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Social News
In Brief 21/12
ADB approves
loans totaling $299 million to promote inclusive growth in VN
The Asian Development Bank’s(ADB) Board of Directors has approved loans totaling US$299 million to help improve basic infrastructure services and promote inclusive growth in northeastern and north-central provinces of Việt Nam. Loans of $149 million will finance the basic infrastructure development in the north-central provinces, which aims to upgrade roads, improve rural water supply as well as flood protection, irrigation and port services in the four provinces of Hà Tĩnh, Nghệ An, Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị. The project is also expected to improve the capacity of provincial governments, particularly in public assets management. The Government will contribute $54.52 million to the project. A $150 million loan will fund to the construction and upgradation of basic infrastructure in the northeastern provinces, which aims to improve economic connectivity and raise living standards in the four provinces of Bắc Kạn, Cao Bằng, Hà Giang and Lạng Sơn by enhancing basic infrastructure and services. The Government of Việt Specifically, the project will improve road connectivity among the provinces by upgrading about 121km of provincial and 144km of district roads, supply water to 42,300 people, and improve agriculture value chain infrastructure in “Việt He said the ADB was confident the project will help realise the great growth and development potential of the northeastern part of Việt The four northeastern provinces —the project area—have significant potential to become trade hubs, given their strategic location and proximity to China, the capital Hà Nội, the Hải Phòng Port, and the ADB-supported Greater Mekong Subregion North-South Economic Corridor. However, these potentials are yet to be fully realised, with gross domestic product per capita of the four provinces in 2015 remaining at $1,160, almost half the $2,036 national average. New collaboration signed between UNFPA and the Government A new collaboration on providing the UN Population Fund’s (UNFPA) support to the General Statistics Office (GSO) and other partners was signed on Tuesday in Hà Nội. With a total budget of US$5.6 million for four years from 2017 to 2021, of which $4.3 million is funded by the UNFPA, the project aims to provide technical support to the Government of Việt Nam in collecting and utilising quality population-related data and evidence for development, amendment, implementation and monitoring of socio-economic policies, strategies and planning to achieve sustainable and harmonious development of the population, economy, society and the environment of Việt Nam. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), GSO, the Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs (PCSA) and Việt Addressing the ceremony, Nguyễn Bích Lâm, GSO general director, said "In the past 40 years of cooporation between Việt Nam and the UNFPA, the GSO has shown its professional capacity in effectively receiving technical assistance from the UNFPA.” “We commit to implementing the activities during the period 2017-21 at the highest capacity, especially towards the implementation of Việt Astrid Bant, UNFPA Representative in Việt Nam, said "We hope this project, through multi-sectoral coordination, will play a key role in strengthening the capacity of GSO and relevant partners in collecting, analysing, disseminating and utilising information on population, reproductive health and gender, contributing to the implementation and monitoring of socio-economic development policies and the Plan of Action of Sustainable Development Goals." Labour minister sends condolences on workers killed in Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung has offered condolences to families of Vietnamese workers who were killed in a fire at the dormitory of a company in Taoyuan city of Shortly after receiving information about the incident, the ministry ordered its Department of Overseas Labour and the companies sending the workers to Minister Dung also asked authorised agencies to do their best to help ease the pain suffered by the bereaved families. On December 18, leaders of the Thuan Thao Joint Stock Company, which sent the workers aboard, and representatives of the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Ha Tinh province visited the family of Tran Hong Thuy, a victim of the fire, in Cam Hoa commune of Cam Xuyen district. Can Tho authorities work with Cambodian religious official Authorities of the Mekong Delta city of The event was within the framework of a conference to share experience in religious work between the Vietnamese Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the Cambodian Ministry of Cults and Religions. Permanent Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Van Tam said Can Tho is the centre of the Mekong Delta with a population of nearly 1.3 million people. It is home to 12 valid religions and beliefs with 380 worship places and over 485,000 followers. They have abided by State laws and policies, actively joined in charity activities and built rural infrastructure, contributing tens of billions of Vietnamese dong to the city’s social welfare services each year. Touch Sarom, for her part, said the Cambodian government attaches importance to religious work. The two sides have agreed to hold conferences to share State management experience in religious work since 2007. Party General Secretary meets with ethnic minority exemplars Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong had a meeting in They are among 512 role models from the 53 ethnic minority groups in 52 provinces and cities nationwide who are honoured for their efforts and achievements. The oldest is Mua A Pao of the Mong ethnic group, born in 1930, while the youngest is Khmer woman Thach Thi Kim Danh, born in 1992. The delegates appreciated the Party, the State and all-level authorities’ attention to ethnic communities, affirming their absolute trust in the Party’s leadership. They informed the Party leader about the works they have done such as encouraging local residents to keep solidarity and security, prevent social crimes, promote production, and protect the environment, helping children to go to school, building civilised lifestyle, and maintaining their ethnic groups’ cultural identities. They asked the Party and State to continue supporting ethnic minority communities so as to improve their material and spiritual lives. General Secretary Trong emphasised that the Party and State always pay attention to people of ethnic minorities and in mountainous and remote regions. Many programmes and policies targeting them have been issued and carried out effectively, especially those on poverty reduction, infrastructure building, and manpower training. As a result, 98 percent of the communes in mountainous ethnic minority areas have been accessible by car while 98.5 percent have had medical stations and 94 percent have accessed electricity from the national power grid. All communes have had kindergartens as well as primary and junior high schools. The household poverty rate in ethnic minority areas has dropped to around 20 percent. He partly attributed those attainments to efforts and wisdom of the prestigious persons, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. He called on the honoured persons to continue encouraging their communities to uphold the patriotism tradition and solidarity to overcome difficulties, contribute to socio-economic development, and build a well-off and happy life. NA Chairwoman holds working session with Hanoi Capital High Command National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan asked the Hanoi Capital High Command to build revolutionary, regular, seasoned and gradually modern armed forces during a working session in the capital city on December 18. The session took place on the occasion of the 73rd founding anniversary of Vietnam People’s Army and the 28th anniversary of All People’s Defence Festival Day (December 22). The NA leader lauded the Hanoi Capital High Command for contributing to common achievements of the Vietnam People’s Army, including ensuring absolute safety of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week this year. She asked for continuing to fully grasp the Party policies and State laws on national defence-security, especially the Resolution on national defence-security tasks adopted by the 12th National Party Congress, the Politburo (10th tenure)’s Resolution on continuing to build centrally-run cities and provinces into strong defensive areas in the new situation, and the Resolution on national protection strategy in the new situation by the eighth plenum of the 11th Party Central Committee. The Hanoi Capital High Command must improve the capacity of offering advices on building all people’s national defence, strengthen national defence-security and join in socio-economic development, she said. She suggested further training officials and cadres in political thoughts and Party guidelines, staying alert to every event, and working closely with security forces to maintain political stability and social safety and order. The top legislator requested that the Hanoi Capital High Command regularly pays attention to Party building, effectively implements the Resolution on Party building and rectification by the fourth plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee, drives back degradation in political thoughts, moral virtue and lifestyle and “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” behaviours in combination with spreading the campaign “Studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, morals and lifestyle”. She expressed her belief that under the leadership of the Party, the Central Military Commission and the municipal Party Committee, the city’s armed forces will build themselves into a trustworthy political unit and fighting forces loyal to the Party, deserving the trust of the Party, authorities and people of the capital city and nationwide. Commander of the Hanoi Capital High Command Nguyen Doan Anh reported that the unit deployed 17,613 people and 1,176 vehicles to deal with 433 forest fires and disaster cases, fight dengue fever outbreaks and defuse bombs, mines and explosives left from the war this year, reported Commander of the Hanoi Capital High Command. Symposium celebrates 45 years of Dien Bien Phu in the Air victory A scientific workshop was held in Hanoi on December 18 to celebrate 45 years of the victory of the Dien Bien Phu in the Air (December 1972). Permanent Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Ngo Thi Thanh Hang affirmed that the victory marked a glorious milestone in the revolutionary cause of Vietnamese army and people who defeated the largest strategic strike by air of the The victory forced the It demonstrates the judicious leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and the Government and the close coordination between armed forces, military units, localities, Party Committee, authorities and people of It was the last Over 12 days and nights, the Photo books protect Son Tra Reserve The Vietnam Association of River Basin and Coast Protection plans to publish 300 photo books of the Son Tra Nature Reserve in the central city of Vice Chairman of the association Ho Duy Diem said the book would include 120 photos from 100 Vietnamese and foreign photographers. He said the association had called for voluntary contributions. All money from the book sale will go to the fund. Last month, freelance photographer Le Phuoc Chin and writer Bui Cong Dung, both from Last week, a photo of the langur portrait was bought by a local resident at an auction to raise money for the fund. The 4,400ha Son Tra reserve, 10km from The langurs in Son Tra Nature Reserve were declared endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2013, but the species has recently been classed Critically Endangered (CR) – nearly extinct. More than 25,000 school students and more than 3,000 local residents have been educated on the importance of biodiversity in the Son Tra reserve on field trips between 2013-17. Play on Mau Than Offensive to be staged in HCM City 
A
play on the Mau Than Offensive (or Tet Offensive) in Spring 1968 will be
staged by Hong Van Drama Troupe, one of HCM City’s leading private drama
troupes, this month.
