Party General Secretary To Lam received Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Hanoi on November 25 as part of the latter’s official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

To Lam welcomed Radev’s visit to Vietnam, highlighting its significance as the two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. He also congratulated Bulgaria on its numerous achievements in economic development and regional and international integration.

The Party chief informed his guest about Vietnam’s significant and comprehensive achievements after nearly 40 years of implementing the Đổi Mới (Renovation), as well as the country’s open foreign policy, and affirmed that Vietnam seeks to preserve and strengthen its ties with traditional friends, including Bulgaria.

He appreciated Bulgaria’s role as an important gateway for Vietnam to develop relations with the European Union (EU) and expressed Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a bridge connecting Bulgaria with other Southeast Asian countries.

Commending the positive outcomes of talks and meetings between the Bulgarian President and Vietnamese leaders, the Party General Secretary exchanged views with his guest on major directions and measures to elevate the traditional friendship between the two countries to new heights. He emphasized the need to enhance comprehensive cooperation, particularly in areas where Bulgaria excels and Vietnam has significant demand, such as agriculture, industry, electronics, information technology, artificial intelligence, and space research.

Radev for his part briefed his host on the positive outcomes of his talks with State President Luong Cuong and at the same tie spoke highly of Vietnam’s significant achievements during its Renovation process, helping to enhance the country’s international standing. He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, led by General Secretary To Lam, the Vietnamese people would continue to achieve even greater milestones, propelling the country into a new era of development.

The Bulgarian President affirmed Bulgaria’s deep appreciation for the longstanding traditional friendship between the two countries, considering Vietnam a top partner for Bulgaria in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that cooperation between Bulgaria’s political parties and the Communist Party of Vietnam serves as an important channel to strengthen and advance bilateral relations.

Sharing the Vietnamese leader’s views, Radev agreed on major measures to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of bilateral partnership. He also extended a formal invitation to To Lam to pay an official visit to Bulgaria in 2025 that coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The General Secretary thanked the Bulgarian President for the invitation and happily accepted it.

Bulgaria is a top priority partner for Vietnam in Central and Eastern Europe

Bulgaria is one of Vietnam’s top priority partners in Central and Eastern Europe, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in a meeting in Hanoi on November 25.

Chinh warmly welcomed Radev’s visit which he said would play a significant role in deepening and enhancing the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Bulgaria, making it more effective and impactful.

The Prime Minister thanked Bulgaria for the valuable support and assistance that it has provided to Vietnam during the latter’s struggle for national independence and reunification in the past, as well as in the current process of national construction and development.

He proposed that the two countries strengthen political trust by continuing to promote delegation exchanges, thereby boosting cooperation in various fields. He asked the two countries to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, labour, and people-to-people exchanges.

Radev for his part affirmed that Bulgaria always places great importance on developing relations with Vietnam, considering it a key partner in Southeast Asia.

He agreed with Chinh’s proposals and said Vietnam is one of Bulgaria’s most promising markets in Southeast Asia. He expected that the two countries’ business communities would have the chance to explore cooperation opportunities during the joint Vietnam – Bulgaria business forum in Ho Chi Minh City on November 27.

According to the president, nearly 30 leading Bulgarian enterprises are set to attend the forum, including those operating in various fields, including information and communication technology, semiconductors, electronics, optics, machinery and specialized equipment manufacturing, automobile production, medical equipment, electrical devices, shipbuilding, defense, and aerospace industries.

Radev also affirmed that he would advocate for the remaining EU countries to promptly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support the European Commission (EC) in lifting the ‘yellow card’ on Vietnam’s seafood exports to the EU market.

Both sides agreed to effectively implement the cooperation framework, including the agreements already signed between the two countries, and to strengthen cooperation in traditional fields such as defense and security, trade and investment, science and technology, education and training, medicine and health care, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They vowed to expand cooperation into complementary potential areas such as digital transformation, digital database construction and connectivity, artificial intelligence, electronics, labour, agriculture, and food security. They also agreed to support each other as gateways for goods to enter the ASEAN and EU markets.

Chinh thanked the Bulgarian authorities for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria to live, work, and integrate locally. He noted that many major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Hue, have entered into friendship associations with Bulgaria.

Radev appreciated the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community to Bulgaria’s socio-economic development and their role as a bridge for the traditional friendship between the two countries. He also recognized the contributions of the 30,000 Vietnamese alumni and trainees who studied and worked in Bulgaria, while thanking Vietnam for facilitating Bulgarian citizens living and working in their host country.

Traffic accidents up but deaths down in 11-month period

A total of 21,691 traffic accidents occurred nationwide from December 15, 2023, to November 14, 2024, killing 10,026 people and injuring 16,103 others, reported the National Traffic Safety Committee.

As many as 21,691 traffic accidents occurred nationwide from December 15, 2023, to November 14, 2024.
Statistics indicate that the number of traffic accidents rose by 1,163 cases, up 5.67%; deaths declined by 859, down 7.89%; and injuries went up by 1,906, up 13.43% year on year.

Road accidents took the lead with 21,512 documented cases, leaving 9,905 dead and 16,070 injured.

There were 123 railway accidents, claiming 87 lives and injuring 26 people; whilst 50 cases occurred on waterways, leaving 31 dead and six injured.

In an effort to reduce the overall number of traffic accidents, the Government is striving to step up its communication campaign on the obedience of traffic laws, with hefty fines being imposed on drink driving violations.

The police are also getting tough on other offences related to speed limits, luggage overload, traffic light negligence, and valid documentation.

Illegal sand mining must be strictly controlled

HCM City Border Guards seize two water vehicles transporting illegally mined sand on the Đồng Nai River. VNA/VNS Photo

The illegal mining of sand and gravel from riverbeds persists in several areas, causing significant loss of national mineral resources.

The illegal sand miners take advantage of border areas and the complex terrain to help evade the local authorities.

Illegal sand and gravel mining in riverbeds has been widespread in several provinces and cities nationwide, particularly in the Mekong Delta region.

One loophole contributing to this 'extraction of public property' is that the licensing and management of sand and gravel mining, primarily carried out by local authorities, has been largely subjective.

This is because riverbed sand and gravel are naturally formed, distributed according to natural laws and dependent on the flow rate, accumulation terrain and deposition rate.

Planning is only implemented within specific river segments under the jurisdiction of each locality.

Taking advantage of these shortcomings and the ease of sand and gravel extraction using the simplest technology, with big profits on offer and being easy to transport, many organisations and individuals have been aggressively depleting the nation's public assets.

In Tiền Giang province alone, within nine months of implementing the 'Project on Combating Illegal Mineral Resource Exploitation in Tiền Giang Province and its Border Areas with Neighbouring Provinces', 294 violations were detected, of which 55 involved illegal sand mining and 223 were related to transporting sand of unknown origin.

Bordering Tiền Giang, illegal sand mining in Vĩnh Long Province has also been a hot topic.

The Vĩnh Long authority stated that illegal sand mining in the province has recently become more sophisticated and harder to control.

Illegal mining activities primarily involve sand-pumping boats operating frequently at night or on holidays when enforcement agencies find it harder to monitor, inspect and intercept violations.

Meanwhile, a leader of Trà Vinh Province candidly admitted that illegal sand mining in the province has not yet been completely eliminated.

The causes include a rising demand for sand as a filling material due to recent construction needs, combined with the shortage of sand resources failing to meet demand and the large profits associated with sand extraction.

Furthermore, the legal framework for addressing violations in the mineral resource sector still has many inadequacies and lacks deterrence. Enforcement personnel are sparse, with insufficient equipment and vehicles.

As a result, violators often exploit border terrain to avoid detection and penalties from authorities.

Addressing this issue, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) acknowledged that illegal mineral exploitation, particularly sand and gravel mining in riverbeds, has been a persistent topic of concern among voters, provincial delegates and National Assembly deputies.

Leaders take responsibility for violations

To prevent this situation, MoNRE has suggested that the People's committees of provinces and cities strictly implement coordination regulations for managing and addressing violations of mineral resource laws (especially sand and gravel) in interprovincial boundary areas.

They must decisively hold local leaders accountable if prolonged illegal sand mining activities occur, causing public concern.

Given this reality, the ministry has emphasised that provinces and cities must fulfil their responsibilities and duties under government decrees and directives on the management of riverbed sand and gravel and the protection of riverbeds, banks and beaches and administrative penalties in the fields of water resources and minerals.

Additionally, due to the specific nature of riverbed, reservoir and marine sand and gravel, with natural fluctuations in reserves and the environmental impacts of mining activities the Government has included specific provisions in the draft Geology and Mineral Resources Law.

This draft law, expected to be approved by the National Assembly in November, includes a separate chapter on the Management of Riverbed, Reservoir and Marine Sand and Gravel. 

HCM City to build multi-lane elevated road connecting District 6, 8, Bình Chánh

The 3.6 km long Bình Tiên bridge and road project, connecting Districts 6, 8 and Bình Chánh District, is expected to be built on an elevated route with four to six lanes, with total capital of VNĐ6.8 trillion (US$267.8 million).

The project is one of five key projects to upgrade and expand existing roads under the BOT (build-operate-transfer) model, implemented by HCM City thanks to a special mechanism from Resolution 98.

According to the project's initial pre-feasibility study report, Binh Tien bridge and road have a total length of 3.66 km, starting from the Bình Tiên - Phạm Văn Chí intersection (District 6), crossing Võ Văn Kiệt Avenue, Tàu Hù Canal, Cây Sung Street (District 8), Đôi Canal, Tạ Quang Bửu Street, before connecting to Nguyễn Văn Linh Avenue (Bình Chánh District).

Bình Tiên Bridge, including roads leading to the bridge, will be 3,200 metres long and 30-40 metres wide. It will have four main lanes.

The project requires the acquisition of 21.27 hectares of land, including 1.55 hectares in District 6; 6.9 hectares in District 8 and 12.82 hectares in Bình Chánh District.

A total of 398 households were affected, of which 189 households were partially cleared and 200 households were completely cleared.

The proposed capital for the project includes VNĐ3.4 trillion (about 50.38 per cent) mobilized under the BOT form and VNĐ3.4 trillion from the HCM City budget.

According to the plan, the pre-feasibility study report for the Binh Tien bridge and road project will be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025. After approval, the city will select an investor to implement the project from 2025 to 2028.

When completed, Bình Tiên Bridge and Road will create a new road axis from the center of HCM City to Nguyễn Văn Linh Avenue, thereby conveniently connecting with National Highway 50, National Highway 1, Bến Lức - Long Thành Expressway and Ring Road 3.

Currently, to reach southern metropolitan areas, drivers have had to rely on Nguyễn Tri Phương Street and National Highway 50; and Y, Chà Và, and Nhị Thiên Đường bridges.

However, due to rapid urbanisation and traffic congestion, more problems have occurred at these hotspots in recent years. 

Using AI, advanced diagnostic technologies to better control infectious diseases

The application of diagnostic technologies in the laboratory and artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role in the fight against infectious diseases, especially new or emerging infectious diseases, Nguyễn Vũ Trung, director of the Pasteur Institute in HCM City, said at a scientific conference held in HCM City on Friday (November 22).

The Pasteur Institute in HCM City organised the scientific conference on infectious diseases and public health issues in the post-COVID-19 era.

The conference shared and updated the latest scientific research results on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; antibiotic resistance, new vaccine research, laboratory quality management, non-communicable diseases, and other public health issues after the pandemic.

It is also a place to share knowledge and experience between scientists, policy activists, managers from units inside and outside the health sector, research institutes, universities, disease control centres, hospitals, health organisations domestically and internationally

Speaking at the conference, Trung said through cloud computing platforms, AI can process huge amounts of real-time data, monitor infectious disease outbreaks, analyse medical images, detect disease signs more quickly and accurately, and identify infections in a timely manner to mitigate the risks.

AI applications in bacteriophage (phage) therapy offer new hope in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.

AI models can effectively simulate the complex interactions between bacteria and hosts in different metabolic states, provide a visual basis for understanding microbial behavior in specific host environments, and optimise the design and development of drugs and vaccines.

“These technological advances could help us better respond to recognising new or emerging infectious diseases, and minimise their impact on public health,” he said.

The study of a three-member group, including Lê Thanh Tân, Trần Minh Tường and Vũ Thanh Tùng, from the Southern Military Institute of Preventive Medicine, showed that the loop isothermal amplification (LAMP) method successfully detects the Mpox virus (MPV) under isothermal temperature, with results observable with the naked eye through the colour change in the reaction.

“These results indicate a remarkable potential for the in-field diagnosis of MPV,” it said.

Mpox is a notable outbreak spread around the world in 2022. Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends diagnosing MPV using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in national laboratories.

However, the PCR requires expensive equipments and the laboratory must meet specific standards.

The study evaluated the analytical sensitivity and specificity for the LAMP technique, aiming to rapidly and inexpensively detect MPV, and providing results that are visible to the naked eye.

A review of Trần Thị Hồng Kim and Nguyễn Anh Duy from the Pasteur Institute in HCM City highlights the burden of lead poisoning disease in children, causes and mechanism of lead neurotoxicity in children, as well as diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods.

The review showed that lead, a toxic heavy metal, is affecting various organ systems, particularly the developing brain.

“Children are more affected by lead toxicity than adults,” it said.

Due to its similarity to divalent cations, namely calcium, zinc and magnetism, lead is capable of interfering with signaling cascades and mechanisms medicated/regulated by these cations.

With the brain, lead-induced damage can result in to a variety of neurological disorders such as brain damage, mental retardation, behavioral problems, nerve damage, and possibly Alzheimers’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.

A blood lead test should be used for lead poisoning, it said.

“Medical treatment is chelation therapy but the best approach is to prevent direct exposure to lead and thus preclude future consequences,” it said.

Many delegates also pointed out difficulties and challenges in the control and prevention of infectious diseases and discussed to find solutions together.

After the COVID-19 epidemic, the outbreaks of existing diseases such as measles, dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease caused great impacts on the economy, society and people's lives. 

Donation helps improve care for children and women

Lifestart Foundation, an Australian organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children, has delivered a donation of advanced medical equipment, fresh milk, furniture and children’s books worth VNĐ1.82 billion to Đà Nẵng City Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

It said the donation aims to elevate healthcare quality for children and pregnant and post partum patients.

The 1,500-bed hospital, across 38 departments, has been a leading healthcare facility since 2012, providing specialised care not only to the city residents but also to the broader central and Central Highlands regions.

Lifestart Foundation said the donation would help the hospital meet the increasing demands of patients and advanced medical equipment need for treatment.

Founder of Lifestart, Karen Leonard, said it has committed to providing resources that enhance both the quality of medical care and the overall well-being of these young patients during their hospital stay.

Lifestart Foundation also provided 720 packets of fresh milk, 50 chairs, 79 children’s storybooks and 252 coloring books to bring added support to the hospital’s youngest patients.

Karen Leonard said: “This project is vital for enhancing healthcare services for paediatric and obstetric patients at the hospital. With this support, Lifestart Foundation hopes that the medical equipment will be used to its fullest potential, reducing overcrowding and helping patients in the central and highlands regions avoid travelling long distances for treatment.

“Our mission is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these children, improving their health and quality of life, while supporting a brighter future for the younger generations of Việt Nam.”

Doctor Trần Thị Hoàng, deputy director of the hospital highlighted the importance of their support in improving the hospital’s capacity to care for children.

Vice chairman of the Đà Nẵng City’s Union of Friendship Organisations, Phạm Hữu Hoa said he hopes for a continued partnership with Lifestart Foundation to continue improving the quality of medical care at the hospital. 

Health experts call for further efforts to raise awareness against AMR threat

Health experts called for more efforts to raise awareness and action against the growing threat of AMR at a meeting to celebrate World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week on November 22.

With the theme 'Educate. Advocate. Act Now', the week (November 18-24) was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners in Việt Nam.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health Professor Dr Trần Văn Thuấn, emphasised that World AMR Awareness Week is a global campaign to promote understanding and action on AMR.

“We call on the entire health sector in all provinces and cities to implement the National Strategy on the Prevention of AMR for the period 2023-2030 and the Action Plan for AMR in Health for the 2024-2025 period to protect current and future generations, preserving valuable antibiotics in Việt Nam and worldwide,” said Thuấn.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

The health sector suggests people should only take antibiotics and other antimicrobials prescribed by a qualified health professional; always follow health workers’ advice when using antibiotics; never share or use leftover antibiotics; and prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, practising safer sex and keeping vaccinations up to date.

In Việt Nam, AMR has become a significant public health concern. According to a recent AMR surveillance report, high rates of antibiotic resistance have been found in common bacteria, particularly in hospitals. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in health care and agriculture are major drivers of AMR.

Việt Nam has taken important steps to combat AMR. In 2023, Việt Nam approved the new National Strategy on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance for the period 2023-30, with a vision to 2045. The strategy strengthens coordination among the human health, agriculture and environment, industry and trade sectors including policymakers, healthcare providers, industry, farmers and individuals.

The MoH and the Prime Minister have also approved National Action Plans for the human health and agriculture sectors, outlining clear targets for awareness and education, surveillance and research, infection prevention and control, optimising antimicrobial use and sustainable investments.

At the event, WHO Team Coordinator for Universal Health Coverage and Disease Control, Erin Kenney praised the Government of Việt Nam for its leadership in adopting the National Strategy and Action plan to tackle this complex problem.

“AMR is one of the top health and development threats globally and to Việt Nam, and a priority for WHO’s support to Việt Nam. Now, sectors need to educate, advocate policies and act to strengthen implementation to meet the targets of the National Strategy and Action plan.

“In the health sector, AMR puts many of the gains of modern medicine at risk. It makes infections harder to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments – such as surgery, caesarean sections and cancer chemotherapy – much riskier.

“AMR is also costly for both health systems and the economy. For example, it creates the need for more expensive and intensive care, affects productivity of patients or their caregivers through prolonged hospital stays and harms agricultural productivity,” Kenney said.

Disadvantaged groups in Việt Nam to benefit from tele-health services

The project 'Telehealth to Improve Access to Healthcare Services for Disadvantaged Groups in Việt Nam' was officially co-launched on Thursday in Hà Nội by the Việt Nam Administration for Medical Services, the Korean Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) and UNDP.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Hà Anh Đức, General Director of the Việt Nam Administration for Medical Services, said that during the social distancing period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as early as 2020, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health had implemented the 'Tele-Medical Examination and Treatment' project and launched over 1,000 connection points.

"This initiative saved thousands of critically ill COVID-19 patients. To date, the project has been actively deployed, providing remote consultation and treatment for tens of thousands of patients nationwide," Đức said. 

To enhance grassroots healthcare capacity and improve access to high-quality medical services for people in remote, mountainous areas, the UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Health since 2020. Both agencies have worked develop and implement a remote consultation and treatment programme at local levels using the 'Doctor for Everyone' software in eight provinces - Hà Giang, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Thừa Thiên Huế, Quảng Ngãi, Bình Định, Đắk Lắk and Cà Mau - achieving positive outcomes, according to Đức.

"Building on the positive outcomes of the aforementioned collaboration, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the KOFIH and, through UNDP, mobilised resources to implement the project 'Telehealth to Improve Access to Healthcare Services for Disadvantaged Groups in Việt Nam'," he said.

The project has been funded by KOFIH with more than US$2.7 million and targets ten disadvantaged and remote provinces across the country -- Hà Giang, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Yên Bái, Tây Ninh, Hậu Giang, Bến Tre, and Cà Mau.

A main goal of the project is to improve the health of disadvantaged populations constrained by supply issues. This can be achieved through a digital transformation in health and enhancing access to healthcare to help improve local health services.

The project will modernise software and digital solutions, offer servers and IT equipment, train personnel, and reinforce the legal foundation for telehealth.

It will include three main activities: creating and disseminating technical documents and guidance for telehealth; improving the capacity of the healthcare system to provide telehealth services through software upgrades and data integration; and providing and promoting telehealth services at local health facilities and communities, including for disadvantaged groups and patients with diseases like high blood pressure and tuberculosis.

The 'Doctor for Everyone' software can help with monitoring, making appointments, tele-consultancy and prescribing drugs, as well as providing online trainings and meetings.

It's available as a smartphone app, enabling a connection between local health station staff and residents to provide medical information, schedule appointments, and conduct remote medical consultations. Meanwhile, the internet browser-based application facilitates a connection between local health stations and district health centres or higher-level hospitals for diagnostic and treatment support.

Đức said: “The project focuses on ten disadvantaged and remote provinces... because these provinces still face transportation challenges, limiting the general accessibility to healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level.”

“Therefore, the implementation of remote medical consultations through the application of information technology will help eliminate barriers to healthcare access for people in remote and isolated areas,” the health official added.

“This project focuses on grassroots healthcare, specifically at the commune level. Communal health stations will be equipped with infrastructure, such as computers, and software is already in place.

“In the future, commune healthcare staff will be trained and provided with professional support in primary healthcare. This is just the initial step; based on this foundation, the Ministry of Health will develop subsequent phases,” he added.

As a beneficiary of the project, Dr Tạc Văn Nam, director of the Bắc Kạn Department of Health, stated: "The remote healthcare application, aimed at enhancing access to medical services for vulnerable groups in Việt Nam, can be likened to bringing firewood to warm the people of Bắc Kạn during the cold winter."

“Since Bắc Kạn is a mountainous northern province where the population is primarily ethnic minorities, the terrain is rugged and steep. Residents frequently face risks of flash floods, landslides, and temporary geographic isolation caused by natural disasters.”

“In some areas, people have to traverse challenging routes to reach healthcare centres. Therefore, recognising the benefits of a remote medical examination and treatment programme, we have always aspired to implement remote medical services to help improve local residents' access to quality healthcare services,” Nam said. 

Health ministry targets national antibiotic use monitoring system by 2025

The Ministry of Health has set a target to establish a national monitoring system for antibiotic use and consumption in humans by 2025.

This initiative is part of Việt Nam's intensified efforts to curb the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and to prevent the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms and infectious diseases.

The plan, detailed in Decision 3465/QĐ-BYT issued in 2024, is part of the MoH’s action plan on antimicrobial resistance prevention and control in the period of 2024-2025. Signed by Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn, the plan outlines specific measures aimed at addressing the alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance cases in Việt Nam.

According to the MoH, superbugs resistant to nearly all antibiotics have emerged globally, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and agriculture, alongside limited access to clean water and sanitation.

In Việt Nam, the antimicrobial resistance situation remains a significant challenge, demanding concerted efforts from all sectors of society.

The plan outlines four key strategic goals to address antimicrobial resistance.

The first goal aims to improve awareness among local authorities, healthcare professionals and the public. By 2025, all centrally-managed cities and provinces are expected to develop and fund antimicrobial resistance prevention plans for 2023-2030. At least 50 per cent of adults and mothers and 60 per cent of healthcare workers will possess accurate knowledge about antimicrobial resistance prevention.

The second goal focuses on enhancing systems for monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends and detecting resistant microorganisms. By 2025, half of MoH-managed hospitals and at least one hospital per province will join the antimicrobial resistance surveillance network. Furthermore, the capacity of three national reference laboratories will be upgraded, surveillance activities will expand to community settings and 90 per cent of personnel in the surveillance system will receive specialised training.

The plan targets the adoption of infection control measures in hospitals to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance. By 2025, 40 per cent of hospitals (excluding district hospitals) are expected to establish antimicrobial resistance control plans. Additionally, at least 40 per cent of ministry and province-level hospitals and 15 per cent of district hospitals will implement microbiological diagnostic and antimicrobial resistance surveillance techniques.

By 2025, the MoH aims for 30 per cent of hospitals to implement antimicrobial stewardship programmes and to establish a national surveillance system for monitoring antibiotic use and consumption.

These goals collectively aim to build a robust framework for combating antimicrobial resistance and ensuring sustainable healthcare practices.

The MoH emphasised that fighting antimicrobial resistance requires the participation of all sectors, including local governments, health authorities and the public. The measures laid out in the action plan not only aim to mitigate the antimicrobial resistance crisis, but also to ensure sustainable and responsible healthcare practices in Việt Nam.

District-level State budget disclosure remains insufficient: report

The implementation of State budget disclosure at the district level in Việt Nam in 2023 remains insufficient, limiting public engagement in the budgeting process, a reported released on Thursday has found.

The review of district budget disclosures for 2023 revealed that the average district budget disclosure score nationwide was 21.93 out of 100 points, corresponding to a 'low' level of disclosure.

The report, 'Review of District Budget Disclosure in 2023 and Case Studies of Budget Disclosure in Public Educational Institutions in Lạng Sơn and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu provinces', was jointly conducted by the Vietnam Center for Economic and Strategic Studies, the Centre for Development and Integration Social Enterprise and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Việt Nam.

Out of 705 districts nationwide, only 12 or 1.7 per cent were rated as having 'good' disclosure practices (scoring between 75 and 100 points).

Meanwhile, 272 districts (38.6 per cent) had 'low' levels of disclosure (scoring below 25 points).

It was noted that 168 districts (23.8 per cent of total) did not disclose any budget documents at all.

Budget documents that were disclosed often failed to meet standards of availability, timeliness, completeness, accessibility and continuity. Only 13.6 per cent of districts disclosed the draft 2024 district budget estimates in a timely manner, leaving insufficient time for citizens, businesses and other stakeholders to review and contribute their feedback, said the report.

Based on the findings, the report offers numerous policy and practical recommendations for relevant authorities and sectors to consider in order to strengthen transparency in public financial management and uphold citizens' rights to monitor public budgets.

Representative of the research team, Nguyễn Quang Thương, recommended that 705 district people’s committees must adhere to budget disclosure regulations, ensuring that all required budget contents be posted timely on their portals/webpages.

The Việt Nam Fatherland Front committees at the district level should actively fulfil their oversight role concerning the State budget, with particular emphasis on budget disclosure, he said.

He proposed the review of district budget transparency should be continued in the coming years, progressing towards the development of a District Open Budget Index (DOBI).

The establishment of a DOBI will contribute to enhancing the transparency of district budget documents, ensuring adherence to the Constitution and Vietnamese regulations regarding budget transparency across all levels of government.

Đỗ Thanh Huyền, a public policy analyst at UNDP in Việt Nam, said: “As the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) shows a low percentage of citizens aware of or informed of local budget and expenditure information, we have started looking into why by reviewing if district governments have pulled and posted their commune and district budget planning online on their government portals.

“With more than 90 per cent of Vietnamese citizens having smartphones, local governments have an opportunity to proactively disclose and promptly deliver the budget information online on time as stipulated in related laws and regulations,” she said.

The report results are expected to serve as a basis to improve the State budget governance and make recommendations for the amendments of the State budget law, she said.

Former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Finance and Budget Committee Bùi Đặng Dũng said:  "As I observed, this has been the first research conducted on a large scale on the budget disclosure at the district level. The report helps citizens know how their taxes have been spent.

“I have also observed that the penalties on those that fail to meet legal requirements for budget disclosure has not been tightened. We see that there are districts without any budget disclosure. Relevant punishments must be imposed on those cases,” he said.

“Only when we disclose State budget at all levels, can we fight against corruption and negative phenomena and meet voters’ expectations.” 

Agreeing with the proposal of stiffening penalties, Nguyễn Minh Tân, deputy director of Finance and Budget Department, Office of the National Assembly, said: “We must step up information dissemination on State budget disclosure instruction at the grassroots levels. Those who fail to disclose the budget this year might have their estimated budget for the following year subtracted.” 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Exhibitions in Hà Nội downtown celebrate Heritage Day

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Việt Nam Cultural Heritage Day since its inception in 2005, aiming to promote the traditions and sense of responsibility among those working to protect and promote the value of Việt Nam's cultural heritage.

A series of exhibitions are being held in Hoàn Kiếm District to mark Việt Nam Cultural Heritage Day on November 23.

One of them is a photo exhibition at Hoàn Kiếm Lake pedestrian zone displaying 60 photos selected from the Việt Nam Heritage Photo Awards 2012-2019. The photos depict the colours of nature and the beautiful landscapes of the country.

At the exhibition, visitors can contemplate spectacular nature scenes throughout the country, from Đồng Văn Plateau in the northernmost province of Hà Giang to Hòn Khoai Island in the southernmost province of Cà Mau.

The photos capture beautiful moments of nature such as Bản Giốc Falls in autumn in the northern province of Cao Bằng or the cajeput forest in flood season in An Giang Province.

The Colours of Nature exhibition is one of a series of activities held by the Management Board of Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hà Nội Old Quarter and Cultural Heritage Association's Việt Nam Heritage magazine.

The board also organises an exhibition at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Culture Exchange Centre at 50 Đào Duy Từ Street in Hoàn Kiếm District. The exhibition introduces bronze casting techniques of the Đông Sơn Culture through installation, samples of traditional bronze casting tools, paintings and bronze sculptures by contemporary artists.

The exhibition runs until December 15. A seminar on Vietnamese Đông Sơn Drum will be held from 2.30pm to 5pm on December 8.

An art exhibition at the Cultural Exchange Centre for Hà Nội's Old Quarter in 46 Hàng Bài Street displays artworks and products by artists and master artisans from traditional craft villages.

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the Việt Nam Cultural Heritage Day since its inception in 2005, aiming to promote the traditions and sense of responsibility among those working to protect and promote the value of Việt Nam's cultural heritage.

Annual activities commemorating the day have long played an important role in safeguarding Việt Nam’s cultural heritage. 

Cần Thơ City to host HCM City, Mekong Delta tourism, trade event

The inaugural HCM City and Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta Tourism – Trade Week will take place in Cần Thơ City from November 29 to December 2.

“The quintessence of the river region” seeks to boost tourism, the trade and service industries, and strengthen socio-economic ties between HCM City and the delta.

There will be 15 tourism, sports and music programmes along with the promotions of tourism products and services, Đào Thị Minh Thúy, deputy director of the Cần Thơ Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said.

A new waterway route connecting HCM City with provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta will be launched during the event.

An exhibition with 120 booths will be held to showcase OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, specialities from the delta, and other tourism products.

As part of the week-long event, the 8th Cái Răng Floating Market Festival will be held from November 30 to December 2 to promote the riverine market, a unique sight for visitors.

The results of the voting for the “Top tourism destinations in HCM City and the Mekong Delta in 2024” will be announced at the opening ceremony of the HCM City and Mekong Delta Tourism – Trade Week at the Hậu River Park in Cần Thơ City’s Ninh Kiều District on November 29.

The event will be organised by the HCM City and Cần Thơ governments. 

Int’l food festival to celebrate culinary diversity

Unique and captivating culinary delights from different countries will be showcased at the 2024 International Food Festival in Hà Nội next month.

The two-day event, taking place on December 7 and 8 at the Vạn Phúc Diplomatic Compound, will feature more than 70 booths presenting distinctive and enticing dishes from 60 territories.

More than 40 embassies, international organisations, cultural centres, provincial Departments of Foreign Affairs, units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and businesses will participate in this annual festival, which is held by the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at boosting cultural and culinary exchanges.

“Themed ‘Gastronomy of Unity’, the 2024 International Food Festival not only showcases the culinary delights of various nations but also honours Vietnamese cultural values. This event aims to enhance cultural diplomacy, strengthen the nation's image and expand international cooperation,” said deputy head of the festival’s organising board Hoàng Thái Hà.

He said that with the participation of many nations, the festival not only celebrates the diversity of global cuisine but also highlights food as a universal language, where people from different cultures find harmony.

“Through each dish, we not only convey the essence of culinary flavours but also share stories of history and traditions of each nation,” Hà said.

The officer added that for the first time in its 11 year history, the event will span over two days. Festival-goers will have a chance to explore the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine through dozens of tempting dishes, including iconic favorites like phở (noodle soup) and nem (spring rolls).

Specialty dishes of each of the country's geographic regions, together with a diversified collection of traditional cakes and ethnic delights will be on show.

In addition, various cooking spices will also be presented to international visitors, providing them a chance to explore the culinary flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Chairwoman of the Nam Định Association of Gastronomic Culture Lê Thị Thiết, a member of the 2024 International Food Festival's organising board, said that this year's event will offer both local and international guests the chance to enjoy a diverse range of phở dishes, including phở nước (phở noodle soup), phở cuốn (rolled phở), phở trộn (mixed phở), and phở xào (stir-fried phở).

When asked which version, Nam Định phở or Hà Nội phở (two places believed to be the birthplace of phở) will be served at the event, Thiết explained that both varieties share cultural similarities in their craftsmanship.

“Our aim is to capture the essence of Vietnamese phở, helping everyone gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this iconic dish," she said.

The organiser expects to welcome up to 50,000 visitors over the two days.

French fashion magazine's travelling kiosk arrives in HCM City

After its debut in Hà Nội last year, the public in Việt Nam once again has the opportunity to explore the unique creativity and innovation of one of the leading French luxury design houses and manufacturers.

Le Monde d'Hermès Kiosk, inspired by the iconic news stands of Paris, has opened from November 21-24 at Bạch Đằng Park, a popular destination for the citizens of Hồ Chí Minh City, offering visitors the chance to delve into the richness and diversity of the Hermès world through images and words and engaging, joyful conversations.

Embodying 'The Spirit of the Faubourg' – the brand's theme for 2024, the Le Monde d'Hermès Kiosk invites visitors to immerse themselves in the wonderful universe created by the world of the luxury brand.

Numerous activities reflecting the brand's core values have been organised during the four-day event. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the kiosk gentleman and receive the latest issue of Le Monde d'Hermès to read along with a refreshing drink in the peaceful setting of Bạch Đằng Park.

Additionally, visitors can interact with local artists and receive a sketched portrait and impromptu poetry based on their thoughts on the theme 'The Spirit of the Faubourg', as well as take part in dances reminiscent of the horse and immerse themselves in vibrant musical performances at scheduled times. Before leaving, visitors can stop by the fresh flower stall to take home beautiful bouquets.

The Le Monde d'Hermès Kiosk first appeared in Prague in the fall of 2021. Before arriving in Hồ Chí Minh City, the iconic orange Hermès Kiosk visited Barcelona (April 2023), Kuwait, Austin and Haikou (May 2023), Jakarta (June 2023), Lisbon (September 2023) and Hà Nội (October 2023).

Created in 1973, Le Monde d’Hermès is a bi-annual magazine with a print-run of 600,000 copies, published in 11 languages. An editor-in-chief and an artistic director are invited to create two issues per year with Hermès’ teams, who collaborate each season with selected writers, illustrators and photographers. 

Thriller on Vietnamese folk stories released

Linh Miêu (Spirit Whisker-The Revenant), a thriller based on Vietnamese folk stories, will be in cinemas on January 22.  

The work features a story inspired by Vietnamese urban legends and folklore.

It tells the story of young women living in a wealthy family in the ancient city of Huế in the 1960s. Love’s dark side of glory, money, and betrayal are featured. Social and family issues are also included. 

Subtitled in English, Linh Miêu features Vietnamese-American actress Hồng Đào, who has more than 35 years in the industry, in a lead role.

Đào graduated from the HCM City University of Theatre & Cinematography. She quickly became widely known in both theatre and movies in the 1980s-90s. 

She left HCM City to resettle in San Jose, California, United States. She has performed in several films by talented filmmakers in HCM City.

Director Lưu Thành Luân and his staff worked hard on more than 600 film scenes using computer-generated imagery (CGI) effects. 

They also spent several weeks shooting to capture the beauty of Huế City, one of the country’s famous tourist destinations. The traditional culture and lifestyle of Huế people are also highlighted. 

“Vietnamese folklore has many stories with spiritual and supernatural features that stimulate the creativity of filmmakers,” said director Luân. “I hope my new film, Linh Miêu, will entertain moviegoers and become a Christmas blockbuster in Việt Nam this year.”

Luân’s previous film, Quỷ Cầu (Demon Dog), is also a thriller based on a supernatural folk story. 

The film focuses on the spiritual and psychological aspects of a family involved in the long-standing dog meat trade, depicting how dogs are killed, creating haunting and chilling scenes.

It earned more than VNĐ108 billion (US$4.24 million) at the box office after its release in 2022, making it a big surprise for Vietnamese cinema, despite criticism of its Computer-Generated Imagerytechnology. 

Cambodian media praises Vietnamese top legislator’s visit

Cambodian media outlets have extensively covered the four-day official visit (November 21-24) of Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man, commending the solidarity, neighbourliness, and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Among the nearly 30 activities in the trip, the inauguration of Cambodia’s new NA administrative building in Phnom Penh on November 21 garnered significant attention. Cambodian news agency AKP quoted NA President Samdech Khuon Sudary as expressing profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for their 25 million USD support to construct the building. She emphasised it enhances the local legislative body's capacity to undertake governance reforms, transition toward a digital parliament, and improve the efficiency of its Secretariat’s personnel.

According to the AKP, the 12-storey establishment, funded by Vietnam, features modern facilities and Khmer-style architecture and will serve various administrative functions, including housing NA committees, meeting rooms, and Secretariat offices.

The news agency noted at the inauguration ceremony, the top legislators of Vietnam and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation between the two parliaments, both bilaterally and multilaterally, aligning with the aspirations of their people.

In another article, the AKP described the visit as a step forward in bolstering the countries’ neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and sustainable relations, as well as in promoting Vietnam’s multilateral relations and parliamentary diplomacy for peace and regional stability with Cambodia.

Meanwhile, the Khmer Times ran an article on the sides’ enduring and long-lasting friendship, calling the visit a milestone in enhancing bilateral parliamentary cooperation and deepening ties between the two neighbours.

Another Khmer Times piece on new heights in the nations’ economic and trade cooperation featured analysis by Uch Leang, Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African, and Middle-East Studies under the International Relations Institute of Cambodia at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC). The article highlighted robust trade growth over the past decade and significant investment opportunities.

The RAC researcher expressed his optimism that Cambodia and Vietnam would continue creating favourable conditions for businesses and investors to advance trade and investment. He recommended government agencies proactively propose policies promoting such development, focusing on digital transformation, the circular economy, technology-driven innovation, and experience-sharing./.

Ninh Binh Festival 2024 kicks off

The 3rd Ninh Binh Festival themed “Heritage Flow” opened in Ninh Binh city, the northern province of the same name, on November 24 evening, featuring a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities.

Addressing the event, Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for External Relations, highlighted its significance as helping recreate glorious historical milestones of the nation.

Organised on a national scale and imbued with national cultural identity, the festival spotlighted the identities of regions across the country, contributing to promoting cultural exchange and socio-economic development, and connecting the experience journey of people and tourists.

Trung praised the provincial Party Committee, authorities, and people for their efforts in inheriting and promoting the traditions of the ancestors, saying that with their will and aspiration, solidarity, and creativeness, they have utilised their potential and advantages to overcome many difficulties and challenges, scoring important and comprehensive achievements in all fields

He expressed his belief that the locality will continue to uphold their spirit of solidarity and aspiration, and fully bring into play the unique potential, strengths, and values of the ancient capital region, joining the rest of the country in stepping into the new era of rising.

In 2014, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, affirming its outstanding global value and providing an opportunity for Ninh Binh to expand exchanges and cooperation, thus driving its socio-economic development, Ninh Binh People's Committee Chairman Pham Quang Ngoc noted.

Ninh Binh aims to become a centrally-run city by 2035 with the characteristics of a millennium heritage urban area, a creative city, and a hub with high brand value in tourism, cultural industry, and heritage economy; a modern transport and mechanical industrial centre; and an innovative startup centre in the southern Red River Delta, deeply integrating into the network of heritage cities and creative cities holding the UNESCO-recognised titles.

A wide range of cultural activities will be held within the third edition of the annual festival, including art performances, an outdoor exhibition of contemporary poetries, a street carnival with folk colours featuring traditional crafts, and an electronic folk music festival with the intersection of sound and visual experience.

The festival will run until November 30./.

ASEAN, RoK share expertise on crime scene investigation

A training course on crime scene investigation (CSI) aimed at enhancing the skills of investigators from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) through the exchange of best practices and experiences opened in Vietnam's central city of Da Nang on November 25.

The course brought together nearly 100 representatives from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, as well as leading experts in crime scene investigation and digital forensic techniques from the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

In his opening address, Lieutenant General Dang Xuan Hong, Director General of the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), emphasised that the course not only strengthens ASEAN-RoK ties but also underscores Vietnam’s leadership in advancing ASEAN’s collaborative efforts in combating crime.

 
Lieutenant General Hong highlighted that this is the first collaborative effort between the RoK and ASEAN in the framework of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC).

RoK Ambassador to ASEAN Lee Jang-keun, noted the initiative's significance as ASEAN and the RoK celebrate the 30th anniversary of their dialogue partnership and the recent elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October. He praised Vietnam for its coordination of ASEAN-RoK relations from 2021 to 2024, expressing confidence in the potential for future collaboration in combating transnational crime.

During the course, which will run until November 29, KNPA experts will deliver insights on the critical role of crime scene investigation, the challenges faced, and international cooperation frameworks in the field. They will also introduce cutting-edge tools and equipment to enhance investigative efficiency.

Delegates from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste are expected to share their experiences, covering topics such as legal frameworks for crime scene investigations, methodologies for tackling various types of crimes, and strategies for gathering, recovering, and analysing electronic evidence in cyberspace.

The course will also include lectures, hands-on training sessions, and practical exercises designed to transfer knowledge and strengthen regional cooperation./.

Conference unites Asia, Russia in language and culture

The Hanoi University of Business and Technology (HUBT) and the M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University of Russia co-hosted the third international conference titled “Russian Language in Asia” in Hanoi on November 25.

The three-day gathering drew nearly 200 delegates, including leaders from various Vietnamese ministries and agencies, representatives from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and scholars from Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The event, held in in-person and online formats, opened extensive discussions and opportunities for Vietnam-Russia educational cooperation, contributing to improving the quality of Russian language teaching within modern scientific and educational frameworks.

The HUBT’s standing Vice Rector Prof. Nguyen Cong Nghiep said the event will not only help popularise Russian language and culture across Asia but also foster friendship between the two countries’ people.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Murashkin, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian Science and Culture Centre in Hanoi, highlighted two key pillars of bilateral collaboration in science and education, including training talent for Vietnam at Russian universities and nurturing partnerships between both countries’ educational institutions.

He believed that discussions at the event would pave the way for extensive scientific research opportunities that can tackle future challenges.

Delegates engaged in discussions on pressing issues surrounding teaching Russian, sharing international experiences, and exploring innovative solutions to improve training quality. A noteworthy highlight was the exploration of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into Russian language education, a move designed to meet the evolving needs of learners in an increasingly digital world.

The event also featured a cultural exchange between the HUBT students and their counterparts at North-Eastern Federal University of Russia./.

ASEAN media outlets share integration experience

The ASEAN Secretariat held the 8th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF) in Vientiane, Laos on November 25, bringing together ASEAN officials, policymakers, representatives of media outlets, and scholars from Laos and the broader region.

In a recorded statement, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the significance of this year’s AMF under the chairmanship of Laos as it focuses on enhancing connectivity and resilience - two critical elements for ASEAN’s continued progress and prosperity amid rapidly changing global politics and economy.

“Clear communication about what regional integration means – and what it doesn’t – is essential to accurately inform our stakeholders”, he said, underscoring the need for collaboration between ASEAN Secretariat and the media to raise awareness, promote understanding and address misconceptions about the ASEAN integration agenda.

The AMF, established by the ASEAN Secretariat in 2017, has since evolved into an annual flagship forum that brings together media leaders and editors-in-chief from major English newspapers across the region to engage with ASEAN policymakers, officials, academics, opinion and business leaders.

Delegates shared insights on key issues related to the ASEAN's integration agenda, achievements to date and expectations for the bloc's future endeavours./.

Vietnam, Thailand share experience in drug control at sea

A delegation of the Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board led by Deputy Secretary-General Apikit Ch.rojprasert visited and has a working session with the Coast Guard Region 3 Command on November 25 in Vung Tau city, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

During the session, Apikit thanked units under the Vietnam Coast Guard for sharing their experience in drug prevention and control. He said that Thailand will boost cooperation and information sharing with competent Vietnamese agencies in the sector.

Colonel Nguyen Duc Hieu, Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Region 3 Command, proposed the Thai agency strengthen information exchange with the Vietnam Coast Guard, support the verification and investigation of information related to drug trafficking by sea.

Hieu suggested establishing a hotline between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Thai Coast Guard in combating crime, particularly drug crime.

He said the two sides need to further promote patrol and control in the adjacent sea area between the two countries, improve the efficiency of detecting, preventing and promptly handling violations and crimes, while coordinating to organise training courses, share experiences in using modern equipment and support the improvement of drug control capacity by sea./.

Vietnam Journalists' Association expands cooperation with Thai media

The Vietnam Journalists' Association (VJA) is willing to diversify cooperation with Thai media through initiatives such as organising sports, cultural, and art exchanges between journalists from Vietnam and Thailand, said Le Quoc Minh, VJA President and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, noting that it could serve as a model for media organisations in the region.

Minh, a member of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Vice Chairman of the PCC’s Commission for Information and Education, made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ) on November 25, as part of the VJA delegation's working visit to Thailand from November 25 to 29.

During the discussions, both sides explored joint training programmes in language, technology, and reporting skills for special situations such as natural disasters and conflicts. They also focused on enhancing cultural and sports exchanges to foster closer ties.

Minh welcomed the Thai side’s proposal to send journalist delegations to each country for professional exchanges, while announcing plans to invite Thai journalist delegations to Vietnam next year to mark 100th anniversary of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day.

Norrinee Ruangnoo, First Vice President of the CTJ, praised the VJA’s proposals, describing them as an exciting playground for journalists from both countries. She expressed her hope that these activities would become annual events.

The Thai side also offered to host Vietnamese journalists for Thai language training and expressed its interest in having Thai journalists undergo Vietnamese language training in Hanoi.

In an earlier meeting with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was also attended by CTJ leaders, Minh reaffirmed the VJA’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Thai media organisations, including through annual exchange visits.

Minh underscored challenges and opportunities faced by Vietnamese media in today’s fast-paced digital landscape like other countries. He emphasised the need for official media outlets to adapt quickly, ensuring timely dissemination of accurate information to combat fake news and promote a trustworthy media environment.

He also expressed the VJA’s willingness to expand its collaboration with Thai media and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that sharing experiences and best practices among countries are key to advancing journalism.

Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra welcomed the VJA delegation, highlighting the strong and longstanding relationship between Vietnam and Thailand. He underlined the important role of media in today’s society and changes in forms of communications.

According to him, while social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow individuals without formal journalism training to share information, this can sometimes lead to misunderstandings at the national level. Russ emphasised the growing importance of international media collaboration to address these challenges.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged full support for the continued expansion and deepening of cooperation between the VJA and Thai media organisations, he said./.

Vice NA Chairwoman receives Lao Ambassador
 
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh received Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh on November 25 in Hanoi.

During the reception, Thanh, who is also Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Parliamentary Group, hailed the contributions that the Lao ambassador has made to promoting the cooperation between the two parliaments and their bodies.

Thanh affirmed that Vietnam always values the sentiments and valuable support and contributions of generations of Lao leaders and people, which have continuously nurtured the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Expressing pleasure at the positive cooperation results between the two Parties and countries, Thanh noted that the Politburos of both countries met to evaluate the results of the cooperation, and agreed on major directions for Vietnam-Laos relations in the the time to come.

Delegation exchanges, meetings, and mechanisms for bilateral cooperation have been maintained and implemented effectively, further enhancing the relationship between the two nations and their parliaments in a deeper, more effective and substantive manner, she said.

She stated that in the coming time, the friendship parliamentary groups of the two countries should increase meetings, contacts, and discussions on issues of mutual concern, and measures to promote the parliaments’ relations.

For her part, the Lao ambassador thanked the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for always standing side by side and wholeheartedly supporting the Party, State, and people of Laos throughout their struggles for national independence as well as in the current national construction and defence.

Emphasising that Vietnam's position in the region and the world has been continuously elevated, she said she hope that Vietnam will successfully realise the objectives set out in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress.

The diplomat pledged to make every effort to contribute to the increasingly strong ties between the Parties, countries, and people of Laos and Vietnam.

Bulgarian President tours Vietnam Military History Museum

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his entourage toured the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi on November 25.

Accompanying the Bulgarian delegation was Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan.

They were introduced to six display themes that illuminated pivotal chapters in Vietnam's history, from the early days of nation-building and defence, the protection of national independence (939–1858); the fight against French colonialism for national independence (1858–1945), the resistance war against French colonialists (1945–1954); the anti-US resistance war (1954–1975); to the national construction and defence (1975–2024).

President Radev marked the occasion by penning a heartfelt entry in the museum's guestbook. In a gesture of goodwill, Col. Le Vu Huy, Director of the museum, presented the Bulgarian leader with a souvenir.

The Vietnam Military History Museum, established on July 17, 1956, is one of the six national-level museums and the first of its kind within the military museum system.

Following a major upgrade in 2019 funded by the Ministry of National Defence, the museum now boasts a state-of-the-art facility in Tay Mo and Dai Mo wards, Nam Tu Liem district. With a contemporary design and modern projection technologies, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through Vietnam's military history.

Spanning four above-ground floors and one basement, the museum covers a sprawling 64,640 sq.m and houses tens of thousands of artifacts.

Rumen Radev's visit is the first to Vietnam by a Bulgarian President after 11 years, which comes at a time when both nations prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties on February 8, 2025 with an aim to bolster their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

Germany’s Hesse state leader explores cooperation opportunities in Vietnam

The Minister-President of the German state of Hesse, Boris Rhein, is scheduled to visit Vietnam from November 26 to December 1 to strengthen the strategic partnership between Hesse and Vietnamese partners.

Speaking to the press ahead of his trip, Rhein noted that both Hesse and Vietnam share a special friendship established as a priority cooperation framework since 2012. The relationship is characterized by trust and success, not only in education but also in training and economic cooperation.

The visit is expected not only to further strengthen the existing ties but also to explore new long-term cooperation opportunities that benefit both sides, he said.

During the visit, Rhein is set to hold several official meetings in Vietnam, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in vocational training and skilled labour recruitment for both the Vietnamese and Hessian labor markets.

He will also attend the graduation ceremony at the Vietnam-Germany University, a flagship project of Vietnam-Hesse cooperation and a symbol of the strong partnership between the two sides in science and education.

Strong cold air sweeps across northern Vietnam, temperatures drop sharply

A strong cold spell hit northern border localities of Vietnam early on November 26 and is sweeping across northern and north-central provinces in the coming hours, causing temperatures to drop sharply, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

Starting from November 26, the northern region and the north-central region of Vietnam will experience colder weather, with mountainous areas facing colder conditions, said NCHMF meteorologists.

From the night of November 26, temperatures in the northern and north-central regions will drop significantly, with some mountainous areas experiencing intense cold, they added.

The lowest temperatures during this cold wave are expected to be around 16-18 degrees Celsius, while mountainous areas may see temperatures fall to 12-14, and even below 10 degrees Celsius.

This is the first significant cold spell of the winter season in 2024, they said.

The meteorological agency also reported that due to the influence of the cold air, the northeast region will experience light rain.

In the capital of Hanoi, temperatures will decrease by 5-6 degrees Celsius compared to previous days. The weather will turn cold, with temperatures dropping further into the night of November 26. The lowest temperatures during this cold wave in Hanoi are forecast to be around 17-19 degrees Celsius.

According to meteorologists, the cold air is expected to be stronger than average at the end of November and into early December.

The cold air is likely to become more intense from December, bringing prolonged cold spells and severe frost. People should be cautious about these cold spells, particularly in the northern mountainous regions, which may also experience frost and ice.

Severe cold and frost in the North will likely spread widely from mid-December, similar to previous years, said meteorologists.

Vietnam and China boost defense cooperation

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, received Colonel Jiang Bo, Defense Attaché of China to Vietnam, in Hanoi on November 26.  

During the meeting, Chien emphasized that bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries continues is increasingly practical and closer through regular meetings and exchanges of defense delegations from both sides.

According to the Deputy Minister, border guard, navy and coast guard forces of both countries maintain effective cooperation through existing mechanisms such as joint patrols on land and at sea. Both sides continue to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as Party and political work, defense industry, air defense and air force, scientific research, education and training, young officer exchanges, and exchanges between military academies and schools.

Looking ahead, Chien proposed that both sides continue to enhance cooperation, with a focus on exchanging delegations and maintaining high-level contacts; promoting the ninth Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange; and organizing the eighth Defense Strategic Dialogue at the Deputy Minister level.

On this occasion, Chien expressed his hope to welcome the leadership of the Chinese Defense Ministry to attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the second Vietnam International Defense Exhibition in December.

Colonel Jiang Bo affirmed that he would closely cooperate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to effectively implement the bilateral defense cooperation plan in the coming period, contributing to further strengthening the fine relations between the two Parties, countries, and militaries.

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV