has regularly reported earthquake activities to the local authorities and people.

The institute will continue to monitor and process earthquake data in Kon Plong district, he added.

He called on local people to stay calm and follow the instructions of local authorities and competent agencies. People also need to reinforce houses and equip themselves with more knowledge about earthquake prevention and response.

Foreign leaders offer New Year greetings to Party chief of Vietnam

Leaders of many countries, political parties, and international organisations have sent greetings to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on the occasion of New Year 2024 and the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) of Vietnam.

In his letter, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith said he is extremely proud that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have continued to be maintained and nurtured to develop in an increasingly result-oriented manner in various spheres, thus generating practical benefits for theỉr people.

He highly valued and congratulated the Vietnamese people on the enormous and comprehensive achievements in their revolutionary cause over the recent past.

The Lao leader expressed his belief that under the judicious and clear-sighted leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, led by General Secretary Trong, the Vietnamese people will continue harvesting new and greater achievements in the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, thereby reaching the goal of rich people and a powerful, democratic, equal, and civilised nation taking firm steps towards socialism.

On this occasion, the Party leader of Vietnam has also received New Year greetings from First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and President of the DPRK’s State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of the US Joe Biden, President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Kishida Fumio, President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk Yeol, Speaker of the RoK’s National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo, and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov, Chairman of the A Just Russia party Sergey Mironov, General Secretary of the Labour Party of Mexico Alberto Anaya Gutierrez, General Secretary of the United Left Movement Party of the Dominican Republic Miguel Mejia, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Brazil Luciana Santos, General Secretary of the Peruvian Communist Party Luis Villanueva, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bolivia Ignacio Mendosa, along with leaders of many other counties, political parties, international organisations, and diplomatic corps have also sent letters and cards of New Year greetings to Party General Secretary Trong.

Caution against transmissive diseases necessary despite drop in cases

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyễn Thị Liên Hương inspects the treatment of a hand, foot and mouth disease patient at Children's Hospital 1 in Hồ Chí Minh City last June. VNA/VNS Photo

In the week leading up to the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday in the Year of the Dragon 2024, the transmissive diseases situation in Hồ Chí Minh City showed a decreasing trend.

However, the city's Department of Health continues to advise residents to proactively take preventive measures to protect their health and that of their families.

The city's health sector closely monitors the epidemic situation, tracks the emergence of new variants, and promptly devises response plans for any abnormal situations.

During the pre-Tết week from January 29 to February 4, the epidemic situation in HCM City remained stable, with all types of diseases showing a decreasing trend. Specifically, the number of COVID-19 cases during the week was 25, a decrease of 28 per cent from the previous week and 40 per cent from the four-week average.

The cases of dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease have continuously decreased each week, since the beginning of 2024. In the past week, the city recorded 207 cases of dengue fever and 139 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, decreasing by 24 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, compared to the four-week average.

Starting from February 8, the COVID-19 vaccination and immunization activities in 22 districts and Thủ Đức City will be suspended until February 14 following the Tết 2024 holiday schedule for civil servants, officials and workers.

After the holidays, vaccination activities will resume. The specific schedule and locations for each area will be updated on the dealth department's portal. The types of vaccines currently available at the expanded vaccination sites in the city include the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and various vaccines for children in the expanded immunisation programme, such as Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, Japanese encephalitis B, rubella, and the polio vaccine for pregnant women.

The emergence of the Omicron JN.1. subvariant in HCMC since December 2023, with new antigenic characteristics allowing the virus to easily evade immune system attacks, raises concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 during the Tết holiday.

However, there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease than other subvariants of Omicron. All existing SARS-CoV-2 strains currently cause similar COVID-19 symptoms, and the severity of the disease depends on the immune system status and health condition of each individual (whether they have underlying diseases or not).

In the face of the constant mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, protecting people in high-risk groups remains a crucial and primary solution.

