Cu Da ancient village

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – The ancient village of Cu Da, in <a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3s4Y'>Cu Khe</a> commune, <a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3s4Z'>Thanh Oai</a> district, Hanoi, does not only have traditional houses of hundreds of years old, but also French- styled two-story houses of a hundred of years old.</em> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0FFK'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-2" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="187" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/Qy3s50" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>There are vaulted gates. Village roads are laid with slanting bricks. On road-sides, there are old houses in ancient Viet styles, villas in French styles and newly-built ones. Houses are numbered and it might be the one and only village in Vietnam where houses got numbered. There are about two hundred old houses both in <a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0I4m'>Vietnam and French</a> styles, of these, 60 remain almost unchanged.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3s51'>Houses in Cu Da</a> are low and deep in length, so they are always cool in summer and warm in winter. Architecture is specified in Nguyen feudalist dynasty, nearly made of wood. On beams, pillars, there are delicate sculptures. In the middle of the houses, there are ancestral altars, panels and parallel scrolls.</p><br /><p>The main village road is built along a riverside, every lane has a gate. The village pagoda is classified as a national relic. <a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0FFN'>It’s Linh Minh Tu</a> and a stone column is inscribed “the pagoda was renovated in 1695.”</p><br /><p>There also remains relic of the village altar to worship “<a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3sle'>earth and heavens</a>” or <a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0I4w'>Xa Tac</a>, considered to be the most magnificent. There are also houses that were built in years from 1920 – 1940 (<a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0FFX'>in new architectural styles</a>).</p><br /><p>On a river bank, there’s a flag-pole built in 1929, a communal house of the village-council, a school. At one end of the village (<a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3slj'>entry road</a>), there’s a low earthen hill named <a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3slm'>Dong Gia</a>, it’s thought to be a centuries-old tomb since the old Chinese colony.</p><br /><p>Not only well known for a place with many ancient houses and ancestral temples dating back to over one hundred years, the <a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3tWp'>Cu Da Village</a> is also noted for its traditional handicraft of vermicelli making.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1kh0IkX'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/Qy3slr" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3tWs'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-2-771" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="187" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0IBE" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3sls'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-3" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="187" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0IRU" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3slt'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-4" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="183" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0IRX" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3slu'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-5" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0LgF" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3tWB'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-6" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0LgG" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3tWC'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-7" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="300" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0IS8" width="200"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3sBL'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-8" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="159" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0LgM" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3ucR'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-9" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="187" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0ISa" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3ucZ'><img alt="1466066-20140326134510-10" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0J8t" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466078'><a href='http://bit.ly/Qy3sBQ'><img alt="Hanoitourism/VNE" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="187" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kh0Lxc" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Hanoitourism/VNE</p><br /></div><br /></center><br /><br/><br />Cu Da ancient village Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/Qy3s50" width="200"/><br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/Qy3s50" width="200"/><br/></div>

Cu Da ancient village

VietNamNet Bridge – The ancient village of Cu Da, in Cu Khe commune, Thanh Oai district, Hanoi, does not only have traditional houses of h...

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Science and technology innovations exhibited

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Science and technology innovations exhibited<br /><p>(VOV) -A science and technology exhibition opened at the Hanoi-based <a href='http://bit.ly/1moDhrj'>Ho Chi Minh Museum on March</a> 31, showcasing Vietnam’s latest advancements and state of the art innovations in the field.</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2jmd'>Seminar discusses water sector’s science and technology</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2jmf'>Additional 10 million EUR for innovation in Vietnam</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2jmh'>Technology innovation – key to success</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><p>The event, which will run until April 24, introduces 124 of the best researches and solutions selected from thousands of entries in national science and technology competitions.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2iie'>Professor Dang Vu Minh</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2iig'>Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations</a> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1moDhrp'>VUSTA</a>), said the works on display relate to a variety of spheres, including information technology, electronics, telecommunication, mechanics, automation engineering to name only a few.</p><br /><p>In addition to receiving 19 national awards for innovativeness and 12 awards for <a href='http://bit.ly/1moDhrs'>technical creativity</a>, many innovators for a number of the works brought them to fruition and resulting in enormous practical contributions to modern day life.</p><br /><p>In particular, the annual <a href='http://bit.ly/1moDhHG'>Scientific and Technological Innovation Award</a> has attracted the attention of a large number of scientists and researchers from institutes and academia eager to contribute to the development of science and technology.</p><br /><br/><br />Science and technology innovations exhibited Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Science and technology innovations exhibited

Science and technology innovations exhibited (VOV) -A science and technology exhibition opened at the Hanoi-based Ho Chi Minh Museum on Marc...

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Dialogue focuses on empowering women and girls

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Dialogue focuses on empowering women and girls<br /><p>(VOV) – Roughly 150 delegates from state management agencies, research units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on March 31 attended a dialogue in Hanoi aimed at strengthening the involvement of women and girls in the social welfare system.</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2hLg'>Strategy on gender equality shows remarkable progress</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1moDfQf'>UNESCO initiative promotes gender equality</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><p>Addressing the opening ceremony, Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, Minister of Labour, <a href='http://bit.ly/NIJ1Qu'>Invalids and Social Affairs</a> emphasized that the development of the social welfare system is one of top priorities in Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1moDgDG'>The Vietnamese Party and State</a> have always paid special attention to promoting gender equality and have implemented several important policies to create amore favourable framework and environment conducive to the attainment of gender equality in general and much improved social welfare in particular.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2i1x'>Minister Chuyen</a> dilated on the challenges faced by women and girls resulting from issues related to the recent economic downturn, impact of climate change, and inefficiency in integrating gender in social welfare policies.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1moDfQi'><img alt="1466862-gender1-copy" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jP2i1A" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>At the talk, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations for <a href='http://bit.ly/OWcjvN'>Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women</a> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1moDgDK'>UN Women</a>) Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said that social welfare is seen as a foundation for gender equality and empowerment of women.</p><br /><p>However, she noted that an estimated 5.1 billion people (some 75% of the world’s population) have not yet fully enjoyed the benefits of accessing social welfare.</p><br /><p>She emphasized the importance of social welfare to each nation’s development, especially in the fight against poverty. Social welfare plays a key role for governments in implementing the eight millennium development goals (MDGs), she concluded.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1fC48vp'>The UN</a> official said that the Vietnamese Government has affirmed the need of social welfare since 2001 and the adoption of government’s resolution in 2012 has reflected the country’s strong political commitments in socio-economic development.</p><br /><p>Mlambo-Ngcuka said her organization has co-ordinated with the Vietnamese Government in implementing several programs to promote gender equality and raise public awareness about ensuring Vietnamese women’s rights.</p><br /><p>It has also committed to further supporting the Vietnamese Government’s efforts in strengthening social welfare and justice in the future.</p><br /><br/><br />Dialogue focuses on empowering women and girls Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jP2i1A" width="200"/><br/></div>

Dialogue focuses on empowering women and girls

Dialogue focuses on empowering women and girls (VOV) – Roughly 150 delegates from state management agencies, research units, non-governmenta...

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North, South Korea trade live fire over sea border

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>North, South Korea trade live fire over sea border<br /><p><b>The two Koreas traded hundreds of rounds of live artillery fire across their disputed maritime border Monday, forcing South Korean islanders to take shelter.</b> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466827'><a href='http://bit.ly/1jOUD3p'><img alt="Towed 155mm Howitzers fire during an artillery drill in Inje, near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas, in this picture provided by South Korean Army and released by Yonhap on March 27, 2014. (Source: Reuters)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="177" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jOUD3s" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Towed 155mm Howitzers fire during an artillery drill in Inje, near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas, in this picture provided by South Korean Army and released by Yonhap on March 27, 2014. (Source: Reuters)</p><br /></div><br /><p>The two Koreas traded hundreds of rounds of live artillery fire across their disputed maritime border Monday, forcing South Korean islanders to take shelter a day after the North drove up tensions by threatening a new nuclear test.</p><br /><p>The exchange, triggered by a three-hour North Korean live-fire exercise that dropped shells into South Korean waters, was limited to untargeted shelling into the sea, military officials said.</p><br /><p>South Korea’s defence ministry said the North fired some 500 shells during the drill, around 100 of which landed on the south side of the sea boundary.</p><br /><p>Ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok said the South had responded to Pyongyang’s “premeditated provocation” by firing 300 shells from K-9 self-propelled howitzer batteries based on its front-line islands.</p><br /><p>“If the North takes issue with our legitimate returning of fire and uses it to make yet another provocation towards our sea and islands, we will make a resolute retaliation,” Kim said.</p><br /><p>Analysts said the incident, coming a day after Pyongyang threatened to conduct a “new form” of nuclear test, was largely a sign of the North’s growing frustration with US resistance to resuming multi-party talks on its nuclear program.</p><br /><p>“I don’t see that this ran any real risk of escalating into a serious clash,” said Yang Moo-Jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.</p><br /><p>“It’s really North Korea showing it intends to keep the pressure on to resume a dialogue,” Yang said.</p><br /><p>Pyongyang sees the nuclear negotiations as an opportunity to win material concessions and aid from the international community.</p><br /><p>The South Korean stock market shrugged off the incident, with the main Kospi index closing up 0.23 percent at 1,985.61.</p><br /><p><b>Unusual advance warning</b> </p><br /><p>The North had ensured maximum publicity for its live-fire drill by taking the unusual step of notifying the South beforehand, and issuing a provocative no-sail, no-fly advisory.</p><br /><p>The exercise began at 12:15pm (0315 GMT) and South Korea, which had threatened to respond if any shells crossed the border, retaliated shortly afterwards.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1jOUBbN'>Our military fired back north of the border in line with ordinary protocol</a>,” the defence ministry said.</p><br /><p>As a precaution, border island residents were evacuated to shelters, as South Korean fighter jets flew overhead.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hTeis5'>In November</a> 2010, North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong island, killing four people and triggering concerns of a full-scale conflict.</p><br /><p>Pyongyang has carried out a series of rocket and short-range missile launches in recent weeks, in a pointed protest at ongoing annual South Korea-US military exercises.</p><br /><p>Monday’s incident coincided with nearly 15,000 <a href='http://bit.ly/1hTegk3'>South Korean and US</a> troops launching a massive, 12-day amphibious landing drill.</p><br /><p>Last week, the North upped the ante by test-firing two mid-range ballistic missiles capable of striking Japan.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hTeis6'>The UN Security Council</a> condemned the launches, prompting the North to issue its threat of a “new” type of nuclear test — a possible reference to testing a uranium-based device or a miniaturized warhead small enough to fit on a ballistic missile.</p><br /><p>North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests, the most recent — and most powerful — in February last year.</p><br /><p>Most experts believe it is still some way from mastering the technology required to build a miniaturized warhead — a development that would be seen as a game-changer in assessing the North’s nuclear arms capabilities.</p><br /><p><b>‘Severe cost’ for nuclear test</b> </p><br /><p>South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se warned Monday that the North would pay a “severe cost” if it went ahead with another test in defiance of existing UN sanctions.</p><br /><p>The de-facto maritime boundary between the two Koreas — the <a href='http://bit.ly/Qx6PJb'>Northern Limit Line</a> — is not recognised by Pyongyang, which argues it was unilaterally drawn by US-led <a href='http://bit.ly/1eEjnXE'>United Nations</a> forces after the 1950-53 <a href='http://bit.ly/1kf2JxY'>Korean War</a>.</p><br /><p>Both sides complain of frequent incursions by the other and these resulted in limited naval clashes in 1999, 2002 and 2009.</p><br /><p>Last week, South Korea had seized a North Korean fishing boat that strayed over the boundary and held it at Baengnyeong island for several hours before allowing it to return.</p><br /><p>North-South tensions have been rising for weeks, undermining hopes raised after the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hTegAi'>North in February</a> hosted the first reunion for more than three years of families separated by the 1950-53 war.</p><br /><p>As well as the annual South Korean-US military drills, the North has been angered by efforts to bring Pyongyang before the UN Security Council over a UN report detailing Pyongyang’s record of systematic human rights abuse.</p><br /><p><i>(Tuoitrenews)</i> </p><br /><br/><br />North, South Korea trade live fire over sea border Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jOUD3s" width="200"/><br/></div>

North, South Korea trade live fire over sea border

North, South Korea trade live fire over sea border The two Koreas traded hundreds of rounds of live artillery fire across their disputed mar...

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VFF to invest more in female football: New chairman

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>The newly-appointed chairman of the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF), Le Hung Dung, said in a recent interview that they would increase investment for the female team so that they can have best chance at the World Cup 2015.</p><br /><p>Dung said VFF) would immediately take several actions to improve the quality of local football in the time to come.</p><br /><a href='http://bit.ly/1hqWiZE'><img after="" alt="VFF" chairman="" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" dung="" first="" height="207" hung="" is="" le="" new="" of="" post="" press="" priority="" rel="lightbox" s="" src="http://bit.ly/1iRdRlj" taking="" talking="" the="" to="" vff="" what="" width="300" your=""/> </a><br /><p>Firstly, I’ll hold a meeting for the VFF’s Executive Board and conduct scrutiny over the referee team. Bold reforms would be conducted in the next one or two weeks in a bid to increase football transparency. We’ll strictly deal with any misconduct related to the arbitration work to ensure fair results and fans’ confidence. Any referees who are found with violations would be fined.</p><br /><p>I also plan to recruit young referees. We may coordinate with the Malaysian and Singaporean Football Federations in referee recruitment.</p><br /><p><strong><em>The female football team has a great potential at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hqWiZF'>World Cup</a> 2015. How VFF will support the team to realise their World Cup ambition?</em> </strong> </p><br /><p>We’ve discussed this issue in the lead up to the Tet holiday. The team’s coach Tran Van Phat is planning the training for the players in China and South Korea and VFF will provide funding.</p><br /><p>Our biggest target is to support the players so that they can reach their best capacity in May. We’ll save their time and health with better flights in stead of their usual tiring low-cost flights. We’ll do everything we can to take them to World Cup 2015.</p><br /><p>Even though we have good potential but Thai and Myanmarian teams are major rivals and luck and could foster our success.</p><br /><p><strong><em>What’s about training of young footballers?</em> </strong> </p><br /><p>We’ll cooperate with a big foreign football club in order to hire a professional coach who will be responsible for training young players. Professional and first-rate coaches will be then invited to provide training. We’ll also hire specialists from world’s famous football clubs like Ajax and Liverpool under training programmes with terms of two to four years. With such efforts we expect that our young footballers will have good chance to improve in the next five to ten years.</p><br /><p>The U19 football team is under long-term training in the Europe. We consider their recent failures to strong foreign teams as good lessons for those young footballers. I’m really optimistic about their performance at the final round of the upcoming AFC U-19 Championship 2014 in Myanmar.</p><br /><p>I do think that with four models alike the Hoang Anh-Gia Lai-JMG-Arsenal Football Academy’s, high-ranking players would account for from 70%-80% of footballers at V.League in the next seven to ten years.</p><br /><p>Football coach Alfred Riedi critiqued us that we lack a good foundation for football development, so now it’s the time for us to deal with such shortcoming.</p><br /><p><strong><em>Financial issues play a vital role in Vietnamese football development. Are there any positive signals during the VFF’s seventh term?</em> </strong> </p><br /><p>A large financial institution will sign a contract to provide funding for the Vietnamese female football team in April. This is expected to inspire players to do their best at the final round.</p><br /><p>It’s difficult to make public the detailed sources of funding but it’s true that funding for football during my two terms as VFF’s vice chairman has continuously increased.</p><br /><p>The funding for football during the VFF’s third term was only over VND40 billion and the figure has increased to over VND300 billion per year. Funding is expected to increase by 15% per year in the next decade.</p><br /><p><strong><em>Thank you very much!</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />VFF to invest more in female football: New chairman Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iRdRlj" width="200"/><br/></div>

VFF to invest more in female football: New chairman

The newly-appointed chairman of the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF), Le Hung Dung, said in a recent interview that they would increase ...

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Vietnam shooter breaks record at world pistol event

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>Vietnamese shooter <a href='http://bit.ly/1hOtM0s'>Hoang Xuan Vinh</a>, 40, broke a world record at the International Shooting Sport Federation’s Rifle and Pistol World Cup currently taking place in <a href='http://bit.ly/1oec13p'>Fort Benning</a> in the U.S.</strong> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466815'><a href='http://bit.ly/1hqWh7R'><img alt="Vinh won the gold medal with 202.8 points after 20 bullets, smashing the current world record of 202.3 points held by Chinese shooter Pang Wei, at the event currently running from March 26 to April 3." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="177" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1hqWh7T" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Vinh won the gold medal with 202.8 points after 20 bullets, smashing the current world record of 202.3 points held by Chinese shooter Pang Wei, at the event currently running from March 26 to April 3.</p><br /></div><br /><p>He was followed by two Russians, Sergey Chervyakovskiy with 202.3 points and Vladimir Gontcharov with 181.3 points.</p><br /><p>Another Vietnamese shooter, Tran Quoc Cuong, ranked seventh at the event with 96.5 points.</p><br /><p>Vinh could only beat his rival Chervyakovskiy after the seventh burst of fire.</p><br /><p>The Vietnamese shooter scored 10.2 and 9.9 points to add up to 162.0 points while the Russian scored 8.6 and 10.2 for a total of 161.6 points.</p><br /><p>Vinh remained in the leading position after the last two bursts of fire to secure his victory.</p><br /><p>Vinh has become the second Vietnamese shooter to break a world record.</p><br /><p>His fellow Vietnamese shooter Tran Oanh did so at the world shooting event organized in 1962 in Plzen, of the former Czechchoslovakia.</p><br /><p>Oanh scored 587 points in the men’s pistol category, breaking the former record of 586 points by a U.S. shooter.</p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam shooter breaks record at world pistol event Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1hqWh7T" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam shooter breaks record at world pistol event

Vietnamese shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh , 40, broke a world record at the International Shooting Sport Federation’s Rifle and Pistol World Cup cu...

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Binh Duong works to remain destination for FDI

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Binh Duong works to remain destination for FDI<br /><p>The southern province of Binh Duong, as a major foreign direct investment (FDI) recipient, plans to attract more FDI by facilitating current investors, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Thanh Cung has said.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466783'><a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXkPf'><img alt="Industrial production (Source: VNA)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1gSXkPf" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Industrial production (Source: VNA)</p><br /></div><br /><p>According to the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, since the beginning of 2014, Binh Duong has received over 726 million USD in FDI, more than 70 percent of its annual target and 40 percent of Vietnam’s total FDI attraction over the period.</p><br /><p>Of the figure, more than 533 million USD was injected into 28 existing projects.</p><br /><p>Director of the department Mai Hung Dung said the flow of more capital into existing projects indicates that the registered money was disbursed effectively.</p><br /><p>There are now 2,276 FDI projects in Binh Duong with a total investment of some 20 billion USD. In 2013, the FDI sector contributed about 75 percent of the province’s industrial production value and 80 percent of Binh Duong’s 16 billion USD of export turnover.</p><br /><p>Dung said the accomplishment was thanks to regular dialogues between authorities and the business circle to remove all obstacles, better the administrative process, and enhance mutual trust.</p><br /><p>Industrial parks that meet investors’ various demands and the newly opened administration centre are also said to be magnets for investment. Additionally, another investment attraction channel is through businesses running in the province that have updated their partners about local conditions.</p><br /><p>From now to 2030, Binh Duong will build industrial parks covering thousands of hectares. It will also step up training a quality workforce to satisfy the demand of technology projects.</p><br /><p>With 216 projects totalling over 4.6 billion USD, Japan is leading the 39 countries and territories investing in Binh Duong. Each Japanese project has an average investment capital of 21.3 million USD, the highest level among foreign-invested projects in the industrial sector.</p><br /><p>The provincial People’s Committee considered Japanese investors as trustworthy partners, whose projects suit Binh Duong’s preferences such as transport, technology and electronics.</p><br /><p>CEO of Japan’s Saitama Agata Bank Suzuki Tsutomu attributed Vietnam’s favourable investment environment to a stable political situation and an abundant and capable young workforce, which have encouraged Japanese investors to come to Vietnam and Binh Duong in particular.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Binh Duong works to remain destination for FDI Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1gSXkPf" width="200"/><br/></div>

Binh Duong works to remain destination for FDI

Binh Duong works to remain destination for FDI The southern province of Binh Duong, as a major foreign direct investment (FDI) recipient, pl...

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Measures for central coastal seafood growth

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Measures for central coastal seafood growth<br /><p>A conference was held on March 29 in the central coastal province of <a href='http://bit.ly/NIFhhP'>Phu Yen</a> to look at measures to promote trade for sustainable aquatic development in the region.</p><br /><p>With nine provinces and cities, the region is endowed with a coastline of 1,400 km -making up 43.8 percent of the nation’s total shoreline, and extensive fishing grounds, particularly <a href='http://bit.ly/1hJkPoZ'>Hoang Sa and Truong Sa</a>.</p><br /><p>Figures from 2012 show the region is home to 46,201 fishing boats and over 200,000 fishermen. The area for aquatic cultivation was estimated at 33,778 ha, producing over 180,000 tonnes of produce worth 27 trillion VND (1.3 billion USD).</p><br /><p>Attendees put forth a number of solutions to develop the industry in a sustainable manner, such as restructuring the sector by increasing added value, promoting the links between fishermen and businesses, perfecting the fisheries infrastructure system, and enhancing the quality of human resources.</p><br /><p>The application of new cutting-edge technology and bettering policies in the field are two of the measures needed to realise the target, participants said.</p><br /><p>Many scientists have also proposed the Government enforces incentives linking high-class tourism and aquatic development with protecting the national sovereignty over seas and islands.</p><br /><p>The conference is part of the 2014 <a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPoSl'>Seafood Festival</a> which is underway in Phu Yen province (March 27 – April 2).-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Measures for central coastal seafood growth Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Measures for central coastal seafood growth

Measures for central coastal seafood growth A conference was held on March 29 in the central coastal province of Phu Yen to look at measure...

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Industrial production up 4.7 percent in March

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Industrial production up 4.7 percent in March<br /><p>Vietnam’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in March increased by 4.7 percent against the same month last year.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPmtD'>According to the General Statistics Office</a>, in the first three months of 2014, the IIP has recorded a year-on-year rise of 5.2 percent, higher than the rate of 5 percent in the corresponding period of 2013.</p><br /><p>Several industries have seen high growth in the reviewed period, such as textile (20.2 percent), leather and leather products (19.4 percent) and ready-made clothes (14 percent).</p><br /><p>The northern port city of <a href='http://bit.ly/Q3Upbw'>Hai Phong</a> and the central city of <a href='http://bit.ly/1f8hoHL'>Da Nang</a> are among the localities seeing the highest IIP increase rates, with 11.3 percent and 10.5 percent respectively.</p><br /><p>They are followed by <a href='http://bit.ly/1gcvNlZ'>Quang Nam</a> province (8.9 percent, <a href='http://bit.ly/1heqfbo'>Dong Nai</a> province (7.1 percent) and <a href='http://bit.ly/1rroik4'>Binh Duong</a> province (6.5 percent).</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, decline in industrial production has been seen in <a href='http://bit.ly/1fdmW3X'>Quang Ninh</a> province (3.5 percent) and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (1.7 percent).-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Industrial production up 4.7 percent in March Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Industrial production up 4.7 percent in March

Industrial production up 4.7 percent in March Vietnam’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in March increased by 4.7 percent against the s...

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Number of foreign tourists to Phu Quoc up 33 percent in Q1

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Number of foreign tourists to Phu Quoc up 33 percent in Q1<br /><p>The number of foreign tourists coming to Phu Quoc island in <a href='http://bit.ly/1rNistF'>Kien Giang</a> province in the first quarter of this year is 33 percent higher than that of the same period last year which recorded 57,100 arrivals.</p><br /><p>According to statistics released by the provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1fq0Nzr'>Department of Culture</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/Q6T83J'>Sports and Tourism</a>, Kien Giang welcomed over 913,000 tourists in the first three months of the year, a year-on-year drop of 12.5 percent.</p><br /><p>The downward trend is believed to result from unexciting tourism products provided at high prices and poor facilities.</p><br /><p>Last year, the province received more than 5.23 million tourists, a year-on-year decrease of 2.1 percent. As for Phu Quoc, the district attracted nearly 622,500 visitors, up 25.2 percent from 2012, including around 122,800 foreign arrivals.</p><br /><p>Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has been endowed with wild and natural beauty. In 2004, the 574sq.km heart-shaped island was approved by the Government to develop into a tourism centre of regional and international stature.</p><br /><p>The island’s Dai (Long) Beach has been continuously placed among ‘<a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXhD8'>The Cleanest and Most Beautiful Beaches of the World’ by ABC News</a> since the start of 2008.</p><br /><p>With lush green foliage and tropical flowers and the natural resources of both jungle and sea, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXhDa'>Phu Quoc National Park</a> on the island is a part of the Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a <a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXkyF'>World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO</a> in 2006.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Number of foreign tourists to Phu Quoc up 33 percent in Q1 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Number of foreign tourists to Phu Quoc up 33 percent in Q1

Number of foreign tourists to Phu Quoc up 33 percent in Q1 The number of foreign tourists coming to Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province ...

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Bidding law will offer great opportunities to small contractors

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Bidding law will offer great opportunities to small contractors<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese construction companies, which always complain that they cannot win the bids due to the small operation scale, will have bigger opportunities to obtain more contracts, once the <a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPmcZ'>Bidding Law</a> takes effects on July 1, 2014.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466700'><a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXhD1'><img alt="According to Le Van Tang, Head of the Procurement Management Department, an arm of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the new law would pave the way for small enterprises to win the bids for the projects that fit their capability." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="205" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1gSXkig" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>According to Le Van Tang, Head of the Procurement Management Department, an arm of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the new law would pave the way for small enterprises to win the bids for the projects that fit their capability.</p><br /></div><br /><p>With the current laws, big corporations always have advantages over small ones to win the bids. However, after obtaining the contracts, the big corporations would outsource the works to small companies.</p><br /><p>As such, though small companies have to work hard, they cannot make the profits satisfactory enough, because the money goes to the pockets of the big corporations.</p><br /><p>Therefore, Tang said, the new law stipulates that the priority will be given to small enterprises when looking for the contractors for small projects. The enterprises of which 25 percent are female workers, disables or wounded soldiers, can also enjoy preferences when joining the domestic bids for providing consultancy, non-consultancy, construction and installation services.</p><br /><p>The new law is believed to make a “revolution” in the bidding mechanism, as it would allow to choose the most technically capable contractors instead of the contractors who offer low prices but don’t have enough experiences.</p><br /><p>Experts many times warned that the current bidding law, which stipulates that the contractors offering the lowest prices will be the winners, is the reason behind the low-quality construction works.</p><br /><p>Telecom groups, for example, when criticized for using telecom equipments provided by Chinese Huawei and ZTE despite the high security risks, explained that the current bidding mechanism forces them to choose Chinese suppliers.</p><br /><p>“We have to choose Huawei’s or ZTE’s products. If we don’t, we will violate the current bidding mechanism, which stipulates that the contractors to be chosen must be the ones who offer the lowest prices,” manager of a telco said.</p><br /><p>The experts also pointed out that the projects implemented by Chinese contractors usually have troubles because of the backward cheap technologies used by the contractors.</p><br /><p>Under the new bidding mechanism, investors would consider the technical capability of the contractors first, while they would only consider the offered financial solutions after they find the contractors technically capable enough.</p><br /><p>Tran Hoang Ngan, a Member of the National Assembly’s Economics Committee, said he highly appreciates the new law because it would allow to encourage the domestic production.</p><br /><p>Contractors would be able to enjoy preferences if they join the domestic or international bids for supplying the goods which have the domestic production cost accounting for 25 percent or more of the total production costs.</p><br /><p>Hong Sun, Secretary General of the South Korean Enterprises’ Association in Vietnam, commented that no obstacle would appear before South Korean enterprises when the new law takes effects.</p><br /><p>He said that even if Vietnamese enterprises can get the support from the government, they would also have to upgrade themselves to be competitive in the bidding.</p><br /><p><em>DDDN</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Bidding law will offer great opportunities to small contractors Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1gSXkig" width="200"/><br/></div>

Bidding law will offer great opportunities to small contractors

Bidding law will offer great opportunities to small contractors VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese construction companies, which always complain...

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Chinese fruit takes appeal away from giant Vietnamese produce

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Chinese fruit takes appeal away from giant Vietnamese produce<br /><p><strong>Bigger is not always better, at least for several hi-tech vegetable growers in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1fejOVo'>Central Highlands</a> city of Da Lat in Lam Dong Province.</strong> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466694'><a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXk1E'><img alt="By adapting modern cultivation technology, these farmers have successfully grown giant tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage that are much larger than average sized vegetables." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="177" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1gfPlWC" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>By adapting modern cultivation technology, these farmers have successfully grown giant tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage that are much larger than average sized vegetables.</p><br /></div><br /><p>But they are struggling to find buyers for their produce as most consumers associate abnormally large fruits and vegetables with China, not Da Lat, known nationwide for its fresh, clean, and safe vegetables.</p><br /><p>Such a misconception stems from the fact that a wide variety of Chinese produce like ginger, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots is available in Vietnam in larger sizes than locally grown vegetables, while many cases regarding their poor quality and toxicity have been reported over the last few years.</p><br /><p>“Many consumers insist that locally grown produce must be of normal size,” some traders said, describing how their giant fruits were rejected by customers.</p><br /><p>Many vegetable distributors said they have also been forced to return the fruits and vegetables to the farmers after customers accused them of selling Chinese products.</p><br /><p>The rejected vegetables are Beef tomatoes, originating from the Netherlands, which weigh around 0.5kg each; cabbage weighing 3kg each; and potatoes that weigh 1kg per 3 tubers.</p><br /><p>Data from the Lam Dong agriculture department shows that there are around 30 hectares of crops in Da Lat and neighboring areas that grow this special produce.</p><br /><p>Consumers’ suspicions have created a paradox for Da Lat produce: the giant products that are grown under standardized methods and modern technology are sold at lower prices than those that are immaturely harvested and of poorer quality.</p><br /><p>Pham Thi Thu Cuc, a tomato grower in the province’s Lac Duong District, said the investment for one hectare of Beef tomatoes is five times more than for normal tomatoes, but she could only break even when selling to other places under the Da Lat brand name.</p><br /><p>“I had to sell the high quality tomatoes at a cheap price, while those of lower quality, which account for only 20 percent of the total yield, sold for a lot more,” Cuc said.</p><br /><p>Nguyen Cong Thua, general director of a vegetable growing cooperative in Da Lat, said he had to sell four tons of giant potatoes and cabbage at a loss after distributors returned them following the misconception by consumers that they were Chinese-grown.</p><br /><p>Le Cong Thon, a farmer in Lam Dong’s Duc Trong District, had to adjust his modern technique so that it would produce smaller tomatoes to ensure sales in Da Lat, which will then be transported to other provinces and cities.</p><br /><p>“I’d love to make bigger tomatoes but it is not simple because consumers are still unable to tell high-quality vegetables from Chinese produce,” Thon lamented.</p><br /><p><strong>Better promotion task</strong> </p><br /><p>The solution to this paradox, according to experts, is that Da Lat high-tech produce growers must fortify the task of introducing their products to consumers countrywide so that they will no longer mistake them for Chinese fruits and vegetables.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXh6e'>Growers should frequently launch programs to promote their products</a>,” advised Nguyen Thi Cam Huyen, chief representative of <a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPo4S'>Fresh Studio Dalat</a>, a Dutch-owned hi-tech cultivation consultant firm.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPlWD'>It’s a great pity that the Netherlands’ Beef tomatoes are mistaken for Chinese tomatoes</a>,” she said, adding that this proves the promoting channel for Da Lat produce has not been effective.</p><br /><p>The advice was supported by agriculture expert <a href='http://bit.ly/1gSXk1J'>Le Huu Phan</a>, who urged Da Lat farmers to take immediate action to get consumers across the country to learn of their high-quality produce.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1gfPlWG'>This should be done soon to prevent the reputation of Da Lat vegetables from being damaged</a>,” Phan said.</p><br /><br/><br />Chinese fruit takes appeal away from giant Vietnamese produce Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1gfPlWC" width="200"/><br/></div>

Chinese fruit takes appeal away from giant Vietnamese produce

Chinese fruit takes appeal away from giant Vietnamese produce Bigger is not always better, at least for several hi-tech vegetable growers in...

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Gherman Titov statue to be built in Ha Long bay

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466807'><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Titov island (Source: Internet)</p><br /></div><br /><p>(CPV) – Secretary of the Quang Ninh provincial Party Committee Pham Minh Chinh had a working session with the Central Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association led by Mr. Dao Trong Thi, head of the association, about building a statue of Russian astronaut Gherman Titov on Titov island of Ha Long bay on March 28.</p><br /><p>Gherman Titov is a great friend of the people of Vietnam. He has made significant contributions in the struggle for national liberation and unification of the people of Vietnam and nurtured the special friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union. In 1962, during a visit to Vietnam, he was awarded the title Hero of Labour of Vietnam by Uncle Ho. Uncle Ho also named an island of Ha Long bay after the astronaut. Since then, Titov island has become a symbol of Vietnam – Russia friendship and is now known by a large number of domestic tourists and international friends.</p><br /><p>After studying the plan, the Central Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association proposed building a monument with a bust of the astronaut on the island. Accordingly, it will be built in stone on an area of 106 square meters, with a total investment of VND7 billion. The project is expected to be completed on September 11, on the 79^th birthday the astronaut Gherman Titov./.</p><br /><br/><br />Gherman Titov statue to be built in Ha Long bay Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Gherman Titov statue to be built in Ha Long bay

Titov island (Source: Internet) (CPV) – Secretary of the Quang Ninh provincial Party Committee Pham Minh Chinh had a working session with th...

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Social News Headlines 31/3

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Social News Headlines 31/3<br /><p><strong>Funeral held for Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh</strong> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466817'><a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCiIl'><img alt="Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1ohoiUN" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh.</p><br /></div><br /><p>The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) on March 29 held a solemn memorial service at Van Duc pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Duc district for the Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh, who passed away the day before at the age of 98.</p><br /><p>Born in 1917 in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh took positions as First Deputy Patriarch and Chairman of the VBS Executive Council, and Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee during his lifetime.</p><br /><p>He made significant contributions to gathering Buddhist followers in and out of the country to jointly build a strong Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.</p><br /><p>He was conferred with a number of noble distinctions of the Party and State, including the Ho Chi Minh Order, Independence Order (first class), and Great National Unity Order.</p><br /><p>The funeral, which will run until April 2, has received a lot of attention from mourners nationwide.</p><br /><p>Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung have sent floral tributes to the deceased.-</p><br /><p><strong>Blaze rips through 3000sq.m of wood</strong> </p><br /><p>A fire broke out yesterday afternoon at a wood-producing company in <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj5NF'>Trang Bom District of Dong Nai Province</a>, destroying nearly 3,000sq.m.</p><br /><p>No injuries were reported. The workers said they were able to escape the fire but unable to control it.</p><br /><p>More than 50 firefighters were deployed to the site and the fire was stopped after more than an hour.</p><br /><p>Damages have not been assessed. The investigation is ongoing.</p><br /><p><strong>Nam Dinh children get ear check-ups</strong> </p><br /><p>Around 11,000 hearing-impaired children in the northern city of <a href='http://bit.ly/1fn2e1y'>Nam Dinh</a> received free health check-ups yesterday.</p><br /><p>The activity was co-organised by the local children’s hospital and the city’s <a href='http://bit.ly/1g2xGBz'>Department of Education and Training</a>.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jFsUlE'>Doctor Nguyen Tuyet Xuong</a>, head of the hospital’s ear, nose and throat department, said Viet Nam had an average of 1.7 million newborns each year, 7,000 of whom are at risk of congenital deafness.</p><br /><p>Viet Nam has more than 1 million hearing impaired people, including more than 400,000 children of school age. The country houses 70 schools or centres that cater for people with hearing problems.</p><br /><p><strong>58 passengers saved from stranded boat</strong> </p><br /><p>Border guards in the northern port city of <a href='http://bit.ly/Q3Upbw'>Hai Phong</a> saved a <a href='http://bit.ly/1ohol34'>stranded boat</a> with 58 passengers on board off the coast on Saturday.</p><br /><p>The ship, captained by To Quang Trung of the city’s <a href='http://bit.ly/P8bj89'>Cat Hai Town</a>, was adrift after its engine broke down in the sea while sailing to <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj4sU'>Cat Ba</a> island on the same day.</p><br /><p>The passengers also included five French tourists.</p><br /><p><strong>Heat wave spreads across the north</strong> </p><br /><p>The northern and north-central regions are suffering a developing heat wave before experiencing a cold spell in a couple of days, according to central weather experts.</p><br /><p>The heat wave, which is moving from west to east, caused weekend temperatures in several northern and north-central mountainous localities to increase to 35-38 degrees Celsius.</p><br /><p>On March 30, the temperature reached a high of 40 degrees <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCiYM'>Celsius in Tuong Duong</a> (central Nghe An province), and 38.2 degrees <a href='http://bit.ly/1oholjo'>Celsius in Huong Khe</a> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCjMj'>central HaTinh province</a>).</p><br /><p>In the capital city of Hanoi, daily temperatures also rose to 29-31 degrees Celsius, with a high humidity level of 97%.</p><br /><p>However, a cold spell will strike the north on April 1, causing regional temperatures to fall considerably.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, a heat wave has baked the southern region for the past few days, with daily temperatures ranging between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius.</p><br /><p><strong>Bomb left over from war found in garden</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hGTXWW'>The Binh Phuoc Military Headquarter</a> yesterday successfully decommissioned a 250-kilogramme bomb and a five-kilogramme cannon warhead found in a resident’s garden.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jFsU5c'>Tran Minh Canh</a>, who lives in Village 6 in <a href='http://bit.ly/1hGTYdb'>Loc Hoa Commune in Loc Ninh District</a>, came across the explosives while gardening last Saturday.</p><br /><p>The bomb, which still had its detonator in tact, and the warhead were traced back to US troops who were in Viet Nam during the war.</p><br /><p>The bomb and the warhead have been transported to a safe location.</p><br /><p><strong>UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam</strong> </p><br /><p>The UN Entity for <a href='http://bit.ly/OWcjvN'>Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women</a> (UN Women) will expand its aid to support Vietnam’s efforts in enhancing social welfare and justice, a UN official said at a policy dialogue in Hanoi on March 31.</p><br /><p>The function, held by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1ljbJGr'>Ministry of Labour</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1jr6Uec'>Invalids and Social Affairs and UN Women</a>, drew about 150 representatives of managerial agencies, international organisations, and Vietnamese and foreign experts.</p><br /><p>UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka underlined the importance of social welfare to the development of each country and the realisation of the eight <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCjfn'>Millennium Development Goals</a>, which includes promoting gender equality and empowering women.</p><br /><p>The official, who is also a UN Under Secretary General, added that UN Women has worked with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hfJrFC'>Vietnamese Government</a> to foster equality and raise society’s awareness of ensuring women’s rights.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, <a href='http://bit.ly/1ohoiUX'>Minister Pham Thi Hai Chuyen</a> stated developing the social welfare system is among the top priorities of Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy along with promoting gender equality.</p><br /><p>At the dialogue, participants shared opinions on gender policies and laws, the employment of women, and the building and implementation of social welfare policies, among others.-</p><br /><p><strong>Oxfam starts poverty reduction project</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCk2V'>Oxfam International in Viet Nam</a> launched a new project analysing the country’s poverty reduction policies yesterday.</p><br /><p>From now until 2016, monitoring work will be carried out in 10 provinces and cities nationwide, with the implementation of policies at the local level under particular scrutiny. In-depth consideration of poverty in urban areas and among ethnic groups will also take place.</p><br /><p><strong>NGO to build kindergartens</strong> </p><br /><p>The non-government organisation Saigon Children’s Charity (SCC) will raise about $750,000 for the building of kindergartens in two poor districts in the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1rNistF'>Kien Giang</a>.</p><br /><p>A co-operation agreement to this effect was signed between SCC and the provincial Union of Friendship Organisations (UFO) in <a href='http://bit.ly/1hGTXWV'>Rach Gia City on March</a> 28.</p><br /><p>Under the programme, 10 classrooms will be built each year, equipped with full teaching equipment and outdoor toys in order to create the best conditions for young learners.</p><br /><p><strong>Vietnam provides free medical check-ups in Cambodia</strong><strong>Hanoi students learn about legislature</strong> </p><br /><p>Over 200 university students across Hanoi gathered at a conference in the capital on March 29 to learn about the National Assembly and its operations.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1ohojbd'>Vice Chairman of the NA Office Nguyen Sy Dung</a> described it as an open forum where lawmakers could introduce basic information about legislature, thereby improving social and political awareness among students via discussions.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1ohojbg'>Andrew Holt</a> from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCmaX'>British Embassy</a> expressed his hope that the <a href='http://bit.ly/1oholjA'>Vietnamese NA</a> will further encourage students to pay attention to issues regarding politics and policy.</p><br /><p>He made it clear that the embassy will help more students meet and talk with NA deputies.</p><br /><p>Many students voiced wish that the legislative body launch a forum exclusively designed for students, offering young generations a chance to exchange and improve interpersonal skills.</p><br /><p><strong>Int’l training centre of trade lawyers inaugurated</strong> </p><br /><p>A centre to train international trade lawyers, the first of its kind in Vietnam, made its debut in Hanoi on March 29.</p><br /><p>The centre was established under the Prime Minister’s decision on approving a project to develop a staff of lawyers to serve the international economic integration for 2001-2020</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jGYxvg'>Nguyen Thai Phuc</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1fxn52n'>Director of the Academy of Justice</a>, said that the centre will help train qualified lawyers who have a good command of English and profound knowledge of international trade.</p><br /><p>To prepare for its first training course by the end of this year, the centre has selected qualified and prestigious partners to assist with developing the training programme and staffing it with experienced Vietnamese and international lecturers.</p><br /><p>In addition, it will cooperate with English training centres from around the world to organize training courses as soon as practical.</p><br /><p>In the first four years, the entire funding for the centre will come from the state budget. From 2018, the centre will create funding sources from tuition, funds or projects.</p><br /><p><strong>IFAD’s US$34 mil for Vietnam’s climate change response</strong> </p><br /><p>The International Fund for <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3wou9'>Agricultural Development</a> (IFAD) on March 28 signed a funding agreement in its headquarter in Rome,to provide US$34 million to help Vietnam cope with climate change.</p><br /><p>The signatories to the agreement were Vietnamese ambassador to <a href='http://bit.ly/1dCOm82'>Italy Nguyen Hoang Long and IFAD President</a>, Kanayo F.Nwanze.</p><br /><p>The aid will be funded under the most preferential conditions to carry out a project to develop rural areas sustainably and cope with climate change in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3woKp'>Mekong River Delta</a>, especially in <a href='http://bit.ly/1dCOjZZ'>Ben Tre and Tra Vinh</a> provinces.</p><br /><p>More than 30,000 households, mostly women and ethnic minority groups will benefit directy from the project which focuses on raising awareness and strengthening capacity to respond to climate change.</p><br /><p>IFAD President, Kanayo F. Nwanze praised Vietnam’s agricultural and rural development achievements and poverty reduction efforts as well as its effective use of <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3wmlW'>IFDA’s</a> funding over the past 20 years.</p><br /><p>He affirmed that his organization has pledged to continue supporting the implementation of cooperative projects with Vietnam.</p><br /><p>For his part, ambassador Long thanked IFAD’s support for Vietnam over the years and spoke highly of the shift of IFAD’s cooperation in helping Vietnam to cope with climate change – a difficult issue which Vietnam need to resolve.</p><br /><p>The Vietnamese diplomat said that Vietnam needs international cooperation to improve the quality of development. He also assured that Vietnam will use the funding effectively and expressed hope that IFAD will greatly assist Vietnam’s programs on sustainable development of rural areas, climate change adaptation and poverty reduction.</p><br /><p><strong>Ho Chi Minh memorial complex in Thailand gets underway</strong> </p><br /><p>A ceremonial ground-breaking for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hkjUv3'>President Ho Chi Minh</a> memorial complex in Nakhon Phanom province, about 800km north-eastern of Bangkok, was held on March 28.</p><br /><p>The complex, located on a site where President Ho once lived near the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Village in Noongyath commune, is expected to be completed and open to the public by September 2015.</p><br /><p>Addressing the ceremony, Chargé d’affaires of <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3wodn'>Vietnam in Thailand Pham Thanh Nam</a> expressed his high appreciation for the strong support from local authorities and the overseas Vietnamese community for their support for the endeavour.</p><br /><p>“Together with the Friendship Village, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1dCOjJv'>Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex</a> is one of the largest overseas memorials to honour the beloved Vietnamese leader. This is a reflection of the fine development in the strategic partnership between <a href='http://bit.ly/1gwjczH'>Vietnam and Thailand</a>,” he noted.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1dCOlRF'>Nakhon Phanom Governor Adisak Thepart</a> praised the positive contributions of Vietnamese nationals in Thailand and their important role in boosting socio-economic development and pushing up the integration process in Nakhon Phanom province as well as Thailand in general.</p><br /><p>Thepart described the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex as a symbol of fruitful bilateral relations which shows the good sentiments of Nakhon Phanom people towards Vietnamese friends.</p><br /><p>During his visit to Thailand in 2013, <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3wlOZ'>Vietnamese Party</a> leader Nguyen Phu Trong visited the <a href='http://bit.ly/1k3wlP0'>Friendship Village in Nakhon Phanom</a> province and presented a gift package of VND30 billion to help construct it.</p><br /><p><strong>HCM City learns Seoul’s urban development experience</strong> </p><br /><p>Experts from Seoul and HCM City on March 28 shared experience in addressing challenges arising from urban development.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T88L'>Nguyen Trong Hoa</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4jKz'>Director of the HCM City Development Research Institute</a>, said in the development process, big cities in the world including <a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4mpO'>HCM City and Seoul</a> have faced challenges in urban planning, transport infrastructure development, environmental pollution and effects of climate change.</p><br /><p>“It is necessary to strengthen cooperation among cities and research institutes to solve these problems in the most effective and efficient manner,” he said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4jKE'>Chang Huyn Lee</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6TaNC'>Director of the Institute of Seoul Studies</a>, recalled 20 years ago, Seoul also encountered similar difficulties in environmental pollution and urban planning, and his institute provided consultancy for the local authorities to tackle these matters.</p><br /><p>He added that urban planning, environmental pollution and climate change are global issues, so a city can benefit and receive much needed support from cooperation with other cities in the world to resolve them.</p><br /><p>Delegates also proposed participating in the Megacity network which was launched by the Institute of Seoul Studies and discussed opportunities for future cooperation in the related field.</p><br /><p><strong>Standard stamp required for imported condoms</strong> </p><br /><p>A senior population official has suggested stamping all condoms imported into Vietnam to ensure they are safe with users.</p><br /><p>All imported condoms that have passed rigorous quality standards should be stamped, said <a href='http://bit.ly/1oholzY'>Duong Quoc Trong</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6TagN'>Director of the General Office</a> for Population and Family Planning (<a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7RZ'>GOPFP</a>), at a seminar in Hanoi on March 28.</p><br /><p>Trong made the recommendation after a GOPFP survey reveals that there are roughly 30 types of condoms in Vietnam imported from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, and Indonesia, and some others are of unknown origin.</p><br /><p>Japanese condoms have the highest price while those imported from China are sold at the lowest.</p><br /><p>Delegates heard speakers dwell on the importance of establishing quality control standards for condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.</p><br /><p>They suggested the <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7S0'>Health Ministry</a> to publish a circular on national standards of contraceptive devices, including condoms, to ensure protection and safety for all.</p><br /><p>The event was jointly held by the General Office for <a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4m9g'>Population and Family Planning and the United Nations Population Fund</a> (UNFPA) in Vietnam.</p><br /><p><strong>Thanh Hoa mobilises int’l aid from NGOs</strong> </p><br /><p>The central province of Thanh Hoa held a conference on March 28 seeking to solicit financial aid from more than 50 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in attendance.</p><br /><p>Speaking at the event, Vice President, <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6Ta0j'>Nguyen Dinh Xung</a>, said that during the 2005-2013 period, the province had received substantial support from NGOs.</p><br /><p>It was reported that in 2013, 64 NGO-funded programs and projects were implemented in Thanh Hoa with total funding reaching US$9 billion. They focused on such fields as agriculture, rural development, health, education, natural disaster mitigation, and climate change adaptation, helping improve local livelihoods, reduce poverty and protect the environment.</p><br /><p>Some effective models which have been replicated include a microfinance fund for women sponsored by <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7By'>Save the Children US</a>, a mangrove forest plantation and management by CARE, and a livelihood programme for children by World Vision.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7BA'>Nguyen Song Hoan</a>, director of the provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7BC'>Foreign Affairs Department</a>, said that Thanh Hoa attaches importance to expanding cooperation with NGOs, considering this an important task.</p><br /><p>The province will continue to strengthen the mobilization of support from NGOs, oversee the use of aid, and facilitate NGO operation in the locality.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4lSN'>Hoang Van Hoang</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1g6T7BE'>President of the Thanh Hoa</a> provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1gJ4lSR'>Union of Friendship Organizations</a>, called on NGOs and international development partners to further assist vulnerable groups in society to escape poverty.</p><br /><p><strong>Photo exhibition in support of endangered species</strong> </p><br /><p>A week-long photography exhibition is underway in central Danang city to raise public awareness of the importance of conserving endangered species and their habitats.</p><br /><p>The event, which opened on March 27, is part of a bio-diversity conservation project launched by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCkQt'>GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Center</a>.</p><br /><p>The exhibition showcases 100 photos, with four of them portraying the beautiful red-shanked douc langur (<a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCmYw'>leaf eating monkey</a>).</p><br /><p>Posters and slogans calling for public support for the preservation of this rare Indochinese species are also displayed at the exhibition.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1oholQl'>Son Tra</a> peninsular is the habitat for around 300 red-shanked douc langurs, which are listed in <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCmYz'>Vietnam Red Book</a> as endangered species, urgently in need of protection.</p><br /><p><strong>Denmark increases support in food safety, clean technologies</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1manxrH'>The Danish</a> embassy on March 28 pledged to increase financial support to underwrite small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam with a focus on food safety and clean technologies.</p><br /><p>The support will be provided under the auspices of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1manuMH'>Danish International Development Agency</a> (DANIDA) Business Partnerships programme which has provided over US$74 million in aid for 300 pilot projects and over 150 long-term partners in Vietnam since 1997.</p><br /><p>Danish ambassador to <a href='http://bit.ly/1gIW9Sy'>Vietnam John Nielsen</a> expressed hope the <a href='http://bit.ly/1gIWchb'>DANIDA Business Partnerships</a> (DBP) programme, along with <a href='http://bit.ly/1manuMz'>DANIDA’s</a> business tools, will contribute to reducing poverty and maintaining sustainable development in Vietnam.</p><br /><p>Denmark and its partners have shared with Vietnamese companies their knowledge and tactics in the field of food safety and clean technologies, he said.</p><br /><p>In the context of Vietnam’s stable economic growth in recent years, DANIDA’s future cooperative programs will focus on maintaining sustainable economic growth, transferring green technologies, generating jobs and improving the environment, he concluded.</p><br /><p><strong>Doctor awarded French Legion of Honour Order</strong><strong>Bird flu awareness campaign unveiled</strong> </p><br /><p>A communication campaign against the spread of AH5N1 and AH7N9 strains of bird flu to humans was opened by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj6RB'>Ministry of Health in the Mekong Delta</a> city of <a href='http://bit.ly/P8bkcn'>Can Tho on Saturday</a>.</p><br /><p>The campaign aims to raise awareness among government agencies and people to prevent the disease from spreading to humans.</p><br /><p>It encourages people to ensure food safety, detect and inform about bird flu outbreaks to health and agricultural authorities, co-operate with market watch officials to keep out smuggled poultry and poultry products, and ensure personal hygiene and hygiene in poultry farming and slaughter.</p><br /><p>It urges government to strengthen oversight of measures to prevent the flu from spreading to humans.</p><br /><p>According to figures from the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of last year China recorded 394 human cases of people flu, of whom 121 died.</p><br /><p>After a period when the disease seemed to be in retreat, it reared up sharply early this year in China, with 247 infections reported in the first three months, 1.6 times up from the same period last year.</p><br /><p>The H7N9 strain has also been reported in Malaysia, Taiwan, and <a href='http://bit.ly/1rvulUI'>Hong Kong</a>.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/Q6T8jW'>As of March</a> 25, some 400 cases have been reported from around Asia, including 121 deaths.</p><br /><p>H7N9 bird flu has been reported in 15 Chinese provinces and cities, including in <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj6RC'>Guangxi and Guangdong</a>, the provinces bordering Viet Nam and having tourism and trading exchanges with it.</p><br /><p>In Viet Nam, the Government and provincial authorities have taken strong measures and so no cases have been reported in the last one year.</p><br /><p>This has come in for great appreciation from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj6RE'>World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations</a>.</p><br /><p>The H5N1 strain is also under control and the disease has not occurred for a long time.</p><br /><p>The campaign, organised by the ministry with support from the <a href='http://bit.ly/P8bm43'>Unilever Viet Nam Foundation and Lifebuoy</a>, will see the ministry and other agencies further boost activities to prevent the disease.</p><br /><p>On the same day <a href='http://bit.ly/1fEj8c3'>Can Tho City</a> leaders and representatives of the ministry and 20 southern provinces and cities oversaw measures to combat the disease in <a href='http://bit.ly/P8bmkg'>Tan Thoi</a> commune in Can Tho.</p><br /><p><strong>UN official calls for preventing violence against women, children</strong> </p><br /><p>An official from the United Nations (UN) has called for people to work together to prevent violence against children and women.</p><br /><p>UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka made the appeal while working with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1jmUjGs'>Ministry of Education and Training in Hanoi on March</a> 29.</p><br /><p>She warned that 1.2 billion women worldwide are suffering from violence and inequality. Hence, the community should take responsibility to prevent this situation, Phumzile said.</p><br /><p>The UN organisations are also actively carrying out a number of programmes enhancing public awareness of the issue, she added.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jmUjGt'>Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Nghia</a> highlighted the role of women and said Vietnam is leading Asian nations in the gender equality index as a result of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1fC46DN'>Party and State’s</a> laws and policies.</p><br /><p>The ministry has also integrated gender equality and domestic violence prevention programmes into the teaching curriculum at schools nationwide, which has received support from many international organisations and already sparked success, Nghia noted.</p><br /><p>She said such a move should be spread wider in the capital and the country in the coming time.</p><br /><p>Hanoi is piloting a programme on building safe schools and promoting the youth’s role in anti-violence against children and women with the participation of around 30,000 students. Around 500,000 are expected to take part in the future.</p><br /><p><strong>Handbook helps nurses better support hearing impaired</strong> </p><br /><p>A handbook providing tips for nurses to better communicate with people unable to hear and help them integrate into the community made its debut on March 29 in Ho Chi Minh City.</p><br /><p>The booklet, along with a Vietnamese-subtitled DVD on life skills and sign language, was issued by the Centre for <a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCmYC'>Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing</a> (CED), the only social organisation for the deaf in Vietnam .</p><br /><p>It shapes part of a project enriching teaching and learning documents for people who have problems with hearing, sponsored by the non-governmental Education for Development (EFD).</p><br /><p>The brochure provides information on ways of communication used by hearing-impaired people and a number of steps to assist them in studying and protecting their ears.</p><br /><p>Additional documents should be made available for the hearing impaired to support their future social integration and independent life-leading, said Director of the centre <a href='http://bit.ly/1ohojIh'>Duong Phuong Hanh</a>, who is also Secretary General of International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (<a href='http://bit.ly/1ohojIk'>IFHOH</a>) and President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (<a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCl6Y'>APFHD</a>).</p><br /><p>Vietnam has more than 1 million hearing impaired people, including over 400,000 children of school age. The country houses 70 schools or centres that cater for people with hearing problems, and these are mainly found in big cities.-</p><br /><p><em>VNA/VOV/VNS</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Social News Headlines 31/3 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1ohoiUN" width="200"/><br/></div>

Social News Headlines 31/3

Social News Headlines 31/3 Funeral held for Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh Most Venerable Thich Tri Tinh. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)...

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UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam<br /><p>The UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) will expand its aid to support Vietnam’s efforts in enhancing social welfare and justice, a UN official said at a policy dialogue in Hanoi on March 31.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466797'><a href='http://bit.ly/1kgCgA9'><img alt="UN Under Secretary General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (Source: UN Women)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kgCgA9" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>UN Under Secretary General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (Source: UN Women)</p><br /></div><br /><p>The function, held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and UN Women, drew about 150 representatives of managerial agencies, international organisations, and Vietnamese and foreign experts.</p><br /><p>UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka underlined the importance of social welfare to the development of each country and the realisation of the eight Millennium Development Goals, which includes promoting gender equality and empowering women.</p><br /><p>The official, who is also a UN Under Secretary General, added that UN Women has worked with the Vietnamese Government to foster equality and raise society’s awareness of ensuring women’s rights.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, Minister Pham Thi Hai Chuyen stated developing the social welfare system is among the top priorities of Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy along with promoting gender equality.</p><br /><p>At the dialogue, participants shared opinions on gender policies and laws, the employment of women, and the building and implementation of social welfare policies, among others.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1kgCgA9" width="200"/><br/></div>

UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam

UN expands aid to ensure social welfare in Vietnam The UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) will expand its...

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Police seize illegal timber

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Police seize illegal timber<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466801'><a href='http://bit.ly/1ohoiEe'><img alt="The driver of the truck, in which the timber was being transported, could not show to the police the legal documents which would prove the origin and owner of the cargo.— Photo laodong" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="225" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1kgCg3e" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The driver of the truck, in which the timber was being transported, could not show to the police the legal documents which would prove the origin and owner of the cargo.— Photo laodong</p><br /></div><br /><p>QUANG BINH – The local police seized an illegal consignment of 3.7 cubic metres of ironwood and <em>truong chua</em> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1ohoiEi'>Nephelium chryseum</a>) yesterday in the central Quang Binh Province’s Quang Ninh District.</p><br /><p>The driver of the truck, in which the timber was being transported, could not show to the police the legal documents which would prove the origin and owner of the cargo. The driver, 32, belongs to the Quang Ninh District.</p><br /><p>The seized timber was handed over to the district’s forest ranger division and would be dealt with as per the rules. The case is under investigation.</p><br /><p>Ironwood belongs to group II category, which consists of timber that cannot be exploited or used for commercial purposes. — VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Police seize illegal timber Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1kgCg3e" width="200"/><br/></div>

Police seize illegal timber

Police seize illegal timber The driver of the truck, in which the timber was being transported, could not show to the police the legal docu...

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A significant jump of PCI and investment in Quang Ngai province

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>A significant jump of PCI and investment in Quang Ngai province<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1haRMd6'><img alt="1466788-ngai-3-306af" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="206" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1haRMd7" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>​Compared to other provinces in the central region of Vietnam, the growth of <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpBaj'>PCI in Quang Ngai</a> province has been the most surprising. From low score in the late 2000s, <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpADq'>PCI of Quang Ngai</a> jumped up sharply in the early 2010s.</p><br /><p>​</p><br /><p><b>Up and down</b> </p><br /><p>PCI – the <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpBak'>Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index</a>-has been a critical tool for measuring and assessing the standards of economic governance in Vietnam’s 64 provinces and cities from the perspective of private sector businesses.</p><br /><p>The central province of Quang Ngai, in the late 2000s, annually belonged to the group of 20 provinces with the lowest PCI.</p><br /><p>The change of provincial PCI started since 2011 when it jumped up to the 18th position from the 55th position in 2010 (scoring 62.24 points), being a member of the good group.</p><br /><p>The improvement brought the central province of Quang Ngai to the 18th position in the country and the 5th position in the central coastal region of Vietnam.</p><br /><p>However, PCI in Quang Ngai slightly dropped one year later, from 18th to 27th in 2012.</p><br /><p>Because of failure in keeping the ranking, <a href='http://bit.ly/1nWvu8P'>Quang Ngai Government</a> seriously reviewed the causes, shortcomings and built a detailed target to recover the provincial PCI.</p><br /><p>By many effective and innovatory solutions, Quang Ngai province successfully recovered its PCI in 2013. With a climb of 20 places, PCI of Quang Ngai significantly rose from the position of 27th to 7th, bringing Quang Ngai into the top-ten group having high score of PCI.</p><br /><p><b>Solutions</b> </p><br /><p>Although owning advanced infrastructure of traffic system as well as a convenient position in the central region of Vietnam, Quang Ngai had not yet attracted the land fall of investors.</p><br /><p>Therefore, local government strengthened further the process of administrative innovation to be simpler and clearer.</p><br /><p>As many as encouraged policies for investors were issued. Investors coming to Quang Ngai will enjoy not only special policies of local government but also concessionary policies of the State government.</p><br /><p>As recent result of PCI in 2013 goes, Quang Ngai increased 7 areas: land access, transparency and access to information, time costs, business support services, labor training, legal institution and policy bias. Two dramatic increased points are institution, policy bias (4.23 scores) and business support services (1.86 scores).</p><br /><p>The clear example for the improved investment environment in Quang Ngai is the license of large-scale FDI project Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpADr'>Son Tinh</a> district invested by <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpADu'>Sembcorp Group</a>, a leading firm in Singapore.</p><br /><p>VSIP expects to attract a landfall of FDI projects to Quang Ngai province. Because, this industrial zone – although being constructed – has so far granted 6 investment certifications to investors with total registered investment of over 100 million USD.</p><br /><p><b>Advantage promotion</b> </p><br /><p>How to remain the position in the upcoming years is a challenge for local government.</p><br /><p>“It is necessary to build up effective, feasible and long-term plans in keeping the ranking,” vice-chairman of Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee Pham Nhu So – Head of <a href='http://bit.ly/1proY5a'>Dung Quat Economic Zone</a> Authority said.</p><br /><p>“<a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpADv'>We will specially focus on promoting Quang Ngai’s advantages in calling for investors</a>,” he added.</p><br /><p>The first advantage is provincial geography position. It is great for enterprises to expand their markets in central coastal provinces as well as two leading cities of <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpBap'>Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi</a>. Besides, the national highway No.24 will bring them to the highland provinces of Vietnam and several countries of <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROBV'>Thai Lan</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROBW'>Laos and Cambodia</a>.</p><br /><p>The second advantage is seaward. Owning over 11,000 km square of sea area and 130 km seaside road, this province is great for any investors interesting in fields of tourism or marine economy and services.</p><br /><p>The third advantage is business environment. Quang Ngai is home to the country’s leading economic zone namely Dung Quat Economic Zone, a multi-various sector zone with over 8 billion USD investment so far. Moreover, the other potential zone is Vietnam Singapore Industrial Zone (VSIP) invested by Sembcorp Group (Singapore), which is expected to bring hundreds FDI projects to Quang Ngai in the future. On the other hand, Quang Ngai has several industrial zones such as <a href='http://bit.ly/1haRMdi'>Tinh Phong</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpBaw'>Quang Phu and Pho Phong</a> specializing in light industry and production.</p><br /><p>The fourth advantage is concessionary policies. Being a member of key economic central region, Quang Ngai has been enjoying special supports from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROBX'>State Government</a>, so investors to this province will not only benefit concessionary policies from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpDz2'>Central Government</a> but also enjoy a range of encouraged policies from the provincial government about land lease, taxation, and labor training.</p><br /><p>The final advantage is human resource. With over 1.3 million populations, the young people cover the most, so investors will be comfortable to recruit workers from a rich instant labor resource serving in fields of manufacturing, consumer goods, food, beverages, clothing and footwear. Besides, to improve the quality of local workers meeting high demand of investors, as many as vocational training programs have been pushed up annually by Quang Ngai government.</p><br /><p>To sum up, Quang Ngai owns as many as great chances of attracting investment. Believe that, with available policies, Quang Ngai will be an attractive destination of investors.</p><br /><p><b>Minh Chau</b> </p><br /><br/><br />A significant jump of PCI and investment in Quang Ngai province Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1haRMd7" width="200"/><br/></div>

A significant jump of PCI and investment in Quang Ngai province

A significant jump of PCI and investment in Quang Ngai province ​Compared to other provinces in the central region of Vietnam, the growth ...

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Rotary District 5160 supports the disabled

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Rotary District 5160 supports the disabled<br /><p>​In the afternoon of 26 March 2014, delegation of <a href='http://bit.ly/1haRLWM'>Rotary District</a> 5160 experts from <a href='http://bit.ly/1gpGffI'>United States</a> had a trip to support the disabled in the province under the guidance of Viet Nam Red Cross.</p><br /><p>​</p><br /><h1>On this occasion, 33 disabled people were fixed functional prosthetic hands at fully-functioning fingers with total value of over $8,000.</h1><br /><p>The prosthetic hands manufactured and donated by <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpATU'>Stacks Plastics</a> will enable a movement-impaired person to grip and use eating utensils, writing instruments, and hygiene devices within minutes. Recipients were chosen on a need-basis in conjunction with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROls'>Quang Ngai Provincial Red Cross</a>, local health departments and other relevant agencies.</p><br /><h1>Thao Vi</h1><br /><br/><br />Rotary District 5160 supports the disabled Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Rotary District 5160 supports the disabled

Rotary District 5160 supports the disabled ​In the afternoon of 26 March 2014, delegation of Rotary District 5160 experts from United State...

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BAFOCO: Efforts to Overcome Difficulties

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>BAFOCO: Efforts to Overcome Difficulties<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpxYk'><img alt="1466779-201433115449-dsc-0016" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1haRO4V" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><em><a href='http://bit.ly/1haRLWE'>Ba Ria Vung Tau Forestry Company Limited</a> (<a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpAmV'>Bafoco</a>) is well known for its outstanding work in the fields of planting, tending and protecting forests; planting, tending rubber trees and extracting latex; and production, processing and export of rubber latex. In recent years, rising costs and difficult access to bank loans have significantly affected its operation. However, thanks to its efforts and appropriate solutions, the company has fulfilled or exceeded the set plans, sales targets and made significant contributions to the state budget.</em> </p><br /><p>The forest covers an area of nearly 5,000 hectares including 1,700 hectares of rubber in <a href='http://bit.ly/1haRLWF'>Xuyen Moc</a> district’s centre surrounded by five communes including <a href='http://bit.ly/1dJpATL'>Hoa Hiep</a>, Hoa Hoi, <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROlc'>Bong Trang</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1haRLWI'>Bung Rieng and Binh Chau</a>. This investment comes from Bafoco and from the capital of individual households and organisations in the area. Over many years of good care and management, the forest is now becoming increasingly valuable in the economic development and environment protection of the district. On an area of 5,000 hectares of forest, 2,000 hectares are already for exploitation to serve the paper industry, making sustainable profit for production and business operation of Bafoco and economic income for households who contribute to building and preserving the forest. In addition, Bafoco also owns forest of dipterocatus, tectona grandis, and other trees with high economic value which are ready to be put into service for the wood processing industry.</p><br /><p>1,700 hectares of rubber has been invested since 2006, and is now exploited for export. In the early stage, Bafoco exported only a modest output of about 1,000 tonnes a year to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1haROld'>Chinese and Indian</a> markets. This is the starting step. In recent years, rubber prices continuously get lower, making it difficult for Bafoco when it has spent much on this tree. Facing the difficulties, Bafoco has made many efforts mobilising capital from various organizations; reducing costs and seeking new markets, etc. This has helped the company overcome difficulties and complete a good plan. It is expected that Bafoco will put into operation 1,000 hectares of rubber this year. According to the forecast, in 2014 the price will experience more positive changes than in 2013. If rubber prices are as good as expected, it would be a good signal to Vietnam’s rubber industry in general as well as Bafoco in particular.</p><br /><p>In addition to exploiting, the forest protection is considered a critical task. The company actively increases its security forces, enhances patrolling and management, coordinates with the ranger force and local police for timely detection and timely handling of illegal deforestation. However, for better forest protection, it is essential to have the attention and support of the local authority and the willingness of people. It is important to take more drastic actions and increase deterrent penalties, which will limit illegal deforestation. Thanks to those fruitful results, in 2013, the company received <a href='http://bit.ly/1haRLWJ'>Labour Order Grade III</a> helping to encourage the company to fulfil its mission in the future.</p><br /><p><strong>Duc Binh</strong> </p><br /><br/><br />BAFOCO: Efforts to Overcome Difficulties Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1haRO4V" width="200"/><br/></div>

BAFOCO: Efforts to Overcome Difficulties

BAFOCO: Efforts to Overcome Difficulties Ba Ria Vung Tau Forestry Company Limited ( Bafoco ) is well known for its outstanding work in th...

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Vietnam in two minds about destructing wildlife contraband

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam in two minds about destructing wildlife contraband<br /><p>Vietnam keeps a large quantity of the wildlife products seized from trafficking rings so competent agencies are questioning if they should destroy such products, given their high material value.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466759'><a href='http://bit.ly/1mo82wt'><img alt="According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Vietnamese authorities now have a total of 27 tons of elephant tusks and hundreds of kilograms of rhino horn which were confiscated from wildlife traffickers." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="177" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1gSM0CU" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Vietnamese authorities now have a total of 27 tons of elephant tusks and hundreds of kilograms of rhino horn which were confiscated from wildlife traffickers.</p><br /></div><br /><p>In response to this information, Assoc. Prof. Dr Pham Van Luc, chairman of the Scientific Council of the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, said the museum is currently keeping large quantities of ivory tusks, rhino horns, tortoise scales, and many animal parts of precious and rare species.</p><br /><p>Of these items, only a small quantity is on display, while the rest are carefully preserved in warehouses, Dr. Luc said.</p><br /><p>As a rule, concerned agencies must destroy such products to emphasize their disapproval of wildlife trafficking.</p><br /><p>However, given that the total material value of these items is very high, local competent bodies are considering how to handle them properly, Dr. Luc said.</p><br /><p>The council has come up with the idea that such items could be processed to make souvenirs, but such an act would violate international conventions as well as Vietnamese regulations pertaining to the conservation and protection of wildlife, Dr. Luc added.</p><br /><p>Regarding this matter, on March 24, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development suggested that ivory tusks, rhino horns, and tiger bones should be destroyed in accordance with Vietnam’s ban on the trade in wildlife.</p><br /><p>“We hope a meeting will be held so that concerned agencies can discuss the issue and reach a final decision on how to handle the seized items,” he said, following the ministry’s suggestion.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, chairman of the Vietnam Animal Association, said he has a special interest in whether ivory tusks and rhino horns should be destroyed or stored.</p><br /><p>The destruction of such wildlife would be a waste because it is worth a lot of money, which could be used to promote the conservation of wildlife, said Dr. Huynh.</p><br /><p>“But it is our association’s view to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s suggestion to destroy illegal goods,” Dr. Huynh added.</p><br /><p>Last month, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued a directive, ordering a fierce combat against trafficking in rare and endangered animals or their parts to recover the country’s poor reputation regarding the protection of its wildlife.</p><br /><p>The directive was made following the recent discovery of trafficking in endangered and rare wild animals in Vietnam, including rhino horn, African elephant tusks, and tigers.</p><br /><p>The premier asked concerned agencies to conduct more patrols and inspections in border areas, international airports, and ports to help detect and prevent wildlife trafficking.</p><br /><p><em>Source Tuoitrenews</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam in two minds about destructing wildlife contraband Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1gSM0CU" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam in two minds about destructing wildlife contraband

Vietnam in two minds about destructing wildlife contraband Vietnam keeps a large quantity of the wildlife products seized from trafficking r...

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Project helps better labour relations

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Project helps better labour relations<br /><p>The Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, in conjunction with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1nSx8Iu'>International Labour Organisation</a>, held a seminar to implement a project on developing labour relations in several cities and provinces in Vietnam.</p><br /><br/><br />Project helps better labour relations Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Project helps better labour relations

Project helps better labour relations The Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, in conjunction with the International Labour ...

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Quang Tri works to disarm UXOs

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Quang Tri works to disarm UXOs<br /><p>The central province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1gSM0mb'>Quang Tri</a>, the site of many fierce battles during the American war, is doing its utmost alongside foreign organisations to mitigate the consequences caused by unexploded ordnance (UXOs).</p><br /><p>Statistically, some 391,500 ha of land in the province is contaminated due to war-era UXOs, making up more than 83 percent of the provincial area.</p><br /><p>This has badly affected the local socio-economic development, environment, and health, and more seriously, claimed the lives of thousands of residents.</p><br /><p>In 1996, Quang Tri was the first locality in Vietnam to receive global support in defusing bombs and mines. One of the first international organisations assisting the province was <a href='http://bit.ly/1gSLZif'>Mine Advisory Group</a> (MAG), which has closely coordinated with local authorities to clear over 6.1 million square meters of land for cultivating since 1999.</p><br /><p>The group has also detected and treated more than 133,000 pieces of explosive materials and 2,500 bombs and mines left from war, thus benefiting over 1.5 million local residents.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gSM0me'>Le Van Tra</a>, a MGA technical coordinator, said the group is taking prompt actions to disable a number of UXOs discovered by residents.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mo847E'>Deputy Chairman</a> of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chinh said surmounting the war aftermaths takes time, cost and effort. In the coming time, local authorities will call for the government to continue investment into the field, as well as help the province to access support from humanitarian organisations and sponsors to revitalise the locality, Chinh added.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gSM0mg'>The National Steering Committee</a> for Recovery over the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mo847L'>Postwar Bomb and Landmine Impacts</a> reported that about 800,000 tonnes of UXOs are scattered across 6.6 million hectares, or 20.12 percent of the country’s land, putting people in danger every day.</p><br /><p>Latest statistics show that UXOs have killed more than 42,000 people and injured 60,000 others nationwide.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mo84o2'>An International Mine Action Day</a> will be held on April 4, with related events held across the globe, including in Vietnam.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Quang Tri works to disarm UXOs Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Quang Tri works to disarm UXOs

Quang Tri works to disarm UXOs The central province of Quang Tri , the site of many fierce battles during the American war, is doing its utm...

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Vietnam has the second world shooting record after 52 years

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – At the 2014 ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup Championship in the US, <a href='http://bit.ly/1hOtM0s'>Hoang Xuan Vinh</a> became the second Vietnamese to break the world record.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1466686'><a href='http://bit.ly/1gfFgc8'><img alt="Hoang Xuan Vinh (middle). Photo ISSF On March 30, Hoang Xuan Vinh broke the world record in the 10m air pistol finals held at Fort Benning" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="199" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1gfFgc9" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Hoang Xuan Vinh (middle). Photo ISSF On March 30, Hoang Xuan Vinh broke the world record in the 10m air pistol finals held at Fort Benning</p><br /></div><br /><p>Vietnamese shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh continues his climb up the global rankings, setting a new world’s record in the 10m, the US on March 30.</p><br /><p>The 39 year-old Vietnamese athlete, ranked 8th in the world, secured the gold medal at the 2014 ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup championship with a record score of 202.8 points, edging out the previous 202.3-point record.</p><br /><p>Hoang narrowly beat two Russian finalists, 28 year-old Sergey Chervyakovskiy and Vladimir 36 year-old Gontcharov, who finished in second and third place with 202.3 and 181.3 points, respectively.</p><br /><p>China’s Pang Wei, coming off a victory 20 days ago at the Asian Championship in Kuwait, ended up in fifth place with 138.6 points, behind the Japanese first-time finalist Horimizu Kojiro (fourth with 158.8 points).</p><br /><p>Horimizu’s teammate Matsuda Tomoyuki, the 2010 World Champion, ended up in sixth place with 117.8 points.</p><br /><p>Vinh won a gold medal at the World Cup in South Korea last April.</p><br /><p>This achievement is more significant because previously, Vinh ranked eighth in the qualifying round and won the final ticket to the finals.</p><br /><p>In the qualifying round, Vinh – with 282 points – ranked below his teammate Tran Quoc Cuong who finished third with 584 points.</p><br /><p>In Vietnam’s sports history, only two people broke the world records – shooter Tran Oanh in Czechoslovakia in 1962 and 52 years later, Hoang Xuan Vinh is the second who could do this.</p><br /><p><em>VNN/VNE/VOV</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam has the second world shooting record after 52 years Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1gfFgc9" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam has the second world shooting record after 52 years

VietNamNet Bridge – At the 2014 ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup Championship in the US, Hoang Xuan Vinh became the second Vietnamese to bre...

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