The Hanoi Federation of Labour held a programme at Thang Long Industrial Park on January 19 to take disadvantaged workers to their hometowns for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

It is the 15th consecutive year that the city’s trade unions have held the activity for the group.

Chairman of the Hanoi Federation of Labour Pham Quang Thanh said last year, the city’s trade unions earmarked over 48 billion VND (2 million USD) to support poor workers and helped 1,200 others return home for Tet on thousands of coaches.

This year, the Binh Duong Confederation of Labour decided to triple funding in support of workers in especially difficult circumstances during Tet.

Accordingly, each will receive gift worth 1 million VND from the local State budget, doubling that last year. The number of beneficiaries also increases by 25,000.

In collaboration with the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the confederation also staged 20 night music shows in the locality.

Music performances will also get underway from January 22-24, the first to third day of the Lunar New Year.

PM inspects readiness of security forces ahead of Tet

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 19 visited a number of police and military units to check their preparedness for the upcoming Lunar New Year festival (Tet) – the biggest traditional event in Vietnam.

Visiting the Police Guard High Command under the Ministry of Public Security, Chinh requested that the force stay alert and early identify, prevent and eliminate security risks.

He advised the force to enhance its relationship with other competent units and agencies to promote the concerted strength of the political system, boost international cooperation, and focus on human resources training.

Describing the force as a strong steel shield of the Party and State, Chinh required that the force always stand ready for their Tet duty and wished officers and soldiers a happy lunar year ahead.

At the department of internal political security, Chinh recommended the department keep a close watch on the situation at the grassroots level and outside the country so as to timely advise the Party and State on measures to prevent risks and protect internal political security. He also requested the department to timely prevent, detect and stop activities of collecting, attacking and appropriating state secrets; and step up the building of a clean, strong, regular, elite and modern force that meets the requirements and tasks in the new situation following the Politburo’s Resolution 12.

On the day, the PM also visited the Tank-Armour Corps under the Ministry of Defence, lauding the force's significant contribution to the national security. Pointing to complicated and unpredictable changes in the world situation, he said the armed forces in general and the tank-armour force in particular now have heavy and complex missions in national defence. 

The Government leader instructed that the force research new war forms and combat methods and maintain high combat readiness in order to effectively and timely respond to any situation. He expressed belief in the force's unity, creativity and fulfillment of all tasks assigned.

Party chief extends Tet greetings to Hanoi's officials and people

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on January 19 visited the Party organisation, administration and people of Hanoi on the occasion of the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival and the 93rd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3).

Hailing the great achievements Hanoi recorded in 2022, the Party leader pointed to tasks for the capital city this year given the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic recession.

The city should carry forward its traditions, determination and innovations, utilise opportunities and advantages, and overcome all challenges to achieve the targets, the leader stressed.
 
He urged local officials to improve their political will, morality and work capacity to build a wealthy, civilised and modern city, and expressed his wish that Hanoi will reap greater achievements in 2023.

On this occasion, he visited and presented gifts to representatives of the elderly, police officers, firefighters, rescue forces, workers and children.

In reply, Politburo member, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung affirmed that Hanoi’s Party organisation, administration and people are resolved to successfully implement the breakthroughs and tasks set in the Party building and rectification as well as the building of the political system, socio-economic development and the settlement of issues of public concern.
 
According to the city’s report, it fulfilled all of the 22 socio-economic targets, and its GRDP grew 8.89% in 2022, the highest over the past decade, surpassing the plan and higher the national average by 0.87%.

Hanoi’s per capita income reached 142.3 million VND (6,068 USD) and its total budget collection was close to 333 trillion VND (14.2 billion USD), exceeding the estimate by 6.8%. Meanwhile, the consumer price index rose 3.4%, lower than the target of 4%.

Party General Secretary meets Party, State leaders, former leaders ahead of Tet

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong hosted a meeting with leaders and former leaders of the Party, State and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) in Hanoi on January 19, on the threshold of the Lunar New Year (Tet) – the biggest festival in a year of Vietnamese people.

He took the occasion to extend his best New Year wishes to Party, State and VFF leaders and former leaders, and people and soldiers living inside and outside the country.

He thanked all of them for their great contributions to the national construction and defence over the past years, especially in 2022.

The Party chief noted that the immediate tasks are to ensure a joyful and peaceful Lunar New Year; overcome difficulties and remove obstacles to speed up production and business; pay attention to the lives of people, officers and soldiers on duty in border areas, sea and islands; and address consequences of natural disasters and epidemics.

