A view of the Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh Province, which is the first airport in Vietnam to be wholly developed by private investors. The Ministry of Transport in a dispatch recently sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc threw its weight behind a plan calling on private investors to develop an airport in the central province of Quang Tri – PHOTO: VNA

In a dispatch recently sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Ministry of Transport threw its weight behind a plan to call on private investors to develop an airport in the central province of Quang Tri, which will be similar to the investment model that Quang Ninh Province had adopted to build the Van Don International Airport.

In the dispatch, the ministry proposed the prime minister task the provincial government of Quang Tri with preparing the airport project’s prefeasibility study to submit it to the authorities for consideration and approval.

Given the limited State budget, the investment and development of the Quang Tri airport project under the public-private partnership format will be on par with the Government’s plan to call on private investors to support the country’s transport infrastructure projects, the ministry explained.

The ministry added that the Quang Tri airport with total investment of some VND4.4 trillion is appropriate to be built under the PPP format and in line with the scale of investment stipulated in Article 4 of the PPP Investment Law.

Last month, the ministry had made a decision passing a detailed plan to build the Quang Tri airport.

According to the decision, the projected Quang Tri airport will be built on an area of over 316 hectares in Gio Linh District. It will be constructed under the 4C standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization and handle one million passengers and 3,100 tons of cargo per year.

Most recently, the central province wrote to the head of the Government seeking his approval to build the airport under the PPP format and authorize the province to implement the project.

The province added that major investors such as T&T Group and FLC have been keen on studying the development of the project under the format.

Hanoi to use QR Codes to boost tourism

About 38 tourist sites in Hanoi's Tay Ho District has been given QR codes that permits users to quickly search for its information.

This is the idea of Bui The Cuong, party secretary of Tay Ho District, who was given Ly Tu Trong Award on the 90th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh Youth Union.

The project was started last year and divided into three phases. The first phase was carried out from March to July 2020. During this period, the member unions were asked to collect information to create a database about tourist sites in the district. In the second phase, articles about these sites have been posted on the website of Tay Ho District. The third phase is when the authorities manage, maintain and secure the QR codes and their information.

On August 1, 2020, the first QR code was put up at Tran Quoc Pagoda. As of now, up to 38 tourist sites have been given a QR code.

Visitors can easily access the information about the attraction by scanning the code with their mobile phones. The project was also praised by Hanoi Fatherland Front Committee.

Bui The Cuong has been a party secretary of Tay Ho District for four years. In 2020, Tay Ho Youth Union has collaborated with many parties to make 70 automatic hand sanitisers. The team was praised and given a certificate of merit by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Hanoi Youth Union.

"I feel proud and honoured. I'll work harder so that there will be more practical and meaningful activities," he said.

He went on to say that the union should be pro-active in leading young people into the new industrial revolution while preventing fake news and spreading goodness to the community.

Vietnamese official honoured with Italy’s Order of Merit

Phan Thanh Binh, head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Education, Youth and Adolescents and President of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, has been presented with Italy’s Order of Merit.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro handed over the honour to Binh at a ceremony held in Hanoi on March 29, with NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong in attendance.

Phong, who is also President of the Friendship Parliamentarians’ Organisation, said the Order is the Italian State’s recognition of efforts and contributions by Binh and other members of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

Binh and his colleagues have significantly contributed to promoting the legislative ties between Vietnam and Italy, thus enhancing the bilateral strategic partnership, especially in culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, she said./.

Vietnamese young laborers to receive digital skill training

The International Organization for Migration in Vietnam and Microsoft yesterday announced to embark on a project to provide training of digital skills to Vietnamese young laborers.   

The project is a part of the Genuine Software Initiative of Microsoft which has been initiated from 2020 with the aim to deal with increasing challenges as the coronavirus pandemic has spurred a global economic crisis.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Chief of Mission Vietnam Park Mihyung emphasized that digital skills are necessary in modern society. If laborers can’t access opportunities to improve their skills, there will be a higher likelihood that they will be left behind. The coronavirus pandemic has shown the relevance of digital skills in the Covid-19 era.

Moreover, the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is being accelerated by the measures and solutions governments and organizations are adopting in their efforts to maintain business and operational continuity.

Phan Tu Quyen , Chief Marketing and Operations Officer at Microsoft Vietnam, said that the project will build an online digital study-based approach in a bid to create learning chance of basic digital skills and access for roughly 3,000 migrant laborers in industrial parks and export processing zones as well as graduates in the southern provinces of Binh Duong , Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam, Germany cooperate in new technology application

Germany’s Großmann Ingenieur Consult GmbH (GICON®) and the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) have identified cooperation sectors and forms, covering technologies, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on March 29.

Specifically, the two sides will cooperate in applying new technologies in hydro and electricity production, using renewable resources, firstly hydro production from offshore wind energy.

They will also join hands in training, exchange data and information, and use services and experts of each other within the framework of research studies and consultation service projects on energy management.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, held virtually, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu said the signing manifests the enhanced cooperation between the two countries despite COVID-19.

Highlighting the bilateral trade of over 13.2 billion EUR (15.5 billion USD) last year, the ambassador said collaboration in energy, particularly new and renewable energy, has remained a priority in the bilateral ties over the past decade.

Many German companies have engaged in energy transformation in Vietnam, notably solar, wind and biomass energy, as well as smart grid development, according to the diplomat.

The Vietnamese Government has given the high priority to efforts in energy development, towards sustainability, aiming to ensure national energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction, he affirmed.

For his part, Prof., Dr. Jochen Großmann, CEO of GICON®, expressed his delight at the group’s contributions to the Vietnam-Germany relationship, and his belief that the two sides will practically contribute to creating new energy, improving the environment and combating climate change.

He also urged the two sides to quickly set up a working group to materialise the MoU./.

National Wage Council established

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently signed a decision on the establishment of the National Wage Council.

Under Decision No 449/QD-TTg, the council will be headed by Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh.

The three Vice Chairpersons are Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hoang Quang Phong, and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Van Thinh.

Council members include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the VGCL and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, along with experts and scientists.

The Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has been authorised by the PM to appoint and dismiss council members.

The council’s Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, and members will have a working term of no more than five years.

The council is tasked with studying, collecting information, and analysing the wage situation, the minimum living standards of workers, the production and business of enterprises and employment, and other factors that will be used to determine the minimum wage.

It will make reports on the minimum wage of workers and organise annual negotiations to propose Government plans adjusting region-based minimum wages and certain wage policies in line with the Labour Code./.

Voters highly value National Assembly’s 14th tenure

The 14th National Assembly was a tenure of innovation with a bold imprint that was highly valued by voters nationwide. Throughout the term it made a significant mark in terms of legislation, supreme supervision, and decision-making on critical matters facing Vietnam, largely contributing to the renewal process and increasing the country’s position in the international arena.
 
The 14th National Assembly was elected by voters nationwide on May 22, 2016 and operated amid a volatile world and challenges facing Vietnam. Having closely followed its activities, Nguyen Van Hiep, a Hanoi voter, greatly appreciates the achievements the National Assembly has made in recent years.

In its monitoring activities, the 14th tenure of the National Assembly achieved many important results that were recognized by the people and voters throughout the country. It focused on many pressing issues, from socio-economic matters and the State budget to culture, education, and science and technology.

But this was also the term that saw the most deputies dismissed. Voters have expressed a wish that the upcoming National Assembly election will select qualified and talented people that represent the will and aspirations of the people.

Voters also expect that anti-corruption efforts will be further strengthened. Longstanding issues regarding land and complaints that cause frustration in some localities also need to be resolved./.

Fourth working day of 14th National Assembly’s 11th session

The 14th National Assembly continued its 11th session with the fourth working day in Hanoi on March 29, focusing on the reports on performance in the 2016-2021 term of the State President and the Government.

The session, chaired by NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu, was broadcast live by Radio The Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam Television and the NA’s television channel.

During the discussion process, 41 deputies raised opinions and most of them highly agreed with the reports’ contents.

Regarding the Government’s performance report, deputies appreciated the achievements gained during the 2016-2021 tenure of the Government and the Prime Minister, affirming that under the leadership of the Party and the supervision of the National Assembly, the innovation, dynamism and creativeness in direction and administration of the Government and the Prime Minister have contributed greatly to the country’s socio-economic development attainments.

Lawmakers also agreed with contents of the State President’s report, affirming that the State President has fulfilled his missions and effectively exercised his power as regulated by the Constitution and fulfill all tasks assigned by the Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat, thus contributing to, together with the whole Party, people and army, successfully implementing the 12th National Party Congress’s Resolution, the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, and the 14th National Assembly’s resolutions.

They lauded efforts, responsibility and achievements made by the President, the Government and the Prime Minister in the tenure.

Late on the afternoon, NA deputies were given the insignia for the NA’s operations.

On March 30, the legislature will discuss reports on performance in the 2016-2021 tenure of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuracy.

Then the NA Standing Committee will submit to the National Assembly the dismissal of the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council, which will be then discussed by lawmakers in groups.

On the afternoon, deputies are expected to vote for the approval of the Law on Drug Prevention and Control (revised), and cast ballots on the dismissal of the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council. The NA Standing Committee will then submit a list of nominees for the legislature to elect the NA Chairperson and the Chairperson of the National Election Council./.

Insignia for NA operations presented to 14th NA’s deputies

Deputies of the 14th National Assembly were given with the insignia for operations of the National Assembly on March 29 during the 11th session – the last of the 14th tenure.

Speaking at the event, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that the award aims at honouring and acknowledging active and effective contributions of 472 deputies to the legislative body’s activities in this tenure and the following ones.

According to her, the 14th National Assembly is a successful tenure with many outstanding imprints and achievements, demonstrating the great national solidarity.

She expressed her hope that in any positions, the deputies will continue promoting the glorious tradition and solidarity of the legislature and the nation to contribute more to the country.

Deputies appreciate efforts, responsibility of State President, Government

National Assembly deputies have acknowledged and appreciated efforts, responsibility, achievements and imprints of the State President, the Government and the Prime Minister in the 2016-2021 tenure.

