The upgrade of the Vietnam – US relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a force for prosperity, cooperation and sustainable development in the region, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E.Knapper said at the press briefing on President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam on September 13.

The robust Vietnam – US relations bring benefits to both nations, the diplomat said, stressing the US want to stand side by side with Vietnam in the latter’s efforts to have a digital economy by 2030, become a high-income nation by 2045, and realise its net-zero target by 2050.

Environmental protection and climate change response will be among key cooperation fields between the two nations, he said, given Vietnam’s bold commitment to creating a greener and cleaner economy.

As the Southeast Asian country has an increasingly important role in the global value chain, the two countries have agreed to step up collaboration across the fields of science-technology, semi-conductor, education, and training of high-tech workforce Vietnam needs to meet the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, he stressed.

Ambassador Knapper described President Biden’s meetings with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue “particularly moving”.

A small ceremony was held following the meeting with Vietnamese top legislator Hue, he said, during which war memorabilia were handed over between the two sides.

“Just a really powerful moment in which you had veterans from both sides meeting in the presence of our President and the presence of the head of the National Assembly.  I don’t know, just for me – I mean, my father is a veteran; he fought here too – and so for me personally it was just very moving to see individuals from both sides doing this in the spirit of reconciliation, in the spirit of growing our partnership even more going into the future”, he said.

The US diplomat also recalled the special moment when President Joe Biden and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry visit the monument of late Senator John McCain, who had special influence on promoting the Vietnam – US relations, at Truc Bach Lake.

Regarding post-war recovery, the ambassador said the US profoundly grateful for Vietnam’s humanitarian effort, which helped bring home remains of more than 730 US servicemen.

The State visit by President Biden is not only an opportunity for both sides to further efforts to recover the war legacy, which is a pillar in the bilateral cooperation, but also an opportunity to expand cooperation in other fields.

Efforts towards reconciliation and cooperation in high technology do capture the full spectrum and breadth of the Vietnam – US ties, he said, adding both sides are working towards strengthening their friendship, deepening the existing areas of cooperation, and looking for new areas of cooperation.

“Our two countries are moving together into the future. And it was really just an extraordinary visit.”, he said.

Quickly settling fire consequences in Hanoi: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 13 asked competent forces to quickly deal with consequences of the deadly fire that broke out at a mini apartment building in Hanoi late September 12 night, and trace its cause.

In a dispatch sent to the Minister of Public Security and Chairpersons of provinces and centrally-run cities, the PM noted that the blaze, occurred at 11:22 p.m at the 10-storey building in an alley on Khuong Ha Street, Thanh Xuan district, caused severe consequences, with many casualties.

On behalf of the Government, PM Chinh extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and urged Hanoi to provide them with material and spiritual support.

The municipal People’s Committee needs to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to instruct competent forces to identify responsibility of organisations and individuals involved, and strictly handle wrongdoings (if have) in line with legal regulations.

The ministry and localities were asked to continue seriously observing instructions of the National Assembly, the Government and the PM on firefighting, and regularly monitor fire-prone facilities, especially mini apartment buildings and rental houses.

The same day, Chinh made a fact-finding trip to the blaze fire and visited the victims who are being treated at Bach Mai Hospital in the capital city.

He asked competent agencies to seriously implement the dispatch, stressing the need to perfect regulations on firefighting in mini apartment buildings and densely populated areas, and step up the communications work in this regard.

It was reported that the hospital admitted 26 victims of the fire, of whom two died on the way, and four are in serious conditions.  

The block is designed in the tube house style, featuring one facade and three sides adjoining other residential properties.

There are approximately 40-50 flats available for lease, predominantly occupied by families and students.

The structure boasts an underground car park, eight storeys of apartments, and a top floor balcony.

Each level comprises five apartments, ranging in size from 35 to 56sq.m.

Meeting reviews decade-long implementation of resolution on natural resources management

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on September 13 chaired the second meeting of the steering committee for summarising the 10-year implementation of the 11th Party Central Committee’s Resolution 24-NQ/TW on natural resources management.

In his conclusion, Ha requested the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoRE) work on completing the review of the project. The work must ensure quality and focus on results of the institutionalisation of the Resolution's contents through legal documents and domestic and international context changes since its issuance on June 3, 2013. This follows the emergence of such trends as the green transformation, digital transformation, the knowledge economy, and net zero carbon emissions.   

Presenting a report at the event, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said the decade saw policies and laws on environment pollution prevention and control increasingly completed and a shift to active control of pollution sources.

Notably, a series of targets set by the document for 2020 were met and fulfilled, including those involving disaster warning capacity, disaster-induced damage reduction, greenhouse gases reduction, and flexible use of 3.8 million hectars of paddy land serving food security, among many others.

However, the capacity of natural disaster prevention and climate change response have yet to meet requirements, while environmental pollution remains a pressing issue, particularly in industrial clusters and craft villages. Flooding due to high tides, saltwater intrusion, subsidence, and riverbank and coastal erosion occur in many places, an especially serious issue currently in the Mekong Delta.

Public security minister visits China, attends conference on crime prevention, control

Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam paid a courtesy call to member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee Cai Qi in Beijing on September 13, as part of his official China visit from September 12-16.

During the reception, Cai spoke highly of the development of cooperative ties between the two Parties and countries in all fields in the spirit of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership under the 16-word motto of "friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking towards to the future” and the “four-good” spirit of good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, good partners.

Lam, for his part, said Vietnam is delighted at great achievements that China has attained in recent years, particularly the successful organisation of the 20th National Congress of the CPC in October 2022 and the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in March 2023.

He said in the near future, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Chinese security and legal enforcement agencies will actively follow signed agreements and plans, maximise the effectiveness of mechanisms such as ministerial conferences on crime prevention and control, strategic security dialogue at the deputy ministerial level; coordinate effectively in combating transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illegal immigration activities.

They will also work closely together to ensure the security and safety of important political events, high-level visits, and the citizens, businesses and representative agencies of each country in the other's territory. Both sides will protect the legitimate rights and interests of their citizens, offer mutual support in personnel training in areas of their strength, he added.

The same day, Minister Lam together with Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong co-chaired the eighth ministerial conference on crime prevention and control.

Concluding the event, they signed the minutes of the conference and a Memorandum of Understanding on prevention and control of trans-national gambling between the two ministries.

On the occasion, Wang presented the Golden Great Wall insignia to Minister Lam.

Also the same day, Minister Lam met with Commander of the People’s Armed Police Wang Chunning who suggested several orientations to bilateral collaboration to ensure social safety and order in each country, as well as contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese minister agreed with the host’s proposals, including the facilitation of the exchange of all-level delegations, exploring the signing of cooperation agreements in areas of similar functions to create a legal framework for specific joint activities, sharing information and experience and providing support in training in counter-terrorism, anti-riots, rescue and relief, and ensuring the security of national key works.

Netherlands-Vietnam relations expected to see stronger development

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Ngo Huong Nam on September 13 presented his credentials to King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander.

The King wished the Ambassador fine successes in his term of office, and told Nam about his visit to Vietnam in 2011, as well as outstanding developments and great achievements in the relationship between the two countries in recent past.

He expressed his hope that the bilateral relationship will develop even stronger.

Nam affirmed that Vietnam and the Netherlands today have become important and priority partners of each other.

The two countries established their strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management in 2010, and strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security in 2014, and their leaders upgraded the bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership in 2019.

Nam emphasised that for the last 50 years, the two countries have cultivated and developed their relations, showing their strong determination to promote cooperation in various fields to achieve sustainable development goals and respond effectively to global challenges.

He said that the Netherlands has just become a development partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the recent 43rd ASEAN Summit, a further demonstration of the commitment by the European country to strengthening further cooperation with ASEAN in the areas it has strength such as training, cyber security, science and technology, security and maritime safety.

On this occasion, the diplomat conveyed State President Vo Van Thuong's greetings and invitation to the King, Queen, and royal family of the Netherlands to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Vice State President pays official visit to South Africa

Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan arrived in Pretoria on September 13 evening (local time), beginning her four-day official visit to South Africa.

Within the framework of her visit, Xuan is expected to hold talks with her South African counterpart and both will witness the signing of several cooperation agreements. She plans to meet with the General Secretaries of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Communist Party of South Africa, receive the President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leaders of several localities and businesses.

She will cut the ribbon to launch the Vietnamese Culture Space, and attend a ceremony to mark Vietnam’s 78th National Day, and the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Xuan’s trip is hoped to hold great significance, helping further intensify the traditional friendship and create more momentum for both sides to foster substantive and effective cooperation.

Book on Fidel Castro’s visit to Vietnam launched in Cuba

The book "Fidel Castro, Nuestra Sangre por Vietnam" (Fidel Castro, Our Blood for Vietnam) was launched by the Latin American News Agency, Prensa Latina, in Havana on September 13, marking the 50th anniversary of the leader's historic visit to Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Prensa Latina President Luis Enrique González said the book is a collaboration between Prensa Latina and the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). The 76-page book gathers dozens of images that mark a milestone in the relations and fraternity between Cuba and Vietnam.

Fidel’s presence in Vietnam was a gesture of personal courage and a call for the international community to learn about the cause of the heroic Vietnamese people, and an expression of its solidarity with that struggle, he added.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Thanh Tung said the book contributes to helping young Cuban and Vietnamese people to have a better understanding of countless efforts by their older generations to build and nurture the two countries’ relations which have been passed down generations to them.

Earlier, the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House publicised a bilingual a book on the visit by Cuban leader Fidel Castro to the liberated zone in Vietnam's central province of Quang Tri during the war 50 years ago.

The publication in Vietnamese and Spanish named "Fidel Castro - Vi Viet Nam, nguyen hien dang ca mau!" (Fidel Castro - Nuestra Sangre Por Vietnam" [Fidel Castro: Our blood for Vietnam]) marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban leader’s visit, reminding people of his famous saying “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood”.

It also helps readers have a better understanding about Fidel's special affection for Vietnam, Vietnamese people, and President Ho Chi Minh.

Ambassador stresses Vietnam’s policy on promoting, protecting human rights for all

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai has highlighted Vietnam’s policy on promoting and protecting all people’s enjoyment of human rights while addressing a general debate on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s updated report on the global human rights situation.

The debate on September 13 was part of the 54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Mai, who is Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, spoke highly of the active role of and efforts by the High Commissioner in stepping up the UNHRC’s activities, affirming the country’s support for activities of the High Commissioner Office to promote and protect human rights for all.

She emphasised Vietnam’s policy on promoting and protecting all people’s enjoyment of human rights, along with its development policy that centres on the people and views the people as the main stakeholder, goal, and momentum of development.

Vietnam perceives that it is necessary to promote initiatives and actions at national, regional, and international levels to resolve adverse impacts of global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, which are threatening the enjoyment of human rights by people around the world, especially vulnerable groups, as well as the possibility of obtaining the Sustainable Development Goals, she noted.

The ambassador also underscored the need to settle political divisions and differences, and foster cooperation and trust building, through activities of the UNHRC as one of the measures, to ensure that people worldwide can fully enjoy human rights.

Mai added that Vietnam is committed to boosting substantive dialogue and effective cooperation with all member states and human rights mechanisms of the UN. It supports the fundamental principles of universality, equality, objectivity, impartiality, and non-intervention into countries’ internal affairs.

The country holds that dialogue, substantive cooperation, and adherence to the above-mentioned principles form the most effective way for promoting and protecting human rights for the sake of sustainable development.

During the UNHRC’s 54th session in Geneva from September 11 to October 13, Vietnam has been enhancing its participation as a UNHRC member in the 2023 - 2025 tenure.

A focus Vietnam has promoted during the session is the right to health. The country has contributed to a joint speech at the discussion on the promotion of human rights via immunisation, and held an international seminar on this topic.

The 54th session, organised in a hybrid format, is the last regular session of the UNHRC this year.

Hanoi promotes digital transformation in new rural development

Super clean vegetable production at a smart agricultural farm in Tiến Xuân Commune of Thạch Thất District. — Photo courtesy of the Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The National Target Programme on Building New Rural Areas for the period 2021-25 sets the criteria that new rural communes must have at least one smart new rural village model.

Therefore, localities of Hà Nội are enhancing the construction of modern communes and villages.

Recently, people who have come to Phù Đổng Village 2 of Phù Đổng Commune in Gia Lâm District have been surprised by the way that locals approach information.

People proactively grasp information through social networking systems, instead of receiving information from local authorities through public loudspeakers as before.

The villagers use utility services, such as paying electricity and water bills, and banking transactions through applications.

The local authorities also support people using online public services as well as guide businesses, co-operatives, business households and people to participate in e-commerce platforms such as voso.vn, postmart.vn and use digital platforms and technologies to post photos, promote products, create online booths and receive orders.

According to a survey conducted in Phù Đổng Village, up to 98 per cent of households agreed with the necessity of building a smart village.

This confirmed that the local people are very excited and understand the value​ ​of digital transformation in new rural construction.

Liên Hà Commune of Đông Anh District started the construction of a new smart rural model in Hà Lỗ Village. So far, the model has been replicated in all eight villages.

Phạm Văn Nam, chairman of People’s Committee of Liên Hà Commune, said that the commune authority has installed free wifi at all eight villages’ cultural houses and installed security surveillance cameras on main traffic roads.

Liên Hà Commune has coordinated with suppliers to use information technology to access social services such as health, education, culture, etc.

In the commune, there are several models of high-tech application in farming and animal husbandry.

The commune has deployed zoning of concentrated rice production and spraying pesticides by remote control flying vehicles.

The commune completed the construction of a model new rural area at the end of 2022.

Phù Đổng and Liên Hoa are just two of the localities building new smart rural areas in Hà Nội.

Building smart villages is a necessary and sufficient condition to move towards building smart communes, helping the countryside become more modern and improve people's lives.

To build smart rural areas, Hà Nội has been focused on supporting people toward digital transformation in the three main areas of developing a digital government, digital economic entities and a digital society for the community.

Nguyễn Văn Chí, deputy chief office of Co-ordination Office of the New Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội, said: “The set of criteria for the model new rural areas to meet the smart village model includes a community digital technology group; smart communication; e-commerce; smart tourism; and social services.”

“These are new criteria for the National Target Programme on Building New Rural Areas in the 2021-25 period,” Chí said.

Digital transformation is currently the goal that Hà Nội is seeking to implement, and the agricultural sector is no exception.

To build a model new rural area, communes must choose to pilot the programme in one village, then replicate it in other villages, towards building new smart rural communes.

Hà Nội is one of the leading localities that supports farmers in digital transformation.

Previously, the city supported farmers in carry out information transparency of agricultural and craft products through the use of QR codes.

From 2021, the Coordination Office of the New Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội has supported and trained farmers to sell online and livestream to introduce products on social networks.

Individuals, co-operatives and businesses in Hà Nội have been proactive in implementing digital transformation for smart production.

For example, farmers in Hồng Sơn Commune of Mỹ Đức District set up a digital technology group with 15 members.

The group’s members come to households to guide people to activate Zalo, and install applications such as VNeID, VssID, e-wallet, and electronic health books.

The city has set a goal that by 2025, Hà Nội will have 100 per cent of districts meeting new rural standards, 40 per cent of communes meeting advanced new rural standards, 20 per cent of communes meeting model new rural standards, and complete the goal of building new rural areas at the city level.

According to the Co-ordination Office of the New Rural Development Programme in Hà Nội, as of August this year, the city has all 382 communes reaching new rural standards, 111 communes earning the title “advanced new-style rural areas”, 20 communes being recognised as model new rural areas, and 15 out of 18 districts and townships meeting the requirements of new rural areas.

The four districts of Đan Phượng, Gia Lâm, Đông Anh and Thanh Trì are eligible to request the Prime Minister to recognise the districts as meeting advanced new rural standards in 2023.

The city’s goal in the period 2021-25 is to build new rural areas in the direction of smart urban development, including some districts elevated into inner-city districts.

Chí said that currently the office is drafting a plan that implements the digital transformation programme in new rural construction towards smart new rural areas in the period 2021-25, and will submit it to the city for review and approval.

In addition, the Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to advise the city on setting up mechanisms and policies to encourage organisations and individuals to research and develop digital platforms, digital data and digital services for agriculture and rural development as well as support farmers to promote their role in digital agriculture. 

Red Cross Society celebrates World First Aid Day

The Việt Nam Red Cross Society’s HCM Chapter on Tuesday organised a ceremony to raise public awareness of how first aid can save lives in celebration of World First Aid Day on September 9.

This year, the day’s theme was “First Aid in the Digital World”, which promotes the utilisation of digital tools and its resources in first aid training and education, said Trần Trường Sơn, chairman of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society’s HCM Chapter.

HCM City takes the lead in first aid activities and is responsible to offer first aid training for tens of thousands of people a year, Sơn said.

The number of first aid trainers and volunteers in the city continues to grow every year, he said.

A mobile first aid team with nine members who have been trained first aid skills was launched at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, the Centre for First Aid Training and Disaster Prevention conducted a first aid demonstration for fire emergencies.

Trần Văn Tuấn, vice chairman of Việt Nam Red Cross Society’s HCM Chapter and director of the centre, said by taking action with first aid until professional medical professionals arrive, we can help reduce injuries and save lives. 

Mekong Delta provinces making progress in curbing IUU fishing

Coastal localities in the Mekong Delta continue making efforts to better prevent and control illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing ahead of the fourth fact-finding trip by a European Commission (EC) delegation this October.

The EC issued a “yellow card” warning for Việt Nam in terms of IUU fishing in 2017. It will be followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved. Meanwhile, a “red card” may lead to a ban on aquatic exports to the EU.

Kiên Giang Province has the largest fishing fleet in the country with 9,845 fishing boats with the length of six metres or more, including nearly 4,000 offshore-fishing vessels with the length of at least 15 metres.

From the beginning of the 2020 - 2025 term, the Kiên Giang provincial Party Committee issued a resolution to strengthen leadership in IUU prevention and control. As a result, after half a term implementing the resolution, the number of fishing vessels violating the law has gradually decreased.

According to Kiên Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the unit has currently completed registration procedures for 1,820 fishing vessels and the installation of vessel monitoring equipment for all the fishing vessels. The department has supervised the loading and unloading of 16,850 tonnes of seafood through local ports, certified the origin of seafood for 12 businesses, and issued 102 certificates of origin of seafood which are exported to the European market.

The provincial border guard posts have focused their personnel and vehicles on enhancing IUU prevention and control.

The border guards coordinated with other forces such as the navy, coast guard, police, and army to patrol the waters, and to prevent, detect and handle violations related to IUU fishing.

Lieutenant Colonel Dương Văn Hơn, Commander of the Border Guard Command of Dương Đông Port Border Gate, said that the unit established more than ten teams and four checkpoints to support each other in inspecting and supervising fishing vessels.

They also increased communication works, giving out leaflets and letters calling on people to fight against IUU fishing.

In the southernmost province of Cà Mau, the Rạch Gốc Border Guard Station assigned staff on duty all the time to supervise fishing vessels. All vessels with the length of over 15 metres must install journey monitoring equipment.

Hồ Song Toàn, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Trần Văn Thời District said that the committee had directed specialised agencies to daily update IUU data.

The district was completing a database on vessels which have their fishing licences expired or those are unused.

It continued to coordinate closely with agencies in propagating and disseminating the Fisheries Law and regulations on IUU prevention and control so that fishermen have better awareness of the issue.

Meanwhile, Tiền Giang Province has established an inspection team to combat IUU fishing.

The province continues to implement the inter-sectoral coordination mechanism between ministries, central departments and branches and the People's Committees of 28 coastal localities in exchanging and processing information to prevent and put an end to violations of Vietnamese fishing vessels in foreign waters.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cà Mau Province Châu Công Bằng said that the province paid much attention to overseeing the operation of private fishing ports including the exit/entry of fishing vessels to the ports and the loading/unloading of seafood products at the ports.

Techcombank Hanoi Marathon guides runners through city's tradition to modernity

The second Techcombank Hanoi Marathon will take place on September 15-17, aiming to spread the spirit of Run for a Greater Việt Nam in the capital city.

Around 9,000 local and international athletes will take part, a remarkable increase compared to the 7,000 runners last year.

The marathon will continue to be a prominent sports tourism event of Hà Nội.

The event is organised by Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV) with the support of the Hà Nội's Department of Culture and Sports, and the title sponsor Techcombank.

“For many years, Sunrise Events Vietnam has always tried to connect individuals and communities through sports activities. We always appreciate the support of relevant agencies in Hà Nội during our organisation process," said SEV’s CEO Onslo Carrington.

"We are also very proud to accompany our strategic partner Techcombank, as their commitment to supporting the wave of running in Việt Nam through this event is admirable.

"We are confident in promoting this running event to be on par with the largest and most popular tournaments in the region such as the Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore Marathons.”

Runners will compete in four distances of marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km, all certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Among competitors are many professional athletes, high-performing athletes in the region and the world, such as SEA Games athletic champions Nguyễn Trung Cường, Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Phúc, Hoàng Nguyên Thanh, and Nguyễn Thị Oanh.

They will be against international marathoners such as Immaculate Chemutai from Uganda, Koros Chesire and Kipsang Charles Kipkorir from Kenya.

Starting from the Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square on September 17, the marathon and half marathon runners will experience 39 unique landmarks of Hà Nội, including Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hà Nội Opera House, President Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, and Long Biên Bridge.

The distinctive running routes combining tradition and modernity promises to take athletes on an emotional journey where they not only enjoy running but also appreciate the flow of culture of the thousand-year-old capital.

Runners of all distances will finish at the Vinhomes Riverside Long Biên, a high-ranking ecological riverside urban area.

A Kids Run for children aged five to 14 will also be organised, promising an exciting playground for the participants. It is expected to nurture the spirit of sports, cultivating willpower, and fostering the love of running for children from an early age.

In addition, many activities and services from exhibition booths in the Marathon Village will bring athletes and families a lively sports festival where everyone will find a reason to run and a motivation to overcome their limits.

Phạm Xuân Tài, deputy director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, shared his pride when the marathon returned to Hà Nội for the second time as an inspiring activity to promote a healthy and dynamic lifestyle and prove the city's solidarity and resilience.

He said in the future, the Hà Nội would continue to work closely with the organisers to elevate the event, both in terms of scale and quality, into a representative running event of the city, comparable to other races in the region.

"Techcombank is proud and honoured to be the title sponsor for this fantastic event for a second year. Through our support, we aim to bring our 'Be Greater' spirit to life by inspiring people to lead healthier lives and Run for a Greater Việt Nam," said Thái Minh Diễm Tú, CMO of Techcombank.

"By encouraging people to be more active and live more healthily we aim to leave a positive and long-lasting legacy for the city of Hà Nội." 

Phu Yen province – bright spot in IUU fishing combat

The coastal province of Phu Yen, one of the localities with large fishing boat fleets in the south-central region, has seen no violations of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations over the past nearly five years.

The achievement is attributable to a range of solutions rolled out concertedly in the province to raise public awareness of the matter, contributing to accelerating the removal of the European Commission (EC)'s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood.

The provincial People’s Committee reported that up to 98.6% of the 1,925 fishing boats in the province have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in line with a government decree.

Local competent agencies are urging the installation for the remainders, and taking measures to handle wrongdoings, including contact cut-off at sea and unreported fishing.

The provincial fisheries sub-department’s IUU fishing monitoring teams conducted 226 inspections, and detected three cases of violations, which were fined over 10 million VND (414 USD) so far this year.

Forces from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and border guards have also joined the efforts against IUU fishing.

Most recently, the province coordinated with the Command of the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 in an inspection over more than 20 fishing vessels, and found that most of which have followed the regulations.

To further support local fishermen, Phu Yen organised five conferences on IUU fishing combat, and delivered an appeal letter by the Chairman of the People’s Committee, calling on them to fight IUU fishing, among other activities.

Peruvian ceramic artworks set to be exhibited in Hanoi

An exhibition opening with the title of “Pucará Bull” is scheduled to take place at the Art and Culture Centre at 22 Hang Buom Street in Hanoi from September 16 to September 24 to mark the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Vietnam-Peru diplomatic relations.      

The exhibition is being organised by the Embassy of Peru in Vietnam and will offer the public in the capital the unique opportunity to appreciate one of Peru's most iconic symbols, traditional Peruvian pottery.

On display across the function will be 18 meticulously crafted ceramic artworks that exhibit distinctive designs, decorations, and a high aesthetic value. These pieces reflect the immense creativity and exceptional skills of various Peruvian ceramic artists.

This cultural event is part of a larger initiative being ran by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, in collaboration with the Municipality of the "Leal Villa de Pucará" and 10 associations of Pucará artisans. These associations consist of more than 500 ceramic artisans who diligently preserve and nurture the ancient pottery tradition.

The exhibition will witness the participation of two Vietnamese painters Le Huy and Tran Anh Tuan who will come together to create Pucará Bull artworks by applying typical techniques of traditional Vietnamese painting.

According to Ambassador of Peru to Vietnam Augusto Morelli Salgado, the exhibition will help both countries gain a deeper understanding of their traditional culture, thereby enhancing the friendship relations between the two sides.

Furthermore, the Embassy of Peru in co-ordination with Puppets Studio art workshop will organise a Pucará bull statue decoration event with the theme of "Make your own amule" between September 16 and September 17, with the occasion being free for all visitors.

Since 2022, this function has been traveling to various countries around the world. In Asia, these ceramic artworks have been showcased in several countries, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. After Vietnam, the Pucará bull collection will continue its journey onwards to India.

Hanoi and Belgian sides seek cooperation in smart water management technology

The Hanoi Sewage and Drainage Company Limited and HydroScan Company of Belgium signed a memorandum of understanding on smart water management technology cooperation at a ceremony held in Hanoi on September 12.

The technological collaboration will take place within the framework of the non-refundable ODA grant programme of the Belgian Government for a project on transferring smart water management technology to Vietnam.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Phan Hoai Minh, general director of the Hanoi Sewage and Drainage Company Limited, noted the event marks an important initial step towards securing cooperation goals between the two sides.

The project on transferring smart water management technology from Belgium to Vietnam will help to improve the system's overall efficiency and optimise the capital’s drainage system, he stressed.

Patrick Swartenbroekx, managing director of HydroScan Company of Belgium, expressed hope that the Belgian firm would continue to strengthen ties and expand operations in the country in general and Hanoi in particular through partners such as the Hanoi Sewage and Drainage Company Limited.

The signing of the document on smart water management technology cooperation marked an important milestone in realising that goal, Swartenbroekx shared.

French and Vietnamese musicians to begin city tour

French pianist Maxime Zecchini and Vietnamese violinist Chương Vũ will tour cities in Việt Nam from September 14.

The musicians will play pieces by French composers Camille Saint-Saëns, Claude Debussy, Ernest Chausson, Pablo de Sarasate and Maurice Ravel as well as Vietnamese musician Vũ Việt Anh.

"I feel very happy and I'm really looking forward to this tour," said Zecchini.

"Indeed, I planned to come in 2020 but COVID made that impossible. I look forward to discovering Vietnamese culture, music, food among other things. It is a very rich and exciting culture.

"This will be my first visit to Việt Nam and I also hope to have some time between concerts to discover the natural and architectural wonders of this superb country."

Paris-born Zecchini has played in the Carnegie Hall of New York in May 2022. He is the first French pianist to receive a degree from the prestigious Incontri col Maestro Academy in Imola (Italy).

He is winner of several national and international competitions including first prize at Forum de Normandie Competition; the Cziffra Foundation Prize and first prize at Varenna-Lake Como International Competition.

The first part will see solo performance by the pianist. He will premiere French legendary Edith Piaf's trio L'hymme à l'amour; Je ne regrette rien and La vie en rose which he has arranged for piano.

After intermission, the duo will perform Anh's Spring Prayer, Fantasy for Violin and PianoChu.

Anh is popular for his famous songs with beautiful lyrics. He has composed many orchestral works.

At the end of the concert, the artists will entertain the audience the dramatic and poignant melodies of Fantaisie sur Carmen, op. 25 (Carmen Fantasy) by Pablo de Sarasate written for violin and piano inspired by Bizet's classic operaCarmen, displaying their virtuosic playing and delicate emotions.

Praised for his “exquisite playing” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Yehudi Wyner, violinist Chương Vũ has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra member throughout North and South Americas, Europe and Asia with repertoire ranging from early baroque to modern music.

He received a PhD in musical arts from the University of North Texas, where he held a doctoral fellowship and a teaching fellowship.

The artists will perform at Erato and IDECAF in HCM City on September 14 and 15. After that, concerts will be held at Creative Studio in Đà Lạt City, Central Highlands Province of Lâm Đồng, and Novotel Hotel in Đã Nẵng on September 16 and 17.

The Huế Conservatory in the central province of Thừa Thiên-Huế and the Alexandre Yersin School in Hà Nội will be the last destinations of the concert tour on September 20 and 22.

The concert is among the activities held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of France and Việt Nam diplomatic relations. 

Songbook featuring Vietnamese soldiers released

A songbook featuring Vietnamese soldiers by Meritorious Artist and veteran musician Thế Hiển has been released in HCM City. 

The book, Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers - The Wild Orchid), includes 40 of the best songs that the artist has written and composed during his 40-year-long career.  

It is published by the HCM City General Publishing House. 

Hiển selected these songs from his works about the country and soldiers, mothers and children, love and childhood. 

The book includes famous songs from the 1980s-90s, such as Hát Về Anh (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers), Khi Người Lính Trở Về (When Soldiers Return Home), Người Mẹ Và Hoa Sứ Trắng (Mother and White Frangipani), which are still fresh today. 

Songs about love and women are also included.

“I hope my songs about love and soldiers can improve the minds and souls of young people,” said Hiển, a member of the HCM City Musicians’ Association, at the book’s launching ceremony in HCM City last week. 

Hiển has a great passion for music and was a self-taught musician when he was a boy. 

He studied music with well-known artists of the Bông Sen Arts Theatre, a leading music and dance training and performance centre of the South.

In 1989, he graduated in composing and vocal music at the HCM City Music Conservatory. 

He worked for several State-owned theatres and music schools in HCM City and Southern provinces. 

Hiển has composed more than 300 pieces of music. Many of his songs are in praise of the country, late President Hồ Chí Minh, patriotism and soldiers.  

His music combines traditional and contemporary folk elements.  

His songs have been performed by famous folk singers such as People’s Artist Thuý Hiền, Meritorious Artist Tạ Minh Tâm and pop star Cẩm Ly. 

More than 500 copies of Hiển’s songbook Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng will be presented to soldiers who are working in Khánh Hoà Province. 

Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) crucial for national energy security

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) announced that the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is underway and the plan was ratified by a Prime Minister decree.

The information was disclosed this week by Tăng Thế Cường, Director of MONRE's Department for Climate Change.

The Joint Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) political statement establishes an equitable energy transition partnership. It is a global partnership with the goal of energy transition, technological transformation towards green conversion, emission reduction, and the development of a low-carbon economy.

The implementation of the political statement establishing an equitable energy transition partnership is related to the functions and tasks of many ministries, sectors, localities, and the activities of enterprises. The international partners are interested in and highly appreciate Việt Nam's efforts regarding the establishment of an equitable energy transition partnership. Each partner has its own priorities and expectations for the Resource Mobilisation Plan (RMP).

In addition, MONRE has coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies, along with consultation from the members of the International Partners Group (IPG), to draft the Resource Mobilization Plan for the implementation of the political statement establishing an equitable energy transition partnership. The plan outlines a roadmap to achieve the goals of an equitable energy transition and mobilize the necessary financial resources.

The Prime Minister approved the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII) on May 15. Additionally, the Comprehensive National Energy Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, was approved on July 26. There is also an action plan for the implementation of the political statement establishing an equitable energy transition partnership.

The plan outlines specific objectives for 2030 and the period beyond 2030, with ten key task groups: improving the institutional and policy framework for promoting energy transition, promoting the shift from coal to clean energy, developing the renewable energy industry and services ecosystem, promoting energy efficiency, upgrading the power transmission and distribution system, accelerating the development of a smart grid system and energy storage system, transitioning to green energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, innovation, technology development, and ensuring equity in the energy transition, communication and raising awareness, and promoting cooperation and resource mobilisation for an equitable energy transition.

The plan lists 48 specific tasks and three priority task groups for the implementation of the political statement establishing an equitable energy transition partnership from now until 2025, including projects in the categories of power transmission and distribution network investment, energy storage, small hydropower projects, and offshore wind power development. 

First-ever Vietnam Digital Content Creation Awards launched

The first-ever Vietnam Digital Content Creation Awards was officially launched at a ceremony held in Hanoi on September 12, aiming to honour outstanding products, services, and solutions on data creating and sharing.

Addressing the ceremony, Nguyen Minh Hong, chairman of Vietnam Digital Communications Association, noted that this is the first time the award has been organised in Vietnam to honour digital content creators who have contributed to spreading positive cultural values ​​in the wider community.

An awards ceremony will be held in Hanoi this December as part of a series of forum-exhibition-awards events.

Entries should be submitted online via the awards website https://dcca.org.vn/vca from September 12 to November 30.

The contest is open to both Vietnamese and foreign nationals having a residence visa or other legal documents valid until December 31 in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA) will present awards in different categories such as short films, animation, advertisements, and digital content production in the education sector.

Moreover, awards for excellent digital content creators, digital content creators for the community, and promising digital content creators, will also be given to the winners.

Recent years has seen the explosive growth of the Internet and cross-border technology platforms which has created favourable conditions for digital content creation to develop rapidly.

In 2022, Vietnam’s content creation industry drew at least 20,000 employees, with revenue of up to US$800 million.

Movies, animation, online music, online games, audiobooks, comics, content design, and online education in the content industry are therefore expected to develop in the near future.

Ha Nam plans to set up Delacour's langur conservation area

The northern province of Ha Nam has planned to establish a Delacour's langur conservation area in Kim Bang District.

According to Le Hoang Thuyen, director of the Ha Nam Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the decision for the area is expected to be issued in the fourth quarter of this year. 

Under the plan, the Delacour's langur area will cover a total area of 3,182 hectares stretching in the communes of Thanh Son, Lien Son, Tan Son, Thi Son, Kha Phong and Ba Sao Town.

The area is aimed to preserve forest ecosystems, 41 rare plant species and 26 rare animal species, particularly the Delacour's langur.

The Delacour's langur is a unique and critically endangered primate species found exclusively in Vietnam, with a population of only around 200 individuals. At present, this species is classified as critically endangered in the 2019 IUCN Red List. 

Plastic bags banned from Co To Island

Visitors to Co To Island in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh will be banned from bringing plastic bags and single-use plastic items from September 15 as local authorities are trying to build a sustainable, green tourism environment.

Visitors to Co To Island in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh will be banned from bringing plastic bags and single-use plastic items from September 15.

Co To Island District People's Committee announced the new regulation on Tuesday, saying it was intended to protect the environment from plastic pollution.

Offices, schools, markets, hotels, tourist ships, as well as fishing boats will now also be banned from using single-use plastic items and instead made to use environmentally-friendly products.

The committee piloted the regulation from September 1, 2022 by advising visitors and local people not to bring plastic bottles, plastic bags, and materials that could pollute the island.

Head of Co To District Department of Culture and Information, Nguyen Hai Linh, said that they launched the Zero Plastic Waste programme last year, aiming to raise awareness among islanders and tourists on reducing plastic bags and single-use plastic and they have seen positive results.

"The marine environment here has much improved," Linh said. "Some animals including turtles and dolphins have returned to live in the area. Local people and visitors have better awareness on environment protection.

Statistics showed that more than 2,000 tourists visit Co To a day. The island received over 298,000 visitors in the first nine months of this year, up 152 percent on year.

Northern region faces heavy rain

The northern region of Vietnam has been forecasted to witness heavy rain with strong winds on September 12-13.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, northeastern localities will receive the highest rainfall of between 40-90 mm. Some areas would see a rainfall of 150 mm. 

From September 13, the rain would spread to the central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An with rainfall of 15-50mm.

From September 14, the rain would gradually fall.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned people in mountainous and low areas of flooding rinks. The Central Highlands and southern region have seen less rain from today, September 12. Meanwhile, localities from Danang to Binh Thuan are facing hot weather with temperatures of 33-36 degrees centigrade.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting forecasted that from September 11 and October 10, the temperature of the northern and central regions would be 0.5-1 degree centigrade higher than the same period of last year. Meanwhile, the rainfall during this period would be 10-30 percent compared to the same period last year.

Within the next month, the East Sea would have 1-2 storms or tropical depressions.

HCMC to follow multi-center model in building urban areas

Chairman Phan Van Mai of the HCMC People’s Committee yesterday led a meeting to collect opinions for the adjustment of HCMC Master Planning until 2040, with a Vision to 2060 (stage 1).

HCMC is located in the heart of Southern Vietnam and at the intersection of main routes from North to South, from West to East. It has become one of the transit hubs in Southeast Asia. The populations of many districts in HCMC are equal to those in some provinces.

At present, the downtown of HCMC is the historical core urban area of Saigon – Cho Lon and its neighborhood. There is not yet such a model as multi-centric city, where several main and minor centers are formed along with compact urban areas for better development.

Statistics from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reveal that HCMC is leading the country in export turnovers, buts its growth rate is lower than other provinces like Bac Ninh or Binh Duong. The city’s industry sector does not play the leading role; instead, it has become the job of the service sector.

The development rate of new potential industries in HCMC cannot compensate for the reduction of traditional ones in the national economic structure, resulting in a weaker economic leading role in the country. The private business sector accounts for a large proportion, yet they are mostly small and super small enterprises, and there is a lack of large-scale ones which can establish and coordinate the whole ecosystem. 

Chairman Tran Ngoc Chinh of the Vietnam Urban Planning – Development Association pointed out that HCMC has Saigon River, which is tens of kilometers long and a true present from the nature. He proposed more investments for both sides of this valuable river.

Agreeing with that, Dr. Tran Du Lich – Chairman of the HCMC Advisory Council for the Implementation of Resolution 98 – stressed that it is essential to prioritize traffic development along Saigon River from District 1 to Cu Chi District to create more breakthroughs for the city. He also mentioned the need to pour money into education and healthcare.

In his summary speech, Chairman Phan Van Mai said that in the adjustment for HCMC’s Master Planning until 2040 with a Vision to 2060, it is critical to consider the multi-centric city model. This Planning must direct the growth towards the Transit-oriented Development (TOD) model, with compact urban areas at each traffic hub.

He also mentioned the need to maintain a certain proportion of agricultural land and to identify a suitable population scale for the city. HCMC is going to pinpoint and keep its positive points while trying to eliminate its negatives. This planning adjustment of the city is both a chance and a responsibility to create a strong foundation for further development in order to help HCMC become a better place to live.

The task of adjusting HCMC’s Master Planning until 2040 with a Vision to 2060 was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No.1528/QD-TTg. The adjustment must be in accordance with the development direction of the whole city so that HCMC can transform into a hub for international and regional trade and finance, culture and knowledge, scientific research and technology transfer, hi-tech industry, tourism, and logistics.

HCMC reserves land funds for school construction projects

Ho Chi Minh City reserves land funds for school construction projects as after the opening of the new school year, it continues to race against time to complete school construction projects to add more seats.
 
As districts in the city saw an additional 35,000 students this school year, local administrations are looking for ways to serve students’ learning needs.

Ten new school buildings were recently opened and added more than 4,400 new school seats across three boroughs.

According to a report from the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, some 48 more school construction projects were finished and added 672 new classrooms for the 2023-24 school year. Of these, before September 5, 27 projects were opened with 441 classrooms. From now until the end of 2023, 21 more projects are expected to be put into use with 231 new classrooms. By the end of August 2023, the southern metropolis had 294 classrooms per 10,000 population of school age (from 3-18 years old); however, the rate is not equal in districts.

Chief of Office of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training Ho Tan Minh said that from now to 2025, approximately 4,500 new classrooms will be built as per the city education sector’s plan.

Of 4,500 new classrooms, the city will invest in 3,000 classrooms while 1,500 classrooms will be built from social contributions.

In the context of the lack of land funds to build schools, Ho Chi Minh City proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training adjust Circular 13 issued on May 26, 2020 on school facilities allowing the construction of new school buildings.

In response to this proposal from Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong disagreed because many localities will no longer prioritize land funds for education.

However, the Ministry of Education and Training will continue to review and consider the criteria suitable for the specific characteristics of localities with high mechanical population rates and difficulties in land funds for school construction in the upcoming time.

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