Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin is set pay an official visit to Vietnam from June 25 to June 26 at the invitation of National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the NA Foreign Affairs Committee said on June 22.
 
The two parliamentary leaders will co-chair the second session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

RoK President, Vietnamese Vice President join music gala of cultural exchange

Visiting President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk Yeol and his spouse attended a music gala of cultural exchange between the two countries held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on late June 22.

The event also saw the presence of Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan, officials of Vietnam and the RoK, and a large number of young local fans of the Korean music and culture.

It aimed to help enhance mutual cultural understanding between the two countries and promote the friendship and harmony between their younger generations by combining K-pop, a favourite of young Vietnamese, and the thriving V-pop.

The gala featured special performances by such K-pop singers as Kihyun of Monsta X and AB6IX, which are popular Korean idol musical bands in Vietnam, along with famous V-pop singers like Mono and Min.

The RoK President and his spouse, along with other audiences, gave a big round of applause to the performances.

The RoK leader arrived in Hanoi on June 22 for a three-day State visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Vo Van Thuong.

Two laws, three resolutions get parliament’s approval on June 22

The 21st working day of the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s fifth session took place on June 22 under the chair of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

In the morning, legislators listened to Le Quang Huy, member of the NA Standing Committee and Chairman of the NA Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, presenting a report on amendments to the draft revised Law on Electronic Transactions.

They later voted on the bill, which received support from the majority.

Le Quang Manh, member of the NA Standing Committee and Chairman of the NA Committee for Finance and Budget, delivered a report on amendments to the draft resolution on the allocation of capital for the socio-economic recovery and development programme, the allocation and adjustment of the medium-term public investment plan using the central budget in the 2021 - 2025 period, and the allocation of the 2023 investment plan using the central budget for the national target programmes.

The draft resolution was also approved by the parliament.

After that, NA deputies scrutinised the draft revised Law on Telecommunications at the plenary discussion. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung gave further information about the issues mentioned by NA deputies.

In the afternoon, Bui Van Cuong, member of the NA Standing Committee, Secretary General of the NA and Chairman of the NA Office, reported on the adjustments of the fifth session’s agenda, which was later approved by the majority of legislators.

He also delivered a report on amendments to the draft resolutions on the establishment of the NA’s specialised supervisory delegations for 2024.

The NA adopted the resolutions, under which a delegation was set up to supervise the implementation of the NA’s Resolution No 43/2022/QH15, dated January 11, 2022, on fiscal and monetary policies for helping with the socio-economic recovery and development programme, along with the NA resolutions on some nationally important projects by the end of 2023; while another was also formed to supervise the enforcement of polices and laws on the management of the real estate market and social housing development from 2015 through 2023.

Le Tan Toi, member of the NA Standing Committee and Chairman of the NA Committee for Defence and Security, read a report on amendments to a draft law revising and supplementing some articles of the Law on the People’s Public Security Force.

This draft was approved by the legislature the same day.

In addition, lawmakers also discussed the draft revised Law on Citizen Identification, about which further information was also given by Minister of Public Security To Lam.

Fire kills three members of same family

Three members of the same family have died after a fire broke out at their house in Bắc Giang Province.

The blaze started at the property in Sơn Quang Hamlet, Trung Sơn Commune, in the early hours of June 22.

Inside the house were Tống Văn L, 58, his 35-year-old daughter, and his granddaughter, who was just three years old. 

Around 30 firefighters and soldiers rushed to the scene in Việt Yên District after the alarm was raised around 1.30am.

It took two hours to bring the blaze at the two-storey building under control but the three people could not be saved.

The man was found dead on his stairs and his daughter and grandchild were discovered in the bathroom. 

A neighbour contacted the authorities after he received a frantic call from the family and could hear people screaming. 

The house was also being used as a workshop and is believed to have contained a lot of fabrics.

Việt Yên District police are investigating the cause of the fire. 

Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba visits Vietnam

Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba Corps General Álvaro López Miera is paying an official visit to Vietnam from June 20-25 at an invitation of Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang.

Right after the welcome ceremony for the Cuban guests on June 22, the two sides held talks during which Giang affirmed that the Party, State, people and People's Army of Vietnam will never forget Cuba's support and assistance during the most difficult period of the struggle for national liberation in the past as well as in the nation building cause at present.

"Vietnam will always stand shoulder to shoulder with and support Cuba on the path of building and developing a beautiful and heroic country," he said.

Corps General Álvaro López Miera thanked Vietnam for always assisting his country, and stressed the importance of the relations between the two countries in general and the two armies in particular.

He expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain and strengthen cooperation, with focus on exchanging delegations at all levels and experts. He affirmed that he will do his best to contribute to deepening the bilateral relations.

The two ministers agreed to focus collaboration in professional experience exchange, defence industry, human resources training, military medicine, Party and political affairs.

They then signed a cooperation plan for the 2023-2025 period.

Have-a-go-heroes resuce mother and child

A mother and her child were pulled to safety after falling into a river, even though rescuers struggled to reach the pair.

The drama unfolded around 8pm in Thủ Dầu Một City, Bình Dương Province when an eight-year-old boy slipped and fell into the Sài Gòn River in Phú Cường Ward. His mother tried to grab him but she too ended up in the water.

Passing taxi driver Nguyễn Văn Hào, 32, and 23-year-old salesman Âu Văn Tuấn saw the two fall and jumped into to save them – but they too got into difficulties.

Âu Văn Tuấn leapt into the river in an attempt to rescue the mother and child. 

Thankfully a third man, Nguyễn Anh Dũ, 21, heard the commotion and also plunged into the water, instructing people nearby to fetch ropes to pull the people to safety.

After about 30 minutes, all five people had made it to safety. Other than suffering from exhaustion, no one was seriously injured. 

VN, Korean soloists to perform at HCM City Opera House

Critically acclaimed pianist Nguyễn Bích Trà and young South Korean violinist Joen Min will give performances at a concert held at the HCM City Opera House on June 25.

The concert, titled “A Night of From West to East”, will highlight compositions of Russian composers Sergei Rachmaninoff and Sergei Prokofiev, and Vietnam's Trọng Đài.

British-Vietnamese pianist Trà will play Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 3 in D major.

The three-movement composition was written in 1909, and premiered in New York City in the same year with Rachmianioff as soloist.

Trà started her musical education at the Hà Nội Conservatory of Music, before continuing her studies at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Russia and the Royal Academy of Music in UK.

She made her debut appearance with the Hà Nội Conservatory Orchestra. She has performed at prestigious concert halls worldwide, such as Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall in the UK, and Tokyo Opera City in Japan.

Trà’s discography includes many world premiere recordings of neglected pieces. Her series of recordings of German-Swiss composer Joachim Raff’s piano music, released on Grand Piano, has garnered wide critical acclaim, and was named ‘Album of the Week’ by The Independent.

She is currently working with British-French-Israeli composer Nimrod Borenstein on solo recordings and performances of his works.

Seventeen-year-old Jeon Min will present Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No 1 in D major, which was completed in 1917 and premiered in 1923 at Paris Opera.

Joen Min, whose father is a violinist and mother is a pianist, started playing violin at the age of 4. She had her first appearance on stage when she was six, joining the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra.

She continued her studies in Russia at the age of 12, and then gained numerous top prizes at international competitions such Gnessin International Competition, Bach International Competition, and Global Genius Music Competition. She made her debut at Tchaikovsky Hall in Russia.

Joen Min is currently attending Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

Both soloists will play along with the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) symphony orchestra.

The orchestra will also perform the overture Bình Minh Nhịp Phố (Dawn on the Streets) by veteran musician Trọng Đài, a graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

The concert will be led by conductor Trần Nhật Minh, who performed with the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory Chamber Choir in Russia, France and Italy.

The concert will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the venue and at www.ticketbox.vn. 

V.League 1 clubs are raring to go

After a short break in FIFA Days, most of the V.League 1 clubs have returned to practise and are ready for the matches on Saturday.

Teams such as Hà Nội Police, Hà Nội FC, Nam Định, Thanh Hoá, and Viettel who have contributed significantly to the national team will compete in friendly matches after their games against Hong Kong and Syria. They're taking advantage of this time to strengthen tactics and spirit, as well as other related issues to prepare for the remaining matches of the first leg of the national V.League 1.

Among them, Thanh Hóa, Hà Nội Police, and Hà Nội FC are strong candidates for the championship.

Hà Nội striker Nguyễn Văn Quyết was suspended for eight matches for attacking the referee, while midfielder Đỗ Hùng Dũng recently had his appendix removed, causing the team to fall into trouble. Quyết and Dũng are key players in the offensive system of the defending champions. These two absences contributed to Hà Nội having three consecutive matches without a win against weaker opponents such as SHB Đà Nẵng, Bình Dương and Hoàng Anh Gia Lai.

However, the break is considered a valuable time for recovery for the players of the defending champion team. Captain Quyết still has to serve a suspended sentence at least until the end of the first leg before he can apply for a reduced sentence. Dũng will be able to return in full for the next match. His presence will definitely help the capital team improve their attacking power.

Teams at the bottom of the league rankings also returned to practise very early. Some teams only took a few days' rest and got straight back to practice, like HCM City Club who are facing many difficulties this season.

The team wants to create more opportunities for newcomer Brendon Lucas from Brazil to get acquainted with the other players. SHB Đà Nẵng and Bình Dương are also in a race against time to recover their sinking spots in the rankings. Only practice will help them find a ray of light.

Regarding VAR in Việt Nam, Trần Anh Tú, vice chairman of the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) said that FIFA has closed its inspection of 18 Vietnamese referees related to training and application of VAR in competitions.

Five detained for stealing billions of đồng in hacking case

A group of individuals in Đà Nẵng City have allegedly engaged in hacking Facebook accounts and defrauding the assets of nearly 500 individuals. 

The group allegedly hacked the Facebook accounts, subsequently impersonating victims to misappropriate the assets of approximately 500 people nationwide, resulting in a total amount of nearly VNĐ5 billion being taken.

On Wednesday, the Criminal Police Department of Đà Nẵng temporarily detained a group of individuals for further investigation into their fraudulent activities involving property misappropriation.

The Criminal Police Department promptly took action based on the situation analysis and reports from citizens regarding their Facebook accounts being hacked and taken over, followed by the perpetrators impersonating the victims to commit fraud and misappropriate property. 

Through professional measures, the law enforcement agency identified the involved individuals as Nguyễn Quang Đức (28), Trần Lê Quang Vũ (27), Lê Phước Thành (33), Nguyễn Phúc Thành (33), all residing in Quảng Trị Province, and Trần Việt Long (30), from Vĩnh Phúc Province.

Recognising the organised and interprovincial activities of this group, as well as the substantial amount of money misappropriated from numerous victims, the Criminal Police Department established a dedicated operation to concentrate efforts on combating and disbanding the group.

By June 20th, the Criminal Police Department had temporarily detained the aforementioned group and brought them back to Đà Nẵng for investigative purposes.

Preliminary findings indicate that this group, using hacking techniques on Facebook accounts, defrauded approximately 500 individuals nationwide, resulting in a total misappropriation of nearly VNĐ5 billion.

The ill-gotten funds were used for online gaming and Bitcoin trading in order to launder the money. 

VN lose to Japan in AFC U17 Asian Cup

Việt Nam lost 0-4 to Japan on Tuesday in the second match of Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand.

Japan showed their strength with quick attacks with high accuracy shots, earning them the opening goal in the third minute. Their remaining three goals were scored in the second half.

Việt Nam’s best chance was a long shot from Nguyễn Công Phương that hit the bar.

With this loss, Việt Nam's chance to enter the quarter-finals are narrower and all hope now rests on the outcome of their last group match with Uzbekistan on Friday.

Previously, Việt Nam drew 1-1 with India in the opening match.

“Losing to Japan is a normal story. The important thing is that we still have the opportunity to continue, assuming we can play well in the last match against Uzbekistan", coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn said after the game.

“We have to forget about this loss and focus on the upcoming decisive match. In the next game you will see Việt Nam play with a completely different spirit. Regarding preparation, I can't answer right now. Let's wait until the game starts," Tuấn added.

When asked about the difference between the football backgrounds of Japan and Việt Nam, Tuấn said: "In the FIFA rankings, Japan have a much higher level than Việt Nam, and also higher than Southeast Asia in general. To fill this gap, it is necessary to carry out a lot of professional work and investment in training. We know that form and physical factors need a lot of time to change. Vietnamese football players are on the way to improving those things and I believe we will soon catch up with the top teams.” 

Local residents struggling with polluted water near treatment plant

Local residents in the southern province of Đồng Tháp have been complaining about contaminated water in a local canal, which turned black and emitted foul odour, causing difficulties for their daily life and agricultural production.

They said the pollution of Ông Ấu Canal occurred two weeks ago, seriously affecting their crops and ponds in Mỹ Thọ and Nhị Mỹ communes in Cao Lãnh District.

Local authorities have inspected the situation, but the cause of the pollution has not yet been found.

Nguyễn Văn Phong, a farmer in Mỹ Thọ Commune, has seen the frogs in his 1,000-square-metre pond gradually die as the pond was not replenished with fresh water due to the pollution.

Twice a day, he had to remove the frog carcasses for disposal while trying to sell the young frogs earlier than planned, 20 days ahead of schedule.

Phong said the pollution of Ông Ấu Canal has greatly affected frog farming. A large number of his frogs have died, resulting in a loss of over 50 per cent of production capacity.

He is currently suspending the pond and doesn’t plan to release a new batch of frogs.

Huỳnh Ngọc Nhuận, a resident in Mỹ Thọ Commune said he didn’t dare to irrigate his crops with water from the canal.

Previously, local residents used water from the canal for their daily activities, which helped reduce a portion of their monthly water expenses. Now they rely on tap water, he said.

Nhuận said he hoped local authorities and relevant agencies would promptly intervene and address the pollution issue in Ông Ấu Canal.

Currently, Ông Ấu Canal is serving as an irrigation source for nearly 100 hectares of farmland, fruit orchards, and fish and frog ponds.

According to local residents, the more it rains, the more polluted the water becomes.

The canal is located near the Đập Đá landfill and a facility of the Tiến Phát Commercial One Member Limited Liability Company, which specialises in industrial waste, medical waste, and hazardous waste treatment.

Local residents claimed that the water pollution might be caused by a water leakage from the company's facility.

Võ Thị Dung, resident in Mỹ Thọ Commune, complained that her rice crops have died after being sown on the 6,000 square-metre field adjacent to the company's facility.

She had to pay additional expenses for hiring labour to replant the crop.

During harvest, the rice grains were undersized and the overall yield was reduced, she said.

Recently, the People's Committee of Cao Lãnh District has asked the Office of Natural Resources and Environment and relevant units to establish an environmental inspection team to assess the pollution situation in Ông Ấu Canal.

Based on field surveys, the inspection team found signs of pollution from the water pump station to the area adjacent to Tiến Phát Company's facility, which was approximately 700 metres long.

However, at the time of the inspection, the authorities had not identified the source of the discharge into the canal.

The inspection team also discovered leakage of wastewater from the storage pit for mango husks at Tiến Phát Company, which directly affected Dung's rice crop.

The leaked water was black and emitted a foul odour, but the exact volume of wastewater could not be determined.

The company had pumped the leaked water back into the storage pit and subsequently transferred it to their wastewater treatment system.

The inspection team has urgently requested Tiến Phát Company to take measures to prevent the leakage and reinforce the embankment of the storage pit for mango husks, ensuring that wastewater and foul odors did not spread to the surrounding environment.

It has also required the company to review and rectify any potential points of wastewater leakage into the environment, ensure proper collection and treatment of wastewater in compliance with environmental standards.

Direct discharge of wastewater into the environment will be punished according to regulations, it said.

Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Lãnh District Huỳnh Thanh Sơn stated that the committee has repeatedly instructed the environmental inspection team to conduct verification and on-site inspections based on the feedback from local residents regarding Ông Ấu Canal’s pollution.

The committee has asked the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Police Department for Environmental Crime Prevention to provide assistance in resolving the pollution issue. 

Man jailed for setting dogs on neighbour

A man who ordered his dogs to attack two other men after a quarrel over land has been jailed for 10 years.

In May last year, Trần Đình Thảo, 47, was drinking with Đặng Văn Ngọc and Trương Anh Tâm in Đà Nẵng City when an argument broke out which quickly turned physical.

During the fight, Thảo was attacked with a shovel, so in retaliation, went home and returned with his two dogs, a pitbull and a German shepherd.

He set the dogs on Ngọc, and the pit bull bit him on the face, arms and legs. All men were later arrested and charged in connection with the fight.

On Tuesday, the People's Court of Đà Nẵng sentenced Thảo to 10 years in prison. Ngọc and Tâm were also jailed for nine years each.

Digital workforce platform launched

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), through the programme “Human Resources for Innovation – Startup Ecosystem” (USAID WISE), on June 21 organised a workshop “Future of jobs in digital economy” and launched a digital workforce platform.

The online platform nhanlucso.org.vn is built by leading experts in the IT industry with the aim of providing a information system on IT career paths and equipping future human resources with essential skills for the new era of the industry.

Digital Workforce, sponsored by USAID and MPI, is one of series of activities to support Vietnam with its national strategy for the 4th Industrial Revolution by 2030.

Through the platform, people can have overviews of hundreds of professional positions in the IT industry, a distinct promotion path for each job position with corresponding income levels; required skills and certifications related to each position, as well as recommended prestigious training institutions in the industry; latest news related to job opportunities and professional knowledge, providing diverse perspectives to help young people in building their own career development process.

Speaking at the event, NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy said that in the past time, NIC coordinated with three reputable human resources companies in Vietnam - Navigos/Vietnamworks, TopCV, and JobHopin - and collaborated with USAID WISE to jointly build the digital human resource platform - one of the first platforms to provide detailed information about personnel in the field of information and communication technology.

He said the platform will bring the most general knowledge about the job market, thereby orienting and creating a career development trend for young people in the future. Employers can also adjust and use labour resources effectively and appropriately in response to fluctuations in the labour market.

Phan Vinh Quang, Head of the USAID WISE research team, said that in the national digital transformation roadmap, the Prime Minister approved the project "Raising awareness, popularising skills and developing human resources for national digital transformation by 2025, with a vision to 2030", which affirms the Government's attention to digital human resources in the coming period.

At the workshop, experts and speakers from recruitment agencies and technology companies discussed issues of concerns including how new technologies will change the job and labour markets and young workforce’s preparation to adapt to these needs and changes.

Vietnamese national team expected to rise one place in FIFA rankings

The Vietnamese national men’s football team is expected to move up one spot in the upcoming FIFA rankings that are set to be released on July 20.      

This rise can be attributed to their victories over Hong Kong (China) and Syria in friendly matches played during recent FIFA Days. Accordingly, the Vietnamese team will add a further 8.54 points to reach a total of 1238.23 points.

The Vietnamese team are therefore likely to continue topping teams in Southeast Asia, whilst being placed 15th in Asia.

Thailand rank second in Southeast Asia with 1174.37 points, followed by the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

In terms of the current rankings, the Vietnamese national team is placed in seed group No. 2, or Pot 2, for the qualifiers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the draw set to be held on July 27.

By being among the world’s top 100 and Asia’s top 20 teams, the Vietnamese national team won’t need to take part in the play-off round to progress through to the group stage of the qualifiers for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

All 36 teams in the region are set to be divided into nine groups, with the best two teams making it through to the third qualification round of the Asian region for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and making the finals of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Moving forward, Vietnam is scheduled to compete in World Cup qualifiers from mid-November to June, 2024.

HCM City’ tourism promoted in Thailand

The Ho Chi Minh Department of Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand have freshly teamed up to organise a programme promoting the southern metropolis’ tourism charms in Bangkok.

The June 21 programme popularised tourist destinations in Vietnam and HCM City with a focus on the city’s wellness-related tourism products. Promotional video clips were screened and a business networking event took place as part of its course.

In his remarks, Ambassador Phan Chi Thanh said the countries’ tourism cooperation, including medical tourism, sees great potential and favourable conditions for development to benefit locals and international travelers.

The diplomat stated that HCM City is not only a leading economic and political hub but also a notable destination for medical tourism. With a modern and high-quality healthcare system, coupled with the continuous development of local health facilities, the city is expected to become an ideal destination for visitors seeking to improve their health and experience excellent treatments.

Vice Director of the municipal Tourism Department Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu said she hopes that with years of experience in building and designing tourism products related to healthcare and wellness, Thailand's hospitals, healthcare facilities, and tourism experts will share experiences and provide suggestions to support the development and improvement of Vietnam's nascent medical tourism products.

Ruben Toral, Director of Health & Wellness at QUO Global, said he believes that Vietnam has many advantages to develop medical tourism. However, there is still much work to be done in developing the related infrastructure and brands in order to find a unique path for future development, he noted.

Before Thailand, the HCM City delegation of more than 20 local travel agencies and hospitals, headed by Hieu, came to Phnom Penh for a similar promotion programme.

Land use planning, land valuation focus of NA debate on draft revised Land Law

During the debate on the draft revised Land Law at the 15th National Assembly’s fifth session in Hanoi on June 21, land planning and land valuation were at the focus of attention.

Deputy Tran Dinh Gia from Ha Tinh said it is necessary to issue flexible mechanisms to assess the compatibility between land use planning (long-term) and land use plans (short-term); clarify the position, hierarchy and relationship of land use plannings with each other and with other plannings within the national planning system, as stipulated by the law. 

Deputy To Van Tam from Kon Tum said the delay in the implementation of approved planning not only causes a waste of land resources and negative impacts on the socio-economic situation but also disrupts people’s lives. Therefore, he called for clear and feasible provisions in the revised Land Law to eliminate this situation.

Deputy Tran Thi Hien from Ha Nam suggested simplifying criteria and contents of land use plans at district level. 

The principles and methods of land valuation were also among the issues of lawmakers’ concern.

Deputy Tran Van Khai from Ha Nam said the big gap between ground-rents, which arises from the conversion of land use purposes, specifically when land with low value is transformed into land with high value, implies unfairness in society. He cited as an example that agricultural land is often acquired and compensated at low prices before being converted into non-agricultural, residential, commercial or high-value service land whose prices are several times higher than agricultural land.

Therefore, he urged that the revised Land Law should address this unfairness, ensuring harmonious benefits for the State, investors and the people.

Regarding the valuation of land, deputy Phan Thi My Dung from Long An proposed that further research, review, supplementation should be conducted to ensure transparency in accordance with market principles to ensure a harmonious balance of interests between the State, land users, and investors when it comes to compensation for displaced people.

Seminar explores Vietnam - UK partnerships in innovation, education

A seminar on the Vietnam - UK partnerships in innovation and education was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK, the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS), and Middlesex University in London on June 19.

The event, part of the Vietnam - UK Friendship Year 2023 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, attracted professors, lecturers, and students of UK universities, VIS members, and businesses in the innovation industry from both countries.

VIS Chairman Prof. Nguyen Xuan Huan said the event aimed to look back on achievements in bilateral educational and training cooperation and explore chances for strengthening ties in tertiary education, research, and innovation.

It also hoped to introduce Vietnam as an innovative country in such fields as emerging technologies, climate change response, and sustainable development; assess the role of leadership in promoting innovation cooperation and supporting the exchange of resources among universities, sectors, and businesses; and help strengthen connectivity among government agencies, universities, businesses, and related organisations of the two countries to make differences in tertiary education and innovation, he noted.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long stressed that among the seven cooperation pillars, education, science technology, research, and innovation are important and hold huge development potential.

He added the UK is the No 1 partner of Vietnam in tertiary education with over 100 cooperation programmes between the countries. Educational cooperation has also been expanded to general education as Vietnam is working to improve the quality of education and training, including the teaching and learning of English.

Vietnam views the UK, a country with leading education and research quality in the world, as an important partner in education, research, and innovation, the diplomat affirmed, noting that the Vietnamese Embassy recently opened a science - technology office to foster ties in this regard.

He perceived that research partnership will be a new step of development in educational cooperation. He also hoped the number of young Vietnamese postgraduates in the UK will increase in the future.

Also expressing his wish to see more Vietnamese students at his school, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University Prof. Nic Beech said the university will consider covering part of tuition fees and granting scholarships for them.

At the event, speakers shared experience and discussed opportunities and prospects for innovation cooperation in emerging technologies, climate change response, and energy transition. They also exchanged views on tertiary education towards sustainable development, management of changes and uncertainties, and maintenance of an ecosystem among the government, industries, and universities.

New development phase places greater responsibilities, demands on press: State President

The Party’s aspirations and visions for the development of the country in a new phase set heavier responsibilities,  greater honors, and more demands on the revolutionary press of Vietnam, President Vo Van Thuong has said.

At the 17th National Press Awards ceremony in Hanoi on June 21– the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day - Thuong emphasised that the new period requires journalists and media agencies to strive even harder to deserve the trust of the people and meet the requirements of building a professional, humane, and modern press and media system.

The President said he was delighted that the awards, the noblest honouring outstanding press works and journalists each year, is receiving more attention and participation from a wide range of journalists and the public.

He also spoke highly of the award-winning works for their reflection of journalists’ revolutionary nature, scientific approach, sensitivity, creativity, professional ideals, and tireless dedication.

In the face of the rapid sci-tech development, fierce competition from other information platforms, and the changing behaviour of the public in receiving information, the State leader recommended every journalist continuously self-educate, conduct independent research, actively join international integration, innovate strongly, maintain a high level of professionalism, and provide quality, reliable, and persuasive information on both traditional and digital platforms. These are necessary to attract and retain the trust and respect of the public, as well as to captivate and dominate their attention, he noted.

As many as 123 outstanding works were honoured at a ceremony. A group of authors from VietnamPlus – an online newspaper of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) – won an A prize, while three others from the VNA claimed a B prize – the highest in the category of press photo.

Also at the ceremony, Le Quoc Minh, President of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association (VJA), said the 17th edition of the awards attracted 1,894 entries in total, demonstrating its significant appeal and the active participation of VJA members and branches throughout the country.

The National Press Awards showed that in 2022, the press provided fast, accurate, timely, and comprehensive information on developments across political, economic, and social aspects, both domestically and internationally, he said, adding that it also serves as a broad and reliable social forum for the people.

Deputy PM meets leader of French development agency

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Deputy CEO of the French Development Agency (AFD) Marie Helene Loison in Paris on June 21, during his working trip to France to attend the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact.

Ha lauded the idea of French President Emmanuel Macron to organise the summit to seek new public and private financial sources, contributing to promoting finance serving development and the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He expressed delight at the positive development in the Vietnam-France relations, especially in economy, one of the key pillars in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The official spoke highly of the role that the AFD has played in effectively implementing development aid projects in Vietnam since 1994, especially in the fields of energy, climate change and urban transport.

Ha proposed that the AFD continue to support and promote cooperation with Vietnam in projects in emission reduction and climate change response, particularly in coastal areas and the Mekong Delta region.

For her part, Loison held that Ha's participation in the summit shows Vietnam’s strong commitments and responsibility in joining the international community’s climate change response efforts.

She showed her pleasure to discuss with him the cooperation between the AFD and Vietnam, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-France diplomatic relations and 30 years of partnership between the AFD and Vietnam.

She affirmed that the agency will continue to conduct research programmes on climate change impacts on local socio-economic development (GEMMES), while supporting Vietnam in strengthening policy building and technology transfer, and providing financial assistance in green energy development, renewable energy, smart power transmission, and green fuel production.

The two sides agreed to further promote the cooperation in energy transition, especially in the context that Vietnam gave strong commitments at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and joined the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP).

They also concurred to continue to coordinate closely in implementing economic projects serving sustainable development in Vietnam.

Vietnam attends Int’l Oceanographic Commission Assembly’s session

A delegation of Vietnam is attending the 32nd session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Assembly which opened at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 21.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Dao Viet Ha, Director of the Institute of Oceanography under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Chairwoman of Vietnam’s National IOC Committee, spoke highly of the commission’s role as the UN's main coordinating body on ocean science issues. She affirmed that Vietnam always supports the IOC to strengthen its role in promoting international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of seas and oceans.

As a member of the UNESCO Executive Board, Vietnam co-sponsored the draft UNESCO Resolution on strengthening resources for the IOC's activities in a more sustainable manner.

Vietnam attaches importance to the development of and the international cooperation in maritime science and technology, considering it one of the main solutions to the implementation of the Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam’s sea-based economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

She called on countries to intensify international cooperation at all levels, with the needs of developing countries, especially vulnerable coastal ones, taken into account.

During the session which will last until the end of June 30, participants are expected to discuss the implementation of major programmes and initiatives in the coming time, such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the State of the Ocean Report, the Global Ocean Observing System, and the Capacity Building Strategy, as well as IOC's contributions to the UN’s ocean governance.

The IOC promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. Its enables its 150 member states to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning and ocean literacy.

Within the framework of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), the Vietnam IOC Committee has led and participated in many regional projects on marine science such as a research project on marine toxins and food safety, an ocean acidification research network project, and an initiative to save coral reefs.

Vietnam pays attention to youth’s psychological and mental health

The National Committee on Youth of Vietnam (NCYV) and Vietnamese youth organisations always attach great importance to the psychological and mental health and comprehensive development of Vietnamese youngsters, a senior official has said.

Speaking at the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY), which was held virtually on June 21 under the chair of Malaysia, Bui Quang Huy, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union’s Central Committee and NCYV head, said Vietnamese young people are regularly supported in learning, working, starting a business, health care and entertainment as well as acquiring necessary skills.

Huy appreciated the theme chosen by host Malaysia – “Mental Health Matters: You are not Alone”, saying that it affirms the importance of psychological and mental health and its impact on the development of youth in each country. The theme shows the commitment to accompanying young people by the youth affairs agencies of the countries in the region, he added.

He said that in the coming time, the NCYV will continue to promote policies and programmes to accompany youth, empower young people and their efforts for comprehensive development with no one left behind.

Regarding ASEAN youth development policies, Huy suggested that the ASEAN Secretariat, agencies in charge of youth affairs of ASEAN countries consider the possibility of cooperation and experience exchange in the fields of digital transformation and entrepreneurship in association with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 as well as the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025.
 
At the meeting, the delegates listened to the 2nd Report of the ASEAN Youth Development Index and adopted the joint statement of the 12th AMMY, which includes 13 articles with many important contents related to youth development.

The joint statement also commits to maintaining contributions to and effective use of the ASEAN Youth Programme Fund (AYPF), welcomes Timor-Leste's first participation in the meeting as an observer, and agrees to convene the 13th AMMY next year.

Deputy Foreign Minister receives EP delegation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a reception for the European Parliament (EP)’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) in Hanoi on June 20.

Hang rejoiced at active developments of the relations between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) and its member countries across spheres, from politics-diplomacy to trade, investment and development cooperation.

Vietnam and the EU have reached many important agreements, creating frameworks for them to promote their bilateral comprehensive cooperation, she said, adding that the EU is now Vietnam’s fifth biggest trade and investment partner, and largest non-refundable aid supplier.

Hang also spoke highly of efforts by the Vietnamese National Assembly and the EP in maintaining exchange and dialogue channels effectively, and suggested the EP and DASE parliamentarians in particular continue their support for the enhancement of the Vietnam-EU relations in the time ahead, with priorities given to high-level delegation exchange, the implementation of cooperation mechanisms as well as commitments in the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the expansion of cooperation in the areas of the EU’s strengths and Vietnam’s demand like energy transition and climate change response.

On this occasion, the official proposed EP parliamentarians urge legislatures of the EU member countries to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and the EC to soon remove its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood based on the Southeast Asian nation’s efforts in seriously and fully observing the EC’s recommendations regarding the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
 
She lauded the establishment of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, and acknowledged the EU’s interest in the ten-member grouping.

Daniel Caspary, who led the DASE delegation, expressed his with to deepen the EU-Vietnam cooperation in the time ahead, especially in political dialogues, trade, investment, and just energy transition.

He stressed importance of the EVFTA to the bilateral trade, and agreed to urge the EU member countries to soon ratify the EVIPA in order to benefit and open up new cooperation opportunities for businesses of both sides.

The participating parliamentarians hailed Vietnam’s role and position in the region and for the EU.

The two sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern, and emphasised the significance of international law and respect for the UN Charter.

They also shared the view on ensuring freedom, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and expressed their support for the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The DASE delegation visited Vietnam from June 19 to 21.

Party official urges building more professional, humane, modern press sector

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for Popularisation and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia has hailed the nationwide press system for overcoming the "dual" challenges posed by internal factors and the global economy to fulfill its assigned tasks during the first half of the 13th National Party Congress’s term.

During an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 98th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21), Nghia said over the past more than two years, press agencies have focused on disseminating resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress through various vivid and diverse forms. Their in-depth and persuasive articles have popularised the Party's viewpoints, policies, tasks, and solutions for socio-economic development, national defence-security, external affairs, and Party building for the 2021-2026 tenure. They encouraged and inspired people from walks of life to engage in the building of the Party and a clean, strong, efficient and effective political system.

He said press agencies at the central and local levels have made timely and comprehensive coverage of the implementation of the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution, thus creating public trust and consensus and fostering the spirit of patriotism, solidarity, self-reliance and resilience to achieve development goals.

The press has upheld its pioneering role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery and social security through spreading positive energy throughout the society, honouring exemplary persons and good practices, while actively joining in the fight against corruption and negative phenomena, protecting the Party ideological foundation, sharply countering distorted and hostile information, contributing to social stability and strengthening public trust, according to Nghia.

Looking back at the past half of the term, the revolutionary press of Vietnam has increasingly demonstrated its clear orientation, high sense of responsibility, and gradually affirmed its professionalism, humanitarian approach and modernity, making significant contributions to the overall achievements of the country, he confirmed.

To build on the past achievement, Nghia asked the sector to better perform its function of orienting the public, firmly protecting the Party's ideoligical foundation and always accompanying and contributing to the realisation of goals and tasks set by the Party and the country.

The press should continue acting as a bridge between the Party, the State and the people, guiding and encouraging the people to follow the viewpoints and policies of the Party and laws and policies of the State, while serving as a truly reliable forum for the people to express their opinions and aspirations, and through which participate in the country's work.

He also called on the press to continue accelerating digital transformation to build modern, professional, multi-platform and multimedia journalism models; unceasingly renew both content and operating methods, uphold its role as a solution-oriented media; honour good examples and good deeds; timely detect new, difficult and complicated issues and provide in-depth analysis and explanations as well as propose solutions. 

He stressed that the ultimate goal of the revolutionary press is to serve the Fatherland, the people and orient the people to humane values. Therefore, besides improving political and professional knowledge, the contingent of journalists should constantly foster their ethics, enhance their social and professional responsibility.

On the occasion, the Party official wished that each journalist would keeping improving their political mettle, professional expertise and moral virtues to truly become vanguard soldiers on the ideological and cultural frontlines as President Ho Chi Minh once advised.

He believed that the nationwide press system will continue making important contributions to national construction and development, toward celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day in 2025.

Vietnam Airlines celebrates 20 years of Vietnam-France direct routes

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines held a ceremony in Paris on June 21 to mark 20 years of its direct air routes linking Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with France.

The routes have helped shorten the travel time to only 12 hours from a day as before when its planes had to transit via Dubai.

Vietnam Airlines Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa said that in the past two decades, the carrier has transported 3.8 million passengers, and more than 174,500 tonnes of cargo. The average annual growth of passengers and cargo in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic was 5% and 10%, respectively.

Currently, with a frequency of 10 to 11 flights per week, the operation of wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft and 5-star service quality, Vietnam Airlines is holding the largest market share of passengers transported directly between the two countries, with nearly 75%.

Nguyen Ngoc Canh, Vice Chairman of the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC), spoke highly of the airline’s efforts to connect the two countries. He said that with strong strides, it is promoting its role as an aviation bridge, helping to promote Vietnam-France relations.

Currently, France is one of the leading trade partners of Vietnam in the European Union (EU). Two-way trade hit 5.34 billion USD last year, an impressive increase compared to the 1.6 billion USD in 2009.

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