Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on January 23 signed a decision approving a national strategy to protect, care for and improve people's health to 2030, with a vision to 2045, which targets everyone to enjoy quality healthcare services.

Under the strategy, Vietnam also strives to ensure its people live in a safe community, and well develop physically and mentally, thus contributing to improving the quality of life as well as of the human resources for the nation building and safeguarding cause.

Accordingly, the prevention and control of diseases, especially emerging infectious ones, will be strengthened, and the health security ensured to promptly respond to climate change and public health emergencies.

Attention will be paid to improving the quality and efficiency of the health service supply network from the central to the grassroots level to respond to changing disease patterns, international integration and the fourth industrial revolution; maintaining replacement fertility levels; reducing fertility differences between regions and groups; and developing the human resources in terms of quantity, quality and structure.

By 2045, the healthcare system will improve the quality of services on a par with advanced countries in the region, meeting increasing and diverse needs of the people and achieving the universal healthcare coverage.

To improve people's health, the strategy puts forth solutions such as speeding up the implementation of the Vietnam Health Programme and the hygiene movement to improve people's health; improving the health of mothers, new-borns and children; and reducing the rate of children with disabilities, with priority given to ethnic-inhabited, mountainous and border areas, and islands.

Vietnam will increase investment in preventive health networks and testing capacity to ensure sufficient capacity to forecast, monitor and detect epidemics early, and control them promptly and effectively.

The strategy also targets equality in accessing medical check-up and treatment services.

Prime Minister hosts Tet banquet in honour of diplomatic corps

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse hosted a banquet for diplomatic corps in Vietnam on January 24 on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

The event saw the presence of foreign ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and chief representatives of international organisations in Vietnam and their spouses.

In his remarks, PM Chinh briefed the guests on Vietnam’s achievements in various spheres in 2023, with the national gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 5.05%, among the highest in the region and the world, and the inflow of foreign investment reaching 36.6 billion USD, up 32%.

Notably, external affairs maintained a bright spot, contributing to expanding and elevating cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and international partners, he said.  

On behalf of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and other Party and State leaders and the people of Vietnam, the PM thanked foreign ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and chief representatives of international organisations, as well as foreign governments and people, and international organisations for their sentiments and support to Vietnam over the past time.

Given complex developments forecast for the regional and international situation this year, he highlighted the importance of international solidarity and cooperation, and multilateralism, saying the world should share the responsibility to ensure peace and stability.

Vietnam will continue working together with other countries and international organisations to build a world of peace and happiness, where no one is left behind, he stressed.

The PM expressed his belief that the diplomats will carry forward their roles to promote the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and international organisations.

Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, who is head of the diplomatic corps, congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in 2023, as well as its enhanced role and position in the international arena.

The ambassador said he believed that the country will contribute more to maintaining peace and stability in the world, fostering cooperation between countries, promoting multilateralism, and addressing common challenges.

Indo-Pacific Strategy to help strengthen Vietnam-Canada education, business ties: expert

Canada’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific can help boost its educational cooperation with Vietnam and fortify connections between the two business communities, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins has assessed.

Higgins told a Vietnam News Agency's reporter in Canada that the strategy can also propel forward collaboration for peace and security among countries in the region.

Launched in November 2022, the ten-year strategy is expected to see Canada spending 2.5 billion CAD in the first five years on fufilling the goals of promoting peace, resilience and security, expanding trade-investment and supply chain resilience, investing in and connecting people, building a sustainable and green future, and consolidating partnerships. 

According to Higgins, despite the multifaceted strategic objectives, the core focus lies in establishing human connections. In fact, it serves as a catalyst for the implementation of such Canadian initiatives as the “Trade Gateway” in Southeast Asia and the one aiming to transform Canada into an active partner in this region.

Also on the topic, TB Nguyen, Director of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), noted that trade and investment with the region, particularly ASEAN, are a crucial part of the strategy.

Vietnam currently stands as Canada's top trading partner within ASEAN and has long been regarded as the gateway for Canadian businesses to enter this area. The two countries have recently concluded a dynamic year filled with a series of activities commemorating their 50th diplomatic anniversary.

Christopher MacLennan, a deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada, meanwhile, acknowledged Vietnam's significant role in the region, making it an extremely important destination for Canada. The two nations have a longstanding positive relationship, with Vietnam receiving developmental support across various sectors. However, Canada aims to further enhance and modernise the relationship across spheres from security and safety to climate change and trade.

Saint Petersburg conference marks Vietnam – Russia diplomatic ties

The Committee for External Relations of Saint Petersburg city on January 23 organised an annual conference in celebration of the 74th anniversary of the Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950-2024).

The event drew the participation of some 70 people, including Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko, and many officials, scholars and businesses of the two countries.

Khoi highlighted that the then Soviet Union was among the first countries in the world to recognise the Vietnamese State, laying a stress on the support that the Russian people have given to Vietnam in its national liberation and development.

He expressed his belief that 2024 will open up new cooperation potential for the two countries, helping them complete all plans to consolidate and develop their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam has been an important partner of Russia in the Asia – Pacific for years.

The two countries will celebrate the Russian Embassy’s 70th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on principles of the Vietnam – Russia friendship relations this year, he stressed, adding during their meeting in October 2023, President Vo Van Thuong and Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed their wish to bolster the partnership.

At the conference, participants spotlighted the values of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, the Vietnam – Russia relations, the promotion of the bilateral cooperation in education-training, a project to teach the Russian language in Vietnam as well as a cooperation programme between St. Petersburg and Vietnam in 2024.

Voluntary blood donation – 30 years of significant development

Over the last three decades, Vietnam has witnessed the strong development of the voluntary blood donation movement, which reflects not only people’s solidarity and humanity but also awareness improvement in society.

It is a journey of sharing love, compassion, and solidarity among millions of Vietnamese hearts, bringing life and happiness to countless families of patients.

The movement started in the wartime, when soldiers selflessly gave blood to their injured comrades amid limited healthcare conditions. After the war, blood transfusion was carried out mainly at large hospitals that had surgery departments. The majority of blood came from professional blood sellers and health workers, unable to meet demand.

Strong changes started in the early 1980s, when professors Bach Quoc Tuyen, Ton That Tung, and many other leading experts nationwide conducted many talks and consultations to change people's perception of blood donation and call for voluntary blood donation.

