VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES OCTOBER 19/2023

The labour federations at all levels in the capital city of Hanoi have affirmed its important role in building stable and harmonious labour relations. 

According to Vice President of the Hanoi Labour Federation Le Dinh Hung, complicated developments of the world’s political and economic situation have left impacts on local business and production. However, thanks to the sound leadership from the municipal Party Committee, People’s Committee and People’s Council, coupled with concerted effort from the business community and local people, enterprises have enjoyed rosy business results, helping ensure job stabilisation. 

From the outset of the year, the city Labour Federation has assured effective implementation of the regulation on grassroots democracy, with 75.5% of local firms signing collective bargaining agreements with employees, and 73.9% holding worker conferences. 

Hung described it as a bold step for enterprises to gain a deeper insight into the legitimate aspirations of labourers, adding collective labour disputes and resignations fell sharply during January – September. 

Additionally, an array of institutions, including labour relations council, labour arbitration council, and labour safety and hygiene, was set up and has operated in an effective fashion.

Hanoi is now home to some 270,000 businesses which employ more than 2.7 million workers. The Hanoi Labour Federation is managing and directing the operation of 45 immediate upper level trade unions with 9,208 grassroots unions.

Most of the businesses strive to ensure competitive salaries and welfare to retain workers, he said, adding although minimum wage has been raised by 6% since January 1, workers’ average income of some 7 million VND (286 USD) has made it difficult for them to cover such expenses as food, shelter, childcare, and consumer goods. 

He pointed out several challenges for migrant workers which include shortage of affordable housing, public preschools, and entertainment sites.

Hai Phong, Central Highlands team up for tourism development

The northern port city of Hai Phong and the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Kon Tum will bolster connectivity to develop new tourism products, and promote local tourism.

Under a cooperation programme inked between Hai Phong and the three Central Highlands localities at a recent tourism conference in Hai Phong city, they will work together to build tourism brand, and enhance tourism promotion with a view to nudging the images of Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum closer to Hai Phong, and vice versa.

Themed “One journey, many destinations”, the conference aimed at enhancing tourism recovery and development in an effective and sustainable fashion, while creating an opportunity for the stakeholders to popularise their destinations as well as strengthen cooperation among travel firms.

At the event, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Gia Lai province Nguyen Duc Hoang highlighted that together with the Space of Gong Culture, which was recognised by the UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005, the Central Highlands region boasts a wide range of standout tourism products.

In a bid to lure tourism investment, the three provinces have provided an array of incentives for investors, while engaged in many activities to step up tourism cooperation with localities across the nation, he said, expressing his hope that following the conference, quality tourism programmes will be outlined between Hai Phong and the Central Highlands provinces.

Introducing Hai Phong’s tourism advantages and experience in tourism development, Vu Huy Thuong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said that thanks to many available air routes, especially the Hai Phong – Buon Ma Thuot, both sides hold huge potential to enhance tourism connectivity.

He suggested the tourism sector of the three Central Highlands provinces boost collaboration with Hai Phong to branch out tourism offerings, and promote communications work to popularise local tourism sites, making them become alluring destinations in the nation’s tourism map.

Measures to develop tourism in the four localities were on the table at the conference, including tourism infrastructure development, and opening of direct flight from Hai Phong to the three Central Highlands provinces.

Vietnamese language class opens in Netherlands

A Vietnamese language class for overseas Vietnamese community in the Netherlands has started the 2023-2024 school year, aiming to meet the community’s demand to learn the language and promote the nation’s cultural identity in the European country.

Speaking at the event held at the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands on October 15, Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam hailed teachers and learners’ efforts in teaching and learning the mother tongue and shared with the class the latest policies of the Party, State, Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to assist overseas Vietnamese to learn the language. Accordingly, September 8 has been designated as the day for Vietnamese language appreciation for communities abroad.

The ambassador highlighted the significance of maintaining the teaching and learning of Vietnamese as the language is a special bond connecting overseas Vietnamese, particularly young generation, and their roots.

Besides, the language also plays a crucial role in introducing the national cultural identity to international friends. Especially, the number of Vietnamese language foreign learners has increased as they choose the S-shaped country to live and work, he added.

However, Vietnamese language teaching and learning abroad is facing challenges due to a lack of skilled teachers and facilities. Therefore, the embassy will continue to ask the MOFA, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and relevant units to introduce measures to promote Vietnamese language study movement abroad.

The Vietnamese language class in the Netherlands was started in 2017, gathering once a week at the Embassy’s building. Learners are of various age groups, from children to students and foreigners married to Vietnamese. 

Vietnamese language lessons for overseas Vietnamese (OVs), especially young people, have been growing in popularity.

For more than 5.3 million overseas Vietnamese living in more than 130 countries and territories worldwide, the Vietnamese language is a means for them to preserve their traditional culture and establish themselves while integrating in the local communities. The language is also a bridge to connect OVs all over the world with their motherland.

Asian leaders discuss public governance’s role in SDGs implementation

The 11th Asian leadership forum themed public governance for sustainable development goals was held in Hanoi on October 17 as part of the 2023 conference of the Eastern Regional Organisation for Public Administration (2023 EROPA).

The forum provides a chance for policymakers in Asia-Pacific to discuss important and urgent issues in the fields of public administration and governance, said Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Trieu Van Cuong who co-chaired the event along with Prof. Dr. Kikuchi Masao from Meiji University, Japan. 

Since the first forum held in November 2010 during the 56th EROPA in Nepal, the forum has dealt with many important topics such as leadership in responding to global trends, international and global integration, and leadership for the success of administrative reform, he noted.

Cuong said that the forum is also a venue for leaders to discuss new and challenging matters and innovation methods towards a public administration with higher quality, demonstrating a new vision in today’s era with the active participation of different actors in society to solve common problems at all levels from local to national.

At the forum, senior leaders exchanged their ideas on issues of decisive significance to sustainable development and prosperity of nations. 

Sharing the Philippines’ experience, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government of the Philippines Benjamin Abalos Jr. talked about the country’s local economic recovery programme, which set specific indicators and targets, and annually monitored these indicators, ensuring a good level of policy compliance, while continuously developing new policies and building capacity for local governments. At the same time, the Philippines has synchronised corporate and business licensing systems and ensured the processes takes place in a short time of 20 – 21 days, he said. 

The Philippines has operated an electronic management system with 879 administrative agencies have operated electronic single-window offices, he added. 

In a video clip sent to the forum, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Astana Civil Service Hub of Kazakhstan highlighted achievements that EROPA member countries have gained in developing the administrative system. To achieve development goals, it is necessary to mobilise the participation of all people, especially the creativity of the young generation which is regarded as generation Z, he held.

He said that the establishment and participation in multilateral forums on public administration such as EROPA have greatly helped Kazakhstan to promote the development of an efficient and quality public administration.  

Dato Anesee Ibrahim, Deputy Director General of Public Service of Malaysia said that in order to ensure the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial to foster the coordination among government agencies, social organisations, the private sector and scholars. Comprehensive implementation of the SDGs requires effective resource mobilisation, capacity building and financial resources, he stressed.

The inclusion of SDGs goals in national development programmes, projects, and action programmes on national development has helped his country achieve the set targets, he said.

EROPA, an international organisation of states, groups and individuals in the region of Asia and the Pacific, was founded in 1960 as a response to the common desire among developing and developed countries to promote regional cooperation in improving knowledge, systems and practices of government administration to help accelerate economic and social development.

It was the first organisation in the region to be devoted to the development of public administration in order to advance the economic and social development of countries in Asia and the Pacific.

Vietnamese, Lao junior army officers join friendship exchange

A delegation of young Vietnamese military officers held talks and joined exchanges with a Lao delegation in Hanoi on October 17.

At the talks, head of the Vietnamese delegation, Colonel Tran Viet Nang who is head of the Military Youth Board under the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army said that in recent years, the two sides have held effective exchange activities for young officers.

To promote traditional solidarity and support, Nang proposed the two sides closely coordinate in communication work about the history and significance of the relations between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples of Vietnam and Laos, especially in 2024 on the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and 75th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army.

He also called for further exchanges among young officers of agencies and units of the two sides, during which, they can share experiences in organising youth activities and improving expertise. 

Colonel Nang proposed that the two sides actively coordinate and share experiences in building and strengthening local political foundation, especially in border areas.

For his part, head of the Lao delegation Colonel Soutchay Mahavong, Head of the Youth Department of the Lao People’s Army, agreed that the exchange and coordination between the two sides have contributed to creating close connections between Vietnamese and Lao young officers.

Colonel Soutchay Mahavong hopes that Vietnam will continue to support Lao in training military personnel.

The Lao official invited Vietnamese officers to participate in similar exchanges in Laos next year.

HTV launches Vietnamese films programme

Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) has launched a new film programme offering Vietnamese TV series on social and family issues. 

The programme is called Khung Phim Việt Đặc Sắc (Taste of Vietnamese Films), and aims to bring Vietnamese filmmakers, directors and artists closer to viewers. 

It introduces Dâu Bể Mùa Xưa (Love Garden) and Lụa (Silk), two series that feature the culture and lifestyle of Southern people, in October and November. 

Dâu Bể Mùa Xưa is directed by Huỳnh Long Trung Nghĩa. 

The 28-episode series highlights the conflicts in Vietnamese families in rural areas of the South. 

Women and their challenges in life and love are also highlighted.

The film attracts veteran actresses Tuyết Thu and Thân Thuý Hà. 

Lụa is a story of silk production and silk weaving in southern and central regions. 

The 31-part series portrays the lives of young farmers living in Duy Xuyên Village of Quảng Nam Province who make Vietnamese silk, love traditional values and have national pride.

Local female entrepreneurs who develop the Vietnamese silk brand are also highlighted. 

The film’s director, Trần Đức Long, wants to show how silk has become part of national cultural and social life, as it helps create the beauty of Việt Nam, often through the image of the national costume áo dài (traditional long dress).

Key parts of the series were rewritten during shooting to meet the tastes of young audiences.

Young talents Oanh Kiều, Thành Trung and Đạt Nguyễn are invited to play leading roles. 

“Our series is more than the Vietnamese silk business; it is about Vietnamese culture and lifestyle,” said Long, winner of the Golden Medal for Best Director at the 40th National TV Films Festival in Hà Nội last year. “I hope young audiences will learn more about their history and traditional culture after watching my film.” 

Other productions on urban life and young people, including Bóng Của Thị Thành (Urban View) and Dưới Bóng Bình Yên (Peaceful Life), are scheduled to be released in December. 

“We spent three years on the programme Khung Phim Việt Đặc Sắc. We and our partner, SK Pictures, have invested money and human resources to produce more shows with most of them targeting young Vietnamese viewers,” said general director of HTV Cao Anh Minh.

Episodes of the programme Khung Phim Việt Đặc Sắc are released at 7:30pm on HTV7 channel every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Theatre Hall introduces ‘cải lương’ to young people

HCM City’s Theatre Exhibition Hall is organising talk shows, forums and exhibitions targeted at young people to learn more about cải lương (reformed opera), a 100-year-old traditional genre of southern theatre. 

The events feature dozens of veteran artists, such as Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng and Trần Hoàng Khanh, who perform and talk about their art. 

These artists used their art to serve the revolutionary movement in South Việt Nam in the 1940s and 50s. They still work with leading art schools and theatres to offer training and art projects on cải lương.

Meritorious Artist Thanh Dậu and Mạnh Dung have been invited to talk and share their love and experiences on cải lương to 30 young artists. 

“Through our career, we have hoped young artists will learn more about the country’s history and culture, and the contributions that southern artists made to Vietnamese theatre,” said Meritorious Artist Dung, who has 50 years in the industry.

Dung worked for the Cải Lương Nam Bộ Troupe, which opened in 1952 and attracted artists engaged in the revolutionary movement in South Việt Nam. 

The troupe was formed from three cải lương troupes in the region. It sent its artists to perform at the National Music and Theatre Festival in Hà Nội in 1955 after the 1954 Geneva Agreement on Indochina was signed. 

The troupe played a very important role in the theatre’s developments in the South. Its artists used their art to encourage southern people, intellectuals, poor farmers, and workers to be involved in the national revolutionary movement. Their plays portrayed patriotism and Vietnamese culture and characters.

Theatre Exhibition Hall opened in 2020 and is managed by the Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre, one of the region’s leading traditional art troupes. 

It features information and images about cải lương, which began in the early 1920s in the Cửu Long (Mekong) River Delta region. 

Many photos, books, documents and videos featuring the history and development of cải lương are displayed.

Images of Cải Lương Nam Bộ Troupe are also highlighted. 

One of the troupe’s highlighted artists is Trần Hữu Trang, a revolutionary and recognised as a guru of cải lương. 

Playwright Trang was born in 1906 in Chợ Gạo District of Mỹ Tho Province (now Tiền Giang Province). He began his career in 1928, working for leading troupes in Sài Gòn (now HCM City). 

In the 1930s, Trang was at the peak of his artistry and fame, with plays such as Lan Và Điệp (Love Story of Lan and Điệp), Đời Cô Lựu (Lựu’s Life) and Tô Ánh Nguyệt (Miss Tô Ánh Nguyệt), which highlight Vietnamese women, their challenges and suffering under feudal society. 

After the August Revolution in 1945, Trang joined the revolutionary cause and worked in Sài Gòn-Chợ Lớn. He was a member of the National Front for the Liberation of the South. He died in 1966 in battle. His body has never been found. 

For his contributions, he was awarded the Hồ Chí Minh Prize by the Government in 1996. The region’s leading Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre is named after him. 

Trang was the first to feature women as leading characters in cải lương. He created more than 30 plays which all feature Vietnamese patriotism and characteristics. They have been staged many times by different generations at home and abroad. 

“Our hall aims to honour cải lương and its veteran artists who used their art to encourage southern people and soldiers during the country’s two wars of resistance and national construction,” said Phan Quốc Kiệt, director of Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre. 

The hall opens daily at 515 Trần Hưng Đạo Street in District 1. 

32,500 women in Hà Nội to benefit from breast cancer screening and early detection programme

The early detection and screening programme for breast and cervical cancer in 2023 has been launched in 18 healthcare centres across districts and towns of Hà Nội.

The programme, running from October to December, will provide consultations and screenings for 32,500 women aged 35 to 60.

Women’s union members and residents in Gia Lâm District were among the first to benefit from the programme, helping them better understand the importance of early screening and detection of breast and cervical cancer.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Thủy, vice chairwoman of the Hà Nội Women’s Union, said that there is still a high percentage of women who are not proactive in undergoing disease screening, resulting in late disease detection.

Many women suffer from serious health consequences caused by breast and cervical cancer, affecting their family happiness and placing a healthcare burden on society.

On October 14, doctors from the Hà Nội Tumor Hospital conducted cancer screenings for 250 women.

The programme is one of the key initiatives jointly coordinated by the Women’s Union, the Hà Nội Department of Health, and the Hà Nội Tumor Hospital to implement the plan issued on April 15, 2022 by the Hà Nội People’s Committee regarding the early screening and detection of breast and cervical cancer for women from 2022 to 2025.

The plan aims to have 100,750 women aged 35 to 60 screened and diagnosed early for breast and cervical cancer by 2025.

Doctors and medical experts from the Hà Nội Tumor Hospital and 15 public and private hospitals were assigned to conduct screenings programme in 18 districts and towns.

Breast and cervical cancers are among the leading causes of female cancer-related deaths.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) – 2020, there were 21,555 new cases of breast cancer annually in Việt Nam, accounting for 25.8 per cent of all cancer cases diagnosed in women, resulting in 9,345 deaths.

Among these cases, a significant 27.6 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses were made at late stages (stages 3 and 4). The recurrence rate is 30 per cent.

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common among women in Việt Nam.

On average, more than 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer are reported each year, with approximately 2,400 deaths.

The primary reason for this problem is the lack of regular screening for women.

Professor Dr. Lê Văn Quang, director of Hospital K, emphasised that breast cancer has a high chance of recovery, up to 90 per cent, when detected early, and treated promptly with the right approach.

Detecting breast cancer early improves survival, lowers morbidity and reduces the cost of care, if patients can be promptly diagnosed and properly treated.

However, the prerequisite remains the treatment of cancer in its early stages.

Screening and early detection of breast cancer as soon as women reach an age with a high risk of the disease (from the age of 40 onwards) are crucial.

Despite efforts to raise community awareness about breast cancer prevention and control in various provinces and cities in recent years, many Vietnamese women are still not proactive in undergoing breast cancer screenings.

Still, for various reasons, patients only visit hospitals when the disease is detected at an advanced stage. Even more concerning, some women, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, do not adhere to treatment but instead rely on unverified methods such as dietary changes, herbal remedies, causing delays in receiving proper medical care.

“When breast cancer has advanced and metastasised, the chances of recovery decrease significantly. Therefore, patients should undergo regular health check-ups and screenings to diagnose and treat the disease early,” Dr Quang said.

In recent years, Việt Nam has made significant progress and various healthcare facilities have implemented screening programmes to identify breast cancer at an early stage, providing numerous patients with the opportunity for recovery or long-term disease management.

SAWACO takes steps to address overexploitation of underground water

Saigon Water Supply Corporation (SAWACO), the largest water supply company in HCM City, is making efforts to address the overexploitation of underground water and provide safe and clean water to residents.

Bùi Thanh Giang, general director of SAWACO, said the company is committed to addressing overexploitation of underground water, providing safe and clean water to residents, and protecting the environment.

The use of poor-quality groundwater not only affects the geology of the city but also poses health risks to the population, he said.

“Water quality has a significant impact on human health, and the use of contaminated water can lead to acute diseases as well as chronic illnesses in the long run,” he added.

In HCM City, groundwater is extensively exploited for various purposes, including domestic use, which has long-term negative effects on the environment and public health.

In 2018, the city government developed a roadmap to reduce groundwater extraction and plug up underground wells by 2025.

As part of this plan, SAWACO will develop a suitable groundwater extraction reduction plan, which aims to reduce the amount of extraction to 50,000 cubic metres per day this year.

The long-standing habit of using groundwater and the reluctance to pay for safe and clean water make some residents hesitant to switch to tap water, he said.

To help change people’s perception and promote the use of clean water instead of groundwater, SAWACO ensures a continuous supply of high-quality and safe water.

It also collaborates with relevant departments, districts, and Thủ Đức City to raise awareness among residents about the limitations of groundwater extraction.

The company also plans to implement discounted water programmes to encourage households that have already installed water meters but have yet to use them.

SAWACO and its member water supply companies are committed to providing clean and safe water to all districts and Thủ Đức City.

Since 2017, the company has been able to provide clean water to 100 per cent of households through various measures, such as network development, meter installation, and centralised water storage tanks.

It has set a goal by 2025 to increase the total capacity of the water supply system to 2.9 million cubic metres per day.

In addition, it is accelerating its digital transformation by implementing systems and application software.

This includes the establishment of a data centre, the development of water quality management software, the construction of information technology infrastructure management systems, the implementation of water loss management systems, the provision of project management software, and the deployment of hydraulic simulation software for network modeling.

It also plans to invest in and install water supply network systems that cover the entire city.

The excessive extraction of groundwater has led to land subsidence in HCM City and the Mekong Delta region, experts have warned.

Although there hasn’t been a specific study to determine the exact impact of each cause of subsidence, excessive groundwater extraction is recognised as one of the reasons, they said.

Groundwater extraction in HCM City has been steadily increasing since 2000 and currently exceeds 700,000 cubic metres per day, which has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels and increased land subsidence in certain areas, especially suburban districts, said Dr. Hà Quang Khải, lecturer of the Department of Environment and Resources at the HCM City University of Technology.

Đào Phú Khánh, deputy head of the Environmental Health Department at the HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC), said water quality has a significant impact on human health.

The use of poor-quality water not only leads to acute diseases such as allergies, itches, and diarrhea but also poses a risk of chronic illnesses, he said.

It is difficult to evaluate the quality of groundwater solely based on its appearance, as it may still appear clear and clean externally.

Experts have noted that around 70 per cent of surveyed groundwater samples did not meet standards due to issues such as pH, ammonia, iron, and microbial contamination. 

Hanoi to host raft of creative design activities this November

A range of inspiring activities are set to officially return to Hanoi from November 17 to 26 within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, the largest event of its kind to date.

According to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports at a press conference on October 17, the annual festival aims to realise Hanoi’s initiatives and commitments to UNESCO as a member of the UN organisation’s Creative Cities Network.
  
The festival takes place with the theme of “Flow” to shine the spotlight on the Red River which is considered a vital thread connecting the historical, cultural, and socio-economic values of the capital. The master plan for Hanoi moving forward to 2045 with a vision ahead to 2065, as approved by the Prime Minister in June, identifies the Red River as a green axis and central landscape for a harmonious urban development along its two banks.

The experience route of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023 will underline the connection between the two banks of the river and historic Long Bien Bridge, while also highlighting the “specialties” of culture and history in the districts along the two banks.

The festival will also provide visitors with space to experience innovative arts, including the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake, Hang Dau water tower, Long Bien railway station, Long Bien bridge, Gia Lam railway station, and Gia Lam train factory.

A photo exhibition on heritage aspects, an exhibition displaying innovative handicrafts, souvenirs, creative architecture arrangement, and art performances will also get underway.

The organisers will hold places for residents and visitors to interact with creative design artworks. Several creative design contests for young people will be organised to encourage them to get involved in the construction of the city space in the future.

The event, held in 2021 for the first time, is hosted by the administration of Hanoi, the Vietnam Association of Architects, the UNESCO Representative Office in Hanoi, and UN-Habitat.

Hanoi to raise bus fares
 
The Hanoi City Department of Transport has put forth a proposal to increase bus fares, and the hike is expected to take effect from January 1, 2024.

As per the proposal, the single ticket price for trips shorter than 15 kilometers would rise from VND7,000 to VND8,000.

For distances between 15 and 25 kilometers, the fare would increase from VND7,000 to VND10,000. Longer trips covering 30 to 40 kilometers would see ticket prices soaring from VND9,000 to VND15,000.

The steepest spike, from VND9,000 to VND20,000, would apply to trips over 40 kilometers. Monthly ticket fares will also rise by a staggering 40%.

The Hanoi Department of Transport reasoned that bus fares have remained unchanged since 2014 and are currently relatively low. If the proposal is approved, annual bus ticket sales would grow by about VND300 billion.

Landslides, floods threaten schools, reservoirs in Central region

The Office of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control of Thua Thien Hue Province reported that thousands of students were absent from 86 schools across the locality amid the current floods and landslides.

As of this morning, the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tra Cang Commune, Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province informed that a primary school’s classroom was collapsed by a landslide. Fortunately, nobody was injured or killed in this incident.

Besides, landslide has threatened the safety of teachers and pupils in several schools in Nam Tra My District so the local authorities have temporarily evacuated them to safety. 
 
To ease pressure on reservoirs, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Search and Rescue of Thua Thien Hue Province has ordered Ta Trach Irrigation Exploitation Company Limited to regulate and gradually increase water discharge rate from 10 a.m. on October 18.

However, during the progress of water discharge, it is necessary to avoid the sudden increase of about 400- 900 meters cubic per second.

This morning, a land erosion occurred at a section heading to Quang Nam Province from A Luoi District on Ho Chi Minh Street through A Roang Commune, A Luoi District, Thua Thien Hue Province, resulting in serious traffic congestion.

Vietnamese, Lao junior army officers join friendship exchange

A delegation of young Vietnamese military officers held talks and joined exchanges with a Lao delegation in Hanoi on October 17.

At the talks, head of the Vietnamese delegation, Colonel Tran Viet Nang who is head of the Military Youth Board under the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army said that in recent years, the two sides have held effective exchange activities for young officers.

To promote traditional solidarity and support, Nang proposed the two sides closely coordinate in communication work about the history and significance of the relations between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples of Vietnam and Laos, especially in 2024 on the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and 75th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army.

He also called for further exchanges among young officers of agencies and units of the two sides, during which, they can share experiences in organising youth activities and improving expertise. 

Colonel Nang proposed that the two sides actively coordinate and share experiences in building and strengthening local political foundation, especially in border areas.

For his part, head of the Lao delegation Colonel Soutchay Mahavong, Head of the Youth Department of the Lao People’s Army, agreed that the exchange and coordination between the two sides have contributed to creating close connections between Vietnamese and Lao young officers.

Colonel Soutchay Mahavong hopes that Vietnam will continue to support Lao in training military personnel.

The Lao official invited Vietnamese officers to participate in similar exchanges in Laos next year./.

Over 110,000 Vietnamese labourers sent abroad to work in nine months

More than 110,000 Vietnamese labourers were sent abroad for work under contract in the first nine months of 2023, surpassing the full year’s projection by 1.37%  and up 8.23% year on year, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) has reported.

In the reviewed period, the number of labourers returned home after their whose contracts expired was nearly 79,000. The number of workers working abroad under valid contracts was over 650,000.

It is estimated that Vietnam will send about 125,000 labourers to work abroad under contracts in 2023, surpassing the yearly plan by 4%.

Along with tightening foreign labour management, the MoLISA  has enhanced the efficiency of management and licensing for foreign workers working in the country. The ministry has submitted to the Government for promulgation Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP dated September 18, 2023 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP dated December 30, 2020 regulating foreign workers working in Vietnam and the recruitment and management of Vietnamese workers working for foreign organisations and individuals in Vietnam.

As of September 2023, there were 132,381 foreign workers working in Vietnam while the national labour force reached 52.3 million people, up 760,000 labourers compared to the same period last year.

The domestic labour market continued to see recovery, with increases seen in the labour force and number of employed workers.

Vietnam – good model for developing countries: UN Secretary-General

Vietnam serves as a good model for many developing countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a meeting with President Vo Van Thuong on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, on October 18.

Thuong highly evaluated the role and contributions of the Secretary-General and the UN in promoting international peace, stability, and security and affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to support and make contributions to such efforts.

The State leader said Vietnam consistently considers the UN a leading organisation for global peace, cooperation, and development, as well as a trustworthy, loyal, and long-standing partner of Vietnam in all of its development stages.

Vietnam is actively working with UN organisations to implement a variety of cooperative activities such as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate change response, digital transformation, green transition, social equity, and UN peacekeeping missions, Thuong said.

He urged the UN to continue supporting Vietnam in its implementation of international commitments, including Our Common Agenda (OCA) – the Secretary-General’s vision for the future of global cooperation – and of national development goals.

For his part, Guterres expressed his gratitude for Vietnam’s excellent cooperation with and support for the UN in a range of priority activities, particularly peacekeeping, international security, climate change, sustainable development, and water and food security.

Describing Vietnam as an important partner of the UN, he expressed his hope that the Southeast Asian nation will make greater contributions to global governance.

Fully agreeing with Vietnam’s perspectives on upholding multilateralism and international law, and improving the effectiveness of international institutions, the Secretary-General wished the country will successfully realise its goals of peace and prosperity, and continue its contributions and responsibilities to the world and the UN. He also affirmed his strong commitment to assisting Vietnam in its sustainable development efforts and climate change response.

Regarding the regional situation, the two leaders concurred on the need to uphold the respect for law, promote the role of dialogue and cooperation mechanisms between regional organisations and the UN, and support the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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