In order to carry out the directions and tasks in the coming time, he asked the entire Party, people and army to strengthen solidarity and determination; promote patriotism, bravery and wisdom of the Vietnamese people; strive to overcome all difficulties and challenges; and bring into full play opportunities and advantages.

Vietnam, Thailand eye bright cooperation prospects in all fields: Thai Ambassador

On the occasion of the new year 2023, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Nikorndej Balankura has granted Vietnam News Agency an interview, during which he expressed optimism about the future prospects of the Vietnam-Thailand ties in 2023 when the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Noting that more Thai investors are interested in Vietnam, the ambassador hailed Vietnam’s effective efforts to curb COVID-19 pandemic effects.

He highlighted that while most countries in the world have stagnated, Vietnam has maintained its growth which is estimated to reach 8% in 2022. Prominently, in the third quarter of 2022, Vietnam grew at a record 13.67%.

According to the diplomat, the result is very commendable, especially when one takes into account the global recession, the supply chain disruption that has been felt globally and also the fact that Vietnam has come up with a new economic trade target, becoming Net-Zero country by 2050. These all help attract foreign direct investment from around the world, particularly from Thailand.

Ambassador Nikorndej Balankura held that in 2023, there will be headwinds that could slow down the economy of the world. These can be seen by the global recession that might occur globally, higher inflation across the world, as well as the increase interest rates. However, despite all this slowdown, IMF still forecast that Southeast Asia, both Thailand and Vietnam, will grow positively, he noted.

“I am confident that Vietnam with the reasons I mentioned before, will maintain that growth, a high growth actually in comparison to other countries and will remain more or less well shielded from the global economic disruptions that are being caused by the recessions,” he stated.

“Also, with regards to bilateral trade, and investment, Thailand now ranks ninth among investors in Vietnam. And I foresee the strong interest in Thai foreign investors to Vietnam, as well as Vietnam economic policy that attracts foreigners. I hope that Thailand will be among the top five in the very near future,” said the diplomat.

Commenting on Vietnam’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure, the Thai ambassador said that in the past years, Vietnam had very successfully been a member of the Security Council and had represented the Asia region and Southeast Asia in particular very well

“I think that the fact that Vietnam has been elected (to the UN Human Rights Council) is both commendable and well deserved. Vietnam is an ASEAN candidature so Vietnam’s candidacy has been supported by both ASEAN and of course, Thailand,” he said.

This is the second time Vietnam has joined the Human Rights Council after the first time in the 2014- 2016 tenure, he noted, adding that it will strengthen the Vietnamese human rights record, advancing the protection and promotion of human rights. He said that Thailand, which had been a member of the council from 2010 to 2013, will be running for 2025 to 2027.

Over the relationship between the two countries, Ambassador Nikorndej said that the two countries will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership in 2023, but the partnership has been elevated to strengthened strategic partnership, which is very special. “This is a special status that only Thailand and Vietnam enjoy in ASEAN,” he said.

“It's a close bond shared by neighbours, by brothers and by family. So I think it's a very special stature. And what we have achieved in the past 10 years is countless. So many things we have achieved,” affirmed the diplomat.

He noted that politically, there has been exchanges of visits, both at the highest level. Economically, in the past 10 years, the ties have grown tremendously. Thailand has become the top 10 investors, second only to Singapore in ASEAN.

“And as I mentioned, with Vietnam's economic policy that is much more open, and that Vietnam wants to achieve net-zero by 2050, I think that Thai investors on in renewable energy, digital economy will be very interested to come and invest more in Vietnam,” he said.

“In terms of social interactions of people to people, we have fostered very close ties between the two countries. And I see these ties are going to be even more strengthened because today both Thai and Vietnamese know each other more in terms of culture, language, movies, music.”

He noted that just after the pandemic, 400,000 Vietnamese have visited Thailand. Approximately 50,000 Thais have been coming to Vietnam. “And I see this number is growing, the same as the number of flights with several flights a day, and all flights are full,” he said.

Therefore, the ambassador believed that bilateral cooperation is very promising in all aspects - political, economic and people to people aspects.

According to Ambassador Nikorndej, 2023 is an important milestone for Thailand-Vietnam relations. In March, the Royal Thai Embassy plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership by strengthening the bilateral relations in a comprehensive manner all aspects of politics, economy, culture, and people-to-people ties. 

“As Vietnam is getting out of the post COVID-19 time and will be fully back to normal, and we will celebrate our partnership, so from Tet onwards I think we will have a series of activities that will make a long year of intense activities together,” he said.

Sharing his feelings about the atmosphere of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) of Vietnam, he said that it is a confluence of traditional culture and modern society. It's a very special time of a year when people is very joyful. He held that there are many similarities between the celebrations of New Year of Vietnam and Thailand. The Thai New Year, Songkran, which is in April, it is a time of the year when Thais pay respect to the elders, go on vacation and meet friends

“So I see that both New Year's celebrations echo each other’s cultural types. Most prominently, you know, we tend to go visit our elderly, family and make merit at the temples. Vietnamese people I see that they visit the elderly as well. Usually the family gather in bigger groups and meet, and even Vietnamese abroad will fly back and meet their family here in Vietnam. So I see similarities. Thais as well, we tend to come back home during the Songkran Festival,” Ambassador Nikorndej said.

Sydney festival to entertain Asian communities as Lunar New Year arrives

Vietnamese people will join other Asian-origin communities at the 16-day Sydney Lunar Festival in the Australian city to mark the coming Lunar New Year.

The event with more than 80 special festive programmes will last from January 21 to February 5, aiming to inspire people’s enthusiasm, fuel business activities, and highlight the cultural diversity of Sydney.

From an annual event first held by Asian communities 27 years ago, the Sydney Lunar Festival has become a large event every year by the city and also established itself as the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia.

This year’s festival will feature a wide range of activities, including street food fairs, music and light shows, lion dancing, dragon boat racing, art displays, and a lantern festival, expected to draw thousands of visitors.

The centre of these activities will be the Haymarket precinct with Dixon, Hay, Sussex, and Harbor streets. Lunar New Year-inspired gates with traditional architectural styles of Vietnam, China, and the Republic of Korea will also be set up at the entrances to the streets.

A highlight of the festival will be a spectacular show at the Sydney Town Hall on February 4 where performers from Chinese, Korea, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Mongolian, and Indonesian communities will share their cultures through dances, music, and stories.

Efforts to preserve five-tone musical ensemble of the Khmer in Soc Trang

The five-tone (Ngu am) musical ensemble or Pinn Peat orchestra, a form of orchestral music for religious rituals, is closely associated with Theravada Buddhism in pagodas and hamlets of Khmer people in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.

The five-tone music is a popular and long-standing traditional musical genre of the Khmer in the Southern region in general and in Soc Trang in particular.

Through the process of formation, existence and development, the performance folk art form has been imbued with special values and meanings.

Today, despite many changes, the vitality of the musical genre is still preserved and developed.

This genre of music is influenced by the royal court and religion of India as well as some countries in Southeast Asia such as Cambodia and Thailand but still reflects the unique characteristics of the Khmer group in general and those in Soc Trang in particular.

The 5-tone musical ensemble is an orchestra composed of five tones of musical instruments made from five different materials, which creates five distinct timbres.

Each Pinn Peat orchestra consists of nine or ten instruments, mainly wind, string, and percussions including several varieties of xylophones, drums, cymbals, gongs, and fiddles namely Srolai Pinn Peat, Roneat Ek, Roneat Thung, Roneat Dek, Kuong Vong Toch, Kuong Vong Thum, and Chhung, Sampho, and Sko Thum.

There are similarities in the orchestra’s structures of Khmer people in Soc Trang and the Khmer in other localities, as well as the Pinn Peat orchestra of the Khmer in Cambodia, the Sebnai orchestra of Laos, the Piphat orchestra of Thailand, the Saing Waing (Patwaing) orchestra of Myanmar, and the Gamelan orchestra of Malaysia.

The Pinn Peat orchestra expresses the feelings and attitudes of the Khmer towards genies, nature, and other people. Almost every Khmer pagoda has a musical ensemble. In the past, the ensembles only performed in pagodas. Now they play at festivals and parties.

An orchestra must have roneat – xylophones, which are considered the lead high-pitched instrument in the ensemble – and Skor-thom - two big drums played with drumsticks. There are also flutes, fiddles, and cymbals. To play in the ensemble, the musicians must have a deep understanding of the Khmer music, tradition, and culture.

The folk art genre has become a cultural identity closely linked and deeply imprinted in the consciousness and daily life of the Khmer people.

When the sound of Sko Voth drum along with the five-tone musical ensemble resounds at Khmer pagodas, the people in hamlets know that it is time to hold religious ceremonies in their localities.

The Pinn Peat orchestra was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in December 2019 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Authorities and relevant agencies, and the Khmer community in Soc Trang have taken many specific actions and made great efforts to preserve and promote the unique culture value of this traditional musical genre.

Many Khmer pagodas have musical clubs and classes for children. They aim to inspire the children to learn the Khmer music as a way to preserve it.

Currently, the performing art of the musical genre is no longer limited in pagodas, at religious ceremonies, or at funerals. The musical genre has been performed and taught at the province’s Khmer art troupes, most junior high schools and boarding high schools for ethnic minorities in the province.

In an effort to preserve the five-tone musical ensemble, local authorities have also organised competitions find talents, thus encouraging learning and playing the musical genre.

Valuable lessons of the Paris Peace Accords

Lessons drawn from the Paris Peace Accords negotiations, signing and implementation have maintained their values, even in the Party and the State’s foreign policy during the present cause of reform, national development and defence.

50th anniversary of Paris Peace Accords marked in France

The Vietnamese Embassy in France on January 18 held a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam (Paris Peace Accords) (January 27, 1973-2023).

In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang highlighted the significance of Paris Peace Accords, emphasising that 50 years have passed since the agreement was signed but the symbolic values of peace still need to be preserved and fostered.

Referring to the support of French friends for Vietnam, the diplomat affirmed Vietnam always remembers that France has shared with Vietnam common values of peace and solidarity.

International solidarity, especially the great support that the French people gave to their Vietnamese peers in the process to regain independence and peace, is a solid basis for building the friendship and cooperation between France and Vietnam, he stressed.

He showed the gratitude to all long-time friends of Vietnam in various associations and political organisations of France, who have contributed to promoting peace and friendship between the two countries.

The ambassador wished Vietnam and France will continue to maintain this tradition, thus further strengthening the bilateral friendship and solidarity in the future.

For his part, Vice President of the French Senate Pierre Laurent recalled memories of solidarity and sincere help of friends from the French Communist Party (PCF) during the peace negotiation process from 1968 to 1973, which was the longest of its kind in the diplomacy history in the 20th century with more than 200 public meetings, dozens of secret meetings and hundreds of press conferences and exchanges.

During those five years, the relationship between the French and Vietnamese communists was always strong and has been maintained until today, he said.

Laurent affirmed that Vietnam is more than ever an important partner of France in dealing with global challenges to build a world of peace and ensure security for mankind.

Previously, roundtable talks on Paris Peace Accords, and the Vietnam-France relations from the perspective of insiders were organised under the host of Pierre Journoud - contemporary history lecturer at France's Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University.

On this occasion, Journoud introduced a 438-page book published in late December 2022, which collects articles by French and Vietnamese scholars, researchers, and politicians on their views on how to solve East Sea-related issues by "soft power" instead of using force.

Overseas Vietnamese considered ambassador bringing Vietnam to the world

Each overseas Vietnamese (OV) is an ambassador and an important bridge to bring Vietnam to the world and vice versa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu wrote in his Lunar New Year greeting letter sent to overseas Vietnamese worldwide.

Hieu, who is also Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, wrote that he is very pleased and proud to see that the OV community are supporting the cause of their homeland’s reform and willing to shoulder the responsibilities with their compatriots at home, towards step by step realising important goals set forth by the 13th National Party Congress.

He highlighted that many Vietnamese intellectuals abroad have made a name for themselves, won high awards, and put Vietnam on the world intellectual map. Remittances have remained at a high level, making an important contribution to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. In addition, OVs have joined hands in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic in their home country and the defence of Vietnam's sea and island sovereignty.

On behalf of the ministry and the State committee, Hieu thanked the community’s valuable contributions to Vietnam in the past and expressed his sympathy toward OVs facing difficulties, particularly those in war zones or places where their legal status still needs to be further strengthened.

The official affirmed that the ministry and the State committee will continue to closely coordinate with domestic and foreign agencies to take care of and support OVs, so that they have firm legal status, integrate smoothly into the hosts’ society, and keep their bonds with the homeland.

He said he believes that the more than 5.3 million Vietnamese abroad will overcome all difficulties and challenges, unite, and join hands to build a growing community, contributing to turning Vietnam into a powerful and prosperous country in the world.

Cambodian delegation pays pre-Tet visits to Vinh Long province

A delegation from Cambodia’s Kampong Speu province led by Deputy Governor Horn Pheakdey on January 19 visited the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long on the occasion of the Tet (Lunar New Year), the biggest traditional festival in Vietnam.

At the meeting, Vice Chairman of Vinh Long provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Liet briefed the guests on the locality’s socio-economic situation, with its GRDP estimated at 40 trillion VND (1.7 billion USD) in 2022, up 11.28% year-on-year, the highest growth over the past decade, and ranking 10th nationwide and third in the Mekong Delta region.

The province’s GRDP per capita stood at 69 million USD, up 12 million USD from 2021, and its export turnover was estimated at 793 million USD, he added.

Vinh Long is home to about 22,000 Khmer people or 2.2% of its population, the official said, stressing that the province has paid attention to implementing policies on ethnic groups of the Party and the State, helping Khmer people improve their material and spiritual lives.

Liet expressed his hope that the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and the localities will grow more sustainably in the time ahead.

Pheakdey congratulated Vinh Long on its socio-economic achievements, and affirmed that Cambodian people always keep in mind the great sacrifice of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in the past struggle for national liberation in Cambodia.

The official extended his New Year wishes to the local Party organisation, authorities and people, and his hope that the solidary, friendship and cooperation will prosper the years to come.

External information service contributes to national achievements: Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has described external information service as a bright spot, which has contributed to the  achievements recorded by the country and the diplomatic sector in particular.

Speaking at a New Year meeting with domestic press agencies in Hanoi on January 19, the minister lauded press agencies for their innovations in promoting the country, people and culture of Vietnam, guidelines and policies adopted by the Party and the State, and Vietnam’s stances to international friends.

They have played an important part in raising the country’s role and reputation in the international arena, and mobilising public support for external relations, Son said, expressing his hope that they will continue their support and coordination on the diplomatic front this year.

On behalf of the press agencies, Deputy Director General of the national radio broadcaster Voice of Vietnam (VOV) Ngo Minh Hien praised the ministry for its achievements in 2022, and affirmed that the agencies will maintain their companionship with the ministry in the external information service and work harder to promote a Vietnam of innovations.

On this occasion, Son presented the ministry’s certificates of merit to a number of collectives and individuals in recognition of their outstanding performance in the work, contributing to Vietnam’s successes in assuming the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

Taking Vietnamese agricultural products to overseas Vietnamese in the UK

In the final days of this lunar year, overseas Vietnamese in the UK are also busy shopping for Tet. The good news is that Vietnamese in the UK as well as British consumers are able to buy typical items for a traditional Tet and experience the atmosphere of preparing for the lunar new year.
 
Dong leaves, glutinous rice, banh chung, spring roll, dried candied fruits, and votive papers - all traditional items for Tet – are on shelves at the Longdan supermarket chain in London.

For the first time, fresh branches of Nhat Tan peach trees were also sold for Tet. Peach branches are a symbol of a lucky and prosperous new year, bringing Tet and spring to Vietnamese people in the UK. There are also many types of fresh fruit and vegetables from Vietnam.

At a traditional Tet fair in London, the most anticipated event of the year for the Vietnamese community in the UK, overseas Vietnamese were happy to buy banh chung and gio cha for Tet.

Last year, with support from the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK, many Vietnamese importers and exporters captured consumer trends in the country. Exporters also benefit from the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, with Vietnamese fruit exports exempted from taxes.

A new spring is coming. Peach branches and fresh fruit from home bring hope for a prosperous year for Vietnamese import-export businesses in the UK.

Programme connected to Vietnamese peacekeeping forces on Tet occasion

The Ministry of National Defence on January 19 organised a programme connected to Vietnamese peacekeeping forces still on duty in other countries, on the approach of the Lunar New Year – Vietnam’s biggest national festival.

The programme was held at the defence ministry’s headquarters in Hanoi and connected to Military Hospital 175 in Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnamese peacekeepers joining the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and those in New York.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, and deputy head of the defence ministry’s Steering Committee on participation in UN peacekeeping operations, said that Vietnamese peacekeepers’ completion of their tasks has left good impressions in the hearts of international friends, particularly the governments and people in the host countries.

Their achievements have also contributed to improving Vietnam’s role, position and reputation in the international arena, he affirmed.

Free buses bringing students and disadvantaged people home for Tet

The spirit of mutual affection has been a long-standing tradition of the Vietnamese people. Since 2015, for 7 consecutive years, the Tam Thuong Charity Fund has organised “free buses home for Tet”, a warm gift for students and disadvantaged people as spring arrives.
 
With no concerns about joining the crowds at bus stations and also saving on fares to return home for Tet, students far from Hanoi can return home for Tet on the free bus.

“Free buses home for Tet” is a volunteer programme held annually on the occasion of the Lunar New Year by the Tam Thuong Charity Fund, to contribute to taking care of the spiritual and material needs of the students and bringing a Tet atmosphere to everyone.

This year, the fund cooperated with the Youth Union of the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology to take students returning home for Tet on free buses along National Highway No 1A to Ha Tinh province. 

Each free ticket in this 7th “Free buses home for Tet” programme not only helps people save money but also helps them feel more secure during the long journey. It is really meaningful for those who are in need such as poor students and disadvantaged people, especially when the new spring is nearing.

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