President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev visited and delivered a speech highlighting the significance of Việt Nam – Bulgaria relations at the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam (DAV) on Tuesday as part of his ongoing official trip to the country.

Speaking to DAV's lecturers and students, the Bulgarian President positioned both nations as crucial bridges, with Việt Nam serving as a connector between Bulgaria and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Bulgaria acting as a gateway for Việt Nam to the European Union.

According to President Radev, the two countries set up legal frameworks and cooperation mechanisms across multiple sectors such as economy, trade, defence, education and security. Particularly noteworthy was the President’s emphasis on the bilateral economic – trade ties. He said the upcoming Việt Nam – Bulgaria business forum in HCM City aims to foster economic relations while showcasing the mutually beneficial economic collaboration in areas of strength and need between the two countries.

He went on to lay stress on the remarkable educational exchange legacy, with more than 3,600 engineers and scientists as well as 30,000 skilled workers from Việt Nam trained in Bulgaria. Many of the alumni have become Việt Nam's important leaders and made significant contributions to their homeland.

President Radev shared Bulgaria’s experience in obtaining a harmonious balance between innovation and tradition, presenting it as a potential roadmap for Việt Nam's future development. He added that his country has obtained several achievements in innovation thanks to initiatives to support startups in the area and develop the digital economy.

Addressing the DAV students, the future diplomats of Việt Nam, the President emphasised that diplomacy is far more than a profession, it is a critical vocation for the future, elaborating in a world that has become an arena of intense and relentless competition, international relations have been increasingly fragile.

Becoming an excellent diplomat is the most effective way to serve the country, protect the citizens’ interests, and advance Việt Nam's international integration, he stressed, saying he is in Việt Nam to witness the Việt Nam – Bulgaria relations grow into the new era.

Bulgarian President visits northern port city Hải Phòng

Secretary of the Hải Phòng Party Committee Lê Tiến Châu introduced the northern port city's potential, advantages and notable achievements to visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev at their working session on Tuesday.

Hải Phòng, one of the five centrally-run cities, holds a strategically important economic position and serves as the economic locomotive of the northern region of Việt Nam. It boasts the largest seaport system in the North, capable of accommodating ships with a capacity of over 145,000 tonnes and directly connecting to major ports in Europe and America.

In recent years, Hải Phòng has consistently ranked among the localities with the highest growth rates in the country. Its GDP has grown consecutively for nine years at double-digit levels, 1.5 to 2 times higher than the national average. The city is striving to realise its goal of "decade of double-digit growth" in 2024.

Hải Phòng has also recorded impressive results in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), totaling about US$3.6 billion per year, making it among the top in the country in terms of FDI attraction.

Châu highlighted the friendship cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Hải Phòng and Bulgaria, saying that over the past 20 years, the Việt Nam-Bulgaria Friendship Association organised many activities, becoming a bridge connecting the people of Hải Phòng and Bulgaria, and making a positive contribution to promoting the traditional relationship between the two countries.

In terms of economic cooperation, in 2023, Hải Phòng's export turnover to Bulgaria reached $0.38 million, while Bulgaria's import value to Hải Phòng hit $9.26 million.

Châu said he believed that after President Radev’s trip, the two sides will cooperate closely to further promote delegation exchanges at all levels, and people-to-people exchange activities; as well as strengthen cooperation in boosting investment promotion activities and trade and logistics cooperation.

They will also support the connection of associations and businesses to explore investment and business cooperation opportunities, thus contributing to deepening the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in general, and between Bulgaria and Hải Phòng in particular, he added.

President Radev expressed his impression of Hải Phòng’s socio-economic development achievements. He hoped to share experiences an solutions; and suggested cooperation on industrial development, seaport operation, investment attraction, education – training, with the city.

The Bulgarian leader showed his hope that through his visit, the traditional, trustworthy, and good relationship between the two countries will continue to develop, and achieve greater success in all areas, including politics, trade and investment, education - training, science -technology, culture, and tourism.

On the same day, President Radev and his entourage visited Lan Hạ Bay, and a VinFast automobile factory in Đình Vũ Industrial Park in Cát Hải District. 

Việt Nam, Laos, Cambodia hold annual defence ministerial meeting

Defence ministers of Việt Nam, Laos, and Cambodia convened their annual meeting in Phnom Penh on November 25 to reinforce trilateral cooperation in the field.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang noted that the ties are essential for maintaining peace, stability, and development in each nation. Expressing Việt Nam’s gratitude for the support from Laos and Cambodia in its past struggle for independence and reunification and current national development, he affirmed the country’s commitment to prioritising and strengthening its trusted and close relationship with the two neighbours.

Lao Defence Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath underscored the military's pivotal role in cultivating and safeguarding the trilateral friendship and solidarity, while his Cambodian counterpart General Tea Seiha praised the effectiveness of such defence collaboration and its contributions to border security, peace, and stability as well as the ASEAN Community’s development.