Blood donation demand surged in the 1990s, when the country entered the “Doi moi” (Renewal) period. However, the explosion of HIV/AIDS then posed a serious risk to the safety of blood transfusion, leading to frequent blood shortages for treatment nationwide.

The first humanitarian blood donation event was held on January 24, 1994, opening up a new chapter of the voluntary blood donation movement that now involves people from all social strata.

The movement is not only a symbol of humanity but also a demonstration of solidarity and sharing, helping build a strong and healthy community.

The voluntary blood donation movement also witnessed reforms and creativity in approaches and organisation methods. The use of technology, social media, and other media channels has helped attract widespread participation from the public. Blood donation events have been organised in an increasingly professional and creative manner, capturing the attention and involvement of a large number of people.

A large number of activities have been held and left strong ripple effect such as the blood donation campaign ahead of the Lunar New Year, the Red Spring Festival, the Summer Red Drops, and the Red Journey, or the events held on the occasion of the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (April 7) and the World Blood Donor Day (June 14).

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Ngoc Minh, former Director of the Hematology and Blood Transfusion Centre in the central region, said over the past 30 years, the voluntary blood donation movement has fundamentally met the blood supply need for clinical purposes, including patient treatment, surgeries, and organ transplants.

In addition, the movement has contributed to the development and modernisation of the blood transfusion sector in Vietnam. Blood screening and processing methods have been improved, thus enhancing the quality and efficiency of donated blood utilisation.

Recognition and rewards for voluntary blood donors have also been emphasised. In 2007, the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) held the first ceremony to honour 100 exemplary blood donors from across the country.

Thirty years since the movement was launched, more than 21.3 million people nationwide have participated in blood donation, with tens of thousands being exemplary voluntary blood donors, some donating for 30, 50, or even over 100 times.

In 2023, Vietnam made remarkable progress when it received more than 1.5 million blood units, and 99% of donors voluntarily shared their blood.

The movement has attracted people from all walks of life such as police, the military, civil servants, public employees, workers, farmers, students, monks, and nuns.

Prof. Nguyen Anh Tri, former Director of the NIHBT, held that the humanitarian blood donation movement has truly developed and is highly sustainable.

Its pinnacle is national-level blood donation events, some of which have even gained international recognition. It took many other countries 50 years or even more to spread the voluntary blood donation movement as deeply and widely as in Vietnam, he added.

With support from the Government and unceasing efforts by people, this movement is expected to reap even greater achievements in ensuring safe and efficient blood supply for the community.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau takes drastic measures against IUU fishing

The southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau will intensify measures to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, heard a January 23 meeting to review the work in the locality.

According to Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of January 19, the total number of the registered finishing boats in the province was 4,600, of which 2,750 operate in offshore, 642 in nearshore, and 1,208 in coastal areas.

At the meeting, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Tho requested to transfer the records of ships that stay uncontacted for more than 10 days to the local police for handling.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was assigned to coordinate with localities to immediately resolve and strictly halt the operation of unregistered, unlicensed fishing vessels, particularly those of over 12m in length.

As the end of 2023, 1,095 unregistered ships were recorded in the province, an increase of 304 compared to that in 2022. As many as 92 ships haven’t been equipped with nautical logbooks, and 1,118 others haven’t been granted with exploitation certificate.

Vietnam targets good performance in Asian Cup’s last match

Head coach Philippe Troussier said on January 23 that the men’s national football team will try their best to have a good performance in their last Group D match against Iraq at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

The match is scheduled to take place at 18:30 (Vietnam time) on January 24 in Doha, Qatar.

After two defeats, Vietnam is the first team ousted from the continental tournament. Meanwhile Iraq has qualified for the next stage after two wins.

The match will not help Vietnam to go on, but they are aiming for a complimentary result that will show their effort and determination.

In the last four meets, Iraq beat Vietnam three times and drew one. In the most recent game, Iraq won 1-0 during the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last November in Hanoi.

Japan’s wood-engraved painting exhibition highlights Vietnamese fine arts

Japan’s wood-engraved fine art works featuring Vietnamese culture were displayed on January 23 at Van Mieu, also known as the Temple of Literature, in Hanoi.      

The exhibition introduced a total of 38 works by 34 young artists who have studied at the Faculty of Painting at Vietnam University of Fine Arts. 

Upon addressing the event, painter Nguyen The Son, curator of the project "Dialogue with Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints", emphasized that the event is expected to promote visual art practices inspired by Vietnamese cultural values and traditional fine arts. 

“It has also encouraged traditional creative practice activities as well as young artists to nurture their passion for artistic creativity," said Son. 

According to Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature, the exhibition has contributed to turning the Temple of Literature into a creative space in the capital. 

Vietnam-US relations highlighted at CSIS seminar

A seminar on Vietnam-US relations was held on January 23 in Washington, D.C., by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), with the participation of many officials, parliamentarians, scholars, and representatives of the American business community.      

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent a pre-recorded speech in order to welcome guests at the event.

In his opening remarks, John Hamre, president of the CSIS, said the organisation of the seminar was to meet the growing interest and enthusiasm for relations with Vietnam in the US, especially after the two countries upgraded their ties.

In his welcoming speech, FM Son welcomed the CSIS for taking the initiative to organise the seminar and implement the Vietnam research program.

​Recalling the historic developments made in 2023, FM Son highlighted the decision to upgrade ties between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, stability, and sustainable development, reflecting on the strong development of the partnership after nearly three decades of normalisation and 10 years of a comprehensive partnership.

This also contributed to realizing President Ho Chi Minh's vision of "full cooperation" with the US in his letter to President H. Truman dated February 16, 1946.

Emphasizing that the upgrade will open up many new collaboration opportunities, bringing benefits to both sides as well as contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, the Vietnamese diplomat asked the seminar’s participants to actively exchange and propose new and bold initiatives and ideas aimed at further promoting co-operation between the two sides within the framework of the ​comprehensive strategic partnership

In the keynote speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung reviewed several important development milestones in joint relations, especially the process of reaching the decision to upgrade relations to a strategic​ comprehensive partnership.