The HCMC Department of Health advises that during the Tết holiday, people in high-risk groups still need protection through measures such as controlling stable chronic diseases, receiving the full course of COVID-19 vaccines according to the Ministry of Health's recommendations, ensuring proper nutrition, staying hydrated, increasing physical activity, washing hands regularly, and wearing masks when in crowded places.

Homeland spring programme held in Sri Lanka

The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka held a “Xuan Que Huong” (Homeland Spring) programme on February 3 to bring a warm Lunar New Year (Tet) atmosphere to the Vietnamese community in the South Asian nation.

Vietnamese people who are living, studying, and working in Sri Lanka gathered at the embassy and together prepared traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ho Thi Thanh Truc briefed the participants on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, foreign affairs results, and international integration in 2023.

According to the ambassador, the embassy organised various activities in political, economic and cultural diplomacy. The activities helped the two countries' people understand more about each other, creating a foundation for further people-to-people exchanges, and contributing to the continued development of Vietnam - Sri Lanka relations.

She extended her Tet greetings to the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka.  

Health Ministry warns about food safety hazards during 2024 Tet holiday

The Vietnam Food Administration under the Ministry of Health has recently released warnings about food safety hazards to people during the coming lunar New Year holiday (Tet).

The Tet holiday is traditionally the time for people in the country to purchase large amounts of items such as meat, cakes, candies, and drinks for meals. It’s also the peak time when fraudsters look to cash in on consumers’ shopping spree by marketing fake or low-quality products.

The Vietnam Food Administration has therefore warned people of food poisoning risks if they use these products, especially items of unknown origin and those that are offered via e-commerce platforms.

The end of the year marks the time when more poor-quality products can be brought to the market, meaning people need to be aware of these products to avoid food poisoning, which impacts their health, suggested Nguyen Hung Long, deputy head of the Vietnam Food Administration.

Long added that the administration and relevant agencies are moving to strengthen control and promptly prevent the production and trading of fake and poor-quality food in order to protect consumer rights and prevent possible food poisoning.

According to the official, bold punitive measures have been introduced and many business establishments face bankruptcy due to the fines. However, he admitted that opportunists intentionally try to circumvent the law to make poor-quality products for circulation to earn illegal profits.

Long stressed the need to enhance communication campaign to raise public awareness about food poisoning risks, as well as brands on the blacklist. He also advised people to be wise consumers in choosing, cooking, and even preserving food during the Tet holiday.

Joyful Tet holiday for soldiers and residents on Spratly islands

The south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa held a video conference on February 5 to inquire into preparations of soldiers and residents in Truong Sa (Spratly) island district for the coming lunar New Year holiday (Tet).

It was reported that agencies and localities on the island have fully prepared food, green vegetables, cakes, apricot blossoms, and orchid trees to celebrate Tet. In addition, all soldiers and islanders are strictly on duty, while having prepared sufficient food and fuel to support fishermen at sea.

“Lots of Tet gifts sent from the mainland coupled with spiritual care from leaders help us feel less homesick when the Tet holiday comes,” said Major Le Thanh Do garrisoned on Song Tu Tay island, part of Truong Sa island district.

“I want to assure compatriots on the mainland that they happily and warmly enjoy the Tet holiday, and we are here to stand firm to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland,” he added.

For his part, Nguyen Hai Ninh, secretary of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, briefed those garrisoned on Truong Sa islands on the province’s socio-economic development achievement in 2023, saying Khanh Hoa secured economic growth of 10.35%, ranking fourth in the country and leading in the North Central and Central Coastal region.

In 2024, he said the province is completing a project to build Truong Sa island district into the country’s socio-economic and cultural centre and a solid defense area at sea. The project will be submitted to competent authorities for consideration and approval.

Ninh spoke of the strategic position of Truong Sa island district, and said soldiers and people of Truong Sa have over the years made every effort to successfully complete special political tasks and firmly protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands and the territorial integrity of the Fatherland.