The play is part of a cultural programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mau Than Offensive 1968. (Photo: the organiser) The 60-minute play, Chau Ve Hop Pho (Reunion), features Vietnamese soldiers and their stories during and after the Mau Than Offensive, which occurred during the American war in It portrays Chau and his wife, Pho, both Both meet in the battle of Saigon in January, when VPA soldiers and members of the People’s Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam attacked the US Embassy in The play is also based on true stories that took place during the war. “I asked my actors to research books and documents on the Mau Than Offensive,” said the play’s director, Meritorious Artist Tran Minh Ngoc. Ngoc, who has more than 50 years in the industry, spent more than five months on the script. “To prepare for my work, I watched documentaries on the offensive by both Vietnamese and foreign filmmakers. I wanted my production to be lively and to help young audiences learn valuable things about war and peace,” said the 80-year-old. Ngoc invited talented actors Thanh Thuy, Duc Thinh, Trinh Kim Chi and Hong Van, graduates of the HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre, to play leading roles. "My colleagues and I have learned as much about the country’s history and how Vietnamese generations have fought for independence,” said actress Trinh Kim Chi, who plays Pho. “For me, playing in a historical drama is about research also. During my performance, I discovered stories and facts about the war. Through my role, I hope my fans learn something about the value of the peaceful life we have today,” she added. Chau Ve Hop Pho is part of a cultural programme celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mau Than Offensive 1968, funded by the The play will be staged on December 27 at the Army Theatre in Tan Binh district. It will also be staged for free for students in 20 universities and colleges next year. National TV festival ends successfully Golden and silver awards were presented to the best television programmes at the 37th national TV festival, which closed on Saturday in the central Attending the event, held in the province for the first time, were Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam, representatives of relevant organisations, together with nearly 1,000 representatives from television and radio stations nationwide. This year’s festival received 491 entries competing in nine categories, including documentaries, reportage, talk shows, science education and ethnic minority television shows. The 37th national TV festival was an opportunity for those working in television to share their experiences and get updated on the latest trends to serve viewers better within one week of its organisation. At the closing ceremony, the organisation board awarded 27 gold and 50 silver prizes, however, no stage programmes received a gold this year. According to Trần Bình Minh, general director of Vietnam Television and also chairman of the festival, the close to 500 entries were the fruit of dedication and efforts of many television teams in recent years. The jury highly appreciated the entries in nine categories, which reflected the thorough investment in topics, structures, image quality and harmonious combination among elements such as graphics, music, sounds and interaction. All the entries portrayed a vivid picture of information across the country in all the fields in the past year. Also, according to the jury, there was not much difference in the quality of the entries by different television stations nationwide like the previous years. Best photo entries of the photo contest Những Người Làm Truyền Hình (People Working in Television) were also awarded at the closing ceremony. “The 37th national TV festival has ended successfully both in terms of content and organisation,” Nguyễn Hà Nam, permanent deputy head of the organisation board on evaluating this year’s event, said. “This TV festival has the best conditions and professionalism.” The 38th national TV festival will be held next year in Đà Lạt City in the central Drug smugglers arrested Quảng Bình Province Border Guard and The suspect, Vanphila Chan Thaviphon, 28 years old, from Last September, the border guard and Meanwhile, in the The suspects – Tráng A Dình, 37, and Sồng A Chính, 28, both from Yên Bái Province – admitted they bought the drug from an unknown man at the border area in Chiềng Khương Commune, Sông Mã District, in Sơn La Province. Police are investigating the cases further. Natural disaster causes bridge collapse in Yên Bái The Ministry of Transport has blamed an abnormal natural disaster for the collapse of Four are confirmed to have died while the others are still missing. One of the victims is a Việt Nam News Agency reporter – Đinh Hữu Dư – who was reporting about the floods at the scene. Giao thông (Transport) newspaper reported on Monday that investigation by the Road Technology Centre under the Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam and Transport Science and Technology Institute showed that torrential rains and flash floods in Yên Bái from October 5 to October 11, together with topographic and geomorphologic changes. The changes made one of the bridge pillars tilt and part of the bridge collapsed. According to the ministry, the topographic and geomorphologic changes in the upper part of the river were uncontrollable. To mitigate the impact of the changes, the ministry asked The province was also asked to propose a plan to restore the bridge to meet transport demand of residents. Traffic police to ensure safety during holidays The Traffic Police General Department launched a campaign from Saturday to ensure traffic safety and social order during the holidays and festivals. The campaign, lasting through February 28, is aimed at preventing traffic congestion and accidents, particularly prolonged traffic jams and serious accidents, during Christmas, the calendar New Year holiday, Tết (Lunar New Year festival) and spring festivals in early 2018. The traffic police will mobilise available forces, vehicles and equipment to patrol, inspect, supervise and handle violations, particularly violations that are considered the major causes of traffic accidents and congestions, such as speeding, drunk driving, driving in the wrong direction and driving in the wrong lane, as well as talking on the phone while driving, overloading, driving without a licence and using expired vehicles. Along railway routes, traffic police will co-ordinate with local authorities, police and the railway sector to check the adoption of railway traffic regulations to ensure safety, particularly along routes with a high number of illegal crossings. Along inland water routes, traffic police will work with relevant agencies and local authorities to take measures to ensure traffic safety and social order. They will suspend the operation of vehicles that fail to meet safety requirements. Vehicles found to be overloaded, not meeting technical standards, unregistered and sailors without licences and driving certificates will be strictly handled. During the three-day calendar New Year 2017 holiday, the country saw 93 traffic accidents, which killed 79 people and injured 54 others. Efforts made to help the disabled access integration education The Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Nghia said that on May 22, 2006, the ministry issued Decision 23/2006/QD-BGDDT on integration education for handicapped people. So far, the National Assembly and Government have approved many relevant legal documents and projects, including the Law on Persons with Disabilities and a project to support people with disabilities in the 2012-2020 period. The NA also ratified the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014, she added. The circular aims to replace the Decision in order to suit the Law on Persons with Disabilities and other guiding documents. Commenting on outcomes of integration education for people with disabilities in She held that the draft circular has many new contents, including regulations on capacity of lecturers and teachers at education facilities and tools on integration education. Keane suggested that the ministry consider some requirements related to support the system on integration education for the disabled such as assistants for teachers and information technology for studying and teaching activities. The document aims to promote the rights to high quality education suitable to their conditions and capacity, ensuring their opportunities to develop their skills and ability to integrate into society. It details regulations on education for the disabled, including the organisation of education for people with disability, tasks and capacity of teachers, the obligation and rights of the disabled, and the coordination between education facilities, families and the society in the work. After being completed and issued, the circular will be applicable to all education levels from pre-school to tertiary education, as well as at teacher training facilities, support centre for integration education, and organisations and individuals supplying integration education services for the disabled. Electricity lights up rural areas in Lang Son One more rural village in Bac Son district, the northern mountainous The work was inaugurated in Lan Hat village, Bac Son commune on December 18. The facility includes over 4.75 kilometres of medium voltage line, 3.9 kilometres of low voltage line, and one 50kVA transformer station. The work forms part of the components under a project to connect rural areas in Lang Son province to the national grid for 2015-2020. Nguyen Cong Truong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the work provides electricity for over 50 households in the village, thus improving their living conditions and the local economic development. The project was approved under Decision 