The NA devoted the whole day discussing the State President and Government’s performance reports in the tenure during the 14th legislature’s 11th session on March 29.

According to deputies, the success of the term is the combined result of the path of solidarity and integrity led by the General Secretary and State President, the result of the ruling standards of the National Assembly and the Government’s decisive and sincere actions, thus helping inspire people and businesses’ confidence and encourage them to join hands in making the country to overcome difficulties, disasters and diseases, and quickly adapt to global fluctuations.

They emphasised the importance of harmonious coordination between the Party Central Committee, the Party General Secretary and State President, the National Assembly, the Government, and the high consensus of the entire political system, people from all walks of life and the business community.

Many lawmakers said that there remain shortcomings and some cases that have not been fully solved, thus causing public concerns, including a lot of complaints and denunciations, especially those related to land issues.

Many of them proposed the Government pay more attention to the education and dissemination of laws, the assessment of draft laws and legal documents, and maintain the discipline of law making and enforcement.

The Government should continue stepping up administrative reform and cut down on administrative procedures that cause troubles for businesses and citizens, facilitate corruption.

It is also important to better citizen reception, solve voters’ petitions and complaints and denunciations, and improve the execution of administrative judgments so as to ensure the rights and interests of people, businesses and the State, they stated.

Deputies also suggested the State President and Government direct the implementation of the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution, continue concretising the 2013 Constitution, effectively carry out law and judicial reform strategies, perfect the organisation of State administrative offices, and increase the quality of officials and public servants.

Legislators comment on Gov’t performance over last five years

Deputies of the 14th National Assembly (NA) discussed the Government’s report on its performance in the 2016-2021 tenure on March 29 as part of their ongoing 11th session.

Legislators held that digital transformation in the State apparatus will pave the way for the transition from a managing Government to a serving Government, thus creating a breakthrough in management.

Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy from Hanoi, said the 2016-2021 tenure was successful for Vietnam in all regards, with good GDP growth, a stable macro-economy, improved living conditions, and rising national economic scale, becoming one of the 40 largest economies in the world.

The national credit rating stands at “BB” with a stable outlook, and the value of the national brand rose 29 percent, among the highest increases in the world, he noted, adding that Vietnam is also considered a safe and attractive destination by international investors.

The success of the Government in controlling bad debts during the tenure provided favourable conditions for the Government in the next tenure to increase investment resources. He underlined that the trade balance is now in surplus to the tune of nearly 20 billion USD, while foreign currency reserves have risen to 100 billion USD, demonstrating the country’s success in international economic integration.

Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong from the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, meanwhile, pointed to shortcomings in the tenure, including a number of poor-quality bills submitted to the National Assembly.

In the next tenure, Nhuong suggested that the Government focus more on popularising laws and ensuring discipline in law building and enforcement, while strengthening inspections over the implementation of laws.

The Government should also continue speeding up administrative reforms and cut procedures that cause confusion among businesses and people or contain loopholes that can be abused for corruption.

He also said it should strengthen environmental protection, quickly implement a project on planting 1 billion trees, and exercise care about building sustainable urban areas along the banks of the Red River and the construction of flood drainage areas.

It is necessary to pay greater attention to the development of the agricultural sector to make the country a world power in the field, he said.

The deputy also proposed that the Government and the Prime Minister further foster the relationship with the NA in launching, reviewing, adjusting, and deciding on policies and controlling the enforcement of laws.

Hanoi’s police detain man for anti-State propaganda

Hanoi’s police have taken a man into custody as they investigate allegations of “making, storing, distributing, or disseminating information, documents, and items against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam” under Article 117 of the 2015 Penal Code.

The Investigation Security Agency under the municipal Department of Public Security said on March 29 that they arrested Le Trong Hung, born in 1979 and living in Thanh Luong ward in the capital’s Hai Ba Trung district.

The Hanoi People’s Procuracy on March 27 approved the Investigation Security Agency’s decision to detain Hung and search his home.

Investigations are underway in line with regulations, the police said./.

Primary student dies after drinking liquid rat bait

An eight-year-old boy died in Dong Nai Province, while another, aged 7, is being treated at the Dong Nai Children’s Hospital after drinking liquid rat bait which resembles a soft drink, the hospital said on March 29.

Earlier at 9.00 p.m. on March 27, the hospital admitted the two child patients, who were identified as L.H.P and V.N.D.Q, residing in Bien Hoa City, the local media reported.

While being admitted to the hospital, P. went into a coma and convulsion and suffered lower blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia. Despite doctors’ treatment efforts, the patient was reported dead some hours later.

Meanwhile, Q. suffered from a headache and vomiting, so he was transferred to the Department of Neurological Hematology. He is still being monitored.

On March 27, the two primary students collected a tube of pink water and drank it as they thought that it was a soft drink, which led to the poisoning, said Q.

Some doctors at the Dong Nai Children’s Hospital said that the tube of pink water without any label was China’s liquid rat bait that was banned for use.

Quang Tri to kick off sea-island tourism programme in April

As local tourism starts to get busier thanks to COVID-19 being largely brought under control and warmer temperatures arriving, the central province of Quang Tri is planning to begin its season of sea-island tourism with a festival starting on April 30.

Taking place at the Cua Viet tourism site and Gio Hai Beach, the six-day festival will feature myriad enticing activities, including an arts programme, a conference on tourism cooperation promotion, a display of local specialties, and a food fair.

Local tourist destinations welcomed higher numbers of visitors in the closing days of March, with motorboats beginning to ferry passengers to Con Co Island and the food street on Cua Viet Beach in Gio Linh district opening to visitors.

Authorities are now rushing to improve related infrastructure and environmental sanitation standards, as well as promote local tourist destinations.

Most recently, the provincial People’s Committee directed the development of transport infrastructure for tourism activities at Ba Voi Waterfall in Dak Rong district and Ta Puong Waterfall in Huong Hoa district. People must currently walk along forest trails and cross streams to reach the two destinations./.

Professional football contracts up for grabs at tournament

V.League 1 leaders Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) have worked with Red Bull to launch a recruitment tournament to give youngsters the chance to experience professional football training.

People from 15 to 20 years old are eligible to take part in the programme in five cities and provinces of Tiền Giang, Cần Thơ, An Giang, Pleiku and Bình Thuận from April.

Candidates will be divided into teams to compete in 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 three-minute matches. The four best players from each province or city will be shortlisted for the final round in HCM City in June.

The final will see the 20 selected players competing in teams of five. HAGL will select up to four winners from those 20.

The winners will have the chance to participate in four months of training with the club's young teams at same ages.

They will also enjoy a VNĐ20 million (US$870) scholarship from Red Bull. 

Successful trainees will have chance to sign a contract with HAGL to become professional footballers.

“Young people's path to their dreams will always be full of obstacles. Red Bull hopes to empower them with positive energy to evoke the inner strength within each young talent and cultivate their resilience, both physically and mentally,” said Nguyễn Thanh Huân, country director of TCPVN, owner of Red Bull, the leading energy drink brand from Thailand.

“We believe that our programme will give them confidence and courage to overcome any challenges they might encounter in their pursuit of professional football.”

Nguyễn Tấn Anh, managing director of HAGL FC, stated: “The potential, capability, and perseverance of young Vietnamese football players, especially those aged 15-20, are tremendous. Many talented football players are waiting for a chance to receive the necessary attention to shine. Through this recruitment tournament, we hope to discover the most promising faces and let them become part of our club’s talent pool.”

HAGL have nurtured several of the national team's top players in recent years.

Their successful players include strikers Nguyễn Công Phượng and Nguyễn Văn Toàn, and midfielders Lương Xuân Trường and Nguyễn Tuấn Anh who contributed greatly to SEA Games title in 2019 and the AFF Cup trophy in 2018. 

India, Vietnam see increase in diabetes cases

India and Việt Nam are experiencing an increase in diabetes cases, with a doubling of the number of cases every 10 years, health experts said at a webinar on "India- Việt Nam Thematic Partnership on Diabetes" held on Saturday.

Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Dung, president of HCM City Medical Association, said: “In Việt Nam, 3.5 million people with diabetes were reported in 2015 by the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, and this number is forecasted to increase to 6.1 million by 2040.”

According to a Health Ministry 2015 survey, the prevalence of diabetes in the 50-69 age group in Việt Nam was 7.7 per cent and was becoming younger.

“Only 31.1 per cent of diabetic patients are diagnosed. Most of them go to the hospital in the late stage. So, early detection helps patients save treatment costs and minimize complications, and we know that complications from diabetes are often very serious and most of the cost of treatment is to treat complications,” Dung said.

Dr Mai Trọng Trí of the endocrinology department at People’s Hospital 115 said: “Diabetic foot syndrome prevalence in Việt Nam is common and increasing.”

Screening is very important to detect the disease early, Trí said, adding: “Multidisciplinary approaches in treatment of the syndrome are done to improve patient’s outcome.”

Three-minute foot exams for diabetic patients in primary and diabetic care clinics in rural regions in Việt Nam have been provided, he added. 

Dr Nguyễn Thy Khuê, vice president of HCMC Medical Association and president of Diabetes Association, said that most of the latest medicines to treat diabetes are available in the country and covered by health insurance.

In the country’s rural areas, access to this medicine is limited but those with sufficient financial resources can go to large cities such as Hà Nội and HCM City for treatment, Khuê said.

The cost for diabetes treatment, especially complications such as diabetic foot syndrome, is very high, she added.

One of the most effective treatments is to change lifestyle and exercise, she said.

In the early stages, patients only need to eat the right way and do exercise, she added.    

Ambassador of India to Vietnam H.E. Pranay Verma said that India is among the top 10 countries with the highest diabetes incidences in the world, with 77 million patients. One in six people suffers from diabetes.  

Indian and Vietnamese doctors are collaborating in treatment, especially for diabetes, Verma said.

Indian doctors said that awareness among the general population is crucial. All diabetics need risk assessment and evaluation for liver involvement. Diabetes as well as liver disease is a "ticking bomb".

Professor Jayanta Panda of the Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College said that the burden of diabetes in the young is significant as over 40 per cent of Indian population is under 29 years old.

Type 1 diabetes was previously thought to be only a form of diabetes in youth, but type 2 diabetes increasingly has been reported among youth, Panda said.

The webinar was held by the Consulate General of India in HCM City and the HCM City Medical Association to share information and experiences among colleagues in Việt Nam and India.

It featured presentations about the early onset of Type 2 Diabetes, fatty liver disease in diabetic patients, risk factors and clinical profiles of Asian diabetic patients with a focus on the similarities between Vietnamese and Indians, and a diabetic foot programme which reflects the endeavours of specialists in Việt Nam to coordinate multidisciplinary action to care for this common complication and improve its prognosis.

The Consulate General of India said this was the first time the Consulate had organised a medical webinar between doctors from India and Việt Nam. More webinars are planned on kidney, heart, liver, brain, spine and other medical subjects. 

Six more petrol stations in HCMC, Long An under inspection

The Dong Nai police have cordoned off and inspected six more petrol stations in HCMC and Long An for their alleged involvement in a 2.7-million-liter poor-quality fuel trading ring and detained two suspects.

The provincial police said on March 29 that the suspects were Le Hung Phong and Do Van Ba, who live in HCMC, the local media reported.

On March 28, the Dong Nai police teamed up with the Criminal Police Department, the HCMC and Long An police and the Ministry of Public Security’s officers to raid six more petrol stations owned by Huynh Khang Company Ltd. in HCMC’s Binh Chanh District and Binh Long Petrol Private Company in Long An Province’s Ben Luc District.

The police collected documents and bills associated with the ring of smuggling, producing and trading sub-standard fuels, which was co-led by Phan Thanh Huu, residing in HCMC, aged 64. In the massive poor-quality fuel ring, Phong and Ba were identified as managers of the two firms.

Up to now, the investigators of the Dong Nai Police Department have launched criminal proceedings against 41 individuals related to the ring, confiscated 10 boats, six tank trucks, 2.7 million liters of petrol, VND120 billion in cash and numerous exhibits.

Over 68,000 contestants take competency assessment examination (first phase)

More than 68,000 contestants participated in the first phase of the competency assessment examination, organised by the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) at seven venues in HCM City, Da Nang and the provinces of Ben Tre, An Giang, Khanh Hoa, Bac Lieu and Dak Lak, on March 28.

Director of the Centre for Educational Testing and Quality Assessment at the VNUHCM, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh, said the proportion of contestants sitting the exam reached nearly 98% of the total registration, adding the exam was held in a safe and effective manner with synchronous COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

According to him, the results of the exam (phase 1) will be announced in a week’s time. Students who did not take the exam’s first phase on March 28 can register for the second phase from May 4 to June 4, which will be organised in HCM City, Da Nang, An Giang Province and Khanh Hoa Province one week after the conclusion of the 2021 National High School Graduation Exam.

Since its debut in 2018, the VNUHCM’s competency assessment examinations have received much positive feedback and trust from society. In addition to the VNUHCM’s member universities, the number of universities and colleges outside the VNUHCM system using the results of the exams for their admission has increased nearly three-fold, from 24 to more than 70 in 2021.

Notably, the enrollment quota of the VNUHCM’s member universities based on the competency assessment examinations’ results has recorded a surge in 2021, with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities admitting a maximum of 50% of its total enrollment quota and the University of Technology admitting 70% of its total quota.

First heat wave to hit Hanoi this week 

Temperature would be particularly high in the capital city of Hanoi, with approximately 38 degrees Celsius on April 2.

Northern localities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, will endure their first major hot spell of the 2021 summer with temperatures in some places reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

The blazingly-hot temperatures will last from March 30 until April 2, the NCHMF said, adding that temperatures would range from between 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Temperature would be particularly high in the capital city of Hanoi, with approximately 38 degrees Celsius on April 2.

From the beginning of this week, the scorching heat would be felt in the northwestern region and Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces in north central Vietnam, as well as a large area stretching from the central city Danang to the southern province of Khanh Hoa, with temperatures reaching 35-38 degrees Celsius at noon.

As the searing heat is accompanied by increased levels of UV rays, local people are recommended to put on sunglasses, masks, and gloves in an effort to protect their skin whilst commuting.

People are cautioned to prevent likely fire in residential areas as well as wildfire and are advised to avoid outdoor activities from 11 am to 4 pm, drink enough water and proper diet to enhance the immune system.

This summer, some parts across Vietnam are predicted to see the mercury climbing up to the unbelievable 39-42 degrees Celsius, and the temperatures at some points may hit record highs, the NCHMF said.

Meanwhile, the South of Vietnam is expected to suffer from suffocating hot weather for many days. Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) will see a UV index reading of 11 or more, posing high risk of skin damage, including skin cancer, for people exposed under the sun for a long time.

The city may experience sweltering temperatures averaging 35-38 degrees in the dry season, which is 0.5 to 1 degree higher than the average temperature many years before, causing the possibility of low rainfall in the mid-May.

German historian: My Lai massacre a terrible war crime

The My Lai massacre was a terrible war crime in its dimensions but it was not an isolated incident, German historian Bernd Greiner from Hamburg was quoted as saying by the German-based public-broadcasting radio station Deutschlandfunk.

The radio station broadcast a programme on the My Lai massacre on March 28, giving the audiences detailed information on the wartime crime committed by the US army in Vietnam in March 1968.

Deutschlandfunk recalled that by the end of 1965, about 100,000 US soldiers were stationed in South Vietnam, and the number even reached half a million at certain times in 1968. However, the US troops could not defeat the resistance war of the Vietnamese people.

On March 16, 1968, a unit of US soldiers led by 24-year-old Lieutenant William Calley raided My Lai hamlet of Son My village in the central province of Quang Ngai, where they shot at anything that moved, be they men or women, the elderly or children. As many as 504 unarmed civilians were killed.

On March 29, 1971, Calley was convicted by a US military court for the willful homicide of 22 civilians and attempted murder of a two-year-old child and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was the only one convicted in the case.

However, Calley served only three days of his sentence in jail, then President Richard Nixon personally ordered him to be released and placed under house arrest. Nixon finally pardoned Calley in 1974.

Bernd Greiner said there were dozens of other massacres, not necessarily on the scale of My Lai, but it will never be possible to determine exactly how many victims were actually injured or killed as a result of these attacks.

Vietnam records three imported COVID-19 cases

Three imported cases of COVID-19 were detected in the past 12 hours to 6pm March 29, who were put into quarantine after entry, according to the Health Ministry.

Of the new patients, two are Vietnamese women entering through the Moc Bai international border gate and are now being treated at the General Hospital of Tay Ninh province, and the remainder is a 30-year-old Indian expert. She is now being quarantined and treated at the Cu Chi Hospital for COVID-19 treatment in Ho Chi Minh City.

The new cases brought the national count to 2,594.

A total of 2,308 COVID-19 patients have been given the all clear by now.

Among those still under treatment, 30 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 38 twice and 57 thrice.

A total of 44,833 people are being quarantined nationwide, with 483 at hospitals, 18,412 at concentrated facilities and 25,938 at their accommodations.

The Health Ministry advised people to remain proactive in pandemic prevention and control by continuing to wear face masks when going out, disinfecting frequently, maintaining a safe distance, refraining from mass gatherings, and making medical declarations./.

Embassy keeps close watch on situation in northern Mozambique: ambassador

The Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique has always kept a close watch on the situation relating to terrorist attacks in northern Mozambique, and given advice to Vietnamese citizens in the affected areas.

Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang affirmed that no Vietnamese citizens have their life or health harmed by terrorist attacks and extreme violence in northern Mozambique.

The ambassador made the remarks in the context of recent attacks on foreigners in Palma town in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has triggered international concern.

According to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), the conflict, which intensified on March 26, has left dozens dead while about 60 people are believed to be still missing after a group of terrorists stormed into the town.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa said many South Africans have been affected by these attacks, and a South African man is among the dead.

The department said South Africa is now working with the local authorities on verifications through its mission in Maputo, as well as providing the necessary consular services.

“South Africa stands ready to work with the government of Mozambique in pursuit of lasting peace and stability,” it said./.

Construction trucks blamed for traffic hazards in Ha Dong

Many residents in Hanoi's Ha Dong District are complaining about the streets being polluted by overloaded constructions trucks.

According to the people living along Nguyen Thanh Binh Street, they have seen a large number of trucks carrying mud and soil travel even during banned hours. Those trucks were always overloaded and weren't covered. As the result, waste and construction materials fell onto the streets. When it rains, the 300-metre section became muddy because of all the waste materials.

A sign has already been put up on Nguyen Thanh Binh, banning trucks that weigh over 1.5 tonnes from operating from 6 am to 9 pm. However, it is largely ignored. 

Most of those trucks pick up waste materials from a construction site near La Khe Bridge. The overloaded trucks operating on the streets, especially during rush hours, have raised public concerns about polluted streets and traffic hazards.

"My daughter often goes home on this street and I'm scared. The sand fell down from the uncovered truck and hurt my eyes," said a motorbike driver. "Urbanisation shouldn't be allowed to affect daily lives like this. I wonder where the police are."

Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway proposed to start construction in 2022

The 156km-long Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway, which would provide a transport axis for the Mekong Delta, is expected to kick-off construction next year to be completed by 2025.

The My Thuan Project Management Unit has just proposed the Ministry of Transport to appraise the pre-feasibility study of the Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway project.

Accordingly, the 156km expressway will begin at the Cha Va intersection in Binh Minh town, Vinh Long province, about 4.5km downstream from Can Tho Bridge, and will end at the intersection of Tac Van route, bypassing National Highway 1 through Ca Mau city. The route will travel through six localities in the Mekong Delta including Vinh Long, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau, with Soc Trang and Bac Lieu accommodating the longest road stretches of 64.56km and 51.89km.

The construction will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will include a two-lane road surface of 13.75m in width, accommodating travelling speeds of up to 80kmh, as well as a 5m-wide local road.
The construction will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will include a two-lane road surface of 13.75m in width, accommodating travelling speeds of up to 80kmh, as well as a 5m-wide local road.

Once reaching completion, the route will be upgraded to four lanes with 24.75m in total width. Particularly, the 30.9km section crossing with the Chau Doc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Expressway will be built with a scale of six lanes, 32.25m wide with a designed speed of 100kmh.

According to the My Thuan Project Management Unit, the Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway project is divided into two component projects. The first one from Can Tho to Bac Lieu will use approximately VND37.611 trillion ($1,629 billion) of public capital from the medium-term public investment plan for 2021-2025.

The second one will go from Bac Lieu to Ca Mau under the management of Ca Mau People's Committee. It will have an investment capital of around VND64 trillion ($2,774 billion) and will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) format as directed by the prime minister in August 2020.

The Can Tho-Ca Mau Expressway will provide an axis for the Mekong Delta, connecting the region's economic centre with the southernmost tip of the country and completing the regional road network and reducing the load on National Highway 1, serving as a gateway to major urban centres.

Campaign launched in HCMC to promote public exercise among public

A campaign titled “All people exercise following great Uncle Ho’s example” was launched for the 2021-2030 period in Ho Chi Minh City on March 28 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the city’s municipal People’s Committee, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

In recent years, the campaign has been well implemented in the city, with the organisation of various activities, including events to prevent drowning among children, boat races, bicycling, and summer sporting events in rural areas.

In the 2021-2030 period, the organiser targeted to promote the practice of regular exercise and sport activities at the grass roots level, State-run agencies, schools, businesses and social organisations.

The campaign also looked to attract further participation among schoolchildren, elders, people with disabilities, public servants, and workers.

At the launching ceremony, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented certificates of merit to collectives and individuals who have made significant contributions to the programme on safe swimming and drowning prevention for children in the 2016-2020 period.

Outstanding contributors of the campaign “All people take exercises following great Uncle Ho’s example” from 2012-2020 also received accolades from the Ho Chi Minh Municipal People’s Committee.

The Olympic Run Day 2021 also took place on the same day, attracting around 5,000 participants across the city.

Participants competed in the 5km route, running through famous sites like the headquarters of the People’s Committee, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office.

Cong Phuong inspires HAGL towards fabulous win against HCM City

Popular striker Nguyen Cong Phuong was on target after coming off the bench to steer Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) to a fantastic 3-0 home victory over Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City in V.League 1 on March 28.

Alexandre Polking’s side travelled to Pleiku Stadium with many psychological impacts. They conceded three unanswered goals against Hanoi FC in the previous round, while one of their key players, Ngo Hoang Thinh, has been suspended for nine months as a punishment for his brutal tackle on Hanoi’s Do Hung Dung. In addition, Polking’s tactic of taking attack to offset defence is showing problems as no HCM City player has scored twice or above since the beginning of the season, making them the third worst attacking lineup in V.League 1 (three goals), only above bottom-placed Hong Linh Ha Tinh and city rivals Saigon FC (two goals).

Meanwhile, HAGL were in good mood after an impressive run of three wins and one draw after their first five clashes, which placed them on top of the table with one point clear.

Kiatisuk’s side utilised their home-field and psychological advantage to produce an overwhelming start against the southern guests on Sunday. They threated to score in the 18th minute as forward Nguyen Van Toan burst down the right flank before passing the ball to unmarked Brandao in the penalty area; however, the foreigner wasted this golden chance by rifling a shot at the crossbar.

With the stalemate lasting through two thirds of the first half, Cong Phuong again proved himself to be a factor that always knows how to make the difference. Only three minutes after appearing on the field, the No. 10 beat goalkeeper Thanh Thang with a left-footed curler to the far bottom left corner to open the scoring for Kiatisuk’s side.

It was Phuong’s second goal in this year’s season and also the second consecutive match he found the back of the net.

Inspired by the opener, HAGL continued to dominate the game in the second half and added two more goals in the last 15 minutes.

In the 76th minute, HCM City’s defensive line rose too high, leaving a large blank in the back yard. Brandao chipped a delightful through ball to forward-bursting Van Toan, who dribbled the ball past keeper Thanh Thang before slotting it into the empty net to double the hosts’ advantage.

Six minutes later, HAGL’s Tran Minh Vuong was fouled by Pham Hoang Lam in the box. The No. 8 midfielder successfully converted the resulting penalty to seal a 3-0 win for Kiatisuk’s side, helping them sit firmly on top of the table with 13 points.

On the same day, Quang Ninh Coal trounced Hai Phong FC 2-0 away to move within one point off the leaders, while Viettel FC claimed third place with a 1-0 away win against Song Lam Nghe An.

Saigon FC had a sad trip to Nam Dinh FC as they conceded three straight goals to the northern side.

Three remaining clashes of Matchweek 6 will take place later today, with Thanh Hoa FC, Topenland Binh Dinh and Hanoi FC set to host SHB Da Nang, Becamex Binh Duong and Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC, respectively.

The “Parallel World” exhibition to open in Hanoi  

The exhibition showcases innocent and beautiful world of children with autism in Hanoi.

The art Exhibition by Autistic Artists is a non-profit art display held from March 28 to April 4 at Goethe Institute Hanoi, 56 -58 -60 Nguyen Thai Hoc street, by Tòhe Social Enterprise. 

The exhibition aims to provide the public with new perspectives on the innocent world of children with autism that exists parallel to our own. In some aspect, the demeanor of the autistic child unintentionally creates a barrier dividing the two worlds.

“Each and every one of us has our own passion, hobbies, our own characteristics. These differences might be the only similarities that we share.

That means no matter who we are, we are equal, all have the right to make friends, have fun, experience new aspects of life and be loved.

Until this moment, after our long journey with thousands of youngsters, we still keep this belief,” the exhibition organizers stated.   

“Parallel World” is the 7th exhibition from Tòhe, with the aim to showcase the works of our young artists, along with the chance to talk to them, to know them better, an above all of that, is the purpose of breaking the barrier between the Parallel Worlds.

The art exhibition displays six sets of works by children with autism in Tòhe Fun's special art class, including Lee Nguyen Sae Hae, Pham Duc Viet, Pham Khoi Nguyen, Nguyen Nhat Tien, Van Minh Duc, Dinh Dang Long.

The exhibition opens for free of charge, opening hours: 9am to 7pm daily.

As a social department of Tòhe Social Enterprise (founded in 2006) Tòhe Fun creates artistic free playground for handicapped children, aiming at nurturing their confidence, and discovering their creativity.

Tòhe Fun’s participants are handicapped children whose age ranges from five to 10 years old with specific backgrounds such as children from orphans, poor families or ethnic groups; Disabled children and autists (in all age groups).

Dong Nai Province arrests two people involved in fake fuel ring

According to Sai Gon Giai Phong (SGGP) Newspaper, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province attested two more people involved in a large-scale fake gasonline production and distribution ring.

Accordingly, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province examined the residing place of arrestee Le Hung Phong, at 12, 3A Street, Vinh Loc Residential Area, Binh Hung Hoa B Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City and arrestee Do Van Ba, who lives at 43/8, Street No.27, Ward 6, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Previously, on March 28, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province in collaboration with the Crime Investigation Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security and the Department of Public Security of Long An Province raided and examined six petroleum stations and the head office of Huynh Khang Company at A7/15K, Tran Dai Nghia Street, Tan Kien Ward, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Long Private Enterprise at 622, Binh Long Street, Tan Quy Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Through searching, the police uncovered a fake gasoline production ring led by Phan Thanh Huu, collected and sealed off many documents related to the fake fuel ring and taken samples for testing.

Currently, the Department of Public Security of Dong Nai Province continues to widen the investigation.

HCMC to grant highest level of empowerment to Thu Duc City

While waiting for approval of special mechanisms for the development, the municipal authorities will hand over the highest authority to Thu Duc City to solve its issues and problems promptly, said Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, Nguyen Thanh Phong at a working session to approve the implementation of the new city’s key tasks in 2021 on March 27. 

The city’s leader allowed the Thu Duc City People’s Committee to use the proceeds from public property auctions to invest in its infrastructure investment.

Thu Duc City’s most important project is the establishment of the Department of Science & Technology and a digital transformation working team, he added.

Regarding to the new city’s proposal on the State budget collection target of over VND8, 300 billion (US$358.2 million), chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said that Thu Duc has enough capacity to reach more than VND10,000 billion (US$431.6 million) and should make every effort to overcome the District 1’s achievement of VND19,000 (US$820 million).

About the models of growth and development, he made a suggestion on service and industry. The High Tech Park, Thu Duc City-Quang Trung Software Park and Institute for Innovation and Creativity will be set to become the “Silicon Valley”in Vietnam.

In addition, the chairman stressed that Thu Duc City must creat good conditions for businesses’ development and investment, and driving force for scientists to study and commercialize their reseach works.

He asked the new city to cooperate with relevant deparrtments to solve existing problems, such as issues of the Thu Thiem new urban area and the High Tech Park; complete its detailed planning in the third quarter; improve administrative procedures; enhance quality of life and living standards of residents.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the People’s Committee of Thu Duc City Hoang Tung said that the city has set 26 economic growth goals, including gaining the State budget collection target of over VND8, 300 billion, completing 15 projects and kicking off 16 others.

He has proposed the HCMC government to allow the Thu Duc to organize auctions of public property auctions, including 29 locations covering on an total area of 21,520 square meters, and use an estimanted proceeds of about VND1, 000 billion (US$43.1 million) from the sales and auctions to invest in infrastructures, implement compensation and site clearance, create land resources to call for investment.

Sercreaty of the Party Committee of Thu Duc City, Nguyen Van Hieu noted that the new city has been especially interested in planning, management of planning, developing infrastructure and caring for residents.
Thu Duc needs a special mechanisms and jurisdiction for its development as well as State budget collection target of VND10, 000 billion. If the city has not been given an suitable mechanisms, the authority could not solve current obstacles and cope with work overload, he stressed.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes