Lai Chau Provincial Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board has just submitted a report to the Ministry of Transport requesting to consider and appraise the feasibility study report of the tunnel project through Hoang Lien Pass.

Accordingly, the project has a length of 8.8 kilometers, comprising the 2.63-kilometer-long tunnel connecting Tam Duong District in the Northern province of Lai Chau with Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province.

The Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board of Lai Chau Province is the project’s investor with a total investment capital of around VND3,300 billion (US$132 million), including VND2,500 billion (US$100 million) from the Central budget and the rest from local budgets.

If the project is approved, vehicles will move in the tunnel to shorten their travel time instead of travelling in the 17-kilometer long winding route of O Quy Ho Pass from Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province to Tam Duong District in Lai Chau Province in National Highway 4D.

The tunnel is expected to shorten the travel time across the pass to only about 8 minutes instead of 30 minutes currently.

PM chairs Government's March law building session

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the Government’s monthly session on law building in Hanoi on March 25 to collect feedback on three draft laws, one proposal for a National Assembly resolution and another for a law.

Specifically, the Cabinet members deliberated on the draft revised Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue, the draft Law on Urban and Rural Planning, the draft Law on Geology and Minerals. They proposed building the Law on amendments and supplements to the amended Law on Management and Use of State Capital Invested in Production and Business in Enterprises and  the NA’s Resolution on piloting the decentralisation of the issuance of judicial record certificates to the Divisions of Justice under the district-level People's Committees in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nghe An province.

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said since early this year, the Government has held two similar sessions to mull over 14 draft laws, ordinances and resolutions.

He asked ministries and agencies concerned to continue seeking further feedback from experts, scientists, managers and stakeholders while working closely with relevant units, especially the NA’s organs throughout the law and resolution drafting processes.

Ministers and heads of Government and ministry-level agencies were assigned to allocate resources for law building, and raise public awareness of the work to achieve consensus as the laws are translated into action./.

Deputy PM signs condolence book after Moscow terrorist attack

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha led a Government delegation to the Russian Embassy in Hanoi on March 25 to offer condolences following the deadly terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, Moscow on March 22 evening.

Signing the condolence book, Ha extended the most profound sympathies of the Vietnamese Government, people, and himself to the Russian Government, people and families of the victims, adding that Vietnam strongly condemns terrorism in any form and believes that perpetrators will be strictly punished.

"Our hope is for the victims' families to overcome this pain and loss", Ha wrote. "We wish a speedy recovery to the injured and continued peace and prosperity for Russia and its people".

On the same day, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu also visited the embassy and showed his sympathy in the condolence book.

The Russian Embassy in Hanoi, along with Consulates General in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, will have condolence books open for signing from March 25 to 27.

Also on March 25 morning, many Vietnamese and foreign citizens, businesses, agencies and organisations came to the embassy to lay wreaths and sign the condolence book, standing in solidarity with Russia during this difficult time.

A day earlier, many Vietnamese residents paid their respects by laying flowers, candles, and children's toys at the Russian Embassy and Consulates General in Vietnam.

According to the latest data from Russian authorities, the attack left at least 137 dead and 182 others injured./.

Vietnam, China share experience in social supervision, criticism

Experience in social supervision and criticism was shared between the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee at their talks in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25.

Briefing the Chinese side of the city’s economic-cultural-social situation in 2023, Vice Chairman of the VFF Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thanh Trung said that the city faced formidable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts as well as complicated and unprecedented global and regional political-economic developments.

However, it carved out impressive achievements thanks to the concerted efforts and resolve of the whole political system, support from local people and business community, and contributions from VFF chapters at all levels.

The city's VFF committee has worked to renew its social supervision and criticism activities to better ensure the legitimate rights of local people, strengthen democracy and social consensus, and consolidate trust in the Party and State, he said, adding over the past 10 years, it has organised 703 social criticism conference on important projects, including one related to piloting special mechanisms to develop Ho Chi Minh City.

In the time ahead, it will continue promoting its leading role in the supervision work and social criticism activities, he stressed.

Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Shanghai Committee Wu Xinbao, for his part, introduced the committee’s roles, functions and missions, which are to conduct policy consultations and democratic consultations, engage in political discussions, and build common awareness in the community.

While carrying out the constitution and legal regulations as well as making big decision, the CPPCC always organises referenda before sending reports to relevant leaders to provide recommendations, he said, adding the Shanghai Committee assigns its members to join meetings with local people and hold conferences to discuss issues of locals’ concerns, among others.

Both sides agreed that they can learn from each other’s experience and concurred to continue implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation for the 2023-2026 period signed in November 2023./.

Vietnamese culture promoted at int'l parade in China’s Macau

The Overseas Vietnamese Association in Macau has for the first time joined the 2024 Macau International Parade held by the local Cultural Affairs Bureau on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to China.

Taking place on March 24, the parade highlighted the theme of love, peace, and cultural integration.

According to Nguyen Thi Hue, who is in charge of the Vietnamese association’s cultural board, after eight days of practice after work hours, 46 amateur artists from the association showcased their performance at the event, dressed in ao dai (traditional long dress), conical hats, and ethnic costumes representing different regions across Vietnam.

This year's parade saw the participation of over 80 teams with approximately 1,800 artists from Macau and many countries around the world.

The 10th edition marked its resumption after a 4-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic./.

Death anniversary of Trinh Cong Son to be celebrated with numerous activities

Many events commemorating the 23rd death anniversary of musician Trinh Cong Son (April 1, 2001 – 2024), one of Vietnam’s most famous and beloved songwriters will be held in HCMC.

Some of the highlights are the construction of Trinh Cong Son schools for ethnic minority children and offering coats to needy kids, the establishment of the "Trinh Cong Son Music Research and Performance Group" with the participation of the musician’s representatives and Director of the Center for Vietnam Research at Fulbright University Vietnam.

The "Trinh Cong Son Music Research and Performance Group" plans to implement activities in 2024 and 2025, including a podcast series on musician Trinh Cong Son, a research project on the great composer, digitizing information about the career and life of the musician, publishing the Vietnamese edition of the work titled “Trinh Cong Son and Bob Dylan: Essays on War, Love, Songwriting, and Religion” by professor ohn C. Schafer, organizing a concert featuring Trinh Cong Son’s popular songs at Fulbright University Vietnam.

The “Trinh Cong Son and Bob Dylan: Essays on War, Love, Songwriting, and Religion” publication retells countless colorful stories from the two artists’ lives drawn from a wide range of Vietnamese and English-language sources.

Composer Son is internationally influenced widely. He is labeled as “Vietnam’s Bob Dylan” by BBC and “Vietnam’s most beloved singer-songwriter” by the Washington Post.

Vietnam, Laos pledge continued cooperation in home affairs

Vietnamese Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra and her Lao counterpart Thongchanh Manixay vowed to continue their agencies' cooperation for the 2024-2026 period during their talks in Vientiane on March 25.

Both ministers exchanged updates on their respective ministries' achievements in home affairs during the past year, with an emphasis on progress in areas like institutional development, organisational restructuring, personnel reduction and civil service reform.

Following the two ministries’ signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation for the 2023-2026 period, they expressed their delight at the increasingly practical and effective collaboration over the past time.

During 2024-2026, the two ministries will continue holding the exchange of high-level delegations and leaders of their units and agencies to review annual cooperation results. Additionally, short-term training courses lasting 1-3 months on home affairs will be provided at Vietnam's National Academy of Public Administration.

They further agreed to enhance knowledge sharing and offer direct support in areas where each holds expertise, such as personnel training in public administration, archives management, religious affairs, emulation and commendation, and State organisation science.

On a final note, both sides pledged to collaborate on submitting a digital transformation project of the Lao Ministry of Home Affairs for approval by their respective governments. The project aims to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, accountability and cost-effectiveness in the Lao ministry./.

Vietnamese, DPRK senior party officials hold talks

Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung held talks with visiting Director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Kim Song Nam in Hanoi on March 25.

At the event, Trung stated that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people always treasure the traditional friendship and cooperation with the WPK, Government, and people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

He proposed both sides enhance exchanges and contacts at all levels to strengthen mutual understanding and develop the ties between their parties and countries across various fields.

Trung went on to recommend the two countries effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, expand their cultural, art, sports, people-to-people, locality-to-locality exchanges, and strengthen their coordination at multilateral forums.

For his part, Kim, who is leading a delegation to visit Vietnam from March 25 to 28, stressed his trip is to step up the development of the Vietnam-DPRK friendship and collaboration and to discuss measures to strengthen the sides’ party building work.

He affirmed that the Party, Government, and people of the DPRK value the traditional friendship with Vietnam and are pleased with the development of the relationship shared between the two parties and countries. The DPRK is ready to work with Vietnam to promote ties, he affirmed.

During the talks, the officials discussed and evaluated the results of cooperation between the commission and the department so far. They concurred on cooperation measures, including further promotion of the role of the two bodies, and effective implementation of cooperation directions that were agreed upon by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chairman of the DPRK’s State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un during the latter's visit to Vietnam in 2019./.

National conference reviewing performance of People's Councils wraps up

A national conference reviewing the performance of the People’s Councils of provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide in 2023 and launching 2024 tasks wrapped up in Hanoi on March 25.

In his closing speech, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said after one day of sitting, the event fulfilled all its set agenda. He requested collecting all feedback at the event to submit to the NA Standing Committee for consideration. 

The top legislator asked the People's Councils to continue to closely follow the leadership of the Party Committees and their standing boards and strengthen the implementation of functions of local people-elected bodies according to the provisions of law to best fulfil their tasks in 2024. 

According to Permanent Vice Chairman of the NA Tran Thanh Man, over more than half of the 2021-2026 tenure, the NA and its Standing Committee have carried out a number of reforms and devised measures for better supervising and directing activities of the People’s Councils from perfecting the legal foundation to increasing activities that connect the NA, its Standing Committee, and their agencies with the provincial-level People’s Councils.

The People's Councils have also exerted efforts to boost reforms and creativity during the performance of tasks. Closely following the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, they have issued resolutions, mechanisms, and policies meeting demand in their localities, thereby substantially contributing to the realisation of local and national socio-economic development, defence, security, and external affairs targets, he continued.

The organisation of the annual conference was an occasion for the NA and its Standing Committee to enhance the momentum for reform at local people-elected bodies, Man added.

However, the official also pointed out several shortcomings, elaborating that the quality of meetings of some People’s Councils remains limited. Some have yet to take strong or effective enough measures for fully handling post-supervision opinions.

The settlement and reply to voters’ opinions and petitions are still slow in some provinces and cities. Besides, some people's councils haven’t released digital transformation and IT application directions on schedule while agencies’ coordination is still lax./.

Quảng Trị conserves forests to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Quảng Trị Province is mobilising resources and seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through protection of natural forests and afforestation.

It is one of six provinces in the north-central region that trial carbon credit trading and manage financial agreements for reduction of greenhouse gases.

The carbon market was created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in 1997.

Countries with excess emissions can trade them with those emitting more or less than their targets, leading to a new global commodity: carbon credits.

One carbon credit is one tonne of carbon dioxide or one tonne of other equivalent greenhouse gases.

Quảng Trị Province has five natural forests managed by the community, which have received forest management certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The province is certified for ecosystem services related to carbon sequestration and storage on an area of nearly 2,145ha, which sequesters 7,000 tonnes of carbon annually and stores approximately 350,000 tonnes.

From 2023 to 2025, the province will receive VNĐ51 billion (US$2.05 million) from forest carbon sequestration and storage services.

This amount will be used for forest protection and management, afforestation and forest guardians.

Its People's Committee recently approved a project called "Conservation, restoration, and improvement of eco-system services in natural forest carbon sequestration and storage through community management.”

It is sponsored by Etifor S.r.l.Benefit Corporation of the University of Padua in Italy, which will provide VNĐ6.5 billion for the programme to be implemented from now through February 2028.

The programme includes community-managed natural forest protection, training to strengthen skills in forest protection and patrols, community afforestation and enrichment, annual FSC assessments, and linking community with interested businesses.

In February, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quảng Trị Province announced a plan to mobilise people and forest managers to change their perceptions and agricultural practices, promoting non-burning afforestation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Quảng Trị has over 121,000ha of planted forests and an annual afforestation rate of 8,000-10,000ha to compensate for exploited forest areas.

Between 2024 and 2028 the province aims to mobilise people to plant 2,000 to 3,000ha of non-burning forests every year to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 

Ministry calls for actions towards green economy, sustainable future

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh has urged all units involved to take concrete activities and collaborate in climate action, aiming for a green, circular economy and a sustainable future.

He made the call at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) in Hanoi on March 22 in response to the World Water Day (March 22), World Meteorological Day (March 23), and Earth Hour (March 23).

The hybrid ceremony was connected to the departments of natural resources and environment, meteorological and hydrological stations across regions and provinces.

In his remarks, Thanh highlighted the importance of enhancing the protection, sustainable exploitation, and utilisation of water resources, promoting green and healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness of responsible energy use.

It is necessary to build national resources and environment, while mobilising investment resources and constructing projects and facilities related to the environment, water resources, meteorology, hydrology, disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation, he said.

Stamp celebrating 1,100th birth anniversary of Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng released

Vietnam Post, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Information and Communications' Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group, has released a new stamp to commemorate the 1,100th birth anniversary of Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng (924-979).

The stamp is designed by artist Nguyễn Du from Vietnam Post, priced at VNĐ4,000. It is 32x43mm in dimension and will be available on the postal network from March 22, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

Created in a graphic style, the stamp depicts the statue of the emperor in the Đinh Temple at Trường Yên Commune, Hoa Lư District in the northern province of Ninh Bình.

With strong colours, clear lines and the use of gold-plated paint, the statue stands out, shining brightly against a dark brown background, creating a profound and solemn atmosphere.

The release of this stamp aims to show gratitude for the significant contributions of Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng and to highlight the heroic, historical traditions of the nation.

Đinh Tiên Hoàng, also known as Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, was born in Kim Lư Hamlet, Đại Hữu Village, Đại Hoàng District (now part of Văn Bồng Hamlet, Gia Phương Commune, Gia Viễn District, Ninh Bình Province), on March 22, 924.

He is renowned for his achievements in establishing the Twelve Military Leaders, unifying the nation, and was honoured with the title The Great Victory King.

In the year Mậu Thìn 968, Đinh Bộ Lĩnh ascended the throne, becoming the first emperor of Việt Nam after the period of northern domination. He adopted the national title Đại Cồ Việt and relocated the capital to Hoa Lư in Ninh Bình.

Previously, the Ministry of Information and Communications had released a series of stamp sets to honour the significant contributions of the emperors throughout different dynasties. 

HCMC excitedly invests in biotechnological products

Biotechnology has created meaningful effects in various fields following the green growth trend. HCMC has poured much money into this aspect for medical applications.

Chairman Phan Van Hieu of the Vietnam Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Natural Active Ingredients shared that modern biotechnology focuses mostly on developing new treatment methods for rare and complex diseases as well as medical tests to identify genetic diseases more accurately.

Thanks to advanced technologies such as creating biological polymer or new-generation biological products for functional food, clinical trials which used to be manual and time-consuming can now be done more quickly, and thus the commercialization of research results takes only 2-5 years.

Dr. Bui Dinh Thach from the Institute of Tropical Biology informed that the application of biotechnology in healthcare is now divided into 4 groups of biopharmaceuticals where formulas and ingredients of drugs are obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms; pharmacogenomics where medicines are produced according to the genetic structure of each patient; molecular diagnostics with techniques like recombinant DNA technology, polymerase chain reaction, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; gene therapy used to treat genetic disorders thanks to the help of retrovirus, adenovirus, virus herpes simplex virus.

HCMC aims at turning biotechnology into a key technical-economic sector and effectively implementing biotechnology in the medical field. The HCMC People’s Committee has assigned the Management Board of Saigon Hi-tech Park (SHTP) to expand the site so that by 2030, it will have become an international-level hi-tech park observing the model of a scientific-technological park, with a strong focus on biotechnology.

In SHTP, there will be more research and development for bio-medicine, foods derived from herbs, vaccines, new disease diagnosis procedures, new disease treatments and medicine testing using stem cells, and gene decoding to create a database on Vietnamese human genome.

Deputy Head Le Quoc Cuong of SHTP’s Management Board said that his unit is cooperating with both domestic and foreign businesses specialized in applying advanced technologies in the pharmaceutical field and in biotechnology. At present, SHTP is running 161 projects having an investment certificate, 27 of which are in the biotechnology field with a total investment amount of over US$1.2 billion.

“Thanks to Resolution No.98/2023/QH15 about piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the growth of HCMC, my unit has proposed several policies to boost the development of biotechnology in the city under the model of 3-partner collaboration, where SHTP works with Vietnam National University-HCM, other academies and corresponding businesses. The three partners use their close cooperation to create high-quality biotechnological products”, stressed Deputy Head Cuong.

Acting President meets members of young entrepreneurs’ association

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan received delegates from the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs’ Association in Hanoi on March 25 in celebration of the 93rd founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 - March 26, 2024).

So far, the association has established its chapters across 63 provinces and cities nationwide. Its nearly 19,000 member enterprises now generate total annual revenue of over 40 billion USD, accounting for more than 10% of the country's GDP, and provide employment for over 5 million workers.

At the meeting, the delegates proposed that the Party and State have policies to reduce lending interest rates and facilitate firms’ access to capital. It is also necessary to remove barriers and create the most favourable environment for the development of the business community.

Expressing her delight at the growth of the association, Xuan suggested that relevant units and organisations continue to keep a close watch on the activities of young entrepreneurs for timely solutions to address arising difficulties and obstacles facing the group.

The leader hoped that the association will continue to leverage its achievements in the past, and reform its performance to keep pace with global and era trends and suit the country's development reality./.

Rice support delay leaves schools in Yên Bái struggling to ensure meals for students

A delay in rice support delivery for students in Yên Bái Province has left many schools scrambling to ensure meals for their students as their rice reserves run low.

According to the Government's Decree 116/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 18, 2016, each student attending day school in extremely difficult areas is provided with 15kg of rice per month.

Starting January 1 this year, Lý Tự Trọng Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Students in Mù Cang Chải counted 697 students eligible for the meal support policy.

The school’s principal Lê Hải Đăng said that due to the late delivery, the school is running out of rice reserves and has to borrow from local businesses for students’ meals.

“Each day, our school cooks more than three quintals of rice for students and only has about four quintals left in our storage.

“We tried to borrow [from local businesses] but that only amounts to two tonnes, which could last for a little more than one week.

“If the delivery delay is prolonged, we will have to call for support from parents to ensure the children’s meals,” said Đăng.

In the same situation, La Pán Tẩn Primary-Secondary School for Ethnic Students only has roughly four tonnes of rice left in its storage, which will be used up in about 12 days.

The school has 959 students eligible for meal support out of a total of nearly 1,200.

According to vice principal Nguyễn Thị Thu Thủy, the school plans to temporarily collect 5kg of rice per student after discussing the matter with their parents. This amount will be ‘reimbursed’ when the rice delivery reaches the school.

Similar shortages were recorded in many other schools in Mù Cang Chải such as Nậm Khắt, Lao Chải and Khao Mang primary-secondary schools for ethnic students, according to the head of the district’s Division of Education and Training Nguyễn Anh Thủy.

Meanwhile, Trạm Tấu District estimated that 11 schools in the area with nearly 7,000 students are facing critical rice shortage.

Trạm Tấu Primary-Secondary School for Ethnic Students has bought rice on credit to cook for over 500 students, but purchasing price is twice as expensive compared to the meal support policy.

Using older rice can also affect the children’s nutrition intake, said the school’s principal Nguyễn Văn Thanh.

Bùi Thanh Tùng, deputy head of Trạm Tấu Division of Education and Training said the unit has been in contact with Yên Bái Provincial Department of State Reserve to soon allocate rice support for schools in the area.

In the immediate future, the division’s solution is to transfer rice from schools with abundant stock left from the first semester to schools experiencing shortages.

Explaining the situation, head of Hoàng Liên Sơn Department of State Reserve Lê Tiến Dũng said that rice suppliers and transport units must undergo open online bidding according to regulations, leading to the delay.

This information has been communicated to provinces, he said, adding that by April 10 at the latest, the rice support will reach schools in Yên Bái Province.

Ministry must ensure all elderly people have health insurance cards

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha directed that the Ministry of Health must ensure all senior citizens have health insurance cards.

The Government Office has just issued a direction from Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on the care work for the elderly.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to direct and guide the effective implementation of health care for elderly people according to the present regulations.

Moreover, the Ministry should unify instructions for preparing medical records to monitor and manage the health of the elderly while paying attention to specialized training programs in geriatrics and elderly care skills.

Above all, the Ministry of Health should have appropriate solutions to ensure that all elderly people have health insurance cards. The Ministry ought to guide localities to implement primary health care plans for the elderly.

Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha also required Vietnam Social Insurance to coordinate with the Ministry of Health in implementing health insurance policies and improve the quality of medical examination and treatment covered by health insurance to meet the health care needs of the elderly and residents. Payment of social insurance and health insurance for the elderly is high on the list of priorities.

People's committees of provinces and cities allocate resources for the full implementation of policies on the elderly according to the current regulations as well as integrate the implementation of elderly work in related programs, schemes, projects and tasks.

Under the Deputy PM’s direction, local administrations should continue to well organize ceremonies for celebrating the birthdays of elderly people and giving gifts to poor, lonely elderly people without relatives or caregivers. Furthermore, local government should call for social financial contributions to take care of local senior citizens.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Central Vietnam Association of the Elderly to coordinate with the Ministry of Health, the Military Commercial Bank and related agencies and organizations to mobilize resources to implement the medical humanitarian program for the elderly.

Education project to be launched to benefit ethnic minority, disabled children

An education project worth VND 121 billion (equivalent to US$5.15 million) will be launched to improve the quality of education for ethnic minority children and children with disabilities.

The Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Nippon Foundation and the Save the Children organization co-launched a project to improve the quality of education for ethnic minority children and children with disabilities in Vietnam.

The project to improve the quality of education for ethnic minority children and children with disabilities in Vietnam is totally funded by GPE and Nippon funds costing VND121 billion.

The project includes 3 factors. It ensures that preschool-age ethnic minority children have enhanced access to Vietnamese on the basis of their mother tongue. Moreover, the project will increase the use of the mother tongue and preserve the culture of ethnic minorities in primary schools and strengthen inclusive education for children with disabilities and ethnic minority children.

The project will start in March 2024 and be completed in December 2026. Direct beneficiaries of the project are preschool children of 6 ethnic minorities including Mong, Ede, Khmer, J'rai, Bahnar, and Thai. Children will learn more Vietnamese language based on their mother tongue, helping children develop language, participate well in activities at preschool and be ready for grade 1.

Meanwhile, children with disabilities are supported with inclusive education through specific skills to gradually integrate with the learning environment resulting in more effective study.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Kim Chi affirmed that this is a very meaningful project for Vietnamese education and especially for children in ethnic minority areas and disadvantaged children. Over the past time, Vietnam has made great strides in education development as there have been big changes in education from preschool to university to ensure the learning needs and right to learn of children.

However, in addition to changes and efforts, the education sector in the country still faces many difficulties, especially in remote areas. Although there have been good changes in policies and health, children with disabilities still need the attention of families, schools, and society.

Hanoi tackles overcrowded classrooms

The Hanoi People's Committee has asked district people's committees to ensure enough seats for students and to avoid overcrowded classrooms in the 2024-2025 school year.

In addition, the department demanded that the human resources, facilities, and equipment for the examinations and enrollment of students be well prepared. The supervision of examinations must be strengthened and tightened, and violations must be strictly dealt with. Especially in online enrollment, the role of digital transformation in examinations and enrollment must be effectively utilized.

The city government also asked the people's committees to supervise enrollment in 2024 so that educational institutions cannot enroll students beyond their quotas. Queuing and jostling at schools for enrollment must be stopped.
 
Statistics from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training show that in the 2022-2023 school year, the capital city has 2,835 schools with more than 70,000 classrooms for 2.2 million students.

In 2023, Hanoi built 51 more classrooms at a cost of over VND2.8 trillion (US$119.6 million) and spent VND5 trillion (US$213.5 million) to repair 605 schools. However, since the start of the 2023-2024 school year, many parts of the city have been facing overcrowded schools.

Pham Quoc Toan, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, told The Hanoi Times that the number of primary school students is expected to increase by 30,000 compared to last year.

Some districts in the capital have exhausted their land reserve for public school construction, Toan said, adding that his department has proposed expanding schools to address the problem of large class sizes.

"If the city government does not build more schools, classroom overcrowding will increase. As a result, many primary schools have had to increase the number of students per class to 60, while the standard number set by the ministry is 35," Toan said.

Figures from the department show that Hanoi's Ha Dong, Cau Giay, and Nam Tu Liem districts are facing overcrowded schools due to mushrooming urban and residential areas. Overcrowded classes are most common in primary schools. Many classes have up to 55 students per classroom, well above the permitted number.

Nguyen Thi Mai Hoa, principal of the Me Tri Primary School in Nam Tu Liem District, said that the class size in the first grade of the school ranges from 52 to 54 students. "As the number of students increases, there will not be enough space to accommodate them all in the next few years," she told The Hanoi Times.

Pham Ngoc Anh, head of the Cau Giay District Department of Education and Training, said Cau Giay has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth in recent years.

"The district is expected to have 6,000 more students in all grades this year than last. I fear that overcrowding will not decrease this year. A major challenge facing the district is the lack of schools and classrooms," Anh told The Hanoi Times.

Pham Dam Thuc Hanh, head of Hoang Mai District's Education and Training Office, said Hoang Mai had experienced the worst overcrowding in schools in the past year, especially in Hoang Liet District, which has a rapid urbanization rate and a population of more than 80,000, with 1,500 to 1,800 babies born annually.

The district has one kindergarten, three primary schools, and two middle schools. These schools are now over capacity, while the Hoang Liet Kindergarten is reportedly overcrowded.

Chu Van An Primary School in Hoang Mai District was the most overcrowded in the city. The school enrolled about 1,500 students last school year, while its capacity was only 960 students.

"The sudden increase in the number of first-grade students puts pressure on the school facilities, and with the number of students representing 14 to 15% of the population of the district, there is a lot of pressure to ensure facilities, teachers, and the quality of teaching and learning in the district," said Han.

Trinh Thi Que Anh, a mother of a six-year-old boy, said she fought for a place at a private school in Hoang Mai District because she was very concerned about the quality of the overcrowded classrooms at the public primary school.

Anh wonders how a teacher can handle up to 60 or 70 students per class. How can students learn in such a crowded classroom?

"Art is long and time is fleeting" exhibition in Hanoi showcases world of imagination

A painting exhibition titled "Art is long, and time is fleeting" opened at The Muse Art Space in the heart of Hanoi March 23 

The exhibition will last until March 31, opening the world of imagination through 100 works by six artists including Phan Cam Thuong, Nguyen Van Trinh, Trieu Khac Tien, Vu Van Tich, Nguyen Quang Trung and Nguyen Dinh Son.

The exhibition features paintings on a variety of materials (lacquer, silk, oil and acrylic) and artistic styles. What ties it all together is the curator's spatial arrangement, which takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of imagination and emotion.

According to curator Van Vi, "in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, art in general, and painting in particular, offers us a rest stop to slow down, refresh ourselves and indulge in the fluctuation of our own feelings. The painting exhibition "Art is long and time is fleeting" is divided into six different areas, each dedicated to one artist. 

Phan Cam Thuong is a painter who is also recognised as the most influential cultural scholar of the last two decades, having published 18 books on Vietnamese art and culture. Thuong brings to this exhibition his series of silk paintings inspired by ancient Vietnamese culture. In particular, Thuong's very first abstract paintings, which have been in the making for years, will make their debut in this exhibition.

Also on show is Nguyen Van Trinh's Biosphere series, a showcase of the artist's creativity, both in concept and material (silk combined with bamboo paper). Trinh has created a floating multi-dimensional biosphere as a habitat for exotic creatures. The combination of silk and giang paper creates layered effects for his artworks.

Meanwhile, painter Trieu Khac Tien and painter Vu Van Tich are popular for their lacquer paintings. Trieu Khac Tien is currently the only PhD holder in lacquer art in Vietnam. He has worked with his students to standardize Vietnamese lacquer painting techniques for the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, helping to expand the range of materials and ensure the durability of lacquer paintings.

Tien's work is meticulous and delicate, with a level of sophistication rarely found elsewhere. Painter Tich, Tien's student, finds it fascinating to capture the emotions and desires of a young man in his paintings.

Another exhibitor, painter Nguyen Quang Trung, has been wholeheartedly committed to abstract art. He believes that what he has done is not to discover a new style, but to delve into the abstract style in accordance with the contemporary trend. In particular, Trung uses the so-called "light confinement technique" to keep the light in the painting amidst the interweaving of fluctuating brushstrokes and colors.

Painter Nguyen Dinh Son will introduce art lovers to his expressionist works depicting coastal and suburban life. The close-ups in Son's paintings depict moments of infatuation, sending a message to his viewers that if they pay attention, a small detail can open up a colorful, vibrant world that never ceases to stir their emotions. 

The exhibition will also be held at the HCM City Museum of Fine Arts at the same time with Hanoi. The opening ceremony will take place on 10 a.m, March 23 in HCM City.

Vietnam plans to auction 5 million tons of carbon credits

The Vietnamese Government intends to auction approximately five million tons of excess carbon credits through international trading platforms due to the surplus available. 

This information was outlined in a report sent by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to the Prime Minister regarding the implementation status of the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) in the North Central region and the proposal to transfer the surplus greenhouse gas emission reductions for the period of 2018-2019.Specifically, last October, the World Bank (WB) sent a letter confirming Vietnam's emission reduction of 16.21 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Of this amount, Vietnam received a payment of VND1.25 trillion (US$28 million) from the WB for reducing 10.3 million tons of carbon emissions between February 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019.

Of the excess 5.9 million tons of carbon credits, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) plans to sell 1 million to the World Bank, while the rest will be auctioned through international trading platforms.

For the remaining amount of carbon credits, the ministry would seek the World Bank's mediation to find potential buyers under the established ERPA or assist Vietnam in contacting pilot auctions through international trading platforms.

At present, Vietnam lacks experience in finding buyers as the field is still relatively new, the ministry said.

If the pilot auction proposal is approved, the Prime Minister will assign the Ministry of Finance to lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to develop a plan.

Currently, the voluntary carbon market price worldwide fluctuates between $2-4 per ton of CO2, with the carbon price for forestry and land use reaching $3.07 per ton in 2021. According to carboncredits.com, the natural ecosystem carbon price reached $1.57 per ton of CO2 on March 5.

Regarding carbon credit sales, Vietnam has received $51.5 million for verified emission reduction results from the WB, due to forest loss limitations, forest degradation, and increased carbon storage through afforestation and reforestation.

Carbon credit sales are part of the greenhouse gas emissions payment agreement for the North Central region signed on October 22, 2020, between the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) under the World Bank and the MARD.

According to the WB, Vietnam is the first country in the East Asia Pacific region to receive payments based on emission reduction results from the WB's Forest Carbon Partnership Fund.

The MARD recognizes that the success of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program brings Vietnam closer to fulfilling its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement on climate change while also protecting important areas for biodiversity conservation.

Forest carbon credits are generated from emission reduction project activities such as reducing forest loss and degradation, enhancing afforestation, reforestation, vegetation restoration, and improved forest management activities.

Forest owners can convert the area of forests they manage and protect into CO2 absorption amounts, generate carbon credits, and sell these credits in the carbon market through greenhouse gas emission reduction mechanisms.

Vietnamese culture introduced at Francophone event in France

The Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France represented Vietnam at the Week-end de la Francophonie (Francophonie Weekend) on March 23-24, which was held in celebration of the Fifth International Francophonie Day 2024 (March 20) in Yèble (Seine et Marne province), 60km from Paris.

This year's event, the fifth of its kind, hosted nearly 40 booths of members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, French localities and associations. Vietnam was a guest of honour of this year edition.

Adorned with the national flag, the pavilion of Vietnam drew attention of many event-goers. Publications on the country’s tourist attractions along with souvenir and traditional musical instruments were on display.

Besides, a special art programme and traditional Ao Dai (long dress) fashion show were also held during the two-day event.

Deputy director of the centre Tang Thanh Son said through the event, the centre wanted to introduce beautiful images of the S-shaped country and its people.

Marième Tamata-Varin, the Mayor of Yèbles, said that Vietnam is selected as a guest of honour of this year’s event because the country has always actively participated in all past editions of the city’s International Francophonie Day.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), acknowledged that the event was an excellent opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture to foreign friends, through activities to introduce the country's beauty, heritages recognised by UNESCO, culture imbued with national identity, as well as the Vietnamese people who are friendly and ready to cooperate with international partners and friends for peace and development.

First held in 2015, the biennial Francophonie Weekend in Yebles offers chances for participating countries to introduce their culture through music, cuisine, literature and folk games, as well as bolster mutual understanding via discussions on emerging issues in member countries./.

Hungarian magazine wants to publish more information of Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Thi Bich Thao has received Director of Eurasia Centre under Hungary’s John von Neumann University, Dr. Levente Horvath, who expressed his hope that the Eurasia Magazine run by the centre can report more information on Vietnam’s reform and development achievements.

Horvath, who is Editor-in-Chief of Eurasia Magazine, thanked the Vietnamese Embassy for cooperation with the journal, especially the ambassador’s exclusive interview granted to the magazine in its latest edition on the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Hungary in January.

The magazine wants to run more stories from the Vietnamese perspective about Vietnam in the fields of economy, politics, culture, tourism and cuisine, thus enhancing Hungarian people’s understanding of Vietnam’s achievements in national reform and development, he stated.

The scholar added that he hopes that John von Neumann University and Vietnamese universities will strengthen their collaboration.

For her part, Ambassador Thao highlighted the sound relations between Vietnam and Hungary over the past 70 years, which have been reinforced through regular visits by senior leaders of the two countries.

She said the embassy is willing to provide the magazine with updated information on Vietnam’s development, aiming to bring Vietnamese and Hungarian people closer together, narrow down the cultural gap and building trust, thus contributing to bolstering economic, trade, tourism and labour ties between the two countries.

The diplomat said that to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam-Hungary diplomatic relations in 2025, the two countries will organise various activities, including those in culture, economy as well as delegation exchanges. She expressed hope to continue to collaborate with Eurasia Magazine.

Horvath said that his magazine is ready to run a special edition to commemorate 75 years of Vietnam-Hungary relations (1950-2025).

Eurasia Magazine is sponsored by the Hungarian National Bank to provide policy advice to the Hungarian government and businesses. It is published monthly in English and quarterly in Hungarian, while its website is constantly updated with articles about Hungary's relations with Asian countries in many fields such as technology, infrastructure, economic policy, geopolitics, culture, and sports.

In 2022, the John von Neumann University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation with the Vietnam University of Commerce./.

Seventh Adobe design skills world championship opens

The Vietnam round of the seventh Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) World Championship 2024 kicked off in Hanoi on March 24, attracting nearly 250 standout contestants from secondary schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country.

The competition with two categories of ACP Photoshop and ACP Illustrator will take place at three venues in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to find the 15 finalists to enter the national final round. Three most excellent contestants will represent Vietnam at the ACP World Championship, slated for July in the US.

Winners of gold, silver and bronze medals will walk away with awards worth 8,000 USD, 4,000 USD and 2,000 USD.

The Adobe Certified Professional World Championship presented by Certiport is a global competition that tests students’ design skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Open to students from 13 to 22 years old, the annual event attracts hundreds of thousands of contestants from nearly 70 countries and territories across the globe every year.

Top students are invited to represent their respective countries at the World Championship where they will create a designated design project for Certiport’s chosen nonprofit client.  In some countries or regions, students are required to participate in a National Championship, and the winners of that event continue on to the World Championship.

In previous tournaments, Vietnam won one bronze medal, two Most Voted Audience Awards and made the top ten in the world competition for three times./.

Career orientation workshop held to support Vietnamese students in US

The Association of Vietnamese Students in the US and Career Pass Institute USA (CPI) on March 23 held a workshop to give job orientation consultation and connect Vietnamese students in the US.

More than 150 participants including Vietnamese experts, businesspeople and students attended the event held at the office of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) in New York while many others joined online.

During the event, speakers shared experiences in finding a job after graduating from a university in the US and gave the students advice on preparing application documents and interviews. The event is among a series of career orientation events taking place throughout March 2024, including online discussions, to update both Vietnamese university students in the US and high school students in Vietnam on recruitment trends and human resource needs in the US in the fields of finance, technology, and creativity.

Speaking at the event, Vu Thi Mai Lien - a representative of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN - affirmed that the permanent mission always considers supporting the Vietnamese community in the US an important task.

It has sponsored many activities organised by associations of youth and students in New York in particular and in the US in general including career orientation events, she said, adding that it will keep promoting such activities./.   

Vietnam’s tourism destinations introduced at tourism fair in Malaysia

Many tourism attractions of Vietnam were introduced at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair 2024 which took place in Kuala Lumpur from March 22-24.

The fair was a rendezvous for travel agents, airlines, restaurants and hotels both in Malaysia and abroad to seek partners and explore destinations, new ideas and attractions.

The annual event, the biggest of its kind in Malaysia, showcased nearly 1,400 booths of nearly 5,000 tourism agents, hotels, according to MATTA President Nigel Wong.

On the occasion, Malaysia Airlines announced the decision to open direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to the central beach city of Da Nang, Vietnam with a frequency of five flights a week. Malaysia’s Golden Destination introduced many tours to Vietnam with famous destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Sapa in the north, Golden Bridge and Hoi An ancient town in the central region, and familiar destinations such as the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, among others./.    

Nearly 500 athletes join triathlon competition in Binh Thuan

Vietnam FesTrival Binh Thuan 2024, a triathlon competition, was held in in the central province of Binh Thuan on March 24, drawing nearly 500 athletes from 19 countries.

The event was jointly organised by the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, the Stop And Sports JSC and the Vietnam Triathlon Club.

Athletes competed in two categories with the first one featuring a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycling race and a 21.1km run and the second a 950m swim, a 45km cycling race and a 10.55km run.

Following the success of the inaugural season, the tournament received extensive positive feedback from athletes and experts. This year, the organisers aim to deliver another professional tournament while also providing a festival-like atmosphere for athletes to meet, interact, and share their passion for the sport.

This large-scale sports contest is part of activities held to commemorate the 49th anniversary of Binh Thuan Liberation Day (April 19, 1975 - April 19, 2024).

The tournament aims to showcase the scenic beauty of Binh Thuan to both local and international audiences, thereby supporting the province's goal of becoming a national marine sports centre./.

Overseas Vietnamese, businessmen help boost friendship with Czech Republic: diplomat

The development and integration of the Vietnamese community, including businessmen, has made an important contribution to consolidating and strengthening the position of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic, as well as to promoting the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

The statement was made by Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam at a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community and enterprises in Moravian-Silesian Region as part of his working visit to the country's easternmost area on March 22-23.

Nam appreciated the efforts of the Vietnamese Association in Northern Moravia and Ostrava in uniting the community, and organising diverse activities, thereby helping preserve and spread the Vietnamese culture. The ambassador affirmed that the embassy is always ready to support Vietnamese associations in the host country.

At the meeting, the diplomat answered questions related to issues related to Vietnamese law on nationality and civil status.

Trung expressed his desire to receive Vietnamese labourers to work at Elmich's factories and his hope that labour cooperation between the two countries will make progress in the near future./.

Hậu Giang boosts tourism promotion

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Hậu Giang has identified ecotourism and culinary attractions as key factors to boost tourism.

In 2024, Hậu Giang will conduct surveys and seminars to collect opinions on ecotourism and community-based tourism development from the community, experts, tourism agencies, and authorities from other provinces to help form plans to promote tourism and attract visitors.

The province has the potential for ecotourism with impressive ecology diversity and beautiful landscapes.

The Lung Ngọc Hoàng Nature Reserve in Phụng Hiệp District is the province’s wetland ecosystem zone, which is home to 206 animals and bird species, and 330 different plants.

Opening in 2021, the venue has become a new destination for tourists in the region, offering a variety of activities such as exploring the area with electric cars, boats and bicycles, watching birds, playing folk games, and enjoying local food.

The province also has the advantage of promoting community-based tourism and agricultural tourism with vast rice fields, craft villages, fruit orchards and tourism areas such as the 100-year-old Phụng Hiệp Floating Market in Ngã Bảy City, the Phú Hữu Tourism Area in Châu Thành District, and the Long Trị Tangerine Village in Long Mỹ District.

Hậu Giang also has a special national relic – the Chương Thiện Victory Monument in Long Mỹ – to commemorate the victory of 75 enemy battalions of troops and people of area 9, and several historical relics in praise of the patriotism and bravery of the people and soldiers in the resistance war.

Nguyễn Thị Lý, deputy director of the province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “In 2024, Hậu Giang continues to create and develop new tourism products and encourage people and organisations to invest in tourism development in the province.”

She added: “The province will boost the promotion and introduction of destinations and tourism products on the Internet and social media platforms to attract tourists and investors from Việt Nam and abroad.”

Apart from ecotourism, Hậu Giang is planning to promote the province’s cuisine.

The province will host a traditional cake making contest to introduce the province’s cuisine and create an opportunity for cuisine artisans to meet and share their cooking skills and experiences with audiences.

The province will film a series of video clips to promote the specialities of Hậu Giang and Mekong Delta to food lovers nationwide.

According to the department, Hậu Giang welcomed 560,000 visitors in 2023, including 25,000 foreign tourists. Tourism revenue was VNĐ236 billion (US$951,000). 

Mong Cai Border Gate see thousands of daily Chinese visitors

Mong Cai Border Gate in the northern province of Quang Ninh is serving between 20,500-30,000 Chinese tourists to Vietnam, according to the Mong Cai Customs Department.

The department said that the number of Chinese visitors to the country has been rising since the beginning of this year, particularly at weekends.

"They are mostly arriving in tour groups and stay for a short time in Vietnam," the department said. Mong Cai City has recently developed four tours to 15 local destinations to serve the increasing number of visitors.

Local authorities have also upgraded 14 markets and four shopping centres due to the recent high shopping.

At present, the city is home to over 200 hotels and guesthouses with over 3,000 rooms including. Mong Cai and Dongxing international border gates officially resumed customs clearance procedures for tourists in March last year following the Covid-19 hiatus.

Quang Ninh authorities have allowed private cars to and from Vietnam through the gate as part of a pilot programme that will last until September 2026.

Hanoi to build more than 140 national-standard schools

Hanoi plans to raise the total number of public schools meeting national standards to 141 in 2024, surpassing the city's target by 27 schools, according to the Hanoi Department of Education and Training.

Among them,  there are 55 kindergartens, 52 primary schools, 29 junior high schools and five high schools. National standards for schools in Vietnam include having a spacious playground, sports fields, disaster safety, and anti-glare boards.

Earlier, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training said it had reviewed, compiled and submitted to the city a plan to build 114 public schools that meet national standards in districts and towns, including 43 kindergartens, 44 primary schools, 24 middle schools and three high schools.

According to the 2024 Plan, units and localities are urgently implementing the construction of national standard schools, the ministry added.

The city's Department of Education and Training acknowledges that building schools meeting national standards in the city still faces many challenges, such as a lack of land reserve for new school construction or expansion and a shortage of funds for facilities, equipment and personnel. 

To realize the set plan, the Municipal Department of Education and Training asked authorities of districts and towns to prioritize focus resources in building schools that meet national standards.

The department also urged the city People's Committee to promptly address the difficulties and obstacles in implementing the construction of national standard schools.

Eighth grader suffers serious injury after basketball court altercation

A schoolboy is in a coma with a serious brain injury after a fight with another pupil on the basketball court.

Police in Long Biên District, Hà Nội, are investigating the incident that took place on March 17 around 2pm at the Đình Lệ Mật court in Việt Hưng Ward.

"We have obtained information and have organised an investigation. However, because the child is in a coma, we have not been able to assess the situation," said a senior police officer.

According to the victim's family, the student, N.H.Đ, born in 2010. is currently in a state of brain death.

It is understood the injured boy got into an altercation with a sixth grader who left the court but returned with a large group of youths.

It is alleged the gang assaulted the 14-year-old who was rushed to hospital. His condition is said to be serious with little chance of him making a full recovery. 

Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation. 

Francophonie people run for ‘Ensemble’

Nguyễn Duy Lâm and Lê Thị Huyền Trang won the men and women's 2024 Course de la Francophonie (Race of the Francophonie), a large sporting event for the French speaking community. 

On March 24 in Hà Nội, both left their nearest rivals far behind after leading from the off. 

In the men's 10km class, Lâm, a winner of many amateur races in the capital, took first place ahead of Vũ Văn Luân and Vũ Quang Trung.

Meanwhile Trang ran solo to the finish line, leaving Trần Hồng Hạnh and Nguyễn Thảo in second and third places.

Nguyễn Minh Hoàng, Trần Hữu Gia Bảo and Nguyễn Phạm Khôi Nguyên were top three in the boys' U12 class.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Chi and Chu Văn Toàn were women's and men's winners in the 5km categories.

Nguyễn An Nhiên and Trần Minh Huy claimed the girls' and boys' U12 5km titles. Organisers also presented awards for winners of different categories at the ceremony at the main gate of Thống Nhất Park and running around Thiền Quang Lake.

After the ceremony, runners and supporters enjoyed art performances and plays from students of many schools which have French classes in the city.

The organisers also held a quiz Francophone community with many interesting prizes.

Nearly 2,000 runners registered for the second season of the tournament which was entitled Ensemble.

The event was jointly organised by the Francophone University Agency (AUF), the Embassy of France to Việt Nam and the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF).

As one of the activities to celebrate Francophone month, the event aimed to highlight the vitality of the Francophone community in Việt Nam; create a playground to strengthen the cohesion of the Francophone community; build up the core values of solidarity, compassion and sharing ​in the community; and contribute to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals. 

Vietnamese Students' Association in Belgium convenes 5th congress

The Vietnamese Students' Association in Belgium (SIVIBI) on March 23 convened its 5th congress to review activities during the 2021-2024 term and set out orientations for the next three years.

More than 30 delegates representing over 500 Vietnamese students who are studying at 12 universities in 10 cities and provinces in Belgium attended the congress.

During the last term, SIVIBI paid much attention to expanding the association, attracting more members, and taking part in activities held by the Vietnamese association in Belgium. Particularly, the association implemented a programme that offered support to Vietnamese students as soon as they arrived in Belgium to start their study.

It also actively joined events to promote Vietnamese culture in the host country.

Speaking at the congress, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao pointed out important tasks for SIVIBI to further develop the community of Vietnamese students in Belgium and contribute to Vietnam’s development.

He urged overseas Vietnamese students to focus on studying, and develop comprehensively.

SIVIBI was also requested to closely connect with domestic associations and the Vietnamese community in Belgium to build a strong network that will support its members better./.

RoK wants to invest in Hue Central Hospital's second establishment

A delegation from the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s National Assembly (NA) on March 25 paid a working visit to the Hue Central Hospital's second establishment in Phong Dien district in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue to discuss investment cooperation opportunities and projects between the two sides.

On this occasion, Speaker of the Korean National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo sent a greeting video clip to the hospital’s staff, in which he showed his expectations for the prosperous development of the Hue Central Hospital's second establishment, and pledged to pay attention to and provide continuous support for intensifying medical and healthcare cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK in the coming time.

At the meeting, Korean NA deputies were impressed by the changes in facilities, human resources, and medical techniques of the hospital in recent years. They said that there are currently some non-governmental organisations, businesses and hospitals in the RoK that want to introduce cooperative activities to develop and upgrade the establishment in the future.

Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh said that Thua Thien-Hue always pays special attention to Korean partners, and creates favourable conditions for Phong Dien district to seek investment resources and assist the expansion of the Hue Central Hospital's second establishment./.

Stronger ties between Vietnamese, Swiss localities expected

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Quang Phuong and NA Secretary General Bui Van Cuong had a meeting with First Vice President of the Grand Council of the Swiss canton of Bern Dominique Buhler and Secretary General of the Grand Council Patrick Trees on March 25.

The meeting was part of the Vietnamese NA delegation’s working trip to Switzerland.

The two sides discussed parliamentary cooperation and partnerships between the two countries’ localities, including Bern, to help develop the Vietnam - Switzerland relations in a result-oriented manner in all spheres.

Phuong called on Bern to continue supporting and creating optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community in Switzerland to settle down, integrate into the local society, and promote their role as a bridge for enhancing bilateral ties.

At the session, Trees shared the functions, tasks, and experience of the Bern Grand Council’s Secretariat in advising the Secretary General about relevant issues to ensure transparency, modernity, and professionalism in performance.

Also on March 25, the Vietnamese delegation had a working session with Mayor of Bern city Alec von Graffenried.

The NA Vice Chairman of Vietnam briefed the hosts on the country’s socio-economic development achievements over nearly 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal), along with its development targets and strategy.

He expressed his hope that relations between the two countries, their capital cities, and other localities will keep reaping fruitful results to contribute to peace, stability, prosperity, and development.

Mayor Graffenried noted he is impressed with the beauty of the Vietnamese land, people, and culture, adding he hopes to visit Vietnam, its NA building, and Hanoi in the near future.

Earlier, Vice Chairman Phuong and the NA delegation visited and met with members of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland./

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