Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his gratitude to over 1.6 million teachers nationwide at a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day (November 20) in Hanoi on November 19.

In his speech, PM Chinh said education and training is the cause of the Party, State and the entire people and must be aligned with socio-economic development, national defence and sci-tech advancements.

He asked every teacher to consider education a noble task, sharpen their knowledge and skills and use modern technology to foster the future generations of the country.

Ministries, agencies and localities were also urged to continue grasping and effectively performing the Party and State’s policies and guidelines on education-training, especially Resolution No.29 on basic and comprehensive reform of education and training with specific plans and actions. They must also issue and effectively implement the education development strategy for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2045.

The PM called for reviewing and fine-tuning mechanisms and policies related to teachers to provide them with the best material and spiritual care, especially pre-school teachers and those in remote and disadvantaged areas to make them dedicated to the work.

Training and improving the quality of teachers will be an important and priority task in the near future, he said, adding that effective solutions must be come up with to deal with the shortage of teachers and attract talents to the pedagogy sector.

President delivers speech at APEC second session

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stated that trade and investment benefits must harmonise with responsibility for environment protection and green transformation, and promotion of sci-tech and innovation.

Addressing the second session of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on November 19, President Phuc suggested APEC focus on ensuring an open, transparent and non-discriminatory trade and investment environment through the serious implementation of free trade and investment protection agreements, together with the removal of inappropriate technical barriers, supporting economies in reform and simplification of administrative procedures; ensuring continuity, reliability, sustainability and innovation of regional supply chains; and stepping up regional economic connectivity initiatives towards forming the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area.

He called for aligning trade and investment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging trade in clean technology and agro-fisheries products that meet sustainability standards, and assisting firms in applying for international-standard farming certifications.

In investment, it is necessary to promote clean energy projects, sustainable infrastructure, climate change adaptation, smart agriculture, and resources for digital transformation, he said.

At the same time, APEC should train and re-train human resources, particularly high-quality workforce, to meet requirements of the fourth Industrial Revolution, green and digital transformation.

At the event, leaders approved the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model.

Concluding the event, they adopted a Joint Declaration which underscores the determination to intensify cooperation in economic recovery; promoting balanced, sustainable, inclusive growth and comprehensive connectivity.

They also agreed to hold the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in the US next year.

President pays courtesy call to Thai King

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse on November 18 paid a courtesy call to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, as part of the State leader’s official visit to Thailand and attendance in the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.

Welcoming President Phuc, the King congratulated Vietnam on its post-COVID19 socio-economic development and recovery.

For his part, the Vietnamese leader said he is impressed by Thailand’s growth after the pandemic and believes that under the wise reign of the King and the efforts of the Royal Government and people, the nation will thrive further and increase its role in the regional and global arenas.

He thanked the Thai royal family for sponsoring projects in Vietnam in the fields of education and community development based on the late King Rama’s sufficient economic philosophy. These projects have helped rural people tackle difficulties and improve their lives, Phuc said.

The President hoped the Thai King and Government to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community and support the development of Vietnam’s culture in the country as a basis for stronger mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange between the nations.

The King affirmed the royal family will pay further attention to implementing cooperation projects, and supporting Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in Thailand, contributing to the growth of the bilateral friendship and cooperation.

On the occasion, Phuc invited the King and Queen to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time in the future.

World Peace Council to convene 22nd assembly in Vietnam

The 22nd Assembly of the World Peace Council (WPC) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi and Quang Ninh province from November 21 to 27, the first to be held in Vietnam.

The event will be attended by 200 participants, including nearly 100 delegates and guests from 49 countries and 100 others from Vietnam, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son told a press briefing in Hanoi on November 18.

Vietnam’s hosting of the WPC’s 22nd Assembly is to demonstrate the country’s active contributions to the council’s activities and the world peace movement at large; help improve the role and standing of Vietnam, including VUFO and the Vietnam Peace Committee (VPC), in the world peace movement; and show Vietnam as a responsible and active member of the international community.

The assembly is also an occasion for VUFO and the VPC to enhance friendship and cooperation with the WPC and other members, popularise Vietnam and its peace movement, and capitalise on the WPC and members’ support for the issues matching Vietnam’s interest such as the East Sea and Agent Orange/dioxin victims, Son noted.

The WPC, an organisation leading the world peace movement, gathers 135 organisations of communist and left-wing parties in more than 100 countries. From an international anti-imperialist movement of the masses, after more than 70 years of development, it has become part of the world peace movement closely cooperating with international movements and countries to promote peace around the globe.

