Eight sub-projects out of 12 to build the North-South Expressway in the 2021-25 period are reportedly behind schedule due to difficulties in site clearance and a lack of construction material sources.

The behind-schedule sub-projects include Bãi Vọt-Hàm Nghi; Hàm Nghi-Vũng Áng; Quảng Ngãi-Hoài Nhơn; Hoài Nhơn-Quy Nhơn, Quy Nhơn-Chí Thạnh, Chí Thạnh-Vân Phong, Cần Thơ-Hậu Giang and Hậu Giang-Cà Mau.

According to a report from the Construction Investment Management Department under the Ministry of Transport, as of September 20, the land clearance for the sub-projects to build the expressway reached 92.5 per cent.

The construction work was implemented on 613.6km out of the total 721.5 km of the second phase expressway, reaching 85 per cent of the plan.

The department highlighted several causes for the delays. The slow construction of resettlement areas compared to the planned schedule was a significant factor.

The provinces of Bạc Liêu, Cà Mau and Hậu Giang, and Cần Thơ City through which the expressway passes, only completed 56 out of 147 resettlement areas for local people whose land was taken to build the expressway.

Furthermore, the relocation of complex technical infrastructure works, especially the high voltage power system, was not finished as planned, according to the department.

The capacity of sand mines currently being exploited in the central province of Hà Tĩnh (where the expressway’s section of Bãi Vọt-Hàm Nghi is located) did not meet the demand for treating soft soil for that section.

Investor reports indicated that coordination between local component projects was challenging due to unclear procedures. Investors were unsure about the procedures to be applied for each sub-project or for the entire project.

In response, the ministry has instructed the People’s Committees of the localities through which the expressway runs to accelerate land clearance activities, address issues in building the resettlement areas for locals, and ensure a sufficient supply of construction materials for the expressway.

Localities have also been advised to report difficulties beyond the ministry’s capacity to the ministry itself, so it can report to the Government and the Prime Minister during steering committee meetings.

The ministry has asked the sub-project management boards to collaborate with contractors and localities to open new sand mines for the expressway construction by October at the latest.

Additionally, the ministry has directed the project management boards to ensure contractors begin building bridges and underground tunnels in line with roadbed construction progress, ensuring synchronisation and continuity throughout the expressway.

The project management boards have been instructed to take strict action against contractors who do not adhere to the agreed progress as per the contract, as stated by the department.

The expressway, with a total length of 2,063km, when completed, will span from the northern border province of Lạng Sơn to the southernmost province of Cà Mau. 

It will traverse 32 provinces and cities, connecting four key economic regions, including the two major economic hubs – Hà Nội and HCM City. 

Vietnam Coast Guard ship visits Japan

Ship CSB 8002 with a working delegation of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) on board, docked at Shinko port in Japan’s Kobe city on October 2, starting a visit and exchange programme with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).

Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation, Hattori, Commander of the JCG’s Region 5, emphasised that the visit of ship CSB 8004 to Japan was one of the most meaningful activities as it coincided with the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations.

He said the visit will contribute to further strengthening cooperation between the two forces, promoting the friendship between the two countries and realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

On behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, Colonel Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Region 1, thanked the hosts for their warm welcome.

Hai said he hoped the visit will tighten the relations between the two forces and they will have opportunities to exchange experience and strengthen coordination to deal with challenges in traditional and non-traditional security issues at sea.

The Vietnamese coast guard ship departed for the Japan visit on September 24 and travelled nearly 2,300 nautical miles.

PM urges stronger cooperation with Germany’s Lower Saxony state

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has highlighted potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Germany and its Lower Saxony state, and suggested the two sides step up cooperation in different areas.

At a reception for visiting Minister-President of Lower Saxony Stephan Weil in Hanoi on October 2, PM Chinh affirmed that Germany is Vietnam’s leading economic partner in the European Union (EU) and ample room remains for the two countries to enhance their collaboration in many spheres.

The host leader expressed his hope for a more intensive strategic partnership with Germany in general and Lower Saxony in particular.

He used this occasion to thank the German government and people for their support to Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence, and the present cause of national construction and development, and for their solidarity during the fight against COVID-19, helping Vietnam control the pandemic and reopen its doors.

The PM emphasised that trade between Vietnam and Lower Saxony was valued at 1.4 billion EUR (1.46 billion USD) last year, equivalent to one-tenth of the trade revenue between the two countries.

The two sides should foster cooperation in politics and diplomacy, trade-investment, climate change response, vocational training, and people-to-people exchange, he suggested.

PM Chinh also called on the German state’s authorities to encourage local businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian nation in the areas where both sides have strengths and demand like high-tech, digital transformation, and climate change response, while supporting the German parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and urging the European Commission (EC) to remove its “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood.

The Vietnamese government, ministries, agencies and localities always back and stand ready to create favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Germany, to operate in the country, he stressed.

In reply, Weil, who is accompanied by representatives of more than 40 businesses from Lower Saxony, congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in socio-economic development and foreign affairs, noting the authorities and business community of the state highly value cooperation potential between the two sides and wish to establish partnerships with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, localities and enterprises.

He shared PM Chinh’s views on priority cooperation areas, especially trade-investment, climate change response, renewable energy, the training of skilled workers, and tourism.

The official pledged to make efforts to promote the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in a more practical and effective way.

Non-stop automatic toll collection proposed for Nội Bài, Tân Sơn Nhất airports

A proposal to pilot non-stop automatic toll collection in Nội Bài and Tân Sơn Nhất international airports has been submitted by the Department for Roads of Vietnam. 

The document reported that manual fee collection is still the norm in multiple airports’ parking lots in the country, which is time-consuming and leads to traffic congestion. 

The proposal asked the transport ministry to report the situation to the Prime Minister and allow for non-stop automatic toll collection in Nội Bài and Tân Sơn Nhất airports for a duration of six months. 

A representative of the Department of Roads of Vietnam said that the pilot programme is conducted on the basis of benefits for service users, society and project effectiveness. 

The programme is also expected to effectively make use of the investments into non-stop automatic toll collection, while also serving as the foundation for evaluation and perfecting the legal frameworks, the department’s representative added. 

Since automatic toll collection has been applied for expressways since August 1 last year, the Department of Roads of Vietnam reported that there are now five million automobiles with electronic toll tags installed and toll payment accounts, which equals 90 per cent of the total number of vehicles in the country.

Experts have said that scaling up automatic toll collection to airports and parking lots is necessary and in line with the development trajectory for smart traffic, serving the needs of service users and maximising the investment efficiency of projects. 

Labour ministry proposes delay of 2024 regional minimum wage increase

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has proposed delaying a salary negotiation meeting until the fourth quarter of 2023 because there is not enough scientific and practical basis to propose a time to adjust the regional minimum wage.

Accordingly, MOLISA has sent an Official Dispatch to the Government Office to delay the submission of the decree stipulating the minimum wage for employees working under labour contracts.

The ministry was assigned to develop the decree and submit it to the Government in October 2023.

MOLISA said that the economy in the second quarter and the first months of the third quarter this year has shown signs of improvement.

However, the global and regional socio-economic and security situation continues to have complex and unpredictable fluctuations affecting Việt Nam’s economy.

Businesses are facing many difficulties as exports plummet and foreign investment stagnates.

At the end of August, the National Wage Council issued a written report to the Government to consider the minimum wage plan for 2024.

It clearly stated that the economic impacts had not yet been fully evaluated and the socio-economic situation had not been predicted for the coming time, therefore, there is not enough scientific and practical basis to propose a time to adjust the regional minimum wage.

The National Wage Council asked the Government to allow a delay of the salary negotiation meeting and to postpone giving recommendations on the regional minimum wage plan until the end of the fourth quarter this year.

The ministry also suggested the Government Office to request that the Prime Minister remove the content of the Decree regulating regional minimum wages for workers from the ministry's 2023 working agenda.

The development of the decree will be carried out after the National Wage Council recommends to the Government the minimum wage plan for 2024.

According to regulations, the minimum wage is the lowest wage paid to workers doing the simplest jobs under normal working conditions to ensure a minimum living standard for workers and their families compatible with socio-economic development conditions.

Currently, the minimum monthly salary of workers working in enterprises in Region 1 is VNĐ4.68 million (US$192), in Region 2 it is VNĐ4.16 million ($170.7), in Region 3 it is VNĐ3.64 million ($149.4) and in Region 4 it is VNĐ3.25 million ($133.3)

This level has increased by 6 per cent from before July 1, 2022 and applies until now.

The geographical classification is determined based on the employer’s place of operation. 

Region 1 covers the urban areas of Hà Nội and HCM City; Region 2 encompasses the rural areas of Hà Nội and HCM City, along with major urban areas in the country such as Cần Thơ, Đà Nẵng and Hải Phòng; Region 3 covers provincial cities and the districts of Bắc Ninh, Bắc Giang and Hải Dương provinces; and Region 4 comprises the rest of the country. 

Drama shows target young people

IDECAF Drama Troupe of HCM City has launched its new art programme to offer shows on Vietnamese history and culture aimed at young audiences. 

The troupe will stage a series of drama and musical shows featuring historical events, including Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt (General Lê Văn Duyệt), Trần Thủ Độ-Anh Hùng và Gian Hùng (The Hero) and Nữ Đại Đế Mê Linh (The Queen). 

These plays highlight patriotism and loyalty and will be directed by talented artists Hoàng Duẩn, Lê Chí Trung and Vũ Minh.  

They combine drama, music and cải lương (reformed opera), a traditional form of Vietnamese theatre which began 100 years ago in the South. 

The drama Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt depicts the life of General Lê Văn Duyệt, who was the Governor of Gia Định Citadel (later Sài Gòn and now HCM City) in the 19th century. 

The cải lương show Nữ Đại Đế Mê Linh (The Queen) features the lives of Trưng Trắc and her younger sister, Trưng Nhị who led the country’s first resistance movement against Chinese occupiers in the first century, around 2,000 years ago.

Trần Thủ Độ-Anh Hùng và Gian Hùng is a musical production of historical events dating back more than 800 years. Love and betrayal are among the themes of the show. 

The three works are scheduled to be staged in November and December.

“Through our programme, we want to provide audiences with quality shows on Vietnamese history,” said the theatre’s founder and art director Huỳnh Anh Tuấn. “New concepts and techniques in drama will be offered to meet the tastes of young people.” 

Tuấn decided to spend a large sum on costumes, and light and sound effects. Songs and music pieces based on Vietnamese folk music were composed to highlight the themes of the shows. 

“We will highlight the beauty of Vietnamese culture, theatre and lifestyle through our shows,” said Tuấn, who has more than 30 years in the industry.

IDECAF Drama Troupe is one of the region’s leading private theatres. It features 30 professional artists, along with backstage workers. 

It offers many experimental shows in drama, musical, cải lương (reformed opera) and hát bội (central drama), two genres of traditional theatre in southern and central regions.  

The theatre’s new shows are being staged at Thanh Niên Theatre, 4 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, District 1.

Japanese artist to host installation art exhibition in Hanoi

A large-scale installation art exhibition titled “A Tide of Emotions” by world-acclaimed Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is scheduled to take place for over six months at Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA) in Hanoi.

The exhibition, due to last from October 4, 2023 to March 30, 2024, will consist of completely new works made at VCCA. Most notably, the main work with the same title will cover VCCA's massive space with a network of red threads, which is the representative material of the artist and is linked to the wooden boats on the floor.

Coming to the exhibition, the audience will enter a surreal space which connects with a world full of memories and emotions.

According to the organising board, Shiota's works are a convergence of beauty in both form and content, making a strong visual impression and containing countless layers of deep meaning within them.

"A Tide of Emotions" bears a relationship to essential and universal notions which will become a significant place for visitors and enable them to see the world in a fresh perspective.

Shiota is among the most active and successful contemporary artists in the world today, whose works have been displayed in many prestigious museums and exhibitions throughout the Asian region. She was chosen as the artist representing Japan at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015, one of the oldest and most reputable international art events in the world which is held every two years in Venice, Italy.

The Japanese artist is renowned for her spectacular and elaborate large-scale installations which are meticulously and skillfully woven from hundreds of thousands of threads and usually occupy entire spaces.

Forbes names Ha Long Bay among 24 best destinations for travel in 2024

Globally-renowned magazine Forbes of the United States has named Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage site in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, on the list of the 24 best destinations for travel in 2024.

“The unprecedented demand for travel we saw last year continued in 2023,” says Zane Schafer, vice president and general manager of OvationNetwork. “Next year, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations that are off the beaten path.”

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts one of the most unique ecosystems and geological formations in the world. Few sites provide such a mix of natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility, Forbes wrote.

“Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something to offer everyone,” advises Andrew Lewis Harrison, a travel advisor. “The unique rock formations made up of limestone karsts and islets, add to the magic of this unduplicated location.”

The article also suggested visiting the place via a junk boat excursion. “If you’re worried that Ha Long Bay will be too crowded, book a trip north to Bai Tu Long instead,” it shared.

Topping the list was Sardinia in Italy which lures travelers with its luxurious Costa Smeralda, immaculate beaches, and high-end boutique shops. Travelers are able to explore coastal villages, enjoy fine dining, and indulge in rich local experiences.

It was followed by Urla, a quiet Aegean coastal town situated just half an hour drive from Izmir which is famous for its wineries and vibrant art scene.

Niseko in Japan came third for being a great place to experience an unforgettable winter destination outside of the usual US or European spots. The top ski area in Japan offers many activities both on and off the slopes.

The list also names several famous places around the world such as Jeju in the Republic of Korea, Orkhon Valley in Mongolia, Goa in India, Tangalle in Sri Lanka, Oaxaca in Mexico, Comporta in Portugal, and San Sebastián in Spain.

Vietnamese culture introduced at Berlin Asia Arts Festival

Various Vietnamese art and cultural performances with traditional and modern features were introduced at the ongoing Berlin Asian Arts Festival on September 30.

Audiences at the event were astonished with a storytelling performance of “Truyen Kieu” (The Tale of Kieu), a literary legacy left by great poet Nguyen Du. It was performed by German artist Christiane Voigt in German with “To Khuc Kieu” (Kieu Suite) by guitar as music background.

To date, the Tale of Kieu has been translated into 20 different languages. The German edition by authors Franz and Irene Faber is the first translation of the master piece in German-speaking countries.

Professor, composer, classical guitarist Dang Ngoc Long composed the classical music piece for guitar “Kieu Suite” to bring the  story to the European public in a more diverse and novel way.

Besides, audiences at the event have an opportunity to learn about traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as monochord, erhu, zither, bamboo flute, and traditional Vietnamse drum, among others.

The performances delivered by overseas Vietnamese artists living in Germany have actively contributed to promoting traditional Vietnamese culture and arts to international friends.

This festival, the first of its kind, offers an exciting and diverse insight into the Asian art space to German and European audiences.

Running from September 15 to October 8, the event includes art performances, concerts, workshops, film screenings and several other forms of performance.

Southern region to struggle heavy rains

Vietnam’s southern region has been forecasted to experience torrential rains during the first ten days of October.

According to the Southern Regional Hydro-meteorological Centre, rain would return to southern localities, including HCM City from October 3, due to the appearance of tropical depressions or storms in the East Sea.

The south will suffer significant flooding in many areas in the first days of October due to average rainfall of 100-150mm, combined with high tides.

People in southern localities have been warned of whirlwinds and lightning during rains.

The southern region’s average temperature in October would be higher than in previous years, ranging between 23-34 degrees centigrade.

The East Sea has been forecasted to witness 1-2 storms this month.

Two teenagers drown at Thua Thien-Hue beach

Two teenagers drowned while swimming at a beach in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue's Phu Loc District on Sunday afternoon.

Thua Thien-Hue Border Guards announced on Monday morning that they had found the body of the second boy who went missing while swimming at a beach in Giang Hai Commune, Phu Loc District on Sunday afternoon.

The body was found floating on the local sea, some 50 metres from the shore at 7.20 am on October 2, the authorities said.

Earlier on the afternoon of October 1 a group of students all aged 15 went to swim at the sea. Two of them were washed away by the high strong waves and went missing.

A rescue team from the Thua Thien-Hue Border Guards arrived and found the body of one boy in the evening.

HCM City bus company probed following deadly accident

The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) has just asked the HCM City Transport Department to inspect the operations of the Thanh Buoi Company after one of its bus drivers caused a serious traffic accident leaving five dead on September 30.

The inspection, which will focus on the company's traffic safety implementation, should be reported to DRVN by October 15.

Five people were killed and four others were injured after the Thanh Buoi sleeper bus crashed into a 16-seat van head-on on National Highway 20 in southern Dong Nai Province on September 30.

According to the police investigation, the accident occurred at around 2.30 am when the bus driven by Hoang Van Tinh, 37, was carrying 32 passengers from HCM City to Dalat City. The bus was running at 69 km per hour right before the crash, while the permitted speed on the road section is 50 km per hour. The bus driver had just overtaken a truck, hitting the truck's bumper before straying into the wrong lane and hitting the oncoming van, which was also speeding at 79 km per hour.

The crash left the van's driver, Nguyen Van Canh, 34, and four of its passengers dead. The four other passengers were seriously injured.

Tinh was arrested. Police in Dong Nai said that Tinh had no driving license when the accident occurred. He had his licence had recently been revoked for three months for speeding.

Police start legal proceedings against driver in Đồng Nai accident that killed five

Police in Định Quán District in southern Đồng Nai Province on Monday initiated legal proceedings against Hoàng Văn Tính, a sleeper bus driver responsible for the accident that resulted in five deaths and injured nine others on Saturday.

Tính, 37 years old, the driver for the Thành Bưởi bus operator that operates sleeper buses on the HCM City-Lâm Đồng Province route, has been arrested.

Early Saturday morning, he drove a 52-seat sleeper bus at high speed on the National Highway No 20's section through Phú Vinh Commune and overtook a truck moving in the same direction.

The bus collided with the left rear of the truck, then veered into the opposite lane and collided with a 16-seat minibus, which was carrying eight passengers.

The driver of the 16-seat minibus and four others were confirmed dead on Saturday.

Another individual was confirmed dead on Sunday morning after receiving treatment at Đồng Nai Province General Hospital for multiple injuries.

Tính left the scene but reported to the police office at 8am on Sunday.

He confessed that his driving licence had been revoked for three months by Lâm Đồng Province’s police for speeding.

The health ministry has ordered the director of Đồng Nai Province General Hospital and Chợ Rẫy Hospital in HCM City where seriously injured victims are being treated to mobilise all sources to save the victims.

According to Đồng Nai Province’s police, sleeper buses of Thành Bưởi bus operator caused two traffic accidents in the first nine months of this year, killing seven people.

All reportedly occurred at night on the National Highway No 20.

Eight drivers of Thành Bưởi bus operator have faced penalties for speeding since earlier this year. 

Hanoi artisans preserve intangible culture

Folk artists are those who have transmitted the quintessential values of Hanoi's ancient culture, contributing to the promotion of the capital's intangible cultural values, said Associate Professor Tran Thi An, President of the Hanoi Folk Arts Association, at a workshop organized in the city this week.

"Folk artists are an important element of cultural heritage. They have a social responsibility to help protect and promote heritage values," she said at the workshop entitled "The Role and Responsibility of Artisans in Protecting and Promoting the Value of Hanoi's Intangible Cultural Heritage".

Echoing An, researcher Le Hong Ly believes that folk artists, with their important role, need to be more active in educating the community, especially the younger generation, about the value of intangible cultural heritage.

According to statistics by local authorities, there are currently 1,793 intangible cultural heritage sites of all kinds in Hanoi. The city has the largest number of intangible cultural heritages in the country, ranging from folk knowledge and social customs to folk art genres.

The city has awarded 18 folk artists with the title of People's Artist and 113 with the title of Meritorious Artist.

Local authorities have also offered good policies to remunerate folk artists in recent times. Specifically, the city provides monthly support to People's Artists and Artists of Merit, motivating them to continue to preserve and promote the value of intangible cultural heritage.

In addition to existing intangible heritage clubs, namely Khanh Ha Commune's Drum Club in Thuong Tin District and Yen Nghia Ca Tru Club in Ha Dong District, Hanoi will soon have 10 more, including Lo Khe Village's Ca Tru, Trieu Khuc Village's Folk Dance, and Xuan Non Commune's Tuong Folk Singing, among others.

Fabric scrap costumes wins Design by Vietnam contest

Vietnam Design Week 2023, the fourth iteration so far, wrapped up on the evening of September 29 at the Temple of Literature, where the first prize in the Designed by Vietnam competition was awarded to the costume design Ratla Xuan by Nguyen Khai Tam.

With a desire to make full use of available materials and give new life to discarded fabrics, the designer created new fabrics from leftover threads, fabric scraps, and hand-stitched and woven patterns to create the costume, which celebrates the creativity of craftsmanship.

Designer Nguyen Khai Tam said: "As the one who pursues sustainable fashion, the reuse of fashion waste is my main concern. Inspired by the theme "Design from limitations" of this year's Vietnam Design Week, I want to contribute to the sustainable fashion movement and hope that more young designers in Vietnam will embrace it and leave their mark on Vietnamese and international sustainable fashion."

The second prize goes to Nguyen Hung Cuong and Nguyen Hong Phuc's Soli Decorative Lamp, made of eggshells, which reduces its price and makes it environmentally friendly.

The communication campaign One More Seat by Dao Manh Khang, with the desire to be inspired by familiar things and discover new materials from old covers, won the third prize.

The three consolation prizes went to Viesta by Ngo Dang Minh, Riverside Mesh by Do Ha Trang, Go to the Toilet in Hanoi by Nguyen Huy Hoang, Tran Trong Hung, Phan Anh Khoi, and Tran Thi Hong Loan.

The three winning projects under the theme "Designing a Public Toilet by Hoan Kiem Lake" include Go to the Toilet in Hanoi; V-Model Toilet Module by Nguyen Quynh Nghi, Le Tan Dat, and Sword Lake Public Toilet by Nguyen Bich Phuong.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Tran Hoang, Director of the Department of Copyright (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), said that Vietnam Design Week is held with exciting, attractive, useful, and engaging programs. The organizing committee has succeeded in selecting excellent works to be honored and awarded.

"Vietnam Design Week 2023 is an important event that creates a premise for developing the cultural industry, especially the design and creativity of young generations. We hope it will gradually grow into a strong brand that will attract more and more participants and make useful contributions to the development of the cultural sector in Vietnam," he added.

Vietnam Design Week (September 26-29) is the first and largest annual design event in the country, organized by Vietnam Design Group, Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts (VICAS), the Department of Copyright, and the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports to find and honor outstanding Vietnamese products and designers. The program includes a series of activities such as the Designed by Vietnam contest, exhibitions, seminars, and workshops.

Vietnam News Agency publishing house launches photo book on Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap

The Vietnam News Agency Publishing House has compiled and published a photo book entitled "General Vo Nguyen Giap”, on the occasion of his 10th death anniversary this year (October 4, 2013-2023).

It is also in anticipation of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historic victory and the 113th birth anniversary of the late general next year.

Printed in both Vietnamese and English, the book compiles hundreds of photos featuring the General which were selected from various sources, providing readers with vivid images and detailed annotations on his life and career.

It also highlights the historical changes, the battles and the victories of the Vietnamese army and people in the 20th century via three parts: Hometown, Family and Childhood; Military Genius; and General of the Times. 

General Giap, whose real name is Vo Giap, was born in Loc Thuy commune in Le Thuy district on August 25, 1911. He passed away in Hanoi on October 4, 2013, at the age of 103.

The General, whose military career started with a task of leading the first Vietnamese revolutionary army unit with only 34 soldiers in 1944, led the Vietnamese People's Army from victory to victory during the resistance wars against French colonialists and then American imperialists.

Though he was not formally trained at any military academy, but throughout his military career, he defeated many opponents who had received formal training at renowned military academies. He learned the military art in the crucible of the battlefield, becoming not only a brilliant military strategist and tactician but also a major contributor to the development of Vietnam's unique people's war strategy during the Ho Chi Minh era.

HCM City looks to expand cooperation with Japanese university

Training facilities and research institutes of Ho Chi Minh City hope to strengthen cooperation with Osaka Metropolitan University of Japan in technology research and transfer, and improving the quality of human resources, especially in healthcare, digitalisation and supporting technology, said Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee.

At a reception for President of the Osaka Metropolitan University Masahiro Tatsumisago on October 2, Duc affirmed that Japan is an important partner of the southern largest economic hub and has actively contributed to improving the quality of human resources of the city.

The host highly valued the working visit of the Japanese university’s delegation to HCM City on the occasion when the two countries are organising many activities to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations, and in the context of Vietnam-Japan relations are flourishing across fields.

He applaused the good cooperation between the Osaka Metropolitan  University and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, showing the support for the Japanese education institution to strengthen cooperation and promote exchange and reception of excellent students from HCM City’s universities to study in Japan.

Some high schools in HCM City have been providing Japanese language training programmes for local students, which are expected to be a good source for undergraduate and postgraduate educational cooperation activities between the two sides, Duc said.

Tatsumisago said the Osaka Metropolitan University considers the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and VNU-HCM as strategic partners.

He expressed his hope that the municipal People's Committee would support and create conditions for the Japanese university to strengthen cooperation towards increasing the number of excellent students from HCM City’s universities studying in Japan, and deploy community research projects in HCM City.

Merged by two more than 140-year-old public universities in Osaka, the Osaka Metropolitan University is one of Japan's leading public universities, he said, adding that many Vietnamese students are studying at the university.

Vietnamese women's union established in Germany

Nearly 140 women representing Vietnamese women’s groups in 16 states of Germany attended a founding congress of the Vietnamese Women's Union in Germany on October 1.

The congress approved the Union’s statutes and operation orientations for the next five years, which focuses on strengthening solidarity, protecting Vietnamese women and their children as well as maintaining and promoting the traditional culture of Vietnamese people. The congress also discussed the collaboration with social and non-governmental organisations to support the union’s activities and projects.

It elected a 29-member executive board of the union and Trinh Thi Mui, chairwoman of the preparatory committee for organising the congress, was elected as the president of the union.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh praised the efforts of the representatives and the preparatory committee in holding the congress. According to the ambassador, the establishment of the union will affirm the role of the Vietnamese community in Germany in particular and in Europe in general.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency's reporters, Mui said that joining the Vietnam Women's Union in Germany offers an opportunity for members to connect and support each other, create deep relationships, discuss important issues together as well as share knowledge and propose creative solutions.

The union will also be a forum to honour talented and strong Vietnamese women who make outstanding contributions to the community and society, she said.

First working day of 13th Party Central Committee’s 8th meeting

Members of the 13th Party Central Committee worked in group on the national socio-economic and state budget situation in 2023 and plans for 2024, the State budget and financial plan for three years 2024-2026 during their afternoon sitting at the committee's eighth plenum, which opened on October 2 morning.

Participants also focused on discussing a roadmap for implementing the new salary regime.

During the morning sitting at the hall, the Party Central Committee decided to dismiss Le Duc Tho, member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee of Ben Tre province; and Trinh Van Chien, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province from all Party positions.

Members of the Party Central Committee voted to let Dieu K'ré, member of the Party Central Committee and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Dak Nong provincial Party Committee, cease holding his position as member of the 13th Party Central Committee.

At this plenum, which will last until October 8, participants will consider and decide on big and complex issues that are important to the completion of the political tasks of the 13th Central Committee from now until the end of its term.

Tien Giang working to handle shortcomings in IUU fishing

The People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang has instructed relevant departments and agencies to deal with shortcomings in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing based on recommendations by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The locality said it will quickly investigate, verify and handle any case of brokering and facilitating illegal operations in foreign waters by local fishing vessels and fishermen.

The move is in anticipation of the fourth inspection by the EC delegation over Vietnam's efforts to combat IUU fishing from October 10-18.

Over the past time, Tien Giang has kept close control of the fleet of fishing boats, including the total number of vessels, their registration, operational licences, installation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), and information updates on the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase). 

Any violation of fishing regulations, especially that on VMS installation, has been strictly handled.

Apart from seafood traceability, local competent forces have inspected the operations of businesses that specialise in processing aquatic products for export to the European market.

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee Phan Van Trong said Tien Giang has consolidated its steering committee for IUU fishing combat, and coordinated with other localities in the field.  

Attention has been paid to popularising the 2017 Fisheries Law and documents guiding its implementation, among others, through diverse activities.

Such efforts have paid off as no cases of fishing boats encroaching on foreign waters were reported in the province in 2022 and the first eight months of this year.

In September, Tien Giang imposed fines worth nearly 160 million VND (6,570 USD) on 22 individuals for their violations of fishing regulations such as captains lacking working licences, not keeping fishing diary and removing VMSs.

Currently, all operating fishing boats in the locality have completed registration, and have their information updates on VNFishbase.

Trong said the province will step up the information work in the time ahead to raise the awareness of all stakeholders about IUU fishing, adding the committee has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to continue reviewing fishing vessels, while coordinating with other competent forces in this regard.

HCM City plans for urban railway development

The HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) has introduced to the municipal People’s Committee a plan for the development of an urban railway system in the city.

This plan aims to realise the goal set in the conclusion of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and address the developmental direction of the country’s railway transportation by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Accordingly, planning for the urban railway system in the city includes eight metro routes and three tram lines (or one monorail route), with a total length of 220km and an estimated investment of more than US$25 billion.

Until now, only two metro routes have had their projects started.

Construction of Metro Line No. 1 running from Bến Thành Market in District 1 to Suối Tiên Theme Park in Thủ Đức City began in 2007, has completed 96 per cent of its work volume, and is expected to be completed at the end of this year.

The line completed a full-line trial run for the first time on August 29, and is set to be operational for commercial use starting from July 2024.

Metro Line No. 2 between Bến Thành Market and Tham Lương in District 12 is at the land clearance and technical infrastructure relocation stages, and is expected to be completed in 2032.

Meanwhile, the first phase of Metro Line No. 5 from Bảy Hiền Intersection in Tân Bình District to Sài Gòn Bridge in Bình Thạnh District is completing necessary investment procedures.

Metro Line No. 3 from Bến Thành Market to Tân Kiên in Bình Chánh District is carrying out procedures for project approval.

The second and third phases of Metro Line No. 2 from Bến Thành Market to Thủ Đức City's Thủ Thiêm and from An Sương Bus Station in Hóc Môn District to Northwestern Urban Area in Củ Chi District are grabbing the interest of investors.

The remaining metro lines are calling for investment.

According to Nguyễn Quốc Hiển, deputy head of MAUR, Resolution 98/2023/QH15 provides the foundation and a great tool for the development of an urban railway system in the city.

Resolution 98 grants special mechanisms and policies for stimulating the city's growth, addressing challenges, and fostering innovation and sustainability.

It also allows the city to mobilise more diverse investment sources.

The implementation of a transit-oriented development (TOD) model lets the city make the best use of its own land resources to increase the city budget to complete its railway system. 

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