He extended the best wishes to all soldiers and islanders of Truong Sa island district in the new lunar year ahead, and at the same time reminded them not to forget the routine duty they perform every day.

Taekwondo fighters to sharpen skills at Canada and US Open

Vietnamese taekwondo team will take part in the Canada Open on February 8-10 in Vancouver.

At the three-day event, poomsae (performance) athletes will compete in two categories of poomsae-recognised and poomsae-freestyle for cadet, junior and senior competitors, who will vie for individual, pair and team titles on February 8.

In the next two days, kyorugi (combat) fighters will take part in different weight categories for cadet, junior and senior.

Seven Vietnamese kyorugi competitors have just ended their intensive training course in South Korea and moved to Vancouver for competitions.

After Canada, athletes will continue fighting at the US Open on February 16-18 in Nevada.

According to the coaching board, the Opens were good opportunities for players to sharpen their skills ahead of their Paris Olympics' qualifications.

Among athletes, former Asian champion Trương Thị Kim Tuyền is considered to have the most potential. Competing in the women's 49kg class, Tuyền was the only Vietnamese taekwondo representative at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

She is now the best hope of the country for the Paris games, especially after her earthquake win over world reigning champion Daniela Paola Souza of Mexico at the world championship last May.

"The Asian zone qualifier will be held in March in China. It will feature the strongest martial artists. Our athletes are asked to practise hard and prepare well to make sure of their best performance," said Nguyễn Thu Trang, official of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam's Taekwondo Department.

"Our athletes showed high determination during their South Korean campaign. They are excited and can't wait for their competitions, although they will be far from home during Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival."

Two best fighters of each category at the Asian qualifier will walk away with Olympic places.

Caution against transmissive diseases necessary despite drop in cases

In the week leading up to the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday in the Year of the Dragon 2024, the transmissive diseases situation in Hồ Chí Minh City showed a decreasing trend.

However, the city's Department of Health continues to advise residents to proactively take preventive measures to protect their health and that of their families.

The city's health sector closely monitors the epidemic situation, tracks the emergence of new variants, and promptly devises response plans for any abnormal situations.

During the pre-Tết week from January 29 to February 4, the epidemic situation in HCM City remained stable, with all types of diseases showing a decreasing trend. Specifically, the number of COVID-19 cases during the week was 25, a decrease of 28 per cent from the previous week and 40 per cent from the four-week average.

The cases of dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease have continuously decreased each week, since the beginning of 2024. In the past week, the city recorded 207 cases of dengue fever and 139 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, decreasing by 24 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, compared to the four-week average.

Starting from February 8, the COVID-19 vaccination and immunization activities in 22 districts and Thủ Đức City will be suspended until February 14 following the Tết 2024 holiday schedule for civil servants, officials and workers.

After the holidays, vaccination activities will resume. The specific schedule and locations for each area will be updated on the dealth department's portal. The types of vaccines currently available at the expanded vaccination sites in the city include the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and various vaccines for children in the expanded immunisation programme, such as Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, Japanese encephalitis B, rubella, and the polio vaccine for pregnant women.

The emergence of the Omicron JN.1. subvariant in HCMC since December 2023, with new antigenic characteristics allowing the virus to easily evade immune system attacks, raises concerns about the rapid spread of COVID-19 during the Tết holiday.

However, there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease than other subvariants of Omicron. All existing SARS-CoV-2 strains currently cause similar COVID-19 symptoms, and the severity of the disease depends on the immune system status and health condition of each individual (whether they have underlying diseases or not).

In the face of the constant mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, protecting people in high-risk groups remains a crucial and primary solution.

The HCMC Department of Health advises that during the Tết holiday, people in high-risk groups still need protection through measures such as controlling stable chronic diseases, receiving the full course of COVID-19 vaccines according to the Ministry of Health's recommendations, ensuring proper nutrition, staying hydrated, increasing physical activity, washing hands regularly, and wearing masks when in crowded places.

Fishermen in Ninh Thuận seek to boost incomes ahead of Tết

Fishermen in Ninh Thuận Province are selling seafood at high prices to help them increase income for Tết.

It was a bustling scene in Đông Hải fishing port as boats docked to sell seafood to traders.

Fisherman Nguyễn Văn Đượm from Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm City told Vietnam News Agency that his family's ships exploit nearly five tonnes of seafood, mainly tuna, for revenue of around VNĐ350 million. He added that the ships will continue to sail for more valuable seafood for the Tết holiday.

Meanwhile, in Ninh Chữ fishing port and Đầm Nại coastal seafood market in Ninh Hải District, many ships anchored and sold seafood.

Nguyễn Văn Đức, who lives in the district, said that his family caught around three tonnes of large head hairtail fish for revenue of around VNĐ120 million. Prices of fish ahead of Tết are quite high, so he will continue fishing until the 29th of the 12th month of lunar calendar, he added.

Trader Trần Thị Lan, who purchases fish in Ninh Chữ area, said that due to high demand for fish ahead of Tết, she bought tonnes of fish to sell in Lâm Đồng, Đồng Nai and HCM City.

Đặng Kim Cương, director of Ninh Thuận's Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, said that the goal for catching seafood in 2024 is 127,150 tonnes. 

The province has encouraged fishermen to build, convert, and increase ship capacity; invest in modern technology and equipment; and support other fishermen while exploiting offshore fishing.

Meanwhile, the industry must cooperate with relevant parties to deploy urgent tasks and solutions to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) seafood exploitation, forecast fishing ground information for fishermen to make plans for moving and exploiting effectively, and promote the State’s legal regulations on exploiting and protecting each locality’s aquatic resources. 

Top legislator extends Tet greetings to Hanoi Party Organisation, administration, people

Politburo member and National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue extended his Tet greetings to the Party Organisation, administration and people of Hanoi during his visit to the locality on February 7, as the Lunar New Year (Tet) – the country’s longest and biggest traditional festival is approaching.

In his remarks, the top legislator assessed that the capital achieved its overall socioeconomic development objectives in 2023. Particularly, the local tourism experienced a robust recovery, emerging as a "bright spot" nationwide. Comprehensive investments in transportation infrastructure were made, with many significant projects initiated and completed. Hanoi's products under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme took the lead in the nation in terms of quantity and quality.

The city has maintained a peaceful, stable, and progressive environment, serving as a safe destination for foreign visitors and a venue for important national and international events and conferences, he noted.

The NA Chairman urged the municipal Party Organisation and administration to fully grasp and effectively carry out resolutions issued by the Party Central Committee, the NA, the Government, and the city.

Highlighting the importance of prioritising the building of a mechanism for the capital city's comprehensive and synchronous development, Hue recommended Hanoi closely coordinate with the organs of the NA and the Government to complete the draft amended Capital Law, the municipal master plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and an adjusted general planning for the city towards 2045 with a vision to 2065, which will be submitted for the legislature’s consideration, approval or feedback at its 7th session in May. He held that the implementation of the approved plans, especially those concerning the planning of the local Red River and Duong River areas, is necessary for fundamental urban transformation of the city.

The leader also suggested the capital concentrate on advancing the development of its cultural industry, ensuring public welfare, improving the quality of life for its residents, and strengthening its Party and political system. He went on stressing the importance of ensuring defense, security, order, and social safety in all circumstances, particularly during festive seasons.

In response, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung affirmed the local determination to make breakthroughs, complete key tasks, and promptly address livelihood issues to raise people’s living standards. The municipal authorities will carry out the amended Capital Law following its passage by the NA, and continue working on major plans for the development of Hanoi, he said.

Condolences extended over death of Vietnam’s US friend Merle Ratner

On behalf of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the committee’s Commission for External Relations, has sent condolences to the family of Merle Ratner, a left-wing and anti-war activist in the US and a close friend of Vietnam, over her death.

Ratner passed away in a traffic accident in New York on February 5 evening.

Merle Evelyn Ratner, born in 1956 in New York City, had a special love for Vietnam. She took to the streets to protest against the Vietnam War when she was 13 years old and became famous for hanging anti-war slogans on the Statue of Liberty. She was a co-founder and coordinator of the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign (VAORRC) in the New York area.

She actively participated in protests against the US war in Vietnam since the late 1960s, the anti-imperialist movement in the 1970s and 1980s, and anti-racism campaigns in the US today.

After 1975, Ratner campaigned for the normalisation of the Vietnam - US relations and supported Vietnam’s international activities. She visited the Southeast Asian country for many times and engaged in joint work with mass organisations, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

Ratner was awarded the "For the Development of Vietnamese Women" insignia in 2010 and the “For Vietnamese Victims of Agent Orange” insignia in 2013.

Vietnam’s longevity wishes, gift to reach former Lao leader on 100th birthday

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung on February 7 handed Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone letters of best wishes from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong to former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos Khamtai Siphandone on the occasion of his 100th birthday, which falls on February 8.

In their letters, the leaders wrote the Vietnamese Party, State and people highly value Khamtai Siphandone’s dedication and brainpower, highlighting his important role in the Lao revolutionary cause and in consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos.

At the handover event, the diplomat affirmed the Vietnamese Party, State, and people will work together with their Lao counterparts to protect, foster, deepen the special solidarity shared between the two countries across all fields, bringing about mutual benefits and contributing to maintaining peace in the region and the world.

The Lao PM thanked the Vietnamese Party and State leaders for their letters, flowers, and gifts, considering them a testament to the enduring bonds of the bilateral ties.

HCM City opens Tet book street festival 2024

The Tet book street festival 2024 of Ho Chi Minh City kicked off on February 7, expected to be a worth-visiting destination during the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

With dragon-themed decorations, the annual festival is held on Le Loi street and covers 11,200 sq.m, more than 3,000 sq.m larger than last year’s event. It sees the participation of more than 30 publishers and distributors who introduce about 65,000 books to visitors.

Among the three main zones, Zone A (from Nguyen Hue street to Pasteur street) displays unique publications and photos, rare and valuable books. Zone B (from Pasteur to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street) is reserved for technology in the book industry like audio and electronic books. Meanwhile, Zone C (from Nam Ky Khoi Nghia to the Quach Thi Trang roundabout) includes book pavilions, an entertainment area for children, and a rest area for visitors.

Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, said a new and interesting thing at this year’s festival is that more than 16,000 books will be presented as gifts for visitors. Organisers hope that presenting books as gifts will become a popular practice of the local political system, people, and businesses.

For the last more than 10 years, the book street festival has become a unique and typical cultural event of HCM City every Tet, giving domestic and foreign visitors a springtime destination and helping promote the reading habit in the local community.

The Tet book street festival 2024 is scheduled to last through February 14 (the fifth day of the Year of the Dragon).

Tet air ticket prices continue rising
 
Air ticket prices have continued increasing due to higher demand as Tet Lunar New Year nears.One-way airfares from HCM City to Hanoi have increased to around VND3 million (USD123) with the majority being night flights. 

Air ticket prices have continued increasing due to higher demand as Tet Lunar New Year nears.

All airlines have run out of seats on HCM City-Thanh Hoa flights on February 6-8. A one-way ticket from HCM City to Thanh Hoa’s Tho Xuan Airport climbed to VND3.2 million.

The same situation has been seen on the HCM City-Vinh air route. On February 7, VietJet Air is the only carrier to offer night flights on the route with the one-way ticket price of VND3.5 million.

On February 8, no airlines will provide direct flights from HCM City to Vinh. Only Vinh flights via Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi are available.

Only a small number of tickets on air routes from HCM City to Haiphong and Quang Ninh remain.

Many people have chosen to go by train due to sharply increasing airfares.

Airlines have announced an increase of hundreds of flights between February 1-14 to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to meet Tet travel demand.

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