The three defence ministers reached consensus on several key areas of future cooperation, including the maintenance of the annual meeting mechanism and joint military training and exercises to address non-traditional security challenges as well as the enhancement of public communications and education to reinforce trilateral solidarity and counter misinformation and sabotage from hostile forces. Also important is their border security collaboration, which covers sharing information, conducting joint patrols, and creating conditions conducive to border economic growth. The sides should also continue supporting each other in international and regional forums, particularly within ASEAN mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

Earlier in the day, the ministers attended a joint rescue exercise in Kampong Chhnang province. Conducted from November 18-25, the exercise focused on disaster response to collapsed structures and involved nearly 700 personnel, including 563 from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, 64 from the Lao People's Army, and 71 from the Việt Nam People's Army.

The delegations also visited Tep Pranom high school in Kandal province, where General Giang and the Vietnamese delegation donated 30 computers to support its teaching and learning activities.

Legislature passes Law on Urban and Rural Planning

The 15th National Assembly (NA) approved the Law on Urban and Rural Planning at its ongoing 8th session in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

With five chapters and 59 articles, the law stipulates the urban and rural planning system; the building, appraisal, approval, review, adjustment, and management of such schemes; and state management over urban and rural planning. It is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

According to the NA Standing Committee, the draft law had been reviewed to ensure its consistency and harmony with other relevant legal documents, including laws on construction, land, housing, real estate business, architecture, environmental protection, and natural disaster prevention and control.

The 8th session is divided into two phases, the first from October 21 to November 13, and the second from November 20 to November 30 morning, with 29.5 working days.

The legislature has spent most of the time on building laws, exercising its supreme supervisory power, and making decisions on socioeconomic issues and some other important matters.

It is set to approve 15 laws and three resolutions while discussing 13 draft laws. 

nt, Giang on November 26 presented a second-class Labour Order to Metfone, a subsidiary in Cambodia of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel), in recognition of its outstanding contributions over the past 15 years. Metfone has become a symbol of friendship and strong economic cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Earlier, on November 24 afternoon, Giang visited the MB Cambodia Bank, Public Limited Company (MB Cambodia) -- a subsidiary of Việt Nam's Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB), one of the symbols of defence cooperation between Việt Nam and Cambodia in recent times.

Giang and the Vietnamese delegation also visited the Win – Win Memorial monument in the outskirts of Phnom Penh; and offered incense and laid wreaths at the Việt Nam - Cambodia Friendship Monument in the capital city of Cambodia.

Deputy PM asks for administration that effectively serves people and businesses

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hoà Bình on Tuesday requested ministries and local departments to carry out administrative procedure reforms to bring about momentum for economic recovery and growth.

He made the request during a meeting with three ministries including Defence, Foreign Affairs, Information and Communications, and eight local areas, Hà Nội, HCM City, Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, Cần Thơ, Quảng Ninh, Hải Dương and Tây Ninh.

Permanent Deputy PM Bình, who is also Head of the PM's Administrative Procedure Reform Working Group, emphasised that administrative procedure reform has always received special attention from the Party and State.

The Government has clearly identified it as one of the key tasks and fundamental solutions to create momentum for economic recovery and growth, and improve the investment and business environment.  

Confirming that "a good administration must operate smoothly and effectively", the Deputy PM stated that administrative procedure reform must focus mainly on two major stages. Reforming regulations on administrative procedures through policy making, promulgation of legal documents and reforming policy implementation, handling administrative procedures and providing public services for people and businesses.

Deputy PM Bình highly appreciated ministries and localities that have already proactively participated in administrative procedure reform and have initially achieved positive results.

However, he said many shortcomings and limitations remain. Therefore, ministries and local entities need to pay special attention to overcoming the existing problems.

At the same time, competent agencies need to more closely follow the programme and plan on administrative procedure reform to enhance the trust of people and businesses in State agencies.

He requested ministries and areas to increase exchanges and learn from each other's experiences in the implementation process to bring about practical results, because in reality, over similar conditions and circumstances, there are still localities that do better.

Deputy PM Bình stated that it was needed to pay special attention to building and perfecting the staff, ensuring a streamlined apparatus. They should enhance training and improve capacity of officials and select people who are truly dedicated, capable, knowledgeable and have a high sense of responsibility in performing their tasks.

The summary report in the first ten months this year checking on three ministries and eight localities, shows that administrative procedures and public services reform have achieved some outstanding results.

Regarding the reduction and simplification of business regulations, the Ministry of National Defence has simplified 11 out of 35 procedures, whereas the Ministry of Information and Communications has simplified 101 out of 202 business regulations.

Regarding the reduction of administrative procedures and citizen papers related to population, the Ministry of National Defence has reduced 30 out of 52 citizen procedures and papers. The Ministry of Information and Communications has simplified 48 out of 68 procedures and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reduced 25 administrative procedures.

Regarding receiving and handling administrative procedures on the National Public Service Portal of localities, Cần Thơ reached 100 per cent, Tây Ninh reached 98.56 per cent, Hải Phòng reached 77.17 per cent, Hải Dương reached 72.06 per cent, Hà Nội reached 65.82 per cent and HCM City reached 39.59 per cent.

The rate of digitising records of the Ministry of National Defense reached 96.76 per cent and the Ministry of Information and Communications reached 46.53 per cent.

During the meeting, delegates evaluated the results, proposing recommendations to remove difficulties and obstacles in administrative reforms, especially those barriers to coordination between ministries and localities and data connection. 

Vietnam and Finland boost meteorology cooperation

The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organized a workshop in Hanoi on November 27 to promote cooperation between Vietnam and Finland in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, and environmental protection.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized that effective cooperation projects between Vietnam and Finland have significantly contributed to weather forecasting, early warning of natural disasters, and the modernization of Vietnam’s meteorological and hydrological sector. In addition, meteorological staff have been trained by Finnish experts, gaining proficiency in modern technologies.

Thanh expressed his confidence that the Finnish side would provide continued support to Vietnam in the upcoming time, making it safer from natural disasters, cleaner in terms of the environment, and more integrated into the world while effectively responding to climate change.

Sami Kiesiläinen, from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, stated that the Promoting Modernization of Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Vietnam project has effectively enhanced the capacity of the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting in early warning capabilities regarding tropical storms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.

Long-term cooperation between the meteorological agencies of Finland and Vietnam has greatly contributed to modernizing Vietnam’s meteorological observation systems and weather forecasting, enabling the country to better cope with the growing risks related to climate change, said Kiesiläinen.

With regard to the Promoting Modernization of the Air Quality Monitoring and Management System in Urban Areas of Vietnam project, Katja Lovén from the Finnish Meteorological Institute shared that the project is progressing effectively, with workshops on air quality organized to provide support and share best practices from Finland on designing air quality monitoring networks.

Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Hoa from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting shared information about the meteorological forecasting system used for daily weather analysis and forecasting hazardous weather. This system allows the visualization of observational and forecast data in various formats (images, charts, graphs) to create reference products that assist in forecasting storms, tropical depressions, heavy rain, thunderstorms, cold air, drizzle, fog, heat waves, and strong winds at sea, helping forecasters issue final weather forecast and warning reports.

At the workshop, participants also shared research results on the characteristics of thunderstorms in Vietnam, as well as solutions from the private sector on weather, air quality, and future cooperation.

Vietnamese students promote cultural heritage in Australia

The Association of Vietnamese Students in Queensland (AVSQ) recently hosted a cultural event in Brisbane to help the Vietnamese community get a better insight into the homeland’s traditional craft products, thus raising their awareness and appreciation of the Vietnamese intangible cultural heritage.

Held at the University of Queensland's Saint Lucia campus, the interactive event took participants on a four-hour journey to explore Vietnam’s traditional handicrafts.

Players competed in three challenging rounds, each designed to test memory and problem-solving skills while highlighting crafts such as Dong Ho paintings, Gia Thanh conical hats, and Chuon Ngo mother-of-pearl inlays.

The event featured three interactive stages: a memory-based market scene, a strategic game exploring craft production processes, and a final challenge decoding meaningful narratives about traditional craft villages.

According to Nguyen Quynh Anh, a member of the organising board, the event was expected to inspire national pride and strengthen connections among the youth.

Established in June 2021 with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra and Consulate General of Vietnam in Sydney, AVSQ aims to develop skills, provide career guidance, and strengthen community bonds among Vietnamese students in Australia./.

Ca Mau expedites removal of substandard housing

The Standing Board of the Party Committee of the southernmost province of Ca Mau is accelerating efforts to do away with temporary and dilapidated houses by 2025 through mobilising a collaborative approach to support vulnerable communities.

Guided by the powerful slogan "Together for the Poor – Leaving No One Behind”, the Party Committee recently issued a decision to set up a steering board in charge of the housing work.

The Standing Board ordered enhanced communications to raise public awareness of the significance of improvements to substandard housing, mobilisation of resources to accelerate the work and keep it on course, as well as inspections and supervisions.

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Nguyen Duc Hien laid stress on the humanitarian significance of the campaign, saying it will help the impoverished stabilise their lives while contributing to sustainable poverty alleviation.

The official expressed his hope that organisations and individuals will continue supporting the local fund for the poor and social welfare programmes so that the province could construct 3,253 new houses and repair 742 others by September 2, 2025./.

Vietnam get off to a good start during training camp in RoK

Vietnam secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Ulsan Citizen, an FC playing in the K3 League of the Republic of Korea, in a friendly match on November 26 during their ongoing training camp in the RoK ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Football Championship (Mitsubishi Cup 2024).

Vietnamese players (in purple jersey) beat their RoK opponents Ulsan Citizen 2-0 in a friendly match on November 26 during their ongoing training camp in the RoK ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Football Championship (Mitsubishi Cup 2024).
In this match, coach Kim Sang-sik fielded a squad made up mostly of reserve players for experimentation.

After a challenging first 20 minutes, Vietnam gradually regained control, dominating the midfield and creating several noteworthy chances. Before the first half ended, striker Tien Linh managed to score the opening goal for Vietnam.

In the second half, Kim continued his experiments with several personnel changes. The Vietnamese team confidently controlled the tempo of the game, becoming more proactive in their attacking plays.

In the 80th minute, midfielder Tuan Hai scored the second goal with a brilliant technical finish from a teammate’s assist. This goal sealed a 2-0 victory for Vietnam against Ulsan Citizen.

Following the match, Vietnam will play two more friendlies against two K-League 1 teams - Daegu FC (November 29) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (December 1).

After the training camp in the RoK, Kim plans to add players from Nam Dinh FC to the squad once their AFC Champions League 2 fixtures are completed due to be announced after December 4.

The Vietnamese team will travel to Laos on December 6 to prepare for their opening match of the 2024 AASEAN Cup against Laos on December 9. The final line-up of 26 players for the tournament will be announced a day before the game.

Denmark views Vietnam as important partner in region, says Parliament speaker Gade

Denmark considers Vietnam an important partner in the region and an ideal destination for its investors, Danish Parliament Speaker Soren Gade told visiting Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in Copenhagen on November 26. 
      
Receiving the Vietnamese Deputy PM, Gade welcomed Ha’s working visit which he believed would play an important role in effectively implementing the frameworks of the Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

He expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements over the past decades, which have propelled the country to strong development and deep international integration, and expected that the Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark would continue to be strengthened and reach new heights.

The Danish parliamentary leader also positively spoke highly of the role of Vietnamese expatriates in Denmark, recognizing them as good citizens, hardworking, making significant contributions to the local society.

Ha for his part emphasized that in Vietnam’s foreign policy, Denmark is always regarded as an important partner, and Vietnam is keen to effectively implement the partnership frameworks that have been established between the two countries. He noted that bilateral cooperation is expanding comprehensively and effectively across all areas, especially in the strategic areas of climate change and environmental protection.

Both host and guest welcomed the positive developments in the friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark in recent years. They agreed that the two countries should continue to effectively implement the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and work to encourage the parliaments of other EU member states to swiftly ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Ha suggested that the two sides strengthen cooperation in areas where Denmark has strengths and which align with Vietnam’s development priorities, especially in renewable energy, green growth, infrastructure development, marine economy, and circular economy.

Both sides agreed to strengthen exchanges of high-level parliamentary delegations, and establish Parliamentary Friendship Groups to exchange and share information and experiences in the areas of legislation and oversight.

Ha suggested that the Danish Parliament and Government continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Denmark to live and work, helping to strengthen its role as an important bridge in the friendly relations between the two countries.

On this occasion, He conveyed the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man for Soren Gade to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time. Gade accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Vietnam clinches two bronzes at FIDE World Cadet Championship 2024

The Vietnamese youth chess team brought home two bronze medals at the FIDE World Cadet Championship 2024, which ended in Italy on November 26.

In the girls U12 category, Tong Thai Hoang An finished 11 rounds with 8.5 points, securing third place.

The other bronze medal went to Nguyen Quang Anh who earned a total of 8.5 points after 11 rounds, ranking third in the boys U10 category.

Nguyen Vu Bao Chau, who is a Vietnamese hopeful, only finished in seventh position with 7.5 points after 11 rounds in the girls U8 category.

The Nov. 14 - 26 championship gathered together more than 700 young players from 82 different countries and territories competing in age groups ranging from U8 to U12. It featured three categories of rapid chess, blitz chess, and standard chess for both genders.

Vietnam entered 13 contenders covering all age groups and categories.

Vietnam supports Palestine’s just struggle for independence and freedom

In a message to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN General Assembly to mark International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (September 29), Vietnamese President Luong Cuong has expressed deep sympathy for the suffering and losses that the Palestinian people are enduring amidst the ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.

Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast position in supporting the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue based on respect for international law and relevant UN resolutions. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the legitimate interests of all parties involved, particularly the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, living peacefully and securely alongside the Israeli state.

The state and people of Vietnam strongly support the just struggle for the independence and freedom of the Palestinian people and are ready to participate in international efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, contributing to ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region and globally, said the president.

On November 26, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations participated in the celebration of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event was attended by key figures including the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Ambassadors from various countries, as well as representatives from the UN Security Council Presidency, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, along with many other UN member state representatives.

During the ceremony, the head of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), along with UN leaders and representatives of various country groups, emphasized that, given the complex developments in the Middle East and the continuing denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, the international community must unite and act to implement the solution proposed by the UN General Assembly nearly eight decades ago that ensures the peaceful coexistence of two states, Israel and Palestine, in security and peace.

The speakers expressed deep concern about the escalating tensions, prolonged conflicts, and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as other hotspots, which increase the risk of a regional war. They called for all concerned parties to work towards achieving a ceasefire agreement, the release of hostages, and the resumption of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

Vietnamese children’s books to hit shelves in Korean fair

Vietnam will join 193 publishing houses and 118 writers worldwide to take part in the first-ever Busan International Children’s Book Fair which is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 1 in the Republic of Korea (RoK).

The fair will showcase books of five Vietnamese representatives, namely Kim Dong Publishing House, Tre (Youth) Publishing House, Phu nu (Women) Publishing House, Nha Nam Culture and Communications JSC, and Thai Ha Books JSC.

More than 50 books are set to be introduced at the Vietnamese booth, thereby reflecting the unique cultural identity of the country.

The Busan International Children’s Book Fair (BICBF), the RoK’s first international children’s book fair, represents a festival and platform that is dedicated to fostering a diverse children’s book industry whilst promoting the exchange of children’s literature from all around the world.

The BICBF serves as a vital stage to introduce Korean children’s books to the world, and at the same time to provide a venue for publishers, authours, illustrators, and industry professionals to share their experiences.

This year's theme is “Laputa”, a floating island that appears in Jonathan Swift's “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726), which seeks to create a space of "unlimited hope and imagination that children bear". 

Over 400 children’s books will be available for browsing at the fair’s exhibition centre.

The event is to be hosted by the Korea Publishers Association, which also plays host to the annual Seoul International Book Fair.

Vietnam, Laos share experience in theoretical research, Party building

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith hosted a reception in Vientiane on November 26 for Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council Nguyen Xuan Thang.

Thang is leading a delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) to visit the neighbouring country and attend the 11th theoretical workshop between the LPRP and CPV.

At the event, the top Lao leader commended Vietnam's substantial achievements in domestic and foreign affairs over the recent past, expressing his confidence that under the leadership of the CPV, the Vietnamese people will continue obtaining new results and realising the set goals outlined in the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress as well as successfully organise the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

Thang congratulated Laos on its recent accomplishments and briefed the host on Vietnam’s socio-economic development as well as the Party and State’s policies on removing roadblocks to promote innovation and create premise for the nation to enter a new era, the era of the Vietnamese people’s rise.

He reported the outcomes of the talks between the two Central Theoretical Councils, saying he believed that the 11th workshop will shed light on critical theoretical and practical issues arising during each country’s renewal process, including advancing socio-economic development and building an independent, self-reliant economy amidst deep international integration.

Thang affirmed that the two Central Theoretical Councils will continue close coordination, step up the exchange of theoretical information, and share experience in theoretical research and practical review, ensuring the successful implementation of each Party’s resolution and effectively preparing for the upcoming 14th Nation Congress of the CPV and the 12th National Congress of the LPRP.

The Lao leader noted that the insights from the workshop will assist theoretical research agencies of both sides in advising the Parties and States on policy formulation, guidelines, and strategies, as well as providing practical guidance on developing independent and self-reliant economic models.

He proposed the two sides further enhance information sharing and exchange views on topics of mutual interest to clarify critical and pressing issues facing both countries in the current context.

Earlier the same day, Thang and Khamphanh Pheuyavong, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Chairman of its Commission for Propaganda and Training, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council of the LPRP, co-chaired the talks between the two councils.

At the event, both sides shared updates on the current situation of each Party and country and reviewed the results of past cooperation. They also agreed on several measures to strengthen cooperation between the two councils, including sharing experience in preparing for each Party’s upcoming congress.

They affirmed their commitment to continue close collaboration in effectively implementing high-level agreements between the two Parties and States, as well as pacts between their theoretical councils, including enhancing the exchange of information and experience in theoretical research and practical review, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam – Laos special solidarity and develop it in a deeper and more effective and practical manner.

The same day, Thang and the delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy.

Vietnamese firm signs labour cooperation deal with German partners

A framework agreement was recently signed in Halberstadt city, Harz district, Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state to strengthen the partnership in training and recruiting Vietnamese labourers.

The tripartite framework agreement brings together Vietnamese-based SHD-CORP Joint Stock Company, Harz district authority, and IB Mitte GmbH under the International Federation (IB), a non-governmental organisation.

It aims to set up a strategic partnership that creates favourable conditions for young Vietnamese aspiring to complete vocational training certifications recognised under Germany’s relevant acts, enabling them to work in Harz afterward.

The collaboration ensures Vietnamese trainees receive robust support, from language skills to administrative assistance, accommodations, and post-graduation employment opportunities.

At the signing ceremony, Harz district Administrator Thomas Balcerowski highlighted the locality dedication to attracting immigrant workers, including those from Vietnam, to address local labour needs. He affirmed that Harz will help Vietnamese workers integrate successfully into the host locality.

Winnie Kutzner from the IB, said the organisation’s three decades of experience in supporting immigrant labour integration are the foundation for IB’s role in the project.

For her part, SHD CEO Nguyen Thi Huyen highlighted that the firm has already recruited 11 trainees in hospitality, nursing, and construction in Harz, with plans to increase these numbers significantly.

This project underscores SHD’s pioneering role in connecting Vietnam’s young human resources with international labour markets. Through comprehensive cooperation strategy and commitment to sustainable development, the firm is opening up invaluable opportunities for Vietnamese trainees while contributing to economic and social growth for both nations./.

Urgent actions needed to handle pollution at Quang Ngai’s fishing ports

Although dozens of billions of VND were invested in waste collection and treatment systems, fishing ports in the central province of Quang Ngai are struggling with persistent pollution, not only posing significant ecological risks but also threatening the locality’s contributions to the country's efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnam's seafood exports lifted.

The pollution problem is particularly severe at Tinh Ky port in Quang Ngai city. Wastewater and seafood waste have been littered on the port's infrastructure, with debris floating in the sea and ships disposing sewage directly into the marine environment.

Tran Van Hai, a fisherman in Quang Ngai city, said the port is more polluted than others he has visited.

Similar environmental degradation is evident at Tinh Hoa port also in Quang Ngai city, where a waste treatment system, invested at a total cost of 3.8 billion VND (over 149,500 USD), remains largely inoperative due to insufficient operational funding.

Nguyen Dinh Trung, director of the province’s fishing port management board, proposed the State arrange funding to ensure the systems’ operations, implement regular waste collection and treatment at the ports, and establish strict environmental compliance mechanisms.

Additionally, the communications work should be enhanced to raise fishermen’s awareness of environmental protection, he said.

Quang Ngai is now home to five fishing ports and storm shelters for fishing vessels designated as the ones with a complete system for seafood origin verification./.

Traditional music bridges Vietnamese, Chinese youth

An evening of traditional music exchange between Vietnamese and Chinese youth took place on November 26 in Hanoi, drawing nearly 500 people from both nations.

Composer Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, highlighted the strong and friendly ties between Vietnam and China in the fields, particularly music.

Recently, the Nanning People's Committee and the Guangxi Arts University hosted the China-ASEAN music festival and cultural month programmes, featuring the participation of nearly 150 artists as well as two symphony and folk orchestras from Vietnam.

Chen Yijun, member of the standing board of the Guangxi Party Committee and head of the committee’s publicity department, noted the vital role of music in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Over recent years, art universities in Guangxi and Vietnam have actively exchanged young talents, co-organised music weeks, concerts, art exhibitions, and collaborated on artistic creations and talent development programmes.

The music exchange evening was rounded off with an orchestral symphony on the Vietnam-China ties./.

Vietnamese, Chinese border localities boost education cooperation

A conference on education cooperation between Vietnam’s provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China was held in Ha Giang city on November 26.

Over recent years, the implementation of cooperation agreements and programmes between the Vietnamese localities and their Chinese peer has contributed to developing and intensifying the friendship and education cooperation between the two sides.

They signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs), enabling education managers from the four border localities of Vietnam to engage in exchanges, meetings, and experience sharing with their counterparts from Guangxi.

Many students have received full scholarships to study at universities in both countries. In 2024, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region awarded many scholarships to students of the Vietnamese localities, including 18 undergraduate and two master’s ones for Ha Giang.

Participants discussed and proposed measures to improve the effectiveness of the cooperation programme, towards strengthening political trust and traditional friendship, promoting exchanges and cooperation across fields, and opening a new chapter in friendly cooperation, thus contributing to elevating the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height.

At the conference, MoUs on fostering friendly relations and cooperation on education was signed by representatives of the Departments of Education and Training of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang, and the Department of Education of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs of Ha Giang./.

Bac Giang province moves forward with developing digital government

The northern province of Bac Giang is building a digital communication platform connecting the local administration with citizens and businesses, according to Tran Minh Chieu, director of the provincial Department of Information and Communications (DoIC).

The official said the locality is developing shared information systems and software serving management and specialised fields such as a paperless meeting system and software for digitising the province’s essential information.

Additionally, the department oversees network safety and security, ensuring that 100% of information systems of state agencies are directly monitored and connected with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Promoting digital government at the local level, in the coming time, the DoIC will focus on perfecting equipment serving online meeting for state agencies from the province to the commune level. This will serve to improve the quality of meetings, facilitate professional exchanges, document dissemination and online training. The smart meeting room model will be carried out toward the goal of promoting paperless meetings throughout the province.

