With several attracting activities, Hanoi Tourism Ao dai Festival 2023 aims to preserve and promote national traditional cultural values while honouring Ao dai (traditional long dress) and turning it into an unique tourism product of the capital city, according to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang.

The festival will take place from October 27-29 on Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street. The event is jointly organised by the municipal Department of Tourism and the municipal Women’s Union.

A range of unique cultural and artistic activities will be held during the event, including an art music night themed "Colours of Hanoi" on October 28, a photo exhibition and exhibition space for Ao dai collections, an Ao dai parade of the Hanoi Women's Union, and a forum on orientations and development of Ao dai in the community and enhancing tourism connectivity.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Nguyen Hong Minh said that the event will an activity to promote the capital's tourism images as a "safe - friendly - quality - attractive destination", promising to become a unique activity, attracting a large number of people including domestic tourists and international friends.

The festival aims to promote Vietnam's tourism in general and Hanoi's tourism in particular, changing the image of Ao dai from "cultural ambassador" to "tourism ambassador" - a typical tourism product of Hanoi.

The festival is intended to stimulate tourism, drawing more domestic and international tourists. At the same time, it will honour the traditional Vietnamese dress and the capital’s heritage. It is expected to create a chance for artisans, fashion designers and tourism firms to exchange and explore cooperation opportunities.

Hanoi hopes to attract about 22 million tourists in 2023, rising 17.6% from last year, with 3 million foreign arrivals (doubling the figure in 2022) and 19 million domestic visitors (up 10.5%). It also targets an increase of 28.2% in tourism revenue to about 77 trillion VND (nearly 3.3 billion USD).

Statistics from the municipal Department of Tourism showed Hanoi welcomed 18.9 million tourists in the first nine months of 2023, up 36.5% year-on-year. Of these, foreign tourists totalled 3.2 million, marking a four-fold increase year-on-year and surpassing the annual target of 3 million. 

The figures have proved the attractiveness of local tourism to domestic and international visitors, as well as the city’s efforts to draw tourists back, the department said.

The department said it will increase advertising of local destinations and new tourism products on both domestic and foreign media in the coming time.

It will also hold more tourism promotion events in such key markets as Northeast Asia, Europe, the US, and India while coordinating with Vietnam’s diplomatic representative agencies and trade offices abroad as well as international organisations to step up promotional activities.

Vietnam values traditional friendship with Uzbekistan: President

President Vo Van Thuong met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 17 while in Beijing, China, to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

At the meeting, Thuong affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy to treasure the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, hoping that the Vietnam – Uzbekistan relations will develop in a more practical fashion so as to benefit the two peoples.

Speaking highly of the bilateral cooperation potential, he suggested both sides step up economic-trade collaboration which has shown robust signs in recent time, while deepening cooperation in the fields of education-training, cultural exchange, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, and considering the opening of direct flights connecting localities of the two countries.

Besides, the two sides should enhance delegation exchanges at all levels to improve political trust and mutual understanding, and expand cooperation in the fields that the two nations hold complementary advantages, he stressed.

The Uzbek President, for his part, said he is impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development and renewal achievements over the past time.

He agreed with President Thuong’s recommendations to promote bilateral collaboration in economy-trade and tourism, with priority given to exchanges of business delegations and expansion of business opportunities.

He affirmed that Uzbekistan attaches importance to the relations with Vietnam, and wants to restore cooperation in traditional fields, particularly oil and gas, education-training, student exchange and cultural exchange.

At the event, both leaders reached consensus on enhancing cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and many other international organisations.

Uzbekistan hopes that Vietnam will be a bridge to help it bolster connectivity with ASEAN, while Vietnam wants to promote cooperative relations with the Central Asian region through Uzbekistan.

The two leaders took the occasion to invite each other to visit their countries soon, and they all accepted the invitation with pleasure.

NA Standing Committee’s 27th session wraps up

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee wrapped up its 27th session in Hanoi on October 17.

In his closing speech, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said that after four and a half days of working, the NA Standing Committee completed the entire planned agenda of the 27th session.

He said all preparations for the 6th plenary session of the legislature, scheduled to start on October 23, have been completed.

Hue said he and NA Vice Chairpersons checked and approved the tentative agenda of the plenary session. He requested the NA Secretary-General to soon issue a notice about the 27th session's conclusion so that agencies can implement and finalise documents that are planned to be submitted to the National Assembly.

Regarding the supervision over national target programmes, the NA Chairman said that in the draft resolution, district-level authorities are proposed to take full responsibility for implementing the programmes, which then can be used as a base for the Government’s implementation.

Regarding the Q&A session in the coming NA's meeting, the NA Standing Committee agreed that two and a half days will be enough time for the whole session. Hue asked for specific contents in the form of questions and answers to be raised at the meeting. Before the Q&A session, there must be a detailed report related to each field of ministries and agencies, he said.

The NA General Secretary was asked to arrange a meeting of the NA Standing Committee between the two phases of the NA’s 6th plenary session.

The NA Chairman emphasised that the preparations for the session is completed, asking relevant agencies and organisations to review their jobs to ensure security, safety and success of the meeting.

15 missing after Quang Nam fishing boats sink

Two fishing boats from the central province of Quang Nam have sunk, leaving 15 fishermen unaccounted for.

According to initial information, fishing boat QNa-90129 TS with 54 fishing men on board sank at around 7:30 pm on October 16 when operating in the area which is some 370 nautical miles from the Southeast of Southwest Cay Island. 

At that time, fishing boat QNa-90039 TS which was nearby saved 40 fishermen, but, 14 others remained missing.

As of 1 am today, October 17, fishing boat QNa 90927 TS owned by Tran Cong Truong, 42, in Nui Thanh District suddenly sank some 240 nautical miles off the coast of Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh.

Fishing boat QNa 91782 rescued 38 crew, while the remaining fisherman Nguyen Duy Dinh, 63, remains missing.

Quang Nam authorities are cooperating with concerned agencies to search for the missing fishermen. 

Quang Ninh strives to complete projects in celebration of 60th founding anniversary

Authorities of the northern province of Quang Ninh are rushing to complete many construction projects to celebrate the locality’s 60th founding anniversary (October 30, 1963- 2023).

Seven out of 36 district-level projects registered for inauguration have been completed, including four projects in Ba Che district and three in Co To district. The inauguration of the projects has importantly contributed to promoting socio-economic development in the localities.

Notably, a project to prevent flood along roads has played a crucial role in definitively addressing traffic disruptions in the rainy and flood seasons, thus facilitating local residents' travel.

Investors have committed to completing the remaining 29 projects in October.

Meanwhile, three among 12 provincial-level projects have been completed.

Particularly, a project to upgrade National Road 18C - the section from Mong Cai Border Gate to Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate was inaugurated, creating infrastructure breakthroughs in border gate economic areas in the locality, contributing to promoting trade and economic cooperation between Vietnam and China.

It also contributes to ensuring traffic safety, promoting socio-economic development, attracting investment projects, and reducing poverty in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas.

As of September 28, 35 out of 53 projects have been completed in 29 communes and wards in Ha Long city.

Vietnamese, Lao provinces intensify cooperation in forest protection

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos’s Attapeu province on October 17 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in preventing violations in the forestry sector for 2024-2025.

Accordingly, in the period, the two departments will strengthen cooperation and coordination in exchanging information, knowledge and experience to control and prevent violations in this field, as well as in forest fire prevention and fighting along the borderline.

Each side will continue strengthening inspection and strictly monitoring the export and import of forest products and wild species in accordance with their respective country's laws, while exchanging information and coordinating in solving arising issues on the basis of compliance with each country's laws and international practices.

The two sides will also strengthen close coordination in implementing dissemination and education activities to raise public awareness on forest resource protection and biodiversity conservation; and inspecting and preventing violations of exploitation, trade, and transportation of forest products in border areas. 

Kon Tum and Attapeu share a 75km borderline, and boast a total forest area of over 39,000 ha in border areas.

The two officially cooperated in forest protection in border areas in 2016. In the 2019-2023 period, Kon Tum conducted nearly 600 patrols, in which 35 violation cases were detected, while 79 patrols were conducted by Attapeu.

Lam Dong intensifies tourism cooperation with Singapore

A promotion conference and a signing ceremony of cooperation documents on tourism development between the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong and Singaporean partners was held in Singapore on October 17. 

Deputy Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Nguyen Ngoc Phuc briefed participants on potential and strengths of both tourism and agricultural products of the province, especially tourism advantages of the province's Da Lat mountain resort city as well as  opportunities the locality can cooperate with Singaporean partners to expand market and promote trade of agricultural products between the two sides.

Earlier, on October 16, leaders of Vietjet Air and Lien Khuong Airport discussed with Changi Airport Group on the possibility of opening direct flights between Singapore and Da Lat city in the near future in order to open up more opportunities for cooperation in new fields between the two sides.

Vu Pham Nguyen Tung, Project Director and Business Develop of Vietjet Air, said that prospects of Vietnam-Singapore bilateral relations as well as Da Lat's resort tourism potential are favourable conditions for opening direct flights between Singapore and Da Lat.

Tung emphasised that the flights will not only promote tourism and agricultural trade but also create many opportunities to attract Singaporean and international investors to Lam Dong province. Vietjet Air commits to supporting Lam Dong province to realise this plan as soon as possible and provide service packages with the most suitable costs.

On the occasion, tourism businesses from both sides signed three memoranda of cooperation to enhance tourism promotion between Singapore and Lam Dong province.

HCM City, India eye further cooperation

Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen on October 17 morning received Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar who is on a working visit to the city.

He said that over the past 50 years, despite the volatile and complex world situation, the traditional friendship relations between Vietnam and India founded by President Ho Chi Minh and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries have been continuously consolidated and developed.

The official also congratulated the guest on the outcomes of the 18th meeting of the Vietnam-India Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Science and Technology Cooperation that he co-chaired in Hanoi on October 16.

He said the city has been implementing cooperative activities with India and will strive to actively contribute to the early realisation of the target of 20 billion USD in two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and India that the joint committee just approved.

Over the last few years, the relationship between the city and India has continuously been strengthened and developed in the fields of trade cooperation, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, he said, adding however that room remains for cooperation with Indian partners.

The official expressed his hope that India will continue to facilitate businesses from both sides to seek opportunities and promote cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, science - technology, and education.

For his part, the Indian ministe said India and Vietnam are both trying to overcome difficulties and challenges but share the desire to promote their cooperative relationship and ensure peace and stability in the region.

He spoke highly of Ho Chi Minh City's economic development and its role in promoting tourism, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar thanked the city for supporting and facilitating the activities of the Indian Consulate General in the city, saying he hopes India and the city will further promote economic, trade and investment, especially strengthen the cooperative relationship between businesses of both sides.

He said that many Indian businesses want to learn about and seek cooperation opportunities in fields such as pharmaceuticals and infrastructure construction.

HCM City Digital Transformation Week 2023 opens

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on October 17 opened the municipal Digital Transformation Week 2023 in response to the National Digital Transformation Day 2023 (October 10).

Within the framework of the event, departments, localities, and units across the city will organise activities throughout this month including the celebration of the National Digital Transformation Day in the fields of publishing, printing and distribution and seminars on life-enhancing technology, smart business management, smart home - smart moving, technology and the future of work, digital education technology and digital entertainment, and healthcare technology.

Vice Chairman of the Committee Duong Anh Duc said that the activities will help raise public awareness of the digital transformation process and its economic benefits and contributions to the city's socio-economic development.

At the opening session of the week, the event organisers announced the city’s digital platforms in 2023 including a digital map, a digital institutional map, a data-driven governance platform, and a digital transformation index.

Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, said that data and analysis, exploitation and connection of data are key factors in creating the success of cashless payments and digital transformation in the banking industry.

He said the municipal Digital Transformation Week creates a useful forum for managers and experts to exchange and share experiences to connect, exploit data, and develop non-cash payment services, aiming to provide safe services and utilities for people and businesses in the city in particular and the whole country in general.

Preparations for NA’s sixth plenary session discussed

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee discussed preparations for the upcoming sixth plenary session of the legislature during its ongoing 27th plenum on October 17.

NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong said that the plenary session is expected to last 22.5 days, with the opening ceremony on October 23 and the closing session on November 29. It will be divided into two stages, with the first from October 23 to November 10, and the second from November 20-29.

The legislative body will consider and approve nine draft laws and two resolutions, and give comments on eight draft laws, together with socio-economic and budget issues.

Notably, a vote of confidence will be conducted for those holding positions elected or approved by the National Assembly, said Cuong.

Regarding the detailed agenda, Cuong said that based on ideas collected, the NA will adjust the order, time and duration of consideration of some contents. Accordingly, there will be a separate group discussion for the draft Law on Social Insurance (amended).

Deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Bui Tuan Quang said that the question-and-answer (Q&A) sessions and the organisation of a vote of confidence at this plenary session are attracting much public concern.

EROPA conference considers public governance toward recovery, development

The 2023 conference of the Eastern Regional Organisation for Public Administration (EROPA) opened in Hanoi on October 17 under the theme "The Role of Public Governance in Socio-Economic Recovery and Development toward Sustainable Development Goals".

The event, hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and chaired by the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs, is attended by representatives of diplomatic agencies of nine state members of EROPA, the EROPA Secretary General, and about 500 Vietnamese and international delegates who are scholars and managers.

In her opening remarks, Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra said that Vietnam and many other countries are facing a number of impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on growth and sustainable development. Therefore, the selection of “The Role of Public Governance in Socioeconomic Recovery and Development” as the theme of the conference reflects EROPA’s role and sense of responsibility toward regional and global development issues.

During the pandemic, the slow response to development, climate change, and non-traditional security issues revealed shortcomings of global governance, she said, noting that in the face of the pandemic and development bottlenecks at the national and international levels, public governance is expected to have sufficient capability to deal with crises and create an effective national governance model.

This shows that together with global governance, national governance should be a true “launching pad” for development, Tra went on.

Sustainable development is becoming a global trend while many countries are opting for the digital economy, circular economy, and green growth. To promote sustainable development, the role of public governance and public administration in each country should be affirmed and reflected more fully, the minister added.

EROPA Secretary General Alex Brillantes Jr. said the 2023 conference aims to promote public administration to accelerate socioeconomic recovery and ensure the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The world is encountering numerous challenges, from the public health crises to concerns over environmental issues and social inequalities. To solve those challenges, public administration, public governance, and public services are becoming more necessary than ever, he remarked.

On October 16, the EROPA Executive Council convened a meeting to adopt the agenda of the 68th EROPA conference, elect the chair and vice chairs of the council for 2024 - 2025, and discuss the host country of the 2024 EROPA conference.
 
NAPA Director Assoc. Prof. and Dr Nguyen Ba Chien was elected Chairman of the EROPA Executive Council for 2024 - 2025.

EROPA, an international organisation of states, groups and individuals in the region of Asia and the Pacific, was founded in 1960 as a response to the common desire among developing and developed countries to promote regional cooperation in improving knowledge, systems and practices of government administration to help accelerate economic and social development.
 
It was the first organisation in the region to be devoted to the development of public administration in order to advance the economic and social development of countries in Asia and the Pacific.

Leader of German state optimistic about cooperation with Vietnam

Following a five-day visit to Vietnam earlier this month, Minister-President of the German state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) Stephan Weil said the trip has opened up major opportunities for cooperation between the German state and Vietnamese localities.

The over 50-strong delegation of Lower Saxony, including members of the state parliament, entrepreneurs and scientists, came to the country with a view to further intensifying economic relations and attracting young skilled labourers from Vietnam.

In a recent release, the Office of the Lower Saxony Minister-President cited Weil as saying that the visit was useful for creating opportunities to attract skilled Vietnamese workers to this state.

Despite geographical distance, Vietnam and Lower Saxony are connected with each other in multiple areas. Many products made in Vietnam are being sold at German stores while about 500 companies of the European country are operating in the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam is a fast growing market particularly attractive to Lower Saxony businesses, according to the official.

Weil said that he had thoroughly discussed with Vietnamese leaders, foreign language schools, and relevant agencies about the recruitment of skilled labourers for working in the restaurant, hotel and nursing sectors and many others in Germany.

Highly valuing the cooperation potential in these areas, the Minister-President said the visit’s outcomes were beyond expectations.

Lower Saxony wishes to partner with chambers of commerce and industry as well as associations to open training programmes. The training includes the German language, and specialised knowledge and technical skills needed in Germany. Companies will also need to help trainees to integrate with language training during the work process, along with other support measures, he noted.

He also pointed out the substantial potential for bilateral cooperation in wind and solar energy development as Vietnam is home to a 3,000km coastline and plenty of sunlight hours.

Weil said the conclusion of his visit was also the time for exploring economic connections between his state and Vietnam, a country boasting numerous opportunities for development and hospitable people, especially towards Germany.

ILO praises Vietnam's efforts in promoting decent work in supply chains

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) applauded Vietnam's efforts in collaborating with the agency in the field of labour statistics and implementing the Decent Work Country Programme at an international seminar in Geneva on October 16.

Jointly hosted by Vietnam and the ILO on the sidelines of the 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), the seminar aimed to introduce a project to survey the supply chain of decent jobs in the electronics industry in Vietnam.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to implementing sustainable development and decent work goals as well as working with social partners and the ILO in implementing various policies to promote an effective work environment to ensure the rights and benefits of both employers and employees.

Vietnam has concentrated on amending the Labour Code, promoting vocational training, and enhancing the social security system, especially in the context of challenging employment conditions caused by economic crises and disruptions in the global supply chain in recent times, Mai stressed.

The ILO has provided much appreciated cooperation and technical support for Vietnam since its official membership in 1992. This includes the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme Vietnam 2022 – 2026 signed between the ILO, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in March this year, she said.

According to Mai, the ILO has chosen Vietnam as a partner to implement its pilot project on fair work supply chain in the electronics industry in Vietnam.

In their speech, representatives of the ILO introduced the above-mentioned pilot project, saying that new statistical methods on labour and application of digital technology have been developed by the ILO from its practice of labour statistics over the past 20 years.

They emphasised the significance of the project, noting that it provides a practical database to help policymakers give views and accurate assessments. This improves the effectiveness of building and implementing labour and employment policies in the electronics industry, which can be applied in other industries and countries to promote the implementation of decent work goals for all people around the world.

The ILO representatives also spoke highly of Vietnam's cooperative efforts, and the active role played by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam and relevant agencies and organisations in implementing the project, saying that the results of the project will be the basis and model for the ILO to promote the widespread application of new statistical methods in countries, towards realising global decent work and sustainable development goals.

Held every five years, the ICLS offers a venue for experts in labour statistics from countries to discuss methods and standards in labour statistics, thereby promoting the implementation of the goals related to decent work and sustainable development, and improving the efficiency of the working environment.

The event will last until October 20.

HCM City welcomes over 30 million visitors in first nine months of 2023

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 27 million domestic visitors and about 3.5 million foreign tourists, up nearly 25% year-on-year, according to the municipal Department of Planning and Investment.

The city earned 125.5 trillion VND (5.16 billion USD) in revenue from tourism from January through September, an increase of 35.8% over the same period last year.

The number of passengers travelling to and from the city by air and train increased 37% and 53%, respectively. The volume of public passenger transport increased by 22.8% to around 300 million passengers.

The tourism industry's revenue is a very important contributor to the city's economy. Therefore, this year, the city set a target for the industry's revenue to reach 160 trillion VND, 10-15% higher than 2019, said Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of city's Department of Tourism.

The above stats show that the city has been able to attract tourists and gradually recover its tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, the city welcomed over 8.6 million international visitors and 32.8 million domestic tourists with total revenue of over 140 trillion VND.

To attract more tourists, the city's tourism industry immediately launched the programme "Welcome to HCM City” and “Each district has at least one attractive tourism destination”.

The city's tourism authority has cooperated with relevant agencies to survey and create many new tours and routes to upgrade and bring new experiences to tourists.

Local tourist sites such as Ben Thanh Market, Sai Gon Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum have been favoured among the visitors.

Currently, domestic and foreign tourists coming to HCM City can select new tours, such as a helicopter tour over HCM City, and the Sai Gon River tour to watch the sunset and see the beauty of the city at night.

Many foreign tourists are interested in discovering the beauty of the Sai Gon River. To facilitate the travel of passengers, the city authority has deployed three tram lines that connect quickly from the Bach Dang wharf to tourist landmarks in the city.

By 2025, it aims to develop at least 10 waterway tours and programmes linking seaports and river routes.

The city is striving to welcome about 500,000 visitors a year to the waterway tourism programmes in the 2023-24 period, and increase this number by 10% in the following years.

In addition, suburban districts, such as Can Gio and  Cu Chi, are also promoting the development of agri-l and eco-tourism in.

Moreover, the city is now focusing on developing more types of entertainment tourism, cuisine and services at night to create many new and unique tourism products to meet the increasing needs of tourists.

