A sunda pangolin (Manis Javanica) weighing 9kg, an endangered species, was released into the wild in the southern central province of Binh Phuoc by forest rangers on July 5.

The pangolin was discovered in a rubber plantation by a group of workers of Binh Phuoc Rubber Ltd. Co. They caught the animal and handed it over to the forest ranger force of Dong Phu district.

After being taken care of at the forest rangers' facility, the pangolin's health was stable and released to the natural environment in accordance with regulations.

Pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world. Vietnam is home to two pangolin species, the sunda pangolin and the Chinese pangolin (manis pentadactyla), both listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List. They are facing the threat of extinction./.

Vietnam maintains first place on second day of SA canoeing championship

Vietnam continued to rank first on the second competition day of the 2024 Southeast Asian Rowing, U19 and U23 Championships which is going on in the northern city of Hai Phong, bringing home a total of 13 gold, 16 silver and 9 bronze medals on the day.

Meanwhile, Thailand won five golds, two silvers and ten bronzes to come in second, followed by Singapore with two golds, four silvers and two bronzes.

Indonesia secured two golds, and two silvers, Malaysia bagged home one gold, and Cambodia pocketed one bronze.

Vietnamese athletes also claimed the most medals in the first rounds of the championships on July 4. They won 19 golds, 17 silvers and six bronzes while Indonesia pocketed two silvers and four bronzes, Thailand two golds, three silvers and 11 bronzes, Malaysia one gold and one silver, Cambodia one bronze, and Singapore four golds, three silvers and two bronzes.

Nearly 200 athletes are participating in the championships.

Earlier, Vietnamese athletes bagged 34 gold medals, ranking first at the 2024 Southeast Asia rowing event, which concluded on June 30./.

Da Nang seeks to boost collaboration with Japanese partners​

The “Da Nang – Japan Meeting” conference on prospects for cooperation after the two countries upgrade their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World was held in the central city of Da Nang on July 5.

Addressing the event, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong said Da Nang, one of the five centrally-run cities of Vietnam, is striving to become one of the major socio-economic centres of the country and Southeast Asia in term of start-ups, innovation, tourism, trade, finance, logistics, high-tech industries, information technology, supporting industries, and smart city, among others.

Towards that goal, the city considers integration and connectivity with the region and the world as one of the most effective ways to boost development, the official said, stressing that Da Nang has identified Japan as one of the potential markets that can provide the growth resources that Da Nang needs.

The city's leadership has always advocated and facilitated partnership across the fields with Japanese organisations, localities and businesses, he said.

Cuong highlighted that Da Nang has established official friendship and cooperation with four Japanese cities - Kawasaki, Sakai, Yokohama, Kisarazu - and cooperative relations with 20 other provinces and cities. Japan is the biggest investor in Da Nang in terms of registered investment capital, with more than 1.14 billion USD in 261 projects.

Last year, Da Nang exported 650 million USD worth of goods to Japan and imported 50 million USD worth of products from the East Asian country.

The conference was held with the aim of boosting connectivity and attract investment in the fields of high-tech industry, digital technology, green technology, electronics, microchips and semiconductors, human resources, and more, he affirmed.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said that the relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world in 2023, and it is important that the two countries concretise the partnership into extensive cooperation activities in many fields.

The ambassador stated that the Japanese government supports the "Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative" programme, a cooperation framework between the two governments and businesses that was launched in March 2024 with focus on expanding investment in high-tech and information technology and human resources development.

Participants at the event introduced potential, strengths, investment climate and policies of the two sides in several areas./.

Seminar looks to develop film industry

The Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) organised a seminar in the central city of Da Nang on July 5, aiming at enhancing international co-production and seeking development solutions for the film industry.

At the event, held within the framework of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival, VFDA President Ngo Phuong Lan stressed that the film industry not only has great potential to contribute to the national economy but also plays an important role in improving local livelihoods.

With a view to creating a high-quality film or TV programme for both Vietnamese and global audience, Vietnam needs to learn experience from countries with well-developed film industry, she said.

Vice Chairman and Head of Asia Pacific for Public Policy and Foreign Affairs at Sony Pictures Entertainment Jared Dougherty shared several solutions that are applicable in Vietnam, ranging from getting funding for films to capitalising on the values of films’ intellectual property

Films and culture are tools that help countries overcome geopolitical and trade challenges, and enhance mutual understanding, he said, adding the Vietnamese film industry is developing strongly, with movies having received warm welcome from the international community./.

Dien Bien Phu Victory quiz held for Lao students

A quiz on the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the signing of the Geneva Agreement on ceasefire in Vietnam in 1954 was launched on July 4 in central Savannakhet province for Lao students.

It was organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General Savanankhet in collaboration with the provincial Department of Education and Sports, the Vietnamese Association, and the Laos - Vietnam Friendship High School in Savannakhet province, attracting around 300 students.

Organisers said it offers a chance for students to understand more about the connection between the revolutions in the two countries, which is a basis for building the Vietnam - Laos fighting alliance in the war against the US imperialists, and connecting their destinies in their national liberation and development.

Vice Director of the Department of Education and Sports of Savannakhet Anousone Soutthivong said this activity helps students deeply understand the history of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the Geneva Agreement.

Students gathered knowledge and information by watching videos to answer multiple-choice questions online or directly on paper.

The organisers awarded one first prize, two second prizes, and three third prizes./.

Khanh Hoa shows high determination in IUU fishing combat

The south-central province of Khanh Hoa has taken a series of strong measures to manage its fleet and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, showing the coastal locality’s high determination in protecting aquatic resources and marine environment.

In a recent meeting of the Khanh Hoa Steering Committee for IUU Prevention and Control, Tran Hoa Nam, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and head of the committee, ordered department, sectors, and coastal localities across the province to implement drastic measures against IUU fishing, especially in July and August, aiming to firmly maintain achievements and ensuring no violations in the future.

Nam underlined the need to focus on issues related to controlling fishing boats without licences and vessel monitoring systems (VMS) as well as the origin of seafood through the electronic seafood traceability software eCDT, and supporting fishing vessels in paying satellite service fee for VMS operations.

According to the provincial Steering Committee for IUU Prevention and Control, since the European Commission imposed a “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood, Khanh Hoa has worked hard and recorded important progress in enhancing local fishermen’s awareness of IUU fishing regulations and fleet management.

Along with strengthening communications for more than 1,000 fishermen on IUU prevention and control regulations, the province has issued exploitation licences to 98% of the local fleet and installed the VMS devices on 99.6% of the local fishing boats with a length of 15m and above.

However, due to the unclear demarcation of sea borders in the East Sea, there is a high risk for Vietnamese fishing vessels to violate foreign waters, the committee said, adding that the province is also facing difficulties in maintaining contacts with fishing vessels and maintaining harmonious application of the eCDT software.

To deal with these difficulties, Khanh Hoa has tightened the supervision of seafood at seaports, and increasing patrols in boundary sea areas.

Nguyen Van Ba, head of the management board of Hon Ro fishing seaport, said that a list of the local fleet has been sent to neighbouring localities for cooperation in management, while the use of the eCDT software has been improved.

Local fishermen’s awareness of fisheries regulations has been improved, he said, adding that last year, the port handled nearly 3,000 fishing boats and issued 270 certificates of seafood origin.

Currently, Khanh Hoa has four fishing ports of Hon Ro, Da Bac, Vinh Luong, and Dai Lanh, along with Ninh Hai boat shelter./.

PM receives mass movement official of Cambodian People's Party

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Hun Many, who is a member of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Standing Committee, Secretary-General of the CPP Central Committee’s Mass Movement Commission, Deputy PM, Minister of Civil Service of Cambodia, and President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, in Hanoi on July 5.

Both host and guest noted with satisfaction that relations between the two countries have been growing stably in the recent past as seen in frequent meetings between their high-ranking leaders, effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and trade revenue reaching US$10 billion in 2022.

Underlining the importance of mass mobilisation, PM Chinh suggested that the two sides continue sharing experience and implementing practical activities to improve the quality of this work and harness the strength of the youth in each country since people are the centre, key stakeholder, goal, momentum, and also resource for development.

Vietnam always treasures the solidarity with Cambodia as well as the close-knit ties among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during their struggles for national liberation and reunification in the past, as well as the national development process at present, he affirmed.

He said Vietnam and Cambodia should keep strengthening and bringing into play the solidarity and unity among the three Indochinese countries, thus helping maintain an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

The host leader called for continuing to promote high-level mutual visits and meetings between Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders, along with high-level meetings among Party leaders of the three countries; reviewing and fruitfully implementing the leaders’ agreements; and enhancing partnerships between ministries, sectors, and localities of Vietnam and Cambodia.

PM Chinh stressed the need to further improve economic cooperation effectiveness; build an independent and self-reliant economy with intensive and effective integration in each country; develop such new areas as digital economy and green economy; push ahead with economic, trade, investment and transport connectivity; and work together to reach US$20 billion in bilateral trade in the near future.

Both sides should exert efforts to work on the remaining 16% of the borderline on which demarcation and marker planting haven’t finished in order to build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development. They also need to step up people-to-people exchanges and encourage people, especially the young, to uphold and nurture the countries’ good neighbourliness, friendship, and solidarity, he added.

On this occasion, the Government leader thanked and asked the Cambodian side to continue tackling difficulties facing Vietnamese-origin people; help them settle down, integrate into the local society, and serve as a friendship bridge between the two countries; and provide optimal conditions for the Vietnamese businesses operating in Cambodia.

For his part, Hun Many informed his host about the outcomes of his talks and working sessions with the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, and the Vietnam Youth Federation.

He stated that his country attaches importance to the relations with Vietnam and never forgets the latter’s material and spiritual support for it to escape from the genocidal regime. He also highly valued the development achievements that have turned Vietnam into an emerging economy.

Echoing PM Chinh’s opinions, the visiting official pledged to join hands with the CPP Central Committee’s Mass Movement Commission and leaders of Cambodia to continue cooperating closely with Vietnam to foster bilateral ties in a practical and effective manner, including increasing communications to raise Cambodian people’s awareness, especially the young’s, of the solidarity and friendship between the two nations./

Vietnam storm into 2024 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup semi-finals

Visitors Vietnam overwhelmed hosts Philippines in all three sets at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in capital Manila on July 5 evening, cruising into the semi-finals of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup for the first time.
 
Opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen was considered the heroin of the Vietnamese team, scoring 30 points in all three sets of the game. Her jumping ability and powerful punches created many difficulties for Filipino players.

Vietnamese players performed well not only in attacks but also in defensive actions. Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet’s blockers were very good at predicting the opponents’ attack lines to prevent and score points.

Thanks to their good physical strength and professional skills, the visitors beat their hosts 25-14 in the first set, 25-22 in the second set, and 25-21 in the final set.

Vietnam are scheduled to play the Czech Republic in the first semi-final game on July 6 afternoon.

The 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup is the fifth and last edition of the FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup.

A total of 8 teams qualified for the tournament, namely Kenya, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Belgium and hosts Philippines.

The teams are competing in a knock-out format (quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in capital Manila from July 4 – 7.

Party official makes working visit to Czech Republic

Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)'s Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien led a delegation to the Czech Republic for a working trip from July 2 – 5.

During their stay, the delegation met with Chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) Katerina Konecna, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and the Deputy Chairman of the ANO movement Karel Havlicek, and Governor of the Karlovy Vary Region Petr Kulhanek. 

They also had working sessions with representatives of the Union of Vietnamese People Association in Europe, the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, and other European nations; and visited Vietnamese communities in the cities of Prague, Karlovy Vary, and Plzen, and several economic and cultural establishments of overseas Vietnamese.

During the meetings, Chien briefed the participants on the achievements Vietnam has made after nearly 40 years of its Doi moi (renewal) process, socio-economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the goals, policies, and accomplishments of Vietnam’s modern diplomacy.

The Vietnamese official showed his delight at the fruitful development of the diplomatic relations over the past decades, suggesting orientations to elevate the relationship to a new level.

He thanked the government and people of the Czech Republic for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community, which was recognised as an ethnic minority group in 2023, to integrate into the host country, contributing to the traditional relations between the two nations.

Czech officials affirmed that the European country prioritises developing relations with Vietnam, stressing that the two sides need to fully leverage existing potential to quickly advance the bilateral relations to a deeper, more substantive, and effective development stage.

Representatives from the Czech localities shared their experiences in developing tourism and promoting culture, and specific measures to enhance cooperation with Vietnamese localities.

Meeting with the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, Chien affirmed overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and urged them to continue integrating well into the host society and serving as an important bridge to further tighten the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the European nation.

Vietnam eyes to bolster ties with New South Wales

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam paid an official visit to New South Wales from July 3-4 to discuss measures to enhance cooperation between Vietnam and Australia in general and the state in particular.

While there, Tam made a courtesy call to the state’s Governor Margaret Beazley who spoke highly of the rapid development of cooperation between the two countries, especially since the upgrade of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the official visit by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Australia in March 2024. Beazley also expressed her satisfaction at the fine friendship and cooperation between New South Wales and Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s largest economic hub.

The Vietnamese diplomat also had meetings with Speaker of the Parliament of New South Wales Gregory Piper, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Robyn Preston, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Andrew Bell, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.

The hosts emphasised the importance of parliamentary and judicial cooperation between Australia and Vietnam. Piper highly valued bilateral collaboration in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, and investment; and agreed to the strengthen educational cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and sharing of judicial experience. Meanwhile, Preston expressed interest in cooperation in exchanging parliamentarians and learning about the dynamics for the development of bilateral relations.

Bell expressed his hope to increase the exchange of judicial delegations and promote collaboration at relevant international and regional forums, including the Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific; while Steve Whan showed his interest in educational and vocational training cooperation between the two countries, and highlighted the important role of international students, including Vietnamese, in the education sector of Australia in general and New South Wales which houses the largest number of Vietnamese students, in particular.

On this occasion, Ambassador Tam also visited the University of Sydney, and the University of Technology Sydney, and several technology centres and companies in the state.

At the meetings, the Vietnamese diplomat emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two countries’ localities, including the effective partnership between New South Wales and Ho Chi Minh City. He proposed the state leaders continue to support and engage with Vietnamese community associations there to contribute to the two countries’ friendship; and consider the removal of some temporary restrictions for students from central Vietnam.

He called for efforts to promote training cooperation in technology and renewable energy, and suggested universities in New South Wales collaborate with Vietnamese representative offices in the state and across Australia to manage and protect Vietnamese citizens and students.

Vietnamese students compete at Shell Eco-marathon in Indonesia

Vietnamese students representing two teams, HAUI AUTO from Hanoi University of Industry and LH-EV Fuel Cell from Lac Hong University, are competing at the Shell Eco–marathon Asia Pacific and the Middle East 2024 in Indonesia.

The July 3-6 contest has attracted the participation of 78 student teams from 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. They are competing in two categories - “Prototype” and “Urban Concept”. The “Prototype” class focuses on maximum efficiency, while the “Urban Concept” class encourages more practical designs.

The HAUI AUTO team from Hanoi University of Industry, who were the competition’s runner-up in 2022 and one of the top 5 winners in 2023, have chosen to compete in the Prototype-Internal Combustion Engine segment. Elsewhere, LH-EV Fuel Cell from Lac Hong University are determined to continue their impressive series of achievements in the Urban Concept category - Hydrogen Fuel Cell this year, as the team bagged the championship in this category for five consecutive years between 2015 and 2019.

The team from Lac Hong University were also the only local representative to make it to the final round of the Shell Eco-marathon held in London in 2019.

The competition aims to encourage students to be creative and apply advanced technology in order toefficiently use power. It also challenges students’ innovativeness and creativeness requiring them to design and construct the most energy efficient vehicle. It therefore seeks to inspire young engineers from around the region to develop new approaches aimed atfueling efficiency.

Whale appears in waters off central coast of Vietnam

A large whale was spotted swimming off the shore of a beach near Mui Dien Cape in Dong Hoa town of central coastal Phu Yen province on July 5.

A video posted by a local fisherman shows a large whale hunting, diving deep, and then coming back up to grab a school of small fish.

The eyewitness said it was the first time that he had ever seen such a large whale along the local coast.

According to local residents, whales appearing along the coast may bring good luck to them all year round.

Dao Quang Minh, head of the Fisheries Sub-Department of Phu Yen province, shared that the whale choosing the Mui Dien Cape waters to hunt for fish is positive news as it shows that the local sea environment has improved and is capable of fully meeting the needs of whales. ​

In 2023, two whales were also spotted in Vung Ro Bay off the central coastal province of Phu Yen swimming and hunting for food.

PM Pham Minh Chinh hosts Lao Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasith

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Lao Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Hanoi on July 5.

Chinh welcomed Kommasith’s visit in his capacity as head of the Laos Central Steering Committee for Trade and Transport Facilitation, and expressed his belief that the working visit would be a great success, making an important contribution to constantly strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

He conveyed his regards and best wishes to General Secretary of the Laos People’s Revolutionary Party and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and senior leaders of Laos, and at the same time proposed that the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs coordinate closely to best prepare for the exchange of high-level delegations in the coming time.

Kommasith for his part thanked the Government of Vietnam for always attaching importance and giving highest priority to cultivating the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam. He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Laos will continue to join the Party, State and people of Vietnam in preserving and cementing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Tran Luu Quang and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith held talks, discussing specific measures to implement agreements reached by the two countries’ senior leaders and the results of 46th meeting of the Vietnam – Laos Intergovernmental Committee on bilateral cooperation.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive developments and productive gains recorded in bilateral cooperation in all areas, from politics-diplomacy, defense-security to economics, trade, investment, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Two-way trade turnover in the first five months of 2024 hit US$780 million, up 11% over the same period in 2023. Vietnam currently has 255 valid projects in Laos with a total investment capital of about US$5.5 billion.

In the context of complex developments regionally and globally, they stressed the need for the two countries to continue promoting all pillars of cooperation, and remove obstacles for key projects such as Vung Ang ports 1, 2, 3 and those connecting road and rail traffic of the two countries. They also agreed to expand and improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in education, training, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual concerns, the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of information, coordination and close cooperation at regional and international forums.

During his stay in Hanoi, Lao Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith also had a working session with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

K Hospital, AstraZeneca Vietnam collaborate to enhance cancer research and treatment in VN

K (Cancer) Hospital and AstraZeneca Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a focus on promoting research and development and improving cancer treatment quality in Việt Nam.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, an estimated 180,480 new cancer cases and 120,184 cancer deaths are expected in Việt Nam. Breast cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer are the leading types of cancer, with incidence and mortality rates increasing annually. This situation necessitates the acceleration of cancer diagnosis and treatment quality improvement efforts.

In this context, the collaboration program between AstraZeneca Vietnam and K Hospital will aim to accelerate the hospital's scientific research and international integration services. It will also help enhance the quality of cancer treatment for patients in the northern provinces and across the country and aspire to make cancer no longer a leading cause of death in Việt Nam.

Professor Lê Văn Quảng, Director of K Hospital, said: “We highly appreciate the cooperation of AstraZeneca and hope that in the future, the two organisations will have more extensive and in-depth activities in the fields of scientific research, clinical research centre development, training and international cooperation, community communication, education and support for cancer patients. Together, I believe that this cooperation, built on a patient-centric approach, will yield significant and lasting benefits for patients and contribute not only to the advancement of oncology but also to the overall development of the Vietnamese healthcare sector."

The collaboration will focus on the following key research and development activities: Strategic collaboration in conducting clinical trials in oncology; establishing and developing a network/centre for innovation, digital transformation, research and application of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare; and Conduct epidemiological and cancer registry research.

The two sides will also collaborate on establishing and implementing scientific research, training and international cooperation programmes, promoting comprehensive healthcare coordination programmes for cancer patients and supporting patients in increasing access to advanced treatment drugs.

Along with research and development activities, AstraZeneca and K Hospital will also prioritise promoting health equity through plan and developing a national cancer prevention network; and co-implementing the 'Love your Lungs' programme to raise awareness for early detection of lung cancer in the community.

Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, said at the signing ceremony: "I am deeply grateful and proud of the achievements we have made through strategic partnership between AstraZeneca and K Hospital. The unwavering commitment to comprehensive collaboration spanning diagnosis – treatment - holistic care for cancer patients over the years has been continuously enhanced. It has yielded demonstrably enhanced treatment outcomes compared to previous times. Looking towards the future, I am confident that we will continue to create significant advancements in cancer treatment practices and transform the patient journey. Ultimately achieving health equity for everyone in the country, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for Việt Nam.”

Kiên Giang farmers get big profits by intercropping plants

Farmers in the Mekong Delta province of Kiên Giang have been earning high incomes from intercropping pineapple, coconut and betel palm in the same orchard, a model that has proven well adapted to climate change.

The practice is prevalent mostly in Châu Thành District’s Bình An Commune since its has brackish water and alum-affected soil in its coastal areas, suitable for growing these plants.

Dư Văn Thái was one of the first farmers to switch to this model from rice after the latter crop was affected by drought and saltwater intrusion up rivers and harvests were often poor in the dry season.

He has 5,000 pineapple, 500 coconut and 2,000 betel palm trees in his 3ha orchard, and has been earning VNĐ900 million-VNĐ1 billion (US$35,000-39,000) a year from them for the past six years, he said.

“My family gets an average profit of VNĐ600 million ($23,500) a year.”

To reduce labour and production costs, he has installed an automatic irrigation system and been making organic fertilisers for the plants since 2020, he said.

According to local farmers, the profits are three to four times as much as those from rice.

Châu Thành has 2,000ha under pineapple, with the fruit being one of its key produce.

It has encouraged farmers to switch to the fruit on unproductive rice fields and orchards in zoned areas, especially to the speciality Tắc Cậu pineapple, and adopt Vietnamese and global good agricultural practices.

Under a Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plan to develop the country’s major fruits for export until 2030, Kiên Giang is designated a major pineapple and banana producing province.

The southern province has grown pineapples for nearly 100 years and now has more than 7,000ha under them.

Lê Hữu Toàn, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the model is sustainable and would be expanded to more areas conducive to it.

His agency would train farmers in farming techniques, upgrade irrigation works and inform farmers about disease situations and preventive measures, he said.

It is urging businesses to link up with farmers to promote agricultural products at home and abroad to increase their value, he added.

It is now the pineapple harvest season and farmers are getting high prices.

Vương Văn Lực, who intercrops pineapple, coconut and betel palm on a one-hectare orchard in Bình An Commune, said the demand for pineapple is high this year.

Traders buy pineapple (fruits weighing about one kilogramme each) at the farm gate for VNĐ13,000, VNĐ5,000-6,000 higher than a year ago, he said.

“Pineapple farmers … are very happy.”

The province faced prolonged hot weather during the dry season before June but its saltwater prevention sluices and embankments worked effectively and supplied sufficient water for agriculture.

More and more farmers have installed automatic irrigation systems to save water.

Party internal affairs commission hailed for anti-corruption efforts

Politburo member and standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Lương Cường on July 5 attended a conference to review the performance of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs in the first half of 2024 and launch tasks for the rest of the year.

Cường hailed the commission for giving the Party helpful advice and proposals on policies, orientations and strategies related to home affairs, corruption fight and judicial reform.

He highly evaluated the commission’s efforts in chairing and coordinating with other agencies to organise three national conferences on internal affairs and the prevention and combat of corruption and negative phenomena, editing and popularising Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book titled “Resolutely, persistently fighting corruption and other negative phenomena to contribute to building the purer and stronger Party and State”.

It has effectively implemented the tasks of the standing agency of the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, he assessed.

Cường also lauded the commission for giving advice to the steering committee in strengthening inspection and supervision activities, focusing on areas with a high risk of corruption and negativity.

However, he pointed to a number of shortcomings facing the commission, requesting it to show higher determination and take more drastic and effective actions to contribute to the success implementation of tasks in the field of internal affairs, corruption control and judicial reform following the 13th National Party Congress’ Resolution.

The commission should focus on completing projects and tasks in its agenda for 2024, thus submitting proposals to the Politburo and Secretariat as scheduled, while proposing policies and orientations on home affairs, corruption combat and judicial reform to serve the drafting of documents for the 14th National Party Congress, Cường asked.

Along with advising the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena on reviewing and perfecting institutions on socio-economic management and prevention and control of corruption and negative phenomena, the commission should give recommendations on removing difficulties to speed up the investigation and handling of major corruption cases, including those occurring at the Advanced International JSC (AIC), FLC Group, Vạn Thịnh Phát Group, Sài Gòn Đại Ninh project, Phúc Sơn Group and Thuận An Group, as well as others related to leadership and management officials, he asked.

Cường also requested the commission to foster coordination with the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission to build an inspection and supervision programmes of the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena and the Steering Committee for Judicial Reform. 

President Lâm urges the building of streamlined, strong and efficient military force

President Tô Lâm has instructed the Engineering Brigade 25 of Military Region 9 to focus on building a streamlined, strong and efficient force to fulfill military, defence and homeland protection duties.

Speaking at a working session in the southern province of Vĩnh Long on Friday, the President emphasised that the Engineering Brigade 25 is a key unit of the Military Region 9, with nine stationed points operating in four cities and provinces of Vĩnh Long, Đồng Tháp, Kiên Giang and Cần Thơ.

He highlighted that, in recent years, the armed forces have strictly followed the leadership and directives of the upper Party committee and local authorities. They have effectively implemented combat readiness regimes and regular as well as unexpected tasks.

Reviewing the notable achievements of Brigade 25, President Lâm praised the unit for its effective combat training and readiness to undertake anti-terrorism, rescue and disaster relief missions when needed.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, the President warmly commended and praised the efforts and achievements of the armed forces of Military Region 9 and the officers and soldiers of Brigade 25.

Pointing out the increasing demands of military, defence and homeland protection along with the policy of building a streamlined, strong and efficient army, President Lâm urged the unit to excel in political and ideological education for its officers and soldiers, actively defend the ideological foundation of the Party, counteract erroneous and hostile views, enhance combat readiness and be prepared to assist civilians in disaster prevention and recovery.

The unit should focus on excellent training, mastering both technical and tactical specialties; constructing combat structures that meet quality requirements; actively handling unexploded ordnance and ensuring absolute safety in traffic safety missions.

The President demanded the unit resolutely and persistently fight against corruption and negative behaviours, build a cadre with strong political courage and continuously strive to overcome difficulties and challenges to complete all tasks excellently. 

Uy secures first Vietnam Junior Open title

Golfer Đoàn Uy has won the Vietnam Junior Open 2024 (VJO) which finished in Quảng Nam Province on Thursday.

Uy scored 8-under par 208 to top the podium after three days at the Vinpearl Golf Nam Hội An.

The 17-year-old was in outstanding form in all rounds, notably the bogey-free and four birdies he secured on the first day.

It was the first national title for the national team golfer.

Nguyễn Viết Gia Hân came second with 5-under par 211, followed by Lê Minh Nghĩa on 4-under par 212.

The VJO 2024 featured more than 130 golfers from Việt Nam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and South Korea.

They took part in different groups of ages ranging from U11 to U18 for boys and U12 to U21 for girls and U9 for both genders.

Organisers also presented awards to age groups winners. Among them, Đoàn Xuân Khuê Minh who won the Việt Nam Lady Amateur Open last week won the women's U21 category; Hồ Anh Huy topped the boys' U15; Phạm Nguyễn Khương Di secured girls' U14 title; and Nguyễn Bảo Phát took the boys' U13 class. 

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