11815/QD-BCT dated October 30, 2015 to supply power for around 4,348 rural households in 210 villages of 55 communes in 10 districts. Exhibition highlights Vietnam-Cambodia ties An exhibition themed “Vietnam - Destination of Cambodia in 2017” opened in Cambodiana hotel of Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh on December 18 as part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic ties. The two-day event drew Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Art Khim Sarith, Vietnamese appointed Ambassador to Cambodia Vu Quang Minh, representatives from embassies of countries in Cambodia and the Vietnamese community in the country. Addressing the opening of the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao said that the event aims to give visitors an overall view on the political, cultural, economic and diplomatic relations between Nearly 300 photos and over 100 documents also introduced the culture, landscape and people of Vietnam-Cambodia cooperation achievements and experience are also highlighted at the exhibition. For his part, Khim Sarith said that this year, the exhibition is among major activities jointly held by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, which helps forge connectivity and exchange between the two peoples. ADB helps improve lives in Vietnam’s northeastern provinces The Board of Directors of the Asia Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 150 million USD loan to improve economic connectivity and living standards in four northeastern provinces of Vietnam via upgrading basic infrastructure and services. The project will benefit over 212,000 people in ADB Country Director in Vietnam Eric Sidgwick expressed his belief that the project will help develop the four provinces, especially in trade, agriculture and tourism. The targeted province are expected to become trade hubs thanks to proximity to However, the gross domestic product per capita hits only 1,160 USD, nearly half of the country’s average 2,036 USD. The project will clear barriers via developing basic infrastructure in the key fields of trade, transport, health care and agriculture while improving road connectivity by upgrading around 121km of provincial roads and 144km of district roads, supplying water to 42,300 rural people and improving infrastructure in agricultural value chain in Lang Son. At the same time, it will also enhance capacity of provincial authorities, especially in public asset management. The total cost of the project is estimated at 195.9 million USD, 45.9 million USD of which was from the Vietnamese government. It is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2023. Vietnam completes 95 pct of martyr remains recovery plan The national steering committee for search and gathering of martyr remains held a meeting on December 18 to review the implementation of a plan on searching and gathering martyr remains (also called Plan 1237) this year. Vice Chairman of the Genera Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army Lt Gen. Do Can, who is also a member of the steering committee, said strong efforts have been made in 2017 to complete the list of and dossiers on martyrs, draw maps for the work, and build a database. The Defence Ministry handed over more than 500,000 dossiers to the Ministry of Information and Communications to build a national database, serve the seeking and recovery of martyr remains, and identify unknown martyrs. As many as 2,368 sets of remains were founded and repatriated, including 1,156 sets retrieved in Cooperation with foreign partners in the work has been expanded, Can said, adding that the steering committee’s office coordinated with the Agency for Missing in Action Recovery and Identification under the Defence Ministry of the Republic of Korea to organise a programme on Vietnam veterans of America. This programme aims to receive information, exchange experience in seeking missing servicemen, and assist the identification of martyr remains. In 2018, the committee targets about 2,000 sets of remains to be recovered, including 1,200 in At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, head of the steering committee, asked relevant agencies to capitalise on every channel and measure to collect information while synchronising the collected data to locate martyr remains. Meanwhile, provincial-level administrations need to order local relevant agencies to pay due attention to the work, he added. At the meeting, the national steering committee also opened a website on martyr-related information at http://thongtinlietsi.gov.vn . President Tran Dai Quang visits Military Region 1 President Tran Dai Quang has requested the Military Region 1 armed forces to raise vigilance and constantly improve their combat readiness and strength as hostile forces are taking advantage of ethnic and religious issues to undermine the great national unity and sabotage the Party and State. The Military Region 1, established on October 16, 1945, encompasses six northeastern provinces of Cao Bang, Visiting the Military Region 1 on December 18 on the occasion of the 73rd founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, the President applauded efforts as well as victories and achievements of the Military Region 1 over the past 73 years. He stressed the strategic position of the region, and required the Military Region 1 to keep close watch of the situation in order to timely give advice to the Central Military Commission and Defence Ministry on military and defence tasks in the region. The military region should also coordinate with ministries and agencies in crime prevention, and contribute to protecting the national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also required the Military Region 1 to pay attention to building strong Party organisation and armed forces, while working together with local Party committees and authorities to strengthen the grassroots political system. On this occasion, the President offered incense at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument House at the Thai Nguyen province Party Committee’s headquarters, and the Monument dedicated to Company 915 Voluntary Youths in Thai Nguyen city. Cyber security more difficult to be controlled Cyber security will be difficult to maintain next year as hackers use smarter and more sophisticated technology to make attacks, Nguyen Thanh Hung, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, has said. This was revealed at the second regional forum on cyber security held by the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT), the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Korea Internet and Security Agency. At the forum, participants discussed regional and global issues on strategies, policies and laws to achieve security by sharing mechanisms for reliable information and effective ways of managing operations. In his opening speech, Hung said no nation could defend against cyber attacks by itself. For example, this year, nearly 200 countries have been hit hard by malware attacks, such as WannaCry and Petya. The ictnews.vn quoted Lee Miyeon from the These threats would be greater as the industrial revolution progressed. Cyber security, including data protection, networking and information systems, will become essential factors to ensure prosperity, she said. According to Lee Miyeon, due to the characteristics of cyberspace, when attacks occur, it is easy to misidentify sources of the attack or misunderstand the intention and behaviour of the attackers. This could result in increased damage and create distrust among nations, she added.- Quang Ninh prepares for National Tourism Year 2018 The National Tourism Year 2018 is an opportunity for the northern province of Quang Ninh to promote its image to international friends, said Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long. The province, which is home to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, will host the National Tourism Year 2018 themed “Ha Long-Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination”. About 100 events will be held during the year by Quang Ninh province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other localities. Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Tourism Department Trinh Dang Thanh said that as the host, the province will arrange a series of cultural, sports and tourism programmes. Highlights of the event will include the opening ceremony and Carnaval Ha Long 2018 in Ha Long city, which is scheduled for April 28 next year. Meanwhile, the closing programme will be held in January 2019 in combination with the opening of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 and the Ha Long - FLC 2019 open golf tournament. Quang Ninh will accelerate procedures for the early launch of a hydro plane service to Co To Island in summer 2018. The province will also review accommodation facilities across the province to meet tourists’ demand in summer. As the main venue of many activities during the National Tourism Year, Ha Long City has stepped up various projects such as improving urban infrastructure and lighting system. The city is working hard to complete the construction of several drainage systems and road upgrade by early of 2018 to serve the national tourism event. The province attracted more than 8.6 million tourists in the first ten months of 2017, including nearly 3.4 million foreigners, year-on-year jumps of 18 percent and 21 percent, respectively. By 2020, Quang Ninh aims to welcome 15-16 million tourists, including seven million foreigners, and rake in 30-40 trillion VND (1.3-1.7 billion USD) in revenue. The tourism sector is expected to contribute 14-15 percent to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP). More rural households in Tra Vinh access clean water A clean water supply plant has been inaugurated in the Mekong Delta The plant, which has a designed capacity of 40 cubic meters of clean water per hour, was built at a cost of 7.5 billion VND (329,250 USD). The East Meets West organisation, provided 3.3 billion VND in non-refundable aid for the project and the remaining 4.2 billion VND was sourced by the provincial budget. Director of the provincial centre for clean water and rural environmental hygiene Bui Van Mung said Tra Vinh has 163 water supply stations in rural areas supplying clean water meeting the standards of the Ministry of Health. The proportion of residents having access to clean water in rural areas is 58 percent at present. In 2018, the province aims to have 61 percent of the rural population use clean water. The provincial People’s Committee has decided to spend 200 billion VND (8.7 million USD) from now to 2020 to upgrade 10 clean water supply stations and dredge the canal network to address the shortage of clean water for daily use and irrigational water in rural areas due to droughts and saltwater intrusion. Vietnamese students’ association set up in The Vietnamese Students’ Association in Nguyen Dang Hoa Nghiem, a postgraduate student at Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Nguyen Hai Bang lauded the dynamism and creativity of nearly 700 Vietnamese students in the Southeast Asian country. The ambassador said he hopes the association will be a reliable destination for Vietnamese students to meet, share experience and support each other. He also expressed belief that the students will preserve good image of Vietnamese people in the eyes of Thai people, while helping fostering friendship between the two nations.- Set 2018 plans for finding martyrs remains: official Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam called on agencies involved in the search for martyrs’ remains to set forth plans to fulfill targets set for 2018. Đam, also head of the National Steering Committee for Search and Collection of Martyrs’ Remains, said on Monday at a conference to review tasks for 2017 and define tasks for 2018 that all channels and sources of information should be used to bring fallen soldiers to their final resting places. A database should be completed in order to find the martyr’s remains accurately, he said. He urged provinces and cities to pay attention to search and collection work. At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam praised the efforts of the defence ministry, the steering committee and other concerned agencies, especially officials and soldiers directly involved in the search and collection of remains. The pilot implementation of a search map, the collection of martyr’s remains as well as the database of martyrs and martyr’s graves were deployed actively this year, he said. Lieutenant General Đỗ Căn, Deputy Chairman of the General Political Department of the Việt Nam People’s Army, also a member of the Steering Committee, said in 2017, as many as 2,368 martyrs’ sets of remains were found, 95 per cent of this year’s target. Of the figure, 1,156 sets of remains were recovered in Việt Nam, 338 were found in The Ministry of Defence has handed over more than 500,000 records of martyrs to the Ministry of Information and Communications to integrate into a national database. International co-operation in the search for and repatriation of martyrs’ remains continues to expand, he said. Next year, the Steering Committee aims to complete the list of martyrs, integrate the national database of martyrs and martyrs’ graves and collect about 2,000 sets of remains, including about 1,200 sets in Việt Nam. At the event, the Steering Committee also launched a website at http://thongtinlietsi.gov.vn to enhance the management of martyrs’ information. The website is expected to facilitate the searching for martyrs’ information and the exchange of information between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. It also allows martyrs’ relatives to send requests and provide information to agencies. Spring in the Far Island programme collects over $660,000 in donations Organisations and individuals at the third Xuân nơi đảo xa (Spring in the Far Island) programme held in HCM City on Sunday donated more than VNĐ15 billion (US$660) to support residents and soldiers who are protecting the country’s sovereignty in the East Sea. South African Honourary Consul Đỗ Thị Kim Liên donated VNĐ700 million to build 10 gratitude houses for soldiers from families who receive preferential treatment from the government and members of the Việt Nam People’s Navy. The programme was organised by Vừ A Dính Scholarship Fund, the Club for Beloved Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa, the HCM City Television and the HCM Communist Youth Union. Former Vice President Trương Mỹ Hoa is the chairwoman of the fund and the club. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh praised the programme, saying that over the past three years the Club for Beloved Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa had attracted more than 80 organisations and more than 3,000 individuals, collecting tens of billions of đồng. Together with the Vừ A Dính Scholarship Fund, the club has carried out many meaningful activities to support fishermen and soldiers on Hoàng Sa - Trường Sa, including donation of charity houses and scholarships and healthcare support for children of soldiers. Working women may up productivity An increase in the number of jobs for seniors and women as well as higher labour productivity among youth could speed up Việt Speaking at a conference on population policies held in In 2019, however, gross income is expected to fall under gross expenditures, Quỳnh added. Currently, the number of people who are part of the so-called golden population (people of working age between 15 and 64 years old) accounts for 70 per cent of the country’s total population. However, the number of people in this group will start to decline in 2042. To prolong economic benefits, labour productivity should be raised at a time when a huge proportion of the population is of working age, Quỳnh said. Improved education and health care services for seniors could also help spur productivity, she added. Dr Nguyễn Văn Tiên, former deputy head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs, said the Government should develop a new plan to increase the retirement age, especially for women, and offer more vocational training for seniors. Tiên said the health of seniors, who make significant contributions to socio-economic development, should be ensured and that social insurance should be reformed to ensure quality of life for older citizens. Quỳnh said that everyone, including the disadvantaged and disabled, should have a right to quality services. Nguyễn Thị Hoài Thu, former head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs, urged the Government to develop new policies to address these issues. Boy goes missing after bridge cable breaks A boy went missing on Monday morning after a suspension bridge broke and he fell into the Trường River in the central province of Quảng Nam, according to local police. The 9-year-old boy was crossing the bridge in Phước Sơn District’s Phước Hiệp Commune at around 6.30am, when a cable of the bridge broke and he fell into the river. Local authorities are conducting search operations to look for the boy. The bridge was put into operation in 2005 and had maintenance work done in mid-2017. U21 beat U19 4-1 in international tournament Việt Substitute striker Thanh Bình scored a double in the second half after his teammates Ngọc Sơn and Triệu Việt Hưng netted one each in the first 45 minutes. The only goal for the U-19s went to Việt Cường who was on the field after the interval. The win pushed Việt In previous games, they beat Việt The Japanese side forced VTV Bình Điền Long An win volleyball event VTV Bình Điền Long An triumphed at the National Women’s Volleyball Championship on Sunday. The team beat LienVietPostBank 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 in the final held in the southern With key players Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hoa and Trần Thị Thanh Thúy on song, Bình Điền Long An dominated the opponent. Earlier, the team beat defending champions Vietinbank in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Sanest Khánh Hòa defeated Thể Công 3-2 to take the National Men’s Volleyball Championship. Sanest Khánh Hòa were runners-up for the last two years, losing to Over the last 55 years, Education and training are a typical example of successful cooperation between the two countries. Every year hundreds of Lao students pursue their study in The Vietnamese Language Department in the Since 1995 Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung said more than 10 schools have been built in Laos so far, offering education and training for 300-500 students, contributing to improving the cultural life of Lao people, especially those in remote areas. Joining hands with the two governments, Vietnamese businesses which are operating in In order to foster bilateral cooperation, the two governments signed a protocol on training cooperation in the 2017-2020 period in April this year to help It is estimated that more than 14,000 Lao students are studying at 147 Vietnamese schools. Exhibition marks 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic ties An exhibition on Nearly 300 photos and over 100 featured documents have been selected to help visitors gain more insights into This is one of the largest promotional events ever held in Addressing the opening the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao said the event has contributed to introducing the image of For his part, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Art Khim Sarith said so far this year the two nations have co-ordinated in organising diverse activities to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, contributing to strengthening connectivity and people-to-people exchange activities between the two countries. The event will close on December 19. Dong Thap – bright star in investment environment: PM Dong Thap has for many years been a bright star in investment and business environment, and a role model for other localities in supplying good administrative services for locals and businesses, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Addressing the Dong Thap Investment Promotion Conference in Cao Lanh city on December 19, the Government leader noted that the accompanying spirit is a strength of the local government at all levels, which helps the province initiate many effective measures to attract investment and deal with businesses’ obstacles. Dong Thap is a Mekong Delta region’s hub in rice production with over 3.3 million tonnes per year, along with nearly 400,000 tonnes of tra fish. The province is well-known for its hundred-year-old Sa Dec flower village, For many years, it is among top localities with high Provincial Competitiveness Index and Public Administrative Performance Index, and effective administrative reform. In the past three years, Dong Thap has risen as a model of the country in restructuring the agriculture sector. PM Phuc held that good connectivity is key for the province’s success. The province has well performed in connectivity between production and the market, as well as between material area, technology application and farmers, he noted, adding that Dong Thap has showed its creativity in supporting startup. He asked the locality to work harder to fill gaps in investment attraction and further boost economic growth. Dong Thap should concentrate on developing agriculture towards green and transparency by drawing more large investors in the field, while designing effective strategy to cope with climate change to ensure sustainable development. At the conference, the PM lauded investors’ interest in Dong Thap by investing nearly 24 trillion VND (1.05 billion USD) to the locality, and their support to vulnerable groups in the province by providing over 90 billion VND to local social welfare activities. Investors should consider Dong Thap as their second homeland, thus making stronger, continuous and more effective investment in the province, he stated. The PM requested investors not to damage the living environment of local people, while increasing the production of highly valued products amidst the 4.0 revolution. He pledged that the Government will maintain macro-economic stability and national competitiveness to support businesses. At the conference, Dong Thap handed over investment licences to 21 projects, and signed memoranda of understanding with investors on cooperation in 16 projects, with combined investment of 23.88 trillion VND. On the occasion, the PM also press the button to launch Dong Thap’s one-door electronic service, and online public service at levels three and four. Earlier, PM Phuc visited the Military Headquarters of Dong Thap to extend greetings to officers and soldiers on the 73th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army. He also offered incense and flowers to Nguyen Sinh Sac, the farther of late President Ho Chi Minh, at the Nguyen Sinh Sac historical relic site in Cao Lanh city. Over 660,000 USD collected for islanders, soldiers Organisations and individuals at the third Xuan noi đao xa (Spring in the Far Island) programme held in HCM City on December 17 donated more than 15 billion VND (660,000 USD) to support island residents and soldiers who are protecting the country’s sovereignty in the East Sea. South African Honourary Consul Do Thi Kim Lien donated 700 million VND to build 10 gratitude houses for soldiers from families who receive preferential treatment from the government and members of the Vietnam People’s Navy. The programme was organised by Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, the Club for Beloved Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, the HCM City Television and the HCM Communist Youth Union. Former Vice President Truong My Hoa is the chairwoman of the fund and the club. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh praised the programme, saying that over the past three years the Club for Beloved Hoang Sa and Truong Sa had attracted more than 80 organisations and more than 3,000 individuals, collecting tens of billions of dong. Together with the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, the club has carried out many meaningful activities to support fishermen and soldiers on Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes, including donation of charity houses and scholarships and health care support for children of soldiers. Tuyen Quang destroys 337kg bomb left from war The Military Command of the According to the Tuyen Quang Military Command, the bomb was dropped down in Tuyen Quang during the It was extremely dangerous due to its large size. The locals in An Khang commune discovered the bomb on December 11. Fire at Cầu Giấy District house kills one A man died after a fire broke out at a house in Cầu Giấy District on Wednesday morning. The fire was believed to have started at around 8am at the house situated in a small alley on It took the local firefighters only a few minutes to extinguish the fire, but the 45-year-old man was trapped inside the house and died. The case is under investigation. Workshop spotlights environmental risk assessment An international workshop on environmental risk assessment and human health opened in the central Scientists from the US, Australia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam have been focusing discussions on 20 topics during the thee-day event, which was arranged by the International Center of Interdisciplinary Science Education (ICISE) and the Meet Vietnam Association. Prof. Ross Smith, Chairman of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, said the workshop looked into solutions to environmental issues and human resources development to serve future environmental management. The workshop heard that Dr. Kuan Chun Lee, from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in Asia Pacific, underlined the need to promote scientific researches on and application of research results in environmental management. The event has provided a good chance for The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Education (IFIRSE) under the International Center of Interdisciplinary Science Education (ICISE) has planned to build a cooperation programme on research and training with Vietnam in a bid to help the country better manage the environment. Conference praises NGOs contributions to Programmes and projects funded by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have actively contributed to poverty reduction and socio-economic development in Speaking at the conference which aimed to review the national programme on calling for foreign non-governmental assistance in 2013-2017, deputy head of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO)’s People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) Nguyen Ngoc Hung said the programme has been a success. He said the value of assistance has been maintained with improved quality and the number of NGOs operating in According to reports from ministries, sectors, localities and mass organisations, the programme was implemented effectively, basically achieving the set targets. Many legal documents related to foreign non-governmental work were issued, while others have been revised, towards facilitating NGOs’ activities in the country. Cooperation between State management agencies and NGOs has been also strengthened. Based on the evaluation of the programme, the VUFO will chair the building of a plan for the work in the next phase, for the targets of poverty reduction and sustainable development in Representatives from provinces and cities benefiting from NGOs-assisted projects shared experience and gave proposals on how to effectively promote cooperation and attract more foreign non-governmental assistance resources. Vietnamese, Chinese localities work on border management The Border Guard Command of Vietnam’s northern Lao Cai province and Honghe county border police of The two sides reached consensus during their talks in Lao Cai city on December 19. The move aims to help them swiftly exchange information regarding the management and protection of the common border and border gates, controlling export-import activities and combating cross-border law violations. This is the first time an information exchange mechanism has been launched at the provincial level along the Vietnam-China land borderline. During the talks, the two sides also agreed to multiply the model of twinning relations between Vietnamese and Chinese posts in order to join hands in building a peaceful border. Thanks to concerted efforts of Apart from increasing communication campaigns, the two sides have conducted joint patrols to prevent cross-border crimes. This year, At the end of the talks, the two sides inked several minutes which will serve as a foundation for the implementation of their tasks in 2018.- Vietnam–Myanmar friendship associations seal cooperative pact The Vietnam-Myanmar and Myanmar-Vietnam Friendship Associations signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation as part of their talks in According to the pact, the two associations agreed to coordinate celebrations of the countries’ major anniversaries, and the organisation of trade – investment fairs and conferences, and business exchanges. They planned to introduce businessmen to public agencies and organisations, and provide the business community with market information. The two sides pledged to work together to help connect Vietnamese and At the talks, Chairman of the Vietnam-Myanmar Friendship Association Chu Cong Phung lauded the role of its Phung said the Chairman of the Myanmar-Vietnam Friendship Association U Tint Swai said his association is willing to collaborate with Upcoming joint activities should focus more on education to boost awareness of the younger generation on the importance of As part of the function, U Tint Swai and representatives from Environmental photography contest honours 19 winners The Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on December 19 honoured winners of the environmental photography contest, which was held under the patronage of the Vietnam Photographers Association. The competition, themed “Desire of nature”, received more than 2,600 entries from contestants across the country. A photo by Nguyen Thanh Hai from central Ha Tinh province, namely “Tea hills”, won the first prize. The jury also presented two second, three third and eight consolation prizes while five others were voted as favourite works. The winning photos are truly meaningful works which do not only reflect the current pollution in Vietnam but also depicting some beautiful moments of life, outstanding people who have strived to protect the environment and solutions for waste recycling, said Pham Tien Dung, a representative of the jury. They have helped raise public awareness of the significance of environmental protection, he added. Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan and municipal leaders on December 19 visited the Headquarter of the HCM City Archdiocese and the Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam ahead of the Christmas 2017 and New Year 2018. On behalf of the city’s leaders, Nhan extended greetings to and wished Catholic dignitaries and followers nationwide a merry Christmas and happy New Year. He briefed Nhan highlighted the contributions made by the municipal archdiocese and followers to the city’s education, health and social charity, thus helping the city to realize its socio-economic development targets. The official expressed his hope that the archdiocese’s dignitaries will continue joining hands with local authorities to encourage local Catholics to actively participate in national construction and protection movements. Archbishop of the HCM City Archdiocese Bui Van Doc thanked the local authorities for continuously facilitating religious practice of local Catholics and hoped that relations between the church and administration will develop more fruitfully so that Catholic followers can contribute further to the city’s socio-economic development. Meanwhile, Bishop Nguyen Anh Tuan, chief of the Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, pledged to encourage followers to continue uniting and joining hands with the administrations at levels to fulfill their citizen obligations and lead a good religious life. Exhibitions on Spring 1968 uprising, country’s achievements open Exhibitions on the 50 years of the Spring 1968 uprising and More than 250 documents, photos and objects are on display at the Can Tho Museum, featuring the Mau Than Offensive in Spring 1968 and the uprising of soldiers and people of the Mekong Delta and Can Tho city in particular. These contributed to the victory of the Ho Chi Minh campaign in 1975, liberating the South and reunifying the nation. The exhibits included soldiers’ watches, sandals and working instruments such as binoculars and headphones, as well as an old sewing machine to make thousands of national flags that were sent to the battlefields. The event aims to raise public awareness, especially youths, of the sacrifice and endurance of Vietnamese people for the sake of national independence. Besides, a photo exhibition was held to introduce economic, cultural, social and national defence achievements of the country and Can Tho city in particular since 1975. On showcase were 120 file photos, with many of them provided by the Vietnam News Agency. The two events are open for public until April 15, 2018. CLV senior officials’ meeting opens in Binh Phuoc The Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (DTA) opened in the southern The event was jointly chaired by Nguyen The Phuong, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment; Mao Thora, head of the Cambodian senior officials’ delegation; and Songkan Luangunithon, head of the Lao senior officials’ delegation. Delegates spoke highly of the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the three countries in general and the 13 localities in the DTA in particular, considering the relationship an important factor for stability and development in each country and the region. They agreed to build and maintain the sustainable and comprehensive development triangle area as committed by the three Prime Ministers at the ninth CLV Summit in At the meeting, participants appreciated the outcomes of the 11th Investment-Trade and Tourism Promotion Forum for the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam DTA on December 18 and the 7th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam DTA Youth Forum. The heads of the SOM delegations emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in conducting research on the possibility of sustainable development, sharing experience in making climate change-related policies, and transferring technology and experts in natural resources management and biodiversity preservation. They reached a consensus on building an action plan to implement the Socio-economic Development Master Plan of the CLV Development Triangle Area during 2010-2020. The cooperation programme with the American Cable News Network (CNN) in 2017-2018 with a total cost of 2 million USD is an example, which aims to build Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Tran Duc Hai said the city has also stepped up collaboration with international organisations to expand markets, focusing on key and new ones such as the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Southeast Asian and Northeast Asian countries, India, Australia and New Zealand. In recent years, With its advantages, In 2017, Strong growth was reported in the Northeast Asian market, including The capital expected to serve 5.5 million foreign holidaymakers in 2018. Free cleft palate surgery for disadvantaged children Around 150 children affected with cleft lips and cleft palates are to be provided with free check-ups and surgery in The program has selected about 150 children from northern and southern provinces. After having check-ups, approximately 100 children will undergo surgery and receive a second chance to smile. Surgeries are being carried out by leading Vietnamese experts from the Vietnam-Cuba hospital and the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology in Mobifone will cover all expenses for surgery, travel, and accommodation during check-up and treatment. Since 2009, MobiFone has provided funds of more than VND6 billion to Operation Smile More than 5,600 babies born via in-vitro fertilisation at Từ Dũ Obstetrics Hospital Women have given birth to a total of 5,643 babies via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) at Từ Dũ Obstetrics Hospital in Its IVF success rate, which is among the highest in the country, nearly doubled from 25 per cent in 2011 to more than 45 per cent last year. According to Dr Lê Quang Thanh, the head of the hospital, it not only provides maternal and child care but also offers technical support for hospitals in 32 cities and provinces in the south. The hospital, which celebrated its 80th anniversary last week, receives around 3,500 medical treatment and health-check cases and more than 200 delivery cases per day. The HCM City Department of Health has launched a system for public services in the health industry that enables online applications and notification by text messages. Medical practitioners and businesses seeking licences or eligibility certificates for pharmaceutical services can apply online and wait for a notification via text message. They can then go to the department for the documents or even have them sent by post. The department is working on programmes to teach medical practitioners how to use the system. It was trialled since December last year, and more than half the applications have been submitted this way since. Seminar spotlights Vietnam-Indonesia partnership The Indonesian Embassy together with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) held a seminar on Vietnam-Indonesia cooperation in Hanoi on December 19. In his opening speech, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Ibnu Hadi said the seminar aimed to review bilateral ties, challenges facing the two countries and the role of regional organisations in developing their cooperation. DAV Deputy Director Le Hai Binh highlighted a visit to Vietnam-Indonesia trade increased to 5.6 billion USD in 2016 from 4.6 billion USD in 2012, with growth averaging five percent yearly. The two nations aim to reach 10 billion USD in bilateral trade in 2018. Ethnic minority people honoured More than 500 outstanding individuals from ethnic minority groups nationwide were honoured for their achievements and contributions to the country in a ceremony yesterday. The 512 honourees include intellectuals, businessmen and leaders and former leaders from the 53 ethnic minority groups in 52 provinces and cities nationwide. Each attained considerable achievements in socio-economic development and the building of new-style rural areas. The oldest is Mùa A Pao of the Mông ethnic group, born in 1930, while the youngest is Khmer woman Thạch Thị Kim Danh, born in 1992. Addressing the ceremony, Đỗ Văn Chiến, minister-chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Affairs, the organiser, called the honourees “the most beautiful flowers in the flamboyant and colourful He emphasised that ethnic minority groups are the “flesh and blood” of the Vietnamese nation, and an indispensable part of the nation. “We have always stood shoulder to shoulder, and therefore no force can sow division among our nation’s great unity,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình said the Party and State have always attached importance to ethnic minority affairs. He praised the