Also, it continues to focus on the development of healthcare and wellness, and waterway tourism offerings, which have great development potential and bring in much revenue for the city.

The municipal Department of Tourism has worked with 50 units, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, spas, travel companies and accommodation facilities to create 30 unique service packages that combine healthcare with visiting famous destinations to meet the needs of tourists.

In addition, with Vietnam’s new visa policy since August, the number of foreign tourists is expected to continue to increase, especially in the last months of the year - the peak period of tourism.

Vietnamese delegation attends defence exhibition in RoK

A high-ranking delegation of the Ministry of National Defence led by Major General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, on October 17 attended the opening of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2023) at Seoul Airport in Seongnam city in the Republic of Korea (RoK).

The Vietnamese delegation’s visit to the RoK from October 16-19 is being made at the invitation of the Korean Ministry of National Defence.

On October 17 morning, the delegation attended the ADEX 2023’s opening ceremony which also witnessed the presence of 114 military and defence officers from 55 countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that the RoK's defence industry is writing a new history of creating something new out of nothing. "From a country that once relied on aid and imports, today we have reached a level where not only did we independently develop high-tech fighter jets but export them," he said.

The President affirmed that the Korean government will establish a business ecosystem to sustain the growth of the RoK's defence industry.

ADEX 2023 taking place from October 17-22 has six indoor display areas and two outdoor display spaces. The indoor areas are mainly for product models and promotion spaces. Meanwhile, the outdoor areas are for defence products by domestic and foreign defence corporations.

Participants in ADEX 2023 are major enterprises in the RoK and across the world such as Hanwha, LIG Nex1, KAI, Poongsan, Korea Air, and Lockheed Martin.

The Vietnamese delegation visited booths, learning about products and seeking cooperation opportunities as well as the RoK’s event organisation process.

Officials of the host country and defence enterprises from other countries expressed appreciation for the participation of the Vietnamese delegation.

Within the framework of the delegation’s visit to the RoK, the Vietnamese delegation will attend exchange programmes with the RoK’s Ministry of National Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff on October 17 and 18.

Commander-in-Chief of Cambodian Armed Forces pays official visit to Vietnam

Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong chaired an official reception ceremony for and held talks with visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces General Vong Pisen in Hanoi on October 17.

Welcoming his guest, Cuong said the visit – which lasts from October 16 to 19 – will generate new momentum to further deepen the cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. Agreeing with Cuong, Vong Pisen expressed his belief that the trip will increase bilateral relations, friendship, and solidarity.

At the talks, both officers appreciated outcomes of joint work between their respective agencies and units since Cuong’s official visit to Cambodia in March last year. Such collaboration has been particularly prominent in delegation exchanges, defence policy dialogues at the deputy ministerial level, joint patrols, and the maintenance of various cooperation mechanisms.

They said border guard forces and military zones of both sides have collaborated well to ensure security and social order in the shared border areas, while an emphasis has been placed on educating the two peoples, particularly the younger generation, about the significance of solidarity and mutual support between the two countries and their armed forces.

In the time to come, both sides agreed to enhance their coordination to contribute to the sound development of friendly and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia. They will work to build reliable, effective, and substantial ties and coordinate to make recommendations on military and defence matters, thereby reaffirming the position of such cooperation as one of the vital pillars in the relationship.

The host and guest also stressed their commitment to increasing delegation exchanges and making the best use of cooperative mechanisms and models such as joint patrols, annual conferences, military-civilian solidarity, and young officer exchanges.

Priority will be given to collaboration in personnel training, they said, adding that joint activities will be launched to serve the first Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos border defence friendship exchange.

They held that, in the context of a complex global and regional environment, ASEAN-led mechanisms continue to play a central role in the region, promoting dialogue and cooperation among member states and external partners for peace, stability, and development regionally.

PM’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia significant to further relations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the ASEAN - Gulf Cooperation Council Summit (ASEAN-GCC) and pay a visit to Saudi Arabia from October 18- 20, at the invitation of Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The visit holds significance in further strengthening cooperative ties between two leading organisations in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region, fostering collaboration, enhancing political trust, and improving the effectiveness of cooperation between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

The upcoming Summit in Riyadh will mark the first time that leaders from ASEAN and GCC member states have come together.

Sharon Seah, a senior member and coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the Yusof Ishak Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak) based in Singapore, expressed her belief that the leaders will adopt an action plan for the upcoming period, aiming to create a new milestone in bilateral cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dang Xuan Dung said documents to be reached at the Summit will provide a solid foundation and further elevate the relationship between the two blocs, particularly in areas with high potential, such as the economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

All six GCC member countries are Vietnam's priority partners in the Middle East, with broad-ranging links across various areas, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, official development assistance (ODA), and labour.

At present, about 11,000 Vietnamese labourers are working in GCC countries. Vietnam is in the process of negotiating a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As part of the broader framework of ASEAN-GCC cooperation, the close partnership between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia over the past 24 years has made significant strides.

Two-way trade surpassed 2.7 billion USD last year, up 32.4% annually. Vietnam mostly exports mobile phones and components, apparel, wood and wooden furniture, cashew nuts, rice, machinery, equipment, and spare parts while importing raw plastics, chemicals, and liquefied petroleum gas from the Middle East country.

Many corporations and companies from Saudi Arabia are now involved in projects in Vietnam, such as the Zamil Steel Group and the Sabic Group. The Saudi Fund for Development has provided preferential loans for 13 projects with a total value of over 181 million USD. Around 4,000-5,000 Vietnamese labourers are working in Saudi Arabia.

Against such a backdrop, PM Chinh's visit to Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute to strengthening political trust, elevating the bilateral relationship to a more substantial and effective level across various aspects, including politics, diplomacy, the economy, trade, investment, and labour, toward celebrating the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

In particular, the visit is anticipated to yield specific cooperation results in trade and investment, with a focus on green growth, infrastructure, energy, industry, high technology, as well as create opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products to enter Saudi Arabia while making it easier for Saudi Arabia to receive more skilled Vietnamese workers.

Ambassador Dung said the PM's activities will focus on investment, economic relations, labour, and more. Several memoranda of understanding are scheduled to be signed, and ministries, agencies and businesses from both sides will have the opportunity to work and connect effectively together, especially through the business forum and other business meetings.

PM instructs urgent search for missing fishermen off Song Tu Tay Island

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 17 issued a dispatch on search and rescue efforts for fishermen on two sunken fishing vessels in the Song Tu Tay Island.

According to the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, at around 1:00 AM on October 17, the vessel QNa 90927 TS sank in the vicinity around 135 nautical miles northwest of Song Tu Tay island due to rough seas. A total of 37 fishermen were rescued by the vessel QNa 91782 TS, while one fisherman remains missing.

The day before, at around 7:30 PM, the vessel QNa 90129 TS sank due to a waterspout, about 120 nautical miles northeast of Song Tu Tay island. Some 40 fishermen were safely rescued by other vessels, but 14 others are still missing.

To promptly and urgently search and rescue fishermen on the two fishing vessels, PM Chinh asked the Ministry of National Defence to direct units and relevant forces to continue working closely with the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to pool all available resources for the effort.

The People’s Committees of central cities and provinces were assigned to collaborate with the MoT to mobilise vessels currently anchored or operating in the above area for rescue efforts.

As weather situation in the central region is uncertain, the PM required ministries and authorities of central cities and provinces to continue following dispatches on disaster response and post-flood recovery.

The Government Office must direct the relevant stakeholders to effectively follow the dispatch, and promptly report any arising issues or difficulties in implementation to the PM.

Book by Greek hero of Vietnam People’s Armed Forces introduced

The “Su That” (Truth) National Political Publishing House in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy in Greece held a seminar on October 17 to introduce the book “Vietnam - My Second Homeland” by Hero of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces Kostas Sarantidis – Nguyen Van Lap.

The book was translated from the memoirs and diaries of Kostas Sarantidis – Nguyen Van Lap, a Greek who fought alongside the Vietnamese people for many years and was deeply attached to Vietnam as his second homeland.

Asso. Prof Vu Trong Lam, Director and Editor-in-Chief of the publishing house, said the book is a spiritual gift to fraternal Greek people and generations of Vietnamese and Greek people who have made significant contributions to establishing, maintaining and developing the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Greece.

Born in 1927, Kostas Sarantidis - Nguyen Van Lap was was sent to Vietnam as a soldier in the French army in February 1946.  Witnessing the French colonialists’ barbaric crimes against Vietnamese people and realising the just nature of the fight against France, in June 1946, he fled from the French army to a liberated area in Binh Thuan province and joined the Viet Minh force in the resistance war. Since then, he became a friend and a comrade of Vietnamese people who called him by the name Kostas Nguyen Van Lap.

He was honoured by the Vietnamese Party and State several times, including the first-class Feat Order, the Friendship Order, the third-class Victory Order, and the second-class Resistance Order. In particular, he was granted the Vietnamese nationality in 2010 and then the "Hero of the People’s Armed Forces" title in 2013, becoming the first and only foreigner to be bestowed with this title so far.

Conference discusses agenda for 15th NA’s sixth session

The Party Delegation of the National Assembly and the Government’s Party Civil Affairs Committee convened a conference in Hanoi on October 17 to discuss preparations for the sixth session of 15th legislature.

Speaking at the event, NA Secretary-General and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong said during the mid-term session, the legislature will undertake a substantial workload with many crucial matters which require thorough and timely preparation.

He said agencies of the NA and Government have coordinated closely with relevant agencies and organisations to prepare contents to be submitted to the 6th NA session. 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said just one day after the 5th NA session concluded, the Government immediately met to assign tasks on preparing contents to be submitted to the 6th session. He affirmed that Government agencies have collaborated effectively with NA agencies in this field. 

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue urged relevant agencies to continue working closely together on preparations to ensure the quality of contents, issues and bills to be presented to the legislature during the meeting, including those that are particularly challenging and complex.

For major issues with different opinions and options, he said competent agencies should thoroughly explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option to facilitate discussions at the NA, thus ensuring the quality of the law making work during the session.

PM welcomes Commander-in-Chief of Cambodian armed forces

Vietnam always gives top priority to the continuous strengthening and development of the good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive and long-term sustainable cooperation with Cambodia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces General Vong Pisen during a reception in Hanoi on October 17.

He briefed the Cambodian military leader on Vietnam's external relations direction and "four-nos" defence policy, and affirmed that Vietnam always supports an independent, self-reliant, peaceful and prosperous Cambodia that plays an increasingly prominent role on the international stage. 

The PM believed that under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the close direction of the Government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia will continue to achieve even more accomplishments in the future.

General Pisen informed the host about the results of talks between the delegations of the Cambodian armed forces and the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, stressing that the Cambodian and Vietnamese armies will enhance coordination, continue to effectively carry out cooperation activities, thus making important contributions to the development of the friendly, comprehensive, and sustainable relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

In reply, PM Chinh wished that the two armies would take the lead in nurturing Vietnam-Cambodia relations and stepping up cooperation across the board, including personnel training, sharing of information and experience to effectively address long-standing or emerging issues at the grassroots level.

He suggested that both sides should step up exchange activities and joint border patrols, protect borderlines and markers, and prevent cross-border crimes, thus contributing to maintaining security and order in border areas, promoting cross-border trade and people-to-people exchange, thus building a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Minister commits support for ties between Vietnamese, Cambodian armies

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence always supports and creates the best conditions for cooperation between the Vietnamese and Cambodian armies, said Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang.

During a reception in Hanoi on October 17 for Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces General Vong Pisen, Giang congratulated Cambodia on its achievements in internal and external affairs led by the Cambodian People’s Party over the past more than seven decades, especially the success of the seventh National Assembly election in July.

He believed that under the leadership of the Government and Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia will score greater achievements in the near future, thus improving its position and role on the international stage.

Speaking highly of the outcomes of talks in the afternoon the same day between Pisen and Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Tan Cuong, Giang praised the extensive and effective cooperation in various areas between the two sides, particularly in personnel training, experience sharing, border protection, and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms, notably those led by ASEAN.

He proposed that the Vietnamese and Cambodian armies seek new, practical and effective ways to contribute to improving the role of defence ties in the overall relationship between the two countries.

On the occasion, he invited leaders of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence and army to the second Vietnam International Defence Expo and celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army next year.

Pisen, for his part, expressed his profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, army and people for their significant support to Cambodia in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, helping Cambodia escape from the genocide and rebuild its socio-economic infrastructure.

Impressed by events held by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, including the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022, he affirmed that the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence and army would continue supporting activities held by Vietnam in the coming time.

45th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting held in HCM City

The 45th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting (MTWG 45) was hosted by the Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA) in Ho Chi Minh City on October 17, with ASEAN member states and dialogue partners from the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea and China taking part.

The VMA serves as chair of the group and hosts the meeting this year under the rotating mechanism of ASEAN.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, VMA Director General Le Do Muoi underlined the importance of strengthening transportation connectivity in ASEAN.

ASEAN always considers connectivity and integration one of its top priorities in realising the ASEAN Economic Community, contributing to tapping the advantages of a dynamic ASEAN economic region with great potential.

As Vietnam is the host country for the 2022-2023 term, he believed that the outcomes of the 42nd, 43rd and 44th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) held in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang have produced significant value toward the common goal of the ASEAN community.

He also proposed that at this meeting, delegates continue to find solutions to enhance the connectivity of high-quality maritime transport methods.

The MTWG 45 will discuss the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025, new initiatives in the maritime transport sector for sustainable recovery and development after the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress of the 2022-2023 Action Plan for cargo traffic and waste management from ships.

Participants will also explore future cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and engage in talks with dialogue partners, ASEAN regional associations to propose solutions for the next action plan in the application of smart technology in the transport sector.

To facilitate maritime transport activities among member countries, Vietnam already signed bilateral maritime/shipping agreements with ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Myanmar.

President meets top Chinese legislator in Beijing

President Vo Van Thuong met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji in Beijing on October 17, the first day of his trip to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

At the meeting, Thuong stressed that besides attending the third BRF, his trip is also aimed at continuing to concretise and implement the common conception reached by the top leaders of both parties and countries during the visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in late October last year.

The Vietnamese President affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam always consider building and developing a good relationship with the Chinese Party, State and people as a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy. In response, Zhao stressed that the friendly relationship with Vietnam is always valued by the Chinese Party, Government, and people, and is a top priority in China's neighbouring diplomacy.
 
Discussing measures to promote bilateral relations in the near future, President Thuong proposed both sides increase all-level contacts, strengthen political trust and improve the quality and efficiency of their cooperation in all areas with a focus on promoting balanced and sustainable trade growth. He suggested China increase the import of Vietnamese goods, particularly farm produce, and promote investment cooperation and multi-modal transport connectivity with Vietnam. The leader also recommended enhancing people-to-people exchanges, with an emphasis on cultural exchange and tourism cooperation.  
 
Lauding these proposals, Zhao affirmed that China wants to maintain high-level exchanges and work together to determine the major directions for collaboration between the two parties and countries in the time to come. He suggested both sides deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, with the strategic connectivity between the Two Corridors, One Belt framework and the Belt and Road Initiative as the top priority. It is also necessary to promote economic and trade ties, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges to achieve even greater results, he noted.

Thuong said the National Assembly of Vietnam and the NPC should expand exchanges, cooperation, and experience sharing in law building, supervision, anti-corruption, and the development and improvement of socialist rule-of-law states. Zhao proposed the two lawmaking bodies strengthen friendly exchanges, deepen collaboration in various areas, and coordinate closely and effectively at multilateral parliamentary forums.

Regarding maritime issues, the leaders agreed to carry out the high-level common conception and exercise proper control and addressing of differences, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region. President Thuong proposed that both sides respect each other's legitimate interests, abide by international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and avoid allowing maritime issues to affect the bilateral relationship.

Vietnamese efforts in promoting decent work in supply chains praised

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) applauded the nation’s efforts in collaborating with the agency in the field of labour statistics and carrying out the Decent Work Country Programme at an international seminar held on October 16 in Geneva.

Jointly hosted by Vietnam and the ILO on the sidelines of the 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), the seminar was designed to introduce a project aimed at surveying the supply chain of decent jobs in the electronics industry in the nation.

In her opening remarks at the event, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organisations in Geneva, reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to implementing sustainable development and decent work goals. This is along with working alongside social partners and the ILO in implementing various policies aimed at promoting an effective work environment to ensure the rights and benefits of both employers and employees.

The country has concentrated on amending the Labour Code, promoting vocational training, and enhancing the social security system, especially amid challenging employment conditions caused by economic crises and disruptions occurring in the global supply chain over recent times, Ambassador Mai stressed.

The ILO has provided much appreciated co-operation and technical support for Vietnam since its official membership in 1992. This includes the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme Vietnam 2022 – 2026 signed between the ILO, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in March this year, she said.

According to the diplomat, the ILO has chosen the nation as a partner to implement its pilot project on fair work supply chain in the electronics industry in Vietnam.

In their speech, representatives of the ILO introduced the pilot project, saying that new statistical methods on labour and application of digital technology have been developed by the ILO from its practice of labour statistics over the past 20 years.

They underscored the significance of the project, noting that it provides a practical database in order to help policymakers offer their views and provide accurate assessments. This therefore serves to improve the overall effectiveness of building and implementing labour and employment policies in the electronics industry, which can be applied in other industries and countries to promote the implementation of decent work goals for all people around the world.

The ILO representatives also applauded Vietnamese co-operative efforts, along with the active role played by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam and relevant agencies and organisations in implementing the project. They noted that the results of the project will serve as the basis and model for the ILO to speed up the widespread application of new statistical methods in countries, towards realising global decent work and sustainable development goals.

Held every five years, the ICLS offers a venue for experts in labour statistics from countries aimed at discussing methods and standards in labour statistics, thereby accelerating the implementation of the goals related to decent work and sustainable development, and improving the efficiency of the working environment.

The event will run until October 20.

HCM City, India seek broader cooperation

Nguyen Van Nen, secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, hosted a reception on October 17 for Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar who is on a working visit to the southern city.

He said that over the past five decades, despite the volatile and complex global situation, the traditional friendship between the nation and India founded by President Ho Chi Minh and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries, thereby continuously being consolidated and developed.

The official also congratulated the guest on the outcomes of the 18th meeting of the Vietnam-India Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Science and Technology Cooperation that he co-chaired on October 16 in Hanoi.
  
He said the southern city has been launching co-operative activities with India and will strive to actively contribute to the early realization of the bilateral trade target of US$20 billion that the joint committee recently approved.

Over the last few years the relationship between the city and India has continuously been strengthened and developed in the fields of trade ties, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, he said, adding that room remains to build ties with Indian partners.

The official expressed his hope that India will continue to facilitate businesses from both sides to seek opportunities and boost co-operation in fields such as trade, tourism, science - technology, and education.

For his part, the Indian Minister said that the two countries are both trying to overcome difficulties and challenges, although they share the desire to promote their relationship whilst ensuring peace and stability in the region.

He hailed Ho Chi Minh City's economic development and its role in enhancing tourism, trade, and investment linkages between the two countries.

Minister Jaishankar went on to thank the southern city for supporting and facilitating the activities of the Indian Consulate General locally, saying he hopes that India and the city will further promote economic, trade, and investment, especially focusing on strengthening the co-operative relationship between both sides’ businesses.

He said that many Indian businesses are keen to learn about and seek collaboration opportunities in fields such as pharmaceuticals and infrastructure construction.

Vietnam shares experience in public administration to achieve impressive growth

Vietnam, through the National Academy of Public Administration and the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA) is hosting the 2023 EROPA Conference and General Assembly from October 17 to October 20 with the theme of “The Role of Public Governance in Socio-Economic Recovery and Development Towards the Sustainable Development Goals”.      

The event featured the participation of representatives of various diplomatic agencies of nine national members of EROPA, along with about 300 international delegates and 200 delegates who are scholars, managers, and leaders of ministries and agencies.
  
In her opening speech, Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra expressed her expectation that the event will provide profound and comprehensive insights into public administration reform and civil service reform.

Furthermore, the occasion also aims to supplement and further develop the philosophy of public administration in a multivariate environment, while together finding breakthrough solutions in civil service reform as a means of promoting sustainable development.

The Minister of Home Affairs stated that Vietnam, like many other countries, is facing many consequences moving into the post-COVID period, directly impacting growth and sustainable development.

Therefore, the choice of public administration with the goal of socio-economic recovery and development is the major theme of the EROPA Conference, showcasing the role and responsibility of EROPA amid issues on regional and global development that must be resolved.

Minister Tra clearly stated that sustainable development is now becoming an overarching trend in the world, whilst the digital economy, circular economy, and green growth are the development models chosen by many countries.

As a means of creating sustainable development, the role of public administration and civil service in each country needs to be affirmed and expressed more fully, she went on to say.

The Vietnamese Minister commented that the efforts of the civil service and public administration in the nation have been demonstrated by achievements in maintaining growth over a long period of time, with the nation enjoying an impressive growth rate of 8.02% last year.

From being put into practice in Vietnam, it shows that in order to promote sustainable development, the country's public service must truly be a driving force for development, she added.

“The civil service needs to be able to identify development opportunities and deeply recognize potential risks that can harm sustainable development, and make policy choices to harmonise economic, cultural, social and environmental goals.

The civil service also needs the ability to create an attractive investment environment to attract investment projects with advanced technology, new technology, high technology, modern management, innovation, and global supply chain connection in order to boost rapid and sustainable growth," Minister Tra said.

Upon addressing the opening session, Alex Brillantes JR., secretary general of EROPA, also said that the world is facing plenty of challenges in many aspects, from the public health crisis to environmental concerns and social inequality. As a means of solving these challenges, the role of public administration becomes increasingly important and urgent.

Accordingly, Brillantes affirmed that with more than 150 research documents focusing on socio-economic recovery and development, innovating public administration, and improving public administration capacity, the knowledge and experience presented at the conference will certainly open the door to further opportunities for knowledge creation for comprehensive development.

As the host, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ba Chien, director of the National Academy of Public Administration and head of Vietnam's EROPA state-level member delegation, emphasised the message of the conference and the positive role of EROPA in terms of accelerating the effective implementation of governance in member states.

“We believe that the spirit of cooperation and unity of will will be a solid basis for EROPA's practical actions, aiming to realize important goals towards building a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous world,” Dr. Chien said.

The EROPA 2023 conference is getting underway from October 16 to October 20, with a specific focus on in-depth discussion on three sub-topics, including "practices of socio-economic recovery and development: issues raised and requirements for management innovation", "Innovating public administration to promote socio-economic recovery and development", and "Building public administration capacity to boost socio-economic recovery and development".

PM urges search and rescue on missing fishermen

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday urged the National Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, as well as ministries and local authorities in the central region, to urgently search for fishermen missing after two vessels sunk off Song Tử Tây Island (Southwest Cay) of Việt Nam’s Trường Sa (Spratly Islands).

Reports from the Việt Nam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre showed that at around 1.00am on Tuesday, the fishing boat QNa 90927 TS was hit by bad weather and sank approximately 135 nautical miles off the island.

A total of 37 fishermen were rescued by the fishing boat QNa 91782 TS, while one fisherman remained missing.

Around 7.30pm on Monday, the fishing boat QNa 90129 TS with 54 member crews sank due to a tornado, about 70 nautical miles off the island. In total, 40 fishermen were safely rescued by other passing vessels, leaving 14 fishermen missing.

By Tuesday noon, the search and rescue teams have found two of the missing, identified as Đỗ Văn Hải and Đặng Minh Vương, both residing in Tam Giang Commune in Núi Thành District. Despite initial first-aid efforts, due to prolonged submersion in the sea, their health had deteriorated, and they both died. Currently, there are still 12 fishermen from this fishing boat who remain unaccounted for.

In the Directive No.970/CĐ-TTg, PM Chính instructed the National Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, ministers, and chairpersons of the people's committees of the localities in the central region to focus on the search and rescue tasks. It would cooperate with the Ministry of Transport, local authorities and relevant agencies to enhance the direction of effective search and rescue activities, ensuring the absolute safety of individuals and assets involved.

The Ministry of National Defence was requested to coordinate closely with relevant units and forces to maximise resources and promptly implement search and rescue measures for the missing fishermen.

The people's committees of localities in the central region, including Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên-Huế, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi, Bình Định, Phú Yên, Khánh Hoà, Ninh Thuận, Bình Thuận and Đà Nẵng City would work with the Ministry of Transport to review vessels moored or operating in the sea areas to participate in the search and rescue work.

Currently, the weather conditions in the central region are very complicated. PM Chính instructed relevant ministries and local authorities in the central region to strictly implement Directive No. 898/CĐ-TTg issued on September 28, 2023, on concentrating efforts to respond and overcome the consequences of heavy rains and floods, and Directive No. 950/CĐ-TTg issued on October 12, 2023, on proactive flood response in the central region.

All relevant units and vehicles should be ready to respond to emergency situations, perform rescue and relief operations as needed, he said.

The Government Office would closely monitor and urge the related ministries, agencies, and localities to effectively implement the Directive and report any issues or difficulties encountered in a timely manner to the Prime Minister.

The Quảng Nam Province’s disaster prevention and rescue and search centre said rescue forces have set off to search for the missing fishermen. Seven other fishing boats joined the search.

Last week, 14 fishermen from Thanh Hóa were rescued off the coast of Đà Nẵng after encountering difficulties.

On Tuesday morning, the low pressure system in the southwest sea of the Hoàng Sa (Paracel) Islands strengthened into a tropical depression.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) said that from now until Thursday, the area from Quảng Trị Province to Quảng Nam Province would see severe heavy rain with accumulation of 100-250mm, in some places over 350mm.

Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Ngãi and Kon Tum provinces would have moderate rain, some places having heavy rain. Average accumulation would be 40-150mm, but in some places it would reach over 200mm.

From Thursday, northern and north central regions are likely to experience heavy rain.

People should be aware of the risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and flooding of rice and agricultural crops in low-lying areas.

CIG officially launched, students have chance to shine in sports

Hà Nội University trounced Phương Đông University 74-18 in the opening basketball match of the Collegiate Indoor Games (CIG) 2023 which officially began on Monday in Hà Nội.

Hà Nội were better both technically and physically, dominating the game from start to finish.

Their forwards and defenders met no difficulties scoring and protecting their basket, making them a title candidate for the championship trophy.

However, all later matches of the day were delayed because of an unexpected technical problem at the venue.

The match, organised at the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium, was within the framework of the first CIG for students in Hà Nội.

Earlier, seven matches were held. Among them, University of Transport Technology beat National Academy of Public Administration 73-25; University of Economics - Technology for Industries won 39-26 over Phenikaa University; and Hanoi Medical University lost 33-39 to University of Engineering and Technology.

The CIG also includes futsal tournament which will begin in the next few days.

The tournament is jointly organised by the MyTV Company, Amita Sport Communication Group Company and B Plus Company.

"Amita Sport focuses on amateur sports and wants to push the develop the sport practise in colleges," said Hoàng Anh Quân, head of the organising board.

"These two elements are main reasons that make us to organise an indoor games that includes basketball and futsal, the first ever tournament for students in Hà Nội. We hope that these activities will help push the development for both sports in the city."

As many as 28 teams from the city-based universities, academies and colleges are taking part in the inaugurated Games which will wrap up on October 22.

It is under the technical support of the Hà Nội Basketball Federation and Hà Nội Football Federation.

All matches are broadcast live and exclusive on MyTV channels.

According to organisers, the Games will be held annually to push the development of college sports. It hopes to discover talented players for Hà Nội's U23 basketball squad and the U23 futsal side of Thái Sơn Bắc FC.

Shaw claims inaugural Hanoi Open championship

Jayson Shaw came from behind to win the first Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2023 after defeating Albin Ouschan in the final match on October 15 in Hà Nội.

With roughly 2,500 raucous fans packed inside the Mỹ Đình Indoor Athletics Palace, Shaw endured a nervy start, missing his pots and squandering opportunities. It allowed Ouschan to open up a 4-0 advantage.

Ouschan scratched on a combination and allowed the 2017 US Open champion Shaw to get on the board. The Scottish world No 6 claimed back-to-back racks to reduce the gap to 4-3.

Shaw restored parity at five apiece but Austrian Ouschan continued to display solid safety play and soon regained and extended his lead. A nice escape during another safety battle followed by an opportune break and run saw him move 10-5 ahead.

An unwanted scratch off the break from Ouschan allowed Shaw back to the table, and the Brit claimed back-to-back racks. 

Shaw remained resilient and patient nonetheless and continued to chip away before eventually levelling up at 11 apiece and then 12 apiece.

Ouschan was breaking for the championship but the went in off into middle pocket and gave Shaw ball in hand with a kind layout. He cleared the table without any trouble to seal the US$30,000 top prize. 

Speaking to media after his win, Shaw said the victory was for his little son who often asked if I lost when he came back home from tournaments. However, this time he could told the boy that his father was the champion.

Through the six-day championship, supporters had chances to watch a collection of world class players such as world number one Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz, number two Shane Van Boening and number five Fedor Gorst through their interesting games.

The organisers also invited legendary Efren Reyes of the Philippines to play two exhibition matches.

The Magician has won over 100 international titles lost 7-10 to Vietnamese nine-time national champion Nguyễn Anh Tuấn before beating billiards phenomenon Đỗ Khải 7-4.

The tournament was jointly organised by Matchroom, the world leader in hosting, promoting and broadcasting nine-ball pool, Hà Nội People's Committee and Vietcontent. 

Danang vegetable prices sharply increase amid heavy rains

Vegetable prices in Danang City and Quang Nam Province in the central region of Vietnam have considerably risen because of torrential rains.

Since October 13, many localities in the central region of Vietnam, including Danang and Quang Nam, have been experiencing heavy rains. This has flooded large areas of crops, including vegetables.

At Tan Lap and Dong Da markets in Danang, vegetable prices have doubled. Meanwhile, there has been scarcity of some kinds of different vegetables.

For instance, each bundle of water spinach, sweet potato leaves and Ceylon spinach have increased from VND10,000 to VND15,000. The price of kale has surged from VND30,000 per kilo to VND50,000-60,000 per kilo. Various types of herbs like coriander and basil are in high demand and not available for sale.

Loan, a trader from Dong Da Market said that vegetables are mainly sourced from Danang and Quang Nam, however, torrential rains have resulted in the inundation, affecting vegetable supply.

“Over the past three days, the supply of fresh vegetables to Dong Da Market has sharply fallen,” Loan added.

Another trader from the market said that vegetable prices are increasing, but she still failed to buy some kinds of herbs to sell due to the scarcity.

According to Nguyen Thi Ha from Thanh Khe District, her family’s vegetable costs have doubled these days.

If the rain continues, vegetable prices in Danang and Quang Nam will continue to increase in the coming time.

On October 12-15, Danang City’s total rainfall was estimated at 700-900mm, with 28 hectares of crops under water, mostly in Cam Le and Hoa Vang districts.

Bomb found at Lao Cai school site

A bomb has been found at a construction site in Bao Ha Primary School in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai's Bao Yen District.

Chairman of Bao Ha Commune People's Committee, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, told the Tien Phong Newspaper on Monday evening that the bomb was found at 3 pm the same day when construction workers were doing site clearance to build some new classrooms at the school.

"The excavator revealed a bomb with its detonator intact lying some 4 metres underground," Hung said. "Right after receiving the information, we asked them to immediately stop construction work. We've also closed the Bao Ha Primary School and nearby Hoa Sen Kindergarten to ensure the safety of over 600 students. Two nearby households have also been asked to temporarily move while local authorities remove the bomb from the site."

The area has been cordoned off while the military safely removes the bomb.

Earlier on August 8, Lao Cai Provincial Military Command safely detonated an MK-82 bomb left from the American War at a forest in Sapa Town.

Mahatma Gandhi bust inaugurated in HCMC

A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Tao Dan Park in HCMC on October 17, marking a significant step in strengthening the India-Vietnam relationship.

The event was attended by the Consul Generals of Indonesia and Sweden, leaders from the HCMC Food and Foodstuff Association, and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam, along with Vietnamese government officials, among others.

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, said that the relationship between India and Vietnam was established during Vietnam’s President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to India in 1958.

He noted that bilateral ties have remained strong and have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.

 India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar speaks at the event, stating, “Today’s inauguration pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and symbolizes the enduring ties between India and this vibrant city, which has many connections with India.”

Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, highlighted the event’s importance in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and India. Duc also pointed out the similarities between the leadership philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh, emphasizing both nations’ commitment to fostering bilateral relations.

“I am confident that the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in New Delhi and that of Mahatma Gandhi in HCMC not only honor these great heroes but also serve as symbols of our national cultures. They remind the future generations of a time when our forefathers fought together for independence, freedom, and peace for both countries and humanity at large,” Duc said.

The inauguration event signifies the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Vietnam, underpinned by shared history and values.

Dairy product origin to be traced after two deaths, one hospitalization

The Vietnam Food Administration ordered to trace of dairy product origin after two deaths, and one hospitalization.

The Vietnam Food Administration under the Ministry of Health yesterday sent an official dispatch to the Department of Health of the Mekong Delta Province of Tien Giang requesting to verify the culprit of the poisoning cases resulting in two deaths and one hospitalization in Hoa Hung Commune in Cai Be district after drinking powdered dairy product.

The food safety watchdog also requested the Department of Health of Tien Giang Province to coordinate with the Department of Health of Vinh Long to direct hospitals where the patients are treated to focus on curing them.

At the same time, the food watchdog directed responsible agencies to coordinate with local product management agencies to trace the origin of milk products which was suspected to be the culprit of two deaths and one hospitalization by taking samples for testing while asking the stoppage of the dairy product circulation in the market. Local authorities must pay a visit to the production facility and suspend dairy product production facilities. After the test result is produced, investigation bodies must publicize it in mass media.

According to investigation agencies’ initial information, on the morning of October 14, an 85-year-old Pham Thi Phan found her 45-year-old son dead. The family thought he died of a disease, so they did not report his death to the local authorities but held a funeral.

In the evening of the same day, the old woman drank a glass of powdered milk prepared by her daughter. Immediately afterward, Ms. Phan showed signs of chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and vomiting and died after about 5 minutes. Her family thought she also died due to illness so they did not report it to the local authorities as well.

However, another son of the old woman drank a glass of the powdered milk while attending her funeral in the next day; the man soon developed symptoms of headache, dizziness, and vomiting after drinking only 50ml of the powdered milk.

His family immediately rushed him to the general hospital in Vinh Long Province where he was decided to transfer to Ho Chi Minh City-based Cho Ray Hospital for further treatment with a diagnosis of acute milk poisoning.

Currently, the authorities are carrying out further investigations for clarification of the culprit.

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