Uganda President to pay official visit to Vietnam

The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will pay an official visit to Vietnam from November 23-25.

The visit is made at the invitation of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Foreign Ministry announced on November 18.

Young military officers of Vietnam, Laos hold exchange

Forty Vietnamese and Lao young military officers attended an exchange in the northern Lao province of Luang Prabang on November 18, held as part of a visit by General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).

Addressing the event, Gen. Cuong emphasized that young military officers of both countries have always been the pioneer force in all missions, from protecting the Party’s ideological foundation to responding to unconventional security challenges, especially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

He expressed a wish that young officers of both countries continue to face up to challenge and accept difficult tasks with youth spirit, thus contributing to national development as well as the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of defence.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Defence Minister and Chairman of the Lao People’s Army (LPA)’s General Department of Politics, affirmed that defence-security is one of the most important pillars in the special ties between Laos and Vietnam and their two armies.

For this reason, young officers of the two countries play a significant role in preserving and development the special ties, he said.

At the exchange, participating officers shared views on their duties and responsibilities, and suggested contents for cooperation between the two sides.  

The same day, Gen. Cuong received Vongsanvane Thepphachanh, Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council of Luang Prabang.

VTVcab signs with EFG to bring most wanted esport tournaments to Vietnam

The Vietnam Television Cable Corporation (VTVcab) has announced it has acquired the broadcasting rights to all esports events organised by ESL Faceit Group (EFG) in the coming years.

A signing ceremony between the two sides was organised on November 16 in Hanoi.

According to organisers, this was a big step in the local esport community, as Vietnamese people can now watch many live esport competitions legally.

VTVcab leaders expect to guide Vietnamese esports to develop strongly and professionally and in the near future bring international esports competitions to the country.

Following the deal, VTVcab will own the executive rights to produce and distribute more than 50 tournaments organised annually by EFG to Vietnamese viewers, gamers and supporters through its television channels, Over-the-top (OTT) service and social networks.

The Vietnamese corporation will air live competitions such as ESL Pro Tour, StarCraft 2, Intel® Extreme Masters Rio Major, DOTA 2’s DPC, and ESL One among others on its multi-platforms. The number of tournaments may be increased yearly.

In addition, Vietnamese gamers and supporters can also enjoy the Snapdragon Pro Series, the world's largest multi-genre mobile esports competition. The series includes a range of genres which are popular in Vietnam such as Free Fire, Arena of Valor and League of Legends: Wild Rift.

In Vietnam, VTVcab is the first firm to collaborate on this scale with EFG, the world's leading competitive games and esports company.

Coordination needed to handle fishing boats losing contact at sea: ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has asked coastal localities to coordinate in handling the fishing boats that lose contact with the vessel monitoring system (VMS) for more than 10 days at sea.

In a document sent to provincial People’s Committees on November 18, the ministry said during their inspection in Vietnam last October, the EC delegation lauded efforts by central agencies in monitoring and detecting the fishing boats either crossing the set boundary or losing contact at sea.

However, very few administrative fines have been imposed, and many localities have yet to coordinate in addressing the cases in line with legal regulations, the ministry noted.

According to the Directorate of Fisheries under the MARD, up to 853 boats lost contact with the VMS last year, of which 119 were not completely handled. As of October 22, the numbers stood at 412 and 108, respectively.

The People’s Committees need to make confirmation after receiving information about the fishing boats that lose contact for more than 10 days at sea, via the email giamsattauca.tcts@gmail.com, the ministry said.

The outcomes of the settlement work should be reported to the Directorate by documents. Those on the cases in 2021 and 2022 must be sent to the agency before November 30.

Exhibition features 90-year-old French building

A special exhibition titled "From the French School of Extreme Orient to the Vietnam National Museum of History" opened at the museum on November 18.

It features documents and images of a 90-year-old building which was the first Louis Finot Museum of the French School of Extreme Orient in 1932 and then used as a part of the Vietnam National Museum of History.

The exhibition is divided into three parts: history and the establishment of the building, important periods to transfer the building into the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Vietnam National Museum of History – a new stage.

The event introduces the construction process of the building, its architecture, and its function at the beginning period under the French regime (1932-1957).

The building was built as an important museum in Indochina in the early 20th century. On January 20, 1900, the French School of Extreme Orient was established, which needed a museum to preserve and exhibit architectural objects.

In January 1926, construction began on a total area of 1,835sq.m in the same place as the French School's office behind the Opera House.

