Vietnam showcased its unwavering humanitarian commitment as the country attended the annual UN international bazaar held by the UN Women’s Guild (UNWG) in Geneva on November 19.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, World Trade Organisation and other international organisations in Geneva, told the Vietnam News Agency that with two national booths at the event, the Vietnamese mission not only promoted traditional dishes and handicrafts but also reinforced the country’s commitment to supporting global charitable activities.

The fair, attracting thousands of visitors, aimed at raising funds for projects to support underprivileged children across the globe, demonstrating the UN’s spirit of cooperation and multilateralism.

It featured culinary displays, souvenirs, and lottery opportunities, with all of the proceeds going to charity.

Over the years, UNWG has provided critical material and spiritual support for disadvantaged children, offering disaster relief, scholarships, and hopes./.

Int’l forum spotlights Vietnam’s digital technology industry

Vietnam's digital transformation took center stage at the 2024 international digital investment forum held in Ha Long city, the northern province of Quang Ninh on November 20, as part of the Vietnam International Digital Week.

The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the provincial People's Committee, brought together domestic and foreign industry experts and business representatives.

It highlighted Vietnam's remarkable digital transformation through three key sessions on Vietnam’s policies to promote digital investments, digital investment opportunities, and digital investment ecosystem development.

Statistics revealed that Vietnam's digital technology industry has generated revenue of 150 billion USD. As many as 67,500 companies are operating in the sector, with 1,500 firms having successfully reached out to international markets.

Additionally, Vietnam boasts top-tier programming talents, ranking among the world's top 10 countries for developer capabilities. The nation leads in engineering graduate numbers and offers attractive incentives for digital industry investments. Currently, the government is completing a bill on digital technology industry.

At the forum, enterprises explored Vietnam's digital investment potential, particularly in fintech services, with special attention to Quang Ninh province as an emerging tech hub and Binh Duong province's initiative to promote digital transformation in industrial ecosystem. They also share investment experience in the area and proposed recommendations for Vietnam.

Meanwhile, measures to develop a digital investment ecosystem were the focus of discussions among scholars and experts.

From November19-22, the MIC joins hands with ASEAN member states, the Republic of Korea, Australia and the US, along with many international organisations, to hold various events specialised on AI governance, digital strategy, ASEAN information services, and digital human resources development, among others./.

Vietnamese, Russian research institutes promote cooperation

A delegation of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) led by its President Phan Chi Hieu visited and worked with the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) on November 18 as part of its working visit to Russia.

The RAS has helped Vietnam with training a lot of experts and scientists who have made important contributions to Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation as well as its current process of national construction and defence.

Hieu and RAS Vice President Professor Academic Vladislav Panchenko agreed that the two sides will soon sign a new cooperation agreement in 2025 which will serve a basis for them to maintain and strengthen cooperation, particularly in organising scientific seminars, proposing research projects, joint publications, and training Vietnamese experts and scientists in the field of social sciences and humanities.

The VASS is also ready to welcome and create favourable conditions for RAS scientists to do research in Vietnam, Hieu said.

On this occasion, Hieu, in his capacity as VASS President and Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, invited RAS leaders to visit and work in Vietnam in 2025, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On November 19, the VASS delegation worked with the board of directors and leaders of a number of affiliated units of the RAS's Institute of China and Contemporary Asia (ICCA), led by ICCA Director Kirill Babaev.

The two sides discussed the making of a list of common topics of mutual interest as well as organising joint scientific research activities and exchanging experts for training.

The Vietnamese delegation visited the Vietnam Chamber at ICCA, and presented dozens of books about Vietnam's economy, politics, culture and society.

 At the working session between the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. (Photo: VNA)
In the afternoon of the same day, the delegation worked with the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA).

At the working session, Hieu and RANEPA Director Alexey Komissarov agreed to promote cooperation in training, share experience in developing master's and doctoral training programmes, improve capacity for Vietnamese managers and researchers in the field of social sciences and humanities as well as actively organising joint scientific conferences.

The delegation also visited RANEPA's precious book library with many hundred-year-old books. They were introduced to the thesis of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong./.

Hanoi-based hospital partners with UK charity to provide surgeries for children with facial deformities

The 108 Military Central Hospital and Facing the World, a UK-based charity foundation, have formed a partnership to provide surgeries for children with facial deformities in Vietnam.

The five-year cooperation programme was signed by Major General Le Huu Song, Director of the 108 Military Central Hospital, and Facing the World CEO Katrin Kandel at a ceremony in Hanoi on November 19.

Under the agreement, Facing the World will provide training fellowships to 108 Military Central Hospital doctors. The foundation will promote cooperation between experts from Facing the World and the hospital's doctors, including both teaching in Vietnam and fellowship programmes abroad. It will also help promote collaboration between the 108 Military Central Hospital and England's Royal College of Surgeons.

The 108 Military Central Hospital will cover additional funding to invite expert doctors from Facing the World to the hospital for academic and research collaboration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Song said that the agreement will not only help bring smiles to Vietnamese children with facial deformities, but will also give the hospital’s medical staff the opportunity to go abroad to study and receive professional training from leading experts.

With the support of Facing the World, the Centre for Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery was established at the 108 Military Central Hospital as the country’s first centre to perform specialised craniofacial orthopaedic techniques in December 2018.

The foundation also organised over 100 fellowship visits for Vietnamese medical specialists and donated InTouch Health telemedicine systems to all partner Vietnamese hospitals.

In the next five years, Facing the World plans to establish appropriate self-sustaining craniofacial centres and outreach programmes in Vietnam. It will also sponsor training missions to its partner hospitals in Vietnam and provide 40,000 operations for children with facial deformities in Vietnam.

The 108 Military Central Hospital has also received a certification from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in recognition of the professional skills of the hospital's surgeons.

The certification not only demonstrates the training quality of the Hanoi hospital, but also reflects the capacity and professionalism of all doctors and medical experts who work there.

In 2023, the 108 Military Central Hospital, Hong Ngoc and Viet Duc University Hospital were the first three hospitals in Vietnam to receive prestigious accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons of England./.

Vietnamese, Lao national news agencies enhance collaboration

General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang and General Director of the Lao News Agency (KPL) Vannasin Simmavong signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation for the upcoming period, following their talks in Vientiane on November 20.

At their talks, Trang, who is on a working visit to Laos from November 19-21, congratulated KPL on successfully fulfilling its mission of providing media coverage of Laos' 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship Year, thereby contributing to enhancing the country’s image and role in the region.

On behalf of Laos, Vannasin Simmavong commended VNA's resident correspondents in Vientiane for their dedication in performing their tasks and for serving as a bridge to strengthen the Laos-Vietnam relationship. He also appreciated their close collaboration and consistent support for KPL colleagues.

The two agencies agreed to intensify professional collaboration, particularly in the sharing information in both text and photo forms so as to expand coverage across key areas such as politics, diplomacy, economy, culture and society. This exchange aims to further enhance the special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

KPL committed to supporting VNA in distributing the Lao-language edition of its Vietnam Pictorial to a broader Lao audience, and continuing the promotion of VNA’s online platforms, such as Vietnam Pictorial and VietnamPlus, on its digital channels.

Additionally, KPL will continue to assist VNA’s Vientiane bureau with operational activities and provide guidance on press procedures in Laos.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day (December 2, 1975 –2025), both agencies agreed to jointly develop a comprehensive communication plan. This includes organising photo exhibitions in Laos and publishing detailed reports on Laos’ achievements and the enduring Laos-Vietnam relationship.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate communication activities for several significant milestones, including the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – 2025), the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 –2025) and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 –2025).

They vowed to consider producing a special news series on their unique relationship to mark the 80th anniversary of VNA’s traditional day (September 15, 1945 –2025).

In the field of technical operations, they agreed to enhance the exchange of governance and operational models for media organisations in the digital age. They agreed to hold online discussions on professional and technical topics and explore the possibility of VNA sending personnel to assist in inspecting KPL’s technical systems.

The two sides pledged to maintain close collaboration and mutual support at multilateral journalism forums such as the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), while proposing relevant ministries and agencies in both countries to incorporate suitable cooperative activities into the bilateral programmes of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

On this occasion, the VNA General Director presented KPL with technical equipment and computers to support news production and enhance image quality./.

Vietnamese Association in Hungary hold third congress

The Vietnamese Association in Hungary has convened its third congress for the 2024-2029 term, outlining its activities for the new term, adopting an amended charter and electing a 42-member executive board.

The Vietnamese community in Hungary is recognised as a united and sincere community that has deeply integrated into local society and made commendable contributions to the host country and to the traditional friendship between the two countries and their peoples. It always maintains a strong connection to the homeland.

Addressing the November 17 event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Thi Bich Thao commended the association for its efforts over the last seven years since its second congress, and the community’s solidary spirits and their great contributions to the homeland and the Vietnam – Hungary friendship.

Former Hungarian Minister of Defence Simicsko Istvan, Co-Chairman of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Committee and the Hungary-Southeast Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressed his joy and honour in attending an important event of the Vietnamese community.

Thanks to Hungary's Eastern Opening policy, the two countries have a similar development direction and share a close relationship, in which the Vietnamese community plays an important role, he said.

Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Hungary Vu Quy Duong stated that the organsation's goal is to help the community integrate deeply into Hungarian society; contribute to strengthening the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations, and preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity, and tradition in the host country.

The association has implemented many in-depth and professional activities for the community, especially cultural exchanges, arts performance programmes, and sports activities, as well as fund-raising campaigns for people affected by natural disasters and epidemics in the homeland, he added.

The association has submitted a petition to the Hungarian government asking for the recognition of the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group in the country, he went on.

Founded in April 2008, the Vietnamese Association in Hungary is a legally recognised organisation by the Hungarian Court. Over the last 16 years, the association has effectively coordinated activities for its member chapters and represented the Vietnamese community in the Central European nation./.

Vietnamese PM meets with leaders of Dominican Republic’s Congress

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had separate meetings with President of the Dominican Republic’s Senate Ricardo de los Santos Polanco and President of the Chamber of Deputies Alfredo Pacheco in Santo Domingo on November 20 afternoon (local time), as part of the Vietnamese leader's official visit to the Caribbean country.

The host leaders hailed the visit's historical significance as PM Chinh is the first high-ranking Vietnamese leader to visit the Dominican Republic. It comes at a time when the wo countries have seen positive strides in their relationship towards the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties on July 7, 2025.

Vietnam treasures its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the Dominican Republic as part of its broader foreign policy towards the Latin America-Caribbean region, and specifically with the Dominican Republic’s Congress, Chinh said.

PM Chinh shared the positive outcomes of his earlier talks with President Luis Abinader Corona, during which the two sides issued a joint declaration and agreed to increase the exchange of delegations and improve the legal framework for bilateral collaboration across various sectors.

The Vietnamese leader also revealed his proposal for the two countries to promptly negotiate agreements on free trade, investment protection, cultural and education-training cooperation, and visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders.

Appreciating the results achieved at the talks between PM Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader Corona, the leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies affirmed their support for the directions and measures proposed by both governments to bring the friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new development stage to effectively and practically serve the development process in each country.

They were also committed to strongly supporting the early negotiations on agreements on free trade, investment protection, cultural and education-training cooperation, and visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders, believing that achieving these agreements soon will bring tangible benefits to businesses and citizens of both countries, and significantly elevate the bilateral relations to a new height.

On this occasion, PM Chinh conveyed the thanks of the Vietnamese National Assembly to the Senate of the Dominican Republic for recently arranging a warm welcome for the delegation from the Vietnamese NA's Committee for Foreign Affairs, led by its Chairman Vu Hai Ha, during their working visit to the Dominican Republic in July this year.

He welcomed and appreciated the establishment of a friendship parliamentarians group with Vietnam in the Dominican Senate and announced that the Vietnamese NA had established a friendship parliamentarians group with the Dominican Republic on November 15, 2024. This will be an important channel for cooperation between the two legislatures in particular, and the two countries in general, PM Chinh stressed.

On behalf of NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, PM Chinh extended the regards and invitations to the leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic to visit Vietnam. The top legislators of the Dominican Republic accepted the invitations with pleasures./.

Vietnamese PM, President of Dominican Republic chair joint press conference

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader Corona chaired a joint press conference on November 20 morning (local time) to inform the outcomes of their talks and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries.

At the press conference, in front of a large number of officials and reporters from both countries, President Abinader Corona once again warmly welcomed PM Chinh and his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation to visit the Dominican Republic.

The President said that with the establishment of diplomatic relations and the establishment of its embassy in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic hoped to accelerate its strategy of strengthening diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Recently, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic have promoted many cooperative activities and shared complementary activities in many fields, especially agriculture, in which Vietnam has provided vaccines to prevent swine fever for the Dominican Republic.

According to President Abinader Corona, PM Chinh's visit to the Dominican Republic this time is of important significance. The two leaders had talks and discussions to continue expanding and concretising cooperation agreements and at the same time, promote new agreements and cooperation between the two countries in fields such as defence, telecommunications, oil and gas, tourism and other fields with potential and needs of both sides for the benefit of both countries and their people.

PM Chinh thanked President Abinader Corona for his respectful, sincere, and thoughtful welcome and believed that his visit to the Dominican Republic this time is historic, creating new momentum and opening a new page in Vietnam - Dominican Republic relations.

Recalling the event that President Ho Chi Minh met with revolutionary, Professor Juan Bosch, the first President of the Dominican Republic, when he came to Hanoi to attend the Conference of Latin American countries to unite with Vietnam in 1965, PM Chinh said that Vietnam and the Dominican Republic had many similarities: similar ideals, all for national independence, happiness, and prosperity of the people.

According to the PM, the two economies can complement and promote mutual development. The two countries have unique cultures; have important geopolitics in the two regions of ASEAN and South America; have high political reliability; treasure friendship and value sincerity and trust; have the desire to build a strong, prosperous country with happy and prosperous people.

Emphasising that the above similarities are an important foundation for the two countries to promote cooperative relations to a new height, the PM proposed the two sides speed up negotiations, leading to the signing of four agreements including: Free trade agreement; Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement; Agreement on cultural, education-training and tourism cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and Agreement on Visas to create the best conditions for exchanges between the two countries.

Also according to the PM, the two sides discussed many potential areas of cooperation such as digital transformation, digital economy, building a digital society, telecommunications development; energy exploitation including oil and gas, solar energy, wind energy; agricultural cooperation, including vaccine production; creating conditions and promoting cooperation between businesses of the two countries.

PM Chinh emphasised that in the context of the current international situation, the two sides agreed to call for solidarity and enhanced international cooperation, not only for the two countries and their people but for peace and cooperation and development in the regions and the world, especially Vietnam will be a bridge for the Dominican Republic to cooperate with ASEAN and the Dominican Republic will work as a bridge for Vietnam to cooperate with the South American region.

PM Chinh conveyed the greetings, congratulations and invitations of General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and the PM himself and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the President and other leaders of the Dominican Republic to visit Vietnam on the occasion of the 20th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Also at the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents including: A Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the Vietnam - Dominican Republic Joint Committee to promote trade and investment; A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Diplomatic and Consular Academy of the Dominican Republic.

Earlier, on the morning of the same day, PM Chinh, his spouse, and the Vietnamese delegation attended a ceremony commemorating the founders of the Dominican Republic and laid a wreath at the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration in the capital of Santo Domingo together with the Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez./.

Vietnamese PM hold talks with President of Dominican Republic

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader Corona held talks in Santo Domingo on November 20 morning (local time) as part of the Vietnamese leader's official visit to the Caribbean country.

Both leaders affirmed the significance of the first high-level visit since Vietnam and the Dominican Republic established their diplomatic ties on July 7, 2005, hailing it as a historic milestone and a vital impetus for elevating the bilateral ties to a new stage of deeper and more practical development.

PM Chinh conveyed the regards from Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and their invitations to President Abinader Corona to visit Vietnam in 2025 on the occasion of the 20th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties to further elevate the bilateral ties based on the strong current foundation. The President accepted the invitations with pleasure, with the visit's exact timing to be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the positive strides in the bilateral friendship and cooperation, particularly in politics-diplomacy, economy, trade, and development cooperation, as well as their mutual support at multilateral forums.

They underscored the significance of preserving and promoting the value of late President Ho Chi Minh Monument in Santo Domingo and the monument in Hanoi dedicated to Professor Juan Bosch, the first President of the Dominican Republic, lauding them as symbol of the bilateral solidarity and friendship.

The host and guest agreed on the need to further facilitate high-level and all-level exchanges and meetings via Party, Government and Parliamentary channels, as well as locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges. These efforts aim to strengthen the foundation of political relations, enhance mutual understanding, and provide a solid basis to expand and improve the effectiveness of the bilateral ties.

They also stressed the necessity to improve the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, maximise the effectiveness of the political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries and soon hold the second political consultation.

Both sides agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas, particularly in economy, trade, investment, avoiding double taxation, agriculture, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, digital economy, telecommunications, renewable energy, security and crime prevention, sustainable tourism development, culture, education, environmental protection, and climate change response.

They also agreed to hold the first session of the Joint committee for economic, trade, and industrial cooperation soon.

PM Chinh proposed the two sides negotiate a free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement, as well as agreements on cultural, educational, and training cooperation, and another on ordinary visa exemption.

For his part, President Abinader Corona expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for effectively providing vaccines against African swine fever to the Dominican Republic.

The two leaders emphasised the need and potential to expand business and investment cooperation between the two countries, especially in telecommunications, energy and oil, construction, agriculture, and tourism.

They shared the view on the necessity of enhancing trade and investment promotion activities, connecting businesses, and facilitating market access for each country’s strong export items, while also using each country as a gateway to access the markets of the Southeast Asian and Latin America-Caribbean regions.

The two leaders affirmed their commitments to promoting multilateralism, enhancing cooperation, and supporting each other in international organisations and multilateral forums of which both are members, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Non-Aligned Movement, the South-South cooperation framework, and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), for the benefit of the people of both countries and to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in both regions and the world.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, both sides agreed to support the settlement of international disputes and disagreements through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following the talks, the two leaders chaired a joint press conference and announce the Vietnam-Dominican Republic Joint Declaration, reaffirming the determination of both governments and outlining the directions and measures agreed upon to further strengthen the solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries in the future./.

Vietnam attends ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting

A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang attended the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on November 20.

The event was co-chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

In his address, Giang underlined the increasingly substantive and effective defence cooperation between ASEAN and the US, noting that the US has regularly proposed holding informal meetings with ASEAN defence ministers, actively joined the seven ADMM+ Experts’ Working Groups, and proactively initiated efforts to enhance cooperation and build capacity for ASEAN member states.

The Vietnamese Defence Ministry highly values the effectiveness and practicality of the US-proposed activities, which are crucial for regional peace, security and self-resilience, as well as the common development of ASEAN member countries, he said.

With the fifth cycle of the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Groups underway, Giang reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to promoting dialogue, building trust and making substantive contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability. This includes consolidating cooperation in the seven areas outlined in the 2022 ASEAN-US Leaders' Statement on the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

Expressing confidence in the successful co-chairing of the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine by the US and Indonesia in this cycle, Giang reiterated Vietnam’s support for and active involvement in US-ASEAN cooperation activities, particularly within the ADMM+ framework.

Austin expressed the US’s desire to further enhance practical and effective defence collaboration with ASEAN for the sake of regional peace and security.

In reply, ASEAN defence ministers affirmed their readiness to collaborate with the US and other partners to navigate security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional.

On the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM-18) and the 11th ADMM+ meeting in Vientiane, Giang held a bilateral meeting with Lieut. Gen Domingos Raul, Chief of Defence of Timor Leste.

Both sides acknowledged the positive initial results of Vietnam-Timor Leste defence ties, including meetings between leaders of the two defence ministries during multilateral events.

A notable example of successful cooperation is the Military Industry-Telecommunications Group (Viettel), which operates in Timor-Leste under the brand Telemor. It has emerged as one of the largest telecom providers in the country, boasting coverage of up to 96%.

Minister Giang wished for enhanced cooperation in areas that align with the needs and capabilities of both countries, and support for Viettel's increasingly effective operations in Timor-Leste.

On the sidelines of ADMM-18, he also engaged with his counterparts from Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Brunei, discussing measures to reinforce defence ties./.

Top legislator highlights teachers’ contributions to educational development

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man laid stress on the important role of teachers in the country’s educational development, scientific research and innovation at a meeting in Hanoi on November 20 with lawmakers who are teachers, and former teachers and education managers.

At the event, held on the occasion of the Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, the top legislator affirmed that the Party and State have paid due attention to education and considered it a top national priority, adding that a wide range of guidelines and policies to care for and develop workforce in the sector have been issued and put in place over the recent past.

Expressing his concern over challenges facing the sector, Man emphasised that while teachers have been instrumental in the country's modernisation efforts, significant reforms are necessary to sustain and enhance their professional environment.

He urged the Government, NA’s agencies, Ministry of Education and Training and competent agencies to focus on building and issuing a law on teachers, while developing a supportive professional environment that encourages teachers’ creativity and dedication and ensuring their living conditions to enable them deliver on their full professional commitments.

Additionally, he underscored the need to concretise the educational transformation goal and develop human resources for national construction and protection in the era of the nation’s rise during the 14th-tenure Party Congress.

Man expressed his hope that the deputies, with their practical education experiences, will continue contributions to perfecting the legal system for the sector and overseeing the implementation of policies by administrations at all levels./.

Lawmakers back investment policy for North-South high-speed railway project

Lawmakers on November 20 afternoon expressed their strong support for the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway project, emphasising that it is time to go ahead rather than stepping back as this is a development trend of the country.

At the 15th National Assembly’s 8th session, deputy Ta Van Ha from central Quang Nam province said that the project is a breakthrough for Vietnam’s entry into a new era of development, laying stress on the harmonious development among different transport modes, including railways, aviation, waterways and roads.

Due attention must be paid to the selection of technologies and appropriate phasing during the construction of the North-South railway, he said, underscoring the significance of management to avoid cost overruns and future financial losses.

Meanwhile, deputy Nguyen Ngoc Son from northern Hai Duong province emphasised the need for careful consideration of project feasibility, particularly regarding land use planning, forest preservation, and station locations. He specifically called for strategic arrangement of passenger stations to maximise accessibility and usage.

Touching on the funding for the project, many lawmakers advocated using domestic capital and concessional foreign loans and limiting ODA borrowing.

On the same afternoon, the NA held a plenary meeting in the hall to hear reports on the draft law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the law on supervision activities of the NA and People's Councils./.

VNA should continue to assist KPL in digital era: Lao PM

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) should continue to maintain a close and effective relationship with, and help the Lao News Agency (KPL) keep up with the development of the current digital media, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has said.

Sonexay made the suggestion while hosting a reception in Vientiane on November 20 for a VNA delegation led by its General Director Vu Viet Trang, who are on a working visit to Laos from November 19-21.

Trang reported to the Lao PM the traditional and faithful cooperative relations between the two national news agencies of Vietnam and Laos, both during the past arduous struggle and the present cause of national construction and development.

VNA and KPL have always accompanied and supported each other in carrying out information and communications tasks, affirming their roles as national news agencies in each country, she said.

Currently, VNA and KPL are effectively implementing the Professional Cooperation Agreement for the 2022-2025 period in the fields of information exchange, professional support and technical equipment, sharing professional experience and communications coordination, especially on important events and holidays of the two countries, Trang added.

Sonexay highly evaluated the traditional, effective and practical cooperative relationship between VNA and KPL, which contributed to consolidating and disseminating information about the special relationship between the two countries.

On behalf of the Lao Government, he thanked VNA for its comprehensive support and assistance to KPL in all fields, emphasising that this clearly demonstrated the close relationship between the two news agencies, helping to strengthen, tighten and further develop the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and two States.

The Lao PM also noted that the two agencies need to do well the tasks of the press such as communicating policies, supervising the implementation of the Party and State's policies and guidelines, and refuting false information. Especially in 2025, it is necessary for the two agencies to well perform the tasks of disseminating information about important events of Laos and Vietnam as well as the great friendship and special cooperation between the two nations.

Trang thanked the Lao Government and the PM personally for their attention and close guidance on communication activities. VNA and KPL will continue to make efforts and support each other for mutual development to make it commensurate with the special relationship between the two countries, she stressed.

Earlier on the same day, VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang paid courtesy calls on Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suonsavan Viyaketh and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam, and held talks with KPL General Director Vannasin Simmavong./.

G20 Summit: Vietnam promotes relations with countries, international organisations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held separate meetings with leaders and officials from Spain, Paraguay, Canada, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Vatican, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, on November 19 (local time).

The Vietnamese government leader respectfully conveyed the regards from Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the leaders. He extended Lam’s and Cuong’s invitations to the leaders to visit Vietnam.

Meeting with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to deepen its strategic partnership with Spain, and thanked the Spanish government for its support to help Vietnam in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi.

He proposed the two sides strengthen delegation exchanges at all levels and soon sign a new joint action programme between the two governments; promote cooperation with Vietnam in areas of transport infrastructure, renewable energy, science - technology, and agriculture.

He expressed his hope that Spain will help urge other European Union (EU) member countries to quickly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and the European Commission (EC) to lift its 'yellow card' warning against Vietnamese seafood.

Agreeing with Chinh’s proposals, Sanchez called on the two sides to cooperate in infrastructure development such as subways, urban railways, and urban planning; and promote people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation in sports, tourism, and culture; and mutually support each other at multilateral forums.

