In pictures: Blood processing enterprise

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>In pictures: Blood processing enterprise <em><a href='http://bit.ly/1dHYAP8'>VietNamNet Bridge – Within</a> eight hours of blood being collected from donors, it must be processed into safe products for the use of patients. Hundreds of employees of the <a href='http://bit.ly/OJ3aap'>Central Hematology and Blood Transfusion Institute</a> have to work through the night to timely extract blood products for patients.</em><br /><p><em>VNE</em> </p><br /><br/><br />In pictures: Blood processing enterprise Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

In pictures: Blood processing enterprise

In pictures: Blood processing enterprise VietNamNet Bridge – Within eight hours of blood being collected from donors, it must be processed into safe products for the use of patients. Hundreds of employees of the Central Hematology and Blood Transfusion Institute have to work through the night to tim…

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Man arrested for smuggling drugs

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Man arrested for smuggling drugs <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A'><img alt="1449614-1" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="123" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A" width="200"/> </a><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) —The police have arrested a person named <a href='http://bit.ly/1dHYAi0'>Chu Tam Thang</a> for smuggling drugs in Tu Son Town in Bac Ninh Province yesterday.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/OJ3d68'>Head of the Bac Ninh Drug Crime Investigation Police Department Nguyen Van Hung</a> told <em>Viet Nam News</em> Agency that the police also seized 5,800 amphetamine pills, 100 grams of heroin and other items from Thang.</p><br /><p>The authorities are investigating the case. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Man arrested for smuggling drugs Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A" width="200"/><br/></div>

Man arrested for smuggling drugs

Man arrested for smuggling drugs HA NOI (VNS) —The police have arrested a person named Chu Tam Thang for smuggling drugs in Tu Son Town in Bac Ninh Province yesterday.Head of the Bac Ninh Drug Crime Investigation Police Department Nguyen Van Hung told Viet Nam News Agency that the police also seize…

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Building 8,000 houses in HCM city for average income earners

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Building 8,000 houses in HCM city for average income earners <i>The Hanoitimes</i> – International Finance Corporation (IFC) is infusing US$7.5 million into Nam Long Investment Joint Stock Company. With the assistance of Nam Long, IFC wants to help average income earners have their own home<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC7EgS'><img alt="1449645-ehome" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="234" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pC7EgS" width="416"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1eDABAa'>Nam Long Investment Joint Stock Company General Director Nguyen Vinh Tran</a>, said that IFC has invested heavily to gain a competitive advantage in supplying houses at average prices, especially in the context of current difficulties in the capital market.</p><br /><p>Apart from financial investment, IFC has also assisted the company in improving the quality standards for the environment and society as well as implementing international norms on using energy efficiently in property projects.</p><br /><p>Nam Long is currently conducting a pilot project for a more environmentally friendly model house design that will reduce energy costs and greenhouse emissions.</p><br /><p>The new building is expected to reduce consumption of energy by 20%.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hnTjAP'>Simon Andrews</a>, IFC’s Regional Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, <a href='http://bit.ly/1eDABQp'>Myanmar and Thailand</a> said that despite the recent slump in the Vietnamese real estate market, housing demand for average income earners remain high due to rapid urbanization.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1dCltn3'>Le Tran</a> </p><br /><br/><br />Building 8,000 houses in HCM city for average income earners Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pC7EgS" width="200"/><br/></div>

Building 8,000 houses in HCM city for average income earners

Building 8,000 houses in HCM city for average income earners The Hanoitimes – International Finance Corporation (IFC) is infusing US$7.5 million into Nam Long Investment Joint Stock Company. With the assistance of Nam Long, IFC wants to help average income earners have their own home Nam Long Inves…

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Record sales of Ford vehicles in one month

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Record sales of Ford vehicles in one month <b>Since early this year, <a href='http://bit.ly/1hGUARG'>Ford Vietnam Co</a>., Ltd. (based in Hai Duong city) has sold nearly 1,200 automobiles, up over 30% against the same period last year.</b><br /><p>Up to 954 vehicles were sold in January alone, a 38% increase compared with the previous month and the highest monthly sales ever.</p><br /><p>The above results have helped raise Ford’s market share in Vietnam to 8.6%, up 0.9% over the corresponding period last year.</p><br /><p>Ford Vietnam’s prominent business result in January was contributed by the lines of all-new Ranger pickup, Fiesta small car, family car, all-new Focus automobile, and Transit commercial vehicle.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC7x4S'>Ford Ranger and Ford Transit</a> continued leading the best-selling vehicle models in January.</p><br /><p><b>THANH LONG</b> </p><br /><br/><br />Record sales of Ford vehicles in one month Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Record sales of Ford vehicles in one month

Record sales of Ford vehicles in one month Since early this year, Ford Vietnam Co., Ltd. (based in Hai Duong city) has sold nearly 1,200 automobiles, up over 30% against the same period last year.Up to 954 vehicles were sold in January alone, a 38% increase compared with the previous month and the h…

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Retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent <i>The Hanoitimes</i> – According to the General Statistics Office The nation’s total retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent year-on-year to VND474.10 trillion (US$22.6 billion) in the first two months.<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hGUAkN'><img alt="1449640-14012010quanly" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="288" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pC7y8S" width="512"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Vu Manh Ha, a senior expert at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC7w0E'>GSO Trade Department</a>, said that the nation’s retail sales during the reviewed period has returned to average growth of 6.2 per cent, if price hikes were excluded.</p><br /><p>The growth, however, was far lower than the rate seen in the same period last year. This means that the domestic consumption demand has yet to be improved as the locals have curbed their spending habits and are focused on buying or using only essential goods and services.</p><br /><p>Encountering obstacles</p><br /><p>Many enterprises in the retail sector, meanwhile, continued to restrict their business expansion programmes as they continued to encounter obstacles including capital shortages, a high volume of stockpiled goods and the increasing prices of raw materials, Ha stated.</p><br /><p>The trade sector, which accounted for nearly 80 per cent of total revenues, rose 9.6 per cent over last year’s corresponding period.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC7y8W'>In the January-February</a> period, the foreign-invested sector experienced the highest revenue growth at 11.4 per cent, reaching $19.63 billion, while the State-owned sector recorded a modest rise of 7 per cent at only $2.11 billion.</p><br /><p>The country’s retail sector, with a boost from foreign retail distributors, has initially proven it has changed for the better.</p><br /><p>At present, there are 650 supermarkets in 59 of the 63 provinces and cities across the country and 117 shopping centres in 32 provinces and cities.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1dCltn3'>Le Tran</a> </p><br /><br/><br />Retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pC7y8S" width="200"/><br/></div>

Retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent

Retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent The Hanoitimes – According to the General Statistics Office The nation’s total retail sales and service revenues increased 11.6 per cent year-on-year to VND474.10 trillion (US$22.6 billion) in the first two months. Vu Manh Ha, a senior exper…

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Finding some talents through “Vietnamese star” program

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://bit.ly/NBG1pb'><img alt="1449623-28-10-45-35-484" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="287" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/NBG1pc" width="512"/> </a><br /><p>(Cinet) – VK-Pop music talent search contest in <a href='http://bit.ly/1gGczJA'>Viet Nam</a> will be officially aired on Viet Nam Television’s VTV3 channel from March 20.</p><br /><p>Titled <em>Ngoi Sao Viet</em>, meaning Vietnamese Stars, the contest aims to look for talent in multiple art forms such as singing, dancing, playing instruments and composing music. Young along with Vietnamese artists – singer Phuong Thanh and dancer John Huy Tran will serve on the jury for the contest taking palace from February 22-28.</p><br /><p>The finale will be held on July 19 and the winner will walk away with a prize of VND7.5 billion, or US$320,000.</p><br /><p>To get a victory for ” Vietnamese star-Lotte VK-Pop Super Star”, the talent will be a chance in multiple art forms such as singing, dancing, playing instruments and composing music.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1UDV'>The Jury</a> is some Vietnamese artists such as <a href='http://bit.ly/NtsXlM'>Kim Do Hoon</a>,Shinsadong Tiger, Kim Jin Woo, <a href='http://bit.ly/1lhTuRs'>Baek Ji Young</a>, Phuong Thanh and John Huy Tran…</p><br /><br/><br />Finding some talents through “Vietnamese star” program Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/NBG1pc" width="200"/><br/></div>

Finding some talents through “Vietnamese star” program

(Cinet) – VK-Pop music talent search contest in Viet Nam will be officially aired on Viet Nam Television’s VTV3 channel from March 20.Titled Ngoi Sao Viet, meaning Vietnamese Stars, the contest aims to look for talent in multiple art forms such as singing, dancing, playing instruments and composing…

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Hung Kings’ worship ceremony be ready

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1TzH'><img alt="1449625-28-15-1-49-875" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pC1TzH" width="300"/> </a><br /><p>(Cinet)- The worship of the Hung Kings, the founders of the Vietnamese nation, generates a source of strength for their offspring to overcome any difficulties and challenges in nation-building. Many activities are ready for the festival to commemorate the nation’s legendary founders, the Hung Kings on April 05.</p><br /><p>The ceremony, which coincided with the opening of the Hung Kings Temple Festival, marked the ritual’s recent recognition as a <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1Unf'>UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity</a>. Party, government and provincial officials attended the event along with representatives of UNESCO’s Secretariat and 25 countries in the <a href='http://bit.ly/NBG18F'>UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee</a> on implementing the 2003 Convention for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1Unh'>Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage</a>.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/NBG18G'>The Hung Kings Temple Festival</a> will begin on April 5 (the sixth day of the third lunar month) at the Hung Kings Temple Relic Site with the participation of several provinces nationwide, including <a href='http://bit.ly/Mhs7rk'>Bac Ninh</a>, Quang Binh, Vinh Long and Long An, which represent the three regions of the country.</p><br /><p>Addressing the event, <a href='http://bit.ly/NBG18L'>President Sang</a> spoke highly of the great contributions the people of Phu Tho had made to preserve the ritual. The practice of worshipping the Hung Kings also reminded the Vietnamese to protect one another in all circumstances, he said. As such, it was not only a ritual, but also a valuable illustration of the people’s cultural identity and an indication of the gratitude people felt to the founders of the nation.</p><br /><p>Minister of Culture, <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1UDC'>Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh</a> called for relevant ministries and agencies to join together to make people aware of the importance of preserving and promoting the worshipping ritual and associated places.</p><br /><p>An array of activities will be held during the five-day event, including art performances, photo exhibitions and a contest to make <a href='http://bit.ly/NBG18O'>Chung and Giay</a> square and round sticky rice cakes.</p><br /><p>Apart from festive activities, traditional rites will be organised to honour the two world cultural heritage – the worship of <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1TzN'>Hung Kings and Phu Tho Xoan</a> singing.</p><br /><p>In addition, special foods from 13 districts and towns throughout the province will be displayed at the festival.</p><br /><br/><br />Hung Kings’ worship ceremony be ready Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pC1TzH" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hung Kings’ worship ceremony be ready

(Cinet)- The worship of the Hung Kings, the founders of the Vietnamese nation, generates a source of strength for their offspring to overcome any difficulties and challenges in nation-building. Many activities are ready for the festival to commemorate the nation’s legendary founders, the Hung Kings…

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Book series published to commemorate Dien Bien Phu victory

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 410px' id='attachment_1449599'><a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1Tjf'><img alt="Nhan Dan - Marking the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historical victory over French colonialism (May 7, 1954), the People's Army Publishing House has published 13 books, including new studies on the victory's great historical significance." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="661" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1pC1Tjf" width="400"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Nhan Dan - Marking the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historical victory over French colonialism (May 7, 1954), the People's Army Publishing House has published 13 books, including new studies on the victory's great historical significance.</p><br /></div><br /><p>The series reflects the glorious historical campaign, taking readers back to remarkable days when the whole nation joined the campaign to achieve the world-famous victory. It also supplements local and international studies about the victory.</p><br /><p>The series includes: <em>Dien Bien Phu</em> (sixth edition), <em>General Vo Nguyen Giap and Dien Bien Phu Campaign</em> (second edition) and <em>Dien Bien Phu – The Times’ Golden Milestone</em> (second edition) by General Vo Nguyen Giap; as well as <em>Dien Bien Phu Through Documents</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu Victory in Foreigners’ Eyes</em>, <em>Q&A on Dien Bien Phu Victory</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu – Historical Wonder</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu – Numbers and Events</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu – Witnesses and Events</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu – 60-Year Memory</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu Campaign – Victory of Vietnam Bravery and Intellect</em>, <em>Dien Bien Phu Campaign – Peak of Vietnam Military Culture in Fight against French Colonialism</em> and <em>Learn about Dien Bien Phu Campaign through Military Terms</em> by various authors.</p><br /><p>Many of the books have been written with new approaches, including direct and brief question and answer format, and compiling a glossary of military terms arranged in accordance with the campaign’s events.</p><br /><p><em>Dien Bien Phu Victory in Foreigners’ Eyes</em> is a collection of evaluations and comments by French and international generals, soldiers, military commentators, reseachers and individuals on the campaign.</p><br /><p>The editions are works with scientific and literary value, attracting various readers with their in-depth analysis of <a href='http://bit.ly/NBFYJV'>Vietnam’s and France’s</a> strategic approaches as well as Vietnam’s military arts.</p><br /><p><em>General Vo Nguyen Giap and Dien Bien Phu Campaign</em> records General Vo Nguyen Giap’s memories as retold by <a href='http://bit.ly/1pC1Rrr'>Huu Mai</a>, depicting the general’s viewpoint on considering the people as the origin for the power to protect the nation, and highlighting his resolve to gain victories with minimal casualties.<br/> </p><br /><br/><br />Book series published to commemorate Dien Bien Phu victory Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1pC1Tjf" width="200"/><br/></div>

Book series published to commemorate Dien Bien Phu victory

Nhan Dan - Marking the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historical victory over French colonialism (May 7, 1954), the People's Army Publishing House has published 13 books, including new studies on the victory's great historical significance.The series reflects the glorious historical campaign…

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A farmer invented rice sowing machine

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>A farmer invented rice sowing machine <strong>Mr. Tu Sang, a farmer of ward I, city of Vi Thanh, <a href='http://bit.ly/ObDV0h'>Hau Giang</a> province has developed a rice sowing machine for three months. This is the first generation of rice sowing machine which he invented.</strong><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mLe3nv'><img alt="1449636-2014-02-28-15-00-24tdkhiem" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="262" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1mLe3nv" width="350"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cTn9LM'>According to Mr</a>. Sang: “His device takes advantages of wind as it could blow away rice seeds, the seed sowing part is about 9-10 m in width and capacity of 80-200 x 1000m2/day, suits for large scale fields and co-operatives. The machine can also play in Sparse sowing mode, by running faster or reducing its speed of seed sowing.”</p><br /><p>The new rice sowing machine is far better than conventional devices as it spends not too much time to fill the rice seeds. Its tank can contain 2 bushels of rice seeds that is enough to use for 2,000-3,000 m2. The “made in Tu Sang” machine is expected with the price of 22-24 millions VND. The cost can be reduced by haft if the user has existing tiller.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZY0iE'>Mr. Tu Sang</a> has never been attended any mechanical class, he is well-known with inventions involving to free labors, such as rice rake machine, rice packing machine and etc. <a href='#'>He received “Shennong Star” award (2009) by Vietnam Central Farmers Union</a> and Labor Medal Third Class by president (2010).</p><br /><br/><br />A farmer invented rice sowing machine Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1mLe3nv" width="200"/><br/></div>

A farmer invented rice sowing machine

A farmer invented rice sowing machine Mr. Tu Sang, a farmer of ward I, city of Vi Thanh, Hau Giang province has developed a rice sowing machine for three months. This is the first generation of rice sowing machine which he invented. According to Mr. Sang: “His device takes advantages of wind as it …

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Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation <strong>Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation</strong><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 360px' id='attachment_1449620'><a href='http://bit.ly/1oajbk0'><img alt="Outdoor activities help to replenish vitamin D for the body - Photo: Shutterstock Scientists from the University of Ulster (UK) concluded after examining the volunteers over age 60, according to New Kerala news agency (India)." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="262" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1oajbk0" width="350"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Outdoor activities help to replenish vitamin D for the body - Photo: Shutterstock Scientists from the University of Ulster (UK) concluded after examining the volunteers over age 60, according to New Kerala news agency (India).</p><br /></div><br /><p>The result is a lack of vitamin D group that had higher levels of inflammatory substances, related to cardiovascular disease and a number of other inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (disease of the nervous system causes gradual paralysis), inflammatory articulation.</p><br /><p>“Research showed that vitamin D can help maintain the health of immune system and bones” study author Mary Ward of the University of Ulster said.</p><br /><p>According to Dr. Ward, supplement of enough vitamin D for body can help improve immune function.</p><br /><p>Sunbath for 10-15 minutes a day will help skin synthesize vitamin D for the body. Vitamin D is also found in milk, eggs , fish and etc.</p><br /><p>This study is published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.</p><br /><br/><br />Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1oajbk0" width="200"/><br/></div>

Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation

Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation Lack of vitamin D can damage heart, articulation Outdoor activities help to replenish vitamin D for the body - Photo: Shutterstock Scientists from the University of Ulster (UK) concluded after examining the volunteers over age 60, according to New Ker…

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Newly Discovered Piece Of Cheese Is Older Than Jesus

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Newly Discovered Piece Of Cheese Is Older Than Jesus <strong>The oldest cheese has been found, and if you happen to be eating cheese right now, I suggest you pause, because this next sentence is gross: The cheese, from 1615 BC, was discovered in clumps on the necks and chests of mummies.</strong><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1etDzvs'><img alt="1449617-2014-02-28-15-04-27tdkhiem" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="262" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1etDzvs" width="350"/> </a> </p><br /><p>USA Today reports that the cheese aficionados were a <a href='http://bit.ly/1etDzvu'>Bronze Age</a> people who buried their own under wood boats wrapped tightly with cowhide, creating a vacuum-packed effect better than any Ziplock bag. The mummies were pulled out of <a href='http://bit.ly/1etDzvy'>Small River Cemetery Number</a> 5 located in the expansive <a href='http://bit.ly/1etDxnn'>Taklamakan Desert</a> of northwestern China. Dry desert air and salty soil preserved the cheese and kept it from decaying.</p><br /><p>The cheese was made by combining milk with a starter mixture made up of bacteria and yeast. This process differs from the present-day routine of using rennet, a substance from the guts of calf, lamb, or kid, to make cheese.</p><br /><br/><br />Newly Discovered Piece Of Cheese Is Older Than Jesus Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1etDzvs" width="200"/><br/></div>

Newly Discovered Piece Of Cheese Is Older Than Jesus

Newly Discovered Piece Of Cheese Is Older Than Jesus The oldest cheese has been found, and if you happen to be eating cheese right now, I suggest you pause, because this next sentence is gross: The cheese, from 1615 BC, was discovered in clumps on the necks and chests of mummies. USA Today reports …

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Trio Samir Barris to perform in Viet Nam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Trio Samir Barris to perform in Viet Nam<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1449632'><a href='http://bit.ly/1oaj9IV'><img alt="Composer and singer Samir Barris will perform three concerts with his string trio in Viet Nam next march." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="338" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1oaj9IV" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Composer and singer Samir Barris will perform three concerts with his string trio in Viet Nam next march.</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) — The string trio Samir Barris from Belgium will hold three concerts in Ha Noi, Hue and HCM City in March to celebrate the International Francophonie Day on March 20.</p><br /><p>Accordingly, the trio, Samir Barris (guitar, vocal), Margaret Hermant (violin, harp, back vocal) and Nicholas Yates (contrabass, back vocal) will present a concert at Youth Theatre, Ha Noi on March 15; and another at Hue City’s Cultural Centre two days later. On March 19, the trio will join Celina Ramsauer of Switzerland in a concert at the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF).</p><br /><p>Samir Barris will lead the audience through the famous works of French poets, with his notes and lyrics. In a bold and sophisticated way, he will turn the outstanding poems of Baudelaire, Hugo, Verlaine, Lamartine and Vian into music.</p><br /><p>The author, composer and singer Samir Barris lives in Brussels. He has released two albums and has also composed songs for children. His current project is to tour with his own compositions from the famous works of French poets.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1449633'><a href='http://bit.ly/1etDwjx'><img alt="Celina Ramsauer of Switzerland will perform besides trio Samir Barris in a concert in HCM City. Photos coutersy of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="675" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1etDwjx" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Celina Ramsauer of Switzerland will perform besides trio Samir Barris in a concert in HCM City. Photos coutersy of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation</p><br /></div><br /><p>All performances start at 8pm and entry is by invitation only.</p><br /><p>Free tickets will be distributed at Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Ha Noi from March 3 (04 38315241), at the Hue Cultural Centre from March 4 and at HCM City’s IDECAF from March 5 (08 38295451).</p><br /><p>The event is being jointly organised by the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Viet Nam, the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the central Hue City’s People’s Committee, the Swiss Embassy in Viet Nam and HCM City’s IDECAF. — VNS<br/> </p><br /><br/><br />Trio Samir Barris to perform in Viet Nam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1oaj9IV" width="200"/><br/></div>

Trio Samir Barris to perform in Viet Nam

Trio Samir Barris to perform in Viet Nam Composer and singer Samir Barris will perform three concerts with his string trio in Viet Nam next march.HA NOI (VNS) — The string trio Samir Barris from Belgium will hold three concerts in Ha Noi, Hue and HCM City in March to celebrate the International Fran…

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Man arrested for smuggling drugs

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Man arrested for smuggling drugs<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A'><img alt="1449614-1" class="attachment-medium" height="123" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A" width="200"/> </a> </p><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) —The police have arrested a person named Chu Tam Thang for smuggling drugs in Tu Son Town in Bac Ninh Province yesterday.</p><br /><p>Head of the Bac Ninh Drug Crime Investigation Police Department Nguyen Van Hung told <em>Viet Nam News</em> Agency that the police also seized 5,800 amphetamine pills, 100 grams of heroin and other items from Thang.</p><br /><p>The authorities are investigating the case. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Man arrested for smuggling drugs Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1eE9m8A" width="200"/><br/></div>

Man arrested for smuggling drugs

Man arrested for smuggling drugs HA NOI (VNS) —The police have arrested a person named Chu Tam Thang for smuggling drugs in Tu Son Town in Bac Ninh Province yesterday.Head of the Bac Ninh Drug Crime Investigation Police Department Nguyen Van Hung told Viet Nam News Agency that the police also seize…

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Human chess, traditional game of spring festivals

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><em><strong>(VOVworld) – Human chess, where people take the place of chess pieces, is a lively war of nerves. Human chess takes place at <a href='http://bit.ly/1hoclqO'>spring</a> festivals <a href='http://bit.ly/1hoclH9'>In Binh Dinh</a> province.</strong> </em><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3jkr'><img alt="1449552-co-vua" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="225" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1eE3jkr" width="400"/> </a> </p><br /><p>In An Nhon township, the cradle of traditional martial arts, human chess matches are held on the 5^th and 6^th day of the first lunar month.</p><br /><p>On a large terrain designed as a chessboard, the game is entering a critical stage accompanied by the sound of drumbeats. A boy dressed in a blue soldier’s uniform is dodging a blow from a girl in a red soldier uniform. Spectators are admiring the skillful martial arts.</p><br /><p>An announcer stands in the middle of the chessboard. After each move, he recites a line of poetry or sings a phrase of a song. The important performers are those who play the role of the two Kings. Mr. Quang, a chess expert, told VOV: <em>“The gestures of the Kings vary. When his troops advance and kill an enemy, the King unsheathes his sword to the accompaniment of drumbeats and waving flags. When he is put in check, the King staggers a bit and sings a song of defeat or reserves the situation depending on the strength of his rival’s move”.</em> </p><br /><p>The more improvisational the King’s speech is, the better. Verses are taken from poems and classical works, which praise the traditions of the Vietnamese nation.</p><br /><p>When spring comes, master martial artist <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3jAG'>Minh Hoang</a> travels from <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3jAH'>Hanoi to An Nhon</a> for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3lbZ'>human chess</a> matches. He says he not only loves this game but also learns martial arts each time. The 32 human chess pieces are all good at <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3jRc'>traditional</a> martial arts. Hoang says each army has 7 types of pieces: King, Bishop, Elephant, Rook, Cannon, <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3lc0'>Knight and Pawn</a>. Each piece has its own way of moving: <em>“Martial arts in human chess has been studied and developed into specific fights. Except for the King, Bishop, and Elephant, the remaining 4 pieces have their own fights, comprised of 81 positions. They are very special and diverse”.</em> </p><br /><p>A human chess game is a combination of folklore, folk wisdom and martial arts. <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3jRs'>Minh Anh</a>, the 8-year-old son of master martial artist Minh Hoang, is excited about watching the game: <em>“I’ve heard a song about the Trung sisters riding elephants to defeat the enemy. I want to learn chess and martial arts and participate in a human chess game”.</em> </p><br /><p>Each game lasts about 2 hours. If there is no winner after 2 hours, organizers hold a drawing to decide the winner. The game ends with a collective martial arts performance by both teams.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hocnPw'>Duc Anh</a> </p><br /><br/><br />Human chess, traditional game of spring festivals Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1eE3jkr" width="200"/><br/></div>

Human chess, traditional game of spring festivals

(VOVworld) – Human chess, where people take the place of chess pieces, is a lively war of nerves. Human chess takes place at spring festivals In Binh Dinh province. In An Nhon township, the cradle of traditional martial arts, human chess matches are held on the 5th and 6th day of the first lunar m…

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Vietnam’s Book Day selected on April 21

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3hJ7'><img alt="1449424-28-9-30-10-843" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="339" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1eE3j3C" width="512"/> </a><br /><p>(Cinet) – The PM Nguyen Tan Dung signed <a href='http://bit.ly/1dvbMXs'>Decision No</a>.284/QĐ-TTg on February 24 about observing April 21 as <a href='http://bit.ly/1hoclam'>Vietnam’s Book Day</a>, to honour the values books can bring to humanity and to encourage Vietnam’s reading culture.</p><br /><p>Accordingly, Vietnam’s Book Day aims to honour the reading culture of Vietnamese people and encourage ministries, departments, agencies, and social organizations to develop Vietnam’s reading culture.</p><br /><p>About organizing Vietnam’s Book Day, the PM Nguyen Tan Dung entrusted the <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3hJc'>Ministry of Information and Communications and Ministry of Culture</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1evpgCb'>Sports and Tourism</a> as well as some relevant agencies to build Plan to organize Vietnam’s Book Day in order to ensure a saving plan. Additionally, <a href='http://bit.ly/1hlOFmK'>UNESCO</a> has decided to observe April 23 as the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hockDc'>World Book and Copyright Day</a>. Vietnam’s Book Day aims to link to the April 23 World Book and Copyright Day.</p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam’s Book Day selected on April 21 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1eE3j3C" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam’s Book Day selected on April 21

(Cinet) – The PM Nguyen Tan Dung signed Decision No.284/QĐ-TTg on February 24 about observing April 21 as Vietnam’s Book Day, to honour the values books can bring to humanity and to encourage Vietnam’s reading culture.Accordingly, Vietnam’s Book Day aims to honour the reading culture of Vietnamese …

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Int’l visitors to Vietnam in February estimated 850.000 arrivals

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://bit.ly/1hociey'><img alt="1449412-28-9-38-10-359" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="312" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1hociey" width="500"/> </a><br /><p>(Cinet)- International visitors to Vietnam in February 2014 estimated 843,000 arrivals, increase 47.60% over the same period last year, according to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hockmC'>General Statistics Office</a>.</p><br /><p>Accordingly, the number of international visitors visiting <a href='http://bit.ly/1gGczJA'>Viet Nam</a> by air was 647,233; by sea: 15,241 arrivals; by road: 179,552 arrivals.</p><br /><p>Total international arrivals in 2 months reached 1,6 million arrivals, increase 33,4% over the same period last year.</p><br /><p>This is a good sign for Vietnam tourism sector. In 2014 <a href='http://bit.ly/1eE3hsG'>Vietnam National Administration of Tourism</a> will push e- marketing up, applying IT to popularizing to stimulate tourism development, specially aiming at large markets, key markets so that is draws international tourists.</p><br /><br/><br />Int’l visitors to Vietnam in February estimated 850.000 arrivals Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1hociey" width="200"/><br/></div>

Int’l visitors to Vietnam in February estimated 850.000 arrivals

(Cinet)- International visitors to Vietnam in February 2014 estimated 843,000 arrivals, increase 47.60% over the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office.Accordingly, the number of international visitors visiting Viet Nam by air was 647,233; by sea: 15,241 arrivals; by road…

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Does Vietnam import gasoline and coal?

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Does Vietnam import gasoline and coal? <strong>A survey report of National Geographic Organization for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1dHGQDt'>Challenge Program on Energy</a> (The Great Energy Challenge) showed that rapid growth rate can turn the most populous country in <a href='http://bit.ly/1chV39F'>Southeast Asia</a> into gasoline and coal Importers.</strong><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 360px' id='attachment_1449561'><a href='http://bit.ly/OIPY5s'><img alt="Clean solar production technology in Ninh Thuan - Photo IE" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="262" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/OIPY5s" width="350"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Clean solar production technology in Ninh Thuan - Photo IE</p><br /></div><br /><p>Accordingly, Vietnam can provide fuel by itself for its energy needs through coal and gasoline production in the country. However, the rapid growth rate can turn the most populous country in Southeast Asia into the gasoline and coal importers.</p><br /><p>The government is aiming to build the first nuclear reactors and hydropower plants as well as biogas and solar energy equipments. Vietnam is also a country where attracts investment in energy conservation technologies.</p><br /><br/><br />Does Vietnam import gasoline and coal? Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/OIPY5s" width="200"/><br/></div>

Does Vietnam import gasoline and coal?

Does Vietnam import gasoline and coal? A survey report of National Geographic Organization for the Challenge Program on Energy (The Great Energy Challenge) showed that rapid growth rate can turn the most populous country in Southeast Asia into gasoline and coal Importers. Clean solar production tech…

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Smuggled mobile phones seized at airport

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Smuggled mobile phones seized at airport<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 210px' id='attachment_1449564'><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLyiU'><img alt="Photo hanoimoi" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="130" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLyiU" width="200"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Photo hanoimoi</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) — Customs officials in Ha Noi’s Noi Bai International Airport have seized more than 250 mobile phones being smuggled from South Korea.</p><br /><p>The cache was hidden in the luggage of a female passenger from South Korea. Most of the mobile phones were well-known brands, such as iPhone, LG and Nokia.</p><br /><p>The value of the seized goods remained unknown.</p><br /><p>The woman, who was from the northern Hai Duong Province’s Kim Xuyen Commune, did not declare them to customs.</p><br /><p>The passenger and her luggage have been detained for further investigation. — VNS<br/> </p><br /><br/><br />Smuggled mobile phones seized at airport Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLyiU" width="200"/><br/></div>

Smuggled mobile phones seized at airport

Smuggled mobile phones seized at airport Photo hanoimoiHA NOI (VNS) — Customs officials in Ha Noi’s Noi Bai International Airport have seized more than 250 mobile phones being smuggled from South Korea.The cache was hidden in the luggage of a female passenger from South Korea. Most of the mobile pho…

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Dong Nai – Saigon railway on the pipeline

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Dong Nai – Saigon railway on the pipeline <em><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLy2u'>VietNamNet Bridge – With</a> a total investment of up to tens of trillions VND (hundreds of millions of USD), the 46km railway linking <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1HM2'>Trang Bom in Dong Nai</a> province to <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLvnn'>Hoa Hung in HCM City</a> is considered essential to meet the increasing demand for passenger and cargo transport.</em><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1449559'><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLvnp'><img alt="The Trang Bom-Sai Gon railway (red line). On February 27, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong and the consulting firm TEDI South had a meeting with the HCM City People's Committee to discuss plans to build the Trang Bom - Saigon railway." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="336" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLvnp" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The Trang Bom-Sai Gon railway (red line). On February 27, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong and the consulting firm TEDI South had a meeting with the HCM City People's Committee to discuss plans to build the Trang Bom - Saigon railway.</p><br /></div><br /><p>According to the consultant, the route is nearly 46 km long, with nearly 20 km of elevated rail and 15 stations.</p><br /><p>As planned, the route will include three rails of 1,000 mm gauge. In the long term, two rails of 1,435 mm gauge will be built.</p><br /><p>The route will be built in different stages. In the first stage, the Di An (Binh Duong province) – Ho Chi Minh City route will be built, expected to start before 2020 and the Di An – Trang Bom route will be built later.</p><br /><p>“The Ministry of Transport will work with donors to call for capital investment in the infrastructure. However, HCM City has to take care of the funding for site clearance,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Ngoc Dong said.</p><br /><p>According to the Ministry of Transport’s plan, by 2020, HCM City will have the following rail routes: Trang Bom ( Dong Nai ) – Hoa Hung (Saigon Railway Station), Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Can Tho (174km long), Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang (366km), HCM City – Tay Ninh (139km), Di An – Loc Ninh (128km), Thu Thiem – Thanh International Airport (Dong Nai), Bien Hoa – Vung Tau (54.6 km).</p><br /><p>The total investment for these routes is VND341.3 trillion, which will be mobilized from ODA loans, government bonds, the state budget and private enterprises.</p><br /><p>US$1 = VND21,000</p><br /><p><strong><em>Le Ha</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Dong Nai – Saigon railway on the pipeline Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLvnp" width="200"/><br/></div>

Dong Nai – Saigon railway on the pipeline

Dong Nai – Saigon railway on the pipeline VietNamNet Bridge – With a total investment of up to tens of trillions VND (hundreds of millions of USD), the 46km railway linking Trang Bom in Dong Nai province to Hoa Hung in HCM City is considered essential to meet the increasing demand for passenger and …

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Taking methamphetamine, a young man cut his penis

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Taking methamphetamine, a young man cut his penis <em>VietNamNet Bridge – Yesterday morning, Februar 27, affected by a delirium hallucination caused by <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1HvJ'>methamphetamine</a>, a 21-year-old man in the northern port city of Hai Phong used a razor to cut his penis.</em><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1449557'><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLvnb'><img alt="The woman who was saved from amphetamine in Nghe An. The man was admitted to the Vietnam - Czech Friendship Hospital in Hai Phong at 7.15am with a severely-injured penis." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="579" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLvnb" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The woman who was saved from amphetamine in Nghe An. The man was admitted to the Vietnam - Czech Friendship Hospital in Hai Phong at 7.15am with a severely-injured penis.</p><br /></div><br /><p>The patient was then transferred to a big hospital in Hanoi, with the faint hope that his penis would be cured or to be-recreated.</p><br /><p>On February 17, a young woman in the central province of Nghe An was saved from taking methamphetamine.</p><br /><p>According to doctors of the Nghe An Hospital, the woman was found on the street. She was in hallucination, caused by methamphetamine and could not remember even her name.</p><br /><p>At the hospital, the woman, suffered from hallucination, shouted and smashed furniture. She was tied and injected with a dose of tranquillizer. The woman escaped from the hospital after she regained her mind.</p><br /><p>Earlier, a man in Hanoi killed his girlfriend after taking methamphetamine because he thought that the woman was a snake.</p><br /><p><strong><em>Thu Ly</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Taking methamphetamine, a young man cut his penis Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLvnb" width="200"/><br/></div>

Taking methamphetamine, a young man cut his penis

Taking methamphetamine, a young man cut his penis VietNamNet Bridge – Yesterday morning, Februar 27, affected by a delirium hallucination caused by methamphetamine, a 21-year-old man in the northern port city of Hai Phong used a razor to cut his penis. The woman who was saved from amphetamine in Ngh…

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UNICEF supports disadvantaged children in Kon Tum

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>UNICEF supports disadvantaged children in Kon Tum <strong>The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will continue funding a program for children in Kon Tum with US$250,000.<br/><br /><br/> </strong><br /><p>The program started in 2007 and is aimed at improving standards of living for children across the country including <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLxLY'>Dak Ha</a>, Tu Mo Rong, Kon Ray, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1HvA'>Dak Glei and Kon Tum City</a>.</p><br /><p>Money will be allocated for local medical centers to treat malnutrition, accidents, injury, and domestic abuse.</p><br /><br/><br />UNICEF supports disadvantaged children in Kon Tum Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

UNICEF supports disadvantaged children in Kon Tum

UNICEF supports disadvantaged children in Kon Tum The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will continue funding a program for children in Kon Tum with US$250,000. The program started in 2007 and is aimed at improving standards of living for children across the country including Dak Ha, Tu Mo Ron…

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Social News Headlines 1/3

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Social News Headlines 1/3 <strong>Conjoined twins successfully separated</strong><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1449524'><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GrB'><img alt="Doctors at Ho Chi Minh City's Children Hospital No.1 on February 27 successfully separated two conjoined infants in an operation that lasted an hour and a half." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="422" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1mL1GrB" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Doctors at Ho Chi Minh City's Children Hospital No.1 on February 27 successfully separated two conjoined infants in an operation that lasted an hour and a half.</p><br /></div><br /><p>The five-day-old infants, who were born with congenital heart disease, were conjoined from their breastbone and weighed two kilograms each.</p><br /><p>The girl twins are reported to be in stable condition at the hospital’s intensive care unit, said Dao Trung Hieu, deputy director of the hospital.</p><br /><p>“One of the infants has no anus, therefore we had to operate immediately to prevent intestinal infection,” Hieu said.</p><br /><p>The twins, who were born in a hospital in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, were transferred to the hospital immediately after their birth, for the life-saving surgery.</p><br /><p><strong>Woman dies in Thai Nguyen fire</strong> </p><br /><p>A house fire left one woman dead after her house caught alight in the northern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLu2F'>Thai Nguyen’s Phu Luong District</a> yesterday.</p><br /><p>The fire, which began at 10am, quickly engulfed the house.</p><br /><p>The 64-year old woman, who had become paralysed four months earlier and could not walk, was unable to escape the blaze.</p><br /><p>Her husband, who survived the incident, was left severely injured after attempts to save his wife.</p><br /><p>Authorities are investigating the case.</p><br /><p><strong>Border police seize ‘meth’ haul</strong> </p><br /><p>Border guards at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLu2J'>Mong Cai International Border Gate</a> in the northern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1gEk6IK'>Quang Ninh</a> seized 5kg of methamphetamine on Wednesday.</p><br /><p>They also arrested a man allegedly smuggling the drugs into Viet Nam from China.</p><br /><p>The haul was apparently kept in five nylon packs hidden in two speakers.</p><br /><p>The alleged smuggler admitted that he was hired to do the job by a Chinese man for 3,000 Chinese yuan (US$490).</p><br /><p><strong>Future of Long Bien Bridge open to discussion</strong> </p><br /><p>Hanoi always emphasises the importance of ensuring the preservation of Long Bien Bridge in harmony with its socio-economic development, Chairman of the municipal <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLu2L'>People’s Committee Nguyen TheThao</a> has declared.</p><br /><p>The municipal leader has also affirmed that discussion and suggestions are important to create an optimal plan for the bridge, whose rebuilding plans introduced recently by the Ministry of Transport sparked controversy.</p><br /><p>In the coming time, suggestions from scientists, managers and experts will be collected for the plan with a focus on preserving and tapping the cultural and historical values of the bridge in combination with local socio-economic and traffic development and the urban landscape.</p><br /><p>In the city’s overall socio-economic development plan approved by the <a href='http://bit.ly/Myp66R'>Prime Minister</a> in 2011, there was a project to build a railway bridge over the <a href='http://bit.ly/MCgjAM'>Red River</a> at the area where Long Bien bridge stands.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1k1szpF'>The Ministry of Transport</a> had earlier proposed three plans. The first was to install a new bridge exactly where the old one stands, keeping the central part and the railway track intact, and removing other parts of the bridge for preservation.</p><br /><p>The second option was to build a new, modern bridge with a similar design to the original, and the third was to modernize the bridge while retaining parts of the central section and trusses.</p><br /><p>Long Bien Bridge was built between 1899 and 1902 by the French and measures 2,290m. It opened to traffic in 1903.</p><br /><p>At the time, it was the only bridge spanning the Red River that connected Hanoi to the highway leading to the northern port city of Haiphong. It has played a crucial role in many important events in the country’s history, including the independence wars.</p><br /><p>It was heavily bombarded during the <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrnz'>American War</a> and became a symbol of defiance against aggression. It is no exaggeration to say that the bridge is an intrinsic, indispensable part of Hanoi’s history and folklore, inspiring poets and musicians for generations.</p><br /><p><strong>Ha Noi vows to preserve historic Long Bien Bridge</strong> </p><br /><p>Ha Noi will soon work with relevant ministries and agencies to collect ideas for the best plan to upgrade the Long Bien Bridge, the municipal People’s Committee announced on Wednesday.</p><br /><p>The upgrade must ensure the preservation of the 112-year old bridge’s historical and cultural values, the committee’s chief of the office, <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5dH'>Nguyen Thinh Thanh</a>, said.</p><br /><p>The announcement came in response to recent public concern over the plan to build a railway bridge across the Hong (Red) River, which is related to the plans for the Long Bien Bridge.</p><br /><p>The transport ministry had previously proposed three plans. The first was to build a new bridge exactly where the Long Bien Bridge stands, keeping the central part with the railway track intact and removing other parts of the bridge for conservation.</p><br /><p>The second option was to build a new, modern bridge with a design similar to the old one, while the third was to modernise the bridge but retain parts of the central section and trusses.</p><br /><p>The 2,290-metre Long Bien Bridge was built between 1899 and 1902 by the French, and it opened to traffic in 1903.</p><br /><p>As it is the only bridge across the Red River that connects Ha Noi to the highway leading to the northern port city of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jcwC2z'>Hai Phong</a>, the bridge has played a crucial role in many important events in the country’s history, including in the wars for independence.</p><br /><p>These plans were proposed following the prime minister’s direction and will continue to be discussed so that the best option is submitted to him for approval, Thanh noted.</p><br /><p><strong>Tan Son Nhat international airport to be expanded</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1l0Dy5K'>Tan Son Nhat</a> international airport is poised to undergo its most radical change and extensive construction since the main terminal was opened officials have announced.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1eDAzIk'>General Director of Airports Corporation of Viet Nam</a> (ACV) <a href='http://bit.ly/1hnTjRa'>Le Manh Hung</a> also made public a ten-year renovation project is planned for the <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrnA'>Long Thanh</a> airport.</p><br /><p>The international airport will increase the number of its left and right terminals to allow for 40 more check-in stalls and the domestic terminal will be extended to have additional floor of space of 3,900 square metres.</p><br /><p>In the years leading up to 2014, Tan Son Nhat airport has served serving 20 million passengers, operating up to 550 flights per day during peak hours.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1hMVIHY'>Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang</a> in turn asked the ACV to mobilize social capital sources to invest in upgraded building parking lots.</p><br /><p><strong>Vietnam launches VND100 bil laparoscopic surgery centre</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1FUs'>The Central Paediatrics Hospital on February</a> 27 officially placed Vietnam’s first -ever robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery centre into operation with an estimated investment of VND100 billion.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvGE2'>Associate Professor Le Thanh Hai</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvJ2G'>Director of the Central Pediatrics Hospital</a> said that the application of computer-controlled devices to aid in the positioning and manipulation of surgical devices will bring medical procedures to a level on par with international standards.</p><br /><p>He hypothesises that robotic assisted surgeries may one day be perfected sufficiently and to an extent that long distance surgeries for remote areas such as islands may become a reality.</p><br /><p>The robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has many advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery.</p><br /><p>With the assistance of 3D images, surgeons can get an up close and deeper look at any phenomena in the body. In addition, this method helps patients recover sooner.</p><br /><p>In recent years, the hospital has conducted eight surgeries on eight children with the application of this technology.</p><br /><p>Vietnam is the first <a href='http://bit.ly/Ow3ARn'>Southeast Asian</a> nation and the second in Asia which has a centre applying this high technology.</p><br /><p><strong>Job fair brings employment opportunities to Vietnamese students</strong> </p><br /><p>A job fair opened in the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLujd'>Dong Nai on February</a> 27, offering a chance for Vietnamese students to explore information on educational and employment opportunities at Japanese enterprises.</p><br /><p>Jointly organised by <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1FUv'>Japan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade</a> and the province’s <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLuje'>Lac Hong University</a>, the fair drew the participation of 13 businesses from Japan, which needs to recruit a great number of technically-skilled workers.</p><br /><p>As many as 600 students were preliminarily selected for employment by the enterprises at the event.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GI3'>Goto Yuzo</a>, a representative from the Japanese ministry, said his country has become one of the biggest investors in Vietnam, adding that the money flow from Japan into Vietnam will continue increasing in the coming years, meaning that job opportunities for <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrDU'>Vietnamese in Japanese</a> firms will be very promising.</p><br /><p>He also noted that if Vietnamese students want to work for Japanese companies, they should have a strict sense of responsibility and discipline, an inquiring mind and good foreign language skills.</p><br /><p>Students attending the fair were also provided with advice to find jobs at Japanese businesses and to adapt their studies to meet the requirements of these enterprises.</p><br /><p><strong>First outbreak of H5N1 detected in Gia Lai</strong> </p><br /><p>The central highlands province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1dUlciZ'>Gia Lai</a> has reported its first case of A/H5N1 infection, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported.</p><br /><p>The outbreak was discovered on a flock of 4,500 chickens raised by farmer <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvJj4'>Nguyen Phuoc Huy in Tan An</a> commune, <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO7lE'>Dac Po</a> district.</p><br /><p>The three month old chicken flock has been experiencing an unusually high mortality rate since February 22.</p><br /><p>Samples taken from all of the chickens tested were positive for the bird flu strain A/H5N1, the first outbreak of the flu in the province.</p><br /><p>At present, the provincial veterinary department has culled all the poultry and sterilized the infected areas and is supervising local residents on necessary procedures to prevent the outbreak from spreading.</p><br /><p><strong>Hai Duong declares H5N1 flu outbreak</strong> </p><br /><p>The northern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLujj'>Hai Duong on February</a> 27 declared an outbreak of A/H5N1 avian influenza in Cam Che commune, Thanh Ha district.</p><br /><p>The action was prompted after samples taken from a Cam Che household where five dead chickens were spotted tested positive for the bird flu strain A/H5N1 on February 26.</p><br /><p>The provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GIa'>Sub-Department of Animal Health</a> and local authorities immediately culled all 300 poultry on the premises.</p><br /><p>Deputy head of the division <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrE1'>Pham DinhNghi</a> said more than eight million birds are being raised in Hai Duong, 600,000 of them in Thanh Ha district.</p><br /><p>The provincial People’s Committee has ordered its localities to intensify inspections and sterilization as well as increase the number of staff on main roads to prevent fowl being traded during the epidemic period.</p><br /><p>Apart from Hai Duong, as of February 25, bird flu had been detected in 21 provinces and cities across Vietnam with around 64,000 infected chickens culled, according to statistics from the Animal Health Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.</p><br /><p><strong>Vietnam shares disaster preparedness experience</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvGny'>Ambassador Le Hoai Trung</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO618'>Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations</a> shared Vietnam’s experience on disaster preparedness at the launch of the UN report “<a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvIMe'>Dare to Prepare</a>: Taking Risks Seriously” on February 27.</p><br /><p>The report of the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvIM3'>Overseas Development Institute</a> (ODI) extends many important messages, highlighting the need to invest in preparedness.</p><br /><p>Vietnam agreed with the report’s recommendations aimed at increasing financing for preparedness, with a combination of global, regional and national financing mechanisms, Trung said.</p><br /><p>The Vietnamese ambassador highlighted the launch of the report as an effort to deepen understanding about preparedness, especially at the time when the UN is working on the post-2015 development agenda and the new sustainable development goals.</p><br /><p>He thanked international organizations and other countries for their great support and assistance for Vietnam in this field.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1keO75h'>According to the World Bank</a> (WB) Vietnam is ranked as the seventh most exposed country in the world to multiple natural hazards including floods, tropical typhoon, tornados, landslides and droughts. An estimated 59 percent of the total area of the country and 71 percent of the population are exposed to cyclones and floods.</p><br /><p><strong>Japanese disaster prevention project helps Quang Nam</strong> </p><br /><p>A workshop took place in the central province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GIe'>Quang Nam on February</a> 27 to kick-start a Japanese-funded project on raising the capacity of students and coastal residents to minimise disaster risks.</p><br /><p>The project will benefit <a href='http://bit.ly/NaqdJN'>Hoi An</a> city, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1FUz'>Dien Ban</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLuzD'>Duy Xuyen</a>, Thang Binh, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1FUE'>Tam Ky and Nui Thanh</a> districts, which are severely affected by natural disasters.</p><br /><p>The project, which will end in 2015, will provide students and coastal residents with basic knowledge on disaster prevention through training courses and extracurricular programmes.</p><br /><p>It was jointly implemented by <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLuzI'>SEEDS Asia</a>, a Japanese non-governmental organisation, and the provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GYz'>Department of Education and Training and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development</a>.</p><br /><p><strong>Payments for ecosystem services tally VND2,850 billion</strong> </p><br /><p>The programme of Payments for <a href='http://bit.ly/1hns0Xi'>Forest Environmental Services</a> (PFES) has provided funding totalling nearly VND2,850 billion to 34 provinces and cities in Vietnam over the past five years.</p><br /><p>Addressing a February 27 conference on forest protection and development, <a href='http://bit.ly/1eCXNhS'>Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan</a> elaborated on the success of the programme, stating it has made significant contributions to sustainable forest development.</p><br /><p>As many as 34 provinces and cities run programmes to improve forest quality and quantity in the 2009-2013 period, he reported.</p><br /><p>Last year, PFES policy paid out VND1,068 billion. Of the figure, VND1,043 was allocated for hydro-electric power plants, and VND24 billion for clean water plants.</p><br /><p>However, Tuan said, the programme still reveals shortcomings, including slow payment and slow disbursement of fees for forest environmental services.</p><br /><p><strong>Sectoral labour pacts ease bouts of industrial action</strong> </p><br /><p>Collective labour agreements, also known as collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), in a number of sectors have provided a stable foundation for industrial relations and even reduced the number of labour disputes, officials have said.</p><br /><p>Authorities noted a marked decline over the past three years, with no serious strikes or demonstrations taking place at any textile and garment enterprises party to collective labour agreements, said <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvFzZ'>Truong Van Cam</a>, permanent deputy president of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5ui'>Viet Nam National Union of Textile and Garment Workers</a>.</p><br /><p>The textile and garment sector was the first to sign CBAs at a sectoral level in 2010, Cam said at a conference held recently in HCM City.</p><br /><p>A total of 100 enterprises have so far signed CBAs, covering 136,200 labourers, he said.</p><br /><p>Wages, bonuses and other workers’ benefits such as health insurance and accommodation improved at participating enterprises, he added.</p><br /><p>Trained workers were paid ten per cent higher than minimum wages, instead of seven per cent as regulated.</p><br /><p>The average income of workers reached VND3.5 million (US$170) per month.</p><br /><p>The implementation of CBAs has contributed to reducing the rate of turnover among textile and garment enterprises, particularly post-Tet (<a href='http://bit.ly/1cqi11C'>Lunar New Year</a>) holiday.</p><br /><p>The textile and garment sector attracts nearly three million workers at more than 6,000 enterprises.</p><br /><p>Of that figure, female workers account for 70 per cent.</p><br /><p>Massive strikes and demonstrations in the footwear and textile and garment sector accounted for 45 per cent of the total nationwide.</p><br /><p>There were more than 3,130 strikes between 2007 and 2012, said <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvFA0'>Le Xuan Thanh</a>, deputy director of <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5uj'>Department of Labour and Salary</a>.</p><br /><p>Most of the strikes happened outside of any legal procedures and without the management of trade unions, Thanh said.</p><br /><p>Most of them occurred at FDI enterprises (80 per cent), he said.</p><br /><p>However, just a small number of FDI enterprises have signed CBAs at the sectoral level.</p><br /><p>Last year the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvFA3'>Textile and Garment Sector’s Trade Union in Binh Duong Province</a> implemented CBAs.</p><br /><p>The sectoral CBAs will be scaled up in the textile and garment industry in <a href='http://bit.ly/1hgJBzB'>HCM City and Ha Noi</a> as well as other sectors such as rubber and railway, over the next few years, he added.</p><br /><p><strong>Viet Nam to ramp up foster care for needy kids</strong> </p><br /><p>The Government will soon introduce regulations that encourage more Vietnamese families to provide foster care for disadvantaged children, <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO3CB'>Deputy Minister of Labour</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvCUJ'>Invalid and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep</a> said yesterday.</p><br /><p>Addressing a conference focusing on family placement for orphans and other children who are not brought up by their biological parents, Diep said Viet Nam is in the process of completing its legal framework on childcare and protection, and plans to add regulations on provision of foster care.</p><br /><p>He said that although the country already has regulations on providing alternative care for disadvantaged children, these were too general and would not motivate people to open their families to caring for them.</p><br /><p>Viet Nam has about 23 million children, accounting for 27 per cent of its population. Of these, 1.4 million are said to fall under the disadvantaged category.</p><br /><p>Typically, such children are cared for by social welfare centres, adopted or placed with families – relatives or others – to receive foster care, with both the children and the care providers eligible to receive Government support.</p><br /><p>The conference heard that about 400,000 disadvantaged children are eligible to get the Government’s support, ranging from VND270,000 to VND810,000 (US$12.8-38.5) per month, plus other assistance like healthcare, education and vocational training.</p><br /><p>About 22,000 children are under institutional care and 170,000 under foster care. About 6,000 Vietnamese children are adopted each year.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1keO3CE'>Le Hong Loan</a>, head of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvCUL'>Child Protection Section</a> with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5ua'>United Nations Children’s Fund in Viet Nam</a> (UNICEF), said the country needs to develop more effective monitoring and supervising systems for alternative care delivery so as to ensure the safety and well being of the disadvantaged children.</p><br /><p>“Clear regulations are needed for assessing, selecting and granting permission to those who foster children,” she said, also urging inter-sector co-operation to meet the children’s needs, including residential registration, schooling and healthcare.</p><br /><p>One of the foreign dignitaries present at the conference, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvFjx'>Prince Michael of Kent</a>, cousin to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5ue'>Queen of England</a>, said it was not easy to find an alternative family to provide safe and long-term care for children.</p><br /><p>Foster children or adopted children need strong care and support from authorities, he said.</p><br /><p>“Successfully nurturing a child into adulthood is one of the most important functions of family life and one of the foundation blocks of any good society, anywhere in the world,” he added.</p><br /><p>He said that family placement care should receive attention as the first positive alternative for orphaned and abandoned children and preferred over institutional care at orphanages or other social welfare centres.</p><br /><p>The two-day conference was organised by <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvCUR'>MOLISA</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO6y4'>UNICEF and the Care</a> for Children – a British charity that partners with governments in Asia “to help them place orphans into good local families.”</p><br /><p><strong>Ministry tightens childcare oversight</strong> </p><br /><p>The division of Labour, <a href='http://bit.ly/1p3ChLT'>Invalids and Social Affairs</a>, should co-operate more closely with the educational division at a grassroots level, to improve the management of home-stay nurseries, small baby-sitting groups and private kindergartens, according to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5u4'>Child Care and Protection Department</a>.</p><br /><p>At a conference on the management of home-stayed nurseries and private kindergartens between <a href='http://bit.ly/1dmw9pu'>the Ministry of Education and Training</a> and its departments, held yesterday, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvCEj'>Dang Hoa Nam</a>, the department’s deputy head, said that the division is fortunate to have such a large number of staff – both licensed and otherwise – working in childcare in their locality.</p><br /><p>This workforce is aware of how many licensed home-stay nurseries, small baby-sitting groups and private kindergartens there and how many there are without licenses, Nam said. They work closely with children and families in the provinces and have a wealth of knowledge that they should share with educational staff to ensure the safety of children and prevent violence and abuse.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1keO3Cs'>Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai</a>, head of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvF2P'>Family and Society Division</a> under Viet Nam Women’s Union, said that a survey conducted in 2012 in five cities showed there are a large proportion of families who use unlicensed childcare facilities, but according to Mai, they are difficult to manage.</p><br /><p>Shutting down facilities without licenses is not easy, she said. Under normal circumstances, if they fail to meet the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO3Cu'>Ministry of Education and Training’s</a> standards on classroom size and the number of children in each classroom, they would be closed down, however the demand is so great, they feel this would be detrimental to families in the region.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1dBTyU3'>Tran Thi Kim Thanh</a>, from the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO3Cv'>HCM City Department of Education and Training</a>, agreed. Because of the demand, the city has chosen not to close all unlicensed childcare businesses, Thanh said, adding that the only ones that have been shut down are those that were deemed unsafe. Instead, under the guidance of the city’s authorities, they are issuing more licenses in a bid to improve childcare options for families in the area.</p><br /><p>The result is that the number of facilities without license has reduced from 1,021 to 453 during the last two months, raising the city’s number of licensed facilities to 1,490.</p><br /><p>To further improve the situation, the city’s People’s Committee has requested that priority be given to investment in kindergarten facilities. Representatives from education departments in other southern provinces suggested that the ministry offer preferential policies on land, tariffs and loans for enterprises and individuals who want to invest in building kindergartens.</p><br /><p>Nam also suggested that a policy that helps poorer parents in the urban areas with childcare should be issued.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvCEl'>Pham Thi Hue Trang</a>, deputy head of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1keO5u6'>Department of Education and Training’s Pre</a>-school <a href='http://bit.ly/1mKvF30'>Education Division in Binh Duong Province</a>, said that salaries and allowances for teachers at kindergartens and nurseries also should be adjusted.</p><br /><p>This would help attract to students and graduates to the profession, Trang said.</p><br /><p>The province has a history of shortages of teachers for pre-school education as well as kindergartens, she added.</p><br /><p><strong>Young leaders to venture to S Korea</strong> </p><br /><p>Eighty youths who have been appointed vice-chairpersons of the nation’s poorest communes under a governance improvement initiative will visit <a href='http://bit.ly/1h2QxQA'>South Korea</a> this July to learn more about rural development.</p><br /><p>A report on the <a href='http://bit.ly/Ow3CsD'>Voice of Viet Nam</a> website yesterday quoted Vu Dang Minh, director of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrUs'>Ministry of Home Affairs’ Youth Department</a>, as saying the young government officials will learn about the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GaX'>New Village</a> movement in South Korea, which was launched in the 1970s.</p><br /><p>The movement encouraged community involvement in rural development and helped fight poverty.</p><br /><p>Minh said the two-week study tour follows up on encouraging results seen in the US$10.25-million national project launched three years ago, selecting young graduates to serve as vice chairs of commune administrations.</p><br /><p>So far, 580 university graduates have been appointed nation-wide.</p><br /><p>“The young leaders have been quite proactive in implementing initiatives that promote socio-economic development and poverty reduction,” Minh said.</p><br /><p>“We want them to show leadership and governance skills besides applying their specialised knowledge on the job.”</p><br /><p>The national project selects graduates who commit themselves to work for at least five years in poor communes, giving them option of moving after three years as a reward for outstanding achievements or great initiatives.</p><br /><p>The project gives selection priority to candidates from provinces with many poor districts and ethnic minority populations.</p><br /><p>Particular preference is given to those who can speak ethnic minority languages, have completed their military service or have previous administration experience.</p><br /><p>The national project was launched because it was felt that the nation’s poorest communes need well-trained officials to implement the nation’s socio-economic development policies, especially those relating to hunger eradication and poverty reduction.</p><br /><p>Typically, very few officials governing poor communes in the country are college or university graduates.</p><br /><p><strong>Experts warn wet markets hotbeds for bird flu virus</strong> </p><br /><p>All traditional markets that sell fresh poultry meat carry significant risk of becoming bird flu hotspots, animal health experts have warned.</p><br /><p>A <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrUt'>Viet Nam News Agency</a> (VNA) report yesterday cited experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)’s Department of Animal Health as saying temporary markets and wet markets nationwide have to take increased safety precautions against the disease, particularly the strain caused by the H5N1 virus.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLrUu'>The VNA</a> report noted that at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GYE'>Nguyen Cong Tru Market in Ha Noi’s Hai Ba Trung District</a>, a major poultry market, chicken and ducks are sold live, slaughtered and processed all in one place, increasing the chances of infection as well as spread of the deadly virus.</p><br /><p>A small trader at the market said animal health workers checked the shops three or four times per month, but with the poultry coming in from different provinces including <a href='http://bit.ly/1jzBT4n'>Bac Giang</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GYH'>Lang Son and Hoa Binh</a>, it was easy for infected fowls to go undetected.</p><br /><p>The situation is similar at many other markets in the city, including those on <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1GYK'>Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Ba Dinh District or the Thach Bich</a> market in <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLuQ8'>Thanh Oai District</a>, the VNA report said, noting that the poultry are often slaughtered in the open, very close to the street.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1chV5hZ'>According to the Animal Health Department</a>, two people in the country have died of bird flu so far this year. The H5N1 virus has been detected in more than 20 provinces and cities over the past two months, and more than 63,600 fowls have died or been killed.</p><br /><p>Department experts said that the cold weather of the past two months created favourable conditions for the virus to spread.</p><br /><p>Besides, several localities have not been thorough in carrying out vaccination and sterilization programmes, they added.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLsaU'>Le Xuan Viet</a>, head of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1HeZ'>Ha Vy Market Management Board in Ha Noi’s Thuong Tin District</a>, said that at present, they were spraying the market with disinfectant twice a week, and closing it a month for sterilisation.</p><br /><p>This by itself might not be sufficient to prevent the virus from spreading, experts said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Gba'>Department Director Pham Van Dong</a> said inspections covering 147 live poultry markets in more than 40 provinces and cities showed more than 60 per cent had the virus.</p><br /><p>About six per cent of duck samples taken tested positive for the H5N1 virus, he said.</p><br /><p>To prevent the H5N1 virus from spreading, the agriculture ministry has asked authorities at all levels to keep close watch on live poultry markets and tighten their management of these and related facilities. All markets should be closed periodically for sterilisation, the ministry has directed.</p><br /><p>On February 22, the ministry launched a month-long nationwide campaign to improve hygiene, sterilisation and disinfection at all wet markets.</p><br /><p><strong>Major educational system assessment spots areas for improvement</strong> </p><br /><p>The Ministry of Education and Training is committed to increasing the quality of education by improving assessments of students’ knowledge and learning capacity, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Gbc'>Deputy Minister Nguyen Vinh Hien</a> has stated.</p><br /><p>At a February 27 conference to sum up the 2012 Programme for <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Hf2'>International Student Assessment</a> (PISA) and deploy the 2015 <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLsb3'>PISA in Vietnam</a>, Hien said that through the assessment, the ministry can put forward more appropriate and beneficial policies.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Hf6'>Initiated by the Organisation</a> for <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLuQk'>Economic Cooperation and Development</a>, PISA is a triennial international survey which aims to evaluate education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students. The test is also designed to measure whether students can apply what they’ve learned in school to real-life problems.</p><br /><p>Vietnam will look into the results in order to seek measures for education quality improvement and study how to apply PISA techniques and methods in national education quality assessment, he added.</p><br /><p>Vietnam was ranked eighth in science, 17th in mathematics and 19th in reading among 65 countries and territories participating in the 2012 survey. It was the first time the country, which has the lowest per capita income among participating economies, had joined in the survey.-</p><br /><p><strong>School initiative successful in Ho Chi Minh City</strong> </p><br /><p>Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan has requested the Friendly School, <a href='http://bit.ly/1knGy9r'>Active Student</a> programme be carried out basing on the condition of each district in order to ensure its stability.</p><br /><p>The programme was launched to raise the learning atmosphere in schools, promote effective teaching methods, increase soft skills among students, and encourage teamwork.</p><br /><p>At the workshop reviewing the city’s five-year implement of the programme held on February 26, Quan appreciated the close co-operation between the Department of Education and Training and other authorities and oragnisations in the city to effectively carry out the programme.</p><br /><p>Tran Thi Kim Thanh, deputy head of the department, said that close cooperation has enriched activities in schools.</p><br /><p>The department, for example, has cooperated with the <a href='http://bit.ly/1dhLGae'>Department of Culture</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1evpgCb'>Sports and Tourism</a> to teach traditional music such as tuong (classical drama), cheo (traditional opera), and cai luong (folk song) for students.</p><br /><p>They have also organised entertainment and sport programmes, attracting the attendance of large number of students to help them relax and improve their physical health.</p><br /><p>Many scholarship programmes for disadvantaged students to continue going to school have also been carried out.</p><br /><p>Thanh said that through the programme, more attention hs been paid to the investment in building and upgrading kindergartens and schools and equipping with modern teaching aids.</p><br /><p>The city has counted 1,788 schools, kindergartens, and education centres for night classes since September 2008, all of them have had a green campus, standard playground, classrooms, toilets and water supplying works, Thanh said.</p><br /><p>The city has seen an increasing number of schools meeting the national standards, she said. To date, there have been 149 national standard schools in the city.</p><br /><p>They also have applied IT in teaching and managing, she said, adding that teaching methodologies and curricula have been improved. Many international programmes have been applied to improve students’ thinking and creativity, she said.-</p><br /><p><em>Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/SGGP</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Social News Headlines 1/3 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1mL1GrB" width="200"/><br/></div>

Social News Headlines 1/3

Social News Headlines 1/3 Conjoined twins successfully separated Doctors at Ho Chi Minh City's Children Hospital No.1 on February 27 successfully separated two conjoined infants in an operation that lasted an hour and a half.The five-day-old infants, who were born with congenital heart disease, were…

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Vietnamese doctors succeed in new treatment for cancer

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnamese doctors succeed in new treatment for cancer <strong>Doctors at two hospitals in Hanoi have been successful in applying a new method of liver cancer treatment to four patients. Currently, only a certain number of countries have been successful in using this method.</strong><br /><p>The method – an interventional radiology treatment using intra-arterial yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres – has been carried out at <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Fnq'>Bach Mai Hospital and Military Central Hospital</a> 108.</p><br /><p>Prof. <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLr6X'>Dr Mai Trong Khoa</a>, deputy director of Bach Mai and director of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1Dw3'>Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center</a>, said that the number of liver cancer patients is on the rise in Vietnam.</p><br /><p>Therefore, increasing demand for treatment of this cancer has long been a big challenge for the health sector to overcome, he said.</p><br /><p>Dr. Khoa confirmed that the new technique is safe and has a high rate of effectiveness while not causing complications or accidents during and after treatment.</p><br /><p>The treatment using Y-90 on these four patients has had encouraging results and those who have undergone it have been discharged in better health conditions without any complications, he said.</p><br /><p>In the treatment, Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres are put in the liver artery that leads to the tumor. When they are close to the tumor, these microspheres generate radioactive rays that kill the tumor’s cancerous cells. Such rays also prevent blood from circulating to the tumor, cutting off its source of nutrients, thus killing the tumor.</p><br /><p>This is a selected treatment as these microspheres only target cancerous cells and have no impact on normal cells, Dr. Khoa said.</p><br /><p>It is difficult to apply this method and only a limited number of countries can use it successfully, he said, adding that so far in Vietnam, only the two above-mentioned hospitals have successfully applied this method.</p><br /><p>This method requires a combination of many medical specialties and advanced medical equipment. Therefore the cost of treatment using this method is rather high and health insurance does not yet cover it, Dr. Khoa said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLu2B'><img alt="1449548-dj5ljkmd" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="238" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLu2B" width="405"/> </a> </p><br /><br/><br />Vietnamese doctors succeed in new treatment for cancer Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLu2B" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnamese doctors succeed in new treatment for cancer

Vietnamese doctors succeed in new treatment for cancer Doctors at two hospitals in Hanoi have been successful in applying a new method of liver cancer treatment to four patients. Currently, only a certain number of countries have been successful in using this method.The method – an interventional ra…

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2 Chinese men arrested for killing child

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>2 Chinese men arrested for killing child <strong>Police in northern <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqA2'>Lang Son Province</a> have arrested two Chinese nationals for killing a 9-year-old Vietnamese child in a hamlet in the province on Wednesday.</strong><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqA4'><img alt="1449537-ucakmxyb" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLqA4" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqA6'><em><strong>>> Male nurse arrested for anesthetizing and raping intern</strong> </em> </a> <a href='http://bit.ly/1h7QJyd'><em><strong>>> Pickpockets who targeted foreigners in HCMC seized</strong> </em> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1EQs'>On Thursday</a>, chief of police of <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLtvB'>Van Lang District Vu Hong Quang</a> confirmed that local police seized two Chinese men who killed the child in <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1EQy'>Na Ao</a> hamlet, <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLtvD'>Trang Dinh District</a>, at noon on February 26.</p><br /><p>That day, after receiving a report on the case, local police launched an investigation in coordination with their counterparts in neighboring districts, which led to the arrest of the two Chinese men a day later in <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1CZ0'>Hat Loc</a> hamlet in Van Lang, Quang said.</p><br /><p>The names and other personal details of the murderers are being indentified.</p><br /><p>According to initial investigations, the Chinese men illegally entered Vietnam and committed the crime, police said.</p><br /><p>They told investigators that they “left China for Vietnam,” and when they got hungry they begged for food at a house in Na Ao.</p><br /><p>As the house’s owner refused to feed them, they killed the owner’s child, they said.</p><br /><p>However, according to some sources, the murder was the result of a conflict in business relations between the killers and the parents of the child, investigators said.</p><br /><p>Sources say the two men had visited the house many times before the day of murder but they had never met the father of the child.</p><br /><p>Police are continuing to question the Chinese men to determine the motive for the murder.</p><br /><br/><br />2 Chinese men arrested for killing child Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLqA4" width="200"/><br/></div>

2 Chinese men arrested for killing child

2 Chinese men arrested for killing child Police in northern Lang Son Province have arrested two Chinese nationals for killing a 9-year-old Vietnamese child in a hamlet in the province on Wednesday. >> Male nurse arrested for anesthetizing and raping intern >> Pickpockets who targeted foreigners i…

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CEO faces flight ban for disturbance in HCMC

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>CEO faces flight ban for disturbance in HCMC <strong>The Southern Aviation Authority is considering adding a CEO of a company in <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLtf1'>Binh Duong Province</a> to the flight ban list after he committed violent acts under the influence of alcohol at <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1CIe'>Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City</a>.</strong><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqju'><img alt="1449535-yrhbzqug" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="295" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLqju" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1CIi'><em><strong>>> Chinese nationals caught pick-pocketing on flight</strong> </em> </a> <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLtf6'><em><strong>>> Chinese man caught on tape attempting to steal on flight</strong> </em> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1CIp'>Tran Thanh Hai of Binh Duong’s Ben Cat District</a>, the general director of a local enameled tile company, caused a disturbance at the airport’s ticket counter on February 3, 2014.</p><br /><p>According to the case file, Hai and his wife arrived in the airport that day to fly to <a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqjA'>Cam Ranh</a>. Once at the airport, Hai requested that the ground staff arrange two adjacent seats for him and his wife on the plane.</p><br /><p>At that time, only two such seats were available, but they were next to the emergency exit of the plane. The staff refused his request as they could smell something strong on Hai’s breath, and his wife confirmed that he had been drinking alcohol.</p><br /><p>The staff explained to Hai the applicable regulations based on which they could not seat someone under the influence of alcohol next to the emergency exit.</p><br /><p>Hai then began verbally abusing the staff and took a plastic board from the counter and threw it in the direction of one of the airport employees.</p><br /><p>Airport security officers were called to the scene. While they were speaking to Hai, he snatched an officer’s mobile phone and threw it on the ground. He then punched the face of another officer.</p><br /><p>He also grabbed two tickets from Singaporean passengers standing behind him and tore them in pieces.</p><br /><p>In the face of Hai’s aggressive acts, the security officers seized him and later handed him over to the police of Ward 2, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mL1EzQ'>Tan Binh District</a>, since he was committing a public disorder disturbance, beyond the authority of the airport’s security force.</p><br /><p>The police later fined Hai VND150,000 (US$7.2) for his offense.</p><br /><p>Under the relevant domestic and international aviation regulations, on large planes flight attendants are usually arranged to sit next to emergency exits so they can be in control of the area in emergency situations.</p><br /><p>In smaller aircrafts, only passengers who appear responsible and are not under the influence of alcohol are allowed to sit near such exits so that they can assist the crew in emergency cases.</p><br /><p><strong>Refusal of transport</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1cZLqzQ'>According to Article</a> 17 of Decree 81/2010/<a href='http://bit.ly/1hJEqvl'>ND-CP</a> dated July 14, 2010 by the Government on civil aviation security, airline carriers may refuse to transport passengers for security reasons.</p><br /><p>Accordingly, passengers subject to a flight ban include those who are disruptive, persons who have lost control of themselves, or persons whose entry into Vietnam is not allowed for various reasons.</p><br /><p>A flight ban is also applied to those who disobey regulations and instructions of aviation employees at an airport or airfield or on board an aircraft; those who disturb order and discipline at an airport or airfield or on board an aircraft; and those who spread or provide false information that endangers the safety and security of passengers, an airport, an airfield, or an aircraft during flight or landing.</p><br /><p>In addition, those who are deportees without an escort or passengers who are banned to travel by competent Vietnamese or foreign authorities are also refused.</p><br /><br/><br />CEO faces flight ban for disturbance in HCMC Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1cZLqju" width="200"/><br/></div>

CEO faces flight ban for disturbance in HCMC

CEO faces flight ban for disturbance in HCMC The Southern Aviation Authority is considering adding a CEO of a company in Binh Duong Province to the flight ban list after he committed violent acts under the influence of alcohol at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. >> Chinese nationals caught…

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Anelka gets five-match ban for ‘quenelle’

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Nicolas Anelka has been banned for five matches for his controversial ‘quenelle’ goal celebration, a gesture which was widely condemned as anti-Semitic.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 522px' id='attachment_1449393'><a href='http://bit.ly/1hGgxQS'><img alt="Nicolas Anelka gesturing as he celebrates scoring a goal. (AFP/Ian Kington)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="288" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1keWYE2" width="512"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Nicolas Anelka gesturing as he celebrates scoring a goal. (AFP/Ian Kington)</p><br /></div><br /><p>LONDON: Nicolas Anelka was banned for five matches on Thursday for his controversial ‘quenelle’ goal celebration, a gesture which was widely condemned as anti-Semitic.</p><br /><p>The Football Association found the French striker guilty of an “aggravated breach” of FA rules which in turn saw him banned and fined £80,000 (97,468 euros; $133,368).</p><br /><p>The West Bromwich Albion forward was also ordered to complete a “compulsory education course” although he does have right of appeal.</p><br /><p>Anelka made the ‘quenelle’, a gesture condemned in France as anti-Semitic, after scoring the first of his two goals in a 3-3 Premier League draw against West Ham at Upton Park on December 28.</p><br /><p>However, the 34-year-old Anelka denied the gesture was anti-Semitic or that he himself was a racist.</p><br /><p><em>Source AFP</em><br/> </p><br /><br/><br />Anelka gets five-match ban for ‘quenelle’ Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1keWYE2" width="200"/><br/></div>

Anelka gets five-match ban for ‘quenelle’

Nicolas Anelka has been banned for five matches for his controversial ‘quenelle’ goal celebration, a gesture which was widely condemned as anti-Semitic. Nicolas Anelka gesturing as he celebrates scoring a goal. (AFP/Ian Kington)LONDON: Nicolas Anelka was banned for five matches on Thursday for his c…

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