The completed Louis Finot Museum has a great hall in an octagon shape, which was modelled on popular Eastern wooden architecture. Various decoration patterns outside the building were also taken from the Eastern architectural style.

The museum was transferred to the Vietnamese government in 1945 when it was used as the National Museum. In 1998, the museum was renovated when the outdoor garden was mobilised for exhibiting artefacts.

Throughout 90 years, the building has become a heritage site and has been used as the initial function.

The exhibition on the historical building will run till March 2023.

Vietnamese wood, furniture products introduced in Indian expo

Vietnamese businesses are exhibiting wood products at the World Furniture Expo (WOFX), which kicked off at Bombay Exhibition Centre in India's Mumbai city on November 17.

The three-day event offers a business-to-business (B2B) platform for Indian and international furniture and décor firms to seek cooperation opportunities and set up partnerships. 

On the occasion, the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Asia-Africa Market Department and the Vietnam Trade Office in India coordinated with the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) to hold a seminar on potential cooperation in the wood and furniture industry between Vietnam and India, attracting crowds of Indian companies.

According to Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in India Bui Trung Thuong, in the context that orders from large and traditional markets are declining, India is expected to become a potential market for Vietnamese wood businesses.

MOU signed to raise awareness of diabetes

Sanofi Vietnam and the National Hospital of Endocrinology signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement projects relating to diabetes in Hanoi on November 16.

Under the MoU, both parties will join hands to organise programmes for medical staff at the hospital and satellite hospitals.

They will update knowledge and skills for medical officers by implementing advanced-training seminar programmes for treating diabetes to bring the highest quality of care to patients.

A programme about assisting patients to use insulin pens will be held so that they can take the medicine safely, overcome entry barriers and comply with treatments.

Other projects to raise the public’s awareness of diabetes will also be implemented.

Deputy PM orders building safe, child-friendly living environment

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on November 17 ordered raising public awareness of child abuse acts and punishments against violation of children’s rights, thereby building a safe and child-friendly living environment.

Dam, who is also Chairman of the National Committee for Children, also asked ministries and agencies to continue developing child database and share them with the project on developing the application of data on population, personal identification and electronic authentication for digital transformation for the 2021-2025 period with a vision to 2030, and develop a contingent of social workers at the grassroots level.

In the near future, they need to review the Politburo’s Directive on strengthening the Party leadership on child care, education and protection in the new situation.

The Deputy PM called for attention to solutions to prevent, support and intervene in child abuse and drowning cases; care for children in their early life stage, their mental health and orphans following the COVID-19 pandemic; and pre-school education policies with priority given to areas with industrial and processing zones.

Large group of endangered langurs found in Quang Ngai

Tens of families of the critically endangered gray-shanked douc langur have just been found in the central province of Quang Ngai's Ba To District.

The Quang Ngai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on November 17 said that wild animal experts have just found 10 families of gray-shanked douc langurs with 104 members living in the forest in Ba To District following their recent survey.

Head of the Quang Ngai Forest Ranger Department, Pham Duy Hung - said that the survey was conducted so local authorities could draft plans to preserve the animals.

The gray-shanked douc langur is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list as one of the world’s 25 critically endangered primates.The primates can only be seen in Vietnam.

It is estimated that some 2,000 gray-shanked doucs have been found in forests in some central and central highlands provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Kon Tum and Gia Lai.

The province of Quang Ngai is also setting up a project to protect 10 Rhesus monkeys (Macara Mulatta), rated as endangered and sighted living on Hon Tra Island in Binh Son district’s Binh Dong Commune.

50% of new HIV infection cases recorded among MSM group

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at major risk of HIV transmission in Vietnam, with 50% of new infections detected in the group, warned the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control under the Ministry of Health, at a press briefing in Hanoi on November 17.

The first nine months this year saw 9,025 people test positive for the virus, while 1,378 died of the syndrome, said the administration.

Unsafe sexual activities remain the main method of HIV transmission in the country, with men accounting for 86% of new cases this year, said the official, adding MSM is the group at most risk of HIV transmission in Vietnam.

Over the past three years, new infections have increased by between 13,000 and 14,000 annually. The majority of them are in the southern region, particularly Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region making up 28% and 26% respectively.

According to Vo Hai Son of the Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, the goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 will be difficult to achieve without reducing infections among MSM and young adults who have unsafe sexual activities.

Localities across the country should diversify communications on HIV/AIDS through websites and social media networks as part of efforts to detect new HIV cases, take antiretroviral drug (ARV), and reduce HIV transmission within the community, said Son.

Currently approximately 242,000 people are living with HIV in Vietnam, and as many as 112,368 people have so far died of the virus.

Việt Nam earns bronze at Asian shooting championship

Việt Nam claimed a bronze medal at the 15th Asian Airgun Championship in Daegu, South Korea, on Thursday.

The trio of Phan Xuân Chuyên, Phan Công Minh and Lại Công Minh finished third in the men's team 10m air pistol event at Daegu International Shooting Range.

Indian marksmen took the gold while the host athletes secured the silver.

Việt Nam sent a team of six athletes and two coaches to the tournament, which is scheduled to finish on November 19.

They competed in the women's individual air rifle and men's individual and team air pistol events.

This is the first championship that will be counted towards the new Asian Ranking System. 

The Vietnamese athletes will next take part in the Southeast Asian championship from December 1-10 in Thailand. 

Northern, central regions to face another cold front

The northern and central regions of Vietnam have been forecasted to experience another cold spell with rain, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Starting this evening, the cold weather will affect the northern region. From tomorrow, November 19, the region will have rains with temperatures falling by between 3-4 degrees centigrade.  

The northern and central regions of Vietnam have been forecasted to experience another cold spell with rains.

 From November 20-25, the cold weather would spread to central localities from Quang Tri to Binh Thuan and become stronger.

Localities from Ha Tinh to Ninh Thuan and the Central Highlands region on November 19-23 would also see heavy rains with a rainfall of between 100-300mm. Flash floods and landslide risks have also been warned in low areas.

Network of innovation centers launched across universities

On November 15, the National Innovation Centre (NIC) held a Workshop on the Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers at Universities and Colleges with the participation of more than 100 delegates from more than 40 universities and colleges across the country.

NIC director Vu Quoc Huy reaffirmed the policy of the Party and state in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship activities, connecting and developing innovation and start-up ecosystems in all fields and economic sectors.

At the workshop, the NIC pledged to support the network's activities in the coming time.

Le Mai Lan, vice chairwoman of Vingroup and chairwoman of VinUni University said that VinUni is honoured to be one of the first members to join the network and wants to make a significant contribution to its development.

At the workshop, the network was launched with the first 13 members that include leading universities from across the country and seven members of the Executive Board.

The network chairman will be changed annually, with the first for the 2022-2023 period being Le Thu Ha, director of the Foreign Trade University's Innovation and Incubation Space.

Haiphong starts work on sea embankment project

The government of Haiphong City yesterday, November 17, broke ground on a sea embankment project in the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone.

The municipal government earlier assigned the Haiphong management board of urban development projects and economic and industrial zones to serve as the project’s investor, said Nguyen Manh Ha, head of the management unit.

The Nam Dinh Vu sea embankment will span 77.07 hectares on Dinh Vu Peninsula in Hai An District and have a total length of over 12.7 kilometers.

The project will require an estimated VND2.2 trillion, with 60% funded by the central and local budget and the rest backed by two private firms. It is slated for completion in late 2025.

Meeting, photo exhibition honor women in fight against Covid-19

A meeting and photo exhibition honoring women at the frontline of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic opened at the Southern Women’s Museum in HCMC on November 18.

Delegates has a meeting with Miss Universe Vietnam 2017 H'Hen Nie, actress Viet Huong, and Associate Professor Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, Director of Hung Vuong Obstetrics Hospital to listen to their stories of assisting people in the battle against Covid-19.

The event aims at marking one year since HCMC returned to normal life after the disease and affirming the strength of women in building and developing the country and city.

Director of the HCMC Southern Women's Museum Nguyen Thi Tham emphasized the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic saw the strength of solidarity, the spirit of sharing and the kindness of the people who are overseas Vietnamese and the female frontline force, such as healthcare workers and volunteers.

HCMC’s first Int’l Photography Festival 2022 to open next week

The People’s Committee of HCMC in coordination with the municipal Photography Association will hold the city’s first international photography festival which is scheduled to take place on November 25-30.

The HCMC International Photography Festival 2022 aims to affirm the role of photography of the southern metropolis and offer an opportunity for local and international artists to meet and exchange experiences on the art of photography.

The festival will also include activities, such as an international photography fair which will be held at the HCMC Youth’s Cultural House on November 25, a seminar on contemporary photography, and exchanges between Vietnamese and foreign artists coming from Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

On this occasion, the second International Photo Contest will open with the support of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP- Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique), the Photographic Society of America (PSA), Image Sans Frontiere (ISF), and Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA).

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