International tourists with vaccine passports or those who have made a full recovery from COVID-19 can visit five destinations in Vietnam starting from this month, without a quarantine mandate.

The Government Office announced November 2 that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has approved a pilot plan to welcome international visitors as proposed earlier by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Five pilot destinations to receive foreign tourists include Phu Quoc city in Kien Giang province, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh provinces and the central city of Da Nang.

The plan will be divided into three phases, starting from this November.

In the first phase that starts this month, designated places and tourism facilities in Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Quang Ninh can receive foreign tourists within package tourism programmes arriving via either charter flights or international commercial flights.

In the second phase that takes effect from January 2022, the scale of the pilot plan will be expanded by connecting destinations through regular charter and international commercial flights.

The tourists could participate in travel programmes that combine multiple destinations after completing their tours at the first destination within seven days. Five destinations – Kien Giang, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ninh – will be piloted first and some other localities will be added to the programmes later as long as the pandemic conditions permit and the local authorities submit proposals to welcome international tourists.

Vietnam’s tourism market will fully open to international tourists in the last phase, the starting time of which will be based on the contemporary pandemic situation on the evaluation of the two previous phases.

The plan will apply to foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese arriving from Vietnam’s key and potential tourism markets. They must prove certificates of taking full doses of the COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 recovery that are recognised by the authorities in Vietnam, except children under 12 years old accompanied by parents or guardians. For COVID-19 recovery patients, the time from being discharged from the hospital to the time of departure must not exceed six months.

Other conditions include having negative results for SARS-CoV-2 test by RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before departure and certified by the authority of the country conducting the test (from time of sampling) and having medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of 50,000 USD.

Tourists within the pilot tours must have their temperature regularly checked and use the IGOVN application during their stay. Masking is required, and there will be no quarantine mandate.

On the first day of entry, tourists will be taken to the accommodation facility and have COVID tests. They could continue their stay if the tests prove negative; otherwise, they will be taken to a medical facility and the cost will be covered by insurance or travel agency.

Within the first seven days, tourists must adhere to the schedule, ensuring pandemic prevention regulations and taking self-tests every two to three days. In case of having any symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, they must notify medical staff for screening tests.

After seven days, those who continue to stay in Vietnam must test themselves for COVID-19 and could travel to other localities within the programme if the results are negative. Those who want to see their relatives in Vietnam need to register with their tour operators.

The People's Committees in the five pilot destinations must vaccinate locals and tourism workers while issuing detailed instructions for welcoming international guests in the locality.

Vietnam stopped receiving international visitors since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020 and only allowed foreign experts’ entry./.

Thousands of Quang Ninh miners finally get home

Thousands of miners in the northern province of Quang Ninh have managed to return home after being stranded due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) will arrange free transport to take its miners home between November 10-14.  

The miners are permitted to be off during this time which falls on the 85th celebration of the Vietnamese coal sector.

A representative from Ha Long Coal Company said that the miners will then be also offered free transport back to their companies. This is both aimed to ensure the traffic safety and Covid-19 prevention regulations.

The workers are requested to strictly conform to Covid-19 protocols when coming back home.

When returning to work, they need to show a certificate granted by authorities that their locality is safe.

Around 1,100 out of 3,800 workers of Ha Long Coal Company have registered for the trip, including 30 percent from northwestern localities.

 

Midfielder Hùng Dũng called up to Vietnamese team

Midfielder Đỗ Hùng Dũng has been called up to the Việt Nam national men's football team despite the fact he is still recovering from a serious injury.

Although unlikely to feature in any of the matches in the coming months, the call-up is likely to boost morale and give the national team coaching squad an opportunity to assess the extent of his recovery.

Dũng broke his leg in the match between HCM City and Hà Nội in the V.League 1 2021 in March 2021 and he had to undergo surgery. Currently, he is getting back to full fitness at the Promotion Fund for Vietnamese Football Talent (PVF) Football Training Centre in the northern province of Hưng Yên.

He is expected to return to full training with his club in mid-November.

Coach Park Hang-seo wants to see for himself exactly how well the player is doing, so will call him up to the national team to directly monitor the treatment process. Previously, Park also called Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng and Đoàn Văn Hậu even though both those players hadn’t recovered fully after injury.

The AFF Cup 2021’s organisers expanded the list of players participating in each squad to 30, which would allow Park to directly see Dũng train to decide whether or not to use him for this tournament.

The AFF Cup 2021 will take place from December 5, 2021 to January 1, 2022.

Việt Nam are in group B with Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. The Golden Dragons will play the first match with Laos on December 6.

Việt Nam are the defending champions, having claimed the title in 2018 after defeating Malaysia in the final. It was Việt Nam’s first AFF Cup title after 10 years.

Dũng, who won the Vietnamese Golden Ball 2019 award, is expected to be a key player of the national team in important international events.

“Through each stage, physiotherapists have helped me improve the sensation and mobility of my ankle. Each stage has advantages and disadvantages, but all make me feel much more stable. This is the last stage, the most important time, I can't rush things and do not want a recurrence of my injury,” said Dũng.

"I can compete again in the V.League 1 2022. During the period of injury and the COVID-19 pandemic, I had time to review myself, explore, and gain more knowledge that I didn't know before. This will help me after I recover from my injury and come back to the field. Also, I also fully enjoy this time with my family," Dũng added.

According to doctors, playing with high intensity right now will greatly affect Dũng’s ability to fully recover. He still needs more time to recover.

Therefore, despite being summoned, experts say that it is almost certain that Dũng won’t be able to play at the AFF Cup or the World Cup qualifiers this month.

Therefore, returning to the Vietnamese team, according to experts, is probably just psychological therapy, helping the Hanoian midfielder to feel the team’s atmosphere and gain more confidence to regain his form after his terrible injury. 

Hanoi schools work to ensure academic honesty during online exams

Ensuring academic honest is a priority for primary and secondary schools in Hà Nội as they prepare for next weeks online midterm exams. 

Many schools around the country will hold midterm exams online, due to the complicated nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have perfected the system of assessment using digital platforms and trained teachers and students to ensure the best possible performance while ensuring a serious and fair test.

Principal of Hoàng Mai Secondary School, Chu Thị Xuân Hường, in Hoàng Mai District, said teachers were asked to conduct lesson reviews as well as provide instruction for testing three weeks ago.

“Teachers in specialised groups must ensure the tests follow the guidance of the city’s Department of Education and Training and the Division of Education and Training of Hòang Mai District. The tests will include knowledge from the curriculum but should not be too challenging, as students have suffered many disadvantages with online learning,” she said.

Hường said although students experienced online tests at the end of the previous school year, they are still required to do practice tests to make sure they do it right, without wasting time because of technical problems, especially sixth graders.

The school has scheduled detailed testing on subjects for each grade and informed students and parents. Multiple-choice tests will be held during the day, and essays on Mathematics and Literature will be held in the evening.

Students must be present 15 minutes before the exam starts. They will have five extra minutes to take photos of their work and send them to the system after the exam finishes.

“The scores of the midterm papers will be multiplied twice before being added to the final overall score of the first term, so it is really important. I believe careful preparation will help a lot,” she added.

At Thanh Xuân Trung Primary School in Thanh Xuân District, teachers did not conduct practice tests for students, but teachers have helped students review lessons carefully.