tremendous contributions of ethnic minority groups, including the sacrifice of blood, throughout national struggles and revolutionary courses to gain independence and the current modernisation process. However, he also admitted that there remain problems that minority ethnic groups face. They include low living standards, low-quality education and health care services, slow settlement of their problems and other security and political issues which risk social disorder. He hoped that the honourees would act as a bridge between their communities with State and local authorities to spread national unity, and as an information channel to disseminate the Party and State’s policies and guidelines. He asked them to work with local authorities and State agencies to boost the development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas, eradicate poverty and narrow development gaps between ethnic groups. Also on this occasion, 72 outstanding persons were awarded the Certificate of Merit from Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and from Minister Chiến. Students in Bắc Cạn infected with dissociation Nine female primary school students who acted abnormally last week in the northern mountainous province of Bắc Cạn have symptoms of dissociative disorder, said Associate Professor Trần Minh Điển, deputy director of the National Pediatric Hospital. The students of Nà Bản school in Xuân Lạc Commune, Chợ Đồn District were reportedly physically exhausted, fainted and aggressive. Doctor Điển said that initial check-ups conducted by the hospital’s experts showed the students had symptoms of dissociative disorder (formerly known as hysteria). “The doctors will continue to conduct testing to have a final conclusion,” he said. The students are now in a stable condition and without the symptoms, but need further treatment to ensure the symptoms don’t return. Doctor Trần Thị Hồng Thu, deputy director of “Those students infected with the disease might be under pressure due to their studies. Dissociative disorders are caused by trauma, strong emotional pain such as fear, anger or disappointment,” she said. Patients may develop symptoms of physical and psychological disorders, disorder of the senses and even temporary loss of consciousness, according to experts. Associate Professor Cao Tiến Đức, head of Psychiatric Department of Hospital 103, told news.zing.vn that this is not a strange disease in Việt The number of the afflicted accounts for 0.3 to 0.5 per cent of the total population, he said. Đức said “The disorder is not an infectious disease. However, in unfavourable physical and psychological conditions, the disorder may spread within a group.” According to Lao Động (Labor) newspaper, in 2015, two students of Nà Bản school showed similar symptoms. An outbreak of mass dissociative disorder reportedly occurred at a Several other cases were recorded in Quảng Ngãi, Khánh Hòa, Bình Định, An Giang, Vĩnh Long, Trà Vinh provinces between 2000 and 2003. Work on Work on Cửa Đại Bridge over the The 1.3km bridge, once completed, will shorten the distance between two communes – Tịnh Khê and Nghĩa Phú – in The bridge is part of a road project worth VNĐ2.25 trillion (around US$99 million) that stretches about 3.7km. In order to make room for the project, some 300 local families had their houses relocated, while 800 graves were also moved. Chairman of the province People’s Committee Trần Ngọc Căng said that the project was one of the key projects in the province, which aims to make a breakthrough in infrastructure development, particularly in transport infrastructure. He said that the The bridge was expected to help boost the expansion of the urban area of the province, towards the sea. Kiosks at Hà Nội plans to put up kiosks at hospitals for people to lodge complains or their dissatisfaction about health check-ups and treatment quality via a software. These complaints and opinions will then be sent to the municipal Department of Health, according to deputy director of the department, Trần Thị Nhị Hà. People will use the software installed at these kiosks and tick on what they feel satisfied or dissatisfied with, relating to health check-ups and treatment services at hospitals in the city, and the department can know immediately how many complaints each hospital receives from patients each day, she said. For example, patients can assess the time they have to wait for a health examination, the payment method, fees charged and the attitude of medical workers towards patients. The move is aimed at improving the quality of health services, thus helping to increase patients’ satisfaction, she said. Increased satisfaction from patients means the hospitals would have more patients and more income, she added. According to a survey by the health department, up to 96 per cent of surveyed patients were satisfied with the services of local health establishments and attitudes of medical workers in 2017. However, Hà said the figure did not reflect the reality of the whole picture of the city’s health sector. Therefore, the department will install kiosks equipped with software to provide more opportunities for patients to review or comment on health services at hospitals more objectively and proactively. The move will be seriously implemented to force hospitals to renew and improve the quality of their health services, Hà said. The Ministry of Health in 2016 issued a set of criteria to assess hospitals on improving services and increasing patient satisfaction. The 83 criteria were tested over a three-year basis. Nineteen of the criteria were related to patient care, 14 to work force development, 38 to professional quality, eight to quality improvement and four to professional knowledge. Programme in support of ethnic minority development launched A programme of cooperation in support of ethnic minority development for the period 2017-20 was launched on Wednesday. Under the cooperation agreement signed by the Government’s Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) and the Embassy of Ireland in Việt Nam, a grant of 12 million euros (US$14.2 million) will be provided to the Programme for the Development of Extremely Difficult Communes in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (often called Programme 135). This grant aims to improve infrastructure and help poor ethnic minority communities in five provinces, including Hà Giang, Hòa Bình, Quảng Trị, Kon Tum and Trà Vinh, increase their access to basic services. The two parties also signed an agreement approving a grant of EUR600,000 ($710,100) for technical assistance for CEMA to enhance the effectiveness of development programmes and policies for poverty reduction in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2017-20. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Cáit Moran, Ambassador of Ireland to Việt It embeds ethnic minority development as a key priority for To complement and strengthen support to Programme 135 and to CEMA, Ireland provides support to Vietnamese and international non-governmental organisations and to UN agencies to pilot and scale up new models in ethnic minority empowerment, and to share lessons and experience, with a strong emphasis on food and nutrition security, gender equality and climate-smart development. Đỗ Văn Chiến, member of the Party Central Committee, Minister and Chairman of the CEMA, said that the signing ceremony was an important event in improving cooperation between the embassy and the CEMA. He expressed his gratitude for the embassy’s support during the past years and hoped to continue to receive more help in the work, especially in poverty reduction. Hundreds of Đồng Nai workers undergo health checks Over 190 workers from a wooden furniture company in the southern province of Đồng Nai underwent health checks after eating lunch on Tuesday. Most experienced tiredness, itching in the throat, vomiting and some reportedly had a stomachache. After examining the food the workers ate for lunch, the province’s Food Safety Department found that improperly-processed Colocasia gigantea that was used to make soup was responsible for the symptoms. The Colocasia gigantea had not been peeled fully, which led to the itching. Head of the department Nguyễn Văn Hữu said the workers were from Miền Quê Commercial Sevices and Production Company in Nhơn Trạch 2 Industrial Zone, employing 1,800 workers. The company provides meals to its workers. The company will be penalised in connection with the issue, Hữu said. Leaders congratulates Christians nationwide on Christmas Representatives of HCM City’s administration, led by the city’s Party Secretary Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, yesterday visited the city’s Archbishop and the office of the Episcopacy of Việt Nam ahead of Christmas and the New Year. On behalf of the city’s administrators, Nhân congratulated bishops, priests, monks and all Christians nationwide, wishing them a merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year. He also detailed some of the city’s recent socio-economical developments and plans for the upcoming years, with the Party, authorities and citizens set to implement the resolutions set at the 10th city’s Party Committee Congress. Nhân expressed his delight on learning that the city’s archdiocese and Christians have significantly contributed to various fields, including education, health care and charity in recent years. He hoped that the archbishop, bishops and priests of the city’s archdiocese would continue to assist the city’s leaders to encourage Christians to join in building and protecting the nation and building a city with better living quality. Archbishop Bùi Văn Đọc thanked the city’s leaders for providing best conditions for Christians to fulfill their duties and contribute to development in recent years. He expressed hope that ties between the archdiocese and the city’s administration will develop further so that the city’s Christians can continue to contribute to fulfilling the development targets of On the same day, the He sent his best wishes to all Christians in the province and expressed his expectation that they would continue to promote their Christian traditions while contributing to the development of the province. A meeting between the representatives of According to Protestant pastor Huỳnh Duy Linh, religious believers and Christians in particular strongly believe in the guidance of the State and Party, therefore they will further participate in patriotic campaigns and promote national unity. The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Speaking at the event, the province’s Party Secretary Trương Văn Sáu acknowledged the contributions of the local Christian community to the development of the province. He also expressed his wish that they would continue to promote patriotism in the years to come. Giang enters semi-finals of national tennis event Trịnh Linh Giang won a ticket to compete in the men’s singles semi-finals at the National Best Tennis Players Tournament, Vietravel Cup 2017. The tournament was held in the central Giang of Bình Dương defeated Hoàng Thành Trung of the People’s Police 6-3, 6-4 in the last qualifying round match, which lasted for one hour and 30 minutes, to reach the semi-finals. In other games, national champion, Phạm Minh Tuấn of Đà Nẵng beat Trương Giang Thanh Alexander of Tuấn will meet Trung, while Đỗ Minh Quân of On the women’s side, No 1 seed, Sĩ Bội Ngọc of Hưng Thịnh-HCM City, easily crushed Nguyễn Minh Huyền of Kiên Giang 6-1, 6-0. Tiffany Linh Nguyễn of Bình Dương won against Nguyễn Thị Bé Xuyên of the Military team 6-2, 6-1. Trần Thị Tâm Hảo of In the semi-finals, Ngọc will take on Xuyên and Hảo will meet Nguyễn. The event will end on December 22. The winning players will be selected for the national teams, which will participate in the Davis Cup and the Fed Cup, as well as at the Asian Games next year. This year’s tournament sees a record in bonuses for the winners. The men’s gold medalist will take home VNĐ50 million (US$2,300), while the women’s gold medalist will receive VNĐ40 million ($1,800), apart from points for their rankings. President commends heroic Vietnam People’s Army President Tran Dai Quang has written an article titled “The heroic People’s Army of the heroic Vietnam nation,” on the occasion of the 73rd founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22). The President wrote that the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) was born from the people to fight for the people. It was founded and has been led, educated and trained by the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, and lovingly called “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers”. Over the past 73 years, the VPA has been developing strongly, joining hands with the entire Party and people to overcome a range of difficulties and challenges, recording many glorious feats of arms, repelling all enemies and contributing to the cause of national liberation and unification as well as national construction and protection. The VPA also worked with the armed forces and people of After the success of the resistance war against the American imperialists, the VPA entered the fierce struggle to safeguard the country’s border and performed a noble international mission to help the The glorious triumph of the August Revolution and the victory of the resistance wars against the French colonists and the American imperialists opened a new era for In the new period of revolution, the fine tradition of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers,” which was steeled through the resistance wars, has continued to flourish. Guided by the Party, the VPA has focused on building the revolutionary, regular, battle-hardened and modern people’s armed forces, while firmly protecting national independence, sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity and safeguarding the Party, State, people and socialism. Together with maintaining preparedness for combat, the VPA has also performed well in mass mobilisation, while helping people in production, poverty reduction, natural disaster prevention and recovery, search and rescue activities and giving people access to educational and healthcare services. The VPA has been developing political bases at grassroots levels, reinforcing the steadfast “people-based battlefield,” especially in remote, border and island areas. Looking to the future, the nation is eyeing promising prospects, which go along with difficulties and challenges, requiring the VPA in particular and the people’s armed forces in general to uphold their revolutionary spirit, stay vigilant and work harder to build a strong army with high combat capacity. Foreign journalists laud Journalists from the Foreign Press Association in Attending a press conference in the Swiss Press Club in The delegation also met Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Swiss and Haitian representatives in They also met with representatives from the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin, AO victims, family of the late General Vo Nguyen Giap, and veteran photographer Le Vuong. The group also enjoyed a surprise meeting with two Haitian journalist Jean Edouardd Rigaud lauded Rui Martins, a journalist working for Brazilian and Portuguese news agencies, said he was impressed by the transport and economic changes in He expressed his hope to visit German photojournalist Pierre Virot introduced an album with hundreds of photos he took during the trip, depicting Ha Long Bay, meetings with Vietnamese, Swiss and Haitian politicians in The APES was founded in 1928 in SDG Challenge 2017 competition names four winners The United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam (UNDP) in collaboration with HATCH! VENTURES held a ceremony in The four winning teams are Imagtor, which provides videos and image editor services for disabled people, Triip.me/Save the Ocean, which sets up smart water providers to reduce the use of plastic bottles, Sign Language Interpreting Service Company, which offers translation for deaf people through video calls and similar technologies; and 1516 Green Architecture, which supplies power for impoverished households in remote areas through wind turbines and solar panels. SDG Challenge 2017 aims to find innovative business ideas with global scalability and social impact to realise the SDGs. The competition was held in The winners of the competition will have chance to attend the Social Impact Incubator Programme from December 2017 to June 2018. Accordingly, they will be provided with initial working capital of 85,000 USD and a business development consultancy package. Congratulating the winners, Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Country Director in Their projects respect the environment, empower and support disadvantaged people and optimise resources to ensure no one is left behind, she added. Meanwhile, Pham Quoc Dat, Founder and CEO of HATCH! VENTURE, highlighted that Cooperation between the UNDP and HATCH! VENTURE is a manifestation of how the start-up ecosystem work for development, Dat said, underlining that cooperation opportunities will open for private firms and domestic and foreign social organisations to support start-ups. Early diagnosis can save patients with immune disorders Early diagnosis can help save the lives of children with primary immunodeficiency, doctors said in PTD, a seven-year-old resident of Duc Hoa district in the Mekong Delta province of Long An, was normal until he reached three. His mother told the online newspaper vietnamplus.vn that they noticed a tumor growing on his right leg. A year after it was surgically removed, PTD kept falling sick and losing weight. A bone marrow examination done at Children’s Hospital No 1 showed that he had primary immunodeficiency. PTD’s limbs have been shrinking as the disorder worsens. Within this year, the disease has spread to his middle ears, causing hearing loss and making him partially deaf. “We spend 12 to 15 million VND (528 – 660 USD) every month on his medicines and treatment. When my son could no longer enjoy free health care for children under six, the local authorities supported us in getting insurance for people with disabilities. Otherwise, we could not be able to afford the treatment,” said PTD’s mother. Le Thi Minh Huong, Deputy Director of the National Children’s Hospital, said that from 2010 to 2016, their immune-allergy-joint department received 10 to 15 cases of primary immunodeficiency every year. She said that the disease was caused by hereditary or genetic defects wherein not enough immune cells are being generated. It is estimated that one in 2000 people suffer from different types of immune system disorders. Although some disorders are present at childhood, the disease can affect anyone at any age. Patients with immunodeficiency are more susceptible to infections that can lead to serious complications and even death. Speaking at the meeting, Huong called for more favourable public health policies for patients with primary immunodeficiency. “Patients suffering immune system disorders need lifelong treatment to maintain their health. Therefore, it is urgent that policymakers adopt policies and insurance packages for those patients who are above 16, in order to ease their financial burden,” she said. Doctors say parents should bring their children to medical facilities for diagnosis when any of the following symptoms are seen: severe and persistent infections, full body response to live virus vaccines, especially tuberculosis vaccines, serious eczema, persistent diarrhea, delayed cord clamping (over 30 days), congenital heart disease, need for strong antibiotics for infection treatment, and other autoimmune inflammation.
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Thứ Năm, 21 tháng 12, 2017
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