Vietnamese students abroad wonder about job opportunities at home During an online meeting with authorities, many Vietnamese students who are studying abroad showed curiosity about job opportunities in  The online meeting with Vietnamese students abroad held on March 12 The meeting, held on March 12 between Vietnamese students studying in foreign countries and representatives from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association, the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs, drew the participation of Vietnamese students in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and Australia. During the two hour exchange, most of the students said that they wanted to return to contribute to the development of the country through volunteer activities. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a student in South Korea’s Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), posed questions about ministries' and agencies’ policies to attract those studying abroad to come return to the country. Doan Duc Hao, deputy head of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Department of Youth Affairs, said the ministry hopes to lure at least 1,000 outstanding Vietnamese graduates from abroad to work at state-owned agencies and in the armed forces.  Doan Duc Hao, deputy head of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Department of Youth Affairs at the meeting However, age regulations will be applied. For instance, new graduates must not be over 25 years old and those with master no older than 28. The age limit for doctors is from 32-35. The Vietnamese Students’ Association in In response, chairman of the Vietnam Students’ Association, Nguyen Quoc Phong, said that more information will be made available starting this year. Regarding the question on organising volunteer activities for students from According to Phong, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association set up the National Voluntary Centre to connect individuals and agencies through volunteer programmes. By Mai Cham, dtinews.vn |
↧
Article 7
↧
Article 6
Social News Headlines 14/4 Two Ha Tinh locals arrested for resisting on-duty police Two men had been arrested for their direct involvement in the illegal detainment of on-duty police officers in Bac Son commune, central Ha Tinh province’s Thach Ha district, the district police said on April 13. Earlier, a criminal case was also launched against the illegal detainment and the causing of public disorder in the commune. The two arrested men are Bien Xuan Tinh, born in 1975, and Le Xuan Tinh, born in 1987, both residents in Bac Son commune. The incident happened on April 10, when the police of Ha Tinh province and Thach Ha district carried out an arrest warrant against Truong Van Truong, also a resident in Bac Son, on the charge of causing public disorder. Truong fled out of his house and incited many locals into hindering the police officers from carrying out their duty. Some of them even snatched the warrant and torn it up, then insulted and beat the officers. They later locked up four policemen and went on to the commune’s People’s Committee office and the houses of communal officials, where they damaged properties, broke the window glass at the People’s Committee office, as well as burned down a motorbike and destroyed a television at the home of the commune police head Nguyen Khac Son. The provincial police had to send the reinforcement to free the detained officers, during which they also encountered violent resistance, with 11 policemen suffering from injuries. According to the police’s investigation, Truong and four others often threw stones into local officials’ houses and incited others to protest against a project to build a cemetery in Bac Son commune. Five weeks after the implementation of a measles vaccine campaign, only 37,000 of the 95,000 children targeted have received the free vaccinations, as the number of cases increases at hospitals. Tran Dac Phu, head of "The vaccine is the best way to stop the outbreak of measles," Phu added. He warned that children at the age outside the national programme guidelines and adults should get a vaccine if tests show there are no antibodies to the disease in their system. The number of measles cases is increasing in The districts with the highest incidences include 8, Binh Tan and Binh Chanh. At the city's Paediatrics Hospital No.1, about 100 children on average are examined and treated each day. Of those, 10 per cent have had serious complications. The campaign is directed at children aged nine months to three years and to those who have received only one shot. Two shots are necessary for the vaccine to be effective. Under the national programme on expanded immunisation, nine-month-old infants are to receive their first shot in local wards and communes, and the second shot when they are 18 months old. Dr Nguyen Tri Dung, the centre's head, said many parents were worried about the safety of the measles vaccine and were not taking their children to get shots. PM backs revamp of vehicle registration Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has instructed ministries and local authorities to beef up the quality of vehicle registration centres across the country to avoid shortcomings related to vehicle registration certificates. In his Instruction 08/CT-TTg signed on Saturday, Dung requests the Ministry of Transport to review, adjust and complete legal documents regarding regulations on road, rail, waterway and maritime vehicle registration. He noted that all loopholes that could enable corruption or misconduct needed to be checked and reformed to ensure the integrity of vehicle registration. The ministry was also asked to conduct regular checks on registration staff and close substandard centres undertaking serious violations. Violating centres would be publicly named and shamed under the instruction. The Ministry of Public Security and local people's committees will also join hands to investigate and inspect violations at registration centres. The National Committee for Traffic Safety will also be in charge of dissemination and education on the regulations of vehicle registration. In his instruction, the Prime Minister noted that despite positive achievements in previous years, there were still weaknesses in registration procedures and that misconduct had affected the quality of vehicle registration. Some registration staff were found engaging in reckless or irresponsible behaviour causing problems in the registration process, the PM's instruction noted. The instruction added such wrongdoing had also allowed substandard vehicles to be certified, posing risks of accidents and pollution. In another effort to boost the quality of registration, the Ministry of Transport last month announced that the heads of the Viet Nam Register Agency, the body in charge of all registration centres nationwide, would be forced to resign if problems related to issuing vehicle registration certificates persisted by the year's end. The ministry has also planned to inspect all 100 centres across the country very soon. H5N1 bird flu effectively controlled The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has announced the deadly avian flu strain H5N1 has been contained to isolated incidences in Vietnam.and is largely under control. The disease was only reported in the northern mountainous Vu Ngoc Long from the Health Ministry’s Preventive Health Department asked border provinces to take preventive measures against the H7N9 virus that hit 15 Chinese localities, claiming 121 lives. It is essential to prevent and strictly inspect the transmission of the deadly virus via border gates, he said. The MARD urged localities to implement the Prime Minister’s instruction on the transport and trading of poultry to prevent the spread of the fatal disease to humans. The Animal Health Department has issued around 12 million doses of Re-6 vaccine to help provinces combat the epidemic. *** The central coastal The first outbreak of the virus was detected on January 25 on free-range ducks in Ninh Ich commune, Ninh Hoa town. The disease then spread rapidly to 21 communes, affecting approximately 40,000 poultry, which were all culled to prevent further transmission. Le Thang, Head of the Khanh Hoa provincial Animal Health Department said although the epidemic was contained, preventive measures such as sterilization and sanitation are being taken in high-risk areas. Student Math Olympiad with 11 special prizes In addition, there are 34 students who achieved first prize in algebra and calculus courses. After 5 days of the contest, the 22nd National Student Math Olympiad ended on April 12 in central Quang Ngai province. The event attracted over 700 students from 85 universities, colleges and institutes across from the country. At the closing ceremony, the organizers awarded 11 students with special prizes and the first prize of algebra and calculus; 34 students won first prize in Algebra and Calculus courses. In his speech, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Bui Van Ga appreciated the organization of the Olympiad and asked universities and colleges to improve the quality of mathematics teaching in the future. Deputy Minister Ga suggested universities and colleges promote applicable math so that graduate students can mingle with the working environment of all the advanced countries in the world. Blast victims in critical condition Three workers from the 10 hospitalized for suffering burns after a kiln exploded at a steel plant in the southern The blast happened at Pomina 3 Steel Plant in Phu My Industrial Park No1 in Tan Thanh District at around 7pm on April 11. The melted scraps from the blast hit and injured the workers who were sent to Cho Ray hospital in The three, namely Hoang Thanh Thinh, 19, Nguyen Van Thai, 23, were seriously burnt from 61 to 85%. Doctor Ngo Duc Hiep of Of the victim, four had suffered minor burns and had been discharge, he said. Hiep added that this department had received many cases of burns caused by kiln explosion or scrap explosion. According to workers at the plant, the kiln has a capacity to melt more than 100 tonnes of steel and heats to over 1,000 degrees Celsius. Police from the Ministry of Public Security are working with local police to investigate the cause of the explosion. By April 12, police were unable to reach the scene due to extreme heat. They expected to return to the scene to resume investigation on April 14. The municipal People's Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, is working on a detailed plan of the project. A pilot route will be built with the funding expected to come from the build-operate-transfer investment. Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang has assigned the Transport Engineering Design Incorporation to take charge of the planning. A plan to build a monorail route in the capital city was first proposed in 2010 by the Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Corporation (Vinaconex). It aimed to build a 38-kilometre monorail route in western Under the new plan, there will be 14 stations and the trains will run 4.5 metres above the ground at an average speed of 70 kilometres per hour. The fares will be affordable for low-income earners, according to Vinaconex. Scientists, doctors and specialists from around the world attended an international conference on gastrointestinal endoscopy, co-hosted by Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy and The event is part of Hue Science Festival 2014 with the theme "Medical achievements towards community health" taking place from April 11-17. International endoscopy conference offered an excellent opportunity for endoscopic experts and doctors to share and update information on new treatments and techniques such as elastography, endoscopic ultrasound, experience in endoscopic retrograde pancreatic bile, ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the small intestine and endoscopic dilatation. At the conference, delegates heard reports on the experiences and lessons learned from developing specialised gastrointestinal endoscopy in Activities demonstrating technical endoscopy are due to take place at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy’s hospital. Prof. Dr. Cao Ngoc Thanh, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Rector, said the Thua Thien Hue provincial People’s Committee allowed Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Throughout Hue Science Festival 2014, there will be a series of scientific activities including the 3rd international graduate students conference and a symposium on screening , diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer on April 15, with the participation of scientists from Australia, Italy, the US, Japan , France , Thailand , Singapore and Vietnam . In addition, there are various community-oriented activities such as a photo competition themed "medical achievement in life through the lens" and a medical exhibition at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy aiming to showcase the medical achievements to the public. Embassy delegation visits Argentinean locality Representatives from the Vietnamese embassy in During the trip, they met with provincial and economic leaders from the Tucuman Economic Federation (FET) and attended a business forum organised by the FET. In a meeting with ambassador Thao, Tucuman Governor José Alperovich confirmed his province’s desire to develop cooperation with He highlighted the Vietnamese delegation’s visit as a good opportunity to promote multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and in particular At the forum, leaders from chambers of commerce and businesses involved in the foreign trade sector, electronics, apparel, tourism, fruit, wine and minerals from Tucuman were briefed on They were also introduced to opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between Tucuman province and Participants showed their interest in establishing a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with Vietnamese partners. This was the first cultural activity of its kind that the Vietnamese embassy in Located in northwestern During the visit, the delegation also toured SA San Miguel- a big group in fruit production, processing and exports. This group is now the largest lemon exporter in the southern hemisphere that is also a joint venture in lemon production and processing in State budget to support 2,295 extremely poor communes As many as 2,331 communes in 49 cities and provinces nationwide will benefit from the Government’s poverty reduction programme (known as Programme 135) in 2014 and 2015. The figure sees two communes less than the list specifying extremely poor, border communes and others approved in the Prime Minister’s Decision 2405/QD-TTG dated December 10, 2013. Under Decision 595/QD/TTg freshly issued to adjust Decision 2405, 2,295 communes will receive investment sourced from the State budget. The rest of 36 communes of “The 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee Chairman Mua A Son made the statement in a recent interview granted to a Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter about an array of activities marking the resounding Dien Bien Phu victory which helped end French colonial rule in The 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (1954-2014) is a national event of special significance for the country in general and in particular the This year's celebration activities highlight the meaning and value of the great historical victory of They also provocatively evoke the spirit of Talking to a VOV reporter, Mua A Son said since from 2012, provincial leaders have actively worked with the central ministries and agencies on a project regarding activities for the celebration of the After the scheme was adopted, Dien Bien province established a steering committee, an organizing committee and a subcommittee helping the organizing committee direct the organization and implementation of celebratory activities. 60 years after the landslide victory, Dien Bien province has seen rapid development in all aspects. Son said the most important highlights in the sequence of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic victory are a special art performance on May 6; the national march and parade on the morning of May 7 at Dien Bien Stadium, and a firework display to be staged at the provincial Culture Conference Centre. These activities will be broadcast live on both radio and television, he added. Earlier from March 13-15, Dien Bien successfully organized Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week, attracting a large number of tourists and ethnic minority people. For construction projects welcoming the 60th anniversary of the Among these projects, the "The work shows gratitude of future generations for the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom. With that sense, we are striving to complete the project on schedule to serve visitors at home and abroad ", the provincial chairman said. Along with that, Dien Bien has called on all provinces and cities from across the country to support it in communication activities and the province has received a positive response and support of provinces and cities nationwide. To support the media agencies’ activities during the anniversary celebration period, the provincial People’s Committee has decided to establish a press centre aiming to facilitate dissemination of information about the important event. Through these centres the Vietnamese and people of the world can obtain a heightened awareness about the value of the Online exchange with Vietnamese students abroad The Central Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association on April 12 held an online exchange with Vietnamese students studying in different nations in the world. The exchange themed “Vietnamese students abroad with 2014 Volunteer Youth Year” attracted Vietnamese students from Attendees’ discussions were focused on the role of the Vietnam Student Associations abroad, the associations’ experiences in implementing their activities in foreign nations as well as Vietnamese students’ voluntary activities towards the homeland. The online exchange was chaired by Chairman of the Vietnam Students’ Association, Le Quoc Phong who is also secretary of the HCM Communist Youth Union, Deputy Editor-In Chief of Vietnamese Student Newspaper Le Thanh Ha, and some representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Lai Chau bitings spur fear of rabies outbreak Local residents in the northern mountainous According to the report of the provincial health department's Preventive Medicine Centre, more than 340 people who were bitten by dogs have received vaccinations since the beginning of this year. The figure is reportedly higher than the same period last year, when only 271 cases were recorded. Local medical staff said the true number of people bitten might be higher than the official figure, as some people have not sought treatment. The centre said that although dog bites were on the rise, no deaths had yet been reported from rabies this year. Most reported victims of rabid dogs are in Of these cases, resident Le Xuan Vuc, 53, in Lai Chau City's Tan Phong Ward, has had four out of five vaccine injections after being attacked and bitten by a 20 kilo stray dog one month ago when he was planting vegetables in his garden. "The bite caused me to undergo two surgeries needing 14 stitches to close the wounds," Vuc said, adding that the Director of the provincial Department of Animal Health, Dang Xuan Hao, said most dog owners in the province had not followed regulations by letting their dogs run free and without a muzzle. Hao added that the rate of dogs vaccinated against rabies remained low due to the poor awareness of dog owners. "It's very difficult to get the dogs vaccinated, as they are wandering around, and when we try to catch them, they run into the forest or the fields," he said. For many years, poor people in Lai Chau have received free vaccination injections after being bitten by suspected rabid dogs. A vaccination station was recently set up by the Preventive Medicine Centre in Phong Tho District's Dao San Commune to shorten the time and distance for local residents seeking treatment. This year, the province supplied 25,000 free doses of vaccines for dogs and cats to assist residents. In 2009, a rabies epidemic occurred after four people died of the disease. PPP to promote medical advances The HCM City University Medical Centre will expand its Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to promote healthcare services and transfer advanced medical technologies to disadvantaged regions. The University Medical Centre-Hoang Anh Gia Lai, which opened in early 2012 in The 200-bed general hospital provides health check-ups and treatment to more than 5 million people in the Central Highlands. It receives an average of 500 patients every day, Bac said at a ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the HCM City University Medical Centre held last Saturday. "Patients in the Central Highlands can save a lot of money and time travelling to The hospital plans to co-operate with other enterprises to open more satellite hospitals in the southern region. Hundreds of doctors who are also lecturers at the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy are working at the hospital, which has a combined purpose of a university and a medical institute, said Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, the Minister of Health. "It is a huge advantage that should be utilised to help develop hospitals in disadvantaged areas," Tien said. With the establishment of more satellite hospitals, medical students at the university will have more places to practise, she said. The country's first university-institute model is one of the pioneers in diagnosing new emerging illnesses, treatment of difficult cases, and international cooperation and experience exchange as well as science research. Last year, the hospital received 1.7 million outpatients and 43,000 in-patients. Doctors of the hospitals performed more than 21,000 surgeries, including 7,000 laparoscopic surgeries. On the occasion of the anniversary, the hospital received the Second-Class Labour Medal from the President of Viet Nam. Inspections find misuse of land and public funds The Government Inspectorate announced last Friday that eight "economic inspections" had found wrongdoings involving trillions of dong in the first quarter of the year. A Vietnam News Agency report quoted Deputy Chief Inspector Tran Duc Luong as saying at a press briefing that the inspections had also found that 401ha of land had been misused during this period. The units examined in the eight economic inspections included the Thang Long Tobacco Ltd Co, the Viet Nam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, the The Inspectorate has recommended that the State collects arrears of VND542 billion (US$25.7 million ) and reclaims 3.2ha of land, while the rest can be dealt with by relevant authorised agencies. The Government Inspectorate is conducting another ten inspections at present. Luong also said that in the second quarter of 2014, the agency would inspect implementation of the Government's decrees and decisions by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Health Ministry and some provinces and cities. It would also examine compliance with regulations by: the ministries of Industry and Trade, Education and Training, and Health; the provinces of Dien Bien, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An; and several companies. At the same time, the agency would continue efforts to improve its handling of complaints and denunciation from the public, Luong said. It was revealed at the press conference that inspectors of various agencies including those related to health, environment and construction launched over 1,200 "administrative inspections" and completed 619 of them. These inspections detected the misuse of VND2.676 trillion ($127.4 million); and proposed punishments for 113 units and 354 individuals. Two cases of corruption and two individuals involved in them have been transferred to investigative agencies for criminal proceedings, it was said at the press briefing. Thai Binh province holds bird flu response drill A field simulation exercise against avian influenza A sub-types H5N1 and H7N9 in humans was held in the The drill was conducted under the scenario in which bird flu outbreaks in many communes across the province. A large number of people showed symptoms of the disease while the province’s Co-organised by the provincial Health Department and the Vietnam Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness Project (VAHIP), the exercise aimed to raise the response capacity of competent agencies and health workers in case of any bird flu pandemic. 2004 marks the seventh year Thai Binh has received and implemented VAHIP projects. The province is a key national flu control point at three communal, district and provincial levels. In 2009, the province recorded over 3,400 cases of H1N1 swine flu in about half of its communes. Thanks to its rapid and sound response, no fatality was reported. Lao, Thai students welcome traditional New Years in Vietnam Lao and Thai students at Vinh University in the central province of Nghe An on April 12 celebrated their traditional New Year festivals - Bun Pi May and Songkran. This is the 11 th year the university, which has nearly 370 students from With special art performances staged by Vietnamese, Lao and Thai students, the event helped strengthen friendship between At the meeting, the Lao Embassy presented certificates of merits to 40 Lao students who have made outstanding academic achievements. On this occasion, Ha Noi to inspect medical waste treatment The Ha Noi Health Department will inspect the collection and treatment of medical waste in both public and private hospitals and health centres in the city. This follows the results of a recent survey. The inspection of hospitals aims to improve hygiene in hospitals and health centres to prevent the spread of infectious diseases caused by improperly disposed medical waste. A survey conducted by the health department discovered that local hospitals failed to obey regulations in sorting out, transporting and treating medical waste. A lack of funding was blamed for difficulties that the hospitals had to cope with in operating the medical waste treatment systems and cleaning the hospitals. About 3,500 tonnes of medical waste were discharged from hospitals and health centres last year in the city. The survey, however, found that hospitals had spent a large amount of money to treat medical waste. Dong Da Hospital had paid VND1.2 billion (US$56,400) for cleaning the hospital this year. This cost did not include expenses of running and maintaining the wastewater treatment system or payment for equipment to treat medical solid waste. The city now has 41 public hospitals, 29 private hospitals, and 45 public health clinics. Life stinks in central commune Nearly 3,000 residents in Pho Thanh Commune of central Quang Ngai Province have been living with a foul stench and odorous wastewater leaking from a nearby waste treatment facility in Duc Pho District. The site, covering more than 1.3 ha, receives and treats household and solid waste from the district daily. Pham Thi Long, a local resident living near the site, said the smell, dust and smoke were especially strong on sunny days. "On rainy days, wastewater from the site seeps into local paddy fields and residential areas, which leads flies everywhere," she said. Tran Thi En, who also lives in the area, said she was concerned that wastewater from the site had polluted the underground water; a vital water source used by local residents. Vice chairman of the communal People's Committee, Nguyen Duy Trinh, said the committee had forwarded numerous complaints by local residents to the district authority to help resolve the leakage, but nothing had changed. Trinh said waste at the plant was being dried and burnt, explaining that it was not the waste treatment process that had been designed for the facility, which stipulated waste be sprayed with chemicals first before incineration. A tank would need to be built to collect the wastewater, while waste would need to be treated in accordance with designated plans, he said. Chairman of the district People's Committee, Le Van Mui, affirmed the need for the tank, saying the district would deploy the necessary funds to build it. Waste would also be treated in accordance with initial plans in the near future. In the long term, the district has planned to build a waste treatment site, covering about 10 ha and worth VND35 billion (US$1.6 million) to tackle the problem. Funds to build the waste treatment site had been mobilised, he said. Vietnamese students abroad wonder about job opportunities at home During an online meeting with authorities, many Vietnamese students who are studying abroad showed curiosity about job opportunities in The meeting, held on March 12 between Vietnamese students studying in foreign countries and representatives from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association, the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs, drew the participation of Vietnamese students in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and Australia. During the two hour exchange, most of the students said that they wanted to return to contribute to the development of the country through volunteer activities. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a student in South Korea’s Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), posed questions about ministries' and agencies’ policies to attract those studying abroad to come return to the country. Doan Duc Hao, deputy head of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Department of Youth Affairs, said the ministry hopes to lure at least 1,000 outstanding Vietnamese graduates from abroad to work at state-owned agencies and in the armed forces. However, age regulations will be applied. For instance, new graduates must not be over 25 years old and those with master no older than 28. The age limit for doctors is from 32-35. The Vietnamese Students’ Association in In response, a representative from the Vietnam Students’ Association said that more information will be made available starting this year. Regarding the question on organising volunteer activities for students from According to Phong, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association set up the National Voluntary Centre to connect individuals and agencies through volunteer programmes. Villagers up in arms over cement plant pollution Hundreds of households in Noise and dust from the Ang Son II Cement Plant have prompted many locals in "My husband died from cancer, all four of my grandchildren are also sick all the time and one died from cancer when he was five," a local said. On April 2 about 100 people gathered and tried to block the way to the plant. The trucks that carry materials to the plant have also been blamed for ruining the road. A representative of the Ang Son II Cement Plant said they signed a contract with transport company and so were not directly responsible for damaged roads or air pollution from the trucks. Recently, the company held a talk and promised to fix the pollution problem. "We have asked the transport company to cover their cargo and refrain from honking at lunchtime and at night," said Bui Quang Huy, head of Office for Organisation and Administration. Pham Ngoc Vu, Deputy Director of the plant, said they did everything they could to prevent pollution, such as using water trucks, planting trees and deploying street cleaning teams. "The factory does not emit smoke or dust. We're also a victim in this case, we have proposed many times that local authorities build a new resettlement area for community." In response, the households said they have pictures showing the plant emitting smoke and dust. They said the water trucks are just for show and that trucks operate from 10pm to 5am, violating their agreement. Currently, due to a limited budget, the authorities still cannot provide a new resettlement area. The Quang Binh Province People's Committee admitted that there is severe pollution; they have not yet implemented any solutions but have promised to try to relocate the households. VNA/VNS/Dantri/VOV |
↧
↧
Article 5
BUSINESS IN BRIEF 15/4 Toyota Vietnam enjoys exponential growth in Q1 Toyota Vietnam (TMV) sold 2,712 cars in March, up 12% from the same period last year, marking three consecutive months of increased revenue. In the first quarter, TMV’s total sales hit 7,427 units, or 14% higher than the previous year. Three models-Camry, Altis & Vios- all manufactured in In particular, Innova saw an impressive growth of 84%, remaining TMV’s best-seller on the Vietnamese market. Completely built units (CBU) automobiles such as Hilux, Hiace, Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado enjoyed increased trade compared to last year’s corresponding period. Hilux continued taking the top spot in sales with 164 vehicles, up 37%. VietinBank to take over PG Bank Petrolimex Group Commercial Joint Stock Bank (PG Bank), owned by PG Bank's board of directors found VietinBank to be the most suitable partner for the plan. The two banks will swap shares but keep their current organisation structures and names so that PG Bank will become VietinBank's affiliate. PG Bank will ask its shareholders to allow VietinBank to issue more shares before carrying out the share-swapping plan. Afterwards, Vietinbank will own a 99% share at PG Bank. It is expected that around 0.82 of a share of PG Bank will be equal to one share of VietinBank. According to PG Bank, the plan is in accordance with government's master plan for the restructuring After the takeover, Petrolimex's shares in PG Bank will be reduced to 20% by 2015. If PG Bank shareholders approve, the plan will be submitted to the authorities and then to its general meeting of shareholders for final decisions. Along with the restructuring plan, PG Bank also submitted its operation plan for 2014, in which total outstanding loans are expected to be allowed to rise by 6%. PG Bank's goal for revenue is five times higher than last year, and they hope to reduce the bad debt rate to 3%. They sold VND752 billion of bad debt to Vietnam Assets Management Company (VAMC) and dealt with another VND629 billion. Retail market sets stage for price competition Rental price competition is expected to rise with the retail market coming under greater pressure due to From January 11, 2015, Nguyen Hong Son, head of Valuation & Financial Advisory of Savills’ According to Son, the implementation of “However, once new supply comes into plays, tenants will have a greater ability to negotiate rents and other terms,” he added. According to Savills’ latest report, in the first quarter of this year two new retail venues were added to the Hanoi’s retail property market has seen a downward trend in recent times, with average rents dropping 4% on-quarter and 6% on-year in the first three months of 2014, to VND1.1 million (US$50) per square metre per month. Buildings in the city centre marked the highest rents at round VND2.1 million (US$100) per square metre and secondary areas at VND 860,000 per square metre. The At present, Businesses seen as foundation for economic growth in 2014 Businesses that struggled to survive between the years 2011 and 2013 are now leaders in terms of both business administration and independent business strategy. Stabilizing the national economy and controlling inflation in 2013 will facilitate economic growth in 2014 and subsequent years. According to economist Dr Vu Dinh Anh, the overall economic picture is brighter in 2014 than in previous years, provided economic restructuring is further accelerated. The national economy grew at a rate of more than 5.4% in 2013. Excess stock levels and bad debts were reduced. The economy’s total credit increased 12.5% with lending interest rates equivalent to 2005–2006 levels, indicating business vitality despite ongoing difficulties. Dr Le Danh said macroeconomic conditions suggest the Vietnamese Government will proceed with economic stabilisation and inflation control. Danh attributes Some of the instability and weaknesses from 2013 and earlier are expected to carry over into 2014. The 61,000 businesses that were dissolved or ceased operations in 2013 pushed the three-year (2011–2013) cumulative total to 16,000. This has restricted market supply, budget revenue collection, production, employment, purchasing power, and inventory liquidation. Economic restructuring hoping to fuel investment growth relies on private businesses and foreign investment. Dr Anh believes building an equitable investment environment that rewards efficiency is absolutely crucial. Anh stresses foreign investors want to see a Vietnamese investment environment promoting international economic integration and according with international standards of fairness and transparency. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) says recent studies conducted by domestic and foreign organisations reveal Vietnamese and foreign investors have renewed confidence in the Vietnamese economy’s mid and long-term prospects. . Out of 500 leading Vietnamese businesses, 60% reported 2013’s performance was better than a year earlier, and 80% have plans to expand operations in 2014. Many major foreign groups have similar expansion ambitions. The Vinh Phuc works to attract more Korean investors The People’s Committee of the Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Huu Chi came up with the needs and business opportunities in Meanwhile, Pham Van Vong, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, introduced to RoK companies the locality’s potential, advantages as well as business environment and preferential policies. RoK investors are leading in the number of projects in Vinh Phuc, with 59 ones, and stand third in terms of investment capital with US$508 million, Vong said. He elaborated that his locality is striving to become an industrial province by 2015, and stands ready to welcome RoK enterprises with support in licensing procedures and human resources training. During their stay, Vinh Phuc’s officials also made a fact-finding tours to and held investment promotions in Bussan city and Chungcheongbuk province, which are among the largest economic hubs of the RoK. 350 businesses join int’l trade fair at An international trade fair taking place from April 12-18 kicked off in the central city of The event, which is also part of a national trade promotion programme, is being jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Thua Thien Hue provincial People’s Committee. The week-long fair attracted 600 pavilions from 350 businesses of 26 provinces and cities and 50 stalls of foreign firms from During the fair, the organizing board will grant certificates of recognition of two specialties of The fair provides a good chance for local businesses to advertise their brand names, promote technology transfer, and seek foreign trade partners. In addition, it aims to raise public awareness of boosting the movement “Vietnamese people prioritize using made-in-Vietnam goods”. Quang Ninh holds dialogue on business development Quang Ninh Provincial Party officials and over 300 members of the local business community gathered for a dialogue on April 12 discussing alternative methods to promote business and production in the province. Committee Secretary Pham Minh Chinh asked relevant agencies to strive to maintain a healthy positive competitive business climate and ensure transparency in the performance of their duties. In addition, he asked businesses to actively and fully cooperate with local authorities to ensure harmonious relations and promote stability and cohesiveness among the people, the business community and the state. Over 20 delegates from the business community, local and foreign investors posed direct questions to provincial leaders with a focus on the four major issues of land, environment, banking loans, tax policies and support to training human resources. During the event, participants also discussed policies, solutions for the province’s socio-economic development as well as soliciting opinions from the business community to give recommendations to help businesses overcome difficulties. Support industry forum to take place in Hanoi The event, the result of a joint effort of Reed Tradex Company and the Hanoi Trade Promotion Centre (HTPC), will offer the insights of leading government and industry experts on the subject as well as share their practical experience in the industry. Duangdej Yuaikwamdee, Deputy Executive Director of Reed Tradex Company, said he greatly values the development of “To achieve sustainable growth and attract more foreign investment, The increasing number of projects on the Vietnamese market gives more chances to those producers involved in the support industries. As a result, there will be a rising demand for advanced technology and modern production methods, he noted. The support industry for the automobile manufacturing sector has achieved great success in From now to 2020, Recent statistics of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) showed that export value from machinery, equipment, and accessories hit US$1.53 billion in the first quarter of 2014, up 9.7% from the same quarter in 2013. Support industry products were also included in Two-way trade volume between Key export items in the two month period included footwear, telephones and spare parts, garments and textiles, home appliances, farm produce, electronic products, and rubber. The export value from telephones and spare parts hit over US$154.98 million, representing an increase of 20.6% from last year’s same period accounting for more than 40% of total export value. Tea industry urged to adopt VietGAP Tea growers and enterprises should step up application of national quality standards and improve product packaging and design if they are to reverse a first quarter decline in exports, experts say. A report in the Industry and Trade newspaper cited the experts as saying the failure to adopt VietGAP (national Good Agricultural Practice) standards has hurt the industry, with Vietnamese tea fetching lower prices than the produce of other countries. VietGap sets criteria for selection of varieties and rootstocks, land management, application of fertilisers and additives as well as chemicals (including crop protection products). The report quoted Doan Xuan Hoa, deputy head of the Agro-Forestry Processing and Salt Industry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as saying policy incentives were needed to have more farmers and enterprises adopt VietGap standards for their tea plantations. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first quarter of 2014, tea exports fell year-on-year by 15.4 per cent in volume and 14 per cent in value to 24,000 tonnes and US$37 million respectively. Tea exports to Nguyen Huu Tai, chairman of the Viet Nam Tea Association (Vitas), blamed the "unsatisfactory" export performance on several difficulties faced by exporters in buying, distributing and shipping tea products. For instance, the unstable political situation in major importing countries like Tai also said he remained optimistic despite the first quarter decline in exports. Vitas estimates The association plans to help its members participate in several international tea exhibitions in the UAE and Cocoa shortage provides opportunity for farmers The global supply of cocoa will not keep up with demand for the next five to 10 years, which could result in a bright future for "Demand for chocolate is surging worldwide, particularly in Asia," said Nguyen Vinh Thanh, cocoa sourcing manager for Cargill Viet Besides traditional markets like the However, production cannot keep up with demand since many major producing countries, including The market imbalance has driven up prices, Thanh said, adding that the prices could rise much higher than current levels. Nguyen Van Thiet, UTZ Certified representative in According to the Crop Production Department, the cocoa plantation area in Despite the potential of the sector, many delegates at the forum with cocoa farmers agreed that the sector had not yet reached its potential due to poor farming practices, limited technological transfer, pests and diseases, and scattered and small-scale farms. Pham Hong Duc Phuoc of the "With the climate and soil condition here, cocoa's productivity can yield an average of two tonnes of bean per hectare and even more, but it has not reached that much," he said. Nguyen Van Hoa, deputy director of the Crop Production Department, attributed the situation to farmers' poor understanding of growing techniques and insufficient investment. Luong Van Thao, a farmer in Tan Hung Commune, Dong Phu District of Binh Phuoc Province, told Viet Nam News that he had 8,000ha of cocoa intercropping fields with cashew. "But my cocoa has offered very low yield with many trees not even yielding fruit," he added. "I didn't know about cocoa farming techniques or how to apply proper fertilisers," he said, adding that he had just followed the methods of other farmers. Hoa said compared to other industrial trees like coffee, cashew and rubber, cocoa is still a new tree for most farmers in Farmers must learn the new techniques to ensure success, he added. To achieve the greatest benefits for the largest number of farmers, Mars Incorporated has developed an outreach initiative to help The centres are part of the The PPP project aims to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their families, and to secure long-term sustainability of cocoa production. Last Thursday, a Cocoa Development Centre was opened in Duc Lieu Commune in Bu Dang District of Binh Phuoc Province to help farmers plant cocoa in a sustainable way. The centre, which covers three hecaters, will provide farmers with needed cocoa expertise, demonstrations of high-yielding farms, and new high-yield varieties of cacao, Lam said, adding that it would also help ensure cocoa consumption. Phan Van Don, deputy director of He said that farmers in Binh Phuoc, with the help of the centre, would prefer cultivating cocoa by intercropping with cashew gardens. Currently, a tonne of cocoa is priced at VND58 million (US$2,746) to VND60 million ($2,840) and even VND62.8 million for UTZ-certified beans, Thanh said. Intercropping cocoa in cashew gardens will help increase farmers' income while not affecting cashew yield, he added. Indian, Vietnamese firms look to boost investment Trade between Speaking at a networking event last week with the Indian business community, he told the general consul of However, trade between As of the end of 2013, the city had 26 Indian-invested projects worth around US$5.4 million. "This networking evening is essential to bring our businesses closer and untap potential and investment and trade opportunities," he said. Several Indian companies specialising in petroleum, medicine and agriculture are currently seeking investment opportunities in "The opening of a direct air route is being discussed, which will help boost economic and cultural exchange," he said. According to Mohan Ramesh Anand, chairman of the Indian Business Chamber Viet Total trade increased 20 times over the last 10 years, with In 2013, total trade turnover reached US$5.24 billion, an increase of 32.8 percent against 2012. The volume totals more than US$7 billion if commodities traded to a third country are counted. "Incham Viet Nam believes that Indian economic presence in Viet Nam in 2014 will be significant and calls on Viet Nam to explore more aggressively the opportunities for benefits in the large and growing market in India," said Ramesh. As of 2013, Indian enterprises invested in 68 projects in Currently, the biggest Indian project in Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises have invested US$8 billion in The networking night was held for the first time to establish better relations between The event was co-organised with the Malaysian Business Chamber and Singapore Business Chamber, on the occasion of a visit to Garment sector eyes localisation of inputs The domestic garment and textile industry aims to reach a localisation rate of 60 per cent by 2015 to increase profits and competitiveness, and reduce the need for the imports of raw materials, according to the vice president of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). Le Trung Hai, who spoke with the media during the recent Hai said this effort was being made to increase the export value of the industry, which depends heavily on imported raw materials and outsourcing for its major foreign clients. The move to increase the localisation rate is especially important because To enjoy low tax from these trade agreements, In addition to increasing the localisation rate, domestic garment and textile companies are also aiming to increase the Free on Board (FOB) rate from the current 38 per cent to more than 50 per cent by 2015. Moreover, the Original Designed Manufacturer (ODM) rate would rise to nearly 10 per cent by 2015 from the current rate, which is now under 5 per cent. To achieve the targets, many projects to develop raw materials are being carried out nationwide. According to Vinatex, many cotton farms with a size of up to 1,500 ha now exist in provinces like Dac Lac and Ninh Thuan. Vinatex worked with the Viet Nam Oil and Gas Group to produce materials to weave fabric, and the industry as a whole has hired and worked with foreign experts to set up projects to develop regions to plant raw materials. In addition, construction of many weaving plants nationwide has taken place. In 2013, export turnover of the industry reached US$20.4 billion, an increase of 18 per cent year-on-year. National carrier to offer more domestic flights Viet Nam Airlines (VNA), the national carrier, plans to increase the frequency on several domestic routes to meet the increasing market demand during the April 30 and May 1 holidays. From April 30 to May 1, VNA will increase 342 flights on 16 domestic routes, up 20 per cent compared to the normal schedule with an increase of 58,700 seats. OceanBank offers low rate loans to builders OceanBank will lend VND1 trillion to construction enterprises at 8.5 per cent annual interest rate or 2 to 3 per cent lower than the normal interest rate. The bank also plans to offer several incentives through a safety-net program. The program aims to assist construction enterprises in solving difficulties and promoting business development by providing capital for them to pay the cost of contract performance in accordance with project estimation, such as payment for raw material, goods, payment of salaries, transport cost, and rent cost. Central city starts on unbaked brick plant The central city has commenced construction of the biggest unbaked brick plant in Hoa Vang district with a capacity of 110 million bricks per year. The plant received a total investment of US$4.5 million from Toan Hoa Vinh trading and service joint-stock company and is slated to start delivery by this September. Once the plant becomes operational, it will be able to meet the demand to use unbaked bricks following the Government's programme on development of unbaked constructional material by 2020 and reducing carbon emissions in the environment. According to a forecast by the Viet Nam Association of Construction Material, Government holds off cement loans on concerns of oversupply The Government is not encouraging more investment in cement projects despite the industry reporting a first quarter increase in consumption due to higher domestic market demand. Industry observers say this makes sense because the market is still marked by significant oversupply. Citing the Viet Nam Cement Industrial Corporation, the Price Management Department has reported that the output and consumption of cement in March was higher than February as the "construction season" has begun. An output of 5.19 million tonnes and consumption of 1.92 million tonnes marked a month-on-month increase of 63.7 per cent and 69.5 per cent respectively. Corresponding first quarter figures of 11.58 million tonnes and 10.23 million tonnes marked respective year-on-year increases of 9.8 per cent and 6.7 per cent, the department said. Meanwhile, the Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review) newspaper, cited the Construction Ministry as estimating total demand for cement this year increasing by 1.5-3 per cent over 2013 to reach 62-63 million tonnes, with the domestic market accounting for 48.5-49 million tonnes. The cement industry has a production capacity of 72 million tonnes at present and this is expected to rise as new projects start production in 2016. The Government has therefore declined to provide its guarantee for loans that the Tan Thang Cement Joint Stock Company wants to take from foreign credit organisations for completing a new factory that it began constructing in 2010. The factory, which has a designed capacity of 1.9 million tonnes of cement each year, is expected to cost VND3.644 trillion ($172.7 million). Infrastructure construction is complete and preparations are on to install production lines. The company expects to market its products in 2016. The Construction Ministry has said that most of the projects that have received Government guarantees for foreign loans are facing insolvency. These include projects implemented by the Dong Banh, Ha Long, and Song Thao cement companies According to the Viet Nam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI), many cement companies that have taken foreign loans have had their operational efficiency reduced by subsequent increases in financial fees and interest rates, as well as the fall in value of the Vietnamese dong against foreign currencies. Automobile sales rise for 12 straight months March marked the 12th consecutive month when According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA), the Truong Hai Auto Corporation (Thaco) accounted for 36 percent of the sold units, followed by Ford and Honda gained the third and fourth positions in March with 9 percent and 6 percent, respectively. VAMA forecasts sales of about 120,000 automobile units in 2014, up 9 percent from a year earlier. Pepper farmers expect bumper harvest, good prices Vietnamese pepper farmers are expecting a bumper year with an estimated output of 15,000 tonnes, up nearly 30,000 tonnes against last year, partly thanks to favourable weather conditions. Their joy is boosted with prices ranging between 133,000 – 140,000 VND (6.3 – 6.6 USD) per kilogram while pepper-growing countries of Brazil and Indonesia are hit hard by a recent severe drought spell, said Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) Do Ha Nam. According to the VPA, the Central Highlands Growers in Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces in the region also see abundant crops that go up 20-30 percent. During January-March, Real estate ranks second in FDI attraction With Sun Wah involved in a major residential project in HCMC, the nation’s foreign direct investment (FDI) capital flows into the real estate sector ranked second in the first quarter. According to the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, a Hong Kong investor invested over US$200 million in the condo building project in the city, sending investment capital in the realty sector rising. FIA did not disclose the name of the investor. However, a source from the HCMC Department of Planning and Investment said the project earlier belonged to domestic enterprises under the name of Bay Water Co. Ltd. Then, British Virgin Islands-registered Sun Wah Vietnam Real Estate Limited made a huge contribution to the project, turning it into a foreign-invested concern. A reliable source told the Daily that Bay Water now has three partners – Construction Joint Stock Company No. 5 with a 26% stake, Sa To Investment Co. Ltd. with 26% and Sun Wah Vietnam Real Estate Limited with 48%. In the first quarter, the nation approved five FDI projects in the real estate sector with the total registered capital amounting to over US$288 million. The figure made up 8.6% of total pledged FDI capital, ranking second among the sectors with FDI involvement. Meanwhile, the manufacturing and processing sector came in first with 141 projects worth US$2.3 billion, or 70% of the total FDI capital. Quang Binh attracts 13 new investment projects The 13 projects have total pledged capital of VND8.5 trillion, with VND8.4 trillion (US$398.58 million) of it from the 12 domestic undertakings, said the Quang Binh People’s Committee and Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), organizers of the conference. Sun Group Corporation based in Danang City will develop two tourism projects – Phong Nha-Ke Bang tourist area worth some VND3 trillion (US$142.35 million), and Bao Ninh-Hai Van luxury resort capitalized at about VND2 trillion (US$94.9 million). Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) is involved in three projects in the province. They are a fiber plant in Gia Ninh Commune, Quang Ninh District at a total cost of VND300 billion (US$14.2 million) and two export apparel facilities worth VND200 billion in total. Truong Thinh JSC based in Also at the conference last week, five enterprises, four of them Vietnamese, signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) with total pledged investment capital of around VND12 trillion (US$569.4 billion). Among them, Vinatex signed an MOU to develop material areas for fiber plants and a yarn and dyeing complex at an estimated cost of VND4.5 trillion (US$213.5 million) while Vietnam Rubber Group will invest an estimated VND1.4 trillion (US$66.4 million) in an MDF wood processing factory. The sole foreign firm that signed an MOU at the conference is Petrolimex Laos Ltd, which wants to invest US$200 million to develop a bonded warehouse at Hon La port with a storage capacity of 300,000-500,000 cubic meters. Quang Binh authorities promised preferential treatments for investors in the province including land and water surface rent incentives, and support for staff training, infrastructure and site clearance. In 2014-2015, Quang Binh Province needs investments in 40 projects in six fields including infrastructure for industrial parks, trade and tourism development, industrial and agricultural production, education, and healthcare. City has 76 projects behind schedule HCMC now has 76 projects worth nearly VND12.9 trillion (US$612 million) making slow progress or falling behind schedule, city authorities said in a report recently sent to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The main reasons cited by these projects is slow site clearance compensation, and rising prices of building materials, according to the city government, Eleven of those projects are related to schools and the rest to irrigation, drainage, wastewater treatment, bridge construction, and road expansion. The investor of the Suoi Nhum drainage system for a 3,000-hectare basin in District 9 has disbursed just VND182 billion of a VND237 billion (US$11.2 million) budget earmarked for the project due to slow site clearance compensation. The widening of the 8km Provincial Road 10 connecting Binh Chanh and Binh Tan districts with total capital of VND1 trillion (US$47.4 million) was originally planned for completion last year but 54 households affected by the project have yet to move. The slow rehabilitation of the polluted Ba Bo canal in Thu Duc District results from the slow process of clearing land for a lake for water storage, a bridge across the canal, sewers and roads. Export goods amassing rule relaxed The Ministry of Finance has taken a fresh move to ease a General Department of Customs rule that requires exporters to amass all their goods at designated areas for customs inspections rather than file tariff declarations first as earlier done. According to a new guidance document of the ministry, exporters of agro-aqua-forestry products, garments and footwear will not have to gather their goods at a specified location before working with the customs. Yet they are required to let the customs know the place where they transport their products to for export. To enjoy this preferential treatment, those exporters have been operational for more than one year and has generated export revenue of more than US$2 million a year. For products that are not easy to be amassed as they must be kept in a special storage environment such as minerals, fresh seafood and frozen food, exporters will only inform the customs of the place for pre-export storage and the means of transport used. The goods amassing rule is aimed at preventing trade fraud, falsification of export documentation and smuggling. In case enterprises do not declare the place where they amass their export goods in the customs declaration file, they could be added into the watchlist, face an administrative sanction and have to deposit all their goods at a location chosen by the customs. Saigon Tex 2014, an international textile-garment, material and machinery exhibition, will begin from on April 10 and last until Sunday at Tan Binh Exhibition and Convention Center in HCMC, featuring around 500 local and international firms. The exhibition is jointly held by the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hong Kong Exhibition Joint Stock Company and VCCI Exhibition Service Company. It is expected to appeal to some 500 local and foreign companies. Local enterprises will have a chance to build business links with textile material and technology suppliers from According to the organizers, the number of participating companies is nearly 40% higher than in Saigon Tex 2013, with enterprises from Asia and The exhibition is projected to lure around 8,000 corporate visitors in the textile-garment industry along with 2,000 visitors from other sectors. Regarding Textile-garment exports registered a year-on-year rise of 18.7% to more than US$20 billion last year, with textile contributing US$17.9 billion and yarn US$2.1 billion, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association reports. Apparel and textile exports are expected to hit US$26 billion this year while many industry players said they had secured sufficient orders for all of 2014. Ethanol plants keep running up losses Domestic ethanol manufacturing facilities have been operating at low capacity due to low local consumer demand for bio-petrol E5 and poor ethanol export prices. The nation now has six ethanol plants using cassava as a feedstock with a total capacity of 535 million liters a year. However, they lose around VND434 for each liter of ethanol sold. According to a report of the science and technology department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced at a conference in Vietnam National Oil & Gas Group (PetroVietnam) has developed three ethanol plants but one of them has been suspended. In addition, there are four other operational plants nationwide with a combined capacity of 335 million liters a year; they are Dong Xanh in Slow development of a bio-gasoline distribution network has delivered a blow to the ethanol plants. PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil) now has five E5 petrol processing stations in PV Oil has plans to invest in two more plants with one in Ha Tinh Province and the other in Can Tho City. PV Oil is piloting selling E5 gasoline at nine filling stations in Quang Concerning the ethanol use plan, PetroVietnam chairman Phung Dinh Thuc in recent talks with the media said the product would be used in seven cities and provinces until December and across the nation in 2015. However, ethanol from PetroVietnam’s plants is exported at a price below cost. Currently, it costs VND17,000-18,000 to turn out a liter of ethanol but its export price is a mere VND15,000, Thuc said. Given the Government-approved ethanol use plan, ethanol producers can expect better sales and farmers can see higher cassava consumption. The plan, however, may not go as scheduled due to the poor operations of the ethanol plants now. According the science and technology department, the 100 million liters/year ethanol plant in Tam Nong District in Phu Tho Province has halted operation due to poorer-than-expected bio-petrol sales, throwing a lot of cassava farmers in the province into a difficult position. Fuel price stabilization fund underutilized The balance of the fuel price stabilization fund had amounted to more than VND842 billion by the end of March, the highest since last June. Statistics recently released by the Ministry of Finance show the total amount raised for the fund in quarter one and kept at fuel trading houses was over VND1 trillion while only VND370.7 billion was used by fuel trading firms to offset their losses. The balances at trading firms were different. At many firms like Petrolimex and Saigon Petro, the balances were large while those at PV Oil and Nam Viet Oil were negative. The balance last June was only VND55 billion, over VND58 billion last September and nearly VND170 billion last December. Therefore, the VND842 billion balance is surprisingly high. This is because the Ministry of Finance once said the fund did not have much money left, so it allowed traders to revise up fuel retail prices. The fuel price stabilization fund is contributed by consumers when buying fuels; a fixed amount of VND300 is added to each liter or kilogram of fuel retailed. Consumers previously did not know how the fund is used but since last July the Ministry of Finance has publicized statistics about the fund. In a related development, according to the Vietnam Petroleum Association (Vinpa), fuel trading firms are earning VND145 from each liter of petrol sold, VND95 from each liter of diesel, VND111 from each liter of kerosene and VND72 from each kilogram of heavy fuel oil. Relevant authorities on March 31 issued a decision governing fuel retail prices, under which the interval between two price adjustments is 10 days. Source: VEF/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/Dantri/VIR |
↧
Article 4
Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance Force debuts Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung meets crew members of a Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance Force's vessel. Photo: VNA The Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s General Department of Fisheries, the force’s key tasks include patrolling the country’s waters, monitoring and inspecting fisheries activities as well as detecting and handling violations. It will also assist fishermen in their operation, protecting the country’s aquatic resources and contributing to ensuring and protecting the security, order and national sovereignty in the country’s sea areas. Formed under the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 102/2012/ND-CP dated November 29, 2012 and Decision No. 3285/QD-BNN-TCCB dated November 28, 2012, the force has its main headquarters in Addressing the launching ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said the force’s formation is of great importance as it will ensure the execution of fisheries laws and regulations at sea, laying the foundation for the sustainable exploitation and protection of marine resources and assurance of safety for fishermen and their vessels. He required the MARD to direct the force to operate effectively in line with the national and international law, contributing to protecting national sovereignty, sovereignty rights and jurisdiction in the The ministry is to build and submit to the government a master plan on the development of the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance force until 2020 with a view to 2030.-VNA |
↧
Article 3
Political News Headlines 15/4 NA Standing Committee starts 27th session The 27th session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee convened in During the meeting, members of the committee will discuss 13 draft laws and raise their opinions on supervising lawmaking programmes and adopting several important resolutions, said NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. Hung stressed that the committee needs to pay attention to carefully debating different points of view between investigative agencies and drafters to reach a decision recommendation to present to the NA during its upcoming seventh sitting. The same day, the committee’s members contributed their opinions on issuing a draft law on curriculum reform and the content renovation of textbooks for general education after 2015. A delegation of the Ministry of Justice led by Minister Ha Hung Cuong is on a working visit to The visit also aims to realise the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ministry and the Australian Attorney-General’s Department in 2012. The document looks to tighten the collaboration between the two countries’ legal and judicial bodies, expand their mutual assistance related to civil and trade issues, and legal training. During the visit, which concludes on April 16, the delegation will share its experience in building the penal system in accordance with On the occasion, the delegation and the Australian side are expected to ink three cooperation documents, including an MoU between the ministry and its counterpart, a cooperation agreement between The visit takes place shortly after the two countries successfully organised the Vietnam-Australia Friendship and Cooperation Year, marking the new phase of the development of the bilateral ties. PM lays out ambitious plans for central city Dung said the central city had already achieved good results in construction, planning and infrastructure investment. "The city has successfully changed its economic structure, of which tourism and service accounted for nearly 68 per cent. Budget collection and exports have also grown well in the first quarter," Dung said. He said the city should overcome any difficulties and promote its socio-economic development in coming years. The prime minister also assigned ministries and agencies to co-operate with This includes roads, airports, seaports, railways, metro system, sporting complexes, an international convention centre, student village, biology institute centre, hospital expansions, the Viet Nam-UK University and seeking funds for the East-West Economic Corridor which links He also agreed with The city has earned VND2.64 trillion (US$126 million) for the state budget revenue in the first quarter, of which VND1.7 trillion was from taxes and fees. The city also earned $235 million from exports. Chairman of the city's People's Committee, Van Huu Chien, also proposed that the prime minister create more support for the city with Official Development Aid (ODA) projects and funds for a hi-tech park. The city also requested the Government to supply 50 per cent of funds to build high power vessels for local fishermen. Last week, the prime minister agreed on the city's adjusted master urban plan for 2030 until 2050, which will help build the city as a centre of sports, education, science and technology for the central and This year, the city has attracted 285 FDI projects with a capital of US$3.32 billion. During his working visit to the Song Thu shipyard Corporation yesterday, Prime Minister Dung also praised the endeavours of staff and engineers. He also urged the corporation to raise its potential to contribute to the country's shipyard industry development. The corporation, which is a major ship builder in Viet Nam, has exported 24 vessels, including fast crew supply ships, rescue ships, salvage tugs, drive tugs and patrol boats, for the Middle East, South America, Europe and domestic markets. Last year, annual exports totalled US$55 million. The ship builder earned $71 million in revenue last year. Trade cooperation between Addressing a conference in It is expected to help enhance trade ties between Vietnam and China as well as Vietnamese localities and Guangdong in particular, thus reducing Vietnam’s trade surplus from China and contributing to fulfiling the target of raising two-way trade to 60 million USD by 2015, Minh said. Despite the gloomy global economy, Vietnam and China have still enjoyed trade growth at an average of 30 percent annually in the past decade, the minister noted, adding that cooperation prospects between the two countries are still bright. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu said last year Vietnam-Guangdong trade hit nearly 12.3 billion USD, up 40 percent over 2012. He said that by the end of February this year, the figure had already reached 1.71 billion USD. According to Hu Chunhua, Secretary of the Guangdong Party Committee, He also gave some proposals to boost bilateral partnership, including expanding investment and trade ties, speeding up the construction of joint economic zones and infrastructure system, and beefing up agro-fishery cooperation. On the occasion, the two sides inked a number of trade and investment agreements in agriculture, electronics, telecommunication and education with a total value of over 200 million USD. Central Theoretical Council discusses renewal lessons The Central Theoretical Council hosted a seminar during its 11th session in Ho Chi Minh City on April 14, with theoretical and practical issues arising during the country’s Doi Moi (renewal) being the main theme of discussions. Opening the event, the council’s chair Dinh The Huynh, who is also a Politburo member, said the country will mark 30 years since launching the Doi Moi policy in 2016. Initial review of the process has reveal nine new and important issues that are in need of careful research, including feasible solutions for the country to become an industrialized country by 2020, the role of social development and management in the Party’s strategic thinking, the system of values for the Vietnamese people and nation in the country’s new stage of development, and the content, model and method of the Party’s ruling. Huynh also mentioned the need to enrich the content of the socialist-oriented market economy, which According to Le Thanh Hai, Politburo member and Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, there are three key questions regarding the socialist-oriented market economy that need to be scrutinized, particularly the changing of ways of thinking and working of the authorities from central to grassroots levels in exercising the State economic management in the context of the market economy. He said In addition, policies and solutions to ensure social welfare, reduce poverty sustainably and unceasingly improve the general living standard, thus helping maintain socio-political stability are urgently needed, he said. VNA/VOV/VNS/VNN |
↧
↧
Article 2
Vietnam metro to tackle floods with ponds, lakes  Children walk on flooded Thien, a resident of the Le Thanh Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, said the streets surrounding his home flood whenever there is rain or high tides, and the inundations have become more serious over the years since he settled there in 2011. “I have to hang my shoes on the motorbike and wade through the floods when going to work. The situation is no better when I come back in the afternoon.” “Sometimes I fell in the water. But I feel more pity for the children wading in the water following their parents on the way to school. Some children fell and their clothes and books all got wet,” he said. In an effort to tackle the worsening inundation caused by urbanization and rising sea levels, city authorities are considering a controversial plan to dig ponds, small lakes and underground water tanks around the city to drain water. At a recent conference, city mayor Le Hoang Quan warned about worsening flooding in the city due to the impacts of climate change, saying the city can only mitigate damages. “The Mekong Delta will suffer the most when up to 30 percent of the area is affected by rising sea levels in 2050. HCMC is no exception and nearly 700 square kilometers (270 square miles) will be affected.” He said city dwellers will have to “live with floods because it will be impossible to totally solve inundation.” A 2013 study by the National University Ho Chi Minh City's Researchers found the city has been sinking since 1996, with the speed increasing gradually since 2004. Many sections of the city are sinking by up to 20 millimeters (0.8 inch) a year. According to the city Department of Natural Resources and Environment, many neighborhoods will sink a further 12-20 centimeters by 2020. Besides geological factors, the surface is sinking also due to urbanization and dwindling groundwater, according to the agency. Slow to react In 2009, the central government approved a plan to drain water in HCMC but little work has been done so far. According to HCMC People’s Committee, the plan was not carried out fully because it is a major project while the city has been unable to disburse money for it due to economic difficulties. Due to the slow process, the plan’s cost has increased from VND11 trillion to VND57.8 trillion. By late last year, only 31 of 149 km of dikes along the With the rainy season coming next month, HCMC authorities need to rush to prevent inundation that will hit an apex when the rainy season meets with high tides. Last week, the HCMC People’s Committee instructed all districts to facilitate projects to construct and upgraded dike systems and sewer valves and dredge drainage canals. Early last month, city authorities asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment to categorize a VND16 trillion (US$759 million) project to tackle inundation in HCMC as one that can use the World Bank official development assistance. The project, expected to be implemented from 2015-2020, includes training the staff and solving inundation along the Tham Luong and Ben Cat canals and in the city center. From 2011-2013, the city spent more than VND8 trillion ($379 million) in battling inundation. City ponds According to Do Tan Long, head of the drainage management branch at the The plan will be submitted to the HCMC People’s Committee for approval in May, he said. “This is an open plan that does not have a fixed number of ponds and tanks. Maybe dozens or hundreds of them based on the amount of rain water that the current sewer system cannot drain in a short time.” Long said the ponds and tanks can be built in parks or empty spaces near apartments in the city center, where land is very expensive. “Meanwhile, we can dig small lakes in the outskirts like in Binh Chanh, Thu Duc and District 12 which can become part of eco-tourism areas,” he said. The draft plan aims to temporarily store rainwater as dozens of canals in the city have been filled by urbanization. According to the Center for Flood Control Program, 47 canals with a total area of 16.4 hectares (40.5 acres) have disappeared over the past decade. The water storage capacity of the city’s lakes and ponds grew ten times smaller from 2002-2009 and continuing urbanization in outlaying districts are creating new inundated areas, the center said. If the plan is approved, a large underground tank of 4,000 square meters will be built at Tan Binh District’s Besides small underground tanks in the city center, there will be 30 small lakes in the city’s outskirt. The plan aims to reduce 30 percent of inundation citywide. Controversies Ho Long Phi, director of the “The plan aims to drain rainwater naturally and correct the previous mistake of installing sewers to replace canals,” he said. However, he said it will be a difficult plan because it may affect many residents’ land. “Governmental offices should be a good example by setting aside their land for the plan,” he said. Meanwhile, Pham Sanh, an urban development expert at the HCMC University of Transport, is suspicious about the effectiveness of the plan. “There is not enough land in the city center for ponds while digging lakes in the outskirts will not be effective in reducing inundation in the city center.” He said the city should install larger sewers to facilitate rainwater drainage. “Besides, cement sidewalks should be replaced with materials that can absorb water and more trees should be planted for faster water draining.” |
↧
Article 1
↧
Article 0
Social News Headlines 15/4 Student faces Facebook page probe Ha Noi's Police High-tech Crime Prevention Faculty summoned Nguyen Van Tien to investigate his behaviour of smearing Vingroup Joint Stock Company on social network Facebook. Tien, born in 1991, in the Earlier, Vingroup submitted a document to the police to report a fan page on Facebook titled "Vingroup lua tien khach hang" (roughly translated as "Vingroup cheated customers"). The investigating agency then discovered that in late August 2013, Tien used his Facebook account to start a fan page that he named Vingroup and also took the company's logo as an avatar. 14 year old girl infected with bizarre skin disease A 14 year old girl in Ba Nam Commune is discovered to have the unidentified skin disease plaguing Ba To District in the central Le Han Phong, chairman of People’s Committee in Ba To District confirmed this on April 14 that a 14 year old girl in Dut Village 1 in Ba Nam Commune had the bizarre skin disease. Ba Nam Commune has not recorded any case of the strange skin disease before The girl was hospitalized on April 9 when she was in critical condition; accordingly the local hospital has transferred her to the province hospital. Currently she is being treated in Children Hospital No.2 in The Department of Health and Before, a case of the bizarre skin disease had been discovered in Ba Dien Commune which is center of the disease. Rise in measles diagnoses not yet called epidemic While the number of cases of children who have been diagnosed with measles was higher than expected, a health ministry official says it is not unusually high for this time of year. Some 2,490 children have been diagnosed with the disease so far this year, leading to 25 fatalities. Head of the ministry's Health Preventive Department Tran Dac Phu said that localities were gradually gaining control of the situation. Phu said that under a decision signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2010, an epidemic was only proclaimed when national health agencies failed to control a disease. The ministry also reported that the number of cases this year was lower than in 2009-10, when over 8,200 children were diagnosed with measles. "Measles is a cyclical disease," Phu said. Phu said that the outbreak would be brought under control in the next few months. Statistics from the Viet Nam National Hospital of Paediatrics showed that up to 1,000 children were admitted to the hospital over the past four months. Do Thien Hai, deputy head of the ministry's Infectious Disease Department, told Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourer) newspaper usually only 30 to 40 children on average were admitted to the hospital with measles each year. "I am surprised at the number of children who have been admitted with measles in the last four months," he said. He said that in the past, it took only five to seven days to treat a child with measles, but now it was taking from two to three weeks. The Viet Nam National Hospital of Paediatrics was also concerned about overcrowding, reported Nguoi Lao Dong. So far this year, 83 children have been admitted with measles to In a related move, the ministry plans to provide 30 ventilators to four hospitals to help treat children with measles. Unsealed container blamed for deadly kiln explosion Local police have confirmed melted scraps overflowing from an uncapped container were the main cause leading to a kiln explosion at the Pomina 3 Steel Plant in the southern The blast happened at at around 7pm at the facility in Phu My Industrial Park No 1 in Tan Thanh District. Examining the scene yesterday, local police in collaboration with police from the Ministry of Public Security's Criminal Science Institute found melted scraps had overflowed from the uncapped container when the container was moving. The melted scraps, heated to more than 1,500 degrees Celsius, exploded after coming into contact with colder surrounding materials and equipment. Police also found that workers had forgotten to seal the container with the cap, which has an estimated weight of 6 tonnes. According to workers at the plant, the kiln has a capacity to melt more than 100 tonnes of steel and heats to over 1,000 degrees Celsius. The plant's authorities also blamed the accident on workers failing to comply with regulations in the production process. The melted scraps from the blast injured ten workers who were sent to Cho Ray hospital in Of the victims, two had suffered minor burns and had been discharged. Three other workers, who were seriously burned in the accident, were no longer critical, according to the steel plant's General Director Do Tien Sy. Three workers, Hoang Thanh Thinh,19; Nguyen Van Thai, 23; and Doan Le Phuong, 23, had received burns to between 61 to 85 per cent of their body. The remaining workers were gradually recovering, he said. He added that the company would cover all the victims' medical costs and would provide care for Thinh's children in case he was unable to continue working. Thinh received the most extreme burns from the incident. Plastic surgery death to be re-investigated Ha Noi People's Court has decided to send the case of Nguyen Manh Tuong, who was alleged to have thrown a patient's body into the river after she died on his operating table back to city police for further investigation. The decision was announced at the hearing into the case yesterday. The doctor, Nguyen Manh Tuong, 40, was accused of violating regulations on examination and treatment and infringing procedures governing human remains. Tuong was said to have been working at his own at Cat Tuong cosmetic surgery centre when the patient died on the operating table from complications during breast -enhancement surgery. Tuong allegedly carried the woman's body to his car, before disposing of it at midnight. He then went to work at Bach Mai hospital on the following day as normal. According to the indictment, 30 minutes after surgery began, Le Thi Thanh Huyen, the patient, had difficulty breathing and began foaming at the mouth. Tuong gave her an injection and she appeared to recover. But at 5:45 pm, Huyen's body suddenly turned blue and her blood pressure could not be measured. Tuong put her on a respirator and gave her a cardiotonic but could not revive her. Speaking at the hearing, Tuong said he decided to take Huyen to Buu Dien (Post) Hospital, but when they reached it, too many people were at the hospital's entrance. At that time, Khanh, the salon guard, who helped Tuong put the body to his car, suggested to Tuong that they should dump the body into the The Jury Committee decided that there were several problems relating to the medical profession that needed to be made clear, and returned documents on the case to local police for more investigation. More methadone treatment centres to open in HCM City Two more methadone treatment centres will open in Methadone is used as a pain reliever in drug-addiction detoxification and maintenance programmes. Speaking at a conference on HIV/AIDS prevention, Hua Ngoc Thuan, vice chairman of the city's People's Committee, said the methadone distribution points would be located in all wards and communes. Nguyen Hoang Long, head of the Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS, said the city's methadone coverage rate among addicts was too low. According to a report from the HCM City AIDS Prevention Committee, at least 1,461 addicts out of 16,000 addicts were treated with methadone between 2011 and 2013. The existing methadone treatment centres are located in the districts of 4,6, 8, Binh Thanh, Go Vap, and Thu Duc. Long asked the city to open more centres so that he could increase the number of addicts to 5,000 by 2015. Long said that methadone treatment was a highly effective method to prevent drug relapse. The treatment has been carried out since 2008, and with a total of 94 methadone treatment centres serving 16,500 users in the country. By 2015, the centre expects to treat 80,000 drug addicts with methadone. Regional forum tackles mental health The Asia-Pacific International Research and Education Network began its first meeting at a two-day forum on mental health in Ha Noi yesterday. Organised by the universities of Ministry statistics show that nearly 15 per cent of the country's population have suffered from mental disorders at some time, such as depression, epilepsy, alcohol-use and dementia. A WHO report in 2008 said that more than 150 million people worldwide suffered from depression, 125 million were affected by alcohol-use disorders and 50 million had epilepsy. Blast victims are no longer in critical condition Three workers who were seriously burned in an accident at the Pomina 3 Steel Plant in the southern The plant's general director Do Tien Sy said that of the 10 workers who had been admitted to Three workers, namely Hoang Thanh Thinh,19; Nguyen Van Thai, 23; and Doan Le Phuong, 23, had received between 61 to 85 per cent burns. Sy stated that the company would cover all medical costs of the victims and would take care of the children of Thinh, who received the maximum burn injuries, till they reach adulthood in case he loses his ability to work. He added that the initial report about the melted scraps, which had injured the workers, was not completely correct. Solar energy system lights up flagpole on Ly Son island The Thanks to the 200 million VND (9,400 USD) system, the flag flying high on Thoi Loi Peak is now visible at night to fishermen at sea. Deputy Secretary of the HCMCYU’s Quang Ngai chapter Nguyen Hoang Hiep said the work aims to raise the youth’s awareness of their responsibility for national construction and sovereignty protection. The same day, the Quang Ngai chapter in coordination with a group of doctors from the Ho Chi Minh City Central Odonto-Maxillo-Facial Surgery (OMS) Hospital and the Cho Ray Hospital provided free check-ups and medicines for 800 local patients and donated dentist equipment worth 150 million VND (around 7,000 USD) to the Ly Son health care centre. On the occasion, the HCMCYU’s Ho Chi Minh City chapter granted 200 gifts to the poor on the island while the Quang Ngai chapter presented two houses worth 60 million VND (around 2,800 USD) to local people.- Northeastern locals optimistic about public administration The Provincial Governance and Public Administration Index (PAPI) in northeastern localities has shown positive improvements in recent years, heard a conference in northern Thai Nguyen province on April 14. PAPI is a policy tool that aims to measure the administration and governance efficiency of the State administration system in all 63 provinces and cities nationwide. The index is based on a philosophy considering citizens as the customers of public administration agencies, capable of overseeing and assessing the effectiveness of local governance and public administration. According to a report carried out in In the northeastern provinces, the attitude, responsibility and levels of administrative officials when solving relevant issues have drawn the most public attention. The northeastern region is comprised of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen provinces.- Tuyen Quang finances home building The Chairman of the Tan Trao commune People’s Committee – which manages the village - Nguyen Van Hoa said locals will receive a maximum funding of 200 million VND (9,500 USD) to build new houses while 100 million VND (4,700 USD) will be used for repair work. The communal authorities will closely watch over the disbursement to ensure that the package will reach the hands of families in need. According to the committee, proceeds raised from the public for the endeavour has amounted to 2 billion VND (90,000 USD). Eleven households have been chosen to benefit from the scheme. Recognised as a special national relic in 2012, Tan Trao was once a revolutionary base and the capital of liberated zone during the resistance war against the French colonialists. Many historical decisions were made at the site, leading to the success of the 1945 August Revolution. Online bridge management system urged to be used nationwide The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) has been asked to soon complete and apply the online bridge management system in all localities nationwide by the third quarter of 2014. The Vietnamese Bridge Management System (VBMS) software is part of the transport sector’s credit project on improving the national road network, which uses the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s fund for the bridge management system from 2005. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong said that the software will help road managers monitor conditions of each bridge so that they can promptly put forth maintenance plans. More than 4,000 bridges across the nation will be kept a close watch by the system. Widespread effort needed to provide jobs for disabled workers Providing vocational training and creating jobs for persons with disabilities (PWDs) requires collaboration among authorities at all levels and the whole society, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) Nguyen Trong Dam has noted. At present, there are some 6.7 million disabled people in In 2013, about 80,000 PWDs gained vocational skills in jobs suitable for their health, such as spa servces, animal husbandry, mushroom cultivation, carpentry, and making clothes and bamboo products. Over the period, chapters of the Vietnam Association for the Support of Disabled People and Orphans gave training to 2,900 PWDs and provided jobs for 1,100 of them. The association opened 33 training courses in 16 provinces such as southern Binh Duong, central Ha Tinh and northern Bac Giang. Nearly 800 PWDs in Hung Yen, Ha Meanwhile, many organisations and businesses have employed PWDs. For example, the Customs Sub-Department of District 1 in According to MOLISA’s General Department of Vocational Training, around 1.5 million people in Tran Quang Dung, Chairman of the Association of PWDs in the Additionally, they are mostly equipped with handicraft-making skills, while those with more advanced capacity struggle to find workplaces with suitable facilities. A prejudiced attitude of businesses towards the group is also deemed as a barrier to PWDs’ access to vocational training, Dung added. Chairman of the Vietnam Association for the Support of Disabled People and Orphans Nguyen Dinh Lieu said that by now society should know well that PWDs are as capable of working as well as able-bodied people can. He added that providing the group with professional skills is an important mission for managerial agencies and social organisations. Many of Da Nang’s senior high schools have organised meaningful activities to help their pupils to thoroughly understand issues relating to the East Sea, especially to Viet n am’s sacred sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos , a local newspaper reported. According to the Da Nang Today online, a large number of the pupils have visited exhibitions at the Some staff members from the museum’s Division of Foreign Relations said that they were very surprised by the local pupils’ excellent knowledge of the historical, economic and geopolitical values of these archipelagos. At a recent exhibition, a female pupil from the It was assumed that this student must have read many documents about the current situation of Viet n am’s sea and islands in the context of the increasing number of landlocked and sea-locked countries around the world paying special attention to sea-related issues. Clubs “I Love History” have been opened at many local senior high schools. One hundred members of the T hanks to the numerous exhibitions and talks, local pupils now understand more about the sea-related issues. This will encourage a deep sense of love for the country’s sea and islands, as well as the national territorial integrity. World-famous diplomats, including late President Ho Chi Minh, who led The event saw the participation of representatives from the embassies of Asian, African and In his opening speech at the conference, Vietnamese Charge d’Affaires a.i. to Egypt Nguyen Hong Son briefed participants on the stages of the Vietnamese revolution, including the event when President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence 69 years ago, to establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first people’s democratic state in Southeast Asia, which is now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam . Son, one of the five key speakers, highlighted the major points of Ho Chi Minh’s diplomacy, which is built upon several principles such as steadfastness in goal, a flexible strategy, good understanding of the other side, establishing alliance to isolate the main rival, and pursuing the policy of national independence in connection with international solidarity and cooperation. The President of the Organisation of Egypt and the World, Magdy Morgan and key speakers from Int’l ophthalmology seminar in Hue More than 200 domestic and foreign ophthalmologists are attending a symposium on ophthalmology in the central Thua Thien-Hue province’s The biennial event, the fifth of its kind in the imperial The hospital’s Director Bui Duc Phu said the symposium was first held in the hospital during the Hue Festival in 2006 with the assistance from the The seminar covers a number of thematic issues such as glaucoma, eye treatment and surgery, giving ophthalmologists a chance to get updated on eye diseases and treatments. According to the Vietnam Ophthalmological Society (VOS) and the Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology, the number of Vietnamese people suffering from blindness now accounts for 3.1% of the total population, while 15-40% of the population including about 3 million children, have refractive eye disorders. The ophthalmological sector is intent on reducing the rate of blind people aged over 50 to 2.35% by 2019 and establish eye care centres for children. Local doctors get diabetes training As many as 1,500 doctors nationwide are benefiting from an international diabetes training programme which opened in Under the 2014-2016 programme, 30 local doctors have been sent to the US in 2014 to be updated on the latest treatment for the condition, which has been growing rapidly more common both domestically and globally in recent years as a main result of unhealthy lifestyles and lack of physical activities. According to Deputy Health Minister Le Thi Xuyen, the proportion of diabetes in the 30-69 age range accounts for nearly 5.7 percent of the total national population, while the rate of people suffering from blood sugar disorders was estimated at 12.8 percent. The Health Ministry has submitted to the Government an anti-diabetes project which is expected to be added to the national health target. The project has provided free health check-ups and consultation for people who are prone to the disease and nutrition care for the patients. Medical staffare also being trained to better treat the disease. Statistics by the International Diabetes Federation have shown that about 371 million people around the world are suffering from diabetes and another 280 million are in risk of getting the condition. The number of patients killed by diabetes is estimated to double by 2030 if no adequate solutions are applied, the association warned. Education Minister in Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan on April 14 met his Singaporean counterpart HengSweeKeat to discuss the operations of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), as well as ways to foster bilateral cooperation in education. Luan, who is President of the SEAMEO Council for the 2013-2015 tenure, is visiting During the meeting, the two ministers talked of a number of SEAMEO’s multilateral operations, such as a post-2015 education agenda for Minister Luan highly valued the support of the Singaporean Government and its Ministry for Education in facilitating the operational efficiency of the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (SEAMEO REL) in Within the framework of the education agreement between the Vietnamese and Singaporean Ministries of Education signed on April 25, 2007, the Singaporean side has assisted By the end of 2011, as many as 10 training course has been organised for 300 Vietnamese teachers. The Minister proposed that Singapore continue helping train English teachers for Vietnam, and holding more conferences to share the country’s experience with Vietnamese experts and lecturers in the fields of biotechnology, logistics, e-commerce and university and college management. Minister Luan also affirmed that HengSweeKeat said he believes that the Vietnam-Singapore close education partnership will continue playing an important role in the development of bilateral ties between the two countries. The same day, the Vietnamese Minister also visited the Crescent Girls’ School, one of the 13 excellent-rated schools in SEAMEO, a trans-governmental organisation in SEAMEO has 20 regional centres and a network to conduct its research and training programmes in different areas including education, science and culture. A Government inspection delegation led by General Inspector Huynh Phong Tranh began a working visit to relevant Russian agencies on April 14. The visit aims to share anti-corruption experience and seek coordination with relevant Russian agencies in preventing, detecting and handling corrupt acts. The delegation will also negotiate with the Russian Presidential Office’s Anti-Corruption Bureau on the signing of a cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two agencies. On the morning of April 14, Vietnamese inspectors met with representatives from the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office headed by the first deputy prosecutor, Aleksander Buksman. Buksman highlighted the delegation’s visit as a contribution to enhancing Vietnam-Russian cooperative relations, while General Inspector Phong Tranh briefed his Russian host about the functions and anti-corruption tasks of Vietnamese government inspectors. Both sides also discussed measures to strengthen anti-corruption cooperation in the future. As scheduled, the delegation will meet for talks with representatives from Russian audit agencies, the Supreme Court of the The Asia-Pacific Research and training network forum on mental health opened in Hanoi on April 14, attended by 45 delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Thailand and China. Health Deputy Minister Nguyen Viet Tien introduced the organisation of the forum and emphasized that the event lays foundations to establish a network of regional cooperation in service and research and training, to improve living conditions of people with mental illness. Tien said that a lack of scientific research and information on mental health is a hurdle in establishing and implementing policies, laws and plans on mental health. In order to fulfill targets in the global action plan on mental health in the 2013-2020 period, it is extremely necessary to improve research and provide evidence on mental health. Tien stressed that strengthening mental health is a long-term strategic task which requires the full commitment, support and determination from both local and worldwide governments and organisations. With technical assistance from the Universities of Rochester and According to the WHO, in 2008, there were over 150 million people diagnosed with depression, over 125 million affected by the use of alcohol, 40 million suffering with epilepsy and 24 million classified as mentally ill. Around 14.9% of Vietnamese population has demonstrated signs of mental illness. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Angelet Bruno have signed a specific agreement for the project “Capacity Development for the Planning Reform (CDPR)”, with a total budget of 4.3 million euros. The project aims to improve the preparation and implementation of a socio-economic development plan through improved planning and budgeting for pro-poor and pro-growth policies and interventions. It will focus on strengthening the capacity of central level, provincial and selected local authorities and, monitoring and evaluating plans and budget estimation through an improved legal framework and training of trainers. Under the project, selected central ministries and key planning staff at provincial level will have the opportunity to learn and share information on international planning experiences and best practices, as well as more in depth capacity building activities for selected sub provincial authorities. The project will last four years and the Ministry of Planning and Investment will be responsible for the implementation and management of the project. Course improves rhino horn awareness A training course to raise awareness of women and business people of the threat to rhino’s existence posed by the demand for the animal’s horn has been held recently in Organised by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) management agency in Vietnam, the municipal Women’s Union and the Business and Integration Magazine, the event saw the participation of more than 500 women’s union activists and representatives from over 50 businesses in the city. Participants were provided with information on the situation of rhino population in Like in many other countries in However, scientific studies show that the rhino horn has no medical properties because it is composed of mainly keratine substance, which is similar to human nail’s composition. According to the Wildlife Department under the Humane Society International, since the beginning of 2013, at least 746 rhinos have been killed for their horns in The last rhino in Villagers up in arms over cement plant pollution Hundreds of households in Noise and dust from the Ang Son II Cement Plant have prompted many locals in "My husband died from cancer, all four of my grandchildren are also sick all the time and one died from cancer when he was five," a local said. On April 2 about 100 people gathered and tried to block the way to the plant. The trucks that carry materials to the plant have also been blamed for ruining the road. A representative of the Ang Son II Cement Plant said they signed a contract with transport company and so were not directly responsible for damaged roads or air pollution from the trucks. Recently, the company held a talk and promised to fix the pollution problem. "We have asked the transport company to cover their cargo and refrain from honking at lunchtime and at night," said Bui Quang Huy, head of Office for Organisation and Administration. Pham Ngoc Vu, Deputy Director of the plant, said they did everything they could to prevent pollution, such as using water trucks, planting trees and deploying street cleaning teams. "The factory does not emit smoke or dust. We're also a victim in this case, we have proposed many times that local authorities build a new resettlement area for community." In response, the households said they have pictures showing the plant emitting smoke and dust. They said the water trucks are just for show and that trucks operate from 10pm to 5am, violating their agreement. Currently, due to a limited budget, the authorities still cannot provide a new resettlement area. The Quang Binh Province People's Committee admitted that there is severe pollution; they have not yet implemented any solutions but have promised to try to relocate the households. Wild swallows hunted for food Thousands of swallows are trapped and killed daily by residents in a coastal village in the central This is the season in which swallows migrate to places like Many bird hunters in the village have set up traps in the bamboo and trees where the swallows fly. Swallow hunters range from the young to the old, men to women. These birds, known in A swallow trap made with dried bamboo Many swallow hunters have chosen a strip of sand inside the Thach Khe iron mining project to set up traps. Some swallow trappers said they have seen an increased number of swallows this year due to warm weather and an abundance of insects in the coastal areas. On average, thousands of swallows are caught and killed each day in the village. The practice is also popular in several other localities in the central region of Lax management allows for illegal online games Lax management in the online game business in In March 2014, inspectors from the Ministry of Information and Communications and the police became aware of certain cases in which a number of companies in The HCM City-based Afoo Ltd. Co. allegedly issued illegal games for a Chinese firm called Lemon Game Company. Between September 2012 and May 2013, Afoo’s director was a Vietnamese national named Le Ngoc Anh Tue. The current the director is named Yang Zhuo and is Chinese. Yang is also a representative of Lemon Game Company. Tue said that Afoo Ltd. Co. was really managed by Yang and that he is just a puppet. In Chinese companies normally pay their Vietnamese partners 22%-22% of their total revenues for the game in the local market. In 2010, following public pressure over social evils caused by online games, the Ministry of Information and Communications halted the licenses for this business. This has caused difficulties for local game companies such as FPT, VDC and VNG-Vinagame, but has given plenty of opportunities to foreign companies and those who sell illegal games. At a meeting on online games held last year, experts and managers proposed the re-licensing local game companies, which they hoped would restrict the illegal games. The government issued regulations saying that online games are expected to have some kind of legal framework under which to work so that the domestic industry could survive. However, to date, a guiding circular to that end has not been issued. As a result, local game providers have not yet been allowed to issue games. VNA/VNN/VNS/SGGP/VOV |
↧
Article 21
↧
↧
Article 20
Legal Advice: Rights of investors in Investors in  - Right to select investment sectors, forms of investment, methods of raising capital, location, scale, co-investors and operation duration of such investment project in accordance with current regulations and local planning schemes; - Right to register one or more business sectors; to establish an enterprise; and to have authority over the registered investment/business activities. - For conditional investment sectors, investors shall have autonomy in investment/business activities once they satisfy the conditions regulated by laws. 1. Rights to access and use investment resources: - Investors have the right to equally access and use credit capital, support funds, land, and natural resources; - Right to equally rent or purchase domestic and foreign-manufactured equipment or machines needed for investment projects. - Right to recruit domestic employees; recruit foreign employees as managers, technical labor, or experts on demand in accordance with the law. - Salary of employees must be at least the minimum wage as stipulated by labor laws. 2. Rights to import/export, to market/advertise, and to process/re-process goods relating to investment activities: - Right to import directly (or through an authorized agent/distributor) equipment, machines, supplies, materials, and goods needed for investment activities; to export directly (or through an authorized agent/distributor) and to consume products. - Right to market/advertise products and services. - Right to undertake product processing/reprocessing activities; to place orders for domestic product processing/reprocessing; or to place orders for overseas product processing in accordance with laws. 3. Right to assign, adjust capital or investment projects: Investors have the right to assign, adjust capital or investment projects. However, they are required to meet certain conditions in cases regulated by law. 4. Right to mortgage land use rights and assets attached to land: Investors are permitted to mortgage land use rights and its attached assets to credit institutions authorized to operate in 5. Right to purchase foreign currency: Investors are entitled to purchase foreign currency from authorized credit institutions for current transactions, capital transactions and other transactions in accordance with laws on foreign exchange management. 6. Other rights: - Right to receive investment incentives as stipulated by law. - Right to access and use public services based on the principle of non-discrimination. - Right to have access to legal instruments and policies relating to investment, to the national economy and each economic sector’s data, and to other relevant eco-social information relating to investment activities; right to give feedback on laws and policies relating to investment. - Right to lodge complaints, to accuse or to file a lawsuit against individuals or organizations breaching the laws relating to investment. PLF – LAW FIRM |
↧
Article 19
“Co” – a special job in From birth until death, Vietnamese continually find themselves at the mercy of all sorts of clever and unscrupulous "co", a word which can be roughly translated as “middleman”. They must pay middlemen to approach healthcare services, to complete vehicle registration, to buy a house, to apply for a job and even to find a plot of land for their dead. Estate middlemen  Many families in To pay the school fees for his two children, both university students, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh put up for sale a 100m2 plot of land located in the central In the afternoon, Thanh paid a visit to his lot. In place of his advertising signboard, he discovered another that read: “Selling land, please contact Mr. Hung". Thanh then got his neighbor to agree to post the ad on the wall of his house. After one night, the wall was re-painted with new advertising content, again with the name and the phone number of a certain Mr. Hung. Thanh eventually came to realize that he could not fight this middleman, and agreed to sell Hung the land for VND575 million. Shortly thereafter, Hung sold the property to another party, earning himself a handsome and very easy VND65 million ($3,400) profit. According to real estate speculators in Phu Yen, the most famous real estate middleman is Sau T. All estate-related administrative problems can be solved by this man, who is said to have close relations with local officials. Mrs. Bui Thi Van Anh, Vice Chair of Ward 9, According to the inspection team of administrative procedures of the central Middlemen for vehicle registration services There are many middlemen for vehicle registration services who hang around the registration centers in It’s quite easy to get a number plate with “lucky numbers” like 39, 79 or 68 for a new motorcycle or car, despite the fact that the registration numbers are randomly selected on computers. You need only pay VND3-4 million ($150-200) to a middleman. “Nice tomb you got there… Shame if something happened to it.” Not only selling cemetery land, “co” also offer tomb building services at very high prices. People are forced to use the services of “co”, otherwise the tombs of their relatives will end up "mysteriously" desecrated. “Co” at hospitals “Co” blatantly entice and cheat patients at the gates of major hospitals in There are dozens of “co” at the To see the doctor early, without having to queue and wait for hours, patients are told to pay several US dollars of commission to a middleman and $15 as examination fees to the doctors. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hiep, the hospital’s Deputy Director, admits that some doctors conspire with middlemen to invite patients to their private clinics. At some hospitals, many patients are willing to pay $5-15 to middlemen to get the first number cards to see the doctors. To get those cards, middlemen queue up early on behalf of the patients, or take cards from hospital officers with whom they are in cahoots. NLD |
↧
Article 18
SBV circular sets restrictions for credit institution ‘families'
HA NOI (VNS) - The total credit limit granted to founding shareholders, major shareholders, family members and related parties must not exceed 5 per cent of the charter capital of a credit institution. This is stated in the draft of a new circular issued by the State Bank of Credit limit for major shareholders and their family members also must not exceed their face-value-based capital contribution to banks. The draft also restricts credit institutions from granting privileged loans without collaterals to auditing companies, auditors, chef accountants and major shareholders. Such loans can also not be granted to founding shareholders, subsidiaries, companies or to those who bear certain relations with banks. Regarding such lending plans, credit institutions must report to shareholders, owners and the central bank. In another attempt to solve the illusion of bank capital and improve the transparency of capital flows, the draft requires credit institutions to report actual charter capital every six months. The actual charter capital is determined after taking out risk provision funds and calculating all income and spending. If the value of actual charter capital is lower than legislative capital, banks must seek solutions and report to the central bank. If actual charter capital falls under 80 per cent of legislative capital, the State Bank will apply some measures to restrict operations of the banks. In fact, cross-shareholding issues have complicated the process of restructuring the vulnerable banking system. The entire system had been on the verge of a crisis following many years of excessive credit growth and easy lending to state corporations along with cross-shareholding issues. Financial reform is one of the three pillars in a programme of economic restructuring that |
↧
Article 17
Deputy PM orders best conditions for measles patients A nurse is taking care of the patients (Photo: VNA) Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has asked the health sector to ensure the sufficiency of medicine and equipment for the treatment of measles patients. “It must ensure the best conditions for treating child patients at any cost,” the Deputy PM said during his inspection of the Vietnam National Hospital of Paediatrics in According to the hospital, it now provides inpatient treatment for 1,750 children, including 250 measles patients. The hospital has dedicated several departments to providing the best treatment for them. Deputy PM Dam also asked the Ministry of Health to organise satellite hospitals and provide them with personnel and equipment to ease the overcrowding at the children’s hospital, while strictly carrying out vaccination work. The hospital said overcrowding takes place because parents want their children to receive treatment at the highest-level medical establishments. Tran Dac Phu, head of the ministry’s Preventive Health Department, recommended that parents bring children to grassroots hospitals if they show any symptom of measles. Some 2,490 children have been diagnosed with the disease so far this year and 25 fatalities reported. Measles is a cyclical disease, Phu noted, adding that this year measles is spreading at a time when pneumonia hospitalisations are also on the rise, causing a high number of serious patients. He affirmed that no modified gene or change in toxicity of the measles virus have been revealed in research conducted by the ministry or the World Health Organisation. A programme on vaccination against measles is being carried out in all the 63 provinces and cities and is expected to be completed within this month, Phu said. The ministry is continuing to monitor developments of the disease to provide timely information for people and introduce preventive measures in the hope of keeping the disease under control nationwide, he added. |
↧
↧
Article 16
Political News Headlines 16/4 Deputy PM encourages Vietnam-US environment cooperation The environment protection agencies of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the proposal while receiving Gina McCarthy, administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency in Both sides need to increase joint research to seek ways of overcoming the harmful effects of Agent Orange/dioxin on people’s health and the environment in Phuc also encouraged the two countries to boost cooperation in climate change adaptation and exchange expertise in environment management. He acknowledged the positive development of Vietnam-US relations, especially after the two countries upgraded their relations to a level of comprehensive partnership in 2013. He also thanked the Gina McCarthy applauded Trong lauded recent positive developments in Vietnam-Morocco relations and expressed hope both countries will introduce appropriate incentives to encourage the two business circles to expand cooperation in various areas, especially in economics, investment and trade. He congratulated sound achievements He said he believes with people’s strong support and efforts by political parties in For his part, Benabdallah briefed his host on major developments in He hailed He invited the CPV to attend the 9th national congress of the PPS to be held in June 2014. Earlier the same day, the PPS delegation held talks with a CPV delegation led by Hoang Binh Quan, a Party Central Committee member and head of the Party Commission for Foreign Relations. Both sides agreed to increase exchange visits and cooperate closely at regional and international forums. German Parliament Vice President visits Vietnam The German Parliament always values its relations with Minh, who also acts as Deputy Prime Minister, said he is delighted at the fine development of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership across all fields. Valuing He praised The two sides also agreed to closely coordinate in organising activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2015, as well as implementing key projects between the two countries, including the metro line No. 2 in The same day, the German guest attended an international conference on the peace keeping mission, jointly held by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung is leading a Vietnamese delegation at the first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for Effective Development Cooperation that opened in The meeting is being attended by more than 1,500 delegates from 130 countries, as well as leaders of multi-lateral organisations including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Director General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Jose Angle Gurria. During the two-day event, participants focus on five main topics, including a review of the progress made since the lower-level meeting in Busan, the They also discuss the cooperation among countries with medium incomes and the role that the private sector can play in development. The meeting is of significance to the host country of Sunwah expects long-term investment in Vietnam Sunwah Group President Jonathan Choi made the proposal at an April 15 reception in Choi told Phuc that his group will expand investment in its potential areas, especially real estate in Choi, who is also President of Sunwah Foundation, assured his host that the group will continue to grant scholarships to university students to pursue their studies in the country. He said over the years Sunwah has participated in many charitable activities to support disadvantaged people and finance education, healthcare, and fine arts projects, as well as granting scholarships to students. Sunwah Foundation recently completed building Ulis-Sunwah Chinese Language Centre at For his part, Deputy PM Phuc praised Sunwah’s effective investment in real estate, fine arts, culture, education and training in He expressed hope the Hong Kong group will make a greater contribution to Vietnam attends Asian defence exhibition in Malaysia On display are a selection of the world’s leading defence technologies and equipment, including air defence systems to protect coastal areas and land territory, first aid services and products, training systems, and common security solutions. Turkey, the US, China and the Republic of Korea are showcasing hundreds of products and services, ranging from aircraft, warships, armoured vehicles, missiles, tanks, ammunition, and military equipment. There is a special designated zone for ASEAN countries to introduce their defence success and advances. While attending the exhibition, the Vietnamese delegation also took part in a Putrajaya forum on strengthening security and stability in the region. Participants stressed the importance of international cooperation, and the sharing of information and experience among law enforcement forces. Major general Pham Quang Cu, Deputy Head of the General Department of Logistics and Techniques, shared Vietnam’s experience in ensuring security and fighting against trans-national crime, human trafficking, terrorism and illegal immigration. The DSA is expected to attract around 27,000 visitors, including defence ministers, military commanders, policemen and delegates from around the world. NA deputies discuss their responsibilities Deputies of the National Assembly Standing Committee agreed at their 27th working session yesterday that the position of NA delegations should be made clear so that members could actively fulfill their roles in making laws and receiving inquiries from local voters. According to a new regulation in the draft amended Law on National Assembly Organisation, the public can attend public working sessions of the NA. However, some deputies said that people should only observe these sessions to ensure order and quality. Regarding the structure of the Council of Ethnic Affairs, some deputies suggested that all or most members of the council must be full-time deputies. "We need to look at the structure of the council again to ensure it is the voice of all ethnic minorities, and we also need to increase the number of ethnic minority deputies in People's Councils," said Ksor Phuoc, chairman of the NA Council of Ethnic Affairs. He also suggested that the council be allowed to examine all ethnic affairs policies and relevant projects. Deputies also discussed the regulation on the number of full-time deputies. Some deputies said the number of deputies should be increased to 45 or 50 per cent of NA deputies. Yet the draft committee asked for the number to be kept at 35 per cent to ensure the quality of these deputies' activities. Regarding the title of the Chairman of the National Assembly Office, some deputies said it should be replaced by the title "General Secretary of the National Assembly Office" and the Vice-chairman's title be replaced with "Member of the NA Secretariat". As the NA Standing Committee's 27th session began its second day, comments focused on revisions to the draft public security law. Members were interested in regulations governing public security officers, particularly at lower levels, and the hierarchy of their agencies. They discussed which positions should be prioritised for active duty if combat situations should arrive, adding that order and promotion procedures should follow the constitution. Participants also debated the legal status of commune-level public security forces and vowed to create favourable legal conditions for them to fulfill their tasks. Addressing the meeting, NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said the bill should ensure the unity of legal documents, meet the demands of national security and defence and maintain the country's social safety. He also noted that all relevant agencies must review communal public security guidelines and said the law should explain that ceiling ranks would be enforced for each position. The Standing Committee will give its comments on the revised law to officers of the people's army today. — Amendements to Law on Enterprises discussed The amended Law on Enterprises planned to submit to the upcoming session of the National Assembly will have some important changes including business registration, according to the Authority of Foreign Information Service. At the seminar on the amended Law on Enterprises held by the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM) in Hanoi on April 10, Nguyen Dinh Cung, Head of the CIEM said one of the most important changes in the amended Law on Enterprises this time is "fundamental change in business registration.” In the time to come, enterprises will really be allowed to do what the law does not prohibit. Cung said the new Law is certainly to create favourable conditions to boost the establishment of new enterprises but he did not expect a “boom” for this purpose. According to Phan Duc Hieu, Deputy Head of the Business Environment and Competitiveness Board of the CIEM , the goal of this amendment is to “enhance the attraction and further mobilisation of all sources of capital and resources for production and business.” Specifically, the law will create favourable conditions for the establishment of enterprises, especially for foreign investors; reduce the costs for the governing organisation of enterprises and restructuring of enterprises; guarantee better the rights and legal interests of investors, shareholders and members of enterprises and reduce the costs when enterprises and investors withdraw from the market. Basically, the law maintains the structure of the current Law on Enterprises, but there are a lot of changes in its content. The amended law has 9 chapters, 222 articles. Lawyer Cao Ba Khoat, one of the leading experts in business environment in Party Secretariat calls for stronger leadership to prevent drug crime The Secretariat of the Party Central Committee has required Party organisations at all levels and local authorities and organisations across the country to intensify their leadership of efforts to prevent drug crimes in line with the Politburo’s Instructive No. 21/CT/TW. Under a recently issued statement, the Secretariat said it is necessary to consider drug prevention as a key and urgent task that need to be implemented with the involvement of the whole political system and people. The document also highlighted the need for Party organisations at all levels to give clear and stringent directions to achieve the aims set forth in the National Drug Control Strategy in Meanwhile, the National Assembly, people’s councils at all levels and socio-political organisations have been urged to enhance their supervision of this work. Campaigns to raise awareness of the harmful effects of drugs, especially synthetic drugs and addictive substances, also need to be further enhanced, the statement said. It added that these should predominantly target high-risk groups, including youngsters, students and people in remote areas. In addition, the quality of detoxification centres should be improved, while expanding community-based rehabilitation models and consulting services to support addict s and rolling out methadone therapy to drug users. Efforts to prevent drug smuggling into The statement concluded that will continue to improve its legal system on drug prevention and mobilise forces to fight illicit drug abuse and trafficking. Vietnam will also focus on promoting cooperation with countries that share border lines, those with experience in responding to drug production and supply and international and non-governmental organisations, as it looks to combat drug-related crimes.- Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VNN |
↧
Article 15
Art & Entertainment News Headlines 16/4 New heritage tree in central Quang Ngai  A 300-year-old banyan in Nghia Hanh district of central Quang Ngai province has been recognised as a Vietnam Heritage Tree, the second granted with the title in the locality. A ceremony was held on April 15 to mark the event. The tree, which is 25 meters in height and 20 meters in diameter was planted at the Lam Son communal house before King Le Hien Tong’s reign (1740-1786). According to village elderly, surviving wars and natural calamities through decades, especially the fierce storms in 1910 and 1944, the banyan has developed well thanks to the villagers’ care. The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) launched a programme to conserve Vietnam Heritage Trees in 2011. To win the honour, the trees must be at least 200 years old in the case of wild trees, and at least 100 years for those planted. Moreover, the trees should be connected with historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow. Others, which do not meet the aforesaid criteria yet have special values in science, history or culture, will be recognised as heritage. Nearly 500 trees have been named Vietnam Heritage Tree so far.- A "Reading Day" is scheduled for April 19 in At the five-day event at the city's Youth Cultural House, 14 major publishers and distributors, including Tre (Youth) Publishing House, Tong Hop (General) Publishing House and the HCM City Book Distribution Company (FAHASA) will provide their latest books for free for visitors to read. There will be discussions on reading habits and skills featuring speakers such as journalist Ba Nha and writers Le Quang Minh and Nhat Chieu. In addition, talk shows will be held, as well as an exhibition of books about the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) islands and the military victory over the French – the battle of At the event, the HCM City Youth Union will conduct a one-year survey to discover the top 100 books that young people like best. Le Thai Hy, director of the city's Department of Information and Communications, said the event would be the first in a series of activities to develop the reading habit. Summer book fair held at museum Some 4,500 books will be launched at a summer book fair at the The books cover various topics, including politics, history, literature and economics, as well as topics related to foreign languages, sciences and housework tips. The fair will launch a movement to collect books for Women and the Family Bookshelf for the benefit of women living in remote regions. The public will get the chance to meet noted authors and translators such as Do Bich Thuy, Nguyen Bich Lan and Phong Diep. At the fair, in addition to promoting the sale of books at prices between VND5,000 and VND35,000 per copy, sales discounts between 20 and 50 per cent will be offered for all titles. Various games and talk shows will be conducted at the fair, including a workshop for parents titled "We Are Friends, My Children," at 2.30pm, April 19. The fair, which has been co-organised by the Viet Nam Women Museum, Women Publishing House and Kim Dong Publishing House, is being held to promote Viet Nam's Book Day (April 21) and the World Book and Copyright Day (April 23). The fair is open to the public between 8am and 9pm, April 16 – 20, at Beauty of Ao Dai shines at Hue Festival The elegance and beauty of Vietnamese women garbed in the nation’s traditional long dress (Ao Dai) was featured at a fashion show on April 14 as part of the 2014 Hue Festival. The graceful show left deep impressions on audiences as 100 models took to the stage to present 600 Ao Dai designs. With the theme “The world in Using their own creativeness, Ao Dai designers created beautiful images of Vietnamese traditional costume and showed aesthetic value of Vietnamese people. 2014 More than 97,000 domestic and foreign holiday-makers have flocked to the central The information was revealed by Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ngo Hoa at a press conference on April 15. Preliminary statistics showed that citizens from as many as 103 countries travelled to the festival, of which the number of French tourists accounted for the highest rate with 7,263 people, followed by Thai with 6,271. A wide range of community culture activities, fairs and exhibitions are being held everywhere in the locality. From April 15-18, the festival will continue with events such as a “Royal Palace Night”, another programme to honour The Hue Festival is held every two years to honour unique cultural and historical values of This year’s festival, the eighth of its kind, has a theme of “Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development”, and is forming part of the East Asian-Latin American Cultural Exchange Forum held by Thousands flock to enjoy vibrant Hue Festival A series of diverse performances have been taking place at the ongoing Festival Hue 2014 – the biggest and most eclectic cultural event in the central The “Dem Hoang Cung” (Royal Night) event, one of the highlights of the festival, took place on April 15 on an evening packed with music, dancing, games and cuisine once favoured by Visitors were taken back in time for some lively scenes, including a royal feast and a changing of the guard ceremony. They were also offered the chance to see historical remnants from the royal era, including the imperial autographs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings. Meanwhile, a “Dem Phuong Dong” (Oriental Night) event celebrating the beauty, glamour and distinctive characteristics of many Asian countries’ costumes was held on the same evening in Taking part were designers from 11 countries, including Earlier in the day, an Asian food festival was held in According to Nguyen Van Tuan, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the event helped promote the host country’s culinary tradition and improved tourism links between participating nations. The festival, which will run until April 20, has also offered performances from artistic troupes hailing from all around the world – from Japanese drum performances to Belgian stilt walking demonstrations. More than 97,000 holiday-makers have flocked to the central The number of French tourists accounted for the highest rate, with 7,263 people, followed by 6,271 from Tuyen Quang strives to preserve ethnic folk singing The northern mountainous The unique singing style can be performed in daily activities or during wedding ceremonies and festivals. People need to be quick-minded and have a wide knowledge to create repartees when practicing the singing. San Diu people make up some 1.4 percent (over 10,000 people) of Tuyen Quang’s population. However, in Ninh Lai, Thien Ke and Son To cope with such a problem, Tuyen Quang has encouraged its localities to set up teams of local singers while collecting materials about the practice to increase its popularity. The province has also organised regular Soong co singing programmes in its communes to nurture the custom, which it hopes to be recognised as intangible national heritage. Director of the provincial department Nguyen Viet Thanh said Tuyen Quang is compiling a dossier to be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism seeking the accolade. At present, Tuyen Quang has four pieces of heritage listed as national treasures: The Then singing and Long Tong (Field Work) Festival of Tay people and the Pao dung singing and Cap sac (coming of age) ritual of Dao people. Cultural activities mark A wide range of cultural activities have been arranged across the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the In The series features articles by Vietnamese and international historians, researchers, writers and journalists. At the Exhibition House of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, A CD featuring 12 songs, with lyrics written by three military poets Le Nguyen, Anh Ngoc and Doan Hoai Trung and music by female composer Quynh Hop, will be released this week. In Dien Bien, an incense-offering ceremony will be held on May 7 at the A1 Hill Martyrs Cemetery for which representatives from the provincial People's Committee; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of National Defence; and the Ministry of Public Security will participate. In 1954, A1 Hill played an important role in controlling the whole battle of Following the ceremony, the armed forces will march at the city's stadium and other main streets. A ceremony for naming a main street and a square in the memory of Vo Nguyen Giap – the legendary general who led the Vietnamese army to a glorious victory on May 7, 1954 – will be held on May 7, 2014. In the evening, a special art performance titled Dien Bien Phu – Ban Hung Ca Bat Diet ( Source: VNS/VNN/VOV/VNA |
↧
Article 14
Swiss back VN business reforms
HA NOI (VNS) - Switzerland yesterday announced its continued support for a partnership between the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for reforming the country's business environment, saying it would provide US$4.75 million. The four-year (2014-18) MPI -UNIDO project for "Expansion of National Business Registration System (NBRS)" to new commercial entities is expected to cost $5.45 million. In 2008-13 the project was funded by the MPI, NBRS is being used for single-point, fully-computerised services for business, tax, customs, statistics, and public-security registration of firms in 63 provinces. As a result, online enterprise registration and enterprise information services, covering the records of over 864,596 enterprises and subordinate units registered under the Enterprise Law and 164,000 annual financial statements of shareholding companies, are available through the National Business Registration Portal at www.businessregistration.gov.vn. The average registration time has decreased from 15 days in 2008 to only 3.5 days as of last year. According to the International Finance Corporation's estimates, companies registering for the first time have been saving around $4 million a year and these savings nearly double when enterprise record amendment services are also considered. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dang Huy Dong said: "Business registration reform to date has not only reduced the cost and time for registration nation-wide, but also demonstrated that client-friendly and efficient public sector services benefit the development of the private sector. Miroslav Delaporte, country representative of He added that the expansion would further help the private sector by improving transparency and reducing the risks of doing business in Nilgun Tas, chief of the Competitiveness, Business Environment and Upgrading Unit and deputy to the director of the Business, Investment and Technology Services Branch at UNIDO, said: "The private sector will not only gain access to efficient services of NBRS, but also benefit from more appropriate enterprise supporting policies, designed and implemented based on the full picture of all commercial entities operating in Viet Nam. "There is also great potential to link the NBRS with additional public services, for example, with social insurance, secured transactions, trademark, and patenting services, among many others and as such to expand this e-Government initiative wider." - VNS |
↧
Article 13
Vietnam-Russian strategic partnership growing steadily (VOV) - The Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has seen positive developments, delivering practical benefits to both nations. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Russian Foreign Sergei Lavrov have agreed upon the flourishing partnership during their talks in On politics-diplomacy, the two sides have maintained mechanisms for regular mutual consultation and exchange visits. Last year’s two-way trade hit nearly US$4 billion while remarkable progress has been seen in energy cooperation, national defense and security, culture, education and tourism.
However, the trade value still remains modest compared to the two countries’ potential as it only accounts for approximately 1% of During the talks, the two FMs discussed measures to expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education, science and technology as well as promote coordination in the international arena. They also dilated the implementation of key projects, including the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant No. 1 and construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Concerning regional and international situation, Deputy PM Minh voiced his belief that FM Minh called for practical, transparent and responsible engagement of big countries in the region including In 2015, For his part, Russian FM Lavro commended both nations’ joint efforts to expand the bilateral ties and believed that the two-way trade will continue to grow after the free trade agreement (FTA) between Lavrow said the two countries shared the same views on many international issues, including their support for the United Nations’ crucial role in expanding the collective principle in international relations. He also said VOV |
↧
↧
Article 12
BUSINESS IN BRIEF 17/4 The World Bank (WB) has announced WB reported that overseas remittances hit US$542 billion globally last year and are expected to rise to US$581 billion in 2014 and US$681 billion in 2016. Top nine countries remained the same compared to the previous year. In 2012, In terms of remittances as a share of GDP, the top recipients were Remittances in Eastern Asian and Asia-Pacific regions were estimated to grow by 4.8% in 2013 to US$112 billion. By 2015, workers can travel freely among ASEAN countries, driving regional remittances to a projected US$148 billion in 2016. The WB forecast that global remittances will surge strongly in the short-term. Vietnam wins rice export contract to Philippines Under the contract, rice will be delivered to the The signing of the contract is expected to fuel rice prices in the Mekong Delta, The association reported as of April 13 Vietnamese businesses had exported 1.4 million tonnes out of a total of 2.7 million tonnes signed with partners. High Quality Products Expo opens in HCM City As many as 230 enterprises are showcasing their products on 700 stands at the 2014 High Quality Products Expo which opened in On display are consumer goods, food and foodstuffs, cookies, household utensils, cosmetics, clothing and fashions. The 6-day event, the 18th of its kind, is expected to attract crowds of visitors and consumers as businesses offer discounts of up to 50% and other preferences. The organisation board, the High Quality Vietnamese Product Business Association (HQVPBA), will honour 30 businesses that have won consumer trust for 18 consecutive years. Consumers have the chance to receive 18 gifts each day or enjoy a 18% discount on all items. 18 consumers will also have the chance to win valuable gifts through lucky draws on the closing ceremony on April 20. Exchanges will be held between businesses, consultants and consumers, giving advice on food hygiene and safety, and how to use household utensils effectively. The City of London offers support to Vietnam With a wealth of experience in trade and services, the City of Receiving Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh in She said she is following Deputy PM Ninh said He proposed the City of Ninh is in On April 15 he visited and worked with managers of Standard Chartered (SCB) bank who thanked the Vietnamese government for facilitating the bank’s operations and proposed additional support for its expansion in the country. SCB managers expressed hope that Ninh will help the British business community get a better understanding of They hailed They were optimistic about The British executives held that an early conclusion and signing of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Ninh is scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Secretary William Hague, and meet with major British investors on April 16. The four-year (2014-18) project for "Expansion of National Business Registration System (NBRS)" between the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO to new commercial entities is expected to cost US$5.45 million. In 2008-13 the project was funded by the MPI, NBRS is being used for single-point, fully-computerised services for business, tax, customs, statistics, and public-security registration of firms in 63 provinces. As a result, online enterprise registration and enterprise information services, covering the records of over 864,596 enterprises and subordinate units registered under the Enterprise Law and 164,000 annual financial statements of shareholding companies, are available through the National Business Registration Portal at www.businessregistration.gov.vn. The average registration time has decreased from 15 days in 2008 to only 3.5 days as of last year. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dang Huy Dong said business registration reform to date has not only reduced the cost and time for registration nation-wide, but also demonstrated that client-friendly and efficient public sector services benefit the development of the private sector. Miroslav Delaporte, country representative of Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), said improvements in the business environment, including business registration reforms have helped mobilise capital and unleashed the entrepreneurial spirit of the Vietnamese people." Nilgun Tas, chief of the Competitiveness, Business Environment and Upgrading Unit and deputy to the director of the Business, Investment and Technology Services Branch at UNIDO, said the private sector will not only gain access to efficient services of NBRS, but also benefit from more appropriate enterprise supporting policies, designed and implemented based on the full picture of all commercial entities operating in Vietnam. "There is also great potential to link the NBRS with additional public services, for example, with social insurance, secured transactions, trademark, and patenting services, among many others and as such to expand this e-Government initiative wider." PM vows best support for fisheries sector The Government will issue a decree offering more support to the country’s fisheries sector, putting it on a fast and sustainable road to growth, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has promised. At a conference on the development of the seafood industry in the central city of Danang on April 15, Dung called for closer State management and better policies, particularly in credit, insurance, export and infrastructure, for fishermen. He said new partnerships should come up, such as cooperatives and trade unions, in order to create a value chain. The Government will do its best to facilitate trade and expand the seafood market, he confirmed. Dung asked ministries, agencies and localities to pay attention to key maritime forces, including the navy, the coastguards and fishery surveillance officials who will assist fishermen in catching and coping with natural disasters, thus helping safeguard the national independence and sovereignty. Some delegates suggested catching more fish offshore and building about 3,000 steel vessels. In aquaculture, more focus should be given on highly-competitive products like prawns, tra fish and molluscs, making it easier to export a wide array of products. They added that it is advisable to rearrange the value chain covering fishing farms, grounds and markets in which processing firms play a core role. The industry, with over 4.5 million workers, yielded an output of nearly 6 million tonnes. However, its infrastructure remains poor with 99% of fishing vessels being made of wood. Some 1 million workers have yet to undergo training. Asian Productivity Organisation meets in Hanoi The executive committee of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) convened its 56th meeting in The event drew the participation of about 70 high-ranking representatives from member economies and observers from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). During three days of sitting, participants will elect a president and vice president for the 2014-15 term, unveil the 2013 financial report, appoint auditors for 2014, and approve a budget and strategy for 2015 and 2016. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh said that Vietnam wishes to receive assistance from the APO and its member agencies in training experts and sharing experience in applying solutions to raise output and quality, he emphasised. Since joining the As part of the meeting, delegates will undertake a fact-finding tour of the Traphaco pharmaceutical joint stock company, where solutions have been applied successfully to raise output and quality. The company won the Asia-Pacific quality award for 2013. Effectively implementing FTAs A Vietnam-US seminar in In his speech, Tran Van Hang, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs (CEA) noted Most FTAs that In addition, the country has constantly revised its legal systems and institutions on intellectual property rights, labour, and the environment, making it easier for negotiating, signing and implementing FTAs. At the seminar, Vietnamese lawmakers and experts from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) agreed that the NA and its agencies play a crucial role in the process of negotiating, signing and implementing international trade pacts to ensure their legality. The NA has ratified international treaties and agreements and issued legal documents to fulfil international commitments. Participants emphasised that the NA must promote its representative role and timely reflect the opinions and desires of relevant agencies throughout the FTA process. They also discussed FTA signing trends around the world, the impact of the agreements on Vietnam-Russia trade ties spotlighted Two-way trade turnover between The Russian news agency Itar-Tass quoted Likhachev as saying on April 14 that bilateral trade was valued at US$4 billion last year, and is expected to hit US$5 in the near future. He greatly valued effective cooperation between So far, the two sides have carried out 12 projects, and are working on adjustments of six others. As much as US$20 billion has been disbursed, four or five times higher than the set target, said Likhachev. The Russian DM emphasized that these projects have helped remarkably increase Russian investment in Last year, Vietnamese investment in He predicted that Japanese businesses eye the The Steering Committee for South-western region chaired a meeting with local leaders of the Mekong River Delta region in Can Tho city on April 15, discussing the agenda for a meeting with Japanese businessmen early next week. Addressing the event, standing Steering Committee Deputy Head Nguyen Phong Quang said that from April 21-23, representatives from 40 leading Japanese businesses will tour the Mekong River Delta region, seeking investment opportunities in the field of agro-forestry and fisheries. Quang suggested each locality in the region should select one or two typical projects to introduce to Japanese businesses. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Steering Committee, Vietnam-Japan relations have been elevated to a strategic partnership which offered more good conditions for Japanese businesses to seek more investment opportunities in As scheduled, Japanese businesses will participate in a seminar in Can Tho city which will introduce the potential for agricultural investment between Dung Quat Oil Refinery sets new safety record The Dung Quat Oil Refinery and affiliates on April 15 welcomed an important milestone, working for 600 consecutive days and nights in a safe, stable and effective manner. Since it began operations, the Dung Quat Oil Refinery Plant has produced and sold 26.7 million tonnes of products, earning VND543,000 billion and contributing over VND86,000 billion to the State budget. In the first quarter alone, the plant produced and sold 1.7 million tonnes of products, fetching over VND37,000 billion and contributing over VND7,000 billion to the State budget. Especially, the factory has launched over 11 million tonnes of products in various types to the market during 600 consecutive days and nights. To mark the event, the international insurance market and technological copywriters have granted a certificate to Dung Quat Oil Refinery for effective, stable and safe operations. At the same time, four copywriters namely UOP from the In May and June, theBinh Son Oil Refinery and Chemistry Company will provide a periodical maintenance for Dung Quat Oil Refinery for 45 days. This year, the Company is striving to produce 5.18 million tonnes in various types and gross VND113,600 billion in revenue and contribute over VND13,700 billion to State budget. Banks and corporate clients ink 28 price stabilization deals Eight banks and 28 corporate customers have signed 28 deals to carry out the city’s program aimed at stabilizing prices of dairy products, food and school stationery. Leaders of the HCMC government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the central bank, southern provinces and cities witnessed the signing of the contracts during a review meeting last Friday between HCMC and other provinces. There are eight banks involved in this year’s price stabilization program – Sacombank, VietinBank’s branch No. 7, Eximbank, BIDV’s Ben Thanh branch, Agribank’s Ly Thuong Kiet branch, Military Bank, DongA Bank and HDBank. Last year’s program had only five banks taking part. Meanwhile, the 28 corporate borrowers are producers of essential products, milk and school stationery, such as Saigon Co.op, Saigon Trading Group (Satra), Pham Ton Co., Ltd, Ba Huan Co., Ltd, Dong Tam Nutrition Food Joint Stock Company (Nutifood), Dong Hung Co., Ltd (Citimart) and Saigon Food Joint Stock Company. The participating banks and enterprises will be hammering out specific loans. However, the total amount the banks have pledged for the program is VND8.3 trillion, four times higher than last year. HCMC Department of Industry and Trade deputy director Le Ngoc Dao said VND2.8 trillion of the VND8.3 trillion would come in short-term loans with interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 6% per year, up nearly VND1.94 trillion versus last year. VND2.15 trillion medium- and long-term loans will be lent to farm development and material cultivation projects, VND1.05 trillion higher than last year. They will carry an interest rate of 7% to 10% per year. The remaining VND3.35 trillion will be provided for manufacturing enterprises, cooperatives and distributors joining the price stabilization chain at interest rates of 7-8%. Nguyen Phuoc Thanh, deputy governor of the central bank, said the loans pledged for the program this year were higher but the interest rates lower than last year. At the meeting, Sacombank struck deals with Can Tho, An Giang, Dong Nai, Ben Tre, Long An, Dong Thap and Tien Giang to sponsor training courses for authorities and traders at traditional wet markets. According to Dao, the price stabilization program for this year and the Lunar New Year holiday early next year involves 76 enterprises, including goods producers, suppliers and banks, up by nine firms. In addition to HCMC, An Giang, Dong Thap, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces also have enterprises participating in the program. Prices of products chosen for the program are 5-10% lower than normal market prices. Starting from this year’s program, the chosen products will be labeled with the program’s logo, which depicts a conical hat, lotus and Ben Thanh market. Coffee projected at over US$2,000 per ton The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa) has forecast export prices of Robusta coffee will increase to more than US$2,000 per ton in the next few months. At a recent meeting of the organization in HCMC, Vicofa ascribed its projection to a variety of factors including stronger demand, bad climate conditions and lower supplies by major coffee growers such as According to Vicofa’s vice chairman Do Ha In the 2013-2014 crop, according to Vicofa statistics, local farmers have harvested nothing from 5,000 hectares under coffee cultivation while another 40,000 hectares has been badly affected by diseases. Meanwhile, the current dry season has also hit the “If global coffee demand edges up while coffee growing nations face lower yields due to little rain, coffee prices will inevitably nudge up,” Vicofa has also attributed the possible Robusta price spike to the current considerable gap between the price of Robusta beans (over US$2,000 a ton) and that of Arabica beans (US$4,300 a ton), which has led coffee processors to switch to using Robusta beans in droves. Last Friday, coffee sold for VND41,000-41,800 per kilo in the Central Highlands, up VND300-400 per kilo against the previous day. Leading European retailer likely to open store at I-Home building C.T Group has said it has worked with a major European retail firm over a plan to open a commercial center on the ground floor of I-Home apartment project under construction in HCMC’s Go Vap District. The foreign retailer has come to the site of the apartment project for inspection and the forthcoming opening of the store would add value to the apartments, according to C.T Group. I-Home is located on Pham Van Chieu Street and consists of three blocks with around 500 units of 47-76 square meters whose prices range from VND630 million to VND1.1 billion. The first block has the first 11 floors complete at the moment while the third floors of the other two blocks have just been finished. Apartment buyers can take delivery by the end of this year. Most LEDs on local market have substandard quality Around 90% of the LEDs available on Director of ECC Huynh Kim Tuoc said at a meeting on energy efficiency last week that HCMC currently had around 100 LED producers and suppliers. However, around 60 of them buy components to assemble LEDs at home and their quality is poor, he noted. Tuoc said high-quality LEDs can consume 50% less electricity than normal lights like incandescent bulbs. Buyers of LEDs should query about the origins of LED chips, reflector and other parts. If the origins are unclear, their quality cannot be ensured. Saving energy by using LEDs has become popular at some public works in HCMC such as the lighting systems along According to ECC, high-quality LEDs has high luminescence efficiency and their life can reach 100,000 hours, 8-10 times higher than good fluorescent lights. Besides, LEDs are friendly to the environment. Tran Van Mung at HCMC Power Corporation said the firm would stop financial support for households to install solar water heaters to channel funding to those using LEDs. VAMA proposes using int’l fuel consumption results The Vietnam Auto Manufacturers Association (VAMA) has proposed Vietnamese authorities accept the fuel consumption test results that are internationally recognized when vehicles are required to display a fuel consumption label next year. Metelo Jesus Arias, general director of Ford He, however, said there should be a workable road map and guidelines from authorities on how to implement the new requirement, test standards, label templates and a label display location. Besides, procedures for certifying a car’s fuel consumption should be kept simple. According to VAMA, the authorities should recognize internationally approved test results of fuel consumption conducted by automakers and importers. Some countries have fuel consumption labeling rules in place, which are designed to classify vehicles and display information about fuel consumption, emissions, or amounts of money saved in five years. Under the Ministry of Transport’s new circular, with effect from next year, passenger vehicles of less than seven seats, which are domestically manufactured/assembled and imported, will have to display fuel consumption labels. As planned by Vietnam Register, the fuel consumption label would be put on the front windscreen, containing information about automaker, assembler, importer, and fuel consumption. Domestically manufactured/assembled cars certified to meet technical safety and environment requirements by next year will have to display the label as from 2016. Real estate brokerages rushing to recruit new staff A slew of real estate brokerages in HCMC have since early this year been racing to recruit more staff as business in the sector has grown more active than in previous years. The realty trading centers that are getting directly or indirectly involved in property development projects have reported stronger demand for sales employees. Kim Oanh Real Estate Joint Stock Company is recruiting 200 staff, Phuc Khang 200 and Tac Dat Tac Vang 50. These firms specialize in investing and distributing low-cost land lots in Long An, Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces, which border HCMC. Dang Thi Kim Oanh, general director of Kim Oanh Real Estate Joint Stock Company, said her firm was looking to distribute around 3,000 land lots this year. Therefore, it is employing more people in charge of sales. “Customer demand for land has been growing since early this year. Therefore, we need to develop a professional team to meet customer needs,” Oanh said. The firm now has five branches in HCMC, Binh Duong and Dong Nai. Phuc Khang Real Estate Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company has launched EcoSun project covering 150 hectares in Meanwhile, real estate distributors like Danh Khoi A Chau, Thien Tin and Hoa Binh House are also displaying their recruitment notices with each needing no less than 50 people. According to realty trading centers, the market has shown clearer signs of recovery this year with the number of successful monthly transactions surging three to four times versus last year. Nguyen Van Tu, general director of Minh Khang Gia Real Estate Company, said the number of successful transactions conducted through the firm in the first quarter was equivalent to that in the final half of last year. In recent times, investors have launched new projects onto the market with higher commissions for brokerages. This is why many brokering centers are taking on more staff to take advantage of emerging business opportunities, he said. Another Vinalines unit goes bust After Vinashinlines filed for bankruptcy last month, Vietnam Oil and Gas Transportation Joint Stock Company (Falcon), another loss-making unit of State-run Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), is preparing to go out of business. Vinalines has asked the holder of State capital at Falcon, in which Vinalines holds a 51% stake, to coordinate with the board of directors to organize an annual general meeting and urgently start bankruptcy procedures. Falcon earlier failed to hold an extraordinary general meeting on March 18 to discuss a bankruptcy plan as less than 65% of shareholders showed up. It organized another meeting on April 8 as requested by the Government and the Ministry of Transport. Falcon is a middle-scale enterprise but it has a fleet with the second highest load capacity among Vinalines' subsidiaries, with 390,000 DWT. In its latest financial report, Falcon incurred total losses of over VND2.8 trillion as of the end of 2011, higher than its equity by VND385 billion and its chartered capital by four times. Given Vinalines' restructuring project in May 2013, Falcon would still owe VND65 billion to banks after selling out all its assets. The biggest concern in Falcon's bankruptcy scheme is that most of its properties have been mortgaged at banks for loans. Many creditors have liquidated Falcon's vessels at prices much lower than investment value and levels determined by banks. M&A deals seen more active in banking sector The banking sector looks set to have more mergers & acquisitions (M&A) deals struck this year as numerous banks are putting forth their merger schemes in the ongoing annual general meeting (AGM) season. Vietcombank will seek approval to carry out an M&A agreement with other banks at its AGM slated for April 23. However, the bank has not disclosed the names of any candidates, Viet Capital Securities Company (VCSC) said in a report released last Friday. PGBank has also released documents for its AGM scheduled for April 18, which include a proposal to merge into VietinBank. This M&A will take place through a share swap at the ratio of at least one PGBank share for 0.82 VietinBank share, which translates to a maximum price for PGBank at VND13,612 per share. PGBank is an unlisted private bank with assets totaling VND19.2 trillion while VietinBank is the second largest State-owned commercial bank with total assets amounting to VND576 trillion. Last year PGBank reported net profit of VND38 billion, a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.6%, a non-performing loan ratio of 2.9%, a return on equity of 1.2% and a return on asset of 0.2%. With PGbank’s lower profitability and smaller market share than VietinBank’s, VietinBank will certainly act as a guardian of PGBank in this M&A deal rather than an investor merely seeking profit and market share. As planned for the merger, PGBank will keep its existing structure and brand name, VCSC said. Sacombank has plans to acquire Southern Bank and Vietnam Maritime Bank is working on a merger with Mekong Development Bank. A source told the Daily that the central bank has given approval in principle to these merger schemes. The central bank encourages larger banks to take part in the restructuring of smaller institutions; otherwise, it will have to acquire shares of those ailing banks to revive them. The former solution helps save cost and time and it has won the nod from major banks. The central bank is assisting lenders to complete procedures after the merger schemes have been approved by shareholders, the source said. The central bank’s governor, Nguyen Van Binh, at a regular Government meeting in March said the bank restructuring project is moving ahead after nine banks were earlier restructured. Capital raised on HOSE surges Corporations on the Hochiminh Stock Exchange (HOSE) reported a double year-on-year increase in capital raised through this bourse in the first quarter of the year. HOSE data showed that listed firms raised over VND4.3 trillion, up from the VND2.3 trillion in the first quarter last year. This indicated an improvement in investor sentiment, allaying last year’s fears that the stock market was not serving as a channel for companies to raise money. In the first quarter, over 2.8 trillion shares were transacted on the market, a staggering rise from the 35 million shares traded in the same period last year. Notably, the volume of newly issued stocks surged 86.8% year-on-year. There was no delisting case reported in the first quarter this year while six firms left the stock market in the same period last year. In the coming time, HOSE will deploy first exchange traded funds (ETFs) and field suggestions from market members to draft listing, information disclosure and transaction regulations for ETFs, said HOSE chairman Tran Dac Sinh. HOSE will continue supporting banks and public companies to list on the market, and launch a single index for both HCMC and HOSE and State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in share auctions. Both sides will join hands to help public firms where SCIC owns shares list on the stock market. Last year over 300 enterprises on HOSE saw revenue improving 10.7% and after-tax profit growing 19.2% against 2012. Teka triumphs in customs duty case Teka The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Customs has just released a decision to cancel its original decision on the taxable price of eleven Teka Teka is a multinational firm of German origin, engaged in manufacturing and marketing kitchen and bathroom appliances, porcelain products and industrial containers. Following the case, the customs authority will keep the price declared by Teka These products include sinks, induction cookers, electric roasters, dishwashers and fridges. The taxable price determined by the Vietnamese custom authority for them was from 30 to 100 per cent higher than Teka’s declared valuations. In late December 2013, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Customs decided to apply a taxable price for a cargo of kitchen and bathroom appliances imported from However, Teka In a dialogue with Teka in early February, the customs authority agreed to cancel its determination of the taxable price for the eleven items. In Decision 39/QD-GQKN dated March 7, 2014 sent to Teka Vietnam, Le Dinh Loi, deputy head of Ho Chi Minh Department of Customs said that Teka Vietnam was the distributor of Teka Group and was not allowed to directly sell products to consumers; therefore, wholesale prices were 30-35 per cent of the retail price published on its website or retailer listed prices. Due to the specific quality of these products, the company had to bear many other costs such as warehousing, display, maintenance, engineering and after-sales service, said Loi. Meanwhile, under Decision 39, many other products in its cargo imported in November 2013 would still receive a higher taxable price but information has yet to be released. VIR’s attempts to contact Teka Other foreign invested companies like Electrolux, However, while Teka Sing Viet in bribery case The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department last week started investigating an alleged graft case in which the Sing-Viet township investor claimed it had given state officials in The foreign investor had alleged the bribes had been used to facilitate procedures for the long-delayed project, which aims to build the township on more than 330 hectares in Le Minh Xuan commune of Binh Chanh district. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee spokesman Vo Van Luan told the press late this March that the bribery claims required thorough investigations to show that the city’s investment certificate issuing process was above-board, thus protecting its investment environment against corruption allegations. The project received the city’s approval in 1997, with the investor being a joint venture between Singaporean companies However, the project had still failed to break ground 10 years later because the joint venture could not afford all the money for site clearance. Then the local company withdrew from the project. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee adjusted the investment certificate for the project following the involvement of the wholly foreign-invested firm Sing-Viet City Limited Company as a new investor. In November 2011, the administration issued another investment certificate for the project as In early December that year, the administration announced the second adjustment as the investor’s legal representative was changed from At a trial in July 2013, the city court rejected the request. In an appeal court in October 2013, the plaintiff provided the court with new documents, including papers that alleged the project developer paid $2.8 million in bribes to state officials in Now, the project site remains a forlorn location, located some distance from the National Highway 1 and the Road 10 in Le Minh Xuan commune. The only evidence of the project are some Nguyen Duy Hanh, a vendor at the corner of Tran Dai Nghia and Mai Ba Huong roads, told VIR if the site had not been reserved for the project, it would have long-ago been used for housing and businesses. She added a majority of affected people there had received compensation for site clearance, but they had no idea when work would recommence. According to the local authorities, the construction of resettlement homes for the affected residents has been delayed for many years. Processing and manufacturing industry sees positive signs By the end of the first quarter of 2014, the processing and manufacturing industry obtained relatively high growth, the Vietnam Economic News reported, adding that while the sector’s inventories decreased gradually the market for industrial products remained difficult. The General Statistics Office (GSO)’s data showed that Sales saw positive signs. The sales index of processed and manufactured goods on March 1, 2014 was 4.3 percent higher than the same time last year. Some segments of the processing and manufacturing industry reached a sales index higher than the same time in 2013. They included electrical equipment production that grew 29.8 percent, leather and related products (up 19.5 percent), motorized vehicles (up 16.6 percent); garments (up 13.5 percent), metal products (up 10.5 percent), chemicals and chemical products (up nine percent), paper and paper products (up 8.5 percent), and food processing (up eight percent). Meanwhile, the sales index of beverage production rose only 5.9 percent, that of textile increased 4.8 percent, that of metal products fell nine percent, and that of electronic products, computers and optical products decreased 14.7 percent. The inventory index of the whole processing and manufacturing industry on March 1, 2014 was 13.4 percent more than the same time in 2013. This growth was lower than that in previous years. Segment with a decreased inventory index growth included garment manufacturing (up 9.6 percent), electrical equipment production (up 5.1 percent); production of products from non-metallic minerals (up 3.3 percent), beverage production (up three percent), textiles (up 2.9 percent), and motorized vehicle production (down 28.7 percent). Segments with an increased inventory index included metal production (up 126.8 percent), production of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical materials (up 61.4 percent), metal production, except machinery and equipment (up 59.4 percent), manufacture of chemicals and chemical products (up 54.2 percent) and production of leather and related products (up 53.6 percent). On March 1, 2014, the processing and manufacturing industry’s inventory rate was 84.4 percent, while the rate of the medicine, pharmaceutical chemical and pharmaceutical material production industry was 181.5 percent, that of chemical production was 152.9 percent, that of furniture (bed, wardrobe, table and chair) production was 122.6 percent, and that of metal production was 122.4 percent. The above-mentioned inventory rates showed that the market demand for the processing and manufacturing industry had not improved considerably. The price index of the industry’s products in the first quarter of 2014 rose only 0.89 percent, while the price of raw materials and inputs for production increased about 2.84 percent, and transport and warehousing charges increased about 2.56 percent compared to the same time last year. This has been causing a high pressure on the development of processing and manufacturing enterprises in 2014. According to the newspaper, to improve the situation, apart from the macro solutions for sale promotion and demand stimulation, businesses need to take the initiative in development, be creative, improve product and service quality and competitiveness to increase sales, prepare all the necessary conditions to take advantage of opportunities to expand the market, especially when a series of trade agreements between Vietnam and international partners are signed in the near future.- Businesses oppose ministry’s proposal to stop licensing new projects The Ministry of Construction has proposed the Government to stop licensing new commercial housing and urban areas projects by 2014 with aiming to prevent further waste. Besides, this is to force real estate businesses to concentrate in completion of incomplete projects to better urban landscape and create vitality for new projects, according to proposal. Vietnam’s real estate market has climbed on the bandwagon causing supply far exceed demand. Businesses have much invested in the high-class segment and paid less attention in the common segment, said Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung. More than 4,000 new urban area projects worth VND4,500 trillion (US$ 213.28 billion) were approved over 102,000 hectares nationwide last year, according to the ministry. Inventory value totaled VND94.5 trillion (US$ 4.48 billion). The ministry proposal is irrational and goes back up market economy rules, said Le Chi Hieu, chairman and director general of Thuduc House Company. Licensing is almost the final phase in a process which investors have to do lots of procedures to implement a project, he said. If the new projects meet with buyers’ demand, businesses should be permitted because they will take responsibilities for their investment capital, Hieu added. There is no regulation which bans commercial housing licensing, according to deputy director of a real estate company. In case that such regulation exists, it should be implemented after a route to ensure the market rules. The proposal is also contradictory with the ministry’s report that the housing inventory reduced early months of 2013 and the real estate market is showing signs of recovery, he added. Besides, the Government’s VND30 trillion (US$1.42 billion) credit package has been disbursed too slowly to assist the real estate market, which the ministry blamed for shortage of housing products for buyers to purchase. Why the ministry doest not license more new projects to create more products. He wondered if the licensing halt is to protect businesses with high stocks. Other businesses said that the ministry should not equal the licensing halt with inventory reduction. If the ministry wants to ‘clean’ the real estate market, they should issue stricter requirements before licensing and take more actions against behind-schedule projects. Source: VEF/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/Dantri/VIR |
↧
Article 11
Social News Headlines 17/4 A foreigner killed in rear-end collision in Tien Giang At least four passengers, including a foreigner, were killed and nearly 10 others injured in a head-on crash in the southern A 29-seat coach crashed into a water tank truck at section 44km+800 of the HCM City-Trung Luong expressway in Tien Giang province at 09.30am. The coach, with several foreigners on board, was travelling from Tien Giang to Three passengers died at the scene and another passed away on the way to hospital. Among the deaths were a male foreigner and a child aged between 10 and 12. A tow truck was dispatched to separate the damaged coach from the water tank truck. It took rescue workers half an hour to extricate victims who were trapped in the wreckage. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway. Blaze ravages  A fire at the Go Cat Garbage Ground caused a large traffic jam on National Highway No 1A in Binh Tan District in The fire broke out at 7.30 pm and spread over an area of 1,000 square metres of the garbage ground in the Binh Hung Hoa Ward. The city's Fire Prevention Brigade sent firemen from the districts of Binh Tan, Tan Phu and 12 from the Thick smoke, heat and electrical problems hampered the firefighting efforts. However, the fire was finally put out by midnight. The police are still investigating the case to identify the cause of the fire. Covering a total area of 25 hectares, the Go Cat Garbage Ground is managed by Southern farmers face More than 1,500 families in the southern provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan have suffered water shortages for more than a month due to the lack of rain. "Water from rivers, streams and wells is all gone. Many of us have to travel 20km to buy water for daily use," said Mang Thi Thuy, a resident of Ham Can Commune in Ham Thuan Nam District of Binh Thuan Province. "We have not even paid for the water. We have to wait until our harvest to pay." The "After we dig the holes, we have to wait the whole night to collect a little water to wash our clothes and bathe. It has been like this for several months," said Mang Can, head of Village 1 in Ham Can Commune. The water shortage also hurts farmers. Tens of hectares of dragon fruit in the commune have not been watered properly for the last few months. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ninh Thuan Province has warned farmers not to start their 1,500-hectare rice crops but to save water for other crops as well as the province's approximately 38,000 cattle. In the last winter-spring crop, a water shortage affected more than 5,400 hectares of rice in This year, five hydropower reservoirs in the province have gone empty, according to Ninh Thuan Province Hydropower Exploitation Company. "If it doesn't rain by June, local residents will no doubt be both hungry and out of water," said Luu Ngoc Le, vice head of the Agriculture Unit of Thuan Nam District in Ninh Thuan Provice. About 200 families in Phuoc Trung Commmune of Bac Ai District, "Without work, some people start drinking," said Ta In Ra, a resident of Phuoc Trung Commune. Japanese-funded bridge gets last missing links The last missing links of Nhat Tan bridge spanning the Red River were connected at a ceremony in The bridge has a total length of 8.9km, starting at Phu Thuong ward in Tay Ho district and finishing in Dong Anh district. The project has a total investment of more than VND13,600 billion mainly in official development assistance from the Japanese government. The project has fulfilled 90% of work volume and is scheduled to open to traffic in October 2014 to mark When completed the bridge will link the centre of At the ceremony, Ambassador to Vietnam Hiroshi Fukada emphasised that Nhat Tan will be a symbol of the close bond between Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong urged investors and contractors to finish the project on schedule and to a high standard. Over 23,000 workers sent abroad in Q1 In March alone, 9,346 were recruited to work abroad. Particularly, an additional 465 Vietnamese workers were employed by As of the end of March, a total of 4,472 workers had returned to the RoK to work. They all had prior experience working in the RoK and returned home on schedule after their work contract expired. In the reviewed period, the Government decided to extend the imposition of stiffer fines ranging from VND80-100 million on those who fail to return home on schedule as from March 10, instead of January 10 as previously announced. The move is expected to reduce the number of Vietnamese workers illegally terminating contract and residing in The number of workers who voluntarily returned home from the RoK was 3,000 as of March 3, accounting for 15% of those whose work contracts expired. More than 2,000 illegal Vietnamese workers in This year, around 3,594 workers are scheduled to return from the RoK and the DOLAB is continuing to implement a wide range of programmes aimed at encouraging them to return home on schedule. Deputy PM orders best conditions for measles patients Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has asked the health sector to ensure sufficient medicine and equipment for the treatment of measles patients. “It must ensure the best conditions for treating child patients at any cost,” the Deputy PM said during his inspection of the Vietnam National Hospital of Paediatrics in According to the hospital, it now provides inpatient treatment for 1,750 children, including 250 measles patients. The hospital has dedicated several departments to providing the best treatment for them. Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam inspected the treatment of measles patients in Deputy PM Dam also asked the Ministry of Health to organise satellite hospitals and provide them with personnel and equipment to ease the overcrowding at the children’s hospital, while strictly carrying out vaccination work. The hospital said overcrowding takes place because parents want their children to receive treatment at the highest-level medical establishments. Tran Dac Phu, head of the ministry’s Preventive Health Department, recommended that parents bring children to grassroots hospitals if they show any symptom of measles. Some 2,490 children have been diagnosed with the disease so far this year and 25 fatalities reported. Measles is a cyclical disease, Phu noted, adding that this year measles is spreading at a time when pneumonia hospitalisations are also on the rise, causing a high number of serious infections. He affirmed that no modified gene or change in toxicity of the measles virus have been revealed in research conducted by the ministry or the World Health Organisation. A programme on vaccination against measles is being carried out in all the 63 provinces and cities and is expected to be completed within this month, Phu said. The ministry is continuing to monitor developments of the disease to provide timely information for people and introduce preventive measures in the hope of keeping the disease under control nationwide, he added. Three arrested for drug trafficking from Laos Law enforcement authorities in the central Border guards, anti-drug police and customs officers in Quang Tri seized Nguyen Dinh Cong, Nguyen Huu Luong and Tran Dang Hoa, all residents of the province’s Huong Hoa district when the three were on their way back from Authorities found 128 synthetic drug tablets which the trio, all of them drug addicts, said they had bought in Sepon district of Savannakhet province in Further investigation is now underway. Education minister seeks to hone English-language teachers’ skills Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan has suggested the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation’s Regional Language Centre (SEAMEO RELC) improves the professional skills of English teachers in Luan, who is also Chairman of the SEAMEO Council Conference, revealed this suggestion to the media after his working session with top SEAMEO RELC officials in The centre has partnered with branches to offer Masters courses on English teaching. Such a degree has been offered by the SEAMEO Regional Training Centre based in SEAMEO RELC Director Tay Sor Har expressed her willingness to send a group of staff to Vietnamese schools to survey English learning and teaching, thereby devising a plan to expand connections between Earlier in Established in 1965, SEAMEO groups Vietnam attends lawyers congress in Belgium Leading Vietnamese lawyers and legal experts are participating in the 18th congress of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) in The meeting provides an opportune occasion for participants to delve into the legal intricacies of domestic laws and regulations governing social issues, international commerce, and international humanitarian law, including the protection of the rights of war victims to compensatory damages. Addressing the event, President of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) Nguyen Van Rinh emphasised that the Nearly 4.8 million Vietnamese people have been exposed to the toxic chemical and more than 3 million people have died or suffered from severe disabilities as a result of contact with the deadly poison. Rinh called on participants to support Vietnamese AO victims and raise their voices in opposition to those responsible for the irreparable harm to millions of Vietnamese people, demanding obligatory compensation for victims. Rinh said he hopes that he can spark a fire in the hearts of people around the world to unite in fighting against chemical warfare and passionately support the plight of Vietnamese AO victims. At the opening ceremony, IADL President Jeanne Mirear said the congress provided a forum for participants to share experience in setting up a global solidarity network to support its members, including She spoke admirably of Participants at the forum discussed rights to peace and crisis, the Hoang Sa sailors commemorated A traditional ceremony commemorating sailors of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) flotilla was held at An Vinh communal temple, Ly Son island district, central Quang Ngai province on April 15. The annual “Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa” (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers) pays tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla to patrol the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos to tap natural resources and defend national island sovereignty. According to To pay tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla, the ceremony has been observed through hundreds of years by families in Ly Son and many coastal areas in Quang Ngai. Vietnam Children’s Fund chief receives Friendship Order Samuel Christopher Russell, country director of the Vietnam Children’s Fund (VCF), has been awarded Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong on April 15 presented the honour to Russell at a ceremony in VCF was established in 1994 with the aim of building a primary school in each of 63 provinces and cities across the country. So far it has built 48 such schools, offering more than 30,000 poor rural children the chance to go to school. In his speech, Hong stressed that during the past 20 years Russells has spared no effort to mobilize funds and manage its operations. The Vietnamese State President’s Friendship Order acknowledges substantial contributions by Russells and the VCF to education development and vocational training for people with disabilities in more than 40 provinces and cities across the country, Hong said. Russells thanked the State President for the honour and vowed to lobby for new funds to fulfil the VCF’s mission in the country. Fire ravishes homes in HCM City A fire broke out at 19:30 on April 14 at the Go Cat solid waste treatment plant in It took the heroic efforts of firefighters more than 6 hours to bring the blaze under control, causing panic among local residents and traffic congestion throughout the immediate and surrounding areas. Witnesses at the scene said that fires erupted following several big explosions they heard coming from the plant, rapidly spreading as guards tried fruitlessly, to stomp out the flames. People flocked to the site but were unable to enter the plant due to the fierce heat and flames. Large pieces of solid waste flew through the air landing meters away, forcing nearby residents to run for safety. At present, functional agencies are investigating the cause and making report on losses of the incident. Seminar honours late President Ho Chi Minh A seminar was held in In his speech at the opening ceremony, Magdy Morgan, President of Egypt’s Supreme Press Council affirmed that President Ho Chi Minh was a great talented leader who guided the Vietnamese people in the fight against American invaders. “President Ho Chi Minh transformed He spoke highly of the Vietnamese people who have always loved their leader and are willing to do everything to honour him. At the forum, Moroccan and Iraqi ambassadors and the cultural counselor of the Cairo-based Chinese embassy presented reports highlighting the historic role of President Ho Chi Minh in the struggle for national liberation, national defense and construction. All reports at the event affirmed the worldwide influence of President Ho Chi Minh as a driving force in the struggle for national independence in the world. Nguyen Hong Son, Vietnamese embassy’s Charge d’Affairs in In May, Deputy director of the City's Department of Health Tang Chi Thuong said that the department directing board decided to set up the council after some hospitals performed inadequately last year. The council will have boards dedicated to patient safety and satisfaction, treatment, environmental safety and information technology. The patient safety board will report problems to other medical stations. The patient satisfaction board will gather complaints from hotlines and the media and report them to the Department of Health, which will re-inspect hospitals if necessary. Comparisons of patient satisfaction at different hospitals will be published on the Ministry of Health website. The treatment board will be responsible for gathering data from big hospitals and the Ministry of Health. It will also provide a legal basis for determining whether doctors are right or wrong when a problem occurs, said Thuong. By the middle of this year, all City hospitals are expected to have standard treatment program-mes. A specific agreement for the project was signed last Friday by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and The project aims to improve the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for policies to support the poor and growth. The four-year project will focus on preparing, monitoring and evaluating plans and budgeting by central, provincial and local authorities through improved legal framework, training courses and experience sharing. The Ministry of Planning and Investment is responsible for the implementation and management of the project. MoC urges probe into water pipe rupture Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung has called for inspections into the cause of a burst water main that has left tens of thousands of households in Ha Noi without water. Dung made the request after the main that brings water from the Da River to the capital ruptured for the fifth time since it was put into operation in 1997. The latest fault was found in Thach That District on April 2, but inspectors are yet to establish the cause of the problem. Up to 70,000 households in the districts of Hoang Mai, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay, Tu Liem and Thanh Tri suffered water shortages for at least two days. Minister Dung asked the Department of State Expertise of Construction Work Quality, the Technical Infrastructure Department, the Institute for Building Materials and the Institute of Science and Technology to revise the processes involved in researching, designing, building and operating the pipelines, He also asked the units to check the material used for the pipes following reports they were made from synthetic fiber that ruptured easily. Vinaconex Clean Water JSC and the Viet Nam Clean Water Investment and Construction Corporation have been asked to supply reports on the problem to authorities. The Da River Water Plant supplies 30 per cent of water to households in the city. Since 2012, the water mains have burst at different points along the Thang Long Boulevard and in Thach That District. The cause of the problem, according to the water company, was weak soil around the pipes and the proximity of the highway. The People's Committee of the southern Nguyen Thi Thu Giau was also asked to pay back over VND33 million ($1,570) collected from selling 280cu.m of sand in early February. Illegal sand mining has caused landslides and damaged many rice fields in the province. Waste-fuel seized in northern craft village Police in the Local producers used the waste, rather than charcoal, to power their kilns as a means of cutting production costs. According to local producers, replacing charcoal with waste saved VND2.5 million (US$120) each day. All of the waste was destroyed. Vietnamese representatives are joining nearly 1,000 lawyers and legal activists from all over the world at the ongoing 18th Congress of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) in Running from April 15-19, the event is a chance for participants to share experiences and discuss the formation of international constitutions. The ultimate aim is to foster solidarity to protect justice, and help people whose rights are violated, including war victims. Representatives from the Vietnam Lawyers Association (VLA) and the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) discussed various topics, including the right to peace and the rights of nations. Among other issues, the congress focused on the violations of international law, working rights, the struggle against racial discrimination, the fight for gender equality and the situation in Addressing the opening session, President of the VAVA Nguyen Van Rinh said during the war in Nearly 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to the deadly poison, with over 3 million of them dying or painfully struggling from its serious effects, he noted. Rinh called on the participants to help Agent Orange/Dioxin (AO) victims in “I would like to call on people around the world to unite against the chemical warfare and support Vietnamese AO victims, helping them integrate to the community in Meanwhile, IADL President Jeanne Mirer said the congress is a great opportunity to establish an international network able to assist members in some countries, such as She lauded Established in 1946 in Vinh Long boosts educational ties with Japanese university Officials from colleges and universities in the southern At the function, the Vinh Long University of Technology Education (VLUTE) and the Japanese university inked a Memorandum of Understanding on training cooperation, the exchange of students and lecturers, and structured support to VLUTE students to improve their professionalism and ability to find jobs in He added that his university will waive 50-100 percent of tuition fees to local students who satisfy the requirements set by the school. Earlier, Japanese representatives also met with the provincial Department of Education and Training to discuss organising study tours of The two sides have already collaborated to provide six free Japanese-language courses for high-school students in Vinh Long since last November. Improvement in educational outputs essential: experts Improving the standard of qualifications is essential in the education transformation process, a conference in Educationalists at home and abroad agreed that besides equipping students with knowledge, it is advisable to enhance their critical thinking, self-studying, and problem solving skills. They touched upon four key areas where quality should be improved: teaching staff, curriculums, training guidelines, and educational output. They added that topics such as learning English for global integration and applying technology in the field should also be implemented. Professor Nguyen Thi My Loc said education in She went on to say that providing training courses for teachers should be a continuous process and it is necessary to balance theory and practice in the curriculum and develop learners’ capabilities for domestic human resources and international integration. Organised by the Vinschool education system, the event creates a good chance for participants to share experience and teaching methods that are proving effective in the world. Binh Duong Customs launches one-door mechanism Binh Duong Customs has officially launched the Japanese-funded electronic customs system known as Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System and the Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS). According to the Binh Duong online newspaper on April 15, the system is based on the model of The VNACCS/VCIS is part of the non-refundable aid customs modernisation project to build and launch an e-customs programme and a national one-door customs mechanism. The VNACCS/VCIS is of great importance to the reform and modernisation of Before launching the mechanism officially, Binh Duong Customs held training courses to instruct enterprises to make the trial on the mechanism. Representatives from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Japanese Business Association, Korea Business Association and Taiwan Business Association, the provincial Club for exporters and importers attended the launching ceremony.- Experts suggest ministries rethink IT approach Many experts have stressed that ministries and local government offices need to hire IT service providers to manage their computer systems, rather than attempting to build and maintain their own – a practice that is currently widespread. They made the call at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also Vice Chairman of the recently-established National Committee on IT Application, in Chairman of the FPT Group Truong Gia Binh said employing external IT experts is a growing trend among top businesses around the world. He claimed that if encouraged in Participants hailed the establishment of the committee led by the Prime Minister, which they said will create breakthroughs to turn Others said that it is advisable to address constraints in putting IT projects in place. They recommended subtracting part of earnings from public services to pay for IT services.- Water plants planned for Mekong Delta The Government has planned the construction of three water plants for the Mekong Delta, aiming to serve all residents by 2020. According to the Steering Committee of the Southwest region and the Ministry of Construction, the plants will need an investment of 36 trillion VND (about 1.69 billion USD). Of the plants, the Song Hau I, to be located in Can Tho city, will also supply water for the provinces of Soc Trang, Ben Tre and Tra Vinh. Meanwhile, the Song Hau II and Song Hau III, both in An Giang province, will ensure needed water for Can Tho city and the provinces of An Giang, Kien Giang and Ca Mau, and part of Hau Giang and Bac Lieu provinces. The Mekong Delta region comprises of 12 provinces and one centrally-run city with a total area of 40,000 square kilometres and a population of 18 million. It is the country’s largest rice granary and also has a great potential for tourism development.- Source: VNS/VNA/VOV/VNN |
↧
Article 10
Retail sector holds opportunities
According to the Association of Viet Nam Retailers (AVR), The number of local retailers is not small but, in reality, there are only a few large and successful local retailers. Meanwhile, the domestic retail market has great potential for retailers. The General Statistics Office reports that Retail experts note that it is typical to find one trading centre and one shopping mall per 100,000 people, while one supermarket often serves an average of 10,000 people and 1 to 2 convenience shops serves up to 1,000 people. But in the major cities of Ha Noi and Additionally, convenience shops, supermarkets, trading centres and shopping malls have accounted for 22 per cent of the domestic retail system. This percentage, however, is higher in neighbouring countries, including 30 per cent in the The CB Richard Ellis Viet Nam branch said in its quarterly report on property in Ha Noi, that in the first quarter this year In addition, Among other positive signals at the beginning of the year was that consumer confidence was the highest in the last two years, as of the end of 2013, according to the Nielsen market research firm. Experts note that higher confidence means consumers would be spending more money, leading to higher demand for retail businesses. Further, Viet Nam Report, a Ha Noi survey company, reports that retail ranks 6th among top 10 highest ROA (return on asset) industries in Lotte plans to develop 60 supermarkets and trading centres in Meanwhile, existing foreign retailers, such as Metro and Big C, have also expanded their businesses in Also, large domestic retailers, including Hapro, OceanMart, Eximart, Satra and Sai Gon Co.op, have expanded their system to compete with development of foreign retailers in the home market. AVR chairwoman Dinh Thi My Loan said Vietnamese supermarket and retail shop chains had been upgraded, but they still lacked professional factors, competitiveness in pricing, diversification in products and control in quality of products. Of note, many local retailers said they had difficulties due to state management policies. Foreign retailers had many investment incentives when developing their retail system in Loan expected the state would solve such problems by creating favourable conditions for domestic retailers when competing with foreign rivals. For domestic retailers, she said, they must improve their distribution policies, including building modern distribution systems in urban and rural areas and cooperating with management offices in controlling the quality of products within their retail systems. VNS |
↧