Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 1269/QD-TTg on removing some documents on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control that were issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Prime Minister.

One of the abolished documents is the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 447/QD-TTg dated April 1, 2020 announcing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other documents include 20 decisions, 13 official dispatches and four official telegrams issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and eight directives and three decisions of the Prime Minister.

The first COVID-19 cases in the world were recorded in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In Vietnam, the first case was confirmed on January 23, 2020.

With the participation of the entire political system, the Party, army and people implemented drastic, synchronous and timely measures to prevent and control the pandemic that is an unprecedented, complex, and unpredictable global pandemic.

Vietnam had gradually prevented and effectively controlled it. The country’s achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic have made an important contribution and created favourable conditions for socio-economic recovery and prosperity in most fields.

On October 20, 2023, Vietnam officially moved COVID-19 from group A to group B infectious disease.

Earlier, on January 29, 2020, the Ministry of Health classified COVID-19 as a Group A infectious disease which comprises particularly dangerous infectious diseases that can spread very fast and on a large scale and have a high mortality rate or unclear causes. Meanwhile, Group B covers the infectious diseases that can spread fast and cause deaths./.

Foyer Vietnam – a place to connect overseas Vietnamese in France

Foyer Vietnam Association on October 28 celebrated its 10th founding anniversary with the participation of representatives from Vietnamese agencies, organisations and international friends.

As a predecessor of the association, Foyer Vietnam featuring Vietnamese traditional foods made its debut in Paris’s District 5 in the 1960s and has been considered a place for overseas Vietnamese in France and Vietnam’s French friends to meet and share their love for Vietnamese culture, language, cuisine and history.

Speaking at the celebration, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang said that for years, Foyer Vietnam has been the place to connect Vietnamese generations in France and international friends. It also presents the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.

Thang highly appreciated the participation of Foyer Vietnam’s managers in activities supporting Vietnam, particularly in the dioxin lawsuit by a French-Vietnamese woman Tran To Nga who sued US firms for manufacturing the toxic AO defoliant used by US forces during the war in Vietnam.

Nguyen Binh, President of the Foyer Vietnam Association, said that it is a bridge serving individuals, associations and businesses that have a connection with Vietnam or wish to have the connection.

“Through lending meeting rooms, providing food, promoting activities of Vietnamese associations, Foyer Vietnam becomes a place for associations and individuals to meet and exchange,” he said.

Vo Dinh Kim, a representative of Collectif Vietnam Dioxin, an association supporting the lawsuit of Tran To Nga and Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, said that Foyer Vietnam is a very convenient place to meet or hold meetings while they can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes.

He said his association holds meetings there monthly and thanks to Foyer Vietnam, they can keep contact with other Vietnamese associations to mobilise support for their activities.

Musical exchange honours Vietnam - Laos relations

A musical exchange programme honouring Vietnam - Laos special relations was held by the Vietnamese culture centre in Laos and the Vietnam National Drama Theatre in Vientiane on October 29.

The audience included representatives of the Embassy and agencies of Vietnam in Laos, and a number of Vietnamese and Lao people.

Artists from the Vietnam National Drama Theatre and the Lao National College of Arts performed musical pieces and a play praising the two countries’ friendship and late President Ho Chi Minh Minh and introducing images of Vietnam.

The event aimed to help popularise President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, lifestyle and moral example as well as the two countries’ beauty, thereby helping to further enhance the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Meritorious Artist Kieu Minh Hieu, deputy director of the theatre, said that before coming to Laos, the theatre had created and selected high-quality performances to entertain the audience and also convey images of President Ho Chi Minh and messages about humane values so as to encourage people to work harder to contribute to the two nations’ close-knit ties.

Three movies win gold prizes at First HCMC Short Film Festival 2023

Three short movies won gold prizes at the HCMC Short Film Festival 2023 which ended at the municipal Opera House on October 29.

The award-winning films are the featured movie entitled “Nguoi dan ba o tram xe” (The woman at the bus stop) by director Le Chi Na, the documentary film titled “Ky uc khong phai” (Memories Don't Fade Away) by director Nguyen Hoang and animated picture themed “Phu du” by directors Chu Tat Thang and Chu Tan.

The organizer also presented three second prizes, nine third prizes and nine encouragement prizes, and certificates of merit of the HCMC People’s Committee to three gold-award-winning movies.

The “Best Actress” and “Best Actor” went to Meritorious Artist Phi Dieu and Tran Phong respectively.

The awarding ceremony was attended by Vice Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc, deputy office chief of the Central Propaganda and Education Committee Duong Minh Tuan and Director of the Department of Culture and sports of the city Tran The Thuan.

The first HCMC Short Film Festival 2023 took place on October 26-30. The film fest received 96 entries, including 60 featured movies, 23 documentaries and 12 animated pictures featuring topics such as history, revolutionary tradition, Covid-19 prevention and control works.

Some COVID-19 prevention and control documents removed

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 1269/QD-TTg on removing some documents on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control that were issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Prime Minister.

One of the abolished documents is the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 447/QD-TTg dated April 1, 2020 announcing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other documents include 20 decisions, 13 official dispatches and four official telegrams issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and eight directives and three decisions of the Prime Minister.

The first COVID-19 cases in the world were recorded in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In Vietnam, the first case was confirmed on January 23, 2020.

With the participation of the entire political system, the Party, army and people implemented drastic, synchronous and timely measures to prevent and control the pandemic that is an unprecedented, complex, and unpredictable global pandemic.

Vietnam had gradually prevented and effectively controlled it. The country’s achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic have made an important contribution and created favourable conditions for socio-economic recovery and prosperity in most fields.

On October 20, 2023, Vietnam officially moved COVID-19 from group A to group B infectious disease.

Earlier, on January 29, 2020, the Ministry of Health classified COVID-19 as a Group A infectious disease which comprises particularly dangerous infectious diseases that can spread very fast and on a large scale and have a high mortality rate or unclear causes. Meanwhile, Group B covers the infectious diseases that can spread fast and cause deaths.

Int'l Red Cross to hold 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Hanoi next month

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) will host the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Hanoi from November 20-23.

This is the second time the VRC has hosted the quadrennial event, said Nguyen Duc Khai, Chief of the Office of the VRC Central Committee, adding it takes place in the context of Vietnam’s advanced position and emerging humanitarian issues, especially those regarding climate change, natural disasters and diseases.

Themed “Becoming disaster ready in Asia Pacific”, the conference will offer an opportunity to promote the land and people of Vietnam, and enhance development cooperation between the VRC and international partners and organisations and businesses in the country.

It will contribute to affirming the commitments by the Vietnamese government, as well as the responsibility for action of red cross and red crescent societies in the region in climate change and catastrophe response, Khai noted.

Within the framework of the conference, about 400 domestic and foreign delegates are scheduled to participate in a forum on young leaders’ innovation in coping with catastrophes, along with other sidelines activities.

Khai said preparations for the conference are underway as scheduled, with 30 volunteers expected to join the event.

Mui Ne among top six budget-friendly fall escapes for World Savings Day

Travel website Booking.com has named Mui Ne in the southcentral province of Binh Thuan among the top six budget-friendly fall escapes for World Savings Day that falls on October 31, a day dedicated to highlighting the benefits of saving for the future.

The website delved into its bank of over 28 million listings across more than 155 destinations to showcase a few of the best budget-friendly breaks this autumn in different countries based on low-priced activities which are highly recommended by Booking.com travelers.

According to Booking.com, Mui Ne boasts a string of beach resorts which have fused into one long coastal strip. A popular spot with both backpackers and those seeking a luxury vacation on a budget, it’s also a highly-recommended destination for those looking to enjoy kitesurfing.

“With world-class wind conditions between October and March, tropical weather all year round and several excellent kitesurfing schools, this old fishing village is the place for a sun-drenched fall adventure break,” says the travel website.

It went on to suggest that travelers bring their own kitesurfing gear and try their hand at this adrenaline-fueled activity, or even learn from a pro with an introductory lesson at one of the many great-value schools locally.

“With a cheaper cost of living in Vietnam, other affordable beach activities include kayaking, jet skiing and surfing. Early risers can experience Mui Ne’s famous red and white sand dunes on the affordable Mui Ne Sand Dunes Sunrise or Sunset Jeep Tour, opting for the sunrise excursion when the still sand lays untouched by the quad biking activities of the day,” Booking.com stressed.

Other budget-friendly fall escapes for World Savings Day were Cartagena de Indias of Colombia, Valencia of Spain, Vienna of Austria, Pigeon Forge in Tennessee of the United States, and Blackpool of the UK.

Thuy Hang awarded second runner-up title at Miss Friendship International 2023

Vietnamese representative Nong Thuy Hang was named the second runner-up during the final night of the Miss Friendship International 2023 pageant held in China on October 28.

The 24-year-old beauty of the Tay ethnic group entered the Top 6 of the talent sub-contest after performing the song “Chúng tôi chào đón bạn” (We welcome you) in three languages - Vietnamese, English, and Chinese.

Hang stands at 1.7 metres tall and weighs 52 kg. She graduated from National Economics University in Hanoi and was crowned Miss Ethnic Vietnam 2022. At present, she works as a model, emcee, and actress.

Miss Friendship International is hosted by China to promote friendship and different cultures between participating nations. After three years of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the beauty pageant took place in Chengdu, drawing the participation of 58 contestants from across the world.

Chin Zhu Zhi Ying of China was crowned Miss Friendship International 2023.

The first runners-up spots went to the representatives of Brazil and Poland.

The second runner-up titles were awarded to beauties from the Czech Republic, France, and Vietnam.

WHO hails Vietnam’s effective control of COVID-19 pandemic

An official of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded Vietnam’s recent COVID-19 control efforts, stating that the country has set an exemplary role model in response to the pandemic.

Dr. Angela Pratt, representative of the WHO in Vietnam, said the country has successfully controlled the number of deaths and fresh infections thanks to the timely deployment of effective social and public health measures.
  
After initially receiving COVID-19 vaccines, the country launched an urgent vaccine coverage campaign by delivering shots to all citizens in every corner of the country, said Dr. Pratt at a national conference reviewing COVID-19 control efforts which was held on October 29 in Hanoi.

According to the WHO official, the success of the vaccine campaign enabled the country to swiftly reopen its doors and quickly reboot its economy to maximum capacity.

Vietnam’s response to COVID-19 has therefore become a reference model for many countries worldwide, she noted.

In her opinion, the country did a good job in swiftly detecting, tracing, isolating, and responding to outbreaks, as well as by closing its borders and enforcing a blockade in affected areas.

Besides having a contingent of devoted healthcare workers, the country acquired vaccines from various sources and immediately deployed a vaccination campaign nationwide aimed at achieving herd immunity as soon as possible.

The COVID-19 fight received great support from people of all social strata, and more importantly was the leading role of the Government and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, said Dr. Pratt.

She assured that the WHO would provide continued support for Vietnam in reviewing and updating its pandemic response plan in the future.

At the event, delegates examined lessons learned and proposed directions after more than three years of combating the pandemic. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also announced the completion of the tasks of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Vietnam recorded the first COVID-19 infection on January 23, 2020. So far it has logged 11,624,100 infections and 43,206 deaths.

Fragmentation in implementation of poverty reduction projects initially solved: NA deputy

The fragmentation in the implementation of poverty reduction projects has been initially addressed, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Y Thanh Ha Nie KDam said on October 30.

At a discussion during the legislature’s ongoing sixth plenary session on the implementation of the NA's resolutions on the national target programmes on new-style rural area building for 2021-2025, sustainable poverty reduction for 2021-2025, and socio-economic development in the mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas for 2021-2030, the official said that this is the first time the legislative body has conducted the concurrent mid-term supervision over the three national target programmes, and supervision has been conducted on the Government, 11 ministries and sectors, and 15 provinces representing all regions.

Regarding the programme on new-style rural area building, he said that the minimum capital approved for the programme for the 2021-2025 period is 196.3 trillion VND (nearly 8 billion USD).

As of June 30, 6,022 out of the 8,177 communes, or 73.65%, and 263 out of the 644 district-level units, or 40.8%, had been recognised as new-style rural areas. There were also 1,331 advanced and 176 model new-style rural communes. Nineteen provinces and centrally-run cities have 100% of their communes meeting all criteria.

However, he pointed to several shortcomings, including slow disbursement of central budget, overlap in direction and guiding documents, lack of drastic directions of several localities, and the poorly uniform results in building new-style rural areas.

Regarding the 75-trillion-VND national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction, the official said that the programme has basically achieved goals of reducing the rate of poor households and the rate of poor ethnic minority households as set out in the NA’s Resolution 24.

Along with the slow allocation of central budget, the official stated that poor districts still pay attention to assessing the decrease in the poverty rate, without having accurate evaluation on the increase in annual per capita income.

As for the 137.6-trillion-VND programme on socio-economic development in the mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas, Y Thanh Ha Nie Kdam stated that the programme initially helps narrow the gap in living conditions and incomes between these areas and the national average.

He cited the Government report as saying that the poverty rate among ethnic households in 2022 reduced by 3.4%, surpassing the assigned target.

The NA supervision delegation proposed the Government and the Prime Minister direct ministries and sectors to review, amend, and supplement inappropriate mechanisms and policies; and soon address shortcomings and difficulties related to land, housing, production land, water for daily activities, and planning for the mountainous and ethnic-inhabited areas.

Numerous activities of Vietnamese students organised abroad

The 16th Vietnamese Students' Festival in the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held by the Vietnamese Students Association in the RoK (VSAK) on October 29 under the sponsorship of the Vietnamese Embassy and Hanshin Engineering Construction Co., Ltd.

The event offered a chance for Vietnamese students studying in the East Asian country to enhance exchange and experience sharing, contributing to further bolstering the Vietnam–RoK friendship and cooperation.

As usual, Hanshin - the main sponsor – continued to donate 10 scholarships worth a total of 10 million won (nearly 7,400 USD) to Vietnamese excellent students studying in the RoK.

On the same day, a Japanese-speaking contest for Vietnamese people in Japan was organised at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan as part of activities to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Hosted by the Vietnam-Japan International Exchange Organisation (FAVIJA), the event was expected to contribute to fostering mutual understanding between the two nations’ people.

A day earlier, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi and Permanent Vice President of the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Russia Tran Phu Thuan were awarded the "For the young generation" insignia – the most noble award by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) to individuals with outstanding contributions to training, fostering, and educating the young generation of Vietnam.

At a ceremony held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia on October 28, seven organisations and 13 individuals were presented with certificates of merit in recognition of their contributions to youth movements in 2023.

In his speech, Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi affirmed that the union movement in Russia is one of the most active union movements, with many contributions to the Vietnamese youth union movement worldwide. He took this occasion to urge the HCYU Central Committee to recognise great contributions of Vietnamese youth union members and students in Russia.

Also on October 28, more than 400 Vietnamese students in Berlin, Potsdam, and neighbouring regions of Germany gathered at the Vietnamese Bands United 2023 (VNBU 2023) music show.

Members of three young Vietnamese bands - 95.8 MHZ from Hamburg and M2 - Music & More from Berlin, and Thich C-A from Paris (France), along with two well-known Vietnamese singers studying in Germany Trong Hieu and Khoi Vu performed at the event.

VNBU, jointly organised by the Vietnamese Student Association in Berlin and Potsdam (VietSoc) and the M2 band, served as not only a destination for Vietnamese musical talents in Germany and Europe but also a bridge to the music-loving community, helping them understanding more about Vietnamese music.

Asian Para Games: Vietnam's sport delegation returns home

The Vietnamese delegation to the 4th Asian Para Games returned in Hanoi on October 30, bringing home one gold, 10 silver and nine bronze medals from the competition which took place in Hangzhou, China from October 22-28.

Welcoming the delegation at Noi Bai international airport, Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Dang Ha Viet congratulated the athletes on their achievements at the regional games, saying that every medal won by the athletes with disabilities is precious and full of emotion.

He emphasised that each athlete has tried their best to compete and was an ambassador for sports and culture of Vietnam, contributing to strengthening the solidarity of peoples and friends on the continent. 

The only gold medal won by the Vietnamese delegation was by athlete Le Tien Dat in the men’s 100 meters’ breaststroke SB5 event. Vietnam ranked 22nd on the medal tally.

Host country China topped the tally table with 214 gold, 167 silver, 140 bronze medals, far ahead of the second team, Iran, with 44 gold, 46 silver, 41 bronze medals.

Vietnam's sport delegation to the 2023 Asian Para Games comprised 71 members, including 48 athletes who competed in seven sports of track and field, swimming, weightlifting, chess, table tennis, badminton, and Taekwondo.

Lao official affirms priceless value of the relationship with Vietnam

The assistance provided by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts to Laos in the past is priceless, helping foster the cooperative relations and friendship between the two nations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security of Laos, Gen. Vilay Lakhamphong, has stated.

The Lao official made the affirmation on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 – 2023).

Seventy-four years ago, on October 30, 1949, the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Indochinese Communist Party made a decision that Vietnam's military personnel tasked with assisting the Lao revolution were organised into a volunteer army. This marked a step of development of the Vietnamese military forces in the Lao battlefield and affirmed the Party's guidelines and viewpoints in performing international tasks. Since that day, October 30 is made the traditional day of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos.

With the spirit of proletarian internationalism and implementing the teachings of President Ho Chi Minh, generations of Vietnamese officers, volunteer soldiers, and experts stood side by side with officers and soldiers of the Lao People's Liberation Army and Lao people to win complete victory in the two resistance wars against the French colonialists and the US imperialists during 1945-1975, contributing to developing the great relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between two nations. 

Lao leaders and people have acknowledged and valued the remarkable achievements and contributions of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts.

Former Party General Secretary and President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone recalled that in all main battles across Laos there were always Vietnamese volunteer soldiers coordinating with the Lao army, which he said has become a tradition created by the two parties and the two countries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Laos, Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath emphasised that that valuable support contributed to forming a special and great friendship between the Parties, States, armies, and the people of the two nations. 
 
Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Laos - Vietnam Cooperation Committee, Khamjane Vongphosy spotlighted the fruitful development of Laos - Vietnam cooperation across fields, saying that it has reached an unprecedented level in the history of their bilateral relationship.

In a speech delivered on July 18, 2022 in Hanoi on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two nations, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed the Party, State and people of Vietnam always strongly supported Laos' reform process and attach importance to and give top priority to the special relationship as both comrades and brothers of the two countries.

At a ceremony marking the anniversary same day in Vientiane, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith also stressed that the Lao Party, State, and people are determined to further deepen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, thus bringing practical benefits to their people.

Cultural exchange promotes Vietnam – Laos – Thailand ties

The Vietnamese Association in Thailand’s Nong Khai province and local authorities on October 29 organised a Vietnam – Laos - Thailand cultural exchange programme on the occasion of Wan Ok Phansa or End of Buddhist Lent Day 2023.

The event was the second of its kind held by the Vietnamese Association in Nong Khai province to promote Vietnamese culture and strengthen the solidarity between the three countries - Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

Overseas Vietnamese, and Lao artists in Nong Khan province and Thai students performed at the event.  

Within the framework of the event, representatives from the Vietnamese Association of Nong Khai province also showed Thai and Lao friends how to make lanterns from coconut shells. During this year's Wan Ok Phansa festival, the association made 55,000 such lanterns to give the local authorities to release on the Mekong River on the last night of the festival.

The Wan Ok Phansa festival marks the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is a time of celebration and merit-making with provinces across Thailand set to celebrate the occasion on different days and in distinctive styles, depending on their locality and tradition.

Vietnam, Canada co-host UN Logistics Officer Course

The Vietnam Peacekeeping Department on October 30 opened the United Nations Logistics Officer Course 2023 co-chaired by Vietnam and Canada within the framework of the latter’s Military Training & Cooperation Programme (MTCP).

This is the second time Vietnam and Canada have co-hosted this kind of course at the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, also the second international intensive training course on UN peacekeeping held in the country with the coordination of Vietnam and Canada in the context of Vietnam's increasingly extensive participation in UN peacekeeping activities.

Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, said that the course is a good chance for lecturers and trainees of Vietnam and partner countries of the MTCP to meet and exchange experience in ensuring logistics at the UN peacekeeping missions.

Evaluating the course as a testament to the growing bilateral defence relationship between Vietnam and Canada, said Leigh McCumber, Political and Public Affairs Counselor of the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, adding that in the coming time, Canada and Vietnam will co-host two more courses: the United Nations Staff Officer Course and the Exercise Planning Course.

Vietnam helps Cambodia’s anti-drug crime force improve capacity

A training workshop is being held by the police department for investigation of drug-related crimes under the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to help improve the investigation and drug control capacity of the anti-drug crime force of Cambodia.

The workshop, which runs from October 29 to November 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, is among annual cooperation activities between the two countries' national committees for drug combat. In Vietnam, the Ministry of Public Security is the standing body for drug combat of the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs, and Prostitution Prevention and Control.

Addressing the event, Col. Mom Kirisocheat, Deputy Director of the law enforcement division at the Office of Cambodia’s National Authority for Combating Drugs, noted that over the recent past, authorities of both countries have coordinated to carry out various initiatives to fight drug crimes and recorded encouraging results.

In 2023, the two sides continue to increase and improve the quality of information exchange via hotlines and border liaison offices between provinces of Vietnam and Cambodia. They have held meetings between their relevant agencies and border localities on a regular basis. Crackdowns on drug crimes along the shared borderline are also a regular occurrence in their cooperation.

The efforts have helped curb and prevent cross-border drug trafficking, he said.

In the face of the quick and complex developments of drug crimes in the region and the world, training to improve the capacity of law enforcement officers is of critical importance to promote the fight against transnational drug crimes, he went on.

The official said that the cooperation and responsibility sharing between Vietnam and Cambodia will form a prerequisite for the realisation of the common goal of protecting the community from drug-related crimes to contribute to stable and prosperous socio-economic development.

Public security ministry launches cooperation with Korea Coast Guard

Politburo member and Minister of Public Security To Lam received Kim Byung Ro, Commander of the central region coast guard under the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), in Hanoi on October 30.

Lam expressed his delight at remarkable progress seen in the ties between the two countries and the cooperation between the Vietnamese ministry and the KCG recently.

Appreciating the KGC’s support in providing patrol vessels to the ministry, the minister considered it an important milestone in improving the cooperation, helping realise an action plan on the implementation of the Vietnam-RoK comprehensive strategic partnership.

For his part, Kim wished the relationship between the two agencies will continue to thrive in the time to come.

He affirmed that the KCG will support training programmes to enhance the capacity of the Vietnamese waterway traffic police, enabling them to take control of the patrol vessels.

Hai Phong, RoK collaborate in coast guard training

The Korea Coast Guard (KCG)’s training ship BADARO (3011HAM) arrived at the port in Hai Phong on October 30, beginning a five-day visit to the northern city.

The vessel carries a crew of 100 members led by Kim Young Chul, head of the Korea Coast Guard Academy’s Office. Its ongoing visit reaffirms the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam Coast Guard and KCG, offering an opportunity for officers and soldiers of the sides to share experiences and exchange knowledge to strengthen their joint works and mutual understanding.

During their stay in Hai Phong, the Korean delegation paid a courtesy call to leaders of the municipal People's Committee, learning about the city’s socio-economic development and collaboration with the Republic of Korea (RoK). Currently, the RoK is taking the lead among foreign investors in Hai Phong regarding the volumes of projects and foreign direct investment (FDI), which stand at 105 and 9.97 billion USD, respectively. The two sides also have teamed up across various fields, including healthcare, education, and science and technology.

At the meeting, Kim stressed that the academy will provide protection and assistance for the students and sailors from Hai Phong and Vietnam who are studying and working in the RoK.

Defence minister underlines cooperation, peace, prosperity

Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang delivered a keynote speech at the first plenary session of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on October 30, highlighting cooperation and respect for international principles for peace and prosperity.

The session took the theme “Major Countries' Responsibility and Global Security Cooperation”.

Giang said all nations aspire to have a comprehensive, interconnected, integrated, and harmonious security environment in all aspects, adding that the interests and security of countries, large or small, developed or developing, need to be understood, acknowledged and respected for peace and growth.

Understanding the value of freedom, peace and the impacts of the global security environment on regional and national security, he said Vietnam always follows its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, being a good friend and a trusted partner to all countries, and an active and responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam also steadfastly follows its defence policy of peace and self-defence, not participating in military alliances or partnering with one country to fight against another, not allowing foreign countries to set up military bases in Vietnam or use its territory against other countries, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations, he said.

Through the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, other multilateral forums on defence and security and United Nations peacekeeping missions, Vietnam has affirmed its active, proactive role and high responsibility for global and regional issues. Vietnam's bilateral defence cooperation with other nations is conducted openly, transparently, and in a manner that does not harm the interests of other countries, he added.

To jointly realise the aspiration of building a world of peace, cooperation and prosperity, Giang emphasised that Vietnam wishes that all nations adhere to international law, respect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of each other. Countries, especially developing ones, need to uphold "strategic autonomy," respect diversity, uniqueness and specific conditions of each nation while always aiming for a unity and consensus in awareness, responsibility, and action in the face of global security issues. Each nation should fulfill its commitments, uphold its obligations to the international community, and demonstrate a sense of responsibility.

According to him, the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), which is in talks with initial progresses, will not only address specific security issues but also specify international laws, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the commitment of relevant stakeholders.

On the occasion, Minister Giang held bilateral meetings with his Lao and Cambodian counterparts, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

He and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath reviewed the results of their past cooperation and proposed joint work in the time to come, including increasing the frequency of exchanges among young officers. They believed that the upcoming first Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border defence friendship exchange, scheduled for December, will be a success.

The Vietnamese and Cambodian defence ministers also shared the view that the two armies need to continue their cooperation, solidarity and strong bond, as they are an important pillar of the fine neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao, for his part, wished that Vietnam would continue making important contributions to ASEAN's cooperation mechanisms and the building of a united and prosperous regional community.

Leaders send condolences over passing of former Chinese Premier

Vietnamese leaders on October 30 extended condolences to Chinese leaders over the recent passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

The messages of condolences were sent by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to Chinese Party General Secretary and State President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji and Li Keqiang’s family.

In the messages, the Vietnamese leaders said that Li Keqiang was an outstanding leader of the Chinese Party and State, who had made significant contributions to the successful implementation of the Communist Party of China’s first centenary goal of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society.

Li Keqiang made important contributions to the development of the Vietnam-China friendship and cooperation, particularly in promoting the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

The Vietnamese Party, State, and people deeply appreciate his contributions to the bilateral ties relations between the two parties and countries, said the leaders.

On the same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Gov’t to pilot three national target programmes in districts

The Government will submit a pilot scheme in which each province selects one district-level locality to pilot the combination of three national target programmes concerning funding sources, said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

The programmes are on rural development, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

During a plenary session of the 15th National Assembly’s sixth session in Hanoi on October 30, Deputy PM Quang said compared to the report presented at the fifth session, there have been positive developments in the implementation of the national target programmes, particularly in resolving the basic issues related to the policies and mechanisms for development investment funds.

He added that the State capital scheduled to be allocated for public administrative units in each locality for phases has been announced.

If this capital is not used up, it could be converted into development investment capital. This is a solution to remove bottleneck in this matter, he said.

Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung said it is the second term for the implementation of the National Target Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction. However, this term comes with higher requirements compared to the previous one.

He said the entire political system has exerted significant efforts toward the common goal of sustainable poverty reduction, particularly efforts from localities, poor and near-poor households.

So far, the NA's goals have been basically achieved, which he said, is a noteworthy result.

According to him, Vietnam stands out globally in terms of poverty reduction since it is the only Asian country to roll out a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable multidimensional poverty reduction programme.

NIC joins hands with enterprises to spearhead innovation

The 2023 Innovation Leaders’ Forum, themed “Leading Corporations and Enterprises Spearheading Innovation", opened in Hanoi on October 30, with business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and those driving the future of innovation and entrepreneurship taking part.

The event was co-hosted by the National Innovation Center (NIC), BambuUP and Global PR Hub.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Do Thanh Trung said major corporations and businesses are considered a crucial component of the innovation ecosystem, influencing Vietnam's structural shifting of the economy. Amid the growing innovation ecosystem, the role of large corporations and companies is becoming increasingly important.

On the occasion, a number of memoranda of understanding on cooperation between NIC, State and major corporations were signed, marking a new model of innovation collaboration in Vietnam.

The Open Innovation Handbook For Enterprises was also officially introduced. Published by NIC in collaboration with BambuUP, it brings together stories and innovation experiences from leading businesses, as the "key to success" for leaders and employees in terms of processes, tools and methods to promote creativity, breakthrough ideas and successful implementation in a business environment.

The event was part of the Vietnam International Innovation Exhibition (VIIE) 2023 taking place from October 28 - November 1 hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Miss Cosmo Vietnam 2023 reality competition show gets underway

As many as 59 contestants are participating in the “I am Miss Cosmo Vietnam 2023” reality competition show, which is to be aired every Friday.

The contestants are due to take part in a number of contests, such as interviews, a Q&A segment, and a bikini performance.

A total of 40 outstanding beauties will be selected to compete in the semi-final and final rounds.

According to details given by the organising board, audiences can vote for their favourite contestant to enter the Top 2 directly through a voting portal that will be open on the final night on December 31.

First-and-second-placed winners of Miss Cosmo Vietnam 2023, besides receiving cash prizes of VND300 million and VND150 million, respectively, will have the chance to represent the country at different international beauty pageants.

Miss Cosmo Vietnam aims to honour the modern beauty of Vietnamese women, whilst simultaneously promoting economic and tourism development, along with Vietnamese culture and its people to international friends.

Road safety NGO launches music video on youth engagement app, encouraging young people to speak up for safer streets

As part of the innovative Big Data road safety program, AI&Me: Empowering youth for safer roads, AIP Foundation has launched the music video ‘Cung Đường Biết Nói’ with rapper DATMANIAC& CAM by hosting an AI&Me Road Safety Challenge Day for students.

The aim of the Road Safety Challenge Day is to use music to raise road safety awareness among students and empower them to speak up to be heard by the local government through a Youth Engagement App (YEA).

The music video features the Youth Engagement App, which is being piloted in HCM City, Pleiku City, and Yên Bái since December 2022.

To celebrate the launch of the music video, a Road Safety Challenge Day was hosted in Pleiku by AIP Foundation in collaboration with the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) and local government partners. Approximately 1,300 students participated from over ten secondary schools.

Students took part in performances of the music video to raise awareness among their peers on the importance of safe school zones. This day will provide a unique opportunity for students to share their own opinions about the risks they face and call on other young people to take action and report dangerous streets. Students could choose to do a rap cover or dance based on the music and lyrics of the MV, or combine both performances.

“The Youth Engagement App (developed by the International Road Assessment Programme - iRAP) is a platform which encourages youth across Việt Nam to take an active role in shaping the future of their city and city streets while not only supporting but also prioritising their health and wellbeing. The YEA app leverages AI and digital technology to ensure meaningful youth participation,” Siddhartha Jha, AI and Digital Innovation Lead for Fondation Botnar, said.

Since the pilot study was launched, the students already used the YEA App to share their own perceptions by creating more than 18,000 pins for locations near their schools with notes about the road safety risks they saw, raising their voices for improved road safety.

These findings support the need to identify risk locations in order to determine school zone star ratings using the Star Ratings for Schools system. Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) is an evidence-based tool for measuring, managing and communicating the risk children are exposed to on a journey to school. It supports quick interventions that save lives and prevent serious injuries from day one.

Following the YEA App pilot study, a post-assessment was conducted with 1,468 students to measure the changes in their knowledge and attitude. The students with good or excellent knowledge increased significantly from 55.8 per cent to 80.6 per cent. The percentage of students displaying a positive attitude increased from 42.1 per cent to 58.6 per cent.

Đoàn Hữu Dũng, Director of Department of Transport, Standing Deputy Chief of Traffic Safety Committee of Gia Lai province, said “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Road Safety Challenge Day together with students and international partners in Pleiku. The YEA App is a unique platform that empowers students to speak for their needs and rights. Only together with youth can we bring about real change."

Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years globally. In Việt Nam, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that more than 6,200 children and youth aged 5-29 were killed in road crashes in 2019. This represents a public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people most. Road upgrades, speed management, as well as enforcement of behavioral risk factors are needed to address this crisis effectively.

New Directions East Asia conference and Future of English exhibition open

The British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, on Saturday launched its annual regional flagship English language testing and assessment conference, New Directions East Asia, and the Future of English exhibition at the British University Việt Nam in Hà Nội.

Both the conference and exhibition are being held from October 27–29. This is the first time that the New Directions East Asia conference has returned to a major city, demonstrating the strength and dynamism of engagement between the British Council and Việt Nam on the topic of English language teaching, learning and assessment.

The conference and exhibition would create a dynamic space in which regional and international policymakers, educational professionals, academics, teachers and assessment practitioners can interact, exchange information and keep abreast of the leading developments in the fields of English teaching, learning and assessment.

Themed The Future of English Language Assessment in Learning Systems and hosted in partnership with the National Foreign Languages Project (NFLP), the conference will look to the future of assessment as a driver of learning and education system reform. This year the conference is being attended by more than 400 participants from over 12 different countries.

The Future of English exhibition, running alongside the conference features interactive elements which will ask visitors for their views on the future of the English language.

Heather Forbes, Regional Exams Director, East Asia, at the British Council, said: “This year’s New Directions East Asia conference explores questions around what English could look like and how it will be used. It aims to discuss what broader competencies are necessary in a rapidly changing and digitally enabled communication landscape, and how these can be developed and assessed in the future. It also explores the potential changes of language education policy and reform in Việt Nam and the wider East Asia region.”

Donna McGowan, Director, British Council Việt Nam, said: “Việt Nam has embraced foreign language tests as a core part of its education system following collaboration between the British Council and the country’s National Foreign Languages Project over many years. We are proud that UK assessment expertise has supported the design, evaluation, and implementation of effective language education policies in Việt Nam. We are delighted to host both the New Directions conference and the Future of English exhibition in Việt Nam this year as we celebrate two key milestones – 30 years of our presence here and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Việt Nam - forging new partnerships and reinforcing the bonds between the people of both countries.” 

Duân wins Aquaman Vietnam 2023

Vũ Đình Duân successfully defended his top place at the DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023 on October 29 at Bình Thuận Province's Phan Thiết beach.

The national duathlon champion and record holder, who is also a former swimmer, completed his aquathlon's solo race in 2hr 05.59min, having opened a 5min gap with his runners-up, Kristof van Houdt and Trần Ngọc Linh.

Duân, from Quảng Ninh Province, was the third athlete finishing the 2km swimming stage after 34.40sec.

"I knew I could not be faster than senior athletes and coaches in swimming. I swam with only 80 per cent of my ability, then I focused totally in running," said Duân.

Running in hot weather, Duân's running result was not as good as it was last year. However, it was enough for him to take the lead after the first of the 21km stage.

"Last year, I ran with a pace of 3.45. This year, it is pace 4. My speed is remarkably down. This is partly because I had no rival chasing me and I had to make sure of my safety and avoid cramp when running up and down hill," said the SEA Games' relay champion.

On the women's side, national triathlon champion Nguyễn Thị Kim Cương topped the podium in a time of 2:32.00 in her Aquaman Vietnam debut.

Hoàng Thị Lành and Trương Quỳnh Giang were second and third.

"Never too late to become person you want. What you have to do is to start your dream now," said Cương, who is member of both the cycling and triathlon national teams.

"I won the solo category with a 2km swim and a 21km run. My big thanks to coaches who supported me in training for months," said Cương, who also praised assistance from other people who gave her the best conditions when preparing for the tournament. "It will be a push for me in the next event of IRONMAN Phú Quốc later this year."

In the relay event, a duo with same name Nguyễn Đăng Khoa took top prize on the men's side.

The 24-year-old Khoa is a former swimmer of the HCM City team. He finished his stage in 29.38min, third in the swimming ranking.

The 35-year-old Khoa is a familiar face in the national marathon movement, with the best result of a top place at the VnExpress Marathon HCM City Midnight's half marathon event in February.

From third position, he caught up with the second place runner at the seven kilometre mark and passed his final competitor 2km later, running solo to the finish line.

About 200m to the finish, the 35-year-old was joined by the 24-year-old and the pair crossed the line together, clocking 1:54.00.

Duo Ngọc Triển and Văn Hoàng were 2min after them, while Ngọc Duy - Lê Tấn Hi were third with a 5min gap.

"We hope that we will be good partners in the upcoming aquathlon competitions. Together, we will overcome challenges for victory in this new  and potential sport in Việt Nam," said Khoa, 35.

Organisers also presented awards to winners of the Half Aqua, Sprint Aqua and Kidaqua.

The DNSE Aquaman Vietnam is the first event combining swimming and running in the country. The second edition saw more than 1,000 athletes competing at the  NovaWorld Phan Thiết. 

Major Central Highlands road opens after eight years of construction

The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on Monday opened the Vo Nguyen Giap Highway after eight years of construction.

The VND 1.24 trillion, seven-kilometre road took eight years to complete due to obstacles in site clearance work. This was Buon Ma Thuot City’s largest road project so far and it connects Buon Ma Thuot Airport to the city centre.

Speaking at the road opening ceremony on October 30, the Chairman of Buon Ma Thuot City People's Committee, Vu Van Hung, noted that this was the largest road built in the city so far and the main road system linking the east and the west of the city.

"The road will help shorten the route from Buon Ma Thuot Airport to the city centre by seven kilometres, reduce traffic on some central streets, and broaden the city space," Hung said. "It will also facilitate the development of a new urban area in the southeast of the city."

Former Director of HCMC Department of Science and Technology at court

Ho Chi Minh City People's Court opened the first-instance trial of the case “Violation of regulations on management and use of public investment capital causing serious consequences” for the Ho Chi Minh City Science and Technology Development Fund.

The recent trial on September 29 had to be delayed as defendant Phan Minh Tan, former Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology and defendant Nguyen Quoc Thai, former Deputy Head of the Technology Management Department was hospitalized and defendant Khuat Duy Vinh Long, former officer of the Technology Management Department fled.

Accordingly, the Ho Chi Minh City’s Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena has undertaken monitoring and direction for this case.

According to the indictment, the Ho Chi Minh City Science and Technology Development Fund is a nonprofit organization with its function of promoting the application of scientific research and technology development and transfer in Ho Chi Minh City.

Defendant Phan Minh Tan is the Chairman of the fund management board, and the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Development Investment Fund (HIFU) is the fund's managing agency.

In August 2009, Director of Huy Hoang Technology Investment and Development Company Nguyen Trong Vu sent an official dispatch to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology requesting a financial support of VND5.1 billion (US$209,000) from the scientific career budget to implement project No.1.

After that, defendant Phan Minh Tan and other members appraised and approved VND4.9 billion (US$200,000) in support for this company within 18 months. Funding progress was divided into three phases.

Although the company had failed to fulfill its payment obligation as planned, Phan Minh Tan and his accomplices had proposed to allocate an additional expense with an amount of VND700 million (US$29,000) to the company.

After receiving the expense for the second phase, the Huy Hoang Company did not complete the project and failed to refund the expense to the fund causing a damage of more than VND3.1 billion (US$127,000).

In September 2009, defendant Nguyen Trong Vu continued to send an official letter to the HCMC Department of Science and Technology to make a proposal of borrowing VND10 billion (US$410,000) to implement the second project.

After the appraisal and approval processes, from the beginning of 2010, Phan Minh Tan signed a conclusion letter to announce that the project had met the requirements and agreed to lending procedures amid various objections. However, after receiving the money, Nguyen Trong Vu left Vietnam on May 13, 2011.

During the investigation process, Phan Minh Khai admitted that the Huy Hoang Company did not have enough financial capacity. However, Phan Minh Tan and his accomplices agreed to approve the lending for the company.

By June 30, 2021, the total damage from the project was more than VND19.5 billion (US$799,000) comprising both principal and interest and the total damages from the two projects were over VND22.6 billion (US$925,000).

HCMC increases buses to Lam Dong, Can Tho

Thanh Buoi Passenger Coach Company on October 29 announced that it temporarily halted freight and passenger transportation following server errors.

Thanh Buoi bus carrier operator has currently provided a fixed route between HCMC and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, and buses on traveling contract from HCMC to Bao Loc and Da Lat cities in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

The HCMC Department of Transport proactively worked with inter-provincial bus stations to increase the number of trips and routes linking HCMC and Can Tho, Lam Dong to ensure the travel needs.

The new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station has prepared a plan for increasing around 100 vehicles to operate routes departing from the station to Da Lat while the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station will ensure to meet travel demand for trips from the station to Can Tho City.

Passengers can take buses No.55, 56, 67, 76, 93, 150, 60-1, 60-2 and 60-3 with about 1,300 trips per day to travel to new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station, and buses No.9, 10, 14, 25, 32, 39, 41, 61, 84, 91, 102, 139, 148, 151, 60-1, 62-1, 62-2 and 63-1 with around 2,200 trips per day to the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station.

Travelers can also visit the website buyttphcm.com.vn or use the Go!bus mobile app or line 9 of the Information Portal 1022 hotline to get instructions.

Additionally, passengers can book tickets via bus stations’ websites, switchboards No. 0373.501.501 of the new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station and 19007373 of the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station.

The Transport Department of the city also had a working session with Saigon Automobile Mechanical Corporation (SAMCO) to allocate 40 vehicles to transfer passengers free of charge.

On October 26, the HCMC Department of Public Security coordinated with the police departments of Thu Duc City, Binh Thanh and District 5 to conduct inspections of the head office of Thanh Buoi Company and its branches located on Le Hong Phong Street in District 5, Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh District and Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Thu Duc City. Investigators seized many documents.

Bus carrier operator Thanh Buoi then announced the suspension of its passenger transport starting from 5 a.m. on October 29.

At Da Lat City Coach Station in the afternoon of October 29, hundreds of passengers were waiting for buses to travel to HCMC. Of those, many people mainly chose the transportation services of Phuong Trang Passenger Coach Corporation (Futa bus lines). This thing did not happen very often.

The HCMC Department of Public Security conducts an inspection of an office of Thanh Buoi Company in Binh Thanh District, HCMC on October 26.

The HCMC Department of Public Security conducts an inspection of the head office of Thanh Buoi Company on Le Hong Phong Street in District 5, HCMC.

At the bus stop of Thanh Buoi Company located on Lu Gia Street in Ward 9 of Da Lat City, notices on suspension of operation were placed at the entrance of the business’s office. However, freight transportation is still implemented at the company’s offices on Lu Gia Street in Ward 9 and Phan Boi Chau Sreet in Ward 1 of Da Lat City.

Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, Deputy General Director of Can Tho Bus Station and Ferry Company in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho said that the company delegated its travel operators to increase the number of vehicles to meet people’s travel demand.

Ministry recommends solutions to prevent virtual capital increases

The Police Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Public Security says that existing loopholes in the legal regulations on securities activities allow criminals to take advantage to commit crimes. The Police Investigation Agency said that existing loopholes in the legal regulations on securities activities allow criminals to take advantage to commit crimes.

The Police Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Public Security has just completed the conclusion of the investigation of the case of ‘Stock market manipulation’ and ‘Fraudulent appropriation of assets’ at FLC Group Company and its affiliated units. At the same time, it transferred the dossiers to responsible agencies requesting the prosecution of 21 defendants. Based on the causes and conditions of the crime, the investigation agency recommended that many relevant agencies and organizations apply preventive measures.

During the investigation process, the Police Investigation Agency found that there were loopholes and shortcomings in the legal regulations on securities activities, allowing criminals to take advantage to commit crimes.

According to police investigators, opening securities accounts is currently easy and uncontrolled, criminals have been asking others to open accounts to buy and sell shares, creating fake supply and demand, and pushing prices up to earn illegal profits.

In addition, police investigators said that the control of borrowing capital in the form of investment cooperation still has many loopholes. Criminals have taken advantage of securities companies and third companies to circumvent the law and sign loan contracts for customers in the form of investment cooperation to contribute other capital with a fixed interest rate to earn profits; thereby, criminals have sources of money to trade, buy and sell, push prices, manipulate stock codes, and gain illegal profits.

The Police Investigation Agency revealed that the crime of ‘Manipulation in stock market " is very sophisticated and many people got involved in causing a great impact on the market and causing great loss for investors.

However, under the current Penal Code, the penalty for this type of crime is still low. For instance, criminals pay VND4 billion as the highest fine and they can face 7 years in prison - the maximum prison sentence. The maximum investigation period is 8 months while maximum detention period for investigation is 5 months, causing difficulties for investigators. Moreover, slight penalties are not tough enough to deter people from committing crimes.

Police investigators also revealed that the lack of control over the activities of social networks allows bad guys to take advantage of it to establish secret associations and groups to spread fake news, control and manipulate the stock market, and gain illegal profits, causing losses to genuine investors.

Currently, there are no regulations as a legal basis for determining damages for investors participating in buying and selling stock codes during periods of manipulation to have a basis for verifying their losses.

Additionally, the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security proposed that the Ministry of Planning and Investment advise the Government to prevent many businesses from taking advantage of legal loopholes and using sophisticated tricks using accounting and financial tricks.

A business can increase its capital without shareholders’ additional amount, in order to falsely increase its charter capital to commit illegal acts and gain illegal profits such as fraud, manipulation of bidding activities, auctions, and manipulation of the stock market causing damage to state assets, businesses, and investors.

Thus, to prevent virtual capital increases, the Police Investigation Agency supposed that inspection and supervision of activities related to the charter capital of enterprises is necessarily strengthened. In particular, the agency said that the government should amend and supplement legal regulations to prohibit businesses from entrusting investment with corporate capital to individuals who are corporate shareholders.

At the same time, the government should specify and clearly stipulate the time limit for returning capital to shareholders in cases where the enterprise increases capital; plus, the government should stipulate responsibilities and mechanisms for inspection of organizations and individuals that conduct supervision related to enterprise charter capital to eliminate collusion, intentional ignorance, and cover-up by a responsible part of state management agencies.

The Police Investigation Agency requested the State Securities Commission to strengthen supervision of the stock market with a focus on trading stock codes with signs of strong price fluctuations reaching monitoring criteria due to stock exchanges transferring weak production and business activities of enterprises or turning losses into profits.

The Police Investigation Agency also requested the Ministry of Finance to regularly exchange information with the Ministry of Public Security’s professional departments on developments in the financial, currency and stock markets; registration, listing, investment issuance, and stock trading activities.

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