Phạm Thị Hệ Ngân, a teacher at the school, said the requirements for equipment, exam scheduling and methodology have been given to parents to ensure close coordination between the family and the school.

Head of Ba Đình District’s Division of Education and Training, Lê Đức Thuận, said the division has made sure schools have their own plans for mid-term tests for students.

“Because students of grades one and two have limited skills in information and technology, they still need the support of parents when studying and doing homework. We ask schools to consider appropriate testing forms and report to the department for approval,” he said.

Academic honesty

Ensuring academic honesty is important when it comes to online testing.

Lê Trung Kiên, a parent from Hoàng Mai District, said the scores will be part of students applications to higher education. If schools do not implement academic honesty it will affect the fairness of student applications.

Thuận, Head of Ba Đình District’s Division of Education and Training agreed, saying that preventing academic dishonesty was a concern held by both teachers and parents. 

He said schools need to develop online testing plans with different regulations. Each class will be divided into groups of 20-25 students doing the test, with the supervision of at least three teachers.

Students must turn on cameras and microphones when doing the test. Two devices with cameras will be required: one for testing and one for recording and monitoring, he said.

Many schools have applied these regulations.

Principal Hường said the surveillance cameras must show the student so that the teacher can observe the whole testing progress.

The multiple-choice questions will be mixed randomly to ensure that each student has their own tests.

“Schools not only teach knowledge for students but also integrity and honesty. Students must be honest to become good citizens in the future, and parents should encourage and motivate their children to follow regulations,” she said. 

Hanoi traces people to Covid-19-related places

Authorities of Ba Dinh and Hoang Mai districts in Hanoi are tracing people who may have come into contact with Covid-19 cases.

According to the Board for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, all people who dropped in at the Bun Oc Stall at 19 Kim Ma Thuong Street from 11 am on October 28 to 9 am on November 2 need to quarantine themselves at home and contact the nearest medical station for instructions.

The list of places also includes Dong A Bank’s branch at 3A on Lang Ha Street from 3-5 pm on October 29; a chicken noodle shop on Nguyen Dinh Thi Street (7:30 – 9 am on October 230); Ocean Golf on the second floor of the building at 559 Kim Ma Street (10- 11 am and 4-5 pm on October 30); a Cafe at 100 Van Phuc (8-10 pm); Xich Bia Restaurant at 68 Nguyen Hong Street (11 am to 3pm on October 31), a chicken noodle stall on Dao Tan Street (8-9 am on November 11) and a house at 1/101 Dao Tan Street (October 15-November 2).

People can also call Ba Dinh District’s Health Centre through 0243.843.2113 or the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control through 0969.082.115 or 0949.396.115.

Meanwhile, authorities of Hoang Mai District are looking for people who came to Wang Wang Gamuda Restaurant at Gamuda Gardens Urban Area in Tran Phu Ward from October 26-30.

Hanoi recently recorded more Covid-19 locally-infected patients with new outbreaks. Since April 27, the city has confirmed 4,521 Covid-19 cases.

Exhibition to highlight Vietnam’s cultural heritage

The “Vietnam cultural heritage space” exhibition will be held in both in-person and virtual formats by the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts from November 22, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Accordingly, the exhibition will be open to public from November 22-27 at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts in Hanoi, while the online form is conducted from November 22 to the end of Demcember on websites of the centre at http://trienlamvhnt.vn and of the Department of Cultural Heritage at http://dsvh.gov.vn.

The exhibition, which is to be held on the occasion of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), introduces Vietnamese intangible cultural heritage that has been honoured, along with the traditional costumes and musical instruments used in the heritage, including the Tay Nguyen Culture Space of Gong in Tay Nguyen, Bac Ninh love duet singing, and the “Don ca tai tu” music and songs of southern Vietnam.

Particularly, the exhibition will highlight the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worshipping ritual of Vietnamese people.

Alongside, cultural heritages in different localities, along with their typical traditional handicraft products, cuisines and specialties will also be introduced.

Along with indoor section, the exhibition also has outdoor areas featuring products of traditional craft villages of Vietnam.

The event aims to introduce, promote and honour cultural values of Vietnam to people inside and outside the country, while helping raise public awareness and responsibility in preserving and developing the values./.

Unemployment insurance fund benefits pandemic-hit workers

 

A total of 8.34 million workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have received assistance from the unemployment insurance fund, according to the Vietnam Social Security.

Accordingly, as of the end of November 1, over 872 million USD in cash relief been granted to more than 7.79 million people currently participating in unemployment insurance and 550,000 others who already stopped making contributions to the fund.

 The relief provision is to implement the Government’s Resolution 116 and the Prime Minister’s Decision 28 on assistance for workers and employers hit by the pandemic.

 The Vietnam Social Security also said that more than 2.22 million workers will benefit from different support policies in the time ahead./.

PM’s working trip to UK success beyond expectations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam on November 3 successfully wrapped up their working trip to attend the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and visit the UK, and left for an official visit to France.

During more than three days in the UK, the Vietnamese PM had a busy and effective working schedule with numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings.

In addition to attending and delivering his remarks at COP26 and events announcing major partners’ initiatives on the sidelines such as the launch of the Global Methane Pledge and the Leaders Action on Forests and Land Use session, as well as meeting the Vietnamese community in the UK, the PM had more than 20 bilateral meetings with leaders of the UK, the US, Germany, Japan, Canada and Australia, among others.

He also met with leaders of international organisations, including the United Nations Secretary-General, President of the European Commission (EC) and Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He witnessed the signing of nearly 30 cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese Government, ministries, sectors, organisations and businesses with those of the UK and the world, notably the Plan of Action on tertiary education between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and Wales authorities, and Vietjet and Rolls-Royce’s agreement to provide engines and engine services for Vietjet’s coming wide-body fleet with a total value of approximately 400 million USD.

PM Chinh's bilateral and multilateral activities demonstrated the Party and State’s external policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; diversification and multilateralism of foreign relations; active and proactive international integration; and being a friend, a trustworthy partner and a responsible member of international community.

International friends spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements and cooperation potential, affirming that they are willing to sustainably cooperate with the country in line with the win-win spirit as PM Chinh said./.

Southern localities reviving labour market

A jobs fair was held recently by the Employment Service Centre of Can Tho city in cooperation with 12 other southern localities. The event took place as part of efforts to boost the recovery of the local labour market after COVID-19 forced many workers to leave industrial hubs and return home.

More than 31,000 vacancies were offered by 114 recruiters. The fair attracted some 600 workers from the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighbouring Binh Duong province.

Nguyen Ngoc Khuyen, from Hau Giang province, visited the Employment Service Centre to apply for a human resources position at a bookstore. After three months of unemployment, she hoped to find a good job.

Apart from enterprises attending the fair online, many were in attendance to find workers. It was difficult, however, to fill all of the vacancies.

Some 100,000 migrant workers from the Mekong Delta region left Ho Chi Minh City and nearby localities and returned to their hometown, resulting in enterprises suffering from a severe shortage of workers as they restore operations. It is therefore necessary to revive the local labour market.

The Employment Service Centre said it will continue to work with other job centres in the Mekong Delta region and nearby localities over the remainder of the year to organise similar jobs fairs to ensure that enterprises have sufficient workers to recover production./.

Hanoi parents want their children to return to school

 

 

Le Hong Phuong in Ba Dinh District has two children in grades seven and nine. She said that her children have become depressed with staying home for too long.

"Hanoi has reopened most activities thanks to the high vaccination coverage among adults and it seems unfair when we have returned to normal life but the children are still kept at home," she said. "I think that schools can reopen now while waiting for the vaccination as many children of my friends and relatives in HCM City were infected with Covid-19 but they showed none or minor symptoms and recovered quickly.

Phuong said that she has taken her children to many public places like bookstores, supermarkets or restaurants.

"It's unfair we keep them at home for too long," she said. "They have an even higher need to go out and meet and play with others than we do."

Nguyen Ngoc Anh in Hai Ba Trung District also said that he really wants schools to reopen right now.

“I've found that my 17-year-old son has become a good online game player after a long time studying online, and my 12-year-old daughter often chats with friends or watches films on Youtube during the online classes," he said. "Now we have returned to work at offices and it is not safe letting them stay home without supervision from adults."

A report released by director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, Tran The Cuong, at a Tuesday meeting with deputy PM Vu Duc Dam said that as many as 78.50% of parents in Hanoi want their children to return to school.

Cuong said that Hanoi now has a total of 3.2 million students and the Covid-19 vaccination rate among teachers and other school staff has so far reached 98.50%.

The Hanoi People's Committee has decided to allow schools in some suburban districts and townships to reopen from November 8.

Students in grades 5, 6, 9, 10 and 12, from the city's 18 suburban districts and townships, will be the first to return to school. The remaining grades, and students from the inner city, will continue learning online. Kindergartens will remain closed too.

Seminar discusses ways to bolster Vietnam-Pacific Alliance relations

An international seminar highlighting cooperation and development of the Pacific Alliance was held in both in-person and virtual forms on November 3.

The event was jointly hosted by the Vietnam Institute of American Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the embassies of member countries of the Pacific Alliance in Vietnam such as Colombia, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

The seminar offered a chance for entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists to share their viewpoints and recommendations to the Governments and relevant agencies of the countries so as to foster bilateral relations, said Assoc. Prof., Dr Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director of the Vietnam Institute of American Studies.

At the event, participants affirmed that members of the Pacific Alliance are important partners of Vietnam as their relations have been strengthened through visits and meetings on the sidelines of international conferences of high-ranking leaders.

Economic and trade ties between Vietnam and the member countries of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru grew at an annual rate of 9 percent in the 2017-2020 period and neared 6 billion USD last year, accounting for half of the total trade value between Vietnam and Latin America.

Furthermore, Vietnam and those nations have forged partnerships in multiple fields such as science-technology, climate change, social protection, agriculture, tourism, urban infrastructure, transport, telecommunication, healthcare and education.

Vietnam and the Pacific Alliance members together take part in inter-regional mechanisms such as the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

In 2020, the Pacific Alliance helped Vietnam fulfill the role of ASEAN Chair amid the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two sides recognised the benefits of bolstering economic ties and promoting cooperation through the building of a new ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Work Plan for 2021-2023.

Dr. Le Cong Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that in the coming years, Vietnam will focus on developing comprehensively relations with member countries of the Pacific Alliance with more visits at all levels, improvements in cooperation mechanisms and legal frameworks.

Due attention will also be paid to economic, trade, tourism and investment relations, together with cooperation in culture, education and sports, and dealing with global challenges.

Vietnam and other ASEAN members will promote ASEAN-Pacific Alliance relations, Tien said, appreciating the countries’ concerns about developments in Asia-Pacific and support for maintaining peace, stability, freedom and security of navigation and aviation, as well as international legal principles in the region with great importance to Pacific countries./.

Award-winning photos of young German photographers exhibited in Vietnam

The German Cultural Institute (Goethe-Institut), in collaboration with the Matca art space, is holding a photography exhibition to introduce award-winning photos of young German artists to the Vietnamese audience.

The Gute Aussichten – New German Photography 2021 exhibition features 43 photos by emerging German artists, including Sophie Allerding, Lorraine Hellwig, Aras Gökten, Jewgeni Roppel, Rebecca Sampson and Konstantin Weber. The pictures on display will take the audience to different regions, invite discussions on various social issues and challenge the boundaries of photography itself.

Together, they form an ensemble of singular visions in contemporary German photography.

Hamburg-based photographer Roppel focuses on people and their relationship with nature in his long-term projects. Constantly traveling the world, Roppel goes in search of places in nature where the longing, the unconscious and the cultural and spiritual work of people have manifested themselves.

Just as each person is unique, each tree is different in its structure. The optical shape as well as the view of the trees show up in this exhibition as multifaceted as the places themselves where they were photographed: Spain, Portugal, Vietnam, Russia, Israel, Georgia and Germany, to name a few.

Sampson’s photographic work “Aussehnsucht” will introduce viewers to people with eating disorders. She aims to look behind the faces and beyond the bodies of those affected. In doing so, she always preserves the dignity of the person.

With a keen sense, the photographer succeeds in creating landscapes of the soul in her pictures, in which many injuries are visible. It leaves it up to people how they want to be photographed and to what extent they allow foreign insights. And it is in this moment that the photographer fully engages with her counterpart that generates the strength and authenticity of her portraits

Using a variety of objects and various media, Weber’s work “Squares” reflects on the significance of AI-supported image processing and computer vision for the work of photographers.

Weber’s work reflects the close relationship between new technologies and the medium of photography and how the constantly growing archive of digital images influences the way that artificial intelligence perceives the world.

“Glowing Eyes” is about communities living on the banks of the Amazon River in Brasil known as Ribeirinhos. Many of these river dwellers are descendants of the indigenous population. Living in their own world they have little exchange with Brazilian society.

In her series “Glowing Eyes”, Allerding translated the Ribeirinhos’ stories that have been passed on orally into a tableau of universal images for centuries.

“Terrain und Biotop” is the result of Gokten’s extended stay in Songdo City, South Korea, and an artist residency in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, between 2017 and 2020.

The displayed collage of photographs, renderings and graphic images, sourced from real geographical locations, raise questions on human relationships, urban architecture and nature.

Hellwig’s “Y A Manifesto” and the collection of photographs that accompanies it depict a globalized, urban middle class with self-confident consumer habits, excessive networking, and ample knowledge of pop culture.

The Gute Aussichten – New German Photography 2021 exhibition takes place at the Matca Space for Photography, No. 48 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, until November 22.

Forum teaches journalists, communications officers gender-equality writing 

Nearly 30 journalists and communications officers learnt about gender and gender equality and avoiding unintentional reinforcement of gender stereotypes in their media and communication products at a forum held in Hà Nội.

‘Gender-sensitive Communications - Reality and Our Actions’ was organised last weekend to mark the National Action Month on Gender Equality and Prevention and Response to Gender-based Violence (November 15 - December 15) by NGO For Vietnamese Stature Foundation (VSF) with sponsorship from the Korean Institute for Gender Equality Promotion and Education (KIGEPE).

It was held as part of a programme called ‘Gender and Gender Equality with Young Journalists and Communications Officers’ that seeks to train young journalists and communications officers to become gender pioneers who can contribute to raising public awareness and changing behaviour.

Đinh Đức Hoàng, deputy general director of the UNESCO Vietnam Centre of Information, and Trần Hồng Điệp, deputy director of VSF, spoke about the stereotypes and social norms commonly encountered in media and communications products.

Hoàng also shared tips for verifying information and avoiding misinformation in the media.  

Chayoung Son, programme manager at KIGEPE’s international cooperation centre, said: “Considering the influence of today's media on the public and the dependence of teenagers on information produced on social media, we believe that education and training consisting of improving gender sensitivity and media reports based on gender perspectives are timely.

“The programme is expected to have a great ripple effect if participants report their experience in the training through their media.”

After the programme all the participants will remain in an online network to share the results and exchange experiences. 

Transport Ministry told to explain plane incident at Noi Bai airport

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh sent a document to the Ministry of Transport on November 2 asking it to clarify the reason for a bump between two airplanes at the Noi Bai International Airport and determine who is responsible.

At around 7 a.m. on November 2, the bump between two Airbus A321 aircraft of Bamboo Airways occurred at the airport. The elevator of an Airbus A321 Neo plane, which was being towed to the taxiway, hit a part above the windshield of an Airbus A321 plane that was parked nearby.

Both aircraft suffered minor damage. The elevator of the Airbus A321 Neo was slightly deformed, while the Airbus A321 suffered some scratches.

No one was injured during the incident. All 138 passengers on board the Airbus A321 Neo were transferred to another plane for their flight, which departed around one-and-a-half hours behind schedule.

Both aircraft have been suspended from operation for examination.

Dinh Viet Thang, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), said the incident was caused as the aircraft tow truck driver made a mistake while pushing the aircraft to the taxiway. The driver, the pushback support team, the pilot and the co-pilot, as well as the air traffic controller, have been suspended from work pending an investigation.

CAAV has also established an investigation team comprising officials from various sectors such as aviation safety, airport management and aviation management, as well as officials from the Northern Airports Authority and the Noi Bai International Airport.

The National Traffic Safety Committee said although the incident caused no injuries or fatalities, it threatened aviation safety.

To avoid similar incidents in the future and ensure aviation safety, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, asked the Transport Ministry to work with relevant agencies and related parties to determine the cause of the incident.

The deputy prime minister demanded that businesses and agencies active in the aviation sector strictly comply with regulations on aviation safety and related vehicles, equipment, facilities and infrastructure.

Five provinces set to welcome back int’l tourists this month

The central Government has approved reopening international tourism services in five major tourist destinations this month, with no mandatory quarantine required for incoming foreigners.

Phu Quoc City (Kien Giang Province), Khanh Hoa Province, Quang Nam Province, Quang Ninh Province and Danang City have been chosen to carry out a pilot scheme to welcome back foreign visitors as approved by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh.

The decision came after the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed the scheme to the Government, the Government Office announced.

The scheme will be executed in three phases. In the first phase starting from November, all-in tours will be offered and foreigners will fly on charter or international commercial flights to designated areas in the five cities and provinces mentioned above.

During the second phase starting from January next year, more tourists from more markets can join the pilot scheme. International tourists can travel to other tourist sites in the five localities after completing their seven-day tour to the first destination.

The third phase will fully reopen to international tourists, depending on the Covid-19 situation and the results of the resumption of international tourism in the first and second phases.

Tourists, including foreigners and overseas Vietnamese, must meet the following conditions: proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid and a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.

Besides, they are required to have Covid-19 travel insurance coverage with a minimum level of US$50,000 each and buy all-in tours from local travel firms.

No vaccine mandate will be required for children aged below 12 who accompany their parents or guardians.

The governments of the five localities must vaccinate all residents and employees active in the tourism sector against Covid and issue detailed guidelines on welcoming international tourists.

Vietnam has closed its borders since the Covid pandemic hit the country in March last year.

First phase of HCMC – Moc Bai expressway to be implemented in period 2021-2025

The recent third session of the 10th People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City has passed the investment and construction proposal of the Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai expressway project.

According to plan, the 50 kilometer long expressway starts from the Ring Road No.3 in Cu Chi District. It will be invested under public-private partnership form and the investor shall perform payback under a build-operate-transfer contract.

The project’s site clearance and resettlement costs will be extracted from the budget of Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh Province. The total investment of the project for the first phase from 2021 through 2025 is estimated at around VND15,900 billion (US$698 million).

Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee of Tay Ninh Nguyen Thanh Ngoc shared that the HCMC – Moc Bai expressway will be a national external economic route.

As for the Southern region, the expressway will promote the socio-economic development of Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh Province and the southeastern region, shorten goods transport time and strengthen export-import activities between Vietnam and the neighboring country of Cambodia via the Moc Bai international border gate.

Ring Road 3 Project in HCMC selecting implementation agency

According to an announcement of the Government Office, Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh required the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to study the feedbacks of relevant agencies and coordinate with the Ministry of Transport and the Provincial People's Committees of Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Long An to unify the assignment of competent agencies to implement the Ring Road 3 Project in Ho Chi Minh City following the PPP investment law.

Besides, the sides are required to unify the contents of the pre-feasibility study report to soon submit to the Prime Minister.

As for the Ring Road 3 Project in Ho Chi Minh City, its starting point is at the intersection with the Ben Luc- Long Thanh Expressway in Dong Nai Province’s Nhon Trach District, and the 91.66- kilometer long ending point is at the intersection with Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway and Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway in Ben Luc District, Long An Province.

Over 531,000 children aged 12-17 in HCMC inoculated with Covid-19 vaccine

The Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City yesterday announced that after six days, approximately 531,998 children, including 212,372 children from 16-17 years old, 319,626 children from 12-15 years old were vaccinated in the Covid-19 vaccination for children aged 12-17 in the city. 

Ho Chi Minh City set up 203 vaccinations points including 141 schools, 53 community points, and nine hospitals in 20 districts and Thu Duc City on November 1. Particularly, Tan Binh and Phu Nhuan districts did not organize vaccine rollout on November 1.

Around 82,519 children, including 10,612 children from 16-17 years old, 71,907 children from 12-15 years old were getting the first dose of the vaccine. Nine students had mild reactions after injection and medical workers provided timely treatment; therefore, they are in stable condition now.

Some 49,204 children aged 12-15 across the city were being offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine yesterday at 112 vaccinations points.

As per the plan of the city Steering Board for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, the vaccine rollout will last five days and additional two days for the administration of vaccination to children who had missed the prior inoculation.

The city reported 99.48 percent of people aged over 18 with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot while 79.59 percent of adults received two doses of the vaccine. Furthermore, 93.75 percent of people over 65 were getting two vaccine jabs and nearly 94 percent of people over 50 were inoculated with two vaccine jabs. 

HCMC: Covid-19 epidemic situation is improving

Many districts in HCMC have seen a positive change in the Covid-19 alert level compared to the last week, said Deputy Head of the HCMC Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control Pham Duc Hai at a periodic conference on the city’s pandemic situation on November 1.

The city is at the Covid-19 alert level 2 with the “green zone” rate accounted for 45 percent. Thu Duc City and 13 districts come into the level 1, equivalent to the low-risk “green zone” while nine others are at the level 2, equivalent to the medium-risk “orange zone”.

According to Deputy Director of the HCMC Center for Diseases Control Nguyen Hong Tam, more than 7.6 million people had the first vaccine dose and 5.7 million person received the second dose.

Thu Duc City and 19 districts have completed 100 per cent first dose vaccination for people aged 18 and over, followed by Can Gio (99 percent), Go Vap (99 percent), and District 10 (96 percent).

Five districts of 5, 7, 11, Cu Chi and Phu Nhuan reached 100 percent of people fully vaccinated.

Regarding to Covid-19 vaccination plan children aged 12-17, the city has inoculated more than 445,000 students.

The municipal Department of Health has also proposed the Ministry of Health to approve to give the third dose of Covid-19 vaccines to the frontline workers and people who are at higher risk of severe disease, added Head of the Office of the city’s Department of Health Nguyen Thi Huynh Mai.

The departments of Health, Education, and Training with the support of the municipal People’s Committee have prepared the in-person learning plan. In addition, the HCMC’s health sector has gradually halt the operation of Covid-19 treatment field hospitals after putting the pandemic under control, and return 236 schools, universities, colleges, dormitories and apartment buildings that had been requisitioned as field hospitals and healthcare facilities to their original functions by November.

Mekong Delta takes utmost preventative measures to ensure success of fight

In the Mekong Delta and other regions, the number locally-transmitted cases have seen an upward trend in the last few days; thereby, these localities had no choice but took the utmost preventative measures to ensure the success of the fight against Covid-19.

Nguyen Van Dung, Director of the Department of Health in Ca Mau Province in the southern tip of Vietnam, had signed an announcement of Covid-19 level in districts/ communes in the province.

According to the Center for Disease Control of Ca Mau province, Ca Mau Province recorded 90 cases of Covid-19 including nine locally-transmitted cases. Since the country has been hit by the fourth Covid-19 outbreak, Ca Mau Province has recorded 1,874 cases.

Elsewhere in the Mekong Delta region, Bac Lieu Province reported 382 new Covid-19 cases, down 32 cases compared to the day before. Worse, 157 were recorded in the community.

Specifically, 57 locally-transmitted cases in Gia Rai town were detected through tracing of contacts of infected cases in Tan Khoi Company, Chau Ba Thao Company, F89 Seafood Company, and the community control.

In Bac Lieu city, 51 cases were detected through community screening testing with 13 cases in Dong Hai District and eight cases in Vinh Loi District.

Chairman of Bac Lieu People's Committee Pham Van Thieu yesterday signed a decision to announce the level of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Accordingly, 20/64 are ranked at very high risk and red zones including Gia Rai town and Bac Lieu city. Dong Hai, Phuoc Long and Hong Dan districts are at the third level and Vinh Loi, Hoa Binh districts are at the second level. Right after the province announced its level of Covid-19, Bac Lieu authorities set up and operated epidemic control checkpoints.

From the fourth Covid-19 outbreak to October 20, Bac Lieu province has not recorded under 1,000 Covid-19 cases. However, the number of cases has kept increasing. Up to now, Bac Lieu province has had 3,624 Covid-19 cases or just in 10 days, Bac Lieu recorded over 2,600 Covid-19 cases.

President pays working visit to northern border province of Lang Son

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has lauded the northern province of Lang Son for its efforts in maintaining a borderline of peace and friendship with China, thus well serving socio-economic development.

Lang Son that borders China’s Guangxi province has worked to maintain its relations with localities of Guangxi, the President told provincial leaders at a meeting on November 3.

Highlighting the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China, President Phuc said building a shared borderline of peace, stability and development is of extreme importance.

He asked Lang Son’s competent departments and agencies to carry forward the sense of responsibility in establishing, preserving and promoting the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with Guangxi province and competent forces of China.

The President suggested boosting exchanges between agencies of the two sides, and coordination in facilitating the circulation of goods and travelling of people at border gates.

He also commended Lang Son’s performance in ensuring national defence and security, COVID-19 prevention and control, and economic development.

President Phuc said the reopening needs to go in tandem with COVID-19 prevention and control, urging Lang Son to roll out a mechanism to connect border localities, thus enhancing trade and economic cooperation and creating breakthroughs for the province in the future.

It was reported at the meeting that Lang Son is expected to post an economic growth rate of 6.3 percent this year, lower than the set target of 7-7.5 percent. Total export-import value of goods through the province in the first 10 months went up 110 percent to 24.5 billion USD.

Its budget collection is set to surpass the 10 trillion VND benchmark (439.54 million USD) for the first time this year, up 172 percent.

President Phuc was in Lang Son to attend a meeting marking the 190th founding anniversary of the province, where he also visited officers and soldiers at Huu Nghi International Border Gate./.

COVID-19: Vietnam reports 6,192 new cases, 8,869 recoveries on November 3

Vietnam recorded 6,192 infections of COVID-19 in 58 localities, including 17 imported cases, on November 3, according to the Ministry of Health.

Also the on the day, the Centre for Disease Control of south central Ninh Thuan province registered to add 914 COVID-19 cases to the Ministry of Health data system.

Of the new cases recorded on November 3, Ho Chi Minh City recorded the highest number of infections with 985, followed by neighbouring provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong with 905 and 773, respectively.

The national tally now stands at 939,463.

According to the Ministry of Health’s report, 3,052 patients nationwide are in serious conditions, with 288 requiring invasive ventilation and 13 on life support (ECMO).

On the day, the country saw 78 deaths from the disease. The death toll now hits 22,283.

A further 8,869 patients were given the all-clear, taking the total number of recoveries to 833,675.

By November 2, the country had injected over 84 million doses of vaccines to date, with more than 26.64 million people now fully inoculated./.

10th China-ASEAN Music Festival underway

The 10th China-ASEAN Music Festival kicked off on November 2 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The five-day event will hold 11 concerts and two forums, aiming at promoting exchanges and cooperation in the fields of music, culture and art between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"The music festival is getting more and more attention from domestic musicians and those from ASEAN countries," Xinhua news agency quoted Hou Daohui, Rector of Guangxi Arts University, the sponsor of the festival, as saying.

It festival has played a positive role in promoting cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, he added.

Cultural Consul at the Consulate General of Indonesia in Guangzhou Kurniawan Wibowo said the China-ASEAN Music Festival has been successfully held and developed, expressing his hope that participating nations can use the good platform to realise more cultural communications.

The China-ASEAN Music Festival was first held in 2012./.

German expert highlights significance of PM Chinh’s France visit

Gerhard Feldbauer, a German journalist and historian, has said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to France from November 3 to 5 is significant to the relations between Vietnam and France, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU).

Vietnam and France signed a declaration on the bilateral strategic partnership in 2013, Feldbauer said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

France has become a leading European partner of Vietnam, with two-way trade reaching nearly 6.35 billion EUR (7.3 billion USD) last year. France is also Vietnam’s second biggest European investor with more than 375 projects worth 3.7 billion USD.

More than 2,500 Vietnamese doctors have completed their study in France and over 7,000 Vietnamese students are now in the European nation.

According to the expert, Chinh’s trip to the UK and France following the recent tour of the European Parliament (EP) and a number of European countries by Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue prove Vietnam as an example in contribution to peace, international cooperation across spheres on the basis of independence, self-reliance and equality.

Such events are significant to bilateral ties between Vietnam and the countries, as well as ASEAN and the EU, he stressed.

With its dynamism, contributions and influence, Vietnam has been regarded as a middle power in the region, and an attractive partner, regionally and internationally, especially for the UK and France, Feldbauer said.

Regarding the Germany-Vietnam ties, he believed that the relations will continue to develop in the time ahead.

He also said international organisations have applauded Vietnam for its efforts to create a favourable business climate./.

NA Chairman asks for greater attention to fighting negative phenomena in lawmaking

It is crucial to pay more attention to fighting negative phenomena in lawmaking to prevent “interest groups” of state management agencies benefiting from legal documents, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue told a virtual conference on November 3.

The national teleconference was held to discuss the lawmaking plan of the 15th NA.

Greater attention should be given to protecting legal and legitimate rights and interests of citizens and businesses, simplifying administrative procedures and improving the business climate, Hue said.

Building synchronous development institutions was one of the three strategic breakthroughs to promote sustainable development set by the Communist Party of Vietnam since its 11th National Congress in 2011, Hue noted, adding that it continued to be a priority during the term of the 13th National Party Congress and the 2021 – 2030 period.

The NA Chairman demanded leaders of all-level organisations and agencies of the political system and NA deputies to heighten their awareness of the role and significance of lawmaking, saying that quality must be the top priority in this field.

He stressed the need to tighten discipline and control of the process of revising, amending and building laws, ordinances and resolutions which must be in accordance with regulations./.

Exhibition to be held to honour Vietnam’s heritage, handicrafts

An exhibition featuring Vietnam’s cultural and landscape heritage and traditional handicraft products will be held in the northern province of Ninh Binh from December 17-24, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on November 3.

This is an activity within the framework of the Visit Vietnam Year 2021- Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, jointly organised by the ministry and the People's Committee of Ninh Binh province.

The exhibition is expected to help introduce, promote and honour cultural values, relic sites and landscapes of Vietnam, affirming cultural and tourism development potential among localities, and contributing to creating a driving force to strongly attract resources for tourism development and improving the image of the Vietnamese country and people.

It will also introduce traditional handicraft products, encourage artisans to create more products, promote potential of tourism related to trade villages, and expand the relationship between trade villages, producers and tourists.

The exhibition will feature UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites and items, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks in Vietnam. It will also introduce outstanding products of many artisans from trade villages such as Phu Dieu pottery (Hai Phong); Dinh Cong silver carving, Ngu Xa bronze casting, Van Phuc silk (Hanoi); Thanh Tien paper flowers (Thua Thien - Hue).

Various activities will be held within the framework of the exhibition./.

Panamanian Embassy offers aid for disadvantaged children in Hanoi

The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO) and the Panamanian Embassy in Vietnam held a programme on November 3 to present warm clothes to disadvantaged children living in the Birla Children’s Village.

The event, aiming to assist the village in surmounting difficulties caused by COVID-19, took place on the occasion of the 118th Independence Day of Panama (November 3, 1903 - 2021).

Standing Vice President of the HAUFO Tran Thi Phuong said her union is proud to act as a bridge of friendship coordinating with the Panamanian Embassy to present gifts to children of the Birla village.

Winter has arrived in Hanoi. Though the clothes handed over to the children are modest, they are imbued with the warmth of friendship and love among people, she noted.

She offered thanks to the Panamanian Embassy for its special attention to Hanoi, voicing her hope that this connectivity will become stronger and stronger.

Phuong also took this occasion to extend congratulations on the 118th Independence Day of Panama and wish the two countries’ friendship sustainable development.

For his part, Panamanian Ambassador Eligio Salas III said as children are the future of a country, the embassy wishes to use the Independence Day as an occasion to help ease hardships facing the children and to thank Vietnam for supporting the Panamanian people during the struggle for independence in the past./.

Endangered black-shanked doucs spotted in Tay Ninh

Two to three families of endangered black-shanked doucs, each having two - three individuals, have been spotted in Ba Den Mountain national tourist complex in the southwestern province of Tay Ninh since May.

It was the first time the species has been found in the area.

One or two individuals of the species were repeatedly spotted by local officials on the mountain in June and late October this year.

Mang Van Thoi, Director of the provincial Forest Protection Department, said through photos, primate experts were able to confirm they are black-shanked doucs endemic to Vietnam and Cambodia.

In Vietnam, black-shanked doucs are mostly found in Lam Vien Highlands, the Nam Truong Son (South Annamite Range).

It is listed as an endangered species in the Government’s Decree 06/2019/ND-CP on management of rare and threatened wild fauna and flora and implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Decree 84/2021/ND-CP on amending and supplementing a number of articles in Decree 06/2019/ND-CP.

The Tay Ninh Forest Protection Department has asked the management authority of the Ba Den Mountain national tourist complex to timely adopt plans for strengthening protection of the black-shanked doucs and raise awareness of the species among local residents and tourists./.

Celebration of 40th anniversary of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to be held online on Nov 7

Given the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has decided to celebrate the 40th founding anniversary of VBS in the virtual form.

A virtual ceremony will be held on November 7 under the theme "40 years of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha: Integration and development with the country".

The celebration is an occasion for VBS to review its achievements in the development of the organisation, and also an opportunity to promote the awareness of Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers on national unity about their responsibility towards building the VBS and national development in the period of international integration.

Over the past 40 years of development, the VBS has guided monks, nuns, and Buddhists to practice Buddhist teachings, uphold patriotism and national unity and contribute to building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national unity./.

Int’l Court of Justice important to settling int’l disputes: ambassador

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy affirmed the important role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in peacefully settling international disputes while speaking at an annual meeting between the UN Security Council and ICJ President Joan Donoghue on November 2.

In his remarks, Quy, who is the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, said through its judicial and advisory functions, the ICJ has helped promote the adherence to international law and the rule of law at the international level.

Vietnam holds that the international order is facing serious challenges as violations of the UN Charter and international law are rampant, he noted.

In that context, the UN Security Council needs to boost the compliance with international law as an effective tool for maintaining international peace and security, he said, suggesting it strengthen coordination with the ICJ.

The ICJ President has an important role to play in terms of judgement, management, representation, and diplomacy and can help enhance the court’s activities and role in promoting the rule of law, thereby contributing to international peace and security, according to Ambassador Quy.

The diplomat underlined that peacefully settling international disputes is one of the fundamental principles of international law, and this principle also covers the obligation to comply with the rulings, verdicts, and decisions made by international jurisdictional and judicial bodies.

He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of adhering to the fundamental principles of international law regarding peacefully handling disputes and not using or threatening to use force.

The country highly values and supports international legal bodies to foster their role in advancing the cooperation and friendship among countries, Quy went on.

Vietnam called for improving the national capacity in using international judgement and arbitration mechanisms and expressed its hope for stronger cooperation with the ICJ in training young people in international law.

Established in 1945, the ICJ is the main judicial organ of the UN. Its role is to settle disputes submitted to it by states and to give legal consultations to the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and some international organisations and specialised agencies./.

Innovation – new motivation for Vietnam’s growth: Report

The Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Report was announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam at an event on November 3.

Addressing the event, MOST Minister Huynh Thanh Dat underlined that the report highlights the important contributions of science, technology and innovation to Vietnam’s socio-economic development as well as outlines the way ahead for the country.

The MOST highly values the support by the Australia and the World Bank in the efforts, he said, expressing hope that more cooperation initiatives will be proposed to apply recommendations to life.

Meanwhile, Carolyn Turk, WB Country Director in Vietnam said that Vietnam needs new motivations for its economic growth to become an economy with high income in 2045, and innovation will help build a fundamental foundation for the country to increase income and improve the growth quality.

The report recommends that Vietnam should rebalance its STI policies, switching its resource focus from the creation of advanced technologies to the adoption and diffusion of existing technologies among businesses.

It also pointed out that the STI policies have yet to match the capacity and demand of businesses and organisations.

For her part, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie said that Australia has been assisting Vietnam in making decisions on evidence-based policies in STI area. Australia hopes that the MOST can adopt this model in building long-term policies for STI development, she added.

The report is implemented under the WB's Vietnam Enhancing Innovation Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) programme, which is sponsored by the Australia - World Bank Group Strategic Partnership in Vietnam - Phase 2 (ABP2).

It researches current development frameworks and STI policies, analyses bottlenecks hindering businesses in innovation, and proposes a roadmap for comprehensive reform to promote innovation-led growth./.

Party chief’s article on socialism shows CPV’s dialectical vision, willpower

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s article “Several theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam” shows the dialectical vision and willpower of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), according to Cuban researcher Rosario del Pilar Pentón Díaz.

Rosario del Pilar Pentón Díaz, member of the Party Central Committee and Rector of the Ñico López Higher Studies School of the Party, said that the article is a valuable document from the angles of theory and methodology.

Party General Secretary Trong highlighted the dialectical vision of the CPV, and showed his audacious views in assessing the complexity of the transition to socialism and the creative interpretation of Marxism-Leninism.

She emphasised that the Party leader analysed economic, political and ideological trends, and spotlighted both successes and shortcomings of the path to socialism in Vietnam.

She appreciated the principles that Trong mentioned in the article such as the Party's role in engaging people in a common social building project and the role of the people as the subject of power. These basic principles ensure the sustainability and continuity of the socialism process, she added./.

Quang Ninh inoculates children aged 12-17

A COVID-19 vaccination campaign targeting children aged between 12 and 17 has begun in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

It is estimated that the province has nearly 119,000 eligible for the inoculation which is being carried out in all localities.

The campaign is part of the province's efforts to realise the goal of reaching herd immunity.

As many as 3,600 health workers from hospitals, health centres, commune health stations have been mobilised to ensure the safety of the vaccination.

Under the inoculation campaign, which started on November 1, children are given shots of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at vaccination sites set up at secondary schools. Those with underlying health conditions will receive vaccination shots at local health care facilities.

Nguyen Trung Hung, a 12th-grade student at Hon Gai Senior High School said that at first, he felt nervous, but his worry was eased after he received screening health check and consultation from medical workers. Hung said he only felt a slight pain in the upper arm after the injection.

More than 1,500 students aged from 12 to 17 have registered for injection at a vaccination site at Hon Gai Senior High School located in Ha Long city’s Hong Hai ward. Of these, over 100 children with underlying diseases were transferred to the provincial General Hospital for vaccination.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Hong, Vice Principal of Hon Gai Senior High School, said that to make parents and students feel secure about vaccination, teachers have contacted parents and talked about the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 to receive their consent.

Ha Phuong Thao, a mother of a tenth grader, said her son felt comfortable because she and her husband had been vaccinated with two shots.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Son, vice chairman of Ha Long City People’s Committee, the city has over 28,000 children aged 12-17. Of these, more than 1,000 children will be vaccinated at hospitals.

As of 3pm on November 2, vaccination for children aged 16 to under 18 was basically safe. A few children with mild symptoms were monitored, treated promptly and went home.

Vaccination for children from 12 to 16 years old is scheduled to begin on November 3. It is expected that the vaccination will be completed on November 7.

By the end of October 31, nearly 974,000 people in Quang Ninh had been vaccinated, accounting for 96 percent of the population aged 18 and over, of which, the number of people who received two shots was more than 886,000 people or 91 percent. The province is striving to reach herd immunity against COVID-19 by the end of this year.

Quang Ninh is among the first localities to begin vaccination for children under 18 in the country.

Following the guidance for children vaccination issued on October 14, teenagers aged 16 and 17 will be the first to receive the shots, with Pfizer vaccine to be used for children.

After the 16-17 age group, 15-year-old children will be the next to be vaccinated./.

Lawmaking process must centre on interests of people, nation: Party official

The rights and legitimate interests of the people and the interests of the nation must be at the centre of the lawmaking process, permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong has said.

He made the remark while addressing a national teleconference held on November 3 to launch implementation of the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 19-KL/TW, issued on October 14, that identified orientations for the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s lawmaking programme.

Thuong stressed that to keep social order and discipline and create a legal corridor for national construction and defence, the Party has always attached importance to lawmaking activities. In particular, facing national reform requirements and tasks, the Politburo timely issued a thematic resolution on the strategy for building and completing the legal system by 2010, with a vision to 2020.

However, the legal system still has certain shortcomings as seen in the lack of stability and forecastability in certain areas, inconsistent and unfeasible regulations, and slow reform of the lawmaking mindset, he pointed out.

The official held that the making and promulgation of laws must be prudent and meet strict quality requirements. He laid emphasis on the need to address the instability of legal documents so that newly issued laws won’t have to be amended, or people’s trust in the legal system and investors’ confidence may be eroded.

At the meeting, participants discussed the implementation of a project setting out orientations for the lawmaking programme of the 15th NA./.

France attaches importance to promoting relations with Vietnam

French President Emmanuel Macron attaches importance to maintaining and promoting the France-Vietnam relations, said Stephanie Do, President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group the French Parliament.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the official visit to France by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Stephanie Do said the all-round relationship between France and Vietnam, especially between their two legislative bodies, has developed strongly and has been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two countries have benefited from the long-lasting partnership, and health bond has been a strong point in bilateral cooperation, she said, noting that Vietnam has shown its generosity when presenting antibacterial masks and other medical equipment to France amid the pandemic.

According to Stephanie Do, France was one of the first Western countries backing Vietnam's reform policy, development and opening-up. Major inter-parliamentary groups are true elements of France’s foreign policy, while culture and education are the areas that contribute to deepening the friendly relationship between the two countries.

She expressed support for France's foreign policy towards strengthening ties with ASEAN, emphasising that France and ASEAN share views on the Indo-Pacific region based on respect for international law, multilateralism and international cooperation.

In the face of important geopolitical and economic challenges in the region, it is necessary to pay attention to further strengthening the relationship between France, the European Union (EU) and ASEAN, she went on.  

She highlighted the significance of PM Chinh’s trip to France in further fostering the bilateral relations, especially in the COVID-19 crisis, saying that the two countries should seek to create more momentum for their trade relations in the coming time./

Innovation – new motivation for Vietnam’s growth: Report

The Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Report was announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam at an event on November 3.

Addressing the event, MOST Minister Huynh Thanh Dat underlined that the report highlights the important contributions of science, technology and innovation to Vietnam’s socio-economic development as well as outlines the way ahead for the country.