It will build a cloud computing platform for Bac Giang based on connecting the cloud networks of State agencies to create an environment for resource storage, data sharing, and developing shared services for digital government across the province in a flexible and efficient manner.

From now until 2025, the province will establish an Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure in Bac Giang city and Viet Yen district. It will also deploy sensor integration and apply digital technology to essential infrastructures such as transportation, environment, lighting and electricity to support data connectivity, transmission, and analytical functions for management and deployment of smart urban services.

To date, all villages, hamlets, and residential groups in Bac Giang have fiber-optic internet access. Over 85% of the adult population owns smartphones, with more than 90% of households having at least one smartphone user and 86.3% of households are connected to fiber-optic broadband.

Bac Giang Department of Public Security has coordinated with the DoIC, district-level People's Committees, and relevant units, to operate 1,305 cameras to monitor images used for criminal investigations, handling violations, and issuing fines based on footage from traffic cameras.

The province’s Intelligent Operations Centre (IOC) maintained stable operations in the third quarter of 2024. The on-site information system operates efficiently with 13,196 accounts, including 10,712 citizen accounts and 2,484 staff accounts for handling people’s complaints.

Chieu also said that the province will pay more attention to developing a digital society and improving the efficiency of digital transformation during 2024-2025 period.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) will be held to help business people and residents stay updated on digital technology and transformation, with free Wifi services available at 100 sites at tourist destinations, hospitals and bus stations.

Specifically, in 2024 and 2025, Bac Giang will launch digital services, covering administrative procedures, healthcare, education, transport, real estate and employment, and other fields, targeting public satisfaction.

Notably, residents can participate in and supervise the building and enforcement of policies and laws, and decision making of state agencies, and receive support in digital transformation through an artificial intelligence (AI) centre.

Efforts will be made to expand the entire coverage of the fiber optic cable system to the communal level, accelerate the installation of Internet and electronic devices throughout the province, and facilitate cashless payments by residents and enterprises.

Through smart phones, Bac Giang aims to promote the popularisation of policies and laws, raise public awareness of gender issues and human rights, and matters regarding child and consanguineous marriage among ethnic minorities, and provide career consultations./.

Hà Nội to mobilise electric cars to take passengers to metro line stations

Hà Nội will deploy electric cars to carry passengers from residential areas to two urban railway lines, according to the city’s Department of Transport.

Many individuals now choose to go to work and school every day via the Cát Linh - Hà Đông elevated railway line and the Nhổn - Hà Nội Railway Station line. However, residential neighbourhoods are still not connected to these urban train lines.

After nearly three years of operation, the Cát Linh - Hà Đông elevated railway line has recorded more than 35,000 daily passengers, 47 per cent of whom are commuting to work, 45 per cent are students and 8 per cent are travelling for other purposes.

The Nhổn – Hà Nội Railway Station Metro line, which was put into commercial operation on August 23, 2024, is also being used by many passengers for commuting.

The current system, which consists of nine connecting bus routes and 36 bus routes, has connected the two railway lines. However, people still want more bus routes from residential areas to stations.

According to Director of the Department of Transport Nguyễn Phi Thường, the city plans to have ten urban railway routes with a total length of 417km. To date, two routes have been put into operation.

The municipal People's Committee has proposed that the Prime Minister allow the city to adjust the traffic planning from 10 routes to 14 routes covering nearly 600km.

“The Cát Linh Station of the Cát Linh – Hà Đông line is currently about 400m away from the Cát Linh Station of the Nhổn – Hà Nội line. We have proposed investing in a tunnel connecting the two stations,” he said.

In addition to the electric cars, the city would develop a public bicycle system to facilitate passengers to travel from residential areas to urban railway lines, he said. 

Over 12,000 residents in Bắc Giang surveyed on local government services

More than 12,300 people in the northern province of Bắc Giang took part in a survey on local government services at the commune/ward and town-level offices.

The survey was conducted from October 2 to 4 by the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation and People’s Committee.

Lục Ngạn District, Việt Yên Town and Lục Nam District reported a large number of survey participants. Lục Ngạn District reported 1,837 respondents, while Việt Yên Town and Lục Nam District received 1,586 and 1,464 responses, respectively.

The majority of survey responses indicate that the public is satisfied with the atmosphere at the commune-level offices, including the neat, orderly, welcoming office environment, courteous government personnel, and prompt procedure handling.

According to the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation, the survey aimed to evaluate the results of improvements to offices and services offered by the communal people's committees.

It will be the foundation for suggestions made to the provincial Party Committee's Standing Committee on raising the standards at local government offices in terms of professional communication, working style, and conduct of cadres, civil servants, and public employees.

The assessment level will be used as a basis for determining whether or not agencies in 2024 satisfy the requirements of friendly governance.

The survey feedback was collected at the communal reception desks.

To make the collection process easier and guarantee a thorough and impartial survey, the province Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation worked with functional units to create QR codes for 209 commune-level offices.

Residents were instructed to scan the QR codes in order to complete the survey when they visited the commune-level one-stop shop to complete administrative tasks.

Seven questions about the attitudes of civil servants and cadres, facilities, service quality, management, and operation were included in the survey.

The provincial Women's Union was in charge of collaborating with the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation to oversee the gathering of opinions during the survey period.

At the district, town, and city levels, the steering committees for creating friendly governments were responsible for overseeing the survey collection process.

Information regarding the poll was previously disseminated by commune-level local authorities using websites and social media platforms, including Facebook and Zalo. 

Locals were also informed about the survey by community mobilisation groups, village and residential area heads, and others. 

Bus fare increases must go hand in hand with service quality improvement

Bus fares, applied in Hà Nội since 2014, were adjusted this month with the largest increase reaching 60 per cent.

Many commuters contend that, in light of the fare hikes, service quality needs to improve, but the bus company says the new fares reflect the expanded network.

The city's Public Transport Management Centre claims that the bus ticket prices, which had been subsidised by the city's budget since May 1, 2014, are now outdated.

In 2014, the bus network consisted of 72 routes and branch routes, with the longest route measuring 49.9 km. After ten years, the bus network now includes 132 routes that connect 30 cities, villages and districts, with the longest route spanning 61.05 km.

Charging the same price for routes between 30 and 60 km long is considered inappropriate. The current bus fares are believed to be reasonable, given the commuters' ability to pay, particularly low-wage workers.

The new rates have gone up from VNĐ7,000 to VNĐ8,000 for trips under 15 km and from VNĐ7,000 to VNĐ10,000 for trips between 15 km and less than 25 km.

The fee goes up from VNĐ8,000 to VNĐ12,000 each journey for routes that are 25 km to less than 30 km long.

Prices for trips between 30 km and less than 40 km and 40 km increased from VNĐ9,000 to VNĐ15,000, while trips 40km and longer now cost VNĐ20,000.

The monthly rates have increased by 40 per cent. The monthly ticket for students and industrial park workers commuting on a single route has increased from VNĐ55,000 to VNĐ70,000.

Many Hanoians agreed that the increases were fair but still expected improvements in bus service speed and quality.

Dương Văn Nguyên, a driver on bus route No 74, said the majority of commuters have expressed satisfaction with the revised fares since the new prices were made public.

"On the first day of the new fares, passengers generally found the increase acceptable. It comes as a big surprise to people who haven't updated the information. But no passenger wanted to cancel the trip when they saw the price increase," he told Sức Khỏe&Đời Sống (Health and Life).

Numerous passengers felt that the quality of the buses and services on numerous bus lines should be improved, not just maintained, even though they agreed with the fare increases.

There are reportedly still cases of old vehicles, poorly maintained vehicles stalling on the road, leading to minor breakdowns.

Some vehicles still emit black smoke, and passengers complained that traffic bottlenecks caused delays.

These issues have made public transport passengers feel uncomfortable.

Anh Hào, a student at a university in Đống Đa District, said the fare increases have little effect on those like him who travel short distances.

However, he hopes that the fare increases go hand in hand with improvements in bus service quality, as drivers sometimes speed, brake suddenly, and weave dangerously on the road.

Minh Châu, an office worker in Hai Bà Trưng District said: "Buses are not the regular choice for students and office staff. Many of us want to take buses but they are slower than private cars and ride-hailing services during rush hour.”

Director of the city’s Traffic Management and Operation Centre Thái Hồ Phương said the centre has been working with the Department of Transport and city authorities on ways to expand the bus network's coverage and improve public transport standards.

The department recently adjusted the validity of the free card for meritorious people, people with disabilities and the elderly. Those groups of passengers can now use free bus tickets without an expiration date. 

Five foreigners arrested in drug trafficking ring busted in Nghệ An

Five foreigners and 70kg of ketamine were seized in a joint operation between Nghệ An Province’s border guard forces and customs department. 

The five alleged members of the drug trafficking ring were transporting illegal narcotics from Laos through Việt Nam at the Nậm Cắn International Border Gate at around 2.30pm on Monday, when they were caught by the local authorities. 

They are Lasengthong Yotdaling, 32, Dalavong Kinnaveth, 28, Chotthvong Khat, 24, Chanthavong Hongfa, 22 and Phabou Misouda, 19 - all of Lao nationality.

Their Lao-registered car was seized along with 70kg of ketamine reportedly disguised as tea packages and hidden in various parts of the vehicle, including in the fuel tank and under the seats. 

The five Lao nationals and evidence from the case have been handed over to the border guards for further investigation. 

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV