Representatives from the border guard forces of the northern province of Cao Bang and Longzhou county of  China's Guangxi province held regular talks in Cao Bang city on June 28 to review their coordination in the second quarter of 2023 and discuss key tasks in the third quarter.

In the second quarter of 2023, the two sides regularly organised activities to raise awareness of border residents on disease prevention and control, compliance with signed agreements on border and border gate management, cooperation agreements and laws.

They maintained an information exchange mechanism and have exchanged five letters on issues related to the border line, markers, construction activities in border areas, and border fence; and the outcomes of the enforcement of border management regulations.

Patrols to protect borders and landmarks were regularly organised, contributing to effectively fighting against illegal entry and exit activities, and ensuring security and order in border areas.

In the time to come, the two sides will continue to strictly implement three legal documents on the border; step up communication activities to raise public awareness of the land border between Vietnam and China; further strengthen bilateral meetings, talks and patrols under the border guard cooperation agreement signed between the two countries’ Defence Ministries.

They will also maintain and promote effectively the mechanism of information exchange via mail, telephone hotline in order to promptly notify each other of the situation related to the implementation of border management regulations; and actively cooperate to promptly solve cases arising in border areas shared between the two countries, contributing to improving the efficiency of border management and protection.

Vietnamese, Chinese trade ministers hold talks

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held talks with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on June 28, as part of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to China and attendance at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from June 25-28.

Minister Dien appreciated the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's close coordination with Vietnam to promptly tackle arising issues in economic and trade ties. 

He suggested Minister Wang push for the expansion of Vietnam-China bilateral trade and trade between the two countries' localities so as to bring more Vietnamese goods into the Chinese market.

Dien also asked the Chinese side to improve the efficiency of customs clearance at border gates, help accelerate the establishment of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Office in Haikou this year and facilitate the transit of Vietnamese exports through the Chinese railway to third countries.

Highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation to ensure Vietnam-China supply chain between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Minister Dien said both sides should build an action plan to realise the MoU. This includes building a logistics network connecting the supply chains of both countries, from raw material regions and industrial parks to production facilities, ports, and distribution centres. The plan should also involves establishing distribution and logistics hubs in production and consumption areas of both countries.

Agreeing with Dien’s proposals, Wang pledged to assign relevant units to work with the MoIT to roll out cooperation in the mentioned aspects.

He touched upon issues of China's interest such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), and stronger collaboration in e-commerce. He also suggested Vietnam back Chinese investment in the country.

In reply, Dien vowed to partner up with China on multilateral issues and assist reputable Chinese enterprises in investing in hi-tech and eco-friendly sectors.

Both sides also agreed to discuss cooperation within multilateral framework to boost economic and trade development of both countries.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese minister invited Minister Wang to visit Vietnam to discuss further deepening bilateral comprehensive collaboration between respective agencies. Wang promised to arrange the visit in suitable time.

Vietnam, Laos hold 8th deputy ministerial-level political consultation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and his Lao counterpart Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune co-chaired the 8th political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Laos, on June 28.

Both sides expressed their delight at the positive development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the past years, including their close coordination to hold Laos visits by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in April 2023 and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in January 2023.

They pledged to jointly prepare for high-level visits and important cooperation mechanisms in the near future while working closely together with ministries, agencies and localities to implement high-level agreements.

On global and regional issues, they shared the view that amid complicated and uncertain developments in the region and the world, the two sides need to further enhance their tradition of close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, particularly in strategic issues related to peace and stability in the region.

Viet affirmed that Vietnam will continue working closely with and offering all possible support to Laos to help the country successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024, contributing to maintaining the bloc's unity and central role.

About the East Sea issue, they pledged to join other ASEAN member nations to maintain the bloc's common stance on the East Sea issue, settle disputes via peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and strive to soon reach an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding collaboration between the two foreign ministries, they consented to continue with their cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025 period, maintain regular and effective consultation mechanisms at the ministerial and deputy ministerial levels, enhance the exchange of information and professional experience between their units, particularly in policy research; economic diplomacy; consular, overseas Vietnamese and border affairs; and personnel training.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 9th political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level in Vietnam next year.

Foreign Minister highlights results of PM’s official visit to China

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to China has contributed to concretising the common perceptions of the two Party General Secretaries, especially the joint statement on continuing to promote and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership issued in December 2022, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

In an interview granted to the press after the PM concluded his trip on June 28 evening, Son affirmed the visit was a great success, and recorded many important results.

Political trust between the two countries has been strongly strengthened, creating an important foundation for promoting and deepening the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new situation, bringing benefits to the people of the two countries.

PM Chinh held talks and met with four top leaders of China, including General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning.

The leaders of the two countries emphasised the importance of enhancing political trust, properly handling and controlling differences, towards developing the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a stable, healthy, effective and long-lasting manner.

The Chinese leaders affirmed that China attaches great importance to the friendship relationship between the two Parties and the two countries, demonstrating their sincerity and goodwill in further deepening cooperation between the two sides, especially via the Party channel, and in key areas such as security and defence.

In particular, Party General Secretary and President Xi stated that developing relations with Vietnam is China's strategic choice, and China attaches importance to developing long-term relations with Vietnam.

The two sides reached many important common perceptions and agreed on many specific measures to promote multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, contributing to strengthening the bilateral relations in the near future, Son said.

The two sides agreed to improve the quality of economic, trade and investment cooperation, enhance transport connectivity, improve customs clearance efficiency, maintain smooth trade and ensure production and supply chains, he added.

The Chinese side promised to increase the import of Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural products; increase quotas for Vietnamese goods in transit by Chinese railway to third countries; and expand high-quality investment into the fields suitable to the demand of Vietnam.

The two sides reached many important agreements on maintaining regular exchanges and meetings through the channels of the  Party, Government, National Assembly, Fatherland Front, ministries, sectors and localities. They agreed to resume people-to-people exchange activities.

In addition to official activities, PM Chinh attended and delivered a speech at the Vietnam - China Business Forum, which saw the participation of a large number of Chinese enterprises. He also had meetings with representatives of Chinese companies.

Chinese enterprises all highly valued Vietnam's investment environment and expressed their desire to expand investment in the Southeast Asian nation in the time to come.

Son also highlighted the significance of PM Chinh’s presence at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC) of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin, China, saying that the Vietnamese government leader had practical, effective and open exchanges with leaders of many countries, international organisations and leading corporations in the world on the sidelines of the event.

PM Chinh shared many viewpoints, approaches, and effective, practical and timely solutions of Vietnam to promote global economic growth.

The PM’s message on the three fundamental factors for economic development has been applauded and become a highly unified orientation at the meeting.

PM Chinh's attendance at the event has further contributed to promoting practical relations between Vietnam and the WEF, Son said, adding that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides for the 2023-2026 period has created a foundation to expand the relations between the two sides in the new period.

The WEF will further promote cooperation with, and support Vietnam in policy-making and building capacity to adapt to new development trends; assist ministries, sectors and localities in developing smart agriculture, industrial clusters towards net zero emissions, and establishing a fourth industrial revolution centre in Vietnam.

Meetings between PM Chinh and leaders of other countries on the sidelines of the event also contributed to further deepening the relations between Vietnam and Mongolia, New Zealand, and Barbados, especially in potential areas such as economy, commerce, and tourism, Son noted.

Through meetings with representatives of leading corporations have helped introduce Vietnam's achievements, potential, strengths, goals and development orientations, and offered a chance for foreign businesses to understand more about the country’s policies and investment environment, thus pouring more investment in Vietnam.

It could be said that the PM’s participation for the first time at the WEF's summer annual conference has left a good impression on the international business community about the country's role and position as well as potential and bright prospects of the Vietnamese economy, Son concluded.

Vietnam attends ASEAN plus three high level forum on migration policies

International migration plays an increasingly important role, affecting the development of nations, Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said at the ASEAN Plus Three High Level Forum on Migration Policies in Beijing, China, on June 28.

International cooperation to manage migration flows is a topic of concern of many countries, Quang said, elaborating that it is necessary to strengthen close cooperation between ASEAN and partner countries, contributing to political stability, economic and social development, and people-to-people exchange between ASEAN and other countries in the region.

It also effectively addresses challenges in combating human trafficking, illegal immigration and transnational crimes, he added.

Vietnam has actively cooperated with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to carry out projects and cooperative initiatives in immigration.

He said that the country has signed an agreement with China on enhancing cooperation in combating human trafficking and a memorandum of understanding on immigration management cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the National Immigration
Administration of China.

He went on to say that within the framework of the ongoing visit to China by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides signed a plan implementing a campaign on prevention of illegal entry and exit which will serve as a basis for preventing and fighting against illegal border-crossing activities.

Vietnam has chaired two seminars, namely an ASEAN - Japan conference on applying technology in combating child trafficking and an ASEAN - China workshop on strengthening international cooperation in arresting wanted criminals, the deputy minister said, adding that these seminars affirmed Vietnam's commitment to cooperating with other countries in fighting and preventing illegal entry and exit, human trafficking and other related crimes.

Vietnam has also actively coordinated and effectively exchanged information with relevant authorities of other countries through talks and meetings to identify suspects and brokers of illegal entry and exit activities as well as handle cases relating to returning and receiving citizens who violated law.

As an ASEAN member country, Vietnam has always actively participated in cooperation frameworks and regional forums on the management of migration flows, Quang said.

Vietnam highly values the expanded cooperation mechanism of ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) with partner countries, dialogues to exchange experiences and views on migration management, making an important contribution to promoting legal immigration, improving the efficiency of border management, fighting human trafficking crimes of ASEAN member countries as well as in the whole region, he said.

Hanoi to conduct six initiatives as part of UNESCO Creative Cities network

A book street in Hanoi’s downtown. Photo: Nam Nguyen/The Hanoi Times

Hanoi will realize the city's vision and policy through long-term programs and action plans, creating favorable conditions to take the design to new heights.

As a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, Hanoi will carry out many specific tasks to realize six initiatives by 2025, according to the city's People's Committee.

The plan aims to garner attention and response from all levels, organizations and citizens to jointly support Hanoi in building a creative city.

Accordingly, the six-initiative plan has defined key tasks, including three at the local level: building the Hanoi Creative Design Center, developing and supporting creative spaces, and producing a television show on creative talents.

There are also three initiatives at the international level: Hanoi Creative Design Festival, organizing UNESCO Creative Cities Network Forum in Southeast Asia in 2023, and the Network of Creative Young Designers.

To fulfill the tasks, the city's relevant departments and local authorities to comply with the commitments made by the city when joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the UNESCO regulations, and the cooperation contents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Committee for UNESCO, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

This year, Hanoi has stepped up its efforts to fulfill its commitments as a member of UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities, four years after joining the initiative. The goal is for Hanoi to become an innovation hub in Southeast Asia, with cultural resources and creativity as the foundation for sustainable urban development.

Hanoi has carried out long-term action plans to create a framework for building a creative city and to realize commitments with UNESCO, head of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam Christian Manhart said at an event held in late April to review Hanoi's performance after four years as a member of the network in the field of design.

Manhart underlined that Hanoi has a lot of room for design and creative activities thanks to the diversity of cultural heritage, traditional craft villages, and other cultural resources. He expressed his belief that Hanoi will maintain its role as an active member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network to link with other partners in the network.

Do Dinh Hong, Director of the city's Department of Culture and Sports, said that after four years of promoting creative design in its cultural, economic and social development programs, Hanoi has achieved specific results.

Hong said Hanoi had taken firm steps to implement its initiatives and commitments to UNESCO. Throughout the implementation of creative activities, Hanoi looks to promote the participation of the whole society to tap into the creative potential from every walk of life, especially the youth.

"From now until 2025, Hanoi will implement many programs and projects to keep its commitments as a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. The city will facilitate the field of creativity and design to reach new heights and raise awareness among the community on how to make Hanoi a creative city through step-by-step initiatives," Hong said.

He noted the participation of young people in creative activities. The city wants to find new and unique ideas for creative spaces and products. “The discovery of new and creative products would create the driving force for economic development and contribute to the realization of Hanoi as a creative hub of the region and the world."

The “UNESCO Creative Cities” network was established in 2004 to promote international cooperation among the recognized cities. With the latest designation, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network currently comprises 264 city members, which have invested in culture and creativity in music, traditional handicraft, design, literature, digital art, and cuisine as an accelerator of sustainable development.

Hanoi became a member of UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities in the “Design” category in October 2019, bringing the city to a new height and opening up opportunities to develop the cultural industry.

Four of Lam Dong family found dead

Four members of a family in the Central Highlands Province of Lam Dong have been found dead hanging at their home.

According to a report from local authorities, a local woman named Ka returned from work on Tuesday evening to find her husband and three children dead at their home in N'Thol Ha Commune, Duc Trong District.The 33-year-old husband was found with the children aged eight, six, and four.

Duc Trong Police are further investigating the cause of their deaths. 

Festival honouring Vietnamese blouse launched in Hau Giang

The first festival dedicated to the áo bà ba – the traditional southern Vietnamese blouse, especially in the Mekong Delta region, is scheduled to take place at the end of September.

According to the deputy chairwoman of the Hậu Giang People’s Committee, Hồ Thu Ánh, the event will be held in Vị Thanh City of the Mekong River Delta province of Hậu Giang, from September 29 to October 1.

The festival is among several activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the province’s establishment.

The three-day event will include fashion shows presenting simple yet comfortable blouses. Interestingly, all the bà ba blouses presented at the festival are made from pineapple silk.

At present, Hậu Giang has 3,100ha of land dedicated to pineapple plantations, mostly located in Vị Thanh City and Long Mỹ District.  

“Using pineapple silk to create the bà ba blouse not only makes use of the available raw materials but also raises the value of pineapple trees,” said deputy chairwoman Ánh.

Alongside the fashion shows, the festival will also include an exhibition displaying photos of áo bà ba from the past until today.

Visitors can also learn about the distinctive local cuisine of Hậu Giang through popular dishes that will be showcased at a gastronomic corner.

The dishes include cá lóc đồng nướng trui (grilled snakehead fish in rice straw), bánh xèo bông điên điển (sizzling pancake with wildflower), bún gỏi dà – a kind of noodle soup featuring ingredients that are the similar to those in fresh spring rolls, chả cá thác lác (thác lác fish cake), and sỏi mầm – hot-stone grilled meat.

120 Vietnamese, Japanese children to join JFA Uniqlo Soccer Kids

A total of 120 children, including 100 from Japan and 20 from Vietnam, will take part in the upcoming Japan Football Association (JFA) Uniqlo Soccer Kids slated for July 1 and 2 in Vietnam.

The event, co-organised by the JFA and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), is part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations.

The mini soccer festival for preschool children under 6 years old will take place in Hanoi on July 1 and Ho Chi Minh City the next day. The young athletes wearing uniforms sponsored by the fashion brand Uniqlo will play in teams of five.

The ambassador of the event is Atsuto Uchida, a former player for the Japanese national team from 2008-2011, and currently the coach of the country’s U20 national team. Ambassadors of the Vietnamese side are former players Pham Thanh Luong and Nguyen Viet Thang.

Since its 2003 debut in Japan, the festival has attracted the participation of more than 300,000 kids over the past two decades.

President Ho Chi Minh’s signatures, autographs on display in Co To island district

An exhibition introducing a collection of signatures and autographs of President Ho Chi Minh in the 1945-1969 period opened in Co To island district in the northern province of Quang Ninh on June 27.

On display are more than 200 original orders and decrees with the President's handwritings, and nearly 80 file photos illustrating the historical period from 1945 to 1969, during which Ho Chi Minh served as the head of State.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until the end of 2023.

Vietnam, Japan share experience in non-communicable disease prevention, control

Bach Mai Hospital in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) on June 27 organised the 2nd Vietnam- Japan conference on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The conference saw the attendance of leading medical experts from the two countries, who discussed the current situation, challenges, control strategies, and management of NCDs in three plenary sessions and four thematic sessions about cardiology, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory.

According to Dr. Tokuaki Shobayashi, who is a former health official of Japan and now a health policy advisor to Vietnam's Ministry of Health, although Japan is becoming an aging society, it still maintains the highest average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in the world.

Japan's national health improvement campaign has been carried out successful and health is one of the biggest concerns for many Japanese citizens, he said, adding that besides the Government, corporations also have played a role in improving people's health.

Dr. Tran Quoc Bao from the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Vietnamese Ministry of Health said the burden of the NCDs is very hue. The NCDs cause about 80% of deaths in Vietnam; and 41% of deaths occurred before the age of 70. The leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.

The number of people infected with non-communicable diseases is very large, estimated at over 20 million cases. The rate of hypertension and diabetes has tended to increase over the past ten years, he said.

According to the official, factors leading to high levels of NCDs are smoking, drinking alcohol, eating vegetables and fruits insufficiently, eating too much salt, and lack of physical activity. The rate of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly, on average, nearly 1% per year. Dyslipidemia has tended to rise in both men and women in Vietnam.

Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Thanh Huyen, a lecturer from Hanoi Medical University, said that the NCDs like stroke, cancers, and mental depression are usually found among elderly people. Medical costs for the elderly are 7-10 times higher than for the younger people.

She suggested that there should be studies to assess the healthcare needs of the elderly; gradually develop the geriatric network system; and have preferential policies to encourage businesses to take care of the elderly.

Workshop looks into public diplomacy in Vietnam, RoK

A workshop on public diplomacy in Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held by the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences in Hanoi on June 27.

The event was part of a research project on the enhancement of public diplomacy towards the Vietnam - RoK comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dr. Tong Thuy Linh from the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies, head of the project, said the workshop aimed to suggest appropriate solutions and policies to promote people-oriented public diplomacy, thus helping to strengthen and foster the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

She noted that public diplomacy of Vietnam may consist of two main components, information for foreign services and culture for foreign services, creating methods for communicating with and impacting the public as well as non-state entities in other countries to convey messages and build up positive images of Vietnam to serve the realisation of diplomatic targets and help guarantee national interests.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hoang Minh Hang from the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies said that before 2010, the RoK had mainly carried out cultural diplomacy via the Korean Wave (Hallyu). It implemented public diplomacy in various forms, but public diplomacy was often equated with cultural diplomacy. In 2010, the RoK Government officially released the definition of public diplomacy, and one year later, it appointed the ambassador of public diplomacy for the first time.

Therefore, public diplomacy was upgraded and became one of the three pillars of the RoK’s diplomacy, together with economic diplomacy and political diplomacy. The RoK’s determination to elevate public diplomacy was shown in the issuance of the Public Diplomacy Act in February 2016, and this act went into effect in August the same year, Hang added.

At the workshop, participants discussed the difference between cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy, the Public Diplomacy Act of the RoK, and the Vietnamese approach to public diplomacy, among others. They also gave several suggestions about the issue.

Families’ values upheld in modern time

Various mass movements implemented across the nation over the past year have produced positive effects, enhancing public awareness about the fine traditional family values of Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the occasion of the Vietnam Family Day (June 28).  

The ministry cited as an example a campaign calling for all people to join hands in cultural life building, aiming to integrate cultural elements into all aspects of social life toward a civilised community and healthy development of society starting from each individual family. Through various creative approaches, exemplary cultural family models have emerged and spread across localities, showcasing their outstanding contributions in various fields.

In Hanoi, the movement to build cultural families has affirmed its positive role in the overall cultural development and in forming refined and civilised lifestyle. Recently, the local authorities have added a criterion of "no smoking" to the standards of cultural families as an effective way to encourage people not to use tobacco products in their homes, communities, festivals, weddings, funerals, and family gatherings.

Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, has taken many measures to implement the family code of conduct compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and conducted communication activities to change people’s awareness and behaviour regarding the relationships among family members.

In particular, the Law on the Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence (amended) has been passed by the National Assembly and will come into effect on July 1 this year. Experts and insiders are confident that the enforcement of the law will bring about positive changes in the prevention, control, and reduction of domestic violence.

Tran Tuyet Anh, the head of the Family Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, emphasised that the establishment of a value system is a prerequisite for building happy Vietnamese families.

In 2019, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences conducted a study on fundamental values of Vietnamese families today. It showed that people from all social classes considered family as their top priority in life, followed by health, employment, income, friendship, education, and leisure time. The study also revealed that families living in areas with low urbanisation tend to preserve traditional values, while those in highly urbanised locations or earning high income tend to accept modern values more easily.

June 28 was made Vietnam Family Day in 2011 and since then has been celebrated nationwide annually.

Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school concludes 2022-2023 academic year

The Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school in Vientiane capital of Laos held a ceremony on June 27 to wrap up the 2022-2023 academic year.

Principal Sivanheuang Phengkhammay reported on the school’s results and achievements during the academic year.

In her remarks, Nguyen Thi Thuan, Counsellor and permanent member of the board for community affairs at the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, said the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese language of overseas Vietnamese have received special attention from the Party and State.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Embassy, she hailed teachers’ tireless efforts in and contributions to the maintenance of the Vietnamese language, along with the school’s achievements in the past academic year.

The school, whose predecessors were the Nguyen Du I and Nguyen Du II primary schools, is a place for children of Vietnamese expatriates in Vientiane to study the Lao national curriculum along with the Vietnamese language.

In 2005, the Vietnamese Party, State and Government offered over 500,000 USD in funding for school construction, with two three-story buildings and 39 classrooms on a site of over 10,000 sq.m provided by the Lao Government. After three years of construction, the school was inaugurated and put into operation.

Currently, it has 30 classes with over 1,000 students from preschool to high school levels, and 66 cadres and teachers. Vietnamese students account for about 45% and the rest are Lao students.

Khanh Hoa calls for NGOs’ aid in health, education, agriculture

The People's Committee of Khanh Hoa, in collaboration with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, on June 27 organised a conference to promote foreign non-governmental aid into the central coastal province in 2023.

The conference, held in-person in Nha Trang city and connected to 14 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the world, aims to inform the organisations about priority projects of Khanh Hoa in the coming time; and is also an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the province and the foreign NGOs.

Specially, there are 35 projects that the province is calling for aid in in the 2021-2025 period, with a total capital of over 44 million USD. They are mainly in the fields of health, education, social issue settlement, agro-forestry-fisheries, and climate change response.

Le Huu Hoang, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, acknowledged and thanked for the support and active cooperation of foreign NGOs and State agencies over the past time.

The province commits to always accompanying and coordinating with foreign NGOs, international organisations and donors to effectively implement cooperation agreements; is ready to allocate appropriate resources; and continues to recommend reforming administrative procedures, perfecting cooperation regulations to facilitate the implementation of aid programmes and projects, Hoang added.

From 2018 to May 2023, more than 50 foreign NGOs provided 99 project and non-project grants with a total capital of nearly 4.1 million USD for Khanh Hoa.

On this occasion, the People’s Committee of Khanh Vinh district and France’s Hoa Trang - Fleur Blanche signed a memorandum of understanding on providing financial support to rebuild toilets at two schools in the district.

Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil organises Festa Junina

The Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil on June 26 coordinated with the International Club Brasilia in organising the Festa Juninas festival, also known as "festas de São João", which commemorates the birthday of Saint John/João (June 2).

Senhora Julie-Pascale Moudoute Bell, President of the club, said that the festival is an opportunity for countries to exchange and discover each other's culture. Particularly, on this occasion, participants can enjoy typical Vietnamese dishes.

In June, the Festa Juninas festival is held across Brazil. The holiday expresses the gratitude of the inhabitants to heaven and earth for favourable weather and good harvests.

In the past, the festival was mainly held in Brazil’s countryside, with peasant boys wearing large straw hats and women with braided hair, wearing red checkered skirts dancing "quadrilha" - a dance that was fashionable in Europe and its colonies in the late 18th and and 19th centuries. Nowadays, not only in rural areas, the festival is also held in schools to keep the good tradition.

Vietnamese university honoured for training Lao health workers

The Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the northern province of Thai Binh on June 27 received the first-class Labour Order conferred by the Lao State in recognition of its contribution to training human resources for the Lao health sector.

Addressing the award ceremony, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang appreciated the outstanding achievements of the university during its construction and development. More than 400 Lao medical staff have been trained at the university since 1969. After returning to their homeland, these doctors and nurses have actively contributed to improving public health care.

Dr. Nguyen Quoc Tien, President of the university, expressed his deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Laos for the noble award as well as many other orders and medals given to the university's officials and lecturers.

The Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy was established in 1968. One year later, the university was assigned to train medical workers for Laos and then Cambodia, Mozambique and the Republic of Korea. 

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the university trains 415 foreign students, including 280 Laotians, 129 Cambodians, five Mozambicans and one Korean.

On this occasion, 16 officials and  lecturers of the university were awarded the third-class Labour Order, the Labour Medal, the Friendship Order and the Friendship Medal by the Lao President and Prime Minister for their contributions to the development of the health sector in the neighbouring country.

The same day, the university held the graduation ceremony for 72 foreign students, including 55 from Laos and 17 from Cambodia.

Vietnam speeds up preparations for 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue on June 27 chaired a meeting on preparations for the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, scheduled for September 14-18 in Hanoi.

Chairman of the NA Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha, who is deputy head of the organising committee, reported that three sub-committees have been set up, along with working groups.

The organising committee coordinated with the Secretariat of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to agree on the common theme of the conference: "The role of young people in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation,” he said, adding that the conference is expected to feature four discussion sessions.

The top legislator asked the NA’s Committee for External Affairs to clearly define the theme and content of each discussion session and the drafting of the Hanoi Declaration. Exhibitions showcasing One Commune One Product (OCOP) and innovative-related products should be organised, he added.

Emphasising that this conference is an important multilateral external relations activity of the 15th National Assembly, the head of the Vietnamese legislature pointed out that the successful organisation of the event is not only the achievement of the NA and young Vietnamese parliamentarians but also an opportunity to promote the land and people of Vietnam to international friends.

Therefore, the organising committee and the sub-committees must do their best to make this event a success, Hue said.

Training programme to transfer autologous stem cell transplantation

The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion has been organising a training programme from June 12 to August 4 for autologous stem cell transplantation techniques for multiple myeloma in several hospitals nationwide.

This initiative is part of Project 1816 by the Ministry of Health aimed at supporting lower-level hospitals in enhancing the quality of medical examination and treatment.

Medical personnel from Nghe An General Friendship Hospital, Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, and Thai Nguyen Central Hospital have participated in the course. Over eight weeks, doctors and nurses receive theoretical training and hands-on guidance on the autologous stem cell transplant procedure at the Stem Cell Transplant Department, in the Stem Cell Bank of the Institute.

According to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an optimal treatment that can help many people suffering from both malignant and benign blood diseases, giving them the opportunity to recover and resume a normal life. However, this technique is complex and requires strict adherence to procedures to ensure the highest professional standards.

Autologous stem cell transplantation involves the collection and storage of the patient's own stem cells, which are then reinfused to restore hematopoietic tissue. Successful implementation of autologous stem cell transplantation necessitates meticulous preparation and collaboration with experts. Participation in training and technology transfer serves as an initial step in preparing human resources for lower-level healthcare facilities.

Thanks to the support and technology transfer provided by the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Nghe An General Hospital and Da Nang Hospital have successfully performed their first autologous stem cell transplants.

Prior to these procedures, experts from the Institute conducted surveys and consultations to ensure the readiness of facilities, as well as their equipment, drugs, chemicals, and other necessary resources for the transplantation process.

During the first transplant procedure, the Institute's experienced staff directly supervised and performed tasks such as stem cell separation, stem cell transfusion, and close monitoring of the patient's progress. This included ordering tests, adjusting medications, and promptly addressing any complications that arose.

The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion holds a leading position in the country as a specialised facility for receiving and storing cord blood stem cells, conducting pre-transplant testing, monitoring stem cell transplantation outcomes, and implementing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat haematological diseases.

The Institute has been conducting autologous stem cell transplants since 2006. As of June 2023, they have successfully performed over 570 hematopoietic stem cell transplants using various complex techniques and cell sources. These sources include different types of stem cells, such as cord blood stem cell transplants (both with matching and non-matching blood types) and half-matching transplants (haplotype transplants) combined with cord blood stem cells. The application of stem cell transplantation techniques continues to expand, enabling the treatment of a wider range of diseases and extending the age limit for transplantation.

As a leading specialised institution, the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion is committed to providing support and transferring advanced technologies that are suitable for the conditions of lower-level hospitals, including autologous stem cell transplantation techniques. This activity contributes to improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment in various regions throughout the country, thereby enhancing access to better healthcare services for patients in their local communities.

HCM City tasked to become int’l education, training centre

The Government has assigned the Ministry of Education and Training to closely coordinate with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to develop a project to turn the city into an international centre for education and training to attract students from the Southeast Asia region and the world.

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued a plan to implement a resolution of the Government's action programme on the development of HCM City by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The plan to concretise tasks and solutions in the field of education and training is stated in the resolution on the Government's action programme.

The ministry has asked its agencies and units to focus on the main goals and solutions stated in the resolution to deploy important tasks in the field of education and training, including the coordination with the municipal People's Committee to turn the city into a large centre of high-quality education and training.

It has required them to focus on training high-quality human resources, approaching the international level, adapting and taking advantage of digital transformation, innovation and international integration.

More attention must be paid to investment in replacing unqualified classrooms and upgrading educational equipment of educational facilities at all levels of education, and relocating educational institutions out of the inner districts.

The Government also assigned the Ministry of Education and Training to assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the HCM City People's Committee and relevant ministries and agencies to relocate universities out of the inner city.

Facilities of the relocated universities will be used for the development of scientific research and international cooperation of higher education institutions.

A recent report by the People's Committee on education and training in 2011-22 and the tasks ahead says it has made efforts to guarantee education to all and eradicate illiteracy.

The city has more than 2,300 educational facilities from kindergarten to high school, and nearly 1,800 continuing education centres.

It hopes to ensure that by 2030 national educational standards are met at 60% of kindergartens, 80% of primary schools, 70% of secondary schools, and 50% of public high schools.

Thu Duc city and the 21 districts in the city are trying to ensure 100% of local schools are developed under the smart school model.

They also hope to have at least two schools at each level offering high-quality education.

Schools at all levels will have no more than 35 students in a classroom while all primary schools, 70% of secondary schools and 80% of high schools will have two shifts a day.

At the pre-school level, the plan is to have at least one smart classroom in each school, all teachers to have the required educational qualifications and all students to get acquainted with English.

To ensure fairness, the city will give priority to the needs of students in island and suburban areas, orphans and those with disabilities or in difficult circumstances.

The city has ensured that at least 20% of its budget is consistently spent on education and training.

It is also home to the leading higher educational institutions in the country, with more than 100 universities and colleges, and about 410 vocational schools.

Among them, the Vietnam  National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM) aims to be among the leading higher education institutions in Asia.

VNU-HCM has been leading the country in the number of training programmes meeting international accreditation standards, with 110 programmes.

Hanoi key relic sites welcome nearly 1.7 mln visitors

Hanoi’s key relic sites have welcomed nearly 1.7 million visitors in the first half year of 2023, municipal tourism authority has announced.

Turnover from tours to relics from Ngoc Son Temple and revolutionary relic sites such as House No.5D Ham Long, historical house No. 48 Hang Ngang; House No. 90 Tho Nhuom Street, President Ho Chi Minh’s Memorial House in Van Phuc district, Hoa Lo Prison, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) reached 45 billion VND (1.9 million USD), three times higher from the same period last year and surpassed 25% of this year’s target.

To promote value and attractiveness of relic sites in the locality, Hanoi authorities have organised several unique cultural activities such as exhibitions and exchanges, and offered 3D digitasation services of national treasures, among others.

Director of municipal Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong said key relic sites always attract a great number of visitors to the capital city.

The department is planning to popularise more tourism programmes at these sites including night tours, and prepare pedestrian spaces around relic sites to lure more visitors.

Various activities mark 20 years of Phong Nha-Ke Bang as world natural heritage

A wide range of activities are planned to mark the 20th anniversary of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the central Quang Binh province being recognised twice by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site.

According to the Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an international conference is set to be held on June 30 and July 1 to promote the value of the world natural heritage site in the context of integration and sustainable development.

The event will bring together domestic and foreign managers, experts, and scientists to share their various experiences and opportunities for development co-operation. Experts will also seek solutions to support scientific research, nature conservation, and sustainable tourism development of the site.

Most notably, the Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in collaboration with relevant units will publish the Vietnamese-English bilingual publication and screen the Vietnamese-English bilingual documentary on the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

An exhibition will also be held to introduce the culture of ethnic groups in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang buffer zone, while an online contest will be launched to help people learn more about the conservation work and promote the value of the World Natural Heritage.

A fashion show featuring Ao Dai, the nation’s traditional long dress, and an art programme will also be held on the evening of June 29 in Phong Nha town.

Vietnam, Japan share experience in non-communicable disease prevention, control

Bach Mai Hospital in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) on June 27 organised the 2nd Vietnam- Japan conference on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).      

The conference saw the attendance of leading medical experts from the two countries, who discussed the current situation, challenges, control strategies, and management of NCDs in three plenary sessions and four thematic sessions about cardiology, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory.

According to Dr. Tokuaki Shobayashi, who is a former health official of Japan and now a health policy advisor to Vietnam's Ministry of Health, although Japan is becoming an aging society, it still maintains the highest average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in the world.

Japan's national health improvement campaign has been carried out successful and health is one of the biggest concerns for many Japanese citizens, he said, adding that besides the Government, corporations also have played a role in improving people's health.

Dr. Tran Quoc Bao from the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Vietnamese Ministry of Health said the burden of the NCDs is very hue. The NCDs cause about 80% of deaths in Vietnam; and 41% of deaths occurred before the age of 70. The leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.

The number of people infected with non-communicable diseases is very large, estimated at over 20 million cases. The rate of hypertension and diabetes has tended to increase over the past ten years, he said.

According to the official, factors leading to high levels of NCDs are smoking, drinking alcohol, eating vegetables and fruits insufficiently, eating too much salt, and lack of physical activity. The rate of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly, on average, nearly 1% per year. Dyslipidemia has tended to rise in both men and women in Vietnam.

Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Thanh Huyen, a lecturer from Hanoi Medical University, said that the NCDs like stroke, cancers, and mental depression are usually found among elderly people. Medical costs for the elderly are 7-10 times higher than for the younger people.

She suggested that there should be studies to assess the healthcare needs of the elderly; gradually develop the geriatric network system; and have preferential policies to encourage businesses to take care of the elderly.

Training programme to transfer autologous stem cell transplantation

The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion has been organising a training programme from June 12 to August 4 for autologous stem cell transplantation techniques for multiple myeloma in several hospitals nationwide.

This initiative is part of Project 1816 by the Ministry of Health aimed at supporting lower-level hospitals in enhancing the quality of medical examination and treatment.

Medical personnel from Nghệ An General Friendship Hospital, Phú Thọ Provincial General Hospital, and Thái Nguyên Central Hospital have participated in the course. Over eight weeks, doctors and nurses receive theoretical training and hands-on guidance on the autologous stem cell transplant procedure at the Stem Cell Transplant Department, in the Stem Cell Bank of the Institute.

According to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an optimal treatment that can help many people suffering from both malignant and benign blood diseases, giving them the opportunity to recover and resume a normal life. However, this technique is complex and requires strict adherence to procedures to ensure the highest professional standards.

Autologous stem cell transplantation involves the collection and storage of the patient's own stem cells, which are then reinfused to restore hematopoietic tissue. Successful implementation of autologous stem cell transplantation necessitates meticulous preparation and collaboration with experts. Participation in training and technology transfer serves as an initial step in preparing human resources for lower-level healthcare facilities.

Thanks to the support and technology transfer provided by the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Nghệ An General Hospital and Đà Nẵng Hospital have successfully performed their first autologous stem cell transplants.

Prior to these procedures, experts from the Institute conducted surveys and consultations to ensure the readiness of facilities, as well as their equipment, drugs, chemicals, and other necessary resources for the transplantation process.

During the first transplant procedure, the Institute's experienced staff directly supervised and performed tasks such as stem cell separation, stem cell transfusion, and close monitoring of the patient's progress. This included ordering tests, adjusting medications, and promptly addressing any complications that arose.

The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion holds a leading position in the country as a specialised facility for receiving and storing cord blood stem cells, conducting pre-transplant testing, monitoring stem cell transplantation outcomes, and implementing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat haematological diseases.

The Institute has been conducting autologous stem cell transplants since 2006. As of June 2023, they have successfully performed over 570 hematopoietic stem cell transplants using various complex techniques and cell sources. These sources include different types of stem cells, such as cord blood stem cell transplants (both with matching and non-matching blood types) and half-matching transplants (haplotype transplants) combined with cord blood stem cells. The application of stem cell transplantation techniques continues to expand, enabling the treatment of a wider range of diseases and extending the age limit for transplantation.

As a leading specialised institution, the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion is committed to providing support and transferring advanced technologies that are suitable for the conditions of lower-level hospitals, including autologous stem cell transplantation techniques. This activity contributes to improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment in various regions throughout the country, thereby enhancing access to better healthcare services for patients in their local communities.

More children diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumoniae

The number of children treated at hospital for mycoplasma pneumonia has risen, with around 30 per cent of all daily admissions of youngsters suffering from the lung infection.

The disease often breaks out into epidemics at the time of season change or when weather is warm but turns cold suddenly.

The National Children’s Hospital reported on Monday that recently, B.N, aged 8, from the northern mountainous province of Lào Cai was taken to hospital with symptoms of high fever, dry cough, and a rash all over the body.

He was first diagnosed with a viral fever by doctors at a local hospital, but after three days, the symptoms never cleared and he was taken to the National Children’s Hospital.

A chest X-ray showed he was suffering from lobar pneumoniae.

After taking an in-depth test to accurately identify the name of the bacteria that causes the condition, the child tested positive for mycoplasma pneumoniae.

After five days of treatment with specific antibiotics, the patient is now awake without fever and does not have any difficulties breathing.

Ten-year-old L.D.T from the northern province of Thái Bình, has been treated at the hospital for more than 10 days.

The child now is eating well, without chest pain and the doctors said she could be discharged in a few days.

Previously, she was hospitalised with symptoms of high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rash all over the body.

After being admitted to the hospital, the doctors diagnosed the child with lobar pneumonia and left pleural effusion caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The patient was treated at a lower-level hospital for nine days and did not get better before she was transferred to the National Children’s Hospital.

Associate Professor Lê Thị Hồng Hanh, director of the Respiratory Centre under the National Children’s Hospital, said that pneumonia has many causes. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia in children in the community.

The disease occurs at any age, but it is more common in older children, she said.

According to an American study, the rate of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae is 16 per cent in children aged five to 10 and up to 23 per cent in children aged between 10 and 17.

Medical experts warn that the symptoms of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae in children are easy to confuse with other pneumonia agents such as viral pneumonia, because the symptoms are similar.

However, to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, it is necessary to do specific tests.

According to experts, the way of transmission is by contacting droplets for pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses.

There is no vaccine to prevent mycoplasma pneumoniae so parents need to keep a few rules to prevent their children from contracting the virus.

The rules include washing hands with soap, ensuring children live in a clean and cool environment, not contacting children with symptoms of cough and fever and giving children appropriate nutrition regimens to help strengthen children's resistance.

Doctors recommend that if children have symptoms such as respiratory tract infections, high fever, cough and shortness of breath, especially in older children aged from four to 10, they should be taken to medical facilities for examination and quick treatment. 

MoD evaluates UN Peacekeeping operations

A conference on summarizing the implementation of the law regarding participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKO) took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Hà Nội.

The evaluation conference recognised that Việt Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations had been effectively implemented, achieving significant results and creating a positive impact on Việt Nam's international standing.

Lieutenant General Hoàng Xuân Chiến, Central Party Committee member and Deputy Minister of Defence chaired the conference.

The conference was also attended by Lieutenant General Phùng Sĩ Tấn, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army, Permanent Deputy Head of the Inter-Agency Task Force, and Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defence's Steering Committee on UNPKO participation, as well as representatives from related ministries.

Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14 of the National Assembly on Việt Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations is fundamentally consistent, unified, and harmonised with the 2013 Constitution, the 2018 Law on National Defence, and the 2018 Law on People's Public Security, according to participants' assessment.

The coordination between the Ministry of National Defence and relevant ministries and agencies in implementing the Resolution and related government decrees has been closely supervised, guided, and relatively consistent. This is demonstrated through cooperative efforts in researching, advising, and issuing legal documents, as well as organising inter-agency inspection teams to assess the Việt Nam contingent in field missions and coordinating the implementation of procedures for deploying forces in UN peacekeeping operations.

The Việt Nam contingent in UN peacekeeping operations has received attention and efforts in resource development and capacity enhancement. Adequate material and equipment support is provided throughout the mission. Legal education regarding participation in UN peacekeeping operations has been prioritised and has significantly improved awareness of the importance of Việt Nam's participation in such operations.

Delegates also acknowledged that Việt Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations was relatively new, which made it difficult to have a complete and harmonised legal framework in this field, keeping up with the development of UN peacekeeping tasks.

Furthermore, the national coordination of participation in UN peacekeeping forces had not been clearly defined and lacked systematic implementation. Some regulations and policies to ensure the welfare of the participating forces had not fully met practical requirements and had not kept pace with the development of UN peacekeeping tasks.

The delegates unanimously agreed on the need to continue researching, developing, and completing the legal framework regarding Việt Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations to meet practical requirements and mission demands in the new situation. They proposed compiling a proposal for the construction of a law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations to be submitted to the Government and the National Assembly in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

In the concluding statement of the conference, Lieutenant General Hoàng Xuân Chiến expressed his desire for relevant ministries and agencies to support the Ministry of Defence and the Steering Committee in implementing the construction of the law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations, in accordance with the Government's guidance, to contribute to the completion of Việt Nam's legal framework in this field.

To proceed with the next steps in compiling the proposal for the construction of the law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations, Chiến suggested that the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Department in coordination with relevant agencies and units, incorporate opinions and consultations from the delegates at the conference to improve the report summarising the implementation of the legal framework for Việt Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Chiến also proposed that relevant agencies and units continue to focus on the selection and training of forces preparing to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

This would demonstrate the correct foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of foreign relations, and contribute to actively and responsibly fulfilling international community obligations, thereby enhancing the prestige and position of the nation, the Việt Nam People's Army, and the Vietnamese People's Public Security on the international stage. 

Fund-rasing exhibition showcases paintings by artists nationwide

More than 100 paintings by 81 painters across Việt Nam are on showcase virtually to raise funds to build houses for needy people in the central province of Quảng Nam and Thừa Thiên – Huế.

The exhibition “Cây Đời Mãi Xanh 2023” (Evergreen Life 2023) features paintings in different materials such as lacquer, oil, acrylic, and watercolour, reflecting the beauty of the country, life, and portraits. Still-life paintings are also included.

The highlights of the exhibition are works by both veteran and young painters such as Nguyễn Xuân Việt, Ngô Xuân Hùng, Lại Văn Dũng, and Trần Huyền Thanh.

Việt, 74, showcases a lacquer painting named Sen (Lotus), depicting the beauty of Việt Nam’s popular flower.

He graduated from the HCM City Fine Arts University in 1982. He also studied lacquer painting with Nguyễn Gia Trí (1908-1993), a pioneer in the art of lacquer in Việt Nam.

His paintings have been displayed at exhibitions in Bulgaria, France, and Russia.

Điểm, a graduate of Việt Nam Fine Arts University, introduces an acrylic painting Mùa Đông Trên Núi Cao (Winter in the Mountain) highlighting the beauty of the northern mountainous region in the winter.

The painter, a native of northern province of Lạng Sơn, has held several exhibitions in Việt Nam, India, Turkey, the Philippines, and China. He also received top prizes at national painting exhibitions.

Artist Ngô Trần Vũ of HCM City, the exhibition’s organiser and curator, said “Around 50 per cent of the profits from the painting sales will be used to build 10 houses for needy people in Quảng Nam and Thừa Thiên – Huế provinces.”

He added, “Through the exhibition, we want to introduce the best artworks by talented Vietnamese artists to art lovers across the country”.

The exhibition is raising funds until July 15.

All exhibited works can be viewed at facebook.com/ngotranvublog.

Dozens of flights affected by bad weather at Tan Son Nhat Airport

As many as 65 flights faced difficulties landing at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport late Wednesday afternoon due to a thunderstorm, according to the Southern Region Air Traffic Services Company. 

As many as 65 flights faced difficulties landing at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport due to a thunderstorm on June 28. Photo by Baogiaothong.

Many flights had to wait some 30-40 minutes in the Phan Thiet City flight area for the weather to improve for them to land safely in Tan Son Nhat, the company's Deputy Director Dang Van Thai said.

Statistics showed that Tan Son Nhat Airport served 744 flights with 114,095 passengers on June 28.

The Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation said that rains would occur more often during June and July, especially in the late afternoons, affecting the operation of flights at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Earlier on June 4 and 5, a total of 135 flights had been delayed or switched to land at other airports as visibility was reduced to just 1,200 metres due to thunderstorms at Tan Son Nhat.

The airport is expected to serve nearly 24 million passengers during this summer holiday. Airlines have been asked to co-operate with the airport to deal with possible congestion during this peak season.

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