Quang Ninh holds exhibition on World Cultural Heritage sites in Vietnam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://bit.ly/107Y7W8"/> </p><br /><p>Tourists enjoy the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581827'> </span> </p><br /><p>A wide range of photographs and keepsakes of Ha Long Bay and other World Cultural Heritage sites in Vietnam are on display at an exhibition held in the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 31.</p><br /><p>The exhibits include the 90 best photos of Ha Long Bay and 8 prize-winning souvenir designs capturing the beauty of the bay, which were carefully selected from recent contests.</p><br /><p>The exhibition is part of activities marking two decades of Ha Long Bay’s recognition as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO (December 17, 1994 – 2014).</p><br /><p>The recognition acknowledges the bay’s exceptional rock cave and limestone mountain system, which took millions of years to form, as well as its outstanding biodiversity.</p><br /><p>Since becoming a World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay has welcomed nearly 25 million visitors, contributing to turning Quang Ninh province into a tourism magnet.</p><br /><p>Besides Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has seven cultural and natural World Heritage sites which are the Complex of Hue Monument, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty and the Trang An Landscape Complex (2014).-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Quang Ninh holds exhibition on World Cultural Heritage sites in Vietnam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107Y7W8" width="200"/><br/></div>

Quang Ninh holds exhibition on World Cultural Heritage sites in Vietnam

Tourists enjoy the exhibition. (Photo: VNA) A wide range of photographs and keepsakes of Ha Long Bay and other World Cultural Heritage sites in Vietnam are on display at an exhibition held in the northern province of Quang Ninh on October 31.The exhibits include the 90 best photos of Ha Long Bay a…

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Singapore ready for AFF Suzuki Cup

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Singaporean authorities confirmed that the new National Stadium is ready for the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament scheduled for November despite emerging concerns over the poor state of the pitch.</p><br /><p>The 55,000 seat stadium, part of the 1 billion USD Sports Hub Complex, opened in June and has since been criticized after the leader of the Brazilian national squad complained of too much sand on the pitch.</p><br /><p>A rugby game and a concert were postponed to give the grass a chance to grow in time for Southeast Asia ‘s top football tournament, which begins on November 22.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581828'> </span> </p><br /><p>The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said it was ready to host Singapore ‘s three matches in the group stages of the tournament.</p><br /><p>The Suzuki Cup is the biggest football competition in the region, drawing the participation of eight countries, namely Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam.</p><br /><p>This year’s event is co-hosted by Singapore and Vietnam.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Singapore ready for AFF Suzuki Cup Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Singapore ready for AFF Suzuki Cup

Singaporean authorities confirmed that the new National Stadium is ready for the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament scheduled for November despite emerging concerns over the poor state of the pitch.The 55,000 seat stadium, part of the 1 billion USD Sports Hub Complex, opened in June and has since been critic…

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Handicrafts of Japan’s Tohoku region exhibited in HCM City

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img src="http://bit.ly/107Y7W3"/> </p><br /><p>Sake bottle/Kawatsura, Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture (Photo: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam)</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581826'> </span> </p><br /><p>The exhibition “Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan” was opened by the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam and the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City on October 31.</p><br /><p>The exhibition aims to mark the anniversary of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region.</p><br /><p>The region, known for its beautiful mountains and seascapes along with its rich culture and history, suffered tremendous damage and destruction of unprecedented proportions.</p><br /><p>Manufacturing and handicraft culture were severely affected by the disaster, but local residents have stood united to rebuild the land and bring their lives back to normal.</p><br /><p>At the opening ceremony, Nakajima Satoshi, Japanese Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City , expressed his hope that the exhibition will help Vietnamese people understand the beauty of Japanese culture.</p><br /><p>The display features works of well-known local artisans such as Kanjiro Kawai, Shoji Hamada, Keisuke Serizawa and Shiko Munakata, in different crafts, such as ceramics, lacquer ware, textiles, metalwork, wood and bamboo crafts, allowing visitors to explore the diverse and exquisite world of Tohoku traditions.</p><br /><p>The exhibition will be open to the public until November 11.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Handicrafts of Japan’s Tohoku region exhibited in HCM City Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107Y7W3" width="200"/><br/></div>

Handicrafts of Japan’s Tohoku region exhibited in HCM City

Sake bottle/Kawatsura, Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture (Photo: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam) The exhibition “Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan” was opened by the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam and the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh…

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Nearly 3,000 rowers line up for Soc Trang boat race

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Nearly 3,000 athletes from the southern province of Soc Trang and a number of neighbouring provinces have registered for the Ngo boat race taking place on November 5-6 alongside the 2014 Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation Forum.</p><br /><p>The race brings together 40 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams to row 1,200m and 1,000m, respectively.</p><br /><p>Several events will be held on the sidelines of the forum to promote the culture of the local Khmer ethnic group, including flower offering and moon worshipping festivals, with the participation of thousands of Buddhist monks and local Khmer residents.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581819'> </span> </p><br /><p>Soc Trang is home to the most Ngo boats in the Mekong Delta, with nearly 100 boats kept at 90 Khmer pagodas. Ngo boat race is one of the main activities in the Khmer’s Ooc Om Bok festival to worship the Moon God and pray for good harvest.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Nearly 3,000 rowers line up for Soc Trang boat race Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Nearly 3,000 rowers line up for Soc Trang boat race

Nearly 3,000 athletes from the southern province of Soc Trang and a number of neighbouring provinces have registered for the Ngo boat race taking place on November 5-6 alongside the 2014 Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation Forum.The race brings together 40 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams to row 1,200…

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Southwestern region maintains security-defence stability

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Southwestern region maintains security-defence stability<br /><p>The Southwestern region will continue to enhance the efficiency of State management on security and social order and effectively implement anti-crime action programmes, the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region announced at a meeting on October 31.</p><br /><p>The meeting, held in Can Tho City, aimed to review the region’s security-defence efforts in 2014 and devise plans for the year to come.</p><br /><p>Since the beginning of this year, the political, security and defence situation in the region has been stabilised. A number of measures were actively implemented to detect and deter hostile forces, contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581820'> </span> </p><br /><p>However, the region saw an increase in crime, especially in drug smuggling and human trafficking.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Southwestern region maintains security-defence stability Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Southwestern region maintains security-defence stability

Southwestern region maintains security-defence stabilityThe Southwestern region will continue to enhance the efficiency of State management on security and social order and effectively implement anti-crime action programmes, the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region announced at a meeting o…

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Zalo wins The Smarties award

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Zalo wins The Smarties award<br /><p>(VOV) – The VNG Corporation announced on October 31 that the Zalo application has won The Smarties award in the Media Company of the Year in Mobile category.</p><br /><p>The award is in recognition of its remarkable achievements in leading the development of the mobile marketing sector by possessing advertising and digital content.</p><br /><p>Zalo has conducted many communications campaigns such as “Red Bull-The Invincible Bull” which win the gold prize in the Messaging category. In addition, Momo “World Cup Billionaire” and Coca Cola – FiFa World Cup Trophy Tour also won bronze prizes in the Product/Services Launch category.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581818'> </span> </p><br /><p>The Smarties is the prize of the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) which aims to seek innovations and new ideas that push the boundaries of mobile marketing. It is now available in 36 nations in the world and makes its debut for the first time in Vietnam.</p><br /><br/><br />Zalo wins The Smarties award Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Zalo wins The Smarties award

Zalo wins The Smarties award(VOV) – The VNG Corporation announced on October 31 that the Zalo application has won The Smarties award in the Media Company of the Year in Mobile category.The award is in recognition of its remarkable achievements in leading the development of the mobile marketing secto…

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Drunken Russian tourist attacks Vietnam Airlines hostess, passengers

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Drunken Russian tourist attacks Vietnam Airlines hostess, passengers<br /><p><strong>A drunken Russian tourist caused disorder and physically attacked an air hostess and passengers aboard a flight of Vietnam Airlines departing yesterday from Dodomedovo of Russia to Ho Chi Minh City.</strong> </p><br /><p>The Russian passenger is Sergei Samokhin, 32, on the flight coded VN060.</p><br /><p>After leaving the Russian airport around four hours, he had the manifestations of being drunk and began disturbing on the flight.</p><br /><p>Air hostesses warned him but he kept causing disorder. When the air hostess chief of the flight came, he began attacking her and other passengers.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581757'> </span> </p><br /><p>The case was reported to the chief pilot, who decided to apply precautionary measure by allowing stewards to bind him at a seat at the back row. Five other Russian passengers helped send him to the back area.</p><br /><p>After two hours and thirty minutes sitting at the back row, Samokhin got sobered up, expressed his regret. He was then untied and returned to his seat.</p><br /><p>The flight landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 8:30am today morning.</p><br /><p>While working with airport security force, the Russian tourist repented of his fault. Another passenger who followed him on the flight verified that he had used tranquillizers.</p><br /><p>He was allowed to enter Vietnam.</p><br /><p>Airport authorities announced that they will issue a decision tomorrow to fine him from VND3-5 million (US$144 – 240).</p><br /><br/><br />Drunken Russian tourist attacks Vietnam Airlines hostess, passengers Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Drunken Russian tourist attacks Vietnam Airlines hostess, passengers

Drunken Russian tourist attacks Vietnam Airlines hostess, passengersA drunken Russian tourist caused disorder and physically attacked an air hostess and passengers aboard a flight of Vietnam Airlines departing yesterday from Dodomedovo of Russia to Ho Chi Minh City. The Russian passenger is Sergei S…

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USAID project to grow commercial market against HIV in Vietnam

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>USAID project to grow commercial market against HIV in Vietnam<br /><p>(VOV) – The US Agency for International Development (USAID) officially kicked off a US$15 million project in HCM City on October 30 to encourage private health-related goods and services for HIV prevention and control.</p><br /><p>The project will leverage private-sector solutions, expertise, interests, and assets to identify market opportunities and catalyze market responses to the HIV epidemic. The project will support a phased transition from an environment where condoms and other related HIV prevention goods and services are predominantly subsidized, to one where non-subsidized commodities, services and distribution channels are the norm.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581750'> </span> </p><br /><p>To create a modern marketplace for HIV-related goods and services, the project will explore new markets with manufacturers, create opportunities for new distribution channels, and increase demand among key populations – injecting drug users, female sex workers and men who have sex with men.</p><br /><p>At the ceremony, Dr. Ariel Pablos-Méndez, the Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID said the body has committed to to develop a more sustainable response to the HIV epidemic to improve people’s health in Vietnam. The project aims to grow a viable commercial market for HIV-related goods and services capable of meeting the needs of populations facing the greatest risks.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, Vo Tan Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Ho Chi Minh City branch emphasized that local businesses can participate in different components of the project as producer, supplier, distributor and retailer.</p><br /><p>The five-year project will be implemented by PATH – an international nonprofit organisation and the Centre for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP).</p><br /><br/><br />USAID project to grow commercial market against HIV in Vietnam Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

USAID project to grow commercial market against HIV in Vietnam

USAID project to grow commercial market against HIV in Vietnam(VOV) – The US Agency for International Development (USAID) officially kicked off a US$15 million project in HCM City on October 30 to encourage private health-related goods and services for HIV prevention and control.The project will lev…

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Singapore helps train Vietnamese government officials

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Singapore helps train Vietnamese government officials<br /><p>(VOV) -The Temasek Foundation of Singapore is to help train 140 Vietnamese officials at the provincial, municipal and district levels between now to late 2015 at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).</p><br /><p>The pledged was made at an October conference in Hanoi reviewing a cooperation programme between the NTU and Vietnam under Project 165 which is designed to train government officials overseas, using funds from the State budget.</p><br /><p>The focus of the courses will be on improving leadership capacities, developing human resources and sharing public management experience from Singapore.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581823'> </span> </p><br /><p>The cooperation programme will help increase the officials’ leadership capacity in the international integration process and contribute to stepping up cooperation between the two nations.</p><br /><p>Under Project 165, Vietnam collaborated with the Nanyang Technological University to run medium and short-term training course for 148 Vietnamese officials last year.</p><br /><br/><br />Singapore helps train Vietnamese government officials Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Singapore helps train Vietnamese government officials

Singapore helps train Vietnamese government officials(VOV) -The Temasek Foundation of Singapore is to help train 140 Vietnamese officials at the provincial, municipal and district levels between now to late 2015 at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).The pledged was made at an October confere…

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Disabled man saves lives at ‘point of death’

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Disabled man saves lives at ‘point of death’<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – Saddened by fatal accidents at an unmanned railway crossing near his house, Nguyen Van Xa decided to ignore his disability, age, failing health and public skepticism to become a self-appointed guard. Nguyen Ha tells the story.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1581645'><a href='http://bit.ly/10F5Rjk'><img alt="Life guard in action: Nguyen Van Xa working by his thatched hut to prevent railway deaths." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="281" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/10F5Rjk" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Life guard in action: Nguyen Van Xa working by his thatched hut to prevent railway deaths.</p><br /></div><br /><p>The intersection of Highway 5 Railway and Du Nghia Village Road in the port city of Hai Phong has witnessed numerous accidents that have claimed scores of lives.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581644'> </span> </p><br /><p>But Nguyen Van Xa, who has bucked disability, old age and failing health to volunteer as a guard at the intersection that was previously known as the “point of death”.</p><br /><p>Xa, 68, revealed that he had been shocked and saddened to witness a good number of pitiful victims who had lost their lives in these railway accidents.</p><br /><p>In 2009, he asked the Le Thien Commune authorities to set up a temporary thatch hut for him so he could guard the crossing and prevent railway deaths.</p><br /><p>Every day, from early morning to late at night, he lived in the hut in spite of strong opposition from his family and relatives.</p><br /><p>“They said a disabled man like me who found it difficult to walk and serve myself should not volunteer to do such tough work. When I decided to do it anyway, they called me stupid,” Xa recalled.</p><br /><p>On September 9, 2009, he began working as a volunteer keeper and used a bamboo pole as a barrier that would prevent people from crossing the intersection whenever a train would pass by.</p><br /><p>“During the first few days, I was not familiar with the time table of trains running through the unprotected crossing, so I had to wait all day long,” he said.</p><br /><p>“After that, a village official told me to contact managers of the Du Nghia railway station to get the exact time that a train would pass by, so I would know when to bring down my bamboo barrier and prevent people and vehicles from crossing.</p><br /><p>“Until now, I could sense the exact time that each of the 21 trains passing by the intersection every day will arrive, and this has helped me to ensure the safety of people,” Xa said.</p><br /><p>He recalled that one day, a taxi with seven passengers broke down on the railway line, just moments before a train was supposed to pass by.</p><br /><p>“I was frightened, but tried calling up Du Nghia railway station and asked them to inform the train driver to reduce speed. Right after that, I called on nearby residents to help push the taxi out of danger. Fortunately, we were able to rescue the taxi and its passengers in time,” Xa said.</p><br /><p>“At 7p.m on the 10th lunar month of 2010, a train from Hai Phong to Ha Noi was supposed to pass by the intersection. I saw a pregnant woman standing on the railway line and talking with someone on her mobile phone. She didn’t know that the train was only 20m away,” he recalled.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1581646'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wMT20e'><img alt="Just reward: Hai Phong Committee for Raiway Safety has built this guard station for Xa in recognition of work. - Photos vienkiemsathaiphong.gov.vn" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="398" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wMT20e" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Just reward: Hai Phong Committee for Raiway Safety has built this guard station for Xa in recognition of work. - Photos vienkiemsathaiphong.gov.vn</p><br /></div><br /><p>Xa rushed out of the hut, grabbed the woman and pushed her off the railway line. Both narrowly escaped being run over by the train.</p><br /><p>“I ask her why she was standing in the middle of the railway line. She replied that she was from the northern province of Lang Son and was heading for Hai Phong to find a job. She had called her friend to welcome her and forgot all about the train,” Xa said.</p><br /><p>Truong Van Ben, 76, Xa’s neighbour, expressed gratitude for disabled men like him who had helped to ensure the safety of all pupils, including his naughty 13-year-old nephew, whenever they would cross the intersection. The pupils’ parents likewise lauded his efforts.</p><br /><p>Dao Thi Yen, a retired teacher, said that she often brought meals to himù in the hut and would take his place as guard while he was eating.</p><br /><p>Xa’s efforts have since paid off. Last year, a delegation from the National Committee for Traffic Safety arrived at Du Nghia to study the feasibility of constructing a permanent cabin and barrier system there.</p><br /><p>Phan Van Hai, the village chairman, said: “Xa’s action is rare. Our village is still facing financial difficulties, so we could not support him with funds but only with encouragement.”</p><br /><p>Xa’s family earns a living mainly from the VND1.5-million (US$72) retirement salary of his wife and the VND180,000 ($8.6) subsidy that he was receiving for being disabled.</p><br /><p>However, in the past three months, he received a monthly salary of VND600,000 ($28.6) from the Hai Phong railways authority.</p><br /><p>Recently, at a meeting rewarding outstanding people who had devoted their lives to the service of communities, he received a certificate of recognition from the Prime Minister.</p><br /><p><em>Source: VNS</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Disabled man saves lives at ‘point of death’ Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/10F5Rjk" width="200"/><br/></div>

Disabled man saves lives at ‘point of death’

Disabled man saves lives at ‘point of death’VietNamNet Bridge – Saddened by fatal accidents at an unmanned railway crossing near his house, Nguyen Van Xa decided to ignore his disability, age, failing health and public skepticism to become a self-appointed guard. Nguyen Ha tells the story. Life gua…

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Police seize 13 heroin bricks from drug dealer

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Police seize 13 heroin bricks from drug dealer<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 458px' id='attachment_1581619'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wMT4oL'><img alt="Tho was caught while he was carrying five heroin bricks. The police found eight more bricks buried in his garden. - Photo dantri" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="308" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wMT4oL" width="448"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Tho was caught while he was carrying five heroin bricks. The police found eight more bricks buried in his garden. - Photo dantri</p><br /></div><br /><p>NAM DINH (VNS) – The city’s police yesterday arrested a 44-year-old man named Mai Quynh Tho, a resident of the Viet Hung commune, and seized 13 bricks of heroin from him.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581618'> </span> </p><br /><p>Tho was caught while he was carrying five heroin bricks. The police found eight more bricks buried in his garden.</p><br /><p>Director of the Police Department Bui Quyet Toan said that Tho was the leader of a gang that transported drugs from Son La and Hoa Binh to the Nam Dinh province.</p><br /><p>The gang reportedly transported 10 to 20 heroin bricks during each trip. Toan added that Tho had been jailed once for “illegal dealing in and the transport of drugs”.</p><br /><p>The police are making further investigations in the case. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Police seize 13 heroin bricks from drug dealer Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wMT4oL" width="200"/><br/></div>

Police seize 13 heroin bricks from drug dealer

Police seize 13 heroin bricks from drug dealer Tho was caught while he was carrying five heroin bricks. The police found eight more bricks buried in his garden. - Photo dantriNAM DINH (VNS) – The city’s police yesterday arrested a 44-year-old man named Mai Quynh Tho, a resident of the Viet Hung comm…

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Quang Ninh Police bust drug trafficking ring

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Quang Ninh Police bust drug trafficking ring<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1581600'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wMT48c'><img alt="Nguyen Van Hai. - Photos nld.com.vn" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="464" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wMT48c" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Nguyen Van Hai. - Photos nld.com.vn</p><br /></div><br /><p>QUANG NINH (VNS) – The Quang Ninh Police on Wednesday smashed a transnational drug and arms trafficking ring that extended from China to Viet Nam, in Ha Long City’s Viet Hung Ward.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581599'> </span> </p><br /><p>The police seized 7kg of heroin, eight guns, more than 180 bullets and nearly VND2 billion (US$95,200) in cash from Nguyen Van Hai, 38, who was transporting the goods on an automobile.</p><br /><p>Seven more guns and more than 170 bullets of different kinds were seized during a police search of Hai’s house in the province’s Cam Pha City.</p><br /><p>Hai’s 49-year-old accomplice, named Hoang Vinh Phuc, was also arrested.</p><br /><p>The police are investigating the case further. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Quang Ninh Police bust drug trafficking ring Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wMT48c" width="200"/><br/></div>

Quang Ninh Police bust drug trafficking ring

Quang Ninh Police bust drug trafficking ring Nguyen Van Hai. - Photos nld.com.vnQUANG NINH (VNS) – The Quang Ninh Police on Wednesday smashed a transnational drug and arms trafficking ring that extended from China to Viet Nam, in Ha Long City’s Viet Hung Ward. The police seized 7kg of heroin, eight…

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Exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in Russia to open in Hanoi

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/><br />Exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in Russia to open in Hanoi Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107Eo94" width="200"/><br/><br /><table><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1581727'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wNsk9t'><img alt="A photo to be on display at the exhibition (Source: The State Records Management and Archives Department of Vietnam)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/107Eo94" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>A photo to be on display at the exhibition (Source: The State Records Management and Archives Department of Vietnam)</p><br /></div><br /><p>More than 200 documents, photos and artifacts related to the time when President, Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in Russia will be displayed at an exhibition in Hanoi from November 5^th to December 12^th.</p><br /><p>The exhibits will be divided into three sections, focusing on the President and his determination to find ways for national liberation; the friendship between the two countries; and the sentiments of the Russian people towards the Vietnamese leader.</p><br /><p>The exhibition aims to strengthen bilateral friendship and co-operation to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the opening of the diplomatic relations, and to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the October Revolution (November 7, 1917).</p><br /><p>The event will be held by the State Records Management and Archives Department of Vietnam in coordination the Federal Archival Agency of Russia and Ho Chi Minh museum at 19 Ngoc Ha street, Ba Dinh district./.</p><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table><br /></div>

Exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in Russia to open in Hanoi

Exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in Russia to open in Hanoi Related image(s) A photo to be on display at the exhibition (Source: The State Records Management and Archives Department of Vietnam)More than 200 documents, photos and artifacts related to the time when President, Ho Chi Minh lived and …

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100 Vietnam heritage photos exhibited in Nha Trang city

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/><br />100 Vietnam heritage photos exhibited in Nha Trang city Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107Eo8R" width="200"/><br/><br /><table><br /><tr><br /><td><b>On October 30^th, Vietnam Heritage Magazine opened an exhibition in Nha Trang city, the central province of Khanh Hoa, to introduce 100 outstanding photos which were selected from more than 4,400 entries to the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2014.</b><br /><p>This is in the series of exhibitions in 16 provinces and cities nationwide to mark the 10^th anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (Nov.23, 2014). Earlier, such exhibition was held in Ho Chi Minh city.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1581722'><a href='http://bit.ly/107EltZ'><img alt="Photo on Hoi An ancient town in flood season by Ngo Thanh Minh" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="375" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/107Eo8R" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Photo on Hoi An ancient town in flood season by Ngo Thanh Minh</p><br /></div><br /><p>The exhibition will be held in the southern province of An Giang and Tien Giang, the southern city of Can Tho, the central provinces of Binh Thuan and Quang Nam, the central city of Da Nang, the northern province of Quang Ninh. In Hanoi, the exhibition will take place at the Foreign Trade University from November 24^th to 28^th and at Hanoi Museum from December 8^th to January 2015.</p><br /><p>An awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Unification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City on November 23rd./.</p><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table><br /></div>

100 Vietnam heritage photos exhibited in Nha Trang city

100 Vietnam heritage photos exhibited in Nha Trang city Related image(s)On October 30th, Vietnam Heritage Magazine opened an exhibition in Nha Trang city, the central province of Khanh Hoa, to introduce 100 outstanding photos which were selected from more than 4,400 entries to the Vietnam Heritage P…

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Toyota Classics Concert 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/><br />Toyota Classics Concert 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wNsgGJ" width="200"/><br/><br /><table><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 450px' id='attachment_1581706'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wNsgGJ'><img alt="Photo provided by the Organizing Board" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="250" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wNsgGJ" width="440"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Photo provided by the Organizing Board</p><br /></div><br /><p>The Toyota Classics Concert 2014 will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House on November 18th.</p><br /><p>The one-night concert will feature the Covent Garden Soloists Orchestra, founded by members of London’s world-renowned Royal Opera House.</p><br /><p>The event will also attract the participation of talented Spanish conductor, Miguel Angel Navarro and famous duo Pamela Tan Nicholson and Vasko Vasilev.</p><br /><p>Through the concert, Toyota wants to demonstrate its responsibility to the development of Vietnam in particular and Asia in general.</p><br /><p>The show will be co-organised by Asia – Pacific Toyota Motor Company and Vietnam Toyota Motor Company in coordination with Vietnam Performing Arts Centre, Department of Performing Arts under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.</p><br /><p>Tickets are available at the Opera House, No 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, HCM City, from October 27./.</p><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table><br /></div>

Toyota Classics Concert 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City

Toyota Classics Concert 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City Related image(s) Photo provided by the Organizing BoardThe Toyota Classics Concert 2014 will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House on November 18th.The one-night concert will feature the Covent Garden Soloists Orchestra, founded by members of…

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Preseving the oldest village of Bana people

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/107EkpF'><img alt="1581661-31-15-49-57-793" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="354" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/107EkpF" width="450"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(Cinet)- Kon Ko Tu village has managed to retain its specific cultural features. Kon Tum province has improved a campaign to raise residents’ awareness of the need to protect the forests and their culture, including traditional festivals.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581661'> </span> </p><br /><p>The oldest village in Kon Tum city is alongside the poetic Dak Bla River is Kon Ko Tu, in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. The village is considered the key point of gong culture in the Central Highlands, with dozens of houses on stilts featuring specific characteristics of the Bana architecture, where many residential houses surround a communal house.</p><br /><p>Kon Ko Tu now has more than 20 houses on stilts which were built based on traditional Bana architecture. Each house is rectangular in shape, about 10m in length and built on 12 wooden pillars. Three or four generations of a family live in a single house, each of which serves as a strong attachment of the community and a source of pride for the Bana.</p><br /><p>The village has more than 100 households with a population of about 600.</p><br /><p>The village organizes its own festival with gong in the Rong house, considered as the community or communal house.</p><br /><p>A Xep, the village patriarch, revealed that when the village was first set up, it had very few people. So the patriarch named the village Kon Ko Tu, meaning desolate village.</p><br /><p>The Bana people in Kon Tum province have a charming traditional culture. Besides gong, they have various kinds of traditional musical instruments, including the t’rung, which is similar to the xylophone, and the ting gling and tingning, which are stringed musical instruments. They also have numerous smooth and passionate folk songs.</p><br /><p>The village celebrates annual festivals, including the harvest festival and buffalo-sacrifying festival.</p><br /><p>Traditional dishes that are attractive to tourists include bamboo tube rice. Bamboo tubes are used as a cooking pot, and after the rice is cooked, the tube is broken and the contents are removed.</p><br /><p>Other dishes include chicken baked with salt and chilli and fried bamboo shoots. A traditional drink offered at festivals is ruou can, wine which one drinks from a jar using pipes. All these dishes and the drink convey the flavour that is uniquely Bana.</p><br /><p>To develop tourism in the village, local authorities should implement policies to preserve and exploit its strong points. Ecological tourism should be developed to help tourists experience the forests’ natural beauty.</p><br /><br/><br />Preseving the oldest village of Bana people Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107EkpF" width="200"/><br/></div>

Preseving the oldest village of Bana people

(Cinet)- Kon Ko Tu village has managed to retain its specific cultural features. Kon Tum province has improved a campaign to raise residents’ awareness of the need to protect the forests and their culture, including traditional festivals. The oldest village in Kon Tum city is alongside the poetic…

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Establishing the Council to inspect Document for National Standard Draft about library

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/107Emy3'><img alt="1581663-31-15-5-59-215" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="368" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/107Emy3" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(Cinet)- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has promulgated Decision No.3529/QĐ-BVHTTDL about establishing the Council to inspect Document for National Standard Draft about library.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581663'> </span> </p><br /><p>Accordingly, the Council consists of 07 members including Dang Thi Bich Lien, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a chairman of the Council; Phan Thi Kim Dung, manager of Vietnam National Library as member; Dinh Nguyen Phuong Thao, Ministry of Science and Technology as member; Nguyen Huy Chuong, National Hanoi University as member; Pham Bang Tam, Department of Science, Technology and Environment as member.</p><br /><p>The Council is responsible for the Document according to regulation of Circular No.05/2013/TT-BVHTTDL on July 29, 2013 of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Council will self-remove after fulfilling the task.</p><br /><br/><br />Establishing the Council to inspect Document for National Standard Draft about library Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/107Emy3" width="200"/><br/></div>

Establishing the Council to inspect Document for National Standard Draft about library

(Cinet)- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has promulgated Decision No.3529/QĐ-BVHTTDL about establishing the Council to inspect Document for National Standard Draft about library. Accordingly, the Council consists of 07 members including Dang Thi Bich Lien, Deputy Minister of Ministry of C…

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Model Kim Thi to compete in Miss Model of World 2014

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>The runner-up of the Elite Model Look Vietnam 2014, Pham Thi Kim Thi will compete at the Miss Model of the World 2014, which will take place in China’s Shenzen from November 10-30.</strong> </p><br /><p>The 23-year-old girl from Ho Chi Minh City has a standard height of 1.73m, a characteristic face and impressive makeup.</p><br /><p>Thi will also participate in the “The Look of the year 2014″ modeling pageant in Rome, Italia in December.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 210px' id='attachment_1581566'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wLWZCa'><img alt="The runner-up of the Elite Model Look Vietnam 2014, Pham Thi Kim Thi" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="271" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wLWZCa" width="200"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The runner-up of the Elite Model Look Vietnam 2014, Pham Thi Kim Thi</p><br /></div><br /><br/><br />Model Kim Thi to compete in Miss Model of World 2014 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wLWZCa" width="200"/><br/></div>

Model Kim Thi to compete in Miss Model of World 2014

The runner-up of the Elite Model Look Vietnam 2014, Pham Thi Kim Thi will compete at the Miss Model of the World 2014, which will take place in China’s Shenzen from November 10-30. The 23-year-old girl from Ho Chi Minh City has a standard height of 1.73m, a characteristic face and impressive makeup.…

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New rule on double-axle trucks causing big problems

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>New rule on double-axle trucks causing big problems<br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – Transport firms could grind to a halt if they can’t upgrade their semi-trailer trucks to meet new regulations by the end of the year.</p><br /><p>The Ministry of Transport handed down a regulation forcing transport firms to increase the size of their double-axle trucks from 26 tonnes to 33 tonnes and triple-axle trucks to 38 tonnes.</p><br /><p>Businesses must modify 6,000 out of 7,100 trucks before January, but few have managed to achieve this yet, said Le Van Tien, chairman of the Hai Phong Transport Association.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581573'> </span> </p><br /><p>The new rules have been introduced to help firms make more money by transporting more goods, and stop them from overloading their vehicles to make ends meet.</p><br /><p>When firms illegally modify trucks so that they can be overloaded, they have been found to cause more accidents and road damage.</p><br /><p>It is claimed that the regulation will also help save the State money it would spend on repairing roads damaged by overloaded trucks.</p><br /><p>Tien said complicated procedures, large expenses and bad communications between Government offices had prevented truck companies from finishing modifications in time.</p><br /><p>Registry offices must examine and certify the vehicles before they can be used on the road, but the Viet Nam Register Authority under the Ministry of Transport needs to send offices instructions on how to check the vehicles.</p><br /><p>Many registry office directors said they had not yet received instructions from the authority, Tien said.</p><br /><p>But the deputy director of the authority, Nguyen Huu Tri, said instructions had been handed down to all registry offices. He said the authority would check again to see if the instructions were received.</p><br /><p>Transport company owner Doan Thanh Ha said that if the authority could not work effectively with its offices, he could not run his business and pay back his debts.</p><br /><p>Le Dinh Tho, deputy minister of Transport, asked the Viet Nam Register Authority to deal with concerns raised by transport companies.</p><br /><p>Between last December and this August, a State mobile weighing force measured 200,000 trucks at weighing stations, fined 40,000 overloaded trucks a total of VND 125 billion (US$5.95 million) and revoked 23,100 driving licences. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />New rule on double-axle trucks causing big problems Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

New rule on double-axle trucks causing big problems

New rule on double-axle trucks causing big problemsHA NOI (VNS) – Transport firms could grind to a halt if they can’t upgrade their semi-trailer trucks to meet new regulations by the end of the year.The Ministry of Transport handed down a regulation forcing transport firms to increase the size of th…

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HCM City to train people abroad for metro line work

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>HCM City to train people abroad for metro line work<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City will send 1,000 engineers and workers abroad for training in urban railway operation in preparation for the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, set to open in 2016. Those selected will be sent to Japan, South Korea and Singapore starting early next year.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 510px' id='attachment_1581551'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wLXo8z'><img alt="Engineers from Viet Nam and Japan study a model of the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line. 1,000 engineers and workers will go abroad for training in urban railway operation starting next year. - Photo tuoitre.vn" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="280" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wLXo8z" width="500"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Engineers from Viet Nam and Japan study a model of the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line. 1,000 engineers and workers will go abroad for training in urban railway operation starting next year. - Photo tuoitre.vn</p><br /></div><br /><p>Deputy head of the HCM City Urban Railway Management Board, Le Khac Huynh said that the board-devised training programme was to ensure there was no lack of high-quality workers to operate the urban railway system.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581550'> </span> </p><br /><p>Engineers and workers selected to go abroad for training will come from transport and railway programmes at city universities, Huynh said.</p><br /><p>He added that the metro line would be the first railway route to use ultra modern technology in the country. The new system has pushed Viet Nam to look abroad to train staff needed to operate, maintain and protect it.</p><br /><p>Besides training programmes, Japanese experts will visit HCM City to guide Vietnamese engineers and workers in the first stage of operation, he said.</p><br /><p>The management board has also proposed the establishment of a company to take charge of the city’s new metro. Currently, the board is collecting opinions on a hypothetical HCM City Urban Railway One Member Co. Ltd, which would be in charge of all problems about urban railways.</p><br /><p>If opinions are favourable, the city will propose idea to the Government for approval. Previously, the Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai agreed to set up a State-owned company which would be in charge of urban railway in HCM City.</p><br /><p>The 19.7km Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line will run through 1, 2, 9, Binh Thanh and Thu Duc districts in HCM City as well as parts of Di An district in neighbouring Binh Duong Province.</p><br /><p>Of the total length, 2.6km will run through three underground stations. When the line opens in 2016 it will be able to carry 186,000 passengers per day. It is expected to be in full operation by 2018 and passenger numbers are expected to triple by 2020.</p><br /><p><em>Source: VNS</em> </p><br /><br/><br />HCM City to train people abroad for metro line work Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wLXo8z" width="200"/><br/></div>

HCM City to train people abroad for metro line work

HCM City to train people abroad for metro line workVietNamNet Bridge – HCM City will send 1,000 engineers and workers abroad for training in urban railway operation in preparation for the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line, set to open in 2016. Those selected will be sent to Japan, South Korea and Singa…

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NA to exercise oversight of ODA funding

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>NA to exercise oversight of ODA funding<br /><p>(VOV) – Over the past two decades, official development assistance (ODA) has been a key source of funding for infrastructure projects, which has helped Vietnam make great socio-economic strides.</p><br /><p>Foreign countries have pumped around US$78 million of (ODA) funds into Vietnam, which has largely been used quite effectively.</p><br /><p>However, there are legitimate questions as to whether or to what extent the nation should continue to rely on the preferential capital source for continued development during the renewal process.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581541'> </span> </p><br /><p>There are also lingering questions as to the extent of fraud, waste and abuse in the ODA funding process, however limited that may be, and the full ramifications and costs of such abuse.</p><br /><p>Though the country effectively uses ODA funds, there are a number of smaller abuses and a few more serious crimes related to its use, says National Assembly (NA) deputy Le Thi Nga, Vice Chairwoman of the NA Judicial Committee.</p><br /><p>Losses, wastefulness, and corruption in a number of ODA-funded projects have badly affected the quality of a few projects and damaged Vietnam’s reputation for donors, as typified by the PMU18, Huynh Ngoc Sy and JTC scandals.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 499px' id='attachment_1581542'><a href='http://bit.ly/1wLXqgV'><img alt="Le Thi Nga, Vice Chairwoman of the NA Judicial Committee" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="275" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1wLXqgV" width="489"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Le Thi Nga, Vice Chairwoman of the NA Judicial Committee</p><br /></div><br /><p>It’s noteworthy that despite a number of inspection and supervision mechanisms, the big violations have only been detected by foreign partners, she says.</p><br /><p>Nga appreciates the timely settlement of the recent JTC scandal by the Ministers of Public Security and Transport and people’s supreme procuracy, saying it demonstrates the State’s clear stance on strictly dealing with violations related to ODA.</p><br /><p>Nga analyses that ODA is mainly managed by the Government’s decree 38 and donors’ regulations, however, these regulations are complicated, resulting in low law enforcement efficiency.</p><br /><p>The decree and regulations on ensuring publicity, transparency and responsibility are just in principle, but they won’t effectively prevent abuses or corruption related to ODA funds, Nga adds.</p><br /><p>The legal framework on ODA reveals two major loopholes. The NA, who has responsibility for the public debt is not proactively overseeing the ODA funding process and decision making process.</p><br /><p>Secondly, citizens who ultimately will have to repay the ODA funds along with finance costs through their taxes are just sitting on the sidelines as well, and are not exercising a strong voice in the ODA funding process.</p><br /><p>NA deputies have proposed the NA issue laws on management of ODA using, focussing on regulating criteria to get ODA capital, publicising ODA capital, allocation and ODA-funded projects as well as rights of citizens and relevant agencies in ODA enforcement.</p><br /><p>Certainly, ODA is part of the public investment and debt. It also heavily influences the country’s national prestige and reputation, but the NA has historically not adequately exercised proper oversight, Nga says.</p><br /><p>In fact, over the past two decades, although several violations have produced a stir in public the NA has not conducted any outright direct supervision of the ODA funding process.</p><br /><p>Its Economic Committee and Committee on Finance and Budget have not supervised the issue yet, she adds.</p><br /><p>It is very important to clearly understand that misuses of ODA funds are slowly, pushing up the public debt, Nga says, asking the NA to implement stricter ODA supervision.</p><br /><p>The NA should also implement a national strategy to reduce and eventually stop the use of ODA funding as the country is becoming overly dependent on it, a failure of development strategy .</p><br /><p><strong><em>Accurate awareness on ODA</em> </strong> </p><br /><p>NA Deputy Nga underscores the need to have a clear understanding that ODA funding; including its misuse comes with a high cost. In the future as Vietnam becomes more affluent ODA and the finance cost must be repaid.</p><br /><p>Nga quotes Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh as saying it’s concerned that a number of officials and citizens, even local leaders simply think ODA is free.</p><br /><p>They are borrowing as much ODA capital as possible, not exercising good financial management practices which could lead to devastating future consequences.</p><br /><p>Vietnam should learn from the experiences in ODA use from Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Thailand. They only use ODA in developing essential infrastructure to serve socio-economic development and poverty reduction.</p><br /><p>They do not borrow ODA for small or super projects and plan to end borrowing ODA in a near future.</p><br /><p>Raising full awareness of the true costs of ODA funding to society in order to effectively use it and the exercise of proper oversight by the NA and citizens of the nation are very important, Nga concludes.</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1zlmoqO'>Japan praises Vietnam’s JTC scandal settlement</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1wLXqgW'>German Ambassador: PMU18 scandal will not influence its ODA commitment</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1wLXqgX'>Around PMU18 scandal</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><br/><br />NA to exercise oversight of ODA funding Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1wLXqgV" width="200"/><br/></div>

NA to exercise oversight of ODA funding

NA to exercise oversight of ODA funding(VOV) – Over the past two decades, official development assistance (ODA) has been a key source of funding for infrastructure projects, which has helped Vietnam make great socio-economic strides.Foreign countries have pumped around US$78 million of (ODA) funds i…

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Weapon trafficking ring busted in Quang Ninh

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Weapon trafficking ring busted in Quang Ninh<br /><p>(VOV) -Police in the northern province of Quang Ninh have arrested two men for illegally transporting more than 20 cakes of heroin, 8 guns and nearly 200 bullets.</p><br /><p>The detainees were suspected to be part of a transnational weapon trafficking ring, according to a preliminary investigation.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1zlmn6d'><img alt="1581520-weapon-trafficking" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="342" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1zlmn6d" width="500"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Nguyen Van Hai, one of the two suspects, was caught on October 29 when he was carrying 20 heroin cakes, a K59 gun, 9 bullets and VND15 million on a Fortuner car.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581520'> </span> </p><br /><p>Police then seized 7 guns, more than 170 bullets and a package of synthetic drug in Hai’s house.</p><br /><p>The same day, Hai’s accomplice – Hoang Vinh Phuc – was also arrested in Mong Cai city while he was trying to hide two packages of synthetic drug, VND 1.4 billion and 50,000 Chinese yuan.</p><br /><p>Relevant agencies are broadening the scope and scale of their investigation into the case.</p><br /><br/><br />Weapon trafficking ring busted in Quang Ninh Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1zlmn6d" width="200"/><br/></div>

Weapon trafficking ring busted in Quang Ninh

Weapon trafficking ring busted in Quang Ninh(VOV) -Police in the northern province of Quang Ninh have arrested two men for illegally transporting more than 20 cakes of heroin, 8 guns and nearly 200 bullets.The detainees were suspected to be part of a transnational weapon trafficking ring, according …

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Vietnam-SNG cultural exchange program opens in Khanh Hoa Province

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>The 2nd Model and Talent contest within the framework of Vietnam-SNG cultural exchange program opened in the central coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province from October 30 to November 1.</strong> </p><br /><p>This year’s event will welcome contestants from SNG countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Ukraine. Contestants will take part in fashion show and talent and beauty performances during the three-day show.</p><br /><p>Local singers, such as Meritorious Artist Minh Huyen, Quang Linh, Duong Quoc Hung, Tieu Chau Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Chien Thanh, and Sabina Altynbekova, the beauty queen of Kazakhstan volleyball team will participate in a special performance on November 1.</p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam-SNG cultural exchange program opens in Khanh Hoa Province Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam-SNG cultural exchange program opens in Khanh Hoa Province

The 2nd Model and Talent contest within the framework of Vietnam-SNG cultural exchange program opened in the central coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province from October 30 to November 1. This year’s event will welcome contestants from SNG countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and…

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Thai companies join hands in English football club purchasing

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>A group of Thai entertainment companies was reported in discussions to take over Bolton Wanderers, a second division football club in England, after being approached by the cash strapped strugglers, according to Thai media.</p><br /><p>The group includes BEC-Tero, an entertainment conglomerate which runs television Channel 3 and radio stations in Southeast Asia as well as concerts and sports events, and Siam Sport Syndicate, a sports media giant company. They will join hands for the purchase.</p><br /><p>BEC-Tero and Siam Sport will send their executive officials to England to discuss further about the possible deal with Bolton.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581464'> </span> </p><br /><p>They could become the third Thai owners of an English soccer club after Premier League side Leicester City and Reading, a Bolton rival in Football league championship.</p><br /><p>Bolton finished sixth in the Premier League in 2005 and qualified for European competition but has fallen into a hard time with huge debts. However, BEC Director Bryan Marcar said that the club remains an attractive prospect, Bangkok Post newspaper reported.</p><br /><p>BEC-Tero now owns BEC Tero Sasana club, a former Thai Premier League champion, while Siam Sport Syndicate is a multi-media company specialising in all type of sports information and a sports event organising unit as well.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Thai companies join hands in English football club purchasing Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Thai companies join hands in English football club purchasing

A group of Thai entertainment companies was reported in discussions to take over Bolton Wanderers, a second division football club in England, after being approached by the cash strapped strugglers, according to Thai media.The group includes BEC-Tero, an entertainment conglomerate which runs televis…

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Hanoi to honour outstanding students

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Hanoi to honour outstanding students<br /><p>(VOV) -A ceremony to honour 50 elite Vietnamese students who recorded high results in their academic studies and have won international prizes has been scheduled for November 3 in Hanoi.</p><br /><p>The information was released by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) at a press conference on October 30.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rYBZVr'><img alt="1581508-press-conference" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="268" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBZVr" width="476"/> </a> </p><br /><p>At the event, 11 students who won gold medals at the last International Olympics and 24 students who were honoured at regional and international competition will receive Prime Minister’s certificates of merit.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581508'> </span> </p><br /><p>Five students recognised at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel Isef 2014) and 10 students who topped the university entrance exams will also receive certificates of merit and cash prizes.</p><br /><p>In addition, the recipients will receive gifts from a number of sponsors.</p><br /><p>On the occasion, 20 outstanding teachers and staff will be honoured thanks to their great performances.</p><br /><p>MoET Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Nghia said the ceremony aims to encourage researches and creativeness in study among Vietnamese students and raise their awareness on national sovereignty.</p><br /><p>They will also get a chance to attend a number of meaningful activities including an exchange at the Navy Command in Haiphong, an incense-offering ceremony at wharf K15 in Do Son, and a visit to the Navy Museum.</p><br /><br/><br />Hanoi to honour outstanding students Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBZVr" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hanoi to honour outstanding students

Hanoi to honour outstanding students(VOV) -A ceremony to honour 50 elite Vietnamese students who recorded high results in their academic studies and have won international prizes has been scheduled for November 3 in Hanoi.The information was released by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) …

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Vietnam Calculator 2050 to support energy policy making

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam Calculator 2050 to support energy policy making<br /><p>A workshop to create a Vietnamese version of Calculator 2050, a modern tool to support energy policy making and measure greenhouse gas emissions, was organised in Hanoi on October 30.</p><br /><p>At the event, held by the Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, participants discussed in detail how to adapt the tool to the Vietnamese context.</p><br /><p>According to Hoang Van Tam from the agency, Calculator 2050 is an open-source tool used to identify to what extent renewable energy sources can meet a country’s demand for energy, and how to improve the quality of air.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581470'> </span> </p><br /><p>It also plays an important role in achieving sustainable development and mitigating climate change, he said.</p><br /><p>Vietnam Calculator 2050, scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, is being developed by the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).</p><br /><p>Calculator 2050 won a number of awards in the UK for its ability to engage policy-makers and the public in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. China, India, South Africa and Japan have also developed their own national models.</p><br /><p>UK Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Holt said Calculator 2050 will help Vietnam develop policies on energy supply and demand, and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, adding that the UK is delighted to support Vietnam in this field.</p><br /><p>At the workshop, participants also gave presentations on related topics such as greenhouse gas emission scenarios for 2050, socio-economic development, and energy consumption in buildings and industries.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam Calculator 2050 to support energy policy making Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam Calculator 2050 to support energy policy making

Vietnam Calculator 2050 to support energy policy makingA workshop to create a Vietnamese version of Calculator 2050, a modern tool to support energy policy making and measure greenhouse gas emissions, was organised in Hanoi on October 30.At the event, held by the Industrial Safety Techniques and Env…

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First 4DX theatre in Hanoi to open next month

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>First 4DX theatre in Hanoi to open next month<br /><p>Next month, the first 4DX theatre in Hanoi will provide movie-goers the opportunity to enjoy international blockbusters like never before.</p><br /><p>The 4DX theatre will be opened at the Ba Trieu Vincom Centre by CGV Cinemas, who launched Vietnam’s first 4DX theatre at Hung Vuong Plaza in HCM City earlier this year.</p><br /><p>The CGV cinemas in Hanoi and HCM City are the first to offer the group’s latest technology.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />First 4DX theatre in Hanoi to open next month Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

First 4DX theatre in Hanoi to open next month

First 4DX theatre in Hanoi to open next monthNext month, the first 4DX theatre in Hanoi will provide movie-goers the opportunity to enjoy international blockbusters like never before.The 4DX theatre will be opened at the Ba Trieu Vincom Centre by CGV Cinemas, who launched Vietnam’s first 4DX theatre…

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Quang Ninh drug, weapon trafficking ring uncovered

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Quang Ninh drug, weapon trafficking ring uncovered<br /><p>Police in the northern border province of Quang Ninh busted a drug and weapon trafficking ring involving 20 cakes of heroin (roughly 7kg), eight guns and 188 bullets, nearly 2 billion VND (94,000 USD), and 50,000 RMB (8,177 USD).</p><br /><p>On October 29, police officers stopped and inspected a van in Viet Hung ward, Ha Long city. Inside the van, driven by Nguyen Van Hai, born in 1976, of Cam Phu ward, Cam Pha district, they discovered the cakes of heroin, a gun, nine bullets and 15 million VND.</p><br /><p>Police officers raided Hai’s place of residence and found additional seven guns, a packet of methamphetamine, a car and 250 million VND.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581461'> </span> </p><br /><p>They also detected two more packets of methamphetamine, 1.4 billion VND and 50,000 RMB at the home of Hai’s accomplice, Hoang Vinh Phuc, born in 1965 and residing in Hai Yen ward, Mong Cai city.</p><br /><p>Initial investigations show this was a professional and international drug and weapon smuggling ring.</p><br /><p>Authorities are investigating the case further.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Quang Ninh drug, weapon trafficking ring uncovered Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Quang Ninh drug, weapon trafficking ring uncovered

Quang Ninh drug, weapon trafficking ring uncoveredPolice in the northern border province of Quang Ninh busted a drug and weapon trafficking ring involving 20 cakes of heroin (roughly 7kg), eight guns and 188 bullets, nearly 2 billion VND (94,000 USD), and 50,000 RMB (8,177 USD).On October 29, police…

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New grads lack banking skills

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>New grads lack banking skills<br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – Most banks in Viet Nam have failed to provide basic training courses to new graduates.</p><br /><p>Vice-director of Ernst & Young Viet Nam, Vo Tan Hoang Van, said his company has spent three to four weeks to retrain students to meet the demands of the workplace.</p><br /><p>“The quality of the personnel input that the colleges provide us does not live up to our expectations,” Van said. “Vietnamese students tend to have problems with general knowledge. For example, very few banking-finance students really grasp the meanings of the Law on Credit Institutions.”</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581396'> </span> </p><br /><p>His feelings were backed by Luu Trung Thai, former vice-director of the Military Bank (MB) who said the quality of banking-finance personnel was challenged right at the first step – education and training.</p><br /><p>“Lots of students major in banking and finance each year, but not many are capable of adjusting to the workplace. Most need to acquire enough skills and knowledge.”</p><br /><p>Despite a 250 per cent increase in the number of banking-finance staff over a decade to about 180,000 officers in 2012, the quality of personnel was still relatively low, said Tran Huu Thang, deputy director of the Personnel and Organisation Department of the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV).</p><br /><p>“Most new graduates have both skill and knowledge gaps to work at,” Thang added.</p><br /><p>Students were found to lack such skills as work attitude, teamwork, communication and English. Some had little general knowledge of the banking and finance industry.</p><br /><p>A survey by the Institute of Manpower, Banking and Finance (BTCI) and the HayGroup this year showed that only about two thirds of the 32,000 banking and finance graduates in 2013 were recruited, leaving another 12,000 unemployed or unable to get a job inside their major.</p><br /><p>Forty per cent of banks said they still did not have enough employeest, according to a report in the first quarter of this yhear by the SBV’s Department of Monetary Statistics and Forecasting.</p><br /><p>Banks also struggled to recruit executives in specialised fields, especially risk management, general management and investment. The banks have had to use foreign experts to fill the positions, despite the high costs.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, the SBV forecast that the demand for executives would climb to about 94,000 people in 2015. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />New grads lack banking skills Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

New grads lack banking skills

New grads lack banking skillsHA NOI (VNS) – Most banks in Viet Nam have failed to provide basic training courses to new graduates.Vice-director of Ernst & Young Viet Nam, Vo Tan Hoang Van, said his company has spent three to four weeks to retrain students to meet the demands of the workplace.“The qu…

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Capital ill equipped to fight major fires

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Capital ill equipped to fight major fires<br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – Ha Noi was not equipped or prepared to put out fires, as evidenced by the 126 fires and 18 fire-related deaths so far in 2014, Ha Noi People’s Committee members said during a meeting this week.</p><br /><p>Recent fires sounded an alarm for authorities about the city’s lack of readiness. The People’s Committee gathered to evaluate firefighting efforts and prevention infrastructure.</p><br /><p>It was told by the police fire department that in addition to causing 18 deaths, fires this year injured 14 and damaged property worth a total US$2.4 million.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581395'> </span> </p><br /><p>This month, a fire ravaged Quang Minh Industrial Park in Me Linh district, causing $6 million damage to infrastructure and assets.</p><br /><p>“The main difficulty was the lack of water available in the industrial park to put out the fire,” said Nguyen Van Son, deputy director of the city’s fire department.</p><br /><p>Businesses had not paid enough attention to fire prevention, said Bui Van Thanh, deputy minister of the Ministry of Public Security. He said they must improve fire safety infrastructure, check it regularly and practice evacuating buildings.</p><br /><p>Older areas in Ha Noi are often not designed with fire safety in mind. Outdated or rundown industrial parks, traditional markets, supermarkets, apartment complexes and residential areas often pose fire hazards.</p><br /><p>Fire regulations require authorities to install water hydrants every 150 metres in streets, but there are only 1,600, more than 4,000 less than needed.</p><br /><p>Other water sources, such as natural lakes, ponds, water depots and water plants can help extinguish fires, but they are located mainly in downtown districts, leaving outlying areas unprotected.</p><br /><p>Access also poses a problem for firefighters. When fires ignite in small alleys and streets in old areas, it is often difficult to get to them. Rush hour traffic and curious loiterers can also stop firefighters from getting to sites in time. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Capital ill equipped to fight major fires Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Capital ill equipped to fight major fires

Capital ill equipped to fight major firesHA NOI (VNS) – Ha Noi was not equipped or prepared to put out fires, as evidenced by the 126 fires and 18 fire-related deaths so far in 2014, Ha Noi People’s Committee members said during a meeting this week.Recent fires sounded an alarm for authorities about…

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Million citizens to get free healthcare

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Million citizens to get free healthcare<br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – A community healthcare campaign, to provide free medical check-up, treatment and consulting services to at least one million people in 20 provinces nationwide, will be launched on Sunday (November 2).</p><br /><p>“The annual event aims to mobilise the whole society’s involvement in humanitarian efforts to provide primary healthcare to the poor and disadvantaged people,” said Chairman of the Viet Nam Red Cross Nguyen Hai Duong at a press conference yesterday.</p><br /><p>“Several poor people, especially those living in poor, remote, border and island districts of the country, don’t have sufficient access to healthcare services due to shortage of infrastructure, medical facilities and human resources of the state healthcare system,” said Duong.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581394'> </span> </p><br /><p>The campaign will focus activities on organising mobile medical check-ups and treatment in community and healthcare units of the health and army sectors.</p><br /><p>It will also provide consulting services to strengthen people’s awareness of healthcare, personal hygiene and the environment, as well as accidents and injuries, and disaster, search and rescue operations.</p><br /><p>The six-month-long campaign is being organised under the framework of a co-operation programme, being implemented by the Viet Nam Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the General Department of Politics under the Ministry of Defence and the Viet Nam Young Physician Association, during the 2014-17 period. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Million citizens to get free healthcare Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Million citizens to get free healthcare

Million citizens to get free healthcareHA NOI (VNS) – A community healthcare campaign, to provide free medical check-up, treatment and consulting services to at least one million people in 20 provinces nationwide, will be launched on Sunday (November 2).“The annual event aims to mobilise the whole s…

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NA deputies desire return to high growth trajectory

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>NA deputies desire return to high growth trajectory<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1581388'><a href='http://bit.ly/1rYBXx0'><img alt="Senior citizens receive health checks at the District 3 Hospital in HCM City. National Assembly deputies say high growth rates will help improve provision of social services nation-wide. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="293" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBXx0" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Senior citizens receive health checks at the District 3 Hospital in HCM City. National Assembly deputies say high growth rates will help improve provision of social services nation-wide. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy.</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – National Assembly deputies yesterday said appropriate measures were needed to help the economy regain high growth.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581387'> </span> </p><br /><p>The deputies were discussing the country’s socio-economic situation at the NA’s plenary sitting.</p><br /><p>According to a Government report, the economy grew by 5.62 per cent during the first nine months this year, higher than the same period last year. The figure is expected to reach 5.8 per cent for the whole year.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, inflation declined to 2.25 per cent in the nine-month period, the lowest in 10 years, the report said, adding that the figure was expected to be less than 5 per cent all year.</p><br /><p>The deputies spoke highly of Government management amid many difficulties. They said that with the help of the business community and the public, the economy continued to make positive changes.</p><br /><p>However, many said difficulties remained, particularly in production and trade. Businesses still found it hard to get access to credit and a large number had ceased operating.</p><br /><p>The deputies also focused on increasing public debt and bad debt, saying that these two problems were being handled slowly. The mobilisation of different resources for development investment also failed to meet real demand.</p><br /><p>Deputy Nguyen Cao Son from the northern province of Hoa Binh expressed concern about the unemployment rate of students after graduation, the rise in crime and difficult living conditions for residents in rural, remote and mountainous areas.</p><br /><p>He proposed the Government ask the NA for permission to issue more bonds for investment in infrastructure.</p><br /><p>Many deputies said the Government should reform ineffective projects and programmes to provide more funds for poverty reduction and greater investment in much-needed social welfare services including healthcare and education.</p><br /><p>Deputy Vu Ngoc Dien from the central province of Binh Thuan suggested the Government adopt measures to help promote the sea-born economy.</p><br /><p>Many deputies also proposed the Government continue working to tackle difficulties for businesses and residents. This would include promptly implementing policies relating to tax and simplifying procedures to help businesses get better access to credit.</p><br /><p>Deputy Tran Hoang Ngan from HCM City said it was essential to have comprehensive measures to promote local production. Providing businesses with interest rate support was needed to help them invest more in equipment and renewing technology.</p><br /><p>Some deputies said there should be more regulations on the management and use of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to ensure efficiency.</p><br /><p>Deputy Le Thi Nga from the northern province of Thai Nguyen said lack of management over a number of ODA-funded projects led to violations and thus reduced the country’s prestige.</p><br /><p>She said it was necessary to publicise ODA-used projects and have regulations to help NA deputies and people take part in supervising projects.</p><br /><p>During the afternoon session, many deputies suggested the Government pay more attention to investment and handling difficulties for agriculture and help improve the living conditions of farmers.</p><br /><p>They said the Government needed to have measures to help tap the potential and strength of each locality, focusing on increasing competitiveness of farm produce and promoting the application of information technology in agricultural production, particularly during the post-harvest period.</p><br /><p>Deputy Le Dinh Khanh from the northern province of Hai Duong said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development needed to focus on developing more varieties of crops, plants and animals to help reduce the cost of imports.</p><br /><p>Many deputies proposed the Government take measures to keep public debt under better control as well as to deal with bad debt.</p><br /><p>Deputy Tran Xuan Vinh from the central province of Quang Nam said it was essential to increase inspection and supervision of bank loans for investment projects to help reduce bad debt.</p><br /><p>The deputies will continue to discuss the country’s socio-economic situation during today’s session. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />NA deputies desire return to high growth trajectory Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBXx0" width="200"/><br/></div>

NA deputies desire return to high growth trajectory

NA deputies desire return to high growth trajectory Senior citizens receive health checks at the District 3 Hospital in HCM City. National Assembly deputies say high growth rates will help improve provision of social services nation-wide. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy.HA NOI (VNS) – National Assembly de…

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Transport Ministry to crackdown on cargo weight violations at ports

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Transport Ministry to crackdown on cargo weight violations at ports<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 460px' id='attachment_1581363'><a href='http://bit.ly/1rYBZos'><img alt="A ship docks at the Chu Lai - Truong Hai Port in Da Nang City. The Ministry of Transport has said it will temporarily close ports and fire directors who violate its weight regulations. - VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Son - Huu Trung" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="282" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBZos" width="450"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>A ship docks at the Chu Lai - Truong Hai Port in Da Nang City. The Ministry of Transport has said it will temporarily close ports and fire directors who violate its weight regulations. - VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Son - Huu Trung</p><br /></div><br /><p>HA NOI (VNS) – The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has said it would enforce stricter measures to stop overweight cargo shipments, such as temporarily shutting ports and firing directors who violated the MOT’s weight regulations.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1581362'> </span> </p><br /><p>The MOT has been closely supervising the enforcement on tighter cargo weight control by setting up taskforces to supervise activities at the country’s major seaports.</p><br /><p>An agreement has also been signed by 206 out of the country’s 222 seaports to not overload cargo.</p><br /><p>However, representatives from the HCM-based Saigon Trading Group said despite the agreement, certain seaports still allowed cargo to be switched to different tractors or added additional cargo to tractors after they left the ports.</p><br /><p>Such practices led to unfair competition among seaports and were difficult to monitor.</p><br /><p>Tighter weight control regulations issued by the MOT for transporting cargo using land-based routes has made some customers switch to sea transport as a cheaper alternative.</p><br /><p>However, the maritime transport industry has not been able to capitalise on this new development due to the industry’s weaknesses and limitations.</p><br /><p>Even Viet Nam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), who single-handedly accounts to 50 per cent of the country’s sea transport, is struggling with negative growth of 4 per cent.</p><br /><p>“The Government will help the industry by issuing policies to stimulate growth, but the industry must improve marketing and management,” said Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Cong.</p><br /><p>Another major issue to emerge in the dialogue was the current administrative procedures that sea transport companies say are time-consuming and inefficient.</p><br /><p>Representatives from the Diem Dien Sea Transport Co. said import and export administration must be operational 24/7 to save time and costs.</p><br /><p>They also asked the MOT and the Government to work with Cambodia to set up a 24/7 operational administration office to boost maritime commercial activities between the two countries.</p><br /><p>The Viet Nam Ship Agents and Brokers Association (VIBASA) said despite the industry’s requests to review and revise administrative procedures for imports and exports to Cambodia, the paperwork was still complicated and time-consuming.</p><br /><p>VIBASA said the permit for goods in transit, currently regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), should be simplified to encourage companies trading between Viet Nam and Cambodia to use Vietnamese ports.</p><br /><p>At present, they prefer to use ports in Singapore where a permit is not required, and Viet Nam is losing out on the potential revenue from goods heading to Cambodia.</p><br /><p>The MOT said it would respond to the industry’s requests and recommendations this month. – VNS</p><br /><br/><br />Transport Ministry to crackdown on cargo weight violations at ports Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rYBZos" width="200"/><br/></div>

Transport Ministry to crackdown on cargo weight violations at ports

Transport Ministry to crackdown on cargo weight violations at ports A ship docks at the Chu Lai - Truong Hai Port in Da Nang City. The Ministry of Transport has said it will temporarily close ports and fire directors who violate its weight regulations. - VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Son - Huu TrungHA NOI (V…

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