Vietnamese culture, image introduced at Italian festival

The cultural identity as well as the image of a beautiful and peaceful nation of Vietnam have been introduced to international friends during an international festival held in Borgomanero district of Italy’s Piemonte region.

The festival, an annual event held in mid-May, provided a chance for foreign communities in Italy to meet and exchange with each other.

The Vietnamese booth, showcasing Vietnamese traditional conical hats (non la) and calligraphy art, attracted many visitors, especially youngsters.

Visitors had a chance to enjoy Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) shows, dragon dances and martial arts performances, as well as traditional dishes of Vietnam.

 The Vietnamese delegation marching to the central square of Borgomanero during the festival (Photo: VNA)
Sergio Vercelli, head of the organising board, expressed delight at the participation of the Vietnamese community in the event as well as impression at their special performances.

The festival concluded with a parade to the central square of Borgomanero. It aimed to spread a message of peace, friendship and common development in diversity among all communities not only in Borgomarero but all countries, regions and the whole world.

University of Economics HCM City ties up with Australian counterpart

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City signed an agreement with Australia’s Deakin University on May 9 to optimise the study abroad journey.

The latter’s Deakin Global Pathways is a direct admission programme for bachelor’s degrees, with one year of study in Vietnam and two years at Deakin University in Australia.

John Molony, pro vice-chancellor and vice president of Deakin University, said the signing marks an important milestone in the long-term collaboration between his university and the University of Economics HCM City.

There are more than 16,000 international students at Deakin University, with Vietnam being one of the four most important partners.

He expressed a desire to create more opportunities for Australian and international students to study in Vietnam under the exchange programme.

Deakin University is ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, according to Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022.

UN Women Representative in Vietnam awarded friendship insignia

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) presented the insignia “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” to UN Women Representative in Vietnam Elisa Fernandez, during a ceremony in Hanoi on May 10. 

It is the VUFO’s most noble distinction to honour Fernandez’s valuable contributions to the effective cooperation between the United Nations and Vietnam as well as the development of Vietnam, particularly the advancement of Vietnamese women.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nga said more than a decade ago, UN Women was established with a mission to promote the welfare of women and girls worldwide. During her five-year tenure as UN Women Representative in Vietnam since 2017, Fernandez and UN Women Vietnam have successfully launched many programmes and projects related to national quality, women's rights, social security, gender-based violence prevention and response.

With her experience, dedication, and enthusiasm, Fernandez has assisted the Vietnamese agencies and people's organisations in achieving gender equality, empowering women and girls, and effectively fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. She has proposed many initiatives to strengthen dialogue and coordination between governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders on gender equality as well as enhance Vietnam’s participation in and implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Ferdenanz, for her part, affirmed that following her term of office in Vietnam, she will continue to support the country and make contributions to promoting gender equality worldwide.

Promotion programme targets Australian tourists

A promotion programme will be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, from May 11-17, to promote tourism in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City to Australian tourists, according to Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

Specifically, the programme will take place at Jackson Sydney Harbor Luxury Cruise, Sydney on May 12, Crown Promenade Melbourne on May 15 and Brisbane on May 17, she said.

Entiled “Roadshow Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh Tourism in Australia 2023", the event will be jointly organised by the department, the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia and Consulate General of Vietnam in Sydney.

It is expected to draw the participation of more than 200 delegates from organisations, agencies, travel companies and partners from Australia, along with 20 representatives from departments, airlines, leading travel agencies and hotels of HCM City.

Introduction about major festivals and events in HCM City in 2023, new tourism products and B2B meetings will also be included.

HCM City, RoK’s Busan exchange experience in building labour relationships

The Ho Chi Minh City Labour Federation and the Republic of Korea’s Busan Metropolitan City Civil Service Labour Union met on May 10 to exchange information and share experiences on trade union activities, particularly the strengthening of the harmonious and progressive enterprise-employee relationship.

At the meeting in HCM City, participants discussed in-depth related responsibilities, powers, working time, salary and bonus regimes of trade union staff; as well as labour relations towards tackling conflicts and welfare for members.

Pham Chi Tam, Vice President of the HCM City Labour Federation, said the organisation, grouping more than 1.3 million members, has taken care of its member’s physical life and diversified their spiritual life via cultural, sports, and tourism activities.

Tam also introduced the local dialogue programme at the workplace, employee conferences, and the negotiation and signing of collective labour agreements to strengthen the protection of rights and interests of its members.

Choi Kwang-min, President of the Busan Metropolitan City Civil Service Labour Union, said it is the only organisation representing workers in the state sector and is one of the three largest trade unions in the RoK.

He noted its missions are to help businesses since their inception; support businesses and employees; and conduct surveys to improve the working environment and relations between employers and employees.

Global Fund pledges to help Vietnam fight AIDS, TB, malaria

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is committed to continuing support for Vietnam to put an end to these three diseases, the Fund’s Executive Director Peter Sands said on May 10.

He made the pledge at the two-day 49th Global Fund Board Meeting which opened in Hanoi on May 10.

He appreciated cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and socio-political organisations in helping many people recover from these diseases.

Vietnamese Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that since 2003, the Fund has provided assistance valued at over 650 million USD for activities to fight AIDS, TB and malaria in Vietnam.

It announced in late 2022 that it will fund over 130 million USD for these kinds of activities and health system improvement in Vietnam for the 2024-2026 period.

In the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and control, after more than 30 years since the first HIV case was detected in Vietnam in 1990, this is the 15th consecutive year that the epidemic has been kept in check in the country. Over the past 20 years, with contributions of the Global Fund, the HIV/AIDS prevention and control programme has helped nearly 1 million people be prevented from the virus, and saved nearly 200,000 others from dying from AIDS, said Lan.

In the past two decades, Vietnam has saved the lives of about 1 million people with TB. Some 100% of the population has gained access to the TB prevention and control programme.

Meanwhile, in 1991, the whole country recorded more than 1 million cases of malaria, nearly 5,000 deaths and nearly 150 outbreaks. However, in 2022, there were only more than 400 infections, (a decrease of over 90%), and no fatalities. In Vietnam, 42 out of 63 provinces and cities have eliminated malaria.

The minister said that the country has set a goal to basically end AIDS and tuberculosis and eliminate malaria by 2030.

However, each year, Vietnam still records more than 10,000 cases of HIV infection and about 2,000 AIDS-related deaths. There are still about 30,000 people living with HIV in the community without knowing their status. In addition, the country still faces a heavy burden on society and healthcare for more than 220,000 people living with the virus.

In the Global Tuberculosis Report 2022, Vietnam ranked 11th out of 30 countries with the highest burden in the world. Currently, each year, about 40% of new TB patients are still undetected in the community, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, to eliminate malaria, there are still many challenges due to the situation of drug-resistant malaria, imported malaria, and the risk of reoccurrence.

Therefore, the health minister called on the Global Fund, countries, organisations and individuals to continue providing support for Vietnam, and share experience to help the country reach the set target.

Also at the meeting, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Minister Dao Hong Lan presented the Certificate of Merit and the "For people's health" insignia to the Global Fund Board.

On this occasion, delegates lit candles to commemorate those who died of AIDS, TB and malaria; and attended a photo exhibition on TB eradication.

ASEAN leaders issue declaration on combating trafficking in persons

ASEAN leaders on May 11 approved a declaration on combating trafficking in persons (TIP) caused by the abuse of technology, at the ongoing ASEAN Summit 32 in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

The declaration reiterates the need to promote a cohesive and immediate ASEAN response in addressing current and future threats arising from the abuse of technology and take full advantage of new and evolving technologies to enhance this effort.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination against the evil through various regional mechanisms and ASEAN initiatives; using technology tools; sharing best practices and lessons learned; exchanging information; conducting joint coordinated exercises and operations; as well as joint investigations related to TIP.

Under the declaration, the leaders agreed to strengthen regional efforts to identify trafficked or potential victims; promote the effective implementation of the existing ASEAN instruments related to TIP, such as the ACTIP, to maintain their relevance and adaptability in the context of emerging and future challenges; and encourage setting a minimum standard of protection at the regional level for a victim of TIP.

The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of border management, prevention, investigation, law enforcement, prosecution, protection, repatriation, and support such as rehabilitation and reintegration of victims; and improve national prevention efforts, including enhancing public awareness campaigns and labour inspection systems, enhancing cross-border control and migration management, and strengthening the use of advanced technology.

They agreed to provide immediate response and assistance to victims of TIP, including by improving channels of coordination and communication on information exchange, improving access to legal assistance, remedy, and grievance, and collaborating with law enforcement networks in the region. Moreover, ASEAN countries will enhance mutual legal assistance in TIP cases, including those caused by abuse of technology, through the effective implementation of the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (AMLAT).

Hanoi launches city decoration campaign

A campaign seeking ideas for Hanoi’s street decoration for 2023 has been launched by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the University of Industrial Fine Arts.

According to organisers, the campaign aims to create a joyful and exciting atmosphere for citizens on national holidays and major anniversaries of the nation, in addition to aiding the political and decorative tasks of the city.

It is also set to contribute to preserving and promoting the national cultural identity and typical values of Hanoi as a thousand-year-old capital, creative city and city for peace, as well as meet the increasing demands of cultural enjoyment of citizens.

Under the themes of "Hanoi Greets the Party, Celebrates a New Spring", "Hanoi- City for Peace", and “Hanoi - Creative City", designs must be of a high aesthetic value and suitable to surrounding landscape, lightning systems and architecture. They must also contain elements of creativity and follow modern decoration trends.

Entries with the use of new technologies, appropriate materials, elegant colours and safety insurance will be prioritised.

The winning designs will be used for the decoration of major streets in Hanoi’s downtown such as Trang Tien, Trang Thi, Ba Trieu, Hai BàaTrung, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Tran Hung Dao, among others.

Submissions must be made from September 22-29. The award ceremony will be held in November 2023.

Vietnam participates in charity bazaar in Japan

The women’s association of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan attended the 45th charity fair of the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS) in Tokyo, Japan, on May 10.

The bazaar is one of the ALFS’ biggest annual activities to raise funds in support of women and children, and help ALFS member countries to overcome natural disaster consequences.

Present at the event were Her Imperial Highness Princess Hitachi and Yuko Kishida, wife of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with high-ranking Japanese officials.

Participating countries displayed handicrafts and traditional cuisines across 19 booths.

The Vietnamese Embassy introduced silk, embroidery artworks, and food delicacies to visitors.

The ALFS now have nearly 400 members, mostly made up of female ambassadors and staff of the 26 embassies of Asia-Pacific states in Tokyo, as well as wives of various politicians and business leaders.

Vietnam carries out sustainable prevention of COVID-19: expert

The Ministry of Health is continuing to develop a sustainable response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic in the new situation, considering the context of dangerous new variants appearing.

The plan is also to strengthen integrated surveillance of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of global concern. However, the WHO Director-General stressed that the declaration does not mean COVID-19 is no longer a threat or that COVID-19 is less dangerous, said Prof. Dr. Phan Trọng Lân, director of the Health Ministry's Department of Preventive Medicine.

The WHO assessed the risk of COVID-19 as still high globally. Although the number of cases and deaths has decreased globally, there is still an increase in each region.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus itself is still changable. At the beginning of April, WHO announced there were about 400-500 sub-variants of Omicron, but by early May, this number was 900, Lân said.

The organisation always reminds countries to be wary of emerging variations.

According to the director, currently, the pandemic is increasing in Southeast Asia, including Việt Nam. Every day, Việt Nam records about 2,000 COVID-19 cases, including deaths, one of ten post-COVID-19 related.

COVID-19 still burdens the health system, he noted.

Việt Nam has appropriately responded to the epidemiological situation in each period. Since October 2021, Việt Nam has switched to safe, flexible adaptation and effective control.

The Ministry of Health is to develop a sustainable response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic in the new situation.

In addition, the ministry diversifies disease surveillance activities to properly assess the epidemic situation to implement appropriate response measures, including key, regular, integrated, event-based and random monitoring.

Random surveillance at the border gate is not mandatory, but it still brings benefits to the community, so people need to coordinate, Lân said.

Regarding the question of when Việt Nam will announce the end of COVID-19, Lân said that currently, the country no longer has travel restrictions. In contrast, the nature of SARS-CoV-2 can still travel on healthy people and cross administrative barriers. 

Immunity to COVID-19 will decrease over time, and new waves may still emerge from one area to another.

Therefore, the COVID-19 epidemic is difficult to predict and unpredictable and has increased in each region.

Regarding the announcement, the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases stipulates that epidemic announcement includes five contents; time, place, scope and scale; cause and transmission route and dangerous nature of the pandemic; prevention measures; and medical examination and treatment facilities.

Can Tho to build underwater tunnel

The Mekong Delta city of Cần Thơ will build a tunnel under the Cần Thơ River.

The Cần Thơ city People’s Committee has agreed to adjustments to the detailed construction plan for building Tây Đô Cultural Centre, which includes building the underwater tunnel and the city administrative centre.

The investment plan of the project was approved by the Prime Minister in 2006.

The project will cover an area of more than 170ha in Cái Răng District. However, it has been delayed for long periods due to problems related to investment capital.

It is one of the major tasks for the development of Cần Thơ city by 2030.

The underwater tunnel crossing the Cần Thơ River will connect to Quang Trung Street. It will have a width of 22 metres and two lanes.

It will be able to withstand earthquakes of up to 6 in magnitude.

Nam Dinh applies drastic measures to prevent, combat IUU

The northern province of Nam Dinh has applied drastic measures to prevent and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and strictly handle violations as part of efforts to join other coastal localities in removing the EC’s “yellow card” against Vietnamese seafood exports.

With 72km coastline, Nam Dinh is home to over 17,000 hectares of aquatic farming. The annual growth of the local fisheries sector is over 4.5%. Last year, its total aquatic output exceeded 187,300 tonnes, with export revenue of 11.12 trillion VND (473.79 million USD).

Hoang Thi To Nga, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the province has still seen violations in fisheries exploitation and protection.

Therefore, the province has focused on popularising fisheries law among local fishermen with different methods, while applying strict punishments to vessels violating fishing regulations.

As of the end of April, local authorities had detected and handled five violation cases, collecting fines of 85.5 million VND.

The department has revoked the fishing licences of 74 individuals and organisations committing fisheries violations and failing to show necessary documents and install the vessel monitoring system (VMS), said Nga.

To date, 510 out of the total 541 fishing vessels with the length from 15m of Nam Dinh have installed the VMS, reaching 94.27%.

Vietnamese institution signs cooperation agreement with IPU

Vietnam’s International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) signed a cooperation agreement in Geneva on May 11 to boost collaboration between the two organisations which are both committed to serving as bridges between policy and science.

Attending the signing event were IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong, ICISE Co-Founder and Director Prof. Jean Tran Thanh Van, and Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations, among others.

The signing marks a significant milestone in the two institutions’ mutual cooperation and serves as a testament to their shared goals and vision, said Ambassador Mokhtar Omar, Senior Adviser to the IPU Secretary General.

Under the document, ICISE and IPU will enhance the frameworks, mechanisms and capacity-building for joint cooperation in areas of common interest.

Asian Cup Qatar 2023 final draw: Vietnam in tough group

Vietnam have drawn into Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 together with strong rivals, including Japan, Iraq and Indonesia.

The drawing results were announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on May 11.

The 24 participating teams in the Asian Cup have been divided into six groups competing in a round-robin format. The first- and second-place teams of each group, together with the four best-performing third-placed teams will enter the round of 16.

Falling into a group with strong teams like Japan and Iraq forces Vietnam to consider the possibility of advancing to the next round as one of the best-performing third-placed teams.

The tournament is set to be held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10, 2024.

U22 Vietnam draw 1-1 with Thailand in Group B's final match at SEA Games 32

Vietnam conceded an early goal but came back to earn an equaliser in their last Group B match against Thailand at SEA Games 32 on May 11.

With a 1-1 draw against Thailand in the last game of Group B, Vietnam concluded the group stage in second place with 10 points. Thailand also had 10 points, but they topped Group B thanks to their better goal difference.

Vietnam will face Indonesia, the top team of Group A, in the semifinals on May 13.

Just three minutes into the match, Vietnamese defender Luong Duy Cuong slipped and let Achitpol Keereerom dribble past keeper Doan Huy Hoang before finishing into the empty net.

Vietnam responded after Le Van Do broke into the box from the left flank, but his pass couldn't reach anyone.

After the opening goal, Thailand play more confidently and controlled the game. Vietnam are trying to win the ball by increasing pressure.

In the 17th minute, the ball was crossed in from the right flank for Vietnam’s Khuat Van Khang, whose header was only inches away from goal.

Two minutes later, it was Van Do again, this time with a shot from the flank, but it was easy for goalkeeper Thirawooth Sruanson to pick it up.

In the 30th minute, Thailand’s Anan Yodsangwal dribbled from the left flank past defender Nguyen Ngoc Thang before going full power with his shot. However, it didn't hit the target.

Vietnamese players made a lot of passes but couldn't get the ball into Thailand's box.

Thailand led Vietnam 1-0 after the first 45 minutes with an early goal by Achitpol Keereerom.

In the 54th minute, Thai goalkeeper Sruanson blocked Van Khang's freekick, the ball found Duy Cuong, who passed to Ho Van Cuong to make a cross in. Ngoc Thang took a shot and it deflected off a Thai player and found Le Quoc Nhat Nam, who tapped it in to equalize for Vietnam.

In the 74th minute, Van Khang had an excellent freekick but Thailand’s goalkeeper Sruanson made a great save. Today is Khang's birthday and the 20-year-old midfielder wanted to make it memorable.

In the 80th minute, two consecutive chances came to Vietnam in just a minute, but the players couldn't turn them into goals.

At the end of the second  half, Vietnam caused many troubles for Thailand's defense by increasing pressure.

Despite their efforts, Vietnamese players could not score another goal and were held to a 1-1 tie with Thailand.

Deputy PM urges ensuring enough vaccines for expanded immunisation programme

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha asked the Ministry of Health to place orders or organise concentrated bidding while calculating vaccine donations to ensure enough vaccines for the expanded immunisation programme, at a working session on May 11.

At the meeting, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan said the ministry is devising decrees and circulars guiding the implementation of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, which will come into force on January 1, 2024, and completing draft circulars relating to regulations of the Price Law and the Law on Bidding.

In this regard, Ha said the circulars on drug and medical equipment bidding must include both general principles and specific guidelines for the sector, asking the ministry to collect opinions from health facilities and management agencies concerned.

The health ministry also reported that 35 hospitals have been assigned to become self-financed during the 2022-2025 period, while the financial autonomy of 57 others needs approval of the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry of Health then issued decisions on handing over the financial autonomy to 10 out of the 57 as agreed by the Ministry of Finance.

Deputy PM Ha asked the Ministry of Finance to classify the level of self-financing for the remaining 47 within this month.

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th diplomatic – defence strategic dialogue

The 8th diplomatic – defence strategic dialogue at the deputy ministerial level between Vietnam and Australia took place in Hanoi on May 11.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Major General Vu Cuong Quyet, Director of the Ministry of National Defence's Institute for Defence Strategy, co-chaired the event together with Australia’s Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Michelle Chan and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence Hugh Jeffrey.

At the dialogue, the two sides noted with pleasure that the two nations have recorded fruitful development in the bilateral relations since they established their diplomatic ties 50 years years ago, especially after the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in March 2018. They reaffirmed their countries’ importance in each other’s foreign policies.

Participants reviewed and agreed on major directions to strengthen the strategic partnership in a practical, effective and comprehensive manner in the coming time, especially in pillar areas such as politics, security - defence, economy - trade - investment, science - technology, and emerging and potential fields of common concern, including climate change response, energy transition and digital transformation.

They agreed to continue promoting the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels; implementing activities to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the  diplomatic relations in both countries, especially those to promote people-to-people exchanges, culture, cooperation connection; as well as effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms in order to further strengthen political trust and seek more cooperation opportunities.

The two sides also shared information and views on about strategic issues, and regional and global situations, including Asia-Pacific regional architecture, Mekong sub-regional cooperation.

They agreed to foster cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM ), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Australia affirmed that it will keep working closely with ASEAN and supporting the bloc’s efforts in strengthening intra-bloc solidarity, narrowing the development gap, and promoting ASEAN's central role in the rules-based regional architecture.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Australia reaffirmed its support for settling disputes in the sea by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stressing that relevant parties should maintain security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the sea, seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and promote negotiations on building an effective, practical and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The two sides agreed to organise the 9th diplomatic – defence strategic dialogue at the deputy ministerial level at an appropriate time in Australia.

NA Standing Committee: land pricing must be transparent

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha presented the Government’s proposal on the draft Land Law (revised) at the 23rd session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee in Hanoi on May 11.

The draft law clearly defines principles and methods in land evaluation, and adds regulations on land evaluation consultation, the official emphasised. 

It continues to stipulate that land price lists must be issued annually to ensure that land prices match market rules, while adding regulations on extending the use of the current land price lists until the end of 2025, giving localities time to build and issue new ones in line with the new rules.

The draft also amends regulations on state budget revenues sourced from land, and supplements cases that are subject to the exemption and reduction of land-use fees and land lease.

The Government’s proposal noted that land evaluation must ensure objectivity, publicity and transparency.

Speaking at the working session, Chairman of the NA’s Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh asked the Government to report on the roadmap to review and sum up the enforcement of laws on land use tax to the NA, and look back on legal regulations relating to land evaluation steps.

Some members of the committee - the assessing agency of the draft law – shared the view that the document needs to contain clear and detailed regulations on land evaluation methods, Thanh said. 

Le Quang Huy, head of the NA’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, said the proposal should mention the response to public feedback publicly and transparently.

NA Standing Committee looks into Government’s thrift practice report

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee contributed opinions to the Government’s report on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention at its 23rd session in Hanoi on May 11.

Statistics by ministries, agencies and localities showed that some 53.88 trillion VND (2.29 billion USD) of state capital and funding was saved last year, according to the report.

As of the end of 2022, Vietnam’s public debt was estimated at 3.6 quadrillion VND, equivalent to 38% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), down from the 43.1% recorded in the previous year.

Last year, 8.62 trillion VND was earmarked from the state budget to carry out the national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction for the 2021-2025 period, the report said.

The committee pointed out that wastefulness is still seen at different levels, particularly in budget management, public investment, public procurement, as well as land and public asset management.

NA Vice Chairman Trang Quang Phuong suggested evaluating wastefulness in the implementation of the socio-economic recovery and development programme, and the three national target programmes, covering new-style rural area building, socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited areas, and sustainable poverty reduction.

The report should highlight both achievements and shortcomings, and propose solutions for next year, he added.

Deputy Auditor General of Vietnam Doan Anh Tho noted that audit reports are needed to ensure the objective assessment of thrift practice and wastefulness prevention, and suggested the Government further clarify budget decentralisation.

Cooking contest with US chicken held in HCM City

The USAPEEC Tailored Seminar and Cooking Contest – Culinary Discovery with US Chicken has taken place at the Ho Chi Minh City-based University of Technology and Education.

The contest, organised by the USA Poultry and Eggs Export Council (USAPEEC) on May 5, required the chefs-to-be to create a dish with the main ingredient from US Chicken.

It contest gathered four powerful and professional judges including Chef Norbert Ehrbar, Iron Chef Le Xuan Tam, Chef Doan Van Tuan, Chef Tran Thanh Huy with 28 participating teams and 28 attractive and spectacular creative dishes.

A demonstration of three US Chicken recipes by Chef Norbert Ehrbar was delivered at the event.

Chef Norbert was born in Switzerland. Currently, he is a member of the World Master Chef Society and Co-Founder and Member of the Saigon Professional Chefs’ Guild. Over the years, he has made continuing efforts to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to the world.

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