A female Vietnamese guestworker of Ca Mau province has recently died of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, confirmed a local official. 

An illustrative photo of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo:nature.com)
Tu Hoang An, director of the Ca Mau provincial Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, said V.T.C.H, 33, was sent to work in Saudi Arabia in March 2017 under a labour contract.

She was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and killed by the virus on November 16.

On November 23, relevant agencies visited her family, extending condolences, providing financial assistance and pledging to ensure the female worker’s interests during her working time abroad.

The female worker was cremated and re-buried in Saudi Arabia according to the regulations of the Saudi Arabia government.

Saudi Arabia is one of Vietnam’s labour export markets in the Middle East.

Rescuers recover body of one more hydropower project worker

Rescuers look for the remaining victims of the landslide at the Rao Trang 3 hydropower project. Rescuers and competent forces found the body of another worker at the Rao Trang 3 hydropower project on November 22 – PHOTO: LDO

 

Rescuers and competent forces found the body of another worker at the Rao Trang 3 hydropower project—the site of a severe landslide—in Thua Thien-Hue Province on November 22, according to the office of the provincial government.

Of the 17 workers buried by the landslide at a construction site near the plant, this is the sixth body to be found.

The ill-fated victim was discovered in the riverbed of the Rao Trang River after the rescuers had built dams and diverted the river flow for several days to look for the missing workers, the local media reported.

The rescuers are stepping up efforts to search for the remaining victims of the landslide, while Phan Ngoc Tho, chairman of Thua Thien-Hue Province, is present at the site to direct the search and rescue activities.

Earlier, on October 12, a severe landslide occurred, leaving as many as 17 workers at the Rao Trang 3 hydropower project missing and five others injured.

27 students rescued after losing way home from mountain picnic

The local authorities have rescued 27 students who went missing during their picnic on Khau Mo Mountain in Huyen Tung Ward, Bac Kan City, Thanh Nien newspaper reported.

A leader of the Bac Kan Province Department of Education and Training said a group of 29 12th graders of the Bac Kan Specialized Senior High School went for a picnic on Khau Mo Mountain on the afternoon of November 22.

Two of them returned home early, while 27 others waited until twilight. However, they could not find their way home as it was dark.

The students managed to find a place where phone signal was available to call their teachers for help. The teachers later asked the provincial authorities to send a rescue team to search for the missing students.

At 9:20 p.m. on November 22, the rescue team found the students and took them home safely.

The Bac Kan Province Department of Education and Training suggested that students should be accompanied by their teachers and parents during picnics to ensure safety.

Vietnam Green Building Week to take place in December

The Solforest Ecopark which is located in the outskirt of Hanoi is expected to have air quality equivalent to New Zealand’s (Photo courtesy of Solforest)

 

The Vietnam Green Building Week 2020 will be held at InterContinental Hanoi Landmark 72 in Hanoi’s Nam Tu Liem district by the Ministry of Construction in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from December 9-11.

The event, organised in response to the World Green Building Week, aims to create a forum to share experience and exchange information on policy building; and new technologies, products, equipment and materials to develop energy-efficient buildings.

The organisation of the week is a vivid illustration for Vietnam’s efforts to realise international commitments to climate change response and sustainable development.

According to the nation’s update on the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Vietnam commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 9 percent by 2030, and this could be further brought to 27 percent with international support through cooperation and mechanisms under the Paris Agreement.

As parts of efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the country issued a wide range of policies and programmes such as the Politburo’s Decision No.55-NQ/TW on orientations of a national energy development strategy by 2030 with a vision until 2045, a national programme on effective use of energy during 2019-2030, and a strategy on building material development during 2021-2020 with a vision until 2050.

Promoting construction of green buildings as well as energy efficiency are described as necessary measures to the efforts. In recent years, many firms have worked to roll out green buildings into the market. However, Vietnam only had 155 green buildings receiving certificates by the third quarter of 2020, lagging behind regional countries./.

Vietnam, Indonesia condemn violence in Somalia

Vietnam and Indonesia condemn violence, attacks using improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks at troops and peace-keeping forces in Somalia.

The statement was made by Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations (UN), who addressed an online working session of the UN Security Council on November 23 on behalf of the two ASEAN nations.

The two countries shared difficulties facing Somalia, and called on international partners to help the Somalia government ease the adverse impact on socio-economic development, and deal with humanitarian demand.

They vowed to continue working together with the UN, and regional and international organisations to support Somalia, for peace, stability and development.

The nations acknowledged positive developments in Somalia, especially political dialogues between the federal government and member states, aimed at handling their political deadlock since 2018.

They spoke highly of the appointment of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the establishment of a new cabinet, as well as the agreement reached by the federal government and member states on the general election, slated for late 2020 or early 2021, with 30 percent of parliamentary seats reserved for women.

At the session, UNSC member countries called on the Somalia government to actively make preparations to ensure a free and fair election.

They committed to further cooperation with the Somalia government, and support for the role and operation of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The UNSOM was established on June 3, 2013 by UN Security Council Resolution 2102, following a comprehensive assessment of the UN in support of the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia./.

PM Phúc meets voters in Hai Phong

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc met with voters in An Lão District in the northern port city of Hải Phòng on Saturday to inform them about outcomes of the recent 10th session of the 14th National Assembly, and clear up their concerns over issues including forestation and land law revision.

The leader said during the legislature's sitting, the Government presented more than 80 documents to the NA, adding he and other Cabinet members engaged in the hearing session.

Responding to proposals on forestation and climate change combat raised by some voters, PM Phúc said at the 10th NA session, he proposed growing 1 billion trees, covering both urban and forest land.

However, forestation should go in tandem with tightening inspections over illegal timber and sand exploitation, he stressed.

Regarding new-style rural area building, the PM lauded Hải Phòng’s performance in this field as it has mobilised great resources for the programme, thus basically completing the set criteria.

In response to opinions on the 2013 Land Law, he told the voters that the upcoming 13th National Party Congress will mull the issues arising when enforcing the law, which will provide the foundation for the Government to propose the 15th NA revise the law in order to fully tap land resources for national development.

The leader also answered questions on healthcare issues, saying the Government had instructed relevant agencies to step up the research and production of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Local voters shared the view that despite natural disasters and COVID-19, Việt Nam has managed to make significant achievements across all spheres, which, they said, are attributable to the Party leadership, the solidarity of Vietnamese people, and the drastic involvement of the PM and the Government.

On this occasion, PM Phúc attended the ground-breaking ceremony of a project upgrading a section of Road 359 in Thủy Nguyên District. 

Int’l community appreciates ASEAN’s role, ASEAN-UN cooperation

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, said on November 23 that the international community highly values the role of ASEAN as well as the cooperation between the bloc and the UN.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Quy said that a resolution on ASEAN-UN Cooperation was approved at the 75th UN General Assembly earlier the same day with three records: the shortest discussion time, the shortest canvass time, and the largest number of co-sponsor countries compared to other resolutions on ASEAN-UN cooperation.

The newly-adopted document is of great significance as the approval of the resolution as well as the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action for 2021-2025 creates a firm foundation for other resolutions after 2023-2025 and creates a premise for both sides to implement the millennium goals in 2030.

According to Quy, the resolution contains updates on cooperation outcomes between the UN and ASEAN over the past two years, especially in 2020 when Vietnam plays the role of the ASEAN Chair.

With its role, Vietnam, on behalf of ASEAN, drafted and negotiated the content of the resolution./.

Photo exhibition on “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory held

A photo exhibition marking the 48th anniversary of the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory and the 25th anniversary of Vietnam - US diplomatic ties was opened at the Hoa Lo Prison relic site in Hanoi on November 23. 

The exhibition depicts the north of Vietnam while under US bombings from 1964 to 1972, when Vietnam’s strong will and brainpower shone, culminating in the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory in December 1972.

It also highlighted the efforts of the two governments and peoples to heal the wounds of war over the past 45 years and more, including those made by war veterans and peace-loving organisations and individuals.

In her opening remarks, head of the Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site Management Board Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy said the photo exhibition will help today’s generation better understand the past and live more responsibly for the future.

Visitors were also able to experience the past via an audio guide and meet pilots who shot down US aircraft as well as prison guards who oversaw US pilot imprisoned at Hoa Lo from 1964-1973./.

Hanoi exhibition spotlights French, Vietnamese cultural heritage sites

Some 200 photos, documents, and objects featuring the ancient urban area of Provins in France and Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel are on display at an exhibition that opened in the capital on November 23.

The exhibition is being hosted by the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Conservation Centre on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day.

Provins, which was placed on the list of world cultural heritage sites in December 2001, was at one time a major centre of trade in Europe.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which was placed on the list in August 2010, was a power centre for over a thousand years of Vietnamese history and unique evidence of Vietnamese civilization during the development of monarchies in Southeast Asia and East Asia.

Both sites are located in the heart of important thousand-year-old cities.

The exhibition also introduces other unique world cultural heritage sites in the two countries, enhancing the exchange of experience in preserving such sites and promoting heritage tourism.

It forms part of an action programme between the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Ile de France Regional Council for the 2018-2021 period and is under a cooperation agreement on cultural heritage between the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Conservation Centre and Provins City in 2019-2021.

The exhibition will last until the end of 2020.

Mozambique hails Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship, UNSC non-permanent membership

Vietnam has successfully performed its ASEAN Chairmanship 2020, and made effective contributions in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), with result-oriented initiatives relating to peace and security in Africa, Mozambique’s Foreign Minister Veronica Nataniel said on November 23.

Speaking at a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Le Huy Hoang, Nataniel expressed her hope that Vietnam will continue to share its experience to help Mozambique make progress in regional and international integration.

The minister also spoke highly of Vietnam’s impressive achievements over the past time, and described the country as a model in pandemic prevention and control, and socio-economic development.

Mozambique always attaches importance to the relations with Vietnam, Nataniel said, suggesting the two countries tighten their friendship across spheres in the time to come, especially in the exchange of experts in agriculture, education, and health care.

She also called on Vietnam to encourage its businesses to invest in her country.

The two sides should join hands to prepare for the fourth meeting of the inter-governmental committee, and arrange the Vietnam visit by President Filipe Nyusi as soon as possible.

For his part, Hoang conveyed congratulations from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh to Mozambique on the achievements the African country has recorded in its role as the Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The two sides compared notes on measures to advance the bilateral traditional friendship, including the sharing of experience in external affairs at regional and international forums as Mozambique is preparing to run for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC for 2022-2023.

Hoang called on Mozambican competent agencies to continue creating optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community to work and live in the host country, thus contributing to local socio-economic development.
The ambassador told the press following the meeting that Mozambique is one of the African nations with which Vietnam has maintained close ties over the past decades.

According Hoang, the two countries have ample room to promote cooperation in such areas as telecommunications, trade and agriculture.

Preparations for Vietnam-Laos cooperation committee meeting

The Laos-Vietnam cooperation committee and Vietnam-Laos cooperation committee recently held a workshop to prepare for the 43rd meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee slated for December, reported the Lao News Agency (KPL).

The event was held on November 20-21 at Nam Phao-Cau Treo border crossing under the chair of Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam cooperation committee Khampheui Keokinnali and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation committee Nguyen Van Chung, with the participation of more than 80 officials of the two countries.

Delegates spoke highly of the results of the countries’ cooperation in the past year, noting that despite COVID-19, both Vietnam and Laos have exerted efforts in bringing the pandemic under control, not letting it hinder bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also discussed and amended the draft strategy for Vietnam-Laos cooperation for 2021-2030, and an agreement on bilateral cooperation for 2021-2025.

The committees reviewed the bilateral investment cooperation in 2020 and devised orientations for the next year.

They also signed a working document on the preparation for the content of the upcoming 43rd meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee./.

Co Tu traditional culture programme celebrates Da Nang Heritage Day

A Co Tu ethnic woman brocade weaving at Ta Lang village in rural area of Da Nang.

 

Artists and craftspeople from the Co Tu group in Da Nang on November 23 showed off ancient trade and arts as well as cuisine at the city’s museum to mark the Da Nang Culture Heritage Day.

It was an outdoor culture experience and exhibition for visitors and artists to explore the old trade and lifestyle of the Co Tu ethnic community living in the rural mountainous area of Da Nang.

A Lang Doi, a Co Tu sculptor introduced ancient wood carving at the event, while other artists displayed brocade weaving.

For Co Tu people, wooden sculptures were used to decorate timber columns, exterior and interior decorations on houses that were preserved a few hundred years ago.

Co Tu dancers from Ta Lang and Gian Bi communes played traditional culture (dance and gong) and make sticky rice cakes at the event.

Nearly 1,000 Co Tu people are living in Ta Lang and Gian Bi villages in Hoa Bac commune – 40km from Da Nang city’s downtown.

According to the museum, Da Nang’s scooter club brought vintage scooters to the event from morning to evening during the event at 24 Tran Phu street./.

Nearly 360 Vietnamese citizens brought home from US

Nearly 360 Vietnamese citizens in the US were flown home aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight on November 22-23.

The passengers included children under 18, the elderly, people with illnesses, students without accommodation, and others in extremely disadvantaged circumstances.

The Vietnamese Embassy in the country sent staff to the airport to assist the passengers with boarding procedures.

In-flight safety and preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic were rigorously enforced to protect the passengers’ health and prevent the spread of the disease.

Upon arrival at the Da Nang International Airport in the central city of the same name, all passengers and crew members received medical check-ups and were sent to quarantine in line with regulations.

The repatriation of Vietnamese citizens in disadvantaged circumstances abroad will continue to be conducted in line with their wishes, the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, and quarantine capacity in Vietnam./.

Vietnam News Agency, Ben Tre beef up information cooperation

A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Nguyen Duc Loi, member of the Party Central Committee and VNA General Director, has paid a working visit to the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre to strengthen information cooperation.

At the working session, General Director Loi informed the province’s leaders of his agency’s building and development process, with it now having representative offices in all 63 provinces and cities, and 30 nations and territories around the world.

The VNA can promote the image of Ben Tre, he said, hoping that both sides would sign a cooperation agreement on information dissemination.

Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Phan Van Mai stated that the province has exerted efforts and achieved positive results in socio-economic development, defence-security and Party building.

Therefore, it wants to spread these achievements so as to have more cooperation opportunities and attract more investment, he added.

Both sides agreed to soon sign an agreement on cooperation for 2021-2025./

Dialogue discusses strengthening wildlife legislation in Vietnam

Strengthening legislation and communications about wildlife protection was the main topic of a discussion held last week in Hanoi.

The event that was organised by the National Assembly Committee for Deputy Affairs in collaboration with wildlife trade monitor network TRAFFIC and Save the Rhino International, bringing together 50 deputies and conservation experts to discuss long-term wildlife legislation and communication strategies in Vietnam.

At the event, participants focused on how national conservation laws could be strengthened to improve enforcement and ways in which communications campaigns could best support wildlife legislation.

NA deputies and experts also discussed the need for harmonisation and a clear delineation of responsibilities in future wildlife protection legislation. A lack of clarity in present laws was put forward as the main factor mitigating effective enforcement.

They heard that Vietnam had made progressive achievements in enacting legal tools to end wildlife trafficking. However, there is a need for improvement in some legal frameworks and policies. The National Assembly supports these efforts and encourages government leaders at all levels to come together to counter wildlife crime.

At the event, TRAFFIC shared experience and lessons learned on the application of social and behaviour change communications (SBCC) to support laws against the use of rhino horn, ivory, and other illegal wildlife products. SBCC is an evidence-based communications approach designed to promote and sustain positive behaviour by delivering culturally specific messages to multiple levels of society.

TRAFFIC has pioneered the application of SBCC to stop illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam. Sarah Ferguson, director of TRAFFIC in Vietnam, shared the plan to drive down demand for illegal wildlife products and called on government officials to step up as agents of change against wildlife crimes.

Despite government efforts, Vietnam remains a transit and destination point for illegal wildlife trade. Discussion points and recommendations will be collected into a reference guide to be kept in the National Assembly Library and used to drive the development of effective future wildlife legislation and communication measures to counter wildlife trafficking./.

Craft villages in Dien Bien province to be revived

 

The northern mountainous province of Dien Bien still lacks traditional craft villages that are recognised under the provisions of Decree No 52 from the Government on the development of rural sectors and traditional craft villages. Villages short of capital and with disorganised production and outdated technologies are failing to meet market demand.

The Na Sang 2 Brocade Weaving Cooperative in Nua Ngam commune has for many months operated only moderately, with most of its brocade products simply sold to agents serving tourists. With COVID-19 freezing up the tourism industry, however, inventories have been piling up since the end of last year.

Dien Bien province now has 31 trades and trade villages and traditional craft villages in brocade weaving, among others. Difficulties facing cooperatives include a lack of investment and access to bank loans.

The Dien Bien Department of Rural Development recently reviewed local craft villages and made proposals to assist those in need of preservation over the long term.

Dien Bien province is home to 19 ethnic minority groups, with each having a unique cultural trait and potential for developing traditional trades. Craft villages, however, face a host of difficulties.

The solutions adopted to promote the development of traditional craft villages in Dien Bien are expected to boost their operations./.

Underprivileged given free health check-ups

The prolonged flooding in Vietnam’s central region has had a serious impact on the health of local residents. The 199 Police Hospital, in coordination with the Da Nang Trade Union, recently organised free health check-ups and provided medicine for local people in need, in a bid to ease their pain and suffering.

With many ailments, Nguyen Van Quang is too poor for a frequent health check-up at the local hospital. After the floods struck, Quang and more than 3,000 other needy people and social policy beneficiaries in Que Phong commune were put at ease after receiving check-ups and medicine from the 199 Police Hospital.

In addition to providing free check-ups and medicine, the doctors also conduct screening and early detection of certain diseases.

Que Phong commune is home to 1,200 social policy beneficiaries, over 70 percent of whom are in need. Programme donors also presented gifts to help local people in this difficult time./.

HCM City’s grassroots-level health facilities fail to attract patients

Health centres and stations in HCM City’s districts, wards and communes have failed to attract patients because of a shortage of facilities, medicines and doctors.

A 70-year-old man from District 12, for example, told Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) newspaper that he often visits District 12 Hospital instead of his ward’s health station, and only brings his grandchild to the health station for vaccinations.

The health station in the ward where the man lives once had spacious and sufficient facilities, but in 2017 the station was forced to move to Tân Thới Hiệp Cultural House in the ward to build a supermarket.

The ward People’s Committee planned to build a new facility for the station, but it has not been built because of investment and site clearance problems.  

In District 10, the health station in the Lý Thường Kiệt apartment building in Ward 7 is narrow, about 20 metres long and 3 metres wide. It is not in good condition, and has no doctor. Only around 10 people visit for health examination and treatment each month.

In District 1, 10 health stations need to be upgraded, and seven of the health stations need to be equipped with more medical devices.

Three health centres and stations in District 2 need to be rebuilt, while District 4 needs nearly VNĐ400 billion (US$17.2 million) to build new facilities for health stations in its wards 1, 15, and 18, and for health centres.      

At a conference with the city Department of Health and representatives of health stations and centres held on November 19, the department’s deputy head Tăng Chí Thượng said the number of patients at health centres and stations in the city’s districts, wards and communes accounted for a low percentage of the total number.

Only 1.2 million to 2.7 million patients visited these centres and stations each year, accounting for 4 per cent to 7.5 per cent of the city’s total patients.

People in the city still preferred going to hospitals, Thượng said.  

The department would try to resolve this problem, he said, adding that the city wanted to develop primary healthcare services at grassroots-level health facilities. Higher-level hospitals should focus on treating patients who are seriously ill.

The city has 24 health centres in districts and 319 health stations in wards and communes.

Of the 319 health stations in wards and communes, 27 operate based on the principles of family medicine. These stations have attracted many patients.

Thượng instructed the rest of the health stations to speed up the transformation process to operate based on the principles of family medicine.

The department would also open more training courses for managers of health centres and stations to improve management skills, he said.

It would check and provide vital medical devices to  primary healthcare services, and use IT to manage them.

The health insurance fund does not cover health examination and treatment for patients at many health stations and centres, which is one of the reasons patients do not go to them.

HCM City needs to speed up digital transformation process: city leaders

HCM City will introduce training courses and seminars on digital transformation in the near future. Photo courtesy of baodautu.vn

 

HCM City should focus on accelerating the digital transformation process and form stronger links between businesses and authorities, local leaders have said.

The COVID-19 pandemic had changed the world, former Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, Nguyễn Thiện Nhân said and pointed out that Việt Nam had also experienced an “opportunity year” to strengthen its internal forces without the usual competitive pressure. 

Businesses should take advantage of the situation and conduct digital transformation as soon as possible, he said.

“Both businesses and relevant authorities should carry out data resources digitalisation,” Nhân said.

He said it would be a waste of resources if each firm has a separate digital consulting unit, and that ones with the same data structure should be linked together.

Nhân said that businesses that provide digital solutions should cooperate and form groups to offer specific services for each industry in an efficient and affordable way. 

As for investment, banks should evaluate the level of risk in each industry that is digitising before agreeing on a financial support package, he said.

The chairman of the TMA Solutions Company, Nguyễn Hữu Lệ, noted that the Government was a big customer in the economy, especially in times of difficulty. Việt Nam needed to increase its budget to accelerate the building of an e-government and national database, connect relevant authorities, implement a 5G network, and encourage online meetings, Lệ said.

By taking those steps, the State would be a pioneer in the application of technology, while at the same time, it would promote the development of the digital market, he added.

Public awareness

Following the National Digital Transformation Programme that was launched one year ago, the HCM City People’s Committee on July 3 approved the city’s Digital Transformation Programme.

HCM City aims to become a smart city with  an innovative and comprehensive digital government and digital enterprises from now to 2030.

Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Information and Communications Võ Thị Trung Trinh, said that raising public awareness about digital transformation should be a top priority. Participants must have a new way of thinking and adapt to the rapidly changing living environment and the fourth industrial revolution.

This could be done via training and self-study, she said.

HCM City in the near future plans to organise training sessions and seminars on digital transformation and educate individuals and organisations on the topic. 

At least two data centres in HCM City with high computing capacity, cloud computing technology, and super converging architecture will be introduced as well.

HCM City’s open data ecosystem and shared data warehouse will also be established to share relevant data to those in need and encourage them to take a more proactive role in authorities’ activities.

Hanoi marks former royal citadel’s UNESCO recognition

The Thang Long heritage conservation centre in Hanoi hosted a ceremony on November 23 to commemorate 10 years of former Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi capital recognised as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

Addressing the event, Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the Hanoi administration, said the capital officially recognised the efforts made by scientists and experts to conserve the site.

He voiced the administration’s commitment to working alongside other localities and international organisations to develop heritage values over the long term.     

An art performance was subsequently held at the site, with a drum beating show and performances held to re-enact historical stories of the former royal citadel.

The Hanoi administration presented certificates to honour individuals and collectives for their great contributions to conserving the site.

A wide range of activities are set to be held over the coming few days in order to celebrate the event. A photo exhibition and a workshop featuring the world cultural heritage site are also scheduled to be organised at the citadel.

This year Hanoi has celebrated 1,010 years of its former Thang Long citadel, now Hanoi capital, 75 years since the founding of UNESCO, and 15 years of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (on November 23).

On July 31, 2010, the World Heritage Committee of the UNESCO, meeting in Brazil, adopted a resolution recognising Vietnam’s former Thang Long royal citadel as a world cultural heritage site. It coincided with the 1,000th anniversary of the former royal citadel celebrated in the same year.

Congratulations to Myanmar’s NLD party over election win

Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong has cabled a message of congratulations to Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, since her party claimed a resounding victory in the general election.

The party secured more than enough seats in the Union Parliament to form a new government, the country’s Union Election Commission announced on November 13.

As of November 13 morning, the NLD party of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had won 346 seats in the parliament, which consists of the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the House of Nationalities (Upper House), while it needs only 322 out of the 412 seats to secure the majority.

Sixty-four seats have yet to be announced by the election commission.

The general election held on November 8 was the third of its kind in Myanmar during the last 60 years, with more than 37 million eligible voters.

In the previous general election in November 2015, the NLD had a landslide victory, obtaining more than 77 percent of seats in the parliament. It has led the country since 2016./.

Efforts to build a trademark for Quang Ninh shrimp

 

 

The northern province of Quang Ninh has outlaid enormous resources over recent years to develop its aquaculture sector, with advanced technologies now being applied.
 
Realising the market strength of white-legged shrimp, many local farmers have been applying Biosipec technology in three-phase white-leg shrimp aquaculture, to increase productivity and provide consumers with high quality, safe products.

As a tidal area with a lot of ponds, Quang Yen town has been focusing on solutions to develop fisheries in an effective and sustainable manner. It now has 6,500 ha, with the vast majority being shrimp. It produced 2,500 tonnes last year.

Quang Ninh has applied different practices in testing production models. Shrimp farming models following standards and schemes such as VietGAP, Biofloc, and three-phase aquaculture are spreading, with farms being developed in Quang Yen, Dam Ha, and Mong Cai that produce 8-10 tonnes per ha in each crop on average.

Over the next few months, Quang Ninh will focus on developing its fisheries sector, investing in and applying advanced technology to build a high-quality shrimp industry and develop the Quang Ninh shrimp brand./.

USAID supports flood-affected people with disabilities in Thua Thien-Hue

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Action for the Community Development Centre (ACDC) on November 23 coordinated to provide relief aid for people with disabilities who have been affected by floods in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

The gifts, including daily necessities and food, were handed over to 160 families of disabled people in Phu Vang district – one of the localities hardest hit by the recent floods.

Representatives of the USAID and the ACDC also visited 35 disabled people who are in especially difficult circumstances and severely affected by the natural disasters.

According to ACDC Director Nguyen Lan Anh, her centre and the USAID are scheduled to present 650 gift packages to families of disabled people in Phong Dien, Quang Dien and Phu Vang districts, and Huong Tra town from November 23-26.

They will also help two local schools where disabled students are studying with textbooks and other learning equipment on November 27.

In 2019, Thua Thien-Hue benefited from a non-refundable aid project worth nearly 6 billion VND (258,000 USD) that aims to increase opportunities and improve the role of people with disabilities during the 2018-2021 period, with funding from the USAID via the ACDC./.

Vietnam, Angola agree to expand cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on November 23 held phone talks with Angola's Minister of External Relations Téte António to discuss cooperation between Vietnam and Angola, and their coordination at multilateral forums.

The officials spoke highly of the traditional friendship between the two countries over the past 45 years, which has been enhanced via Party, State and National Assembly channels, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Minh said Vietnam is proud to be one of the first countries in the world to recognise Angola’s independence and establish diplomatic ties with the country.

He congratulated Angola on the achievements it has recorded in national reconciliation, political stability and socio-economic development, and lauded the country’s efforts against diseases over the past time.

For his part, Téte António expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s development achievements over the past decade, and described the country as a model and a source of inspiration for Angola to grow forward.

He also commended Vietnam in its capacity as ASEAN Chair 2020, and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

Both sides shared the view that despite the marked developments, the bilateral relationship has yet to match the fine political ties as well as the potential and demand of the two countries.

They, therefore, affirmed that the two countries will tighten the political-diplomatic ties, while expanding partnerships in other spheres, particularly trade, investment, agriculture, health care and education.

They vowed to further coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums, especially the UN.

On this occasion, they compared notes on certain regional and international issues of shared concern./.

Indonesia's COVID-19 cases surpass 500,000-mark

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has surpassed the 500,000-mark, with 4,442 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours.

According to the latest data from the country’s Health Ministry, the national tally reached 502,110, with 16,002 deaths including 118 newly reported ones.

Indonesia has reported the largest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the Philippines logged 1,799 new cases and 50 deaths on November 23, bringing the tally to 420,614 and 8,173, respectively.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire warned Filipinos to avoid crowds as the holiday season draws near. She repeated the warning after pictures of shoppers crowded a shopping mall, disregarding the safe distance.

In Malaysia, 28 factory buildings of Top Glove will be closed in phases after 1,889 workers tested positive for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

The world’s largest maker of latex gloves has racked up record profits this year on sky-rocketing demand for its products and protective gear because of the pandemic.

Logo design contest launched to mark 25th anniversary of Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in Vietnam

A logo design contest has been launched by the Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation (DGWB) in Vietnam to mark 25 years of its presence in the country (1996-2021).

According to the organisers, the competition is open to students of universities and colleges nationwide, and is calling for logo designs that clearly express the significance of 25 years of the Wallonia-Brussels - Vietnam partnership, as well as being creative, solemn and bearing the particularities of both Vietnam and Wallonia-Brussels.

Applicants can send a maximum of three logos in JPEG format from 3MB to 5MB to the address ngawb@walbruvietnam.org. Their graphic work should be sent from November 30, 2020 until January 20, 2021.

The organisers will announce the results on February 26, 2021 on DGWB Vietnam's Facebook and via the winners’ email addresses. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2021.

The winning logo will be used by DGWB in Vietnam as its official visual identity in all events in 2021./.

Universal values of Thang Long Imperial Citadel highlighted

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site a decade ago, has universal values, heard an international symposium held at the citadel on November 23.

The event was co-organised by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, with the participation of representatives from the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, and the UNESCO’s Asia/Pacific Regional Committee for the Memory of the World Programme, among others.

Since the citadel won the UNESCO recognition, the Hanoi People’s Committee has rolled out multiple activities to realise its commitments to the UNESCO in preserving and upholding heritage values of the site.

Delegates at the symposium reviewed excavations conducted over the past decade, along with data building in service of the conservation work, and cooperation in research and exhibition.

Many suggested restoring traditional architectures in the citadel, and increasing exhibitions and communication activities to popularise the heritage values among the public.

Buil in the 11th century, the citadel is characterised by its longevity and continuity as a seat of power, evidenced by different archaeological levels and monuments, according to UNESCO.

Hanoi marks former royal citadel’s UNESCO recognition

 

The Thang Long heritage conservation centre in Hanoi hosted a ceremony on November 23 to commemorate 10 years of former Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi capital recognised as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

On July 31, 2010, the World Heritage Committee of the UNESCO, meeting in Brazil, adopted a resolution recognising Vietnam’s former Thang Long royal citadel as a world cultural heritage site. It coincided with the 1,000th anniversary of the former royal citadel celebrated in the same year.

An art performance was subsequently held at the site, with a drum beating show and performances held to re-enact historical stories of the former royal citadel.

Addressing the event, Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the Hanoi’s People Committee, said the capital officially recognised the efforts made by scientists and experts to conserve the site.

He voiced the administration’s commitment to working alongside other localities and international organisations to develop heritage values over the long term.     

On this occasion, the Hanoi administration presented certificates to honour individuals and collectives for their great contributions to conserving the site.

Some 200 photos, documents, and objects featuring the ancient urban area of Provins in France and Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel are on display at an exhibition that opened in the capital the same day./.

International cooperation vital to terrorism fight: Vietnamese diplomat

Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, deputy head of the Vietnamese mission to the United Nations, stressed the significance of regional and international cooperation to root out terrorism and prevent conflicts, while attending the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s online meeting on counter-terrorism on November 23.

The diplomat affirmed that Vietnam roundly condemns terrorism in all of its forms and manifestation as well as commits to fully implementing the UNSC’s resolutions on terrorism prevention, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

He said regional and international collaboration should be promoted to develop the economy as well as enhance communities’ ability to deal with dangers of extreme violence and terrorism popularisation.

Anh asked the UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (Committee 1373), 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Quaida Sanctions Committee, and committee on prevention of proliferation of WMD (Committee 1540) to enhance information sharing and technical support for countries to carry out the UNSC’s resolutions, and give timely support to the nations to respond to emerging challenges in counter-terrorism and prevention of proliferation of the weapons.

Other UNSC members expressed their concern over the terrorist groups like ISIL, Al-Qaeda and Da’esh who are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their operation in conflict regions.

They spoke highly of the sound coordination among the committees, saying they should work more to support competent sides realise the UNSC’s resolutions.

The UNSC’s committees were set up to support the implementation of its resolutions. Non-permanent members take charge of the committees’ chairmanship. Currently, Tunisia is playing the role as the Chairman of Committee 1373, and Indonesia Chairman of Committee 1267 and 1540. Vietnam is holding the chairmanship of the UNSC’s South Sudan Sanctions Committee, the Labanon Sanctions Committee, and Informal Working Group on International Tribunals./.

Rate of female military officers up in last five years

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Ha Thi Nga and military officers pose for a group photo (Photo: phunuvietnam.vn)

The rate of female officers in the military rose from 2.43 percent to 2.97 percent between 2016 and 2020, a conference in Hanoi on November 23 heard.

Colonel Phung Thi Phu, who is in charge of women’s affairs in the army, told the conference, held by the Defence Ministry’s board for women’s progress, that the rate exceeded the target set in the action plan for the period.

Gender gaps in employment within the army have also been narrowed, with women making up half of all employees, she said, adding that among incumbent female officers,15 are associate professors, one won the People’s Artist title, 24 were recognised as eminent teachers and 17 as eminent doctors, and 98 hold doctoral degrees.

During the 2021-2025 period, units will work harder to ensure the fair participation and benefits between women and men in various spheres and promote women’s role, potential, and innovation in the sector.

Attention will be paid to personnel planning and training in an effort to raise the percentage of women in leadership and management posts, the conference heard.

On the same day, the board organised a training course on women’s progress, gender equality, and women’s affairs in the army, with the participation of nearly 200 people.

2020 innovation, startup week opens in HCM City

The largest events of the year regarding startups and innovation in HCM City are set to run from November 23 to 28, the municipal Department of Science and Technology said on November 23.

They are the 2020 Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship Week (WHISE), the startup festival Techfest Southeast Region, and Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Day (AI4VN).

Launched by the HCM City People’s Committee and the Ministry of Science and Technology, the events will be held both online and in person at numerous sites around the city, focusing on cooperation in innovation in the development of startup ecosystems in the southern region and the promotion of AI application and digital transformation.

They offer opportunities for the startup community to review activities in the city and the southern region at large, and to link HCM City’s startup ecosystem with those in neighbouring localities.

Successful startup models and individuals and collectives making major contributions in the field will also be honoured at the events.

Thirty-two activities will be organised during the week, which are expected to attract thousands of participants.

At the Techfest Southeast Region 2020, slated for November 24, experts, businesses, and local authorities will discuss economic development strategies for digital transformation, smart urban areas, smart education, high-tech agriculture, fintech, and more.

AI4VN 2020, meanwhile, is scheduled for November 27 and 28.

Finales and awards ceremonies for the AI - Hackathon and a contest on innovative projects in HCM City using AI will also be held.

Building learning society needs joint efforts: PM

To build a learning society, it requires the involvement of the entire political system, especially all-level associations for promoting education, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on November 23.

He made the remarks at a meeting with the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education (VAPE) in preparation for a congress honouring outstanding models nationwide during the 2016-2020 period.

The leader lauded efforts of the VAPE’s members and its chapters in building a learning society, saying the association has worked hard to roll out learning models across the country.

He suggested the association replicate the outstanding models and revamp its operational methods in order to promote the studying spirit among not only young people but also the elderly in the new period.

Startups should be encouraged among students, as well as economists and scientists, he added.

After the congress, a studying movement must be spread across the society, contributing to improving personnel quality so as to meet the country’s development requirements, the leader requested./.

Vietnam logs five imported COVID-19 cases on Nov 23

Vietnam had five imported COVID-19 cases to report on November 23, bringing the national count to 1,312, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

The patients were quarantined upon their arrival at the country’s airports.

Two of them are experts from India and the Philippines while three others are Vietnamese citizens returning from Romania and Japan.

So far, Vietnam has recorded 691 locally infected cases of COVID-19. The country has been free of virus transmission in the community for 82 straight days.

Also on November 23, nine COVID-19 patients were given the all-clear, raising the number of recoveries to 1,151.

Among patients still under treatment, nine have tested negative for the coronavirus once, nine twice and 10 thrice. There is no patient in a serious condition at present. The fatalities remain at 35.

A total of 15,874 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or came from pandemic-affected areas are under health monitoring, including 201 at hospitals, 14,717 at designated facilities and 956 at home or in accommodations./.

Vietnam-Indian defence ties maintained despite COVID-19

General Luong Cuong, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the General Political Department under the Vietnam People’s Army, hosted a reception Hanoi on November 23 for Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma.

The two sides share the view that the comprehensive strategic partnership as well as outcomes of bilateral defence ties have been maintained effectively amid COVID-19.

They agreed on the need for the two countries to push ahead with the implementation of agreements reached by high-ranking leaders, in order to advance cooperation between the two armies and meet the legitimate aspirations of their people for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large./.

Vietnam hosts ASEAN engineering organisations’ conference

An official opening session of the 2020 conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 38) will take place on November 25, heard a press conference held in Hanoi on November 23.

Themed “Fostering initiatives and actions by AFEO to build a sustainable and prosperous ASEAN community,” the conference is chaired by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) from November 18-26, drawing many professional engineers and the leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries.

The event will serve to confirm commitment of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) to realising the ASEAN Community’s vision toward 2025 and the UN’s 2030 agenda on sustainable development through strengthening engineers’ role in meeting sustainable development goals, initiating high-quality technical cooperation schemes, and promoting the use of digital technology in order to build a connected, fair, and prosperous ASEAN Community, Nghiem Vu Khai, Vice President of the VUSTA and head of the CAFEO 38’s organising board, said at the press briefing.

The conference focuses discussions, including transportation (the COVID-19 impact on the transport and logistics sector), environmental engineering (waste management and violations in hazardous waste management), disaster response, and the development of an ASEAN energy system.

A ceremony to award titles to individuals who have shown great dedication to the engineering industry, in addition to presenting certificates to professional engineers from throughout the bloc.

A closing session of CAFEO 38 will take place on November 26.

CAFEO is held annually among the 10 ASEAN member states on a rotating basis. Established in 1982, the federation is made up of various engineering institutions in the region./.

Can Tho, EU forge cooperation in climate change response

Leaders of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho and the EU Delegation to Vietnam on November 23 shared a hope for multilateral cooperation in climate change response.

At a reception for the EU Delegation, Tran Viet Truong, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said Can Tho in particular and the Mekong Delta region in general are facing unpredictable developments of climate change, including flooding, saltwater intrusion, drought and erosion.

Can Tho wants to learn from EU countries’ experience in this regard, and call for their investment in high-tech infrastructure to adapt to climate change, the official said.

The city is also seeking cooperation opportunities with the EU in high-quality personnel training in health care and education through research programmes, he added.

Ambassador Pier Giorgio Aliberti, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, said the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), ratified in August, offers an opportunity for Mekong Delta cities and provinces to strengthen trade ties with the EU in such areas as fishery and agriculture.

As of November 2020, Can Tho had counted 85 FDI projects valued at 725.43 million USD, including eight worth 73.08 million USD from the EU./.

Source: VNA/VNN/VNS/SGGP/VOV/NDO/Dtinews/SGT/VIR