Construction of Tan Van-Nhon Trach section on Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road No.3 began on September 24 in Nhon Trach district in the southern province of Dong Nai.

The project comprises Nhon Trach bridge, and an 8km road, including 6.3km in Dong Nai, and 1.92km in Ho Chi Minh City.

The project's total investment is over 6.955 trillion VND (293.1 million USD) sourced from official development assistance (ODA) funded by the Republic of Korea's Government through the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the corresponding capital of the Vietnamese Government, in which the cost of site clearance is arranged by the two localities.

Once completed, the section is expected to contribute to shortening the time as well as facilitating travel from Nhon Trach district to Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbouring Binh Duong province. Construction of this section is expected to last three years.
 
Hanoi issues plan to ensure traffic safety

Hanoi People's Committee has issued a plan to reduce congestion and ensure traffic safety in the capital city for the 2022-25 period.

Under the plan, the city sets a target to reduce traffic accidents by 5-10 per cent per year and deal with seven to ten traffic congestion hotspots.

The capital city has set an annual target to cut traffic accidents on all three criteria of incidents, fatalities and injuries, with a drop of 50 per cent of deaths and injuries by 2030 compared to 2020.

The public transport system will meet at least 30-35 per cent of the travel demand by 2025.

The city also aims to eliminate traffic ‘black spots', limiting the occurrence of new congestion points. 

To meet the above goals, the city has set out specific tasks and solutions.

The city will build and perfect mechanisms, policies, laws and regulations related to traffic order and safety, and promptly and effectively apply technology .

Key traffic works to reduce congestion will also be prioritised for completion.

The Hanoi authority will review and arrange static parking areas in the inner city and districts; invest in building an accessible transportation system for people with disabilities and the elderly in urban areas; and study a pilot plan for bike lanes.

Efforts to raise awareness of traffic safety will also be increased.

To ensure traffic safety, the encroachment of sidewalks, road safety corridors, railways and inland waterways will also be thoroughly solved. 

Typhoons and heavy rains predicted in late 2022

Two to four severe weather systems are predicted to directly affect Việt Nam before the end of the year, according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

Talking about other dangerous phenomena, Lâm said that in the north, the volume and flow of rivers will decline from October. This will lead to a water shortage in rivers and reservoirs compared to the yearly average. 

People near river areas in the central region should be careful as two to three floods are predicted to occur.

In Quảng Bình to Bình Thuận provinces and the Central Highlands, the threat of flood is higher, with the hydrograph peak here from Level 2 to Level 3, or even higher. There are threats of flash floods and landslides in upstream areas and small creeks.

The volumetric flow rate of rivers in Thanh Hóa, Quảng Bình to Quảng Ngãi, Bình Định, Khánh Hòa and southern Central Highlands areas is predicted to rise by 10-30 per cent compared to averages.

Northern and north-central coastal areas should prepare for rising water due to storms in October, as well as rising tides and cyclones, and cold fronts reaching central areas.

To limit the damage of adverse natural events, the NCHMF advised authorities and regional standing committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue to closely monitor and update forecasts and warnings from the NCHMF.

These forecasts and warnings should be quickly sent to the public. In addition, methods of preventing natural disasters should also be communicated along with blocking activities in areas with high risks of flash floods and landslides.

People in affected areas should also follow the updates and forecasts of the NCHMF, as well as identify areas of high risk. They should also comply with local guidance on natural disaster prevention and prepare necessities in case of adverse natural events.

Ride-hailing car lanes often congested at HCM City airport

The entry and exit of two lanes reserved for ride-hailing vehicles at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC frequently get congested.

Ride-hailing vehicles exiting the TCP parking building in front of the airport’s domestic terminal T1 must now make a 90-degree turn before entering into a single lane formed by lanes D1 and D2.

Ride-hailing cars have to go through two ticket cabins within a 15-meter distance, one from the parking lot and one from the airport, as the TCP ticket cabin has been moved outdoors.

Previously, the TCP cabin was placed inside the parking building at the end of lane D1.

Congestion at the exit of the lanes caused bottlenecks in both the passenger pick-up area and the parking lot. The queue reached hundreds of vehicles occasionally, according to a driver.

Some passengers at the airport said it took more than 30 minutes to hail a car on a mobile app.

The airport authorities have considered reducing the green space surrounding the TCP parking lot to build an additional lane.

In July, the Southern Airports Authority (SAA) and the HCMC Transport Department proposed a new parking lot to ease traffic pressure at the airport.

The 3,500-square-meter planned location is close to the international terminal, along the Bach Dang, Truong Son and Hong Ha streets. The SAA is now in charge of the location.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam recommended that the site be reclaimed from the SAA and leased to the airport for a parking lot.

Daklak CDC director expelled from Party

Trinh Quang Tri, director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of the Central Highlands province of Daklak, has been stripped of all his Party posts for his involvement in the procurement of Covid test kits from Viet A Technology Corporation.

The provincial Party Committee made a decision on his removal today, September 20, Phap Luat Online reported.

On May 27, investigators of the Daklak Police Department filed charges against Tri, aged 51, and five accomplices for violating bidding regulations, causing serious consequences.

The investigation results showed that between July 2020 and November 2021, the Daklak CDC bought some 87,500 test kits worth VND13 billion from Viet A to conduct a mass Covid testing drive, but the price of each test kit was much higher than its value.

The violation caused a loss of over VND6 billion for the State budget.

Largest number of runners to compete in VPBank Hanoi full marathon

The 2022 VPBank Hanoi Marathon will see the largest numbers yet participate in the 42km event this October in the capital city.

The municipal official international running event, hosted by VPBank and DHA Việt Nam Company, will be held on October 16, with more than 10,000 athletes, professionals and amateurs participating.

Among them, 3,000 have registered for the 42km course, the largest number to ever sign up for a marathon in Vietnam.

According to the organisers, more than 1,000 foreigners will participate in the event, which carries a message of Light up Việt Nam, as an exciting greeting from Hà Nội to all participants.

This year, a record prize, including cash and the "Golden Running Step" Cup, will be delivered to one male and one female runner, if they break national records at the 42km distance.

In addition to the full marathon, there are also 5km, 10km and 21km categories.

The race is a one-of-a-kind event that serves as both a traditional marathon, as well as a unique tour of the six major districts and almost all historical and cultural places of the Old Quarter of Hà Nội, allowing the runners to discover the peaceful, charming, and historic city with 11 heritages and landmarks they can't miss.

Starting from Hoàn Kiếm Lake (the Lake of Returned Sword), marathoners will run past mossy, ancient street corners, admiring the historical sites of the thousand-year-old capital such as West Lake; Ô Quan Chưởng, the last remaining city wall gate; Temple of Literature, Mausoleum of President Hồ Chí Minh, Ba Đình Square and the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long.

HCM City speeds up old apartment renovation wave

HCM City’s Department of Construction has set up a task force to help quicken the renovation and rebuilding of old apartment buildings.

The task force, which was set up following the instruction of the chairman of the municipal people’s committee Phan Van Mai, is led by Tran Hoang Quan, director of the city’s construction department. It also includes representatives from departments of planning and investment, finance and justice and districts.
 
The group will review the implementation pace of apartment upgrading and rebuilding in districts 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 and Tan Binh District as well as the relocation of houses on or along canals in districts 4, 6, 7 and 8 and Binh Thanh District to report to the HCM City People’s Committee.

It will also work with districts over issues to the apartment renovation and rebuilding and propose solutions to speed up the work.

The HCM City Department of Construction reported that the city is home to 474 old apartment buildings with many built before 1975. Under a plan issued last year, the city would focus on upgrading 246 old apartment buildings, but difficulties accessing capital have slowed the work. The city has so far dismantled 10 run-down apartment buildings. The city is also investing VND276 billion into upgrading 199 buildings built before 1975.

Fashion shows to promote Vietnam’s tourism and heritage

A series of fashion shows, entitled ‘Buoc Chan Di San’ (Walking through Heritages) will be staged in famous tourist attractions across Vietnam to promote the country’s tourism potential and heritage.

The programme, co-hosted by stage director Hoang Cong Cuong and supermodel Ha Vy, will gather celebrated designers, including Huong Queen, la Pham, Kenny Thai, Helene Hoai, and Vu Viet Ha.

The designers will bring to the stage their latest designs inspired by the unique culture and art values of the host places.

The first show will be organised on October 20 at the Centre of Vietnamese Quintessential Craft Villages, which is located in the heart of Bat Trang ancient pottery village in Gia Lam district, Hanoi.

The show will spotlight the time-honoured history and cultural value of the Bat Trang pottery village.

The next shows will be staged in popular destinations in Ninh Binh province, Mu Cang Chai district (Yen Bai province), and a catholic church in Hai Hau district (Nam Dinh province).

Promoting travel experiences in digital space

Thanks to the support from digital technology, the tourism development provided the most convenient services to satisfy tourists.

The promotion of digital transformation in tourism has brought many practical utilities, contributing to saving the state budget and increasing the effectiveness of the promotion of destinations in Vietnam. The digital space has shortened the gap and time, thereby helping travellers to quickly make a decision to choose Vietnam as a destination for their experience in reality.

Since the reopening of tourism in March, Vietnamese tourism has witnessed an impressive growth rate. The search volume for Vietnam tourism from international markets in June 2022 increased by 1.125% over the same period last year. The markets with the most searches were the US, Singapore, Australia, India, Japan, France, Thailand, Germany, Canada, and the UK. The most searched destinations were Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Da Lat.

Many localities around the country have been building digital spaces and developing tourism on a digital platform. In 2021, the capital city of Hanoi operated the night tour to Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the project to explore the cultural space of Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), aiming to increase the ability to connect, interact and provide information about the documentary warehouse and artifacts at Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The central province of Thua Thien Hue developed a virtual space to promote tourism in Thua Thien Hue at two website addressees including http://khonggianao.huetourism.gov.vn and http://khonggianao.visithue.vn. This is an application of digital technology in tourism promotion and stimulation, contributing to the sustainable tourism recovery and development of the locality. This utility was conducted at a virtual exhibition so that visitors can easily learn and experience the exhibition space, stalls, products and services.

After more than a year of implementing its first stage, with more than 18,000 experiences, Da Nang City has been continuing the “One touch to Da Nang” project with a perfect combination between the VR360 virtual tourism system and metaverse. Through both Vietnamese and English, the project can reach customers worldwide and provide comprehensive experiences for users.

The digitalisation of destinations with the constant upgrade of virtual technology towards enhancing the efficiency of propaganda activities and increasing utilities for tourists on the basis of e-commerce tourism, along with the implementation of the digital marketing campaigns, is the new "key" to expanding the door for Vietnam's tourism to regain recovery and sustainable development.

Health Ministry says misuse of children’s vaccines leads to shortfall

The current shortfall of Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 6 to 11 was due to localities administering them to adults, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported.

The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) said it had provided Moderna Covid-19 vaccines to provinces and cities to be administered as second doses for children from 6 to 11.

However, some localities gave the shots to adults, as the vaccines could only be used 30 days after thawing, and parents decided against giving their children the second dose or put off the vaccination due to Covid-19 infections.

NIHE has transported the vaccines among provinces and worked with the United Nations Children’s Fund to get more Moderna vaccine doses so that children 6 to 11 can get fully vaccinated.

Vietnam gymnastics team loses opportunity to attend FIG World Challenge Cup

The Vietnam gymnastics team lost the opportunity to attend the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup 2022 in Paris, France from September 24 to 25 which is one of the international competitions of the Vietnamese gymnastics team this year.

The competition plan for the international tournament was canceled at the last minute before the opening ceremony because the Vietnamese gymnastics team could not apply for a visa to France.
Previously, the Vietnamese gymnastics team had planned to send the best athletes to this tournament. 

Championships which will be held in Liverpool, the United Kingdom in November. Therefore, there is a little chance for the Vietnamese team to enter the 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Many severe COVID-19 patients National Tropical Disease Hospital not vaccinated

About 20 per cent of severe COVID-19 patients being treated at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Tropical Disease Hospital No 2 have not been vaccinated against the virus.

These patients are mostly elderly, infected with HIV/AIDS or suffering from underlying conditions, Sức Khoẻ&Đời Sống (Health and Life) newspaper reported.

The unit is treating more than 40 COVID-19 patients, including 20 serious cases needing oxygen therapy for breathing.

Amids the complicated developments of the pandemic, the Government continues to urge people to follow mask and hand sanitising protocols.

The Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam said in the latest directive that vaccines, treatment, technology and public awareness are key to fighting the pandemic.

He asked local authorities and the health sector to stay active and respond to any scenario to prevent the pandemic from resurging.

Dong Nai wants fast-track rail projects

The southern province of Dong Nai has asked the government to fast-track investment procedures for two VND91 trillion (USD2.45 billion) railway projects.

The 38-kilometre VND40.5 trillion (USD1.7 billion) Thu Thiem-Long Thanh International Airport light railway route, runs from Thu Thiem Station in HCM City’s Thu Duc City to Dong Nai’s Long Thanh International Airport.

The other route is the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau railway line, which runs for 84km from Trang Bom Railway Station in Dong Nai Province to Cai Mep-Thi Vai International Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

The two railway routes are expected to reduce traffic congestion along the HCM City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, National Highway 51 and the planned Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway.

The two projects were added to the national railway network development plan for the 2021-2030 period following prime ministerial sign-off.

Four rare monkeys handed over to Ha Tinh national park

Four rare monkeys have been handed over to Vu Quang National Park in the central province of Ha Tinh.

The four include three pig-tailed monkeys and one rhesus. They were handed over by residents from the districts of Ky Anh, Lac Son and Loc Ha on September 21.

The move followed calls by local authorities to improve awareness about the need to protect wild animals.

The animals will be released back into the wild.

In March this year, fifty-six animals were also released into Vu Quang National Park, mostly pig-tailed monkeys and big-headed turtles.

The monkeys are listed as rare and endangered animals that need to be preserved.

Man detained for raping tour guide at Ha Giang homestay

A 31-year-old man in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang has been arrested for raping a tour guide at a local bungalow.

At the police, Trieu Ta Menh from Thong Nguyen Commune, Hoang Su Phi District admitted to raping the female tour guide, 29, from Hanoi.

According to the initial information, Menh sneaked into the room of a female tour guide in a Hoang Su Phi Bungalow in Thong Nguyen Commune, Hoang Su Phi District, at around 1:30 am on Monday before raping the victim.

Menh is a relative of the homestay owner. He joined the dinner and talked with members of the tour group led by the Hanoi-based guide in the evening before the incident.

The next morning, the tour guide called the bungalow owner, asking him to report the case to local authorities. The homeowner seemed to ignore the request, saying that that day was Sunday so the authorities would not be at work.

The woman informed local authorities of what happened to her and also contacted a lawyer for support that day.

On September 20, Menh and his wife came to the bungalow to apologise to the tour guide and tried to offer an envelope with money inside to bribe the woman to drop the incident. However, the woman strongly refused.

She said that the accommodation facility owner had not offered any support and had instead backed Menh’s attempt to buy off her silence.

Vietnam seeks Cuban experience in religious affairs

Vietnam wishes to learn from Cuba’s experience in managing relations with the Catholic Church and the Vatican and expanding bilateral cooperation and information exchange in religious affairs, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Chien Thang has said.

He made the statement when meeting Caridad Diego Bello, head of the Cuban Communist Party (CCP)’s Office of Religious Affairs, as he was visiting the country on September 17 – 22.

Religions live in harmony in Vietnam, with followers actively contributing to national construction and development, Thang told Bello. The Vietnamese Party and State have pursued consistent policies of ensuring religious freedom and equality, promoting cultural and ethical values of all religions and making use of resources created by religious dignitaries and followers to develop the country, he said.  

The official urged the two sides to further ramp up high-level delegation exchange and asked the CCP office to provide an enabling environment for the Vietnamese community in Cuba to practice their traditional beliefs and religions.

He also had a meeting with Head of the CCP Cadre Policy Department Humberto Camilo Hernández Suárez, during which several highlights of the cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs and the Cuban department were outlined. The two sides inked a number of agreements in archive and records management, and personnel training.

Thang later paid a courtesy call to Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, Secretary of the CCP Central Committee and head of its Ideological Department where the two officials discussed partnership in personnel arrangement and training, and public administrative reforms between the two countries. They also talked about religious situation and policies as well as experience in religious state governance.

Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space opens in ancient Buddhist temple

A Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space debuted at the hall of the Executive Board of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in District 7, within the premise of the ancient Long Hoa pagoda, on September 22.

The space introduces the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh to Buddhist monks, nuns and followers.

Visitors could scan QR code and access the app “Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space” to learn about the late President in Vietnamese, English and Korean languages.

The app features over 40 films, plays and songs together with 110 photos and audio records of speeches delivered by the President. The space of Ho Chi Minh Museum in 3D format is also introduced to viewers.

Many agencies and organisations in HCM City have opened their own Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space as part of efforts to realise the Resolution of the city's 11th Party Congress and the campaign on studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and lifestyle.

PM chairs Government’s monthly law-building meeting

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the Government’s monthly meeting on law-building in Hanoi on September 22.

At the meeting, the Government members listened to the draft National Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, suggested building the Notary Law, the amended Law on Mineral Resources and the Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Pharmacy Law, and extending the implementation of the National Assembly’s Resolution No.30/2021/QH15 on COVID-19 prevention and control.

Chinh said it is the first time the National Master Plan has been built.

He assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to work closely with the Government Office to promptly complete and submit the Resolution on the National Master Plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 to the Government for issuance.

The PM agreed to expand the scope of notarisation in a way that offers favourable conditions for businesses and people while easing burden on the State agencies, raising the sense of responsibility among notaries and notarial practice organisations for people and the State.

After the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment worked with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office and relevant agencies to offer opinions on the draft Law on Mineral Resources, he asked them to send the draft Law to the Justice Ministry to add it into the NA’s law and ordinance building programme in 2023.

The Health Ministry was also asked to work with the Justice Ministry and the Government Office to collect public feedback and complete the Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Pharmacy Law to submit to the legislature for consideration.

As there are new developments in the fight against COVID-19, he proposed reviewing the results of the implementation of Resolution No. 30/2021/QH15, and extending its implementation in the spirit of placing people’s lives above others.

The Health Ministry will work with competent agencies to submit the draft Resolution to the legislature for consideration.

“Ciao Vietnam” event in Italy impresses visitors

The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy held a banquet on September 21 marking the 77th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), along with a photo exhibition on Vietnam and its people, a fashion show by designer Hoang Hai and a Vietnamese cuisine space themed “Ciao Vietnam”.

Despite COVID-19, Vietnam still recorded a high foreign revenue of 670 billion USD in 2021, up nearly 23%, making it one of the top 20 countries globally in terms of trade. Its economy is also one of the most open in the world with entry to 15 free trade agreements. Its growth this year is estimated at 7.5%.

Vietnam has also established diplomatic ties with 190 countries, including 30 strategic and comprehensive partners, he said, adding that Vietnam always treasures and wants to further reinforce its strategic partnership with Italy.

About 400 representatives from Vietnamese ministries, Italian localities, international organisations and embassies in Italy attended the event.

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