In his meeting with UAE Minister of State Ahmed Sayegh, Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to become a strategic supplier of Halal products, contributing to ensuring food security for the UAE.

He held that the two sides should discuss measures to implement the outcomes achieved during the Vietnamese leader’s visit to the Middle East nation, and to prepare for the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the UAE President.

Agreeing with Chinh's proposals, Ahmed Sayegh stated that the UAE will actively support and share its experience with Vietnam in building an international financial hub; strengthen the connection between innovation hubs of the two nations; and boost cooperation in maritime connectivity, tourism, aviation and labour.

Talking to President of Paraguay Santiago Pena, PM Chinh proposed the two countries to strengthen political and diplomatic exchanges; expand economic, trade and investment cooperation; boost people-to-people exchanges; and promote negotiations on cooperation agreements.

The Vietnamese leader asked Paraguay to continue supporting the completion of the internal review process of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) to facilitate the signing of the Vietnam-MERCOSUR free trade agreement as soon as possible.

For his part, Pena affirmed that his country always treasures the relationship with Vietnam and stands ready to act as a bridge promoting Vietnam's relations with MERCOSUR – the world's leading food trading region.

During their discussion, Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong discussed orientations to strengthen the bilateral relations in the future, including promoting bilateral cooperation mechanisms; developing new-generation Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks; enhancing infrastructure and logistics connectivity, and digital connectivity between the two economies. They also talked about collaborating on developing clean and renewable energy systems, forming an electricity grid within ASEAN, and sharing experiences in building international financial hubs. The two PMs also addressed regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Meeting with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, Chinh thanked the Canadian government for its assistance to help Vietnam overcome Typhoon Yagi-post consequences.

The two leaders agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations, particularly expanding cooperation in economics, trade, investment; ODA cooperation, and peacekeeping force training, towards stepping up the Vietnam – Canada comprehensive partnership. They also emphasised the need to maximise benefits of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that both countries are members.

During a meeting between PM Chinh and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the two sides expressed their pleasure at the positive developments in the Vietnam-Holy See relationship in recent times, as evidenced by high-level visits and exchanges between the two sides’ leaders.

Chinh took the occasion to invite Pietro Parolin to visit Vietnam. The Vatican Prime Minister accepted the invitation with pleasure and said that Pope Francis eagerly looks forward to visiting Vietnam, thus contributing to promoting the bond between the Holy See and the Catholic Church in Vietnam, and further fostering the relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican.

In a discussion with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chinh thanked and valued WHO for providing effective vaccines to Vietnam through the COVAX mechanism, which helped Vietnam respond to and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing cooperation with WHO to ensure public health.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Vietnam’s policies and efforts in responding epidemics, hoping that Vietnam will actively support the international community in swiftly adopting a global agreement on epidemic prevention and response for the future. He also proposed strengthening cooperation with Vietnam to develop an ecosystem for biotechnology and healthcare./.

Defence Minister meets with Lao leaders on ADMM, ADMM-Plus sidelines

Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang met with leaders of Laos in Vientiane on November 19 on the occasion of attending the 18th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Making a courtesy call on General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Minister Giang congratulated Laos on the success of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 with many important meetings. He stressed that Vietnam keeps supporting Laos during this crucial year.

He also briefed the Lao leader on the recent situation in Vietnam and the results of cooperation between the two countries' defence ministries.

The Lao leader appreciated the meeting between the two countries' defence ministers, expressing satisfaction with the development of their bilateral cooperation.

Affirming that defence is a key pillar of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, Sisoulith urged the two defence ministries to continue to coordinate for the effective implementation of cooperation protocols, programmes and plans. He also stressed the need to widely disseminate the historical and strategic importance of Laos-Vietnam special relations in the armed forces.

On the same day, Giang also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who stressed that defence cooperation is always one of the pillars of Laos-Vietnam relations and affirmed that strengthening this cooperation remains a priority for Laos.

Minister Giang reaffirmed the importance Vietnam attaches to preserving and deepening the special and unwavering relations between the two nations. He thanked Laos for its assistance in searching for, collecting and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died in Laos during the war.

He informed the Lao PM on the cooperation between the two defence ministries in the recent past, highlighting the success of the second Vietnam-Laos border defence friendship exchange last October.

Also on the day, Minister Giang had a meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Chansamone Chanyalath, during which the two sides agreed to closely coordinate to implement the defence cooperation protocol for the 2025-2029 period as well as the cooperation plan for 2025. They pointed to several priorities for bilateral cooperation, including Party's work and communication activities about the historical relations and strategic importance of Vietnam-Laos ties. The two ministers agree to maintain available cooperation mechanisms, such as high-level delegation exchanges and defence policy dialogues at the level of deputy ministers, and intensify joint efforts to address non-traditional security challenges, manage and protect the shared borderline, train human resources and continue to research and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died in Laos during wartime.

On this occasion, Giang invited Deputy PM and Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath and leaders of the Lao Defence Ministry and the Lao People's Army to attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the 35th anniversary of the All-people’s National Defence Day, and the second Vietnam International Defence Expo slated for mid-December./.

Vietnamese PM receives General Secretary of MIU Party of Dominican Republic

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received General Secretary of the United Left Movement (MIU) Party and Minister of Regional Integration Policies of the Dominican Republic Miguel Mejia in Santo Domingo on November 20, as part of his official visit to the Caribbean nation.

PM Chinh conveyed Party General Secretary To Lam’s regards to Miguel Mejia and underscored Vietnam’s high appreciation for the solidarity and active support extended by the MIU Party, Mejia personally, and the people of the Dominican Republic to the Communist Party and the people of Vietnam during their past struggle for southern liberation and national reunification, as well as in the ongoing cause of national construction and development.

Sharing the outcomes of his previous talks with President Luis Abinader Corona, PM Chinh proposed the MIU Party, with its role as a member of the ruling coalition, continue to support directions and measures to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations, especially as they are approaching the 20th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

He specifically highlighted the importance of facilitating high-level visits and meetings, improving the effectiveness of the political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries, working closely together and offering mutual support at international organisations and forums. Additionally, the PM also emphasised the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two Parties, including the continued effective implementation of their cooperation agreement for the 2023-2028 period.

PM Chinh assessed that there is ample room for the two countries to promote their economic, trade, and investment relations.

He suggested both sides focus on promoting business cooperation and investment in areas where each country has strengths, bringing practical benefits to the people of both nations.

For his part, Miguel Mejia said he believed PM Chinh's visit marks a historical milestone in the relationship between the two countries, creating an important momentum to enhance the fine friendship and cooperative ties between Vietnam and the Dominican Republic in general, as well as between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the MIU Party in particular.

 
Expressing his admiration for the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people, and deep respect and affection for President Ho Chi Minh, he congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in all areas in nearly 40 years of national renewal and development.

Miguel Mejia said the MIU Party wants to continue exchanging and learning from Vietnam’s experiences and achievements in national development and international integration.

He promised to promote connections between businesses of the two countries to explore cooperation opportunities in potential fields such as telecommunications, construction materials, energy, oil and gas, information technology, electric vehicle distribution, and tourism, contributing to enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in the future./.

People, community at heart of digital transformation: Deputy PM

People must be at the heart of digital transformation and serve as the driving force and ultimate purpose of sustainable development, Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long said on Wednesday.

Speaking to an audience of approximately 1,000 delegates from countries, regions and international organisations across the globe at the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in China’s Zhejiang province, Long stressed that digital transformation is an inevitable trend, an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority for countries, towards rapid and sustainable development.

Artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing are becoming crucial production tools. Strong digital transformation brings both opportunities and challenges to people, he noted.

He called on countries and organisations to bolster close cooperation to build an Internet community of safety, responsibility and development while laying stress on Việt Nam's significant progress in the digital transformation programme until 2025 with a vision to 2030, focusing on the three pillars of digital government, digital economy and digital society.

Việt Nam, he said, has carved out positive results in digital growth, ranking among the world's top 10 fastest-growing e-commerce markets, 74th among 193 countries in the e-Government Development Index, and 44th out of 133 in the Global Innovation Index this year.

The Deputy PM outlined Việt Nam's key priorities for the new development phase, including perfecting institutional frameworks with special mechanisms for digital transformation, strengthening national digital infrastructure, developing high-quality human resources, promoting digital platforms for citizens and businesses, and building a healthy digital culture while preserving traditional values.

He expressed his confidence that China will continue promoting its important role in the global economy, particularly bolstering digital transformation and green transition, adding with joint international efforts, countries could build a peaceful, safe and prosperous digital future for humanity.

Themed “Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future - Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the summit runs from November 19-22 and features 24 specialised forums addressing critical issues from digital education to AI governance.

On the same day, Long received Lu Dongliang, Chairman and President of China-ASEAN Information Harbor Ltd, during which he highlighted the robust Việt Nam–China friendship and comprehensive cooperation over the recent past.

Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long and Lu Dongliang, Chairman and President of China-ASEAN Information Harbor Ltd.
He stated that the Vietnamese Government creates favourable conditions for ministries, sectors and localities to enhance win-win collaboration with Guangxi enterprises, including China-ASEAN Information Harbor Ltd.

He suggested the firm step up discussions, share experience in the development of IT infrastructure as well as IT management with the Vietnamese sides, and bolster collaboration in digital economy with Vietnamese tech giants.

Lu, for his part, expressed his admiration for Việt Nam's digital transformation journey, saying he hopes to foster cooperation with the country in building a data exchange platform and digital workforce training.

The Vietnamese Deputy PM will have a meeting with Wang Hao, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Zhejiang province on Thursday. 

HCM City approves new regulations for agricultural infrastructure

The HCM City People's Committee has recently issued a decision on the use of agricultural land for constructing facilities serving agricultural production in the city.

The decision governs the use of land (excluding rice cultivation land) for constructing facilities directly serving agricultural production in the city.

Accordingly, facilities directly serving agricultural production include sheds, farms, and warehouses for preliminary produce processing, agricultural product storage, agricultural supplies, machinery, and labour tools.

The land area for constructing facilities directly serving agricultural production on rice cultivation land shall comply with the provisions in the decree detailing regulations on rice cultivation land.

The subjects of the application are State agencies assigned to perform state management tasks on land and other relevant agencies, organisations, and individuals; and agricultural land users in the city.

The conditions for applying this decision stipulate that an agricultural land plot must have been granted a land use rights certificate and still be within its period of use.

The agricultural land area being used must be 500sq.m or more (including a single plot or multiple adjacent plots belonging to the same land user).

The maximum ratio of land area for constructing facilities directly serving agricultural production is one per cent of the total agricultural land area, but not exceeding 50 sq.m.

Facilities directly serving agricultural production must be single-story structures, with a maximum roof height of five metres, with no basement or semi-permanent construction.

The construction of facilities directly serving agricultural production shall comply with the Construction Law, and is exempt from construction permits according to the law.

District-level people’s committees shall approve the location, construction scale, and the duration of the facility as stipulated in the Construction Law.

The construction of works directly serving agricultural production shall not affect irrigation works, dyke works, adjacent agricultural land areas, and shall not violate the road boundaries of existing roads as planned and approved by the competent authority.

The decision also requires the heads of district-level people's committees to be responsible before the municipal People's Committee for ensuring the rational use of land and preventing the emergence of restaurants, eateries, and other types of businesses that do not serve the approved purpose. 

Traffic accident on southern expressway leaves 1 dead, 10 injured

The Police Department of Hàm Thuận Nam District in the southern province of Bình Thuận on Thursday reported a serious traffic accident on the Phan Thiết - Dầu Giây Expressway, killing one person and leaving 10 others injured.

The crash, which occurred at 11.30pm on Wednesday at kilometer marker 06+500 of the Phan Thiết - Dầu Giây Expressway in Hàm Cường Commune, Hàm Thuận Nam District, involved two vehicles.

A passenger bus with license plate 50H-230.74, driven by Hồ Duy Thoảng, 40, a resident of south-central province Phú Yên, was travelling from Bình Thuận to HCM City when it collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer, bearing license plates 60C-344.62 and 60R-027.05 for its semi-trailer, was operated by Phạm Đăng Trường, 43, a resident of southern province Đồng Nai.

The accident claimed the life of the bus assistant, Nguyễn Văn Trọng, 41, also from Phú Yên Province. Ten passengers sustained injuries, four of whom are in serious condition and are being treated at Bình Thuận General Hospital.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.

Inner railway station removal project set to begin  

The central city of Đà Nẵng has allocated total funds of more than VNĐ9 trillion (US$360 million) to remove its existing downtown railway station to a new place and building new stations for passengers and cargo in the Master Plan 2021-30, with vision 2025.

The city said the investment fund will be used to work on a pre-feasibility study of relocating new stations, land-clearance, resettlement and construction costs in two phases of 2021-30 and from 2030-50.

It said a new passenger station would be set up at near Trung Nghĩa Lake, while Kim Liên cargo station will move to Liên Chiểu district in 2030.

In 2050, the Đà Nẵng national passenger cargo depot will relocate to Hòa Sơn commune of Hòa Vang district, while the Kim Liên cargo station will be upgraded to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo per year.

It means that the city will manage a new 29km rail track between the Hải Vân Pass railway tunnel and neighbouring Quảng Nam Province to match up with the national 2050 proposed high-speed railway system.

The city, in co-operation with the ministry of transport and the railway corporation, will redevelop the old down-town station area into a new investment project.

Vice chairman of the city’s people’s committee, Lê Quang Nam said the railway station removal plan would be a key solution for reducing the city’s inner traffic congestion and offer a welcome face lift of the downtown area.

Liên Chiểu and Hòa Vang districts will be a major logistics centre related to on-going construction Liên Chiểu deep-sea port, railway, highways systems of Đà Nẵng-Quảng Ngãi Expressway, the East-West Economic Corridor and Việt Nam-trans road transport – the National Highway No 1, and the first ever Free Trade Zone.

The old Đà Nẵng railway station, which was built in 1902 in the city’s downtown Hải Phòng street, was already struggling to cope with 20 trains arriving into the city each day.

Đà Nẵng has been calling for investment in public transport with bus routes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), metro routes, Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) in order to reduce carbon emissions. 

Experts highlight age as leading risk factor for shingles

Age is the leading risk factor for shingles, especially for those over 50 with diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases, experts affirmed at the International Scientific Summit on Shingles Prevention in Adults recently held in HCM City.

Organised by GSK in collaboration with the Vietnam Medical Association, the summit was attended by more than 150 leading healthcare professionals in the fields of cardiovascular, endocrinology, rheumatology, geriatrics, infectious diseases, and preventive and general medical practitioners from Southeast Asia, who shared diverse perspectives and discussed scientific data, diseases, global clinical practices, and solutions for adult disease prevention.

Aging weakens the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence, which includes both genetic and environmental factors, they said.

Dr. Anita Sharma, medical lecturer, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, University of Queensland, and director of Platinum Medical Centre in Brisbane, Australia, said: “As the immune system weakens, the risk of infectious diseases increases along with their complex complications. Age is the leading risk factor for shingles. The incidence of shingles rises sharply after age 50, with data recorded in various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia, and in countries like Australia, Taiwan (China), the US, Japan, and the UK.”

In addition to high incidence, specifically, one in three adults will develop shingles, the complications of the disease are considered a threat to both physical health and the quality of the life of patients. Shingles complications include postherpetic neuralgia, which can last more than three months after the onset of the disease, with the risk increasing with age and significantly from age 50, she noted.

Additionally, other rare complications of shingles have been reported, such as vision loss following shingles in the eye area, and hearing loss, she added.

Dr. Sharma further elaborated on the risks and burden of the disease, including that studies have shown an association of shingles with cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infraction or heart attack and stroke. Pain from shingles significantly affects the quality of life, impacting sleep, daily activities, work, and mood, leading to a sense of not enjoying life.

Dr. Thân Hà Ngọc Thể, former head of the Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HCM City said: “The prevalence of chronic diseases in people aged 50 and over is quite common, including having at least two chronic diseases recorded in different age groups.

“Patients with chronic diseases have an increased risk of developing shingles along with serious complications of the disease. The risk of shingles is much higher in over 50 year old patients with such diseases as diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases,” he noted .

According to experts, many national recommendations advocate for vaccination with the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 and older to prevent the disease, including specific guidelines for those with underlying conditions. Countries like the US, Germany, Canada, Spain, and Italy have provided guidelines for shingles prevention through vaccination for patients with asthma, COPD, and diabetes.

It is estimated that annually vaccinations can save four to five million lives globally, prevent over nine million cases of illness, nine million cases of potential long-term disability, and 20 million deaths from 2001 to 2020. Vaccination can also significantly control infectious diseases, they said.

Arnas Berzanskis, vice president, regional medical affairs head, GSK Emerging Markets, said: "GSK recognises the importance of addressing healthcare challenges related to infectious diseases by collaborating with health authorities, international and local medical associations, and leading experts to help healthcare professional, patients, and communities increase their awareness of diseases, recognise risks, and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.” 

Top legislator highlights teachers’ contributions to educational development

National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn laid stress on the important role of teachers in the country’s educational development, scientific research and innovation at a meeting in Hà Nội on Wednesday with lawmakers who are teachers, former teachers and education managers.

At the event, held on the occasion of the Vietnamese Teachers’ Day (November 20), the top legislator affirmed that the Party and State have paid due attention to education and considered it a top national priority, adding that a wide range of guidelines and policies to care for and develop workforce in the sector have been issued and put in place over the recent past.

Expressing his concern over challenges facing the sector, Mẫn emphasised that while teachers have been instrumental in the country's modernisation efforts, significant reforms are necessary to sustain and enhance their professional environment.

He urged the Government, NA’s agencies, Ministry of Education and Training and competent agencies to focus on building and issuing a law on teachers, while developing a supportive professional environment that encourages teachers’ creativity and dedication and ensuring their living conditions to enable them deliver on their full professional commitments.

Additionally, he underscored the need to concretise the educational transformation goal and develop human resources for national construction and protection in the era of the nation’s rise during the 14th-tenure Party Congress.

Mẫn expressed his hope that the deputies, with their practical education experiences, will continue contributions to perfecting the legal system for the sector and overseeing the implementation of policies by administrations at all levels. 

Five suspects arrested for financial fraud

Five suspects have been detained and will be prosecuted for alleged fraud following an investigation into funds raised by GFDI, an investment consultancy company, in the central city of Đà Nẵng.

The investigating unit of the city’s public security department said it had arrested Nguyễn Quang Hoàng, 36, general director of the company, and four others: Nguyễn Đỗ Đạt, finance director; Trần Thị Mỹ Hạnh, budget and cashier manager; Tô Hồng Trà and Trần Thị Kiều Trang, the manager and deputy manager of the company's financial transaction section.

An initial report from the investigation unit revealed that GFDI, which was established as a finance consultancy service company with a legal capital of VNĐ80 billion (US$3.2 million) in 2018, had signed lending contracts worth a total of VNĐ3.7 trillion ($148 million) with 7,541 customers in 11 provinces and cites including Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, Cần Thơ, Khánh Hòa, Huế, Quảng Trị, Quảng Bình, Nghệ An and Đắk Lắk.

The company's general director allegedly intentionally instructed staff to distribute marketing materials and advertisements based on false information on the business’ investment activities.

According to investigators, the firm allegedly told lenders that it had been raising funds for investment in prospective high-profit hospitality industries, including the food and beverage sector, consumer goods production with best-selling brands like Seneco, Enzy food, and K-products, and film and studio production.

GFDI had allegedly promised that it would offer high interest rates for lending money, from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent per month for a short one-month package, 2.5 per cent per month for a three-month package, 3 per cent for a six-month package and 3.5 per cent for a nine-month lending contract, the unit reported.

However, the company then allegedly failed to invest in the promised sectors. It eventually could not cover its monthly interest payments and the initial investment funds for lenders, according to the investigation unit.

The investigation agency said it has identified 24 assets and funds related to the alleged financial swindle.

The case remains under investigation. 

Regulations on suspension of BOT toll stations

The Ministry of Transport has said toll collections should be suspended if they cause traffic risks.

Recently issued specific regulations address cases where toll collection at Build-Operation-Transfer (BOT) stations is temporarily suspended and strictly prohibit any fraudulent actions involving road usage fees.

Circular No. 34/2024/TT-BGTVT includes additional regulations on the suspension of toll collection for violating BOT projects. 

Specifically, BOT projects must suspend toll collection if the road maintenance quality is poor and has been formally warned twice by the competent authority in writing, with deadlines for rectification provided. 

BOT toll stations are also required to suspend toll collection if there are risks to traffic safety. The issue has been highlighted twice by the competent authority with written notices and deadlines, but it remains unresolved or has been resolved late.  

The Ministry of Transport stipulates that in both cases, toll collection will be suspended until the issues are resolved, with a minimum suspension period of one day. 

Additionally, BOT projects must suspend toll collection if the technology systems or equipment directly related to toll collection break down or malfunction and are not timely repaired in accordance with regulations on electronic payment for road usage.

Suspension may also occur at the request of competent authorities in cases of epidemics, natural disasters, wars, etc; or if the toll operator, management unit or service provider intentionally delays or fails to comply with decisions from competent authorities. 

Suspension cases not caused by the fault of the toll management unit, operator, or service provider will be handled according to relevant laws or service agreements. 

If toll stations must cease operations due to unforeseeable events, the toll operator must ensure that traffic congestion at the toll station area does not occur, and must promptly report to the toll management unit, the service provider and the competent authority to develop mitigation measures and restore operations as soon as possible. 

In cases of traffic congestion caused by force majeure events in the toll station area, the toll operator must open the toll gates and immediately report to the toll management unit and the competent authority for traffic flow management solutions. 

The Ministry of Transport also strictly prohibits BOT projects from engaging in fraudulent practices related to road usage fees, colluding to manipulate toll collection activities, interfering with toll collection systems or allowing toll collectors to accept cash payments from road users without issuing a ticket or issuing tickets that do not match the vehicle type passing through the toll station. 

Hà Nội hospital partners with UK charity to provide surgeries for children with facial deformities

The 108 Military Central Hospital and Facing the World, a UK-based charity foundation, have formed a partnership to provide surgeries for children with facial deformities in Việt Nam.

The five-year cooperation programme was signed by Major General Lê Hữu Song, Director of the 108 Military Central Hospital, and Facing the World CEO Katrin Kandel at a ceremony in Hà Nội on November 19.

Under the agreement, Facing the World will provide training fellowships to 108 Military Central Hospital doctors. The foundation will promote cooperation between experts from Facing the World and the hospital's doctors, including both teaching in Việt Nam and fellowship programmes abroad. It will also help promote collaboration between the 108 Military Central Hospital and England's Royal College of Surgeons.

The 108 Military Central Hospital will cover additional funding to invite expert doctors from Facing the World to the hospital for academic and research collaboration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Song said that the agreement will not only help bring smiles to Vietnamese children with facial deformities, but will also give the hospital’s medical staff the opportunity to go abroad to study and receive professional training from leading experts.

With the support of Facing the World, a Centre for Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery was established at the 108 Military Central Hospital as the country’s first centre to perform specialised craniofacial orthopaedic techniques in December 2018.

The foundation also organised over 100 fellowship visits for Vietnamese medical specialists and donated InTouch Health telemedicine systems to all partner Vietnamese hospitals.

In the next five years, Facing the World plans to establish appropriate self-sustaining craniofacial centres and outreach programmes in Việt Nam. It will also sponsor training missions to its partner hospitals in Việt Nam and provide 40,000 operations for children with facial deformities in Việt Nam.

The 108 Military Central Hospital has also received a certification from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in recognition of the professional skills of the hospital's surgeons.

The certification not only demonstrates the training quality of the Hà Nội hospital, but also reflects the capacity and professionalism of all doctors and medical experts who work there.

In 2023, the 108 Military Central Hospital, Hồng Ngọc and Việt Đức (Việt Nam-Germany Friendship Hospital) were the first three hospitals in Việt Nam to receive prestigious accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Men play vital role in preventing domestic violence

Men play an important role in preventing and responding to violence against women, as highlighted at an event in HCM City.

On November 19, the HCM City Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs worked with the city’s Women's Union and the United Nations Agency for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Việt Nam to organise a “White Ribbon Breakfast” event to promote the role of men in preventing violence against women and children.

Lê Văn Thinh, director of the department, said that gender equality is a core foundation of sustainable growth, and the city has been issuing many policies and solutions to achieve this, as well as to prevent gender-based violence.

The city has several models and mechanisms to quickly support women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, and to tackle child labour, and these initiatives are highly regarded by international organisations, he said.

HCM City is among the 63 cities around the world that are participating in the UN Women’s “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls”, a global initiative that works with local governments and women’s organisations to develop comprehensive approaches to prevent and respond to violence and harassment of women and girls in public areas.

However, gender inequality and cases of violence towards women are still happening across many levels of society, so relevant authorities need to focus on raising awareness of discrimination and violence.

Dr Phạm Quốc Hùng from Hùng Vương Hospital said that while preventing domestic violence requires the effort of the entire community, men hold an especially important role since they are often the ones causing the violence, so men’s participation in the fight against gender-based violence is crucial.

Vương Hữu Dũng, chairman of a Bình Tân District club on promoting men’s role in gender equality, said that a few months ago he and another person intervened to prevent a woman from attempting suicide after being abused by her husband. He noted that domestic abuse does not only entail physical violence, but also verbal and mental abuse.

There are challenges in getting men to be involved in the fight against gender-related violence, as many tend to spend time on their career rather than educating themselves on this topic.

For the club specifically, supporting and dealing with cases of abuse is difficult because it can take a long time to work with and ask permission from relevant parties.

Lê Thị Lan Phương from UN Women Việt Nam said that the participation of men and boys is key to preventing violence against women and girls.

It also helps men and boys break free from prejudices and bad stereotypes, which creates an environment where all individuals can develop and express themselves equally.

Men and boys should have access to consultation and emotional support sessions and receive all necessary information so they can confidently partake in activities to facilitate gender equality, she said.

Experts at the event proposed using clubs, groups and social media to promote the message of fighting against gender-based violence and share positive stories.

Organisations can hold more forums and educational programmes to discuss this topic so both men and women can gain a better understanding, while the authorities should create policies to support and fund programmes that strengthen gender equality and prevent violence against women.

The event is held as part of the national Action Month for Gender Equality and Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence, from November 15 to December 15 every year.

Concerted efforts made to eradicate temporary, dilapidated houses in 2025

In response to the national movement to repair and eradicate temporary and dilapidated houses, ministries, sectors and individuals at home and abroad have contributed billions of VNĐ to provide solid, permanent homes for the country’s most impoverished citizens.

These efforts are not only a testament to the spirit of national solidarity but also to the country’s commitment to sustainable poverty reduction, aiming for a future where no one is left behind.

Over the years, efforts to replace temporary and dilapidated houses with sturdy homes have yielded positive results. From 2000 to 2023, more than 1.7 million homes have been either newly built or repaired to support poor households and those facing difficult circumstances.

At its eighth meeting in January 2023, the 13th Central Party Committee issued Resolution No. 42-NQ/TW, which calls for the continued reform and enhancement of social policies to meet the requirements of the cause of national construction and protection in the new era.

Meanwhile, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat issued Directive No. 34-CT/TW in May 2024, emphasising the need to strengthen the Party's leadership in the development of social housing, setting the ambitious target of completely eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses for poor households, near-poor families, and those affected by natural disasters or climate change by 2030.

To implement this policy, on April 13, 2024, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Chairman of the Central Council for Emulation and Commendation, launched a nationwide campaign to work together to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses by the end of 2025, aiming to complete this goal five years ahead of the Party’s original plan.

According to Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Đào Ngọc Dung, the campaign is currently in its most critical phase, with 450 days remaining to eliminate all temporary and dilapidated homes by the end of 2025. The goal is to complete three key tasks - providing housing for those with meritorious services to the nation, offering housing support to poor and ethnic minority households, and eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses for other disadvantaged communities.

Speaking at the television programme themed 'Warm Homes for My People' on October 5, Prime Minister Chính called on the entire political system, people and businesses across the country to unite in accelerating this effort.

He emphasised that this was a shared national responsibility, rooted in the spirit of solidarity and compassion, to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s progress. The goal is to swiftly eliminate all temporary and dilapidated houses, especially in remote, ethnic minority-inhabited, border, and island areas.

The Prime Minister said: "We have just 450 days left to complete the task of doing away with all temporary and dilapidated homes. The workload is immense, and we must redouble our efforts, increase our determination, and work even more efficiently to ensure that we reach this goal."

The initiative to build or repair homes for the poor and near-poor is a deeply meaningful policy that has grown into a nationwide movement. Thanks to the special attention of the Party and Government, along with the active participation of ministries, local authorities, organisations, businesses and citizens, around 340,000 families of people with meritorious services to the nation, as well as more than 800,000 poor and near-poor households, have received housing support.

However, despite these efforts, there are still more than 315,000 households across the country facing housing difficulties. This includes approximately 106,000 households of people with meritorious services to the revolution, 46,000 households under national target programmes and 153,000 poor and near-poor households.

At the first meeting of the central steering committee for the eradication of temporary and dilapidated houses on November 10, members discussed and analysed strategies and directives to ensure the effective implementation of the campaign.

They identified challenges and solutions, setting clear tasks and action plans to complete the goal of eliminating all temporary and dilapidated houses by the end of 2025.

Concluding the meeting, PM Chính said that the task must be implemented synchronously from the central to grassroots levels with the mobilisation of all resources and the engagement of local forces as well as public security and military forces.

He added that it must be implemented with flexibility, creativity, and innovation and requires a high sense of responsibility, strong emotions and a new way of thinking. Time, intellect and determination are the key factors for the success of this movement.

The government leader agreed to establish steering committees at the provincial, district and community levels by November 30 to ensure comprehensive and coordinated implementation from the central government to the grassroots level.

Stressing the importance of self-reliance, he urged provincial authorities to be proactive, creative, and resourceful in mobilising necessary funds and resources for the scheme. He also emphasised the need to avoid relying solely on the central government's support, encouraging poor and near-poor households to demonstrate resilience and effort in improving their living conditions.

Accelerated rebuild ordered for new Phong Châu Bridge following collapse

The Ministry of Transport has directed relevant authorities to accelerate the investment process for constructing a bridge which collapsed killing four people in the northern province of Phú Thọ.

Phong Châu Bridge on National Highway 32C collapsed without warning following Typhoon Yagi in September with multiple vehicles being swept away.

The bridge rebuild project is classified as an emergency construction under the Prime Minister's directive.

The new Phong Châu Bridge will be designed to accommodate four motorised lanes, consistent with the approved planning and the required width specifications.

The ministry asked relevant agencies to work closely with the investor to implement the project efficiently under the emergency directive, ensuring quality and completion by 2025, as mandated by the Prime Minister.

Specifically, the Thăng Long Project Management Unit (PMU), the project's investor, was tasked to focus on drafting a detailed implementation plan that accounts for adverse weather conditions and the flood season in 2025. Regular updates must be provided to the ministry for monitoring and further guidance.

The PMU has been directed to instruct design consultants to promptly finalise the design proposals for the bridge.

These proposals must address various factors, such as the bridge’s location, structural design, estimated costs, and economic and technical analysis.

The ministry has also required meticulous research on potential bridge alignments, aiming for the new bridge to align with the axis of the old bridge to minimise land clearance and additional road connections.

The most optimal solution should be selected in consultation with local authorities and relevant parties to ensure smooth subsequent steps.

Regarding the main span configuration, the design must be based on comprehensive data, including terrain, geology, hydrology, the current state of the old bridge, navigation clearance, riverbank erosion, changes in water flow, hydrodynamic calculations and flood safety for 2025.

The consultants must carefully analyse and compare options to select a design that ensures long-term structural stability while being economically and technically viable.

The PMU must guide the design consultants to expedite surveys, project design, and complete the proposal documents for submission to the Ministry of Transport for evaluation and approval under the emergency directive. Quality assurance and adherence to deadlines are essential.

Regarding the dismantling of the old bridge, the ministry requested the PMU to collaborate closely with the Việt Nam Road Administration and the Phú Thọ Department of Transport to take away the collapsed steel spans of the old bridge in alignment with the new bridge’s construction timeline and safety.

The Phong Châu Bridge, which spans the Red River on National Highway 32C, connecting Lâm Thao and Tam Nông districts of Phú Thọ Province, built with a steel truss structure with about 380m long and a load capacity of 18 tonnes.

The bridge, which was put into operation in 1995, collapsed on September 9 this year killing four people.

Vietnamese culture promoted in Laos

The women's association under the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted tea party in Vientiane on November 19, bringing together female diplomats, spouses of diplomats, and representatives from international organisations in the country.

Joining the event, Vietnamese representatives, dressed in traditional áo dài (long dress), introduced Vietnam's history and culture through music, dance, and traditional dishes.

The Vietnamese booth highlighted the culinary and cultural essence of Hà Nội and Việt Nam as a whole, captivating the audience and strengthening cultural diplomacy.

The event featured traditional Lao and international performances, along with a display of crafts and food, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for visitors.

Held annually, it serves as a platform for female diplomats and spouses to share experiences, foster solidarity, and showcase their nations' unique cultural heritage.

Alouni Kommasith, spouse of Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, noted the importance of such gathering, especially as Laos successfully chaired the ASEAN Summits and related meetings this year.

She thanked all participants and ASEAN partners for their contributions to these achievements, emphasising the critical role of women in diplomacy.

Việt Nam win 6-1 over the Philippines, setting up a final match against Thailand

Việt Nam trounced the hosts 6-1 in the final of the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 on November 19 in Manila, the Philippines.

With maximum nine points from three wins, Việt Nam are temporally on top of the ranking and qualify for the gold medal match with one game in hand.

They will play Thailand, who are in second place and also qualified for the final, late on November 20 and this match will decide the top two positions in the round robin clash.

At the PhilSports Arena on November 19, Việt Nam took a while to exert their dominance, before going into the lead in the 13th minute thanks to Trần Thị Lan Mai.

After the break Lê Thị Thanh Ngân then put Việt Nam further ahead in the 21st minute, while the Philippines pulled a goal back in the 25th minute through Alisha Clare Mendoza Del Campo.

However, Việt Nam stepped on the pedal to score a flurry of goals through Nguyễn Phương Anh (26th), Mai (30th), Trần Thị Thu Xuân (31st) and K’Thua (33rd), for a well-deserved victory.

In the meantime, Indonesia fought back for their first full points of the competition when they overpowered Myanmar 7-0.

Fitri Rosdiana scored twice in the 16th and 21st minutes as Indonesia made sure of the win through Fitri Sundari (11th), Alya Ananda Hendrita (14th), Ikeu Rosita (23rd), Dinar Kartika Sari (30th) and Agnes Matulapelwa (33rd) for the final scoreline.

Indonesia will take on the Philippines to decide which two teams will play in the classification third and fourth placing match.

The final of the championship will be played on November 21. 

Nha Trang to host Việt Nam's premier golf festival - A tribute to 100 years of golf

The Việt Nam - Nha Trang Golf Festival 2024, themed 'One Hundred Years of Vietnamese Golf' will be held from November 27 to 29 in Nha Trang City, Khánh Hòa Province.

This event aims to honour the 100-year history of golf in Việt Nam and its positive contribution to Vietnamese tourism.

The festival seeks to preserve and enhance the historical, cultural, economic and social values of golf within the community. It aims to make golf more accessible and popular, while stimulating local tourism in Việt Nam.

It is expected to attract hundreds of golfers from across the country, featuring unique and vibrant activities that promise to bring endless excitement to both golfers and fans.

Golf was first introduced in Việt Nam in the 1920s with the establishment of the first golf course in Đà Lạt. Over the past century, golf has evolved significantly. For many decades, it did not receive much attention, but this changed in the 1980s and 1990s when Việt Nam began to open up its economy. During this time, Đồng Mô golf course emerged as a successful business model. 

Since 2000 and particularly from 2015 onwards, golf in Việt Nam has grown rapidly. The number of golf courses has increased to nearly  hundred and the player base has surpassed 150,000. Annually, more than 30 major tournaments are held in the country, excluding grassroots events and club tournaments. Việt Nam is now recognised as a leading golf destination in the Asia-Pacific region, having received numerous accolades from international organisations.

In 2012, the International Golf Tourism Organisation named Việt Nam the 'Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year'. Between 2017 to 2023, Việt Nam was consecutively voted the 'Best Golf Destination in Asia' in the World Travel Awards (WTA).

Over the past decade, golf in Việt Nam has developed into a significant industry, contributing to both the economy and society. The country boasts a robust system of golf courses built to international standards, attracting large numbers of tourists who come to play, relax and enjoy Việt Nam's rich culinary culture along its picturesque coastline.

Additionally, Việt Nam has established a well-invested ecosystem for golf, featuring modern training academies and an increasing number of qualified coaches. The growth of amateur tournaments and the establishment of numerous golf clubs further illustrate the sport's development, with the Hà Nội Golf Association leading the country with over 130 member clubs.

With a solid foundation in amateur golf, Việt Nam is now focusing on nurturing young talent. Recent successes, such as the gold medal won by Lê Khánh Hưng at SEA Games 32 and the bronze medal earned by Nguyễn Anh Minh, have elevated the status of Vietnamese golf in the Asia-Pacific region. These young talents have achieved numerous prestigious titles, both domestically and internationally, showcasing the bright future of golf in the country. 

Pickleball Grand Prix for women launched in Hà Nội

The first ever amateur-professional pickleball tournament for women only – Say2 Ladies Pickleball Grand Prix – has been launched on November 19 in Hà Nội.

The tournament is an initiative and a jointly organised event by the Việt Nam Sport Solution Joint Stock Company (VSSG), Việt Nam Olympic Committee's Women and Sports Department, the Sports Authority of Việt Nam and Vietfootball.

Sponsored by Say2, a pioneering digital platform which provides data solutions to businesses, the tournament will see about 200 players competing in four doubles categories- novices, amateur athletes under-35, amateurs over-35 and an open pool for professionals.

Among the famous participants will be Việt Nam Golden Ball holder Đỗ Thị Ngọc Châm, former national striker Nguyễn Thị Minh Nguyệt, former national volleyball captain Phạm Thị Kim Huệ and actresses such as Thu Quỳnh, Hà Hương and Thu Hương.

The highest-ranking players will walk away from the tournament, being held from November 30 to December 1, with bonuses in cash and gifts worth more than VNĐ200 million (US$7,900).

In addition to the main prizes, the organisers will also present the Miss Pickleball and Impression awards, which aim to celebrate the spirit of confidence, self-love and women's beauty of the competitors.

"Pickleball is a sport combining tennis, table tennis and badminton. Since its first days in Việt Nam, it has attracted the attention of many people because of its friendliness," said Vũ Quỳnh Hương, representative of the organising board.

"While other sports need a lot of time to practise before taking part in competition, people need only from 10-15 sessions to play pickleball at a basic level. This sport also easy for children, women, and older people too to play.

"Currently the number of people playing pickleball in Việt Nam is huge. Our players not only play for their health, but are also winning remarkable results in the world competitions," said Hương.

Meanwhile head of the organising board Cao Thu Vân said: "The message of the tournament is 'Beauty', which is definitely a strong point of the women.

"The event aims to honour women's beauty in life and in sport. It is an opportunity for them to show off their sporting talent and personality to a wider community.

"We hope that the first tournament will be a success in both terms of expertise and spreading our message. It will be a motivation for the other tournaments in other cities and provinces in the future," Vân said.

Công Phượng's revival offers hope for Việt Nam's attack in ASEAN Cup

Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng's impressive form at Bình Phước gives him a strong chance of securing a place in the Vietnamese national team for the upcoming 2024 ASEAN Cup.

After moving from Yokohama FC in Japan's J2 League to Bình Phước, a club in Việt Nam's V.League 2, Phượng took a step back in terms of a competitive environment. The standard of Vietnamese football lags significantly behind that of Japan while, playing in the first division, which features fewer teams, no foreign players and limited competition, presents its own challenges.

Compounding this was the fact that Phượng's contract with Yokohama ended after the player registration period for the V.League 1 had closed, leaving him with no option but to play in the first division upon returning to Việt Nam.

Despite these challenges, Phượng is thriving at Bình Phước. He has started five matches this season, allowing him to regain his competitive edge and improve his fitness. Coach Nguyễn Anh Đức has recognised him as a key player and Phượng rewarded that confidence in his ability by scoring three goals and providing one assist, contributing to more than half of Bình Phước's goals in the first division.

While Phượng hasn't yet returned to his peak form, the skills that once distinguished him remain intact. His long-range goal against Khánh Hòa Club and the corner kick assist to Tự Nhân, who scored against Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, showcased his powerful shooting, dribbling ability, acceleration, agility in the penalty area and determination to prove himself.

Phượng shines at a time when the Vietnamese team are in need of quality strikers.

Coach Kim Sang-sik has experimented with various forwards during recent training sessions, but only Tiến Linh and Vĩ Hào have stood out. Tuấn Hải and Văn Toàn are dealing with injuries, while Thanh Bình and Văn Tùng have yet to demonstrate their capabilities. This thin attacking line means coach Kim is actively searching for players like Phượng, who brings solid experience, adaptability and a strong competitive spirit.

In the past year, the 29 year old player has only been called up to the national team once, during the September 2023 training session, due to limited playtime at Yokohama. However, with his competitive spirit returning, the striker has the potential to reclaim his spot on the national team.

TV sports commentator Vũ Quang Huy said: "Phượng has experience and class, along with an exemplary lifestyle. Returning to Bình Phước, he is playing well and remains in good form. Given the current lack of strong strikers in the Vietnamese team, he deserves a chance to train in South Korea to prepare for the regional cup. His selection will depend on his performance."

Expert Đoàn Minh Xương added: "While Phượng is certainly deserving of a place on the national team for the ASEAN Cup 2024, his playing style may not align with coach Kim's vision for the team's tactical system.

"Kim aims to rejuvenate the squad and Phượng is no longer young. Additionally, coach Kim needs a striker who excels at pressing or wingers with speed and the ability to break through defences. Phượng's role at Bình Phước is more about playmaking, a position already filled by Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải on the national team."

In the upcoming ASEAN Cup, Việt Nam have been placed in Group B, alongside Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos. The tournament features ten teams divided into two groups, with matches played in a round-robin format, both home and away. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Việt Nam will kick off their campaign against Laos on December 9, followed by matches against Indonesia on December 15, the Philippines on December 18 and Myanmar on December 21.

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