This is viewed as a historic decision, but also an appropriate development made on the basis of the progress and achievements recorded in the relationship between the two countries after nearly 30 years of normalization of relations and 10 years of comprehensive partnership, thereby meeting the requirements and interests of both sides, as well as bringing common benefits to the region, Minister Dung said.

Fully aware of that and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive partnership, the leaders of the two countries have shown great political determination to upgrade bilateral ties to a new level in order to better serve the strategic interests of each side, as well as better to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and the wider world.

Ambassador Dung emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership is the inheritance and continuation of existing bases and foundations of co-operation, including the basic principles guiding the relationship between the two countries in recent times, especially respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and political institutions. This has served to deepen the agreed pillars of collaboration whilst expanding co-operation into new priority areas.

In particular, economic, trade, investment, and innovation linkages continue to be the main driving force and key foundation for the two countries' relations, whilst science, technology, and digital co-operation is a new breakthrough.

Ambassador Dung affirmed that these areas are consistent with each side’s development priorities, while also contributing to the common goal of the comprehensive strategic partnership being peace, stability, and development.

​In the coming time, Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese side remains very determined and committed to fully implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership, turning high-level agreements into specific actions and measures for implementation.

​In order for the implementation to be effective, the Ambassador said he hopes that the two sides clearly identify each other's needs and capabilities, thereby finding appropriate ways and effective mechanisms to co-ordinate and monitor the implementation progress. At the same time, the US needs to continue to support the nation in improving its capacity to be able to carry out the agreements of the new partnership.

From the Vietnamese side, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, deputy director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Dr. Can Van Luc, chief economist of the Bank for Investment and Development (BIDV), and the delegates discussed measures to strengthen ties between the two countries in areas such as security, strategy, trade co-operation, technology, and energy.

The participants expressed joy and optimism at the prospects of close joint relations, agreeing on the historical significance of upgrading relations and the need to effectively deploy the new co-operation framework, especially in trade, investment, the digital economy, supply chain assurance, climate change response, energy transition, green growth, and the settlement of war consequences.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, representative of Oregon state, noted his appreciation for the two countries upgrading relations and recalled the deep impression of his trip to Vietnam in April, 2023, pledging to continue efforts of previous generations of parliamentarians in supporting the country in overcoming the consequences of war. This is along with expanding co-operation between the two countries in responding to climate change and ensuring supply chains.

The seminar took place as part of the Vietnam research program (CSIS U.S. - Vietnam Initiative) which will be implemented this year, with a view to increasing exchanges between officials and scholars as a contribution to improving mutual understanding, as well as finding initiatives and ideas to boost the joint partnership moving forward.

Cultural exchanges help tighten youth international friendship

A cultural exchange took place on January 23 at Cu Chi Tunnels historical site in Ho Chi Minh City between young officers of the city’s armed forces and students of Laos and Cambodia who are studying in the southern metropolis. 
      
Representatives of the Consulate General of Laos and Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City pose for group photo with Lao and Cambodian students.

Addressing the exchange, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Nam, Commander of the Ho Chi Minh City High Command noted that the Party and State of Vietnam always pay special attention to training and fostering young human resources for Laos and Cambodia - the two neighbouring countries with long-time close ties with Vietnam, adding that the number of students from Laos and Cambodia studying in Vietnam is on the rise.

Many graduates have been holding important positions in the political system at all levels and economic establishments of Laos and Cambodia, said Nam, who is also President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association in HCM City.

Lao and Cambodian students who have studied in Vietnam have been and will be an important factor in tightening the solidarity and close friendship among the three countries, he said.

Participants to the event were treated to special art performances by the city’s armed forces artists as well as Lao and Cambodian students.

The same day, the People’s Committee of the northern province of Thai Binh held a New Year get-together for students from Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique and the Republic of Korea (RoK) who are studying in higher educational establishments in the locality.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, 444 students from Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique and the RoK are studying at the Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Every year, local authorities organise gatherings for international students on the occasion of Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. The Vietnam – Laos and Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Associations of Thai Binh province also hold exchange activities with international students on their traditional new year and hand over gifts for those who do not return home during Tet.

New social insurance strategy aims for better coverage, satisfaction

Việt Nam aims to expand social insurance coverage to 45 per cent of the workforce by 2025 and 60 per cent by 2030, according to a new development strategy approved by Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái. 

The number of informal and rural workers joining voluntary social insurance is also expected to reach 2.5 per cent by 2025 and 5 per cent by 2030. 

By 2025, around 55 per cent of workers will receive monthly pensions, social insurance and retirement benefits as they reach retirement age, per the strategy. This figure is expected to reach 60 per cent by 2030. 

The plan also sets the goal to have 35 per cent of the workforce covered by unemployment insurance, and more than 95 per cent of the population covered by health insurance. 

The strategy also aims to have a customer satisfaction score of over 85 per cent regarding social insurance and at a minimum of 90 per cent regarding administrative procedures. 

In terms of digital transformation, it is expected that 100 per cent of online public services will be accessible through different means, including mobile devices; 100 per cent of people joining social, unemployment and health insurance have digital transaction accounts and installed the application VssID, through which they can track their insurance payment history; and 100 per cent of people with health insurance can use ID cards in place of health insurance cards for medical examinations by 2025. 

The goals to be achieved by 2030 include completing the national insurance database, connecting and sharing information from this database with the national population database and other related systems for public services as well as monitoring based on big data. 

All of the information systems of Vietnam Social Security related to people, businesses and organisations must be restructured, apply modern technology and operate through integrated platforms using data sharing; while 100 per cent of the sector’s work records are processed online (except for national classified information).

The new strategy also set out eight key tasks and solutions, which include developing social security policies; innovating methods of collecting and managing insurance as well as increasing the number of participants; while also improving financial forecasting, investment and risk management procedures for insurance funds. 

Administrative procedures also need to be improved using one-stop-shop approach and better service quality; alongside revamped and diversified communication that fits different groups of people; as well as streamlining the organisational structure and personnel capacity to enhance efficiency.

Other focuses include digital transformation and international engagement in the field of social welfare. 

The overarching goal of the strategy is to develop the sector in a professional, modern and effective manner to well-implement social policies, aiming towards universal social security.

HCM City airport new terminal is 50 per cent complete

Construction of the third passenger terminal at HCM City’s Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport is around 50 per cent complete.

Work began in late 2022 and was expected to take 24 months.

Lê Khắc Hồng, head of the project management board, said to ensure the work remains on schedule the contractors have been asked to mobilise more than 1,400 workers, 200 engineers,16 tower cranes, and 350 vehicles and equipment.

The construction site has been subdivided into smaller zones and the work is being done in two shifts a day.

Some 60-70 per cent of the workers will remain at their job during the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) holidays.

After Tết, their number will increase to 2,000.

Hồng said the cramped construction site is causing difficulties, including for the transport of materials. Dump trucks could only access it at night, affecting progress, he said.

By May 15, all the floors would be finished and assembly of the steel frame and roof would commence, he added.

The State-owned Airports Corporation of Việt Nam is carrying out the work at a cost of nearly VNĐ11 trillion (US$463.2 million).

T3 is designed with one basement and four levels above ground, with a total floor area of 112,500sq.m.

It will have a linear layout similar to the existing one, with separate departure and arrival areas, 90 check-in counters, 20 automated bag-drop counters, 42 self-service check-in kiosks, 27 boarding gates, and 16 baggage belts.

It will have a dedicated area for VIP, business class and other priority passengers.

Its 130,000sq.m high-rise garage and non-aeronautical services complex will have six floors, including two basements, with a three-storey motorbike parking lot.

Once completed, T3 will handle domestic flights, 7,000 passengers simultaneously during peak hours and 20 million annually.

It will help ease pressure on the overloaded T1 terminal.

T2 is the international terminal.

The number of passengers using the airport has surged in recent years, reaching nearly double its designed capacity. 

Việt Nam's organ donation rate from brain-dead people is the lowest in the world

Only around 10 brain-dead people in Việt Nam donate organs every year, the lowest rate in the world, according to the National Coordination Centre for Organ Transplants.

This number is equal to 1 in 110 compared to Korea and 1 in 500 compared to Spain.

At the inaugural ceremony for a branch of the Việt Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Campaign Association last week at Việt Nam-Germany Hospital in Hà Nội, Associate Prof., Dr Đồng Văn Hệ, the centre’s director, said organ and tissue transplant is an important task, especially for patients with chronic and fatal conditions like kidney failure and liver, heart, bone marrow, and corneal damage.

Successfully performing organ transplants from brain-dead donors provides the opportunity to save many people’s lives, he said.

But in Việt Nam, with a population of 100 million, only 10 brain-dead people donate organs each year, the lowest in the world, he said.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến, a former minister of health and president of the Việt Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Campaign Association, said this translates to just 0.1 per million while globally the rate is much higher.

Việt Nam’s organ transplant technology is on par with that of the world, but the organ donation "map" of the world and Southeast Asia does not include Việt Nam, indicating its integration in this regard is still limited, she said.

“We are amending the Law on Human Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and Body Donation to make it more favourable for organ donation.”

Some 78,000 people have registered to donate tissues and organs after death or brain death, but the law has shortcomings that prevent the harvest of their organs.

Even if a person registers as an organ donor, their family members do not permit doctors to harvest their organs after their death, Dr. Dương Đức Hùng, director of Việt Đức Hospital, said.

At Việt Nam-Germany Hospital alone, around 300 people die of traumatic brain injuries in a year, a very large number, he said.

A brain-dead person can save the lives of eight other people by donating organs, he added.

To increase the donation rate, experts said there should be co-ordination between hospitals’ resuscitation units and social work departments to persuade family members.

Doctors could explain the patient’s condition and the social workers could advocate for organ donation, they said.

As of October last year, in 31 years of performing transplants and 13 years of harvesting organs from brain-dead donors, less than 8,000 transplants had been done, with only 500 involving dead and brain-dead people.

The country has 25 organ transplant centres, but Việt Nam-Germany Hospital has performed 25 per cent of all transplants so far.

Two hemodialysis machines donated to Vietnam-Cuba friendship hospital

The Poor Patient Sponsor Association of Quang Binh province on January 24 held a ceremony to transfer two hemodialysis machines to the Vietnam-Cuba friendship hospital in Dong Hoi city, the central province of Quang Binh.

The machines worth 560 million VND (22,750 USD) were bought with donation from organisations and individuals and the association’s fund to help poor patients access healthcare services more easily, said the association’s president Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong.

Nguyen Duc Cuong, Director of the hospital, said that nearly 250 patients with chronic kidney failure received treatment at the hospital.

However, the hospital only has 31 hemodialysis machines, most of which have been used for more than 10 years.

In September 1973, Cuba’s leader Fidel Castro visited the newly liberated areas of Quang Tri despite numerous dangers. The leader decided to help Vietnam build a general hospital in Dong Hoi of Quang Binh province, just north of Quang Tri, offering treatment to residents not only in the locality but also to neighbouring localities. Its construction began in May 1974 and the 462-bed medical facility was put into operation in September 1981.

Now, the hospital has more than 1,000 beds and creates close to 850 jobs.

Top legislator receives British Ambassador

Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening its strategic partnership with the UK, Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue told British Ambassador to Vietnam Ian Frew at their meeting in Hanoi on January 24.

The top legislator highlighted the recent progress in the bilateral relationship, especially the joint declaration on the occasion of the 10th founding anniversary of the strategic partnership (2010 - 2020) with a vision towards elevating the relationship in the next decade.

Frew thanked the Chairman for his efforts in enhancing the Vietnam - UK cooperation, particularly the legislature’s ratification of the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

He shared Chairman Hue’s view that activities held in 2023 to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties have contributed to increasing strategic trust between the two sides.

The ambassador stressed that the strategic partnership covers a range of areas, from politics and diplomacy to economy, trade, investment, sustainable development, national defence and security, and health care, adding the UKVFTA has benefited both nations, as reflected through the increasing bilateral trade despite global trade turmoil last year.

Congratulating the UK on its joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last year, Chairman Hue affirmed that Vietnam had supported the country to become a member of the deal.

Along with the UKVFTA, the UK’s CPTPP membership is expected to create new momentum for the Vietnam - UK relations, consolidate their cooperation framework in trade and economy, and help their businesses diversify the markets and participate in the global supply chain more deeply, he said.

The Chairman used this occasion to call on British firms to increase investment in Vietnam, affirming that the NA and the government of Vietnam always make efforts to improve the business environment for foreign investors, including those from the UK.

Highly valuing the UK’s potential and capacity in the financial and monetary markets, the NA leader expressed his hope for stronger cooperation in this field, including the building of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam wants to work with the UK to address global issues, including digital transformation and just energy transition, he said.

Chairman Hue asked the ambassador to convey his invitations to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker to soon pay official visits to Vietnam.

Frew emphasised that the UK wants to boost cooperation with Vietnam via the Party and parliament channels, including exchanges and cooperation between young parliamentarians.

NA Chairman receives outgoing New Zealand Ambassador

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue received New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Tredene Dobson in Hanoi on January 24, lauding the outgoing diplomat’s contributions to relations between the two countries and their parliaments.

On this occasion, Hue thanked the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam and the ambassador for supporting a high-ranking NA delegation led by him on a visit to New Zealand in June 2022.

She said she is very proud of joint achievements gained by the two nations during her term, praising their close coordination in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She also emphasised the positive results of people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, defence, and security.

The ambassador affirmed the importance of tightening parliamentary cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam, pledging to promote bilateral cooperation in any capacity.

The top legislator praised Tredene Dobson's contributions during the past three years have helped promote the multifaceted and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Particularly, the two sides facilitated the access of agricultural products to each other's markets.

On this occasion, Hue thanked New Zealand for actively supporting Vietnam with vaccines, ventilators, and resources to control the COVID-19 and recover its economy after the pandemic.

He said he and the NA of Vietnam will continue to create favourable conditions for the New Zealand Embassy and Ambassador Tredene Dobson's successor to work in Vietnam, contributing to fostering cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand in general and between the two countries' legislative bodies in particular.

Ministry of Public Security's delegation visits Cambodia

Minister of Public Security General To Lam led a delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to pay an official visit to Cambodia from January 22-24 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha.

After a welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation on January 23, the two officials held talks, co-chaired a conference reviewing cooperation outcomes and signed a cooperation agreement between the two ministries for 2024.

Sar Sokh stressed the significance of the visit, saying it offers an opportunity for the two ministries to seek specific measures to advance the relationship between the two ministries to a new level, for the sake of the Vietnamese and Cambodian people, and for peace, stability and development in the region.

The officials shared the view that the Vietnam-Cambodia relations have been consolidated and strengthened, with the traditional friendship between the two ministries serving as a pillar.

The two sides have maintained their close coordination in the fight against crimes, they said, adding that thanks to efforts by the public security forces, security and order in border areas has been ensured.

The officials agreed to increase information exchanges and continue coordination in preventing plots by hostile forces, maintaining security and social order and safety, and fighting cross-border crimes.

Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and President of the Supreme Privy Council to the King.

Hun Sen pledged to contribute more to the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia across spheres, including security.   
   
For his part, Lam affirmed that Vietnam always backs Cambodia’s national construction and development, and expressed his belief that the neighbouring country will gain more achievements in the time ahead.

Later the same day, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Police Academy of Cambodia, where Lam stressed that personnel training is a fundamental task which has contributed to enhancing the relations between the two countries in general and the two ministries in particular.

According to the minister, since 2003, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has admitted thousands of Cambodian police officers to train at academies and schools, and sent hundreds of teachers to Cambodia for training classes.   
 
The Vietnamese ministry has also sent 100 officers to the Police Academy of Cambodia to study the Khmer language, helping to promote coordination between public security forces of the two countries in the crime combat.

On January 24, the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who suggested the two ministries intensify cooperation in fighting crimes, especially drug and high-tech ones, and digital transformation, support each other to improve law enforcement capacity, and coordinate to handle legal documents for people of Vietnamese origin in Cambodia.

The same day, the delegation also met with other Cambodia officials, and visited the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

Vietnamese Tet Festival kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ho Chi Minh City Cultural House for Youth on January 24 kicked off the 17th Vietnamese Tet Festival which aims to promote traditional cultural values of Vietnam.

The event, which runs until February 14 or the fifth day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Dragon, features common activities during the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival in Vietnam.

More than 50 calligraphy artists will offer festival goers opportunities to witness and experience the art of calligraphy.

In addition to musical and fashion shows, festival goers can enjoy shopping and cuisine spaces.

They can also receive books and trees as lucky gifts with the best wishes for a new year.

An event that helps people know more waste classification will be held at the festival.

Hoa Binh, Laos’ Houaphanh province expand multi-faceted cooperation

A delegation from Laos' Houaphanh province led by its Vice Governor Phutphan Keovongxay on January 24 visited and extended New Year greetings to Hoa Binh province’s Party Organisation, authorities, and people.

Receiving the Lao delegation, Vice Chairman of the Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Chuong told the guests about the province's socio-economic achievements in 2023, and reviewed the good relationship between Vietnam and Laos in general and between Hoa Binh and Houaphanh in particular.

Appreciating Hoa Binh’s significant changes in socio-economic development. Phutphan Keovongxay thanked Hoa Binh province for supporting Houaphanh in building a school, training Lao students, and transferring technology to the province.

He said he believes that the two provinces will continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in many fields, contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two provinces.

Chuong affirmed that his province will further promote people-to-people exchanges with the Lao locality, especially those among the young generations.

German President visits Vietnamese-German University

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on January 24 visited the Vietnamese-German University in the southern province of Binh Duong as part of his two-day state visit to Vietnam.

Delivering a speech to hundreds of students, the President said he was impressed by Vietnam where tradition and modernity are combined together and highlighted close ties between Vietnam and Germany despite their geographical distance.

Germany will help Vietnam in many areas, including ecological transformation, infrastructure and economic restructuring, he affirmed while speaking highly of Vietnam’s important role in the region and the world.

Pointing out difficulties and challenges facing the two countries amidst global uncertainties, the leader noted his belief that Germany and Vietnam will continue observing and respecting international law, and multilateralising and diversifying friendly and cooperative relations, which, he said, would help them overcome difficulties.

The President called the university a "lighthouse project" for the close relations between the two countries, and pledged that Germany will further support Vietnam to double the university’s training scale.

Founded on September 1, 2008, the university has attracted nearly 3,000 students enrolled in seven undergraduate and 10 master's programmes with a focus on high-tech engineering and economics.

Vietnam, New Zealand foreign ministries forge coordination

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters have agreed to foster coordination between the two foreign ministries so as to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

In their phone talks on January 24, the officials rejoiced at the fruitful, intensive and extensive development of the Vietnam-New Zealand strategic partnership over the past time, and consented to expand high-level delegation exchanges and contacts, and effectively implement the action plan materialising the strategic partnership for 2021-2024, and soon negotiate and sign another plan for the new period.

The two sides will also enhance cooperation in trade and investment, optimise the efficiency of the Joint Committee for Economic and Trade Cooperation, and step up people-to-people exchanges through collaboration in education, labour and tourism.

They will closely coordinate to prepare for the upcoming visits by the two countries’ leaders, helping to boost the bilateral relations in the new period.

Peters affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of New Zealand in the region in terms of both geo-politics and economy, noting the two countries share many viewpoints on regional and international issues.

He suggested the two countries expand cooperation in new areas such as climate change response and digital transformation.

The two sides also concurred to forge coordination and cooperation at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

For his part, Son pledged that as the coordinator for the ASEAN - New Zealand relations, Vietnam will work to promote practical cooperation programmes between the two sides.

On this occasion, Son invited Peters to soon pay a visit to Vietnam.

International organisations pledge to help HCM City in green development

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai received representatives from international organisations and investors on January 24 within the framework of the investment conference for HCM City’s green growth jointly held by the committee and the World Bank (WB).

The sides discussed coordination in increasing resources for green development in Vietnam’s southern economic hub.

Chandra Sinha, Global Lead for Carbon Markets and Finance, Climate Finance and Economics at the WB, affirmed that the bank wants to support HCM City to boost cooperation with international partners and optimise its potential to call for international resources to build carbon credits and join the carbon credit market.

Mai suggested the WB help HCM City devise framework plans, provide more detailed advice in determining the types of carbon credits, and assist the city to develop sectors and businesses that have potential in carbon credit building.

The official thanked the WB and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for their commitments to supporting HCM City in green development, and expressed his hope that the IFC will share experience of other cities and localities worldwide that have gained successes in this regard.

The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) also pledged to accompany HCM City in green transition, mobilising resources in service of climate change response, and implementing green projects.

Homeland Spring programme held in Shanghai for OVs

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Shanghai held a “Xuan Que Huong” (Homeland Spring) programme on January 23 to bring the warm Tet atmosphere to overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and Vietnamese citizens living, working and studying in the eastern region of China.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Consul General in Shanghai Nguyen The Tung briefed the participants about the country’s situation in 2023.

Despite experiencing profound fluctuations that negatively affected countries around the world, with the sound leadership of the Party and Government and joint efforts of the entire country, Vietnam gained many important achievements in all fields, he said, adding that people’s living conditions were improved while the country's foreign relations and position in the international arena were enhanced.

Tung emphasised that the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China in 2023 achieved many important results, creating a momentum for the bilateral relations to develop in the coming time.

Affirming that Vietnamese communities abroad and Vietnamese people in China in particular are an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation, he hoped that the Vietnamese community in the eastern region of China will continue to promote the patriotic tradition, the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, and join hands to build a closely-knit community. 

Tung also urged them to employ practical activities to help popularise the image of Vietnam and its people and promote the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China.

Dieu Manh Tuong, an overseas Vietnamese who has resided in Shanghai for more than 50 years, expressed his excitement at the development of the home country and the Vietnam - China relations.

He also pledged to continue to join hands to build a stronger and united Vietnamese community in Shanghai and make practical contributions to the homeland.

Ninh Binh to mark 10th anniversary of UNESCO recognition of Trang An Landscape Complex

The northern province of Ninh Binh will organise activities this year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of UNESCO recognition of the Trang An Landscape Complex as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, the provincial authorities announced on January 24.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the celebration, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Song Tung said that the celebration will be held in many places to honour, promote and spread the heritage’s values in association with sustainable tourism development, towards turning Hoa Lu city into a millennial heritage urban. The celebration will be also an occasion for the province to review outstanding achievements in heritage conservation in the last ten years and outline policies and measures for better heritage management and conservation in the coming time.

Among celebrating activities, a ceremony will be held on April 26 to honour the achievements and contributions of organisations and individuals in managing, preserving, promoting, and spreading the heritage values. The event is expected to attract over 5,000 people.

Other activities are planned to take place from January to September, including the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, seminars, a tourism week, exhibitions, a food festival, and song-composing and writing contests about the province and the Trang An Landscape Complex.

The Trang An Landscape Complex was recognised as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2014. The site spans 12,252 ha in 20 communes and wards in five districts and cities of Ninh Binh, comprising the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest.

Campaign promotes smart consumption, plastic waste reduction

A campaign promoting smart consumption and plastic waste reduction was launched at AEON Mall Ha Dong in Hanoi on January 24.

The programme was co-organised by the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE), World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam), and other partners including AEON Vietnam.

At the launch ceremony, ISPONRE Deputy Director Nguyen Trung Thang said the campaign aimed at mobilising widespread consumer participation in adopting measures to reduce plastic waste while shopping. The initiative seeks to shift consumer behaviour towards environmentally-friendly consumption, especially in the period leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday (called Tet in Vietnamese).

According to Thang, during festive occasions like Tet, the volume of goods consumed often experiences a 15-30% increase, accompanied by a rise in the amount of single-use plastic products.

With the campaign taking place on January 24 and 25, customers are set to engage in various activities as part of the campaign and try out recycled and environmentally-friendly items with high applicability in daily life.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, plastic waste pollution in Vietnam is alarmingly severe. On an annual average, the country disposes of approximately 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste, including over 30 billion plastic bags, of which 80% are discarded after just a single use.

Vietnam, RoK deploy cooperation agreement on social insurance

The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) said on January 24 that it has signed a deal with the National Pension Service (NPS) of the Republic of Korea (RoK) on the implementation of an agreement on social insurance between the two governments.  

The deal aims to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries’ labourers participating in social insurance, thus helping to build equal and sustainable social welfare in both nations.

The bilateral cooperation agreement on social insurance was inked in Seoul, the RoK, on December 14, 2021, and came into force from January 1, 2024. The agreement is expected to facilitate the flow of workers and protect their rights and interests related to social insurance.

It aims to avoid double social insurance contributions paid by Vietnamese and Korean citizens working in each other’s country. The agreement will also facilitate information sharing between the two countries' enforcement agencies, helping to strengthen labour management in a more convenient and effective manner.

Under the Prime Minister’s decision, the VSS was assigned to directly put the agreement in place.

On December 8, 2023, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) Nguyen Ba Hoan and Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination of the RoK's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) Kim Hyejin signed an administrative deal on the implementation of the bilateral agreement.

VSS Deputy General Director Dao Viet Anh said the signing of the deal with the NPS is the final step to begin the implementation of the agreement, the first of its kind between the two countries in social insurance, also the first between Vietnam and another country.

CSIS seminar spotlights Vietnam - US relations

A seminar on Vietnam – US relations was held by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C on January 23, bringing together officials, congressmen, scholars, and representatives from the US business community.

CSIS President John Hamre stated that the seminar aimed to respond to the increasing interest in the US, especially after the two countries upgraded their relations.

In his pre-recorded speech sent to the event, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son applauded CSIS for its initiative in organising the seminar and deploying a research programme on Vietnam.

Highlighting the historic progress in the relationship between the two countries in 2023, Son said the decision to upgrade the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, stability, and sustainable development reflected the fruitful development of the Vietnam - US ties after nearly three decades since the normalisation of their diplomatic ties, and 10 years since the establishment of the comprehensive partnership.

The upgrade of the bilateral relationship will open up many new opportunities for cooperation, benefiting both sides and contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, Son said.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung reviewed significant milestones in the Vietnam - US relationship, especially the decision to upgrade the relations to the comprehensive strategic partnership, saying that this was a historic decision, and also a fitting development step based on the progress and achievements attained in the bilateral relationship.

The diplomat stressed that the comprehensive strategic partnership is the inheritance and continuation of existing cooperation foundations and platforms, including the fundamental principles guiding the bilateral relationship over the past time, especially the respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and political regimes, deepening the agreed-upon pillars of cooperation and expanding cooperation to new priority areas.

Economic, trade, investment, and innovation cooperation has continued to drive the bilateral relationship, while scientific, technological and digital partnership has been a new breakthrough, he said.

Dung affirmed that Vietnam is determined and committed to fully implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership and turning high-level agreements into specific actions and measures for the performance.

Attending the seminar from Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Dr. Can Van Luc, Chief Economist of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), and other delegates discussed measures to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in different areas such as security, strategy, trade, technology, and energy.

Delegates expressed their joy and optimism about the prospects of the Vietnam-US relationship. They underlined the necessity to effectively implement the new cooperation framework, especially in the areas of trade, investment, digital economy, ensuring supply chains, coping with climate change, and addressing post-was consequences.
  
The seminar was part of the CSIS US - Vietnam Initiative deployed this year, which aimed to increase exchanges between officials and scholars from both countries, helping to promote mutual understanding and seek initiatives and ideas to further expand the Vietnam-US partnership.

E-handbook promotes digital transformation from grassroots level

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has launched “Lang So” (Digital Village) e-handbook at https://langso.dx.gov.vn and https://www.facebook.com/lang.so.mic to help communities promote digital economy and digital society from the grassroots level, contributing to the country's digital transformation process.

The app introduces about 30 "Make in Vietnam" digital platforms aimed at solving people's needs in the daily life. Each digital platform helps people easily access services, utilities, and optimise the benefits brought by digital technology.

Each person, village, based on internal resources, culture, and local characteristics, can choose to build their own “Digital Village”. About 50 typical stories, associated with more than 100 typical and outstanding people, are introduced in "Digital Village".

The MIC will regularly update and adjust information on the "Digital Village" e-handbook to meet practical demand. The initiative was inspired following the “Digital Transformation Handbook” which helps people use digital technology to solve problems in the daily life and stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The digital economy plays an important role as a growth driver of the economy. The e-handbook on digital platforms contributes to inspiring and equipping skills for everyone. It also helps to open up opportunities for each citizen to better understand how digital technology is applied to all aspects of life.

The handbook is provided for free on three platforms including its website, Facebook and Zalo.

HCM City's leader meets with German President

Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Phan Van Mai on January 24 met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is paying a two-day state visit to Vietnam from January 23.

Mai expressed his hope that the President will continue encouraging German enterprises to expand cooperation and investment in the city in the fields where Germany has strengths such as manufacturing technology, infrastructure and renewable energy, thus contributing to HCM City’s sustainable development.

HCM City pledges to continue improving its investment environment, and creating favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Germany, he stressed.

The official also proposed President Steinmeier encourage and support German educational organisations and businesses to strengthen cooperation with the city in education and vocational training for students, and exchange experiences in educational management and innovation.

Mai expected that the German Government will continue to further promote people-to-people exchanges between German localities and HCM City.

President Steinmeier spoke highly of the city's dynamic development which has contributed to the overall development of Vietnam over the past years.

During his stay in HCM City, he is scheduled to attend a roundtable meeting with German businesses, and visit the Vietnamese-German University in the neighbouring province of Binh Duong.

Former NA chairwoman honoured with Japan's order

Former Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, first-class Grand Cross, of the Japanese Government at a ceremony held in Hanoi on January 24.

The event saw the presence of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Standing Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and vice chairmen Nguyen Khac Dinh and Nguyen Duc Hai.

On behalf of the Emperor and Government of Japan, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio announced the decision and handed over the order to Ngan.

Yamada emphasised the former parliament leader’s enormous contributions to the reinforcement of the friendship between the two countries, while serving in different positions, from Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to Vice Chair and then Chair of the NA.

He noted that as Vice Chairwoman and Chairwoman of the NA, Ngan promoted exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries. She also helped enhance political trust as seen in the visits to Vietnam by the speakers and vice speakers of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors of Japan, along with other high-ranking leaders of the Northeast Asian nation.

Earlier, as Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, she had made active contributions to labour cooperation, including stepping up the sending of Vietnamese nurses to Japan under the countries’ Economic Partnership Agreement, the ambassador said, adding nearly 1,900 nurses of Vietnam have come to work in his country so far.

The total number of Vietnamese studying and working in Japan now approximates 520,000.

Describing Vietnamese personnel as an indispensable factor of Japan’s socioeconomic development, he voiced his hope that bilateral cooperation will grow further and in various forms to meet aspirations, and that Vietnamese workers will have a higher stature and help to strongly connect the countries together.

Expressing her pride to receive the order, former Chairwoman Ngan called this a great honour reflecting Japan’s evaluation of her performance.

She wished the Vietnam - Japan relations will continue to flourish in the future.

Former NA chairwoman honoured with Japan's order

Former Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, first-class Grand Cross, of the Japanese Government at a ceremony held in Hanoi on January 24.

The event saw the presence of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Standing Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and vice chairmen Nguyen Khac Dinh and Nguyen Duc Hai.

On behalf of the Emperor and Government of Japan, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio announced the decision and handed over the order to Ngan.

Yamada emphasised the former parliament leader’s enormous contributions to the reinforcement of the friendship between the two countries, while serving in different positions, from Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to Vice Chair and then Chair of the NA.

He noted that as Vice Chairwoman and Chairwoman of the NA, Ngan promoted exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries. She also helped enhance political trust as seen in the visits to Vietnam by the speakers and vice speakers of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors of Japan, along with other high-ranking leaders of the Northeast Asian nation.

Earlier, as Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, she had made active contributions to labour cooperation, including stepping up the sending of Vietnamese nurses to Japan under the countries’ Economic Partnership Agreement, the ambassador said, adding nearly 1,900 nurses of Vietnam have come to work in his country so far.

The total number of Vietnamese studying and working in Japan now approximates 520,000.

Describing Vietnamese personnel as an indispensable factor of Japan’s socioeconomic development, he voiced his hope that bilateral cooperation will grow further and in various forms to meet aspirations, and that Vietnamese workers will have a higher stature and help to strongly connect the countries together.

Expressing her pride to receive the order, former Chairwoman Ngan called this a great honour reflecting Japan’s evaluation of her performance.

She wished the Vietnam - Japan relations will continue to flourish in the future.

Prime Minister meets German President in Hanoi

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Hanoi on January 24, during which the PM expressed his belief that the German leader’s ongoing visit will create a new motivation for the expansion of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in the future.

He thanked Germany for providing a large number of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam, helping the country control the pandemic and promote its socio-economic recovery.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam highly values the role and position of Germany in the region and the world, and wishes  to further deepen partnership with the European country in all fields.

For his part, the German President hailed the dynamic economic development of Vietnam over the years.

The two leaders rejoiced at the progress of bilateral relations in the past decades, especially the efficiency of joint projects such as the Vietnamese-German University and the German House in Vietnam.

PM Chinh briefed his guest on major achievements of Vietnam in socio-economic development and international integration throughout the nearly 40 years of “Doi Moi” (Renewal).

He said that Vietnam is focusing on making strategic breakthroughs by completing the institution, developing the infrastructure system, promoting human resources, and restructuring the national economy in association with renovating the growth model, giving priority to boosting the digital economy and digital transformation, green growth, and circular economy.

Vietnam also aims to strengthen science-technology development and innovation, while making responsible commitments to climate change response, he said, stressing that these are areas in which Vietnam hopes to foster cooperation with Germany.

To promote bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, thereby helping improve political trust and mutual understanding and creating new momentum for collaboration; and maintain coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the ASEAN - Germany and ASEAN - EU cooperation frameworks.

Affirming that economics, trade and investment are the pillars of bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to continuously encourage German businesses to invest in Vietnam, especially in the fields Germany has strengths such as energy, railways, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

PM Chinh proposed Germany soon ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), continue to cooperate with Vietnam to effectively implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in which Germany is a participant so that Vietnam can achieve its emission reduction goal as committed at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26), as well as in the implementation of development cooperation projects funded by Germany in the coming time, with priority given to infrastructure construction, sustainable development, and renewable energy.

The two leaders also reached a consensus on stepping up collaboration in high-quality human resources training and development, and speeding up the building of cooperation mechanisms and frameworks in vocational training. The German President expressed his hope that the Vietnamese workforce will soon have an opportunity to work in Germany to help the country deal with labour shortage in the coming time.

The host suggested the guest continue assisting and creating favourable conditions for the community of more than 200,000 Vietnamese people in Germany to successfully integrate into, contribute more to socio-economic development of Germany, and act as bridges connecting the two countries. The German President spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in Germany and considered it a valuable asset in the relationship between the two countries and two peoples.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two leaders emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability, and solve disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law. They stressed their backing for the freedom of navigation and overflights in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

HCM City reports COVID-19 cases hike

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported on January 24 that the city's infectious disease surveillance system has detected the emergence of sub-variant JN.1 of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in hospitalised patients in December last year in the locality.

JN.1 is a sub-variant from the BA.2.86 variant of Omicron classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant of Interest” (VOI), which is the cause of the increasing number of cases and deaths in some countries.

According to data from the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) from December 18, 2023, to January 22, 2024, local hospitals treated 94 COVID-19 cases from the city and several adjacent localities. Among the in-patients, 17 severe cases require supplemental oxygen.  All the severe cases involve individuals in the high-risk group with serious underlying diseases, and have not been vaccinated with enough COVID-19 vaccine doses following instructions from the Ministry of Health.

Notably, the number of hospitalised cases at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Tropical Diseases due to the pandemic has increased in the last six weeks.

The municipal Department of Health said the JN.1 sub-variant appeared in the city after the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) reported it as the fastest growing variant and dominate in the US in December last year.

In December 2023, nearly 10,000 deaths from COVID-19 were reported worldwide while the number of hospitalised cases surged 42% from the previous month. New variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have continuously mutated, and sub-variant JN.1 is spreading rapidly around the globe, according to WHO.

In Vietnam, the northern region is now in the transitional period between winter and spring, when cold and dry weather is alternated with wet weather, triggering infectious diseases, especially respiratory ones.

It warned that the coming Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays and spring festive season, when trading and travel demand surges, along with abnormal weather changes are favourable conditions for diseases to spread, particularly among children with weak immunity and the elderly with comorbidities, who are more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

The municipal Department of Health advised residents to take measures to protect themselves, their families and the community, including wearing a mask in medical facilities and crowded places or when having respiratory symptoms, regularly washing hands with soap or hand sanitiser, and rinsing mouth and throat with mouthwash.

People, especially those in at-risk groups, are recommended to get booster shots against COVID-19.

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