The MOST highly values the support by the Australia and the World Bank in the efforts, he said, expressing hope that more cooperation initiatives will be proposed to apply recommendations to life.

Meanwhile, Carolyn Turk, WB Country Director in Vietnam said that Vietnam needs new motivations for its economic growth to become an economy with high income in 2045, and innovation will help build a fundamental foundation for the country to increase income and improve the growth quality.

The report recommends that Vietnam should rebalance its STI policies, switching its resource focus from the creation of advanced technologies to the adoption and diffusion of existing technologies among businesses.

It also pointed out that the STI policies have yet to match the capacity and demand of businesses and organisations.

For her part, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie said that Australia has been assisting Vietnam in making decisions on evidence-based policies in STI area. Australia hopes that the MOST can adopt this model in building long-term policies for STI development, she added.

The report is implemented under the WB's Vietnam Enhancing Innovation Analytical and Advisory Services (ASA) programme, which is sponsored by the Australia - World Bank Group Strategic Partnership in Vietnam - Phase 2 (ABP2).

It researches current development frameworks and STI policies, analyses bottlenecks hindering businesses in innovation, and proposes a roadmap for comprehensive reform to promote innovation-led growth.

Ambassador confident of extensive co-operation between Vietnam and France

There will be more room to foster all-round co-operation between Vietnam and France following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s November 3-5 visit to France, believes Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang.

PM Chinh’s visit is of special significance as it is taking place at a time when Vietnam is realizing the Party’s foreign policy of strengthening and deepening relations with major partners. Therefore, the visit is anticipated to lay the foundation for concrete co-operation programmes in the future between both sides, Ambassador Thang told Paris-based VOV correspondents.

Most notably, France represents a major Vietnamese partner in Europe and the wider world. Bilateral relations have been developing positively and substantially since the two countries established their strategic partnership back in 2013.

During the visit, PM Chinh is scheduled to hold talks with his French counterpart Jean Castex and meet with other senior French officials in order to discuss ways in which to enhance bilateral co-operation and to address global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change adaptation. 

Both sides are likely to sign a number of important co-operation agreements across various fields during PM Chinh’s visit, revealed Ambassador Thang.

Medical co-operation represents one of the pillars in terms of bilateral relations, and this matter will be given top priority during high-level talks and meetings in Paris, said the diplomat.

PM Chinh is expected to suggest co-operation with France in vaccine production and technology transfer in order to help the country combat the spread of COVID-19. He will also visit pharmaceutical and medical research facilities to outline co-operation directions in disease prevention and control for COVID-19 and other related diseases that may break out in the future.

According to the diplomat, France is a developed country which has a high level of scientific and technological development which Vietnam should make full use of.

France possesses global leading corporations, meaning the country should create a positive investment environment in a bid to attract greater French investment, said Ambassador Thang.

In his view, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which came into effect in August 2020, has presented plenty of opportunity to boost trade exchanges between both sides.

Now is time for partners from the two sides to discuss how to better exploit the potential and benefits that this trade pact can bring for both French and Vietnamese businesses, said the ambassador.

Panamanian Embassy offers aid for disadvantaged children in Hanoi

The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO) and the Panamanian Embassy in Vietnam held a programme on November 3 to present warm clothes to disadvantaged children living in the Birla Children’s Village.

The event, aiming to assist the village in surmounting difficulties caused by COVID-19, took place on the occasion of the 118th Independence Day of Panama (November 3, 1903 - 2021).

Standing Vice President of the HAUFO Tran Thi Phuong said her union is proud to act as a bridge of friendship coordinating with the Panamanian Embassy to present gifts to children of the Birla village.

Winter has arrived in Hanoi. Though the clothes handed over to the children are modest, they are imbued with the warmth of friendship and love among people, she noted.

She offered thanks to the Panamanian Embassy for its special attention to Hanoi, voicing her hope that this connectivity will become stronger and stronger.

Phuong also took this occasion to extend congratulations on the 118th Independence Day of Panama and wish the two countries’ friendship sustainable development.

For his part, Panamanian Ambassador Eligio Salas III said as children are the future of a country, the embassy wishes to use the Independence Day as an occasion to help ease hardships facing the children and to thank Vietnam for supporting the Panamanian people during the struggle for independence in the past.

US helps Vietnam integrate TB screening into COVID vaccination sites

As tuberculosis remains a key health priority in Vietnam, even during the times of COVID-19, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has developed an innovative way to integrate testing and care for both infectious diseases.

Integrated tuberculosis (TB) screening is endorsed by the National TB Program, and with USAID assistance, Vietnam first deployed this integrated approach at COVID-19 vaccination sites in Hanoi last month with plans to expand it to Tien Giang and Can Tho provinces as well.

At a COVID-19 vaccination event on November 3, community members from District 6 received their COVID-19 vaccine and all of those who were 55 years or older were provided with a free chest X-ray taken on an ultra-portable, hand-held X-ray device that detects signs of TB.

After laboratory analysis all patients will receive their test results over the next three days and be referred to appropriate treatment if needed. The service is supported by USAID’s Erase TB project, a US$2 million, three-year initiative to increase TB detection and access to care in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The integrated screenings are in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, the District 6 People’s Committee, and local health workers.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges in detecting and treating TB, USAID’s Erase TB project is showing that there are also new opportunities to provide integrated health screening services and to preserve the progress Vietnam has made in the fight to end TB,” said US Acting Consul General Robert Greenan while coming to observe the integration of TB screening with the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign at Commune Health Station of Ward 5 in District 6.

USAID’s Erase TB project is responding to the dual pandemics of TB and COVID-19 through a unique model of integrating TB screening with COVID-19 vaccinations. Through USAID support, Vietnam is one of a few countries integrating TB and COVID-19 approaches and the Government of Vietnam leadership is finding existing opportunities in the fight against COVID-19 for TB screening that can be replicated and shared globally as a best practice. 

TB is both preventable and curable, but every year 170,000 people in Vietnam develop TB and more than 11,000 people die from the disease, putting Vietnam among the top 30 countries with the highest TB burden in the world. The impacts of COVID-19 have severely reduced TB care and services, and during the most recent COVID outbreak, TB detection in Vietnam decreased by 80% between June and September.

Lai Chau to host assorted activities to stimulate tourism

The northern mountainous province of Lai Chau will host assorted activities to stimulate tourism demand in the locality, the highlight among them being the third H’mong Ethnic Culture Festival.

The festival, scheduled from December 24 to 26, will bring together 13 provinces where H’Mong people reside, including Lai Chau, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Dien Bien, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Dak Lak.

The event will feature art performances, a show of traditional costumes, the reproduction of a traditional festival and the cultural practices of H’mong people in the 13 localities.

Festival-goers can participate in a cake making contest, sporting events and folk games, and visit an exhibition introducing the land, culture, tourism, and people of Lai Chau province.

Other prominent activities aimed at rebooting Lai Chau’s tourism sector include the Lai Chau Cultural and Tourism Week in Hanoi, a caravan tour, and a farm trip to Pu Ta Leng Mount.

According to Chairman of Lai Chau provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Tien Dung, the provincial authorities have issued guidance on welcoming visitors from outside the locality, which allows people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the province.

The province has fully vaccinated about 20% of the eligible population and more than 80% of total people aged 18 and older in the province have had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan