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19/03/2024 10:02 (GMT+07:00)

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MARCH 19/2024

Ca Mau needs US$20 million in support to overcome consequences of drought

The prolonged severe drought has been causing landslides and subsidence in the freshwater conversion areas of Ca Mau Province.
The severe drought has been causing landslides and subsidence in the freshwater conversion area of Tran Van Thoi District in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau.

The Ca Mau Province People's Committee has just reported the severe drought situation affecting the freshwater conversion areas of the locality to the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The People's Committee of Ca Mau Province said that the canals in the freshwater conversion area of Tran Van Thoi District has gotten so dry due to the ongoing severe drought situation.

Up to now, 131 canals with more than 500 points in total have been under subsidence and landslides , damaging more than 14.5 kilometers in length with more than VND19 billion (US$766,929).

Amid the above situation, the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province proposed to the Ministry, centrally-run sectors and scientists in the field of handling the problems of subsidence and landslides in traffic and irrigation systems to support the technical solutions to overcome, perform planning and rearrangement of production, population, transportation and irrigation systems in a synchronous and effectiveness.

The Provincial People's Committee said that the irrigation system needs to be prioritized to build and complete in the freshwater zone; a new steel dam system and field pumping stations need to be promptly invested with the purpose of subdividing zones with an area of 500 hectares to 1,000 hectares.

Additionally, it is important to proactively conduct volume regulation of water in freshwater areas, and limit pumping into the Doc River and the West Sea.

Therefore, the province proposed the Ministry and Centrally-run sectors support investment costs of about VND197 billion (nearly US$10 million) for five irrigation systems.

Besides, the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province also proposed investment support of VND241 billion (US$9.7 million) into a clean water supply project in rural areas serving about 13,900 households; about VND60 billion (US$2.4 million) to improve the ability to control forest fires, ensuring proactivity and effectiveness in forest fires fighting in the U Minh Ha National Park and the Hon Khoai island cluster forest.

Prime Minister receives Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on March 18.

The host leader affirmed Vietnam always keeps in mind Uzbekistan’s wholehearted assistance during its struggle for independence, and that it attaches importance to the traditional friendship with the republics that used to be part of the former Soviet Union, including Uzbekistan.

Lauding the significance of the first visit to Vietnam by an Uzbek foreign minister since the bilateral diplomatic ties were set up in 1992, PM Chinh held that on the basis of the traditional friendship, the two countries should promote cooperation comprehensively, between their Parties, governments, and parliaments, as well as via delegation exchanges and the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms between their ministries and sectors.

He said as the two countries boast economic and trade complementarities, they should increase trade in the commodities they are strong at such as cotton and production materials of Uzbekistan along with aquatic products, textiles - garments, and electronic devices of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese leader also called for stronger partnerships in spearhead industries of both countries like petroleum and agriculture to guarantee energy and food security, as well as stronger locality-to-locality connections.

Asking for strengthened collaboration at regional and international forums, the PM said Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge between Uzbekistan and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He also suggested Uzbekistan help Vietnam reinforce ties with Central Asian countries in the spirit of good friends and responsible partners.

For his part, Saidov affirmed that Uzbekistan wishes to further enhance the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in terms of economy, trade, and investment.

He perceived that the two sides hold considerable cooperation potential. He also agreed on the cooperation directions the PM mentioned at the meeting.

Reporting on the earlier talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, Saidov noted the two sides will work out a cooperation plan between the two foreign ministries and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to perfect the legal foundation for developing the bilateral relations in such spheres as economy - trade, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges in a more result-oriented manner.

PM Chinh highly valued the talks’ outcomes, asking the two foreign ministries to further bring into play their coordinating role so that the two countries’ cooperation will obtain fruitful results in the time ahead.

He also requested further promoting ties in education - training, culture, arts, tourism, people-to-people interaction, and exchanges between socio-political organisations such as alumni and youth ones to help intensify mutual understanding between the Vietnamese and Uzbek youths and nurture the friendship between the two nations' people./.

Vietnamese, Uzbek foreign ministers hold talks

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with his visiting Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in Hanoi on March 18.

Stressing that it is the first visit to Vietnam by an Uzbek foreign minister since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, Son said this occasion serves as an opportunity for both sides to review and agree on directions and measures to strengthen the longstanding friendship and to promote practical bilateral cooperation in areas of their strengths.

He took note of the impressive growth of bilateral trade between 2021 and now, averaging over 30% per year. In 2023, the figure reached 159.7 million USD, up 32% year on year.

Vietnam always values its relations with traditional friends, including Uzbekistan, the minister affirmed, hoping that the two nations will continue to leverage their political foundation and good relations, creating new momentum for enhanced cooperation that aligns with their needs, desires, and strengths.

Saidov, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from March 17-19, praised the results of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and “bamboo” diplomacy, which have contributed to enhancing its position in the region and the world.

Stating that Vietnam is among Uzbekistan's traditional and important partners in the region, he expressed his desire to deepen the bilateral collaboration towards effectiveness, especially in economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and education.

Saidov expected that Vietnam would serve as a bridge to help Uzbekistan further strengthen its cooperation with the region, including the expansion of joint work between ASEAN and Central Asia.

The ministers exchanged information on their respective country’s socio-economic development, major foreign policy directions, while reviewing the bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached by high-level leaders in the past period.

They agreed that the Vietnamese and Uzbek foreign ministries need to maintain their information exchange mechanism, enhance coordination, and play a coordinating role to connect the two countries' ministries and sectors to explore potential and seek new collaboration opportunities.

On this occasion, Son thanked Uzbekistan for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese expat community in the country./.

WTO acknowledges Vietnam’s contributions to multilateral trade system

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on March 18 appreciated Vietnam’s active contributions to the organisation, especially the outcomes of the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to March 2.

Receiving Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations, the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva, who came to submit the Vietnamese State President’s credentials, she suggested Vietnam continue to contribute to unfinished contents, including trying to bring Package 1 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into effect before June and participating in promoting negotiations on Package 2, thus contributing to the UN Millennium Goals on sustainable development.

Dung affirmed that Vietnam persists in its open-door policy and international integration, remains an active and responsible member of the WTO, and always values and supports the multilateral trade system with the WTO at its core.

He appreciated the results achieved at the MC13 and the Director-General's personal contributions to the success of the conference, and affirmed the commitment of the Vietnamese delegation to maintaining its close and active coordination with the WTO Secretariat and other WTO members to fully and effectively implement the results of the MC13 in the coming time./.

Vietnam ready to face Tajikistan in friendly matches

Vietnam’s U23 team has arrived in Tajikistan to prepare for friendly matches against the host squad.

The games are scheduled to take place on March 20 and March 23.

These friendlies serve as a crucial warm-up for both teams ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in Qatar from April 15 to May 3.

In Group D, Vietnam will be face Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Malaysia, while Tajikistan will face Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Thailand in Group C.

Due to the commitments of head coach Philippe Troussier, who is currently leading the Vietnamese senior team in two matches against Indonesia for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, assistant coach Moulay Lahsen will assume the role of acting head coach for the U23 Vietnamese team during the matches.

The first leg of the World Cup qualifiers will take place on March 21 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia, followed by the second leg on March 26 at Hanoi-based My Dinh National Stadium./.

Netherlands ready to assist Vietnam in sustainable sand mining, water management

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh on March 18 had a working session with visiting Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers, who expressed his country’s readiness to assist Vietnam in offshore sand mining, groundwater management, and mineral exploitation.

Harbers spoke highly of the active moves by the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to protect the environment, especially nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation.

He shared opinions about the cooperation programmes on sustainable offshore sand mining, sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta, the exploitation of essential minerals, and activities at the International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas and Islands.

These are strengths of the Netherlands, and it is ready to assist and share its policies, experience, techniques, and financial solutions with Vietnam, the minister stressed.

With regard to sustainable offshore sand mining, Khanh agreed with his guest on the need to quickly issue guidance for the projects on seeking offshore sand sources.

Talking about sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta, he noted that the geographical location has made this region vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather conditions. Given this, the MoNRE hopes to receive assistance and experience from the Netherlands to devise water storage solutions to help solve water excess in the flood season and water scarcity in the dry season there, thus balancing water resources and boost sustainable development in the Delta.

In terms of activities at the International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas and Islands, the Vietnamese minister considered this as a good platform for sharing knowledge about climate change adaptation.

The MoNRE’s Department of Climate Change, Department of Water Resources Management, and Vietnam National Mekong Committee Standing Office will coordinate with the Netherlands to work out proposals for improving the national capacity to make use of water resources amid climate change and give livelihood support to residents in the Delta, he added.

At the meeting, the two ministers also discussed the building of a programme marking the 15th founding anniversary of the framework on climate change adaptation and water resources management between the two countries. They said this is an occasion for countries in the region and the world to learn about the two sides’ efforts to comply with international commitments on climate change response./.

Vietnamese students introduce arts, culture in UK

A music event was held on March 17 night at Greenwood Theatre of King's College London in the UK to introduce Vietnamese arts and culture to international friends.

Entitled “A love letter to...”, the event was organised by the Vietnamese Students Association in the UK (SVUK) and the Vietnamese professionals community in the UK (VietPro) in an attempt to introduce Vietnamese artistic talents, develop a Vietnamese art-loving community in the host country while promoting the S-shaped country's culture and arts to British and international friends.

The programme comprised six themes, including love, gratitude, togetherness, home, forgiveness and family with 20 rich and unique art works performed by Vietnamese students and expats living and working in the UK.

The event was expected to strengthen solidarity in the Vietnamese community, while spreading the values and beauty of Vietnamese culture to international friends.

Dao Thi Hong, First Secretary in charge of education at the Embassy of Vietnam in the UK, highly appreciated the efforts of SVUK and VietPro in organising a meaningful event, helping to connect the Vietnamese community in the UK while promoting Vietnamese artistic talents to international friends.

She also expressed her delight at the development of the Vietnamese community in the UK, including SVUK, affirming that the Vietnamese Embassy always accompanies and supports Vietnamese associations in the UK to build a stronger Vietnamese community.

SVUK represents more than 14,000 Vietnamese students living and working in the UK, connecting 46 Vietnamese Students Societies (Vietsoc) from universities and colleges across the UK.

Established in 2010, VietPro aims to connect networks and career opportunities while supporting Vietnamese professionals and students to build soft skills and integrate into the working environment in the UK and Vietnam.

Since its establishment, VietPro has organised many professional events such as Prospect, SkillQuest, VietPro Christmas Dinner, among others, creating a foundation for building a network of study and working relationships for the Vietnamese professional and student community in the UK./.

Vietnam keen on expanding trade, investment cooperation with Ireland: Minister

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung has told Minister of State at the Department of Justice of Ireland James Browne that Vietnam hopes to further expand and promote cooperation with Ireland in trade and investment, especially in the fields of agriculture, IT and pharmaceuticals.

During a recent meeting with the Irish official in Hanoi, Dung underscored that although Vietnam and Ireland have enjoyed a sound traditional friendship, their partnership in trade, investment and other fields has remained modest and below the potential and expectation of the two countries.

Vietnam hopes to strengthen collaboration with Ireland in all fields, especially amid the changing situation with shaping and transforming trade and investment structures, said Dung.

He added that Vietnam plans to build a technical and incubation centre to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the northern region to improve the added value and competitiveness of Vietnam's agricultural and food products and promote the country’s agricultural sector’s growth, and called for Ireland’s support in building and developing the centre.

Regarding IT area, Vietnam hopes for Ireland’s cooperation in human resources training as well as collaboration with the National Innovation Centre, Dung said.

The official stressed the need for the two countries to concretise their partnership through specific projects and programmes that benefit both sides.

For his part, Browne highlighted the similarities in history and culture between the two countries, as well as abundant opportunities for the two sides to bolster trade and investment cooperation, including collaboration in the fields of agriculture, information technology and pharmaceuticals.

Vietnam’s policy on restructuring the agricultural sector towards a hi-tech-based effective sector in association with carbon emission reduction, sustainable development, environmental protection, climate change adaption and value chain enhancement, is also Ireland’s strength, he said.

Browne affirmed that Ireland is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in all areas that Minister Dung proposed, especially in agriculture. He suggested that the two sides define specific and core areas for discussion. He also showed hope that more agricultural products of Ireland will reach the Vietnamese market./.

Vietnam assists Laos in ensuring security in ASEAN Chairmanship Year

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security on March 18 handed over 50 vehicles to the Lao Ministry of Public Security to help it ensure safety for activities held during Laos's Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year.

With the hand-over being part of the Vietnamese Government’s assistance package to Laos in 2024, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lt. Gen. Luong Tam Quang presented 20 cars and 30 motorcycles at the ceremony in Vientiane.

In his remarks, Quang expressed his confidence that Laos will effectively utilise the vehicles.

Receiving the gifts, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Gen. Vilay Lakhamphong highly appreciated the timely and practical assistance, which meets the actual needs and professional requirements of the Lao ministry. This reflects the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries’ Parties, States, and people, he said.

Earlier on the same day, while hosting a reception for the Vietnamese delegation, the Lao official expressed his wish for further cooperation with Vietnamese security force so that the Lao counterpart successfully fulfill its tasks this year and ensure the absolute safety for international conferences held in the country.

For his part, Quang affirmed that the Vietnamese ministry always stands side by side with and is ready to cooperate and assist the Lao ministry in all situations. The two sides will maintain and improve the quality of their information exchange, situation grasp, and experience sharing, he said./.

Vietnamese, Chinese parties' strategic advisory bodies on external relations enhance cooperation

Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, held talks with Liu Jianchao, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the CPC Central Committee’s International Liaison Department, in Jilin province on March 18.

The talks formed part of the CPV delegation’s visit to China at the invitation of the CPC Central Committee.

The two sides informed each other about the situation of each Party and country while looking back on the important strides in the Vietnam - China relations since the historic visits by CPV General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to China in late 2022 and by CPC General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping to Vietnam in late 2023.

They discussed orientations for realising the common perceptions reached by the senior leaders, continuing to intensify and elevate the countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, building the Vietnam - China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, and making efforts for the sake of the two peoples' happiness as well as peace and progress of the humankind.

The officials agreed to maintain frequent high-level exchanges and meetings, further promote the effectiveness of Party-to-Party relations to set strategic orientations for the countries’ ties, and step up exchanges and cooperation between the two Governments, parliaments, and fatherland front organisations. They agreed to strengthen ties in defence - security and between the two countries’ localities, foster people-to-people interaction, and increase communications about the traditional friendship between the two Parties, countries, and peoples.

As the two strategic advisory bodies in terms of external relations of the two Parties, the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations and the CPC Central Committee’s International Liaison Department will boost coordination to help promote their Parties’ strategic orientations for continuing to develop the Vietnam - China relations in a healthy, stable, and sustainable manner, they noted.

Trung affirmed that in its foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, Vietnam views the development of relations with China as the top priority and a strategic choice.

Noting China’s consideration of Vietnam as a priority orientation in its neighbourhood foreign policy, Liu stated developing the cooperation and friendship with Vietnam is a strategic choice of his country, which supports Vietnam to maintain its strategic self-reliance and play a greater role in the region and the world.

With regard to sea-related issues, Trung asked the two sides to consolidate the common perception on the importance of maintaining peace and stability at sea, coordinating to satisfactorily resolve sea-related issues in line with the high-level common perceptions, and settling differences by peaceful means and in conformity with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides need to bring into play the negotiation mechanisms on sea-related issues, seriously and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and promote the building of a substantive and efficient code of conduct in the waters (COC) that matches international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, he added.

During his stay in Jilin, Trung is set to meet with Jing Junhai, Secretary of the provincial CPC Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Congress, to discuss ways to bolster economic, trade, investment, cultural, and tourism ties between Jilin and Vietnamese localities. He will also visit some local economic and cultural establishments./.

Vietnamese, Lao provinces foster friendship, cooperation

The authorities of the northern province of Nam Dinh on March 18 organised a ceremony to present Laos's friendship orders to local leaders of different periods and worked with a delegation from Laos’s Oudomxay province.

At the ceremony, Bounkhong Lachiemphone, Secretary of the Party Committee and governor of Oudomxay province, presented second- and third-class Freedom (Issara) Orders of Laos to eight leaders of Nam Dinh in various periods, and awarded a medal to the provincial Department of Education and Training.

Secretary of the Nam Dinh Party Committee Pham Gia Tuc affirmed that these honours are the recognition of the two sides’ effective cooperation and mutual assistance.

At the meeting with the delegation led by Bounkhong, Chairman of the Nam Dinh People's Committee Pham Dinh Nghi stressed that over the past time, the two provinces have actively implemented cooperative activities based on their signed agreements, and maintained their high-level delegation exchanges.

In the 2022-2024 period, Nam Dinh province has so far provided full scholarships and training for 13 students from Oudomxay. The two provinces, meanwhile, have exchanged information on their potential, strengths, and business climate.

Nghi said that Nam Dinh will continue to promote the traditional relationship, solidarity, and effective cooperation with Oudomxay, especially in student training.

The Lao Governor, for his part, expressed his wish for the comprehensive ties to be further strengthened in the future, especially in the field of agriculture./.

Land clearance for Belt Road No.4 must be completed this month

Ground clearance work for the Belt Road No.4 project will be accelerated to be completed by the end of this month, according to the Hà Nội Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board.

Since late last year, the board and districts in the project area have been focusing on speeding up the construction progress.

Nguyễn Chí Cường, the project management board’s director, said: “In just a short time, the city has handled a huge amount of work.”

To date, the city has approved and recovered over 770 out of 791ha of land, reaching 97.34 per cent of the plan.

Localities have basically completed the work of measuring, counting, confirming the origin of residential land and approving residential land plans for 200 out of the total 1,125 households with an area of about 3.25 out of 16.5ha, according to Cường.

The project management board has currently received over 744 out of total 770ha of land, reaching 96.64 per cent of the cleared land area of the districts to complete demining and hand over to construction contractors.

“One sensitive issue, related to the customs and spiritual beliefs, is having to relocate a very large volume of graves. But thanks to dissemination and people's support, up to now the mobility rate has reached 97.47 per cent,” he added.

In addition, the project had also relocated 444 derelict graves during construction. Currently there are about 46 remaining.

In order to win people’s support, the municipal authority is paying special attention to the arrangement and construction of resettlement areas.

The city's viewpoint is to make full use of its capabilities, in accordance with the law, to arrange resettlement areas in favourable locations with high commercial value so that people can feel secure and stabilise their lives.

Up to now, the city has built 13 resettlement areas with a total area of 32.5ha, of which six have been completed and the remaining areas are under construction.

The city has arranged resettlement for 140 out of 885 households.

According to Cấn Thị Việt Hà, chairwoman of Hà Đông District’s People’s Committee, in the district there is quite a lot of land and graves located in the clearance area for the project.

Many households have land with high economic value, but thanks to the assessment and compensation work being done methodically, publicly, transparently and objectively, people are willing to hand over the land.

In addition, households subject to clearance were also given resettlement houses in quite nice areas that encourage people to move helping ensure the project’s construction progress.

Immediately after Tết (Lunar New Year), construction contractors mobilised 100 per cent of machinery, equipment and workers on the entire route.

Currently, more than 700 engineers, workers and drivers, and hundreds of construction machinery have been mobilised on the construction site.

One of the biggest difficulties is moving technical infrastructure that needs to be implemented this year.

The project management board is coordinating with relevant units to focus on moving underground and surface technical infrastructure items including medium and low voltage electricity, information systems, water supply and other items, striving to complete in the second quarter of this year.

It is expected that the foundation construction for high voltage poles in Mê Linh District will be completed in March and to basically complete the relocation of high voltage power lines from 110KV to 500KV across the entire route in the third quarter.

Additional land acquisition work for items of ditch upgrading and moving high voltage poles is expected to complete and hand over to the project management board before March 31.

Thanh Hoa native wins Miss Vietnam Entrepreneur 2024 crown

Hailing from the northcentral province of Thanh Hoa, Pham Le Thu Hien claimed the title of Miss Vietnam Entrepreneur 2024 during the pageant’s finale recently held in the central province of Quang Nam.

The winner currently works as the general director of a beauty salon in Hanoi.

In the grand final taking place in Quang Nam province, several beauties competed in the Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) and evening gown segments. The top seven finalists were ultimately selected to take part in the Q&A part of the competition.

The organisers also awarded the first, second, and third runner-up prizes. In addition, a beauty was honoured for her contribution to society through charitable activities.

This year marks the fifth edition of the pageant. The beauty contest is open for businesswomen aged 25 to 55 who are living and working all over the country.

The purpose of the function is to create a platform in which talented and beautiful businesswomen nationwide are given opportunities to participate in the current period of economic integration whilst joining in activities aimed at lifting the community.

Event held to honour Vietnamese businesswomen in France

The association of female businesswomen in France - Association Entraide Femmes Entrepreneurs Vietnamiennes en France (AEEV) - on March 17 organised an event to honour Vietnamese women in France for their contributions to society in general and to the AEEV’s activities in particular and to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8).

The event attracted influential businesswomen in the Vietnamese community in France, especially Stéphanie Do - the first female parliamentarian of Vietnamese origin in France and Dr Phan Bich Thien, member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Women's Forum in Europe, and Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Women's Association in Hungary.

Stéphanie Do and Thien shared their experiences in overcoming challenges that women usually face when participating in politics and running business.

On this occasion, AEEV honoured outstanding businesswomen who have made many contributions to the association's activities in 2023. In particular, as Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Forum in Europe, Thien presented the "Golden Heart" insignia to members and the association to honour their contributions to the forum's charity activities in 2023.

Established at the end of 2022, AEEV is a non-governmental organisation that connects Vietnamese female entrepreneurs in France and other countries to help each other do business. It also organises volunteer activities in France and Vietnam, receives, coordinates and provides legal support for projects, programmes, and events as well as supports the Vietnamese community in the host country./.

Book celebrating 160th birthday of Sài Gòn Zoo released

A photo book on the history and development of the Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden has just been released to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the zoo’s establishment.

The book, titled Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn – Kho Báu Trong Lòng Thành Phố (Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden – The Treasure in the Heart of HCM City), is compiled by Võ Thị Mai Chi and illustrated by Chi and Kan Nguyễn.

The work is co-published by the zoo’s management board and the Trẻ (Youth) Publishing House, one of the country’s leading publishers based in HCM City.

The publication consists of 160 pages featuring the history of the zoo, which was built in 1864 covering an area of 20 hectares with a mission of collecting and conserving endemic species of South Việt Nam and Indochina. It was directed by French botanist J.B. Louis Pierre (1833-1905).

Located on Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, the Sài Gòn Zoo is the largest zoo in Việt Nam and one of the oldest zoos in the world.

The venue opened to the public in 1865, featuring a collection of 63 bird species, 29 mammals, and 13 reptiles.

The zoo today is home to around 2,000 animals of 138 species, more than 30 rare and valuable plants, and thousands of other plants, which are featured in the book.

According to the publisher, the book will provide readers with useful and interesting information and beautiful images of all the species in the zoo, ranging from the king of the jungle to lovely horses, sheep and goals, from birds with colourful wings to tiny reptiles, and hundred-year-old plants.

The book is expected to help people gain more knowledge about animals and plants living in nature, and understand how the zoo’s staff takes care of plants and raises animals.

In addition, the Trẻ Publishing House and the zoo have released a set of ten picture books for children under three years old titled Thiên Nhiên Kỳ Thú (Amazing Nature), featuring stories of animals living in the Sài Gòn Zoo and Botanical Garden, such as cranes, hippos, tortoises, and elephants.

The books are written by authors such as Trần Gia Bảo, Phương Huyền, and Bùi Tiểu Uyên to encourage a love for nature and animals among little readers.

All the books are available at bookstores nationwide and on e-commerce platforms.

Vietnam's banh mi named world's most delicious sandwich

Vietnam's banh mi named world's most delicious sandwich (Photo: tasteatlas.com)

Vietnamese banh mi (baguette) has been ranked first in the list of the top 100 sandwiches in the world by international food website Taste Atlas.

According to the online site, banh mi (pronounced 'bun mee') is a popular Vietnamese variety of sandwiches that share the same core ingredient - a baguette. The baguette was brought over to Vietnam during the colonial period, and nowadays it is one of the few happy legacies from the time.

The crusty bread, condiments, and meats are all a legacy of French and Chinese times, while cilantro, chili, and pickles reflect the Vietnamese taste for fresh vegetables and bright flavours. In the beginning, most banh mi sandwiches consisted of bread, meat, and seasonings, with no added vegetables.

Beside its most popular 'banh mi thit,' which separately made it to the ninth position in the TasteAtlas’ list, Vietnam has a wide range of 'banh mi' varieties, namely 'banh mi xiu mai' (filled with meatballs), 'banh mi cha ca' (filled with fishcake), 'banh mi heo quay' (filled with roasted pork), 'banh mi ga nuong' (filled with grilled chicken), 'banh mi op la' (filled with sunny-side egg), and others.

Other sandwiches included in TasteAtlas’ top ten are Tombik döner from Turkey; Shawarma from Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia; torta from Mexico; lobster roll from the U.S.; sandwich de lomo from Argentina; Montreal smoked meat from Canada; Mozzarella in carrozza from Italy; 'banh mi thit' from Vietnam; and Texas brisket sandwich from the US, among others.

This is not the first time the Vietnamese baguette has been named among the best sandwiches across the globe. It also made it to the world's dictionaries including Oxford, Cambridge, and Merriam-Webster, to name a few.

On March 15 2024, readers of Taste Altas also ranked banh mi tenth among the world’s top 100 street foods./.

Vietnamese street food introduced to Sri Lanka

A Vietnamese restaurant in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 15 introduced Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for the first time on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

Established in 2014, “Pho Vietnam” - the first Vietnamese restaurant in Sri Lanka – has helped popularise Vietnamese cuisine to local people including pho (noodle soup served with beef or chicken), fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls.

The restaurant owner, Phung Huyen Nga said although many Vietnamese and visitors to Vietnam like "banh mi", few people in Sri Lanka know about this popular Vietnamese street food.

Together with “banh mi”, Nga’s restaurant also started to offer popular Vietnamese street drinks - lemon tea and iced milk coffee.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ho Thi Thanh Truc on this occasion commended Nga in particular and the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka in general for their efforts to promote Vietnamese cuisine.

Four Vietnamese restaurants have opened in Sri Lanka so far. The restaurants usually coordinate with the embassy to hold cuisine promotional events on the occasion of Vietnam's national celebrations including Vietnamese “Pho” Day, Ho Chi Minh President’s birthday (May 19) or National Day (September 2).

On March 11, international food magazine Taste Atlas announced that its readers voted Vietnam's popular "banh mi" as the best sandwich in the world with a rating of 4.6 out of 5, along with Turkey's Tombik doner, a variety of kebabs./.

Forum discusses improving hospital management

Hospital quality management, patient safety and medical human resources were the main topics of discussion at the annual conference of the Northern Hospital Directors Club Meeting taking place in Hạ Long City on March 16.

Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan said that the annual meeting was an opportunity for hospital managers and health experts to discuss and jointly solve pressing issues related to bidding, procurement of drugs, machinery and equipment, medical equipment and health insurance settlement.

Lan said: “Hospital management is expected to continue to face many difficulties and challenges, including issues of financial management, procurement of drugs and medical equipment supply, human resource management and hospital quality management, requiring safe and flexible adaptation in new situations and a stronger and more positive transformation from the health sector to take better care of the people.”

The health minister also asked the entire hospital system to prioritise human resources, promote the application of information technology to implement the National Digital Transformation Programme, improve hospital management capacity and efficiency and create favourable conditions for people to access medical services.

Lan also suggested the entire industry focus on promoting and applying information technology and digital transformation in reforming administrative procedures to reduce inconvenience for patients and businesses, adding that the health sector has cut 92 administrative procedures in the past years.

“Priorities should be focused on improving the quality of medical examination and treatment and hospital operation management, especially prioritising the issue of improving quality and patient safety,” added the minister.

The 2024 Northern Province Hospital Directors Club Meeting was attended by leaders of more than 100 member hospitals in the North. With the patient-centred principle, the meeting aims to bring satisfaction, safety and the best quality of medical services to patients, meeting the people's medical examination and treatment needs.

At the event, participants heard that the forum contributed to promoting the development of health sector policies and strengthened the hospital system effectively following the law.

They also discussed new points in the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, the Law on Bidding in the health sector, the new Decree on health insurance and the Resolution on digital transformation to 2025 and orientation to 2030.

Associate Professor, Dr. Đào Xuân Cơ, Director of Bạch Mai General Hospital and chairman of the Northern Hospital Directors Club, said that the forum will be a forum for hospital managers to discuss and share experiences in many important areas of hospital management.

Prof. Cơ said that IT applications will improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, bringing satisfaction to the patient.

He said: "The simplest thing that everyone can see about the effectiveness of IT application in the reception and payment of hospital fees because it reduces waiting time for patients.

"Instead of having to count money and prepare money retail returns, the application of IT with cashless payment makes this convenient, fast, accurate and especially transparent.

“By cutting down on cumbersome financial procedures, doctors and medical staff will only focus on medical examination and treatment, thereby improving the quality of medical examination and treatment and patients will be more satisfied.

"Therefore, hospitals need to drastically implement it. And as hospital directors, we are certainly determined to do it, because only digital transformation can elevate the hospital, from management to openness and transparency.

“Every year Bạch Mai Hospital has to spend tens of billions of đồng to buy film and print diagnostic scan results. If the digital transformation is successful, we will save tens of billions đồng, because there is no need to print the resulting film and at the same time it also protects the environment."

Woman prosecuted for people trafficking

A woman is being prosecuted for alleged people trafficking, after charging thousands of dollars to smuggle a person into South Korea.

Trương Thị Mai Ca, 39, from Cương Gián Commune, Nghi Xuân District, is accused of "organising, brokering illegal emigration, immigration."

The Immigration Department of the Hà Tĩnh Provincial Police discovered signs of "organising, brokering illegal emigration, immigration" by the suspect in Nghi Xuân District. Subsequently, the Immigration Department transferred the entire dossier and evidence to the Security Investigation Agency for investigation within their jurisdiction.

According to the police records, Nguyễn Văn Vương, 38, from Mỹ Lộc Commune, Can Lộc District, contacted and negotiated with Trương Thị Mai Ca through Facebook to prepare documents for Vương to travel to South Korea on a tourist visa.

In August 2023, Trương Thị Mai Ca agreed to handle the procedures for Nguyễn Văn Vương to go to South Korea, with a total cost of US$17,000. Vương paid an advance of VNĐ50 million (US$2,116) and paid the remaining amount when completing the emigration procedures.

After completing the documentation and paying in full, Nguyễn Văn Vương went through the emigration procedures to South Korea with a tourist visa. However, upon arrival in South Korea, Vương was detected by the Korean authorities, denied entry, and deported back to Việt Nam.

Based on the collected investigation documents and evidence, the Security Investigation Agency issued a decision to prosecute, issued a travel ban for Trương Thị Mai Ca, and completed the dossier to process the suspect according to the provisions of the law for the crime of "organising, brokering illegal emigration, immigration".

Yên Thế Festival commemorates National Hero Hoàng Hoa Thám

The 140th anniversary of the Yên Thế insurrection is taking place from March 15-17 to remember and pay tribute to national hero Đề Thám, who led the fight against French rule in 1884, long before the arrival of the Communist Party of Việt Nam in 1930.

A grand celebration will open the event at Hoàng Hoa Thám Memorial Ground in Phồn Xương Town, Yên Thế District in Bắc Giang tomorrow (March 16, 2024).

Deputy Chairman of Yên Thế's People's Committee Thân Minh Sâm said: "Locations of the Yên Thế Movement, 23 of them, are scattered in four districts including Yên Thế, Tân Yên, Việt Yên and Yên Dũng of Bắc Giang Province, have all been categorised as Special National Relics by the Prime Minister."

Born Trương Văn Nghĩa in 1858 in Tiên Lữ, Hưng Yên Province of Đại Nam, or the Great Southern Kingdom, to parents who were known for their righteous activities, Hoàng Hoa Thám joined several movements and became a talented warrior. Hoàng Hoa Thám, or Đề Thám, as he was known for, became leader of the movement after the founder was assassinated. During his 30-year career leading anti-French and anti-royal court activities, he was dubbed The Sacred Tiger of Yên Thế (jungle) confronting French generals including Godin and Voyron.

Đề Thám used his wisdom to escape many blockades and ambushes. Yên Thế fighters had to face thousands of French recruits and the French announced a reward of 30,000 francs for his arrest.

He not only built his base in Yên Thế, but also connected with other patriotic movements to enlarge the network. In 1909, the French mobilised 15,000 French troops and blue loincloth local recruits, and 400 irregulars to launch an attack at the headquarters. The movement gradually reduced and weakened after his eldest son was killed and his third wife and youngest daughter Hoàng Thị Thế were arrested.

Hoàng Hoa Thám was killed in 1913. His daughter Hoàng Thị Thế became the adopted daughter of Albert Sarraut, Indochina Governor and Paul Doumer, who used to be Indochina Governor and later became President of France. Hoàng Thị Thế was raised to become an entertainer and she was the first Indochinese to become a film actress in France in the 1930s. She later abandoned acting and returned to Việt Nam.

The Yên Thế festival has been celebrated annually except during COVID. The first festival was celebrated in unified Việt Nam back in 1984, with the presence of Hoàng Hoa Thám's daughter Hoàng Thị Thế.

The commemoration this year coincides with a grand celebration of the 70th anniversary of the world-changing Điện Biên Phủ Campaign. The victory of Điện Biên Phủ had taken roots from many insurrections like Đề Thám's 30-year-long career.

In 2012, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a decision to recognise the Yên Thế Festival as one of the National Intangible Cultural Assets.

Today, the brutal part of history may be deeply buried in history books and archives. The solemn ritual was participated by Bắc Giang leaders and representatives of people of all walks of life. But many entertainment, sport and tourism activities will be open to people to enjoy. An exhibition showing the remnants of the Yên Thế Movement will take place in Phồn Xương Town of Yên Thế. Bonsai and flower and pet shows will take place as well as a goat fighting battle and other sporting activities including football, badminton, handball, archery and tug-of-war. The highlight is the national wrestling of 2024.

SaiGon ProAm Basketball Cup in action with aggressive matches, beautiful dance

The SaiGon ProAm Basketball Cup 2024 officially began on March 16 with matches ongoing at the Hồ Xuân Hương Gymnasium in HCM City.

In its second season, reigning champion Next Level will play against 10 rivals which include veteran and newbie clubs such as Bảo Lộc, Kimban Hoops and AIP Dreamers as well as guest teams Phú Thọ and Lãnh Binh Thăng.

After four days of matches, supporters have been entertained with competitive games and outstanding performances of clubs that can register professional and overseas Vietnamese players as well as foreigners for their title target.

Among them are many VBA players such as Huỳnh Thanh Tâm (Limitless Hoop), Võ Kim Bản (Kimban Hoops), Justin Young (Next Level Basketball) and Michael Soy (AIP Dreamers).

According to organisers, the increasing number of teams compared to the first season and the presence of VBA stars and international players increases the diversity of playing styles and competitiveness.

The final is scheduled on March 23 with a big bonus given to the winners that will also secure a spot at the Vietnam ProAm Basketball Championship in October.

In addition to competitive matches, supporters will enjoy the Fanzone space where they can shop for souvenir items as well as sportswear of different brands with discounts and gift vouchers.

Everyday, singers and bands such as rapper WEAN LE, LinhKa, Mason Nguyen and duo Big Daddy vs Emily will make the gymnasium go wild.

A dance contest “New Sports Allstyle Battle x Hipfest”! features 30 fabulous teams' performance will be held on March 23 and will be a highlight on the final match day.

The tournament is jointly organised by New Sports and VTVcab with the help of HCM City's Culture and Sports Department and Basketball Federation.

Online supporters can watch games on VTVcab's channels and apps: ON Sports; ON Sports TV; Facebook and YouTube.

Athletes to compete in three regions tennis event

The 15th Home Decor Tennis Tournament of the Southern, Central and Highland Regions began on March 16 featuring about 300 competitors in Phan Thiết City, Bình Thuận Province.

After a draw was conducted in the morning, organisers held the opening ceremony and the qualification round matches for all five men's doubles and mixed doubles categories.

“I appreciate the development of the Southern, Central and Highlands Home Decor Tennis Association and the professionalism of the organisers in this event," said Nguyễn Hồng Sơn, Việt Nam Tennis Federation's (VTF) Vice President.

"From 2024, VTF will work side-by-side with tournaments in many different professions. It is to improve health and sportsmanship and enhance the development of culture, tourism, business connections and investment between manufacturers, distributors and agents in Việt Nam."

Attending the ceremony, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huỳnh Ngọc Tâm said: "I welcome the sport tournaments and am happy that this event attracted a large number of players from 30 cities and provinces.

"Despite an amateur competition it is an increasingly professional and prestigious tournament in the country, luring the participation of many strong players.

"At the same time, it helps connect people and create a good cooperation in business. Hope that in the future Bình Thuận will continue to accompany and coordinate with the federation and association to organise more major sporting events in our province."

The tournament is one of the activities to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the liberation of the South and unification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2024), and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Tennis Federation (May 27, 1989 - May 27, 2024).

After the finals, the organisers will present awards to the winners and donate part of the cash collected from competition fees to the local Fund for the Poor.

Around 300 fighters to compete in National Top Boxing Clubs Championship

The National Top Boxing Clubs Championship will take place on March 17-26 in Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu Province.

Around 300 fighters representing 30 delegations will compete in 12 weight categories (from U45 to U91kg) for men and nine for women (U46kg to U75kg) in the low kick disciplines .

In the full contact bouts, male boxers will vie for golds in 10 categories from U46kg to U75kg and female from U46kg to U69kg.

Each fight will have three two-minute rounds with one minute rest between each round.

Việt Nam Kickboxing Federation General Secretary Dương Ngọc Hải said this year's tournament promised competitive matches especially in the categories of four 32nd SEA Games champions Nguyễn Hoàng (Đắk Lắk), Xuân Phương (Hà Nội), Lê Thị Nhi (Gia Lai) and Hằng Nga (Bình Định).

The nation's strongest clubs have confirmed their participation. Among them, Hải said, reigning champions Hà Nội were considered favourites.

Hà Nội are home to famed fighters such as Nguyễn Doãn Long, Nguyễn Xuân Phương and Nguyễn Quang Huy (men), and Bùi Yến Ly, Triệu Thị Phương Thủy, Bùi Hải Linh and Đinh Thị Hoa (women).

The tournament will be a test for the national coaches to pick the best athletes for the sixth Asian Indoor Games and Martial Arts in Thailand in November.

Baig wins Lexus Challenge 2024 trophy

Ahmad Baig successfully won the 2024 Lexus Challenge golf tournament which finished on March 15 in Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu Province.

Baig struggled in the first two as he placed seventh making the cut at The Bluffs Grand Hồ Tràm course. However, the Pakistani made a big bang with his outstanding performance in the latter rounds which lifted him to the top position.

He impressed with a bogey-free front nine, scoring five birdies in a row that helped him join the leading group.

In the next nine holes, Baig could not maintain his best performance after making a bogey but he came back with two birdies which was enough for him to jump to top spot.

He also set a tournament record as the first golfer to hit seven birdies in the final round.

Baig took the trophy and walked away with a purse of US$14,875 with a result of seven under 206.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn of Thailand came second with a five under 208. He took two birdies and ended up with a bogey-free round.

Thai Sangchai Kaewcharoen and South Korean Lion Park shared the third position with same score of four under 209.

Việt Nam had two representatives Nguyễn Anh Minh and Trương Chí Quân in the finale. Despite strong effort, they failed to make the top three.

Minh became the best amateur player of the tournament with a one over 204 result that placed him 18th. The 16-year-old was the only amateur who made the cut this year.

His senior teammate Quân finished 36th.

The Lexus Challenge was a joint event of the Việt Nam Golf Association Tour and the Asian Development Tour, taking place from March 13-15.

A total of 140 local and international professional and amateur golfers took part in the $85,000 event.