In Vietnam, increased longevity is not necessarily indicative of good health. Photo by Nguyen Dinh Dang/VnExpress Photo Contest “We are living longer, but we are living sicker. A senior is spending an estimated 2.4 days each month sick from chronic diseases or preventable illnesses.” In a recent report by the World Economic Forum, Vietnam ranked at the 56th out of 138 countries in terms of average life expectancy, showing that life expectancy in Vietnam has risen to 75.6 years due to economic growth and improved quality of life. The world’s average life expectancy has increased by 21 years over the past 50 years while the life expectancy in Vietnam has soared by 33 years. But while Vietnamese are living longer, they’re spending more time sick and disabled. The General Office for Population and Family Planning has calculated the country’s healthy life expectancy at 60 years. That means senior Vietnamese citizens are living with health problems for an … [Read more...]
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Vietnam suspends rice exports to US after pesticide violations
Photo by Vietnam News Agency The U.S. rejected 94 rice containers from Vietnam, which are equivalent to around 1,700 tons of rice, during January-April. Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has decided to temporarily put on hold exports of rice to the U.S. due to pesticide residue issues. The decision was made after the U.S. discovered high levels of pesticide residue in shipments of Vietnamese rice, the Cong an nhan dan (People's Police) news site reported on Friday, quoting Vo Thanh Do, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture-Forestry-Fisheries Processing. The suspension is made as the ministry needs time to handle the issue to avoid a ban on Vietnamese rice imports from the U.S., Do told a seminar in the southern city of Can Tho on Friday. The Vietnam Food Association cited information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as saying that in the first four months of this year, the U.S. rejected 94 rice containers from Vietnam, … [Read more...]
Friendship Medals presented to Lao security officials
The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos on September 29th, authorized by the State President, presented the Friendship Order and Medal to three Lao security officials who had made active contributions to building and reinforcing the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Nguyen Manh Hung (R) and Major-General Nguyen Van Huyen congratulate three awarded officials. (Photo: nhandan.com.vn)During the ceremony, Major-General Nguyen Van Huyen, Head of the representative office of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in Laos, read the Decisions for the presenting of the order and medal while Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, presented a Friendship Order to Colonel Kiengkham Inphengthavonge, Deputy Head of the Office of the Lao Security Ministry, former Head of the representative office of the Lao Security Ministry in Vietnam; a Friendship Medal to Lieutenant-General Khamveun Xayachac, former Deputy Head of the representative office of the … [Read more...]
China’s National Day marked in Ho Chi Minh city
The Ho Chi Minh city Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam - China Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh city on September 29th held a meeting to mark the 67th anniversary of China’s National Day (October 1st). Photo: voh.com.vnRepresentatives from the Chinese consulate general in Ho Chi Minh city, the city Department of External Relations, former Vietnamese students in China, and the Chinese community living and working in the city, attended the meeting. During the meeting, Duong Quan Ha, Chairman of the Vietnam - China Friendship Association in the city, stressed that Vietnam and China are neighbours with a long-term traditional friendship. The promotion of the healthily and stably developed relations between the two countries, to satisfy the aspirations and interests of the two peoples, is crucial. Over the past years, the city Union of Friendship Organizations, the Chinese consulate general and the Chinese enterprise community in the city have carried out … [Read more...]
Industrial production rises 7.6% in September
The Industrial Production Index (IPI) in September rose 7.6% over a year earlier, bringing the index for the nine months to 7.4%, much lower than 9.9% of the same period last year, reported the General Statistics Office (GSO). Photo for illustration (baodautu.vn)The slowdown came from sharp decline in the production index of the mining industry at 4.1%, taking 0.9% points from the common rise. Specifically, the manufacturing and processing industry contributed the most to the common rise with 7.4% points, followed by electricity production and distribution (0.8% percent points) and water supply and sewage treatment (0.1% points). According to GSO, the consumption index of the manufacturing and processing industry increased 8.3% in eight months and the average inventory index during the period was 68.4%./. BTA … [Read more...]
Nation must improve economic competitiveness: think-tank
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue speaks to members of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council at a meeting on September 30 in Ha Noi. — Photo cafef.vn HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Viet Nam must continue to maintain stability, accelerate restructuring and improve the competitiveness of the economy in the face of ongoing global headwinds, members of a think-tank report. Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue asked members of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council to closely monitor the financial situation throughout the world, during their third-quarter meeting in Ha Noi today. The members agreed that it was necessary for Viet Nam to create a stable business and investment climate, renew its growth model and expand labour productivity. Viet Nam has targeted its gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 6.7 per cent, along with exports to grow at 6-7 per cent, next year. Further, the consumer price index (CPI) is expected to rise by some 4 per … [Read more...]
Over VND1.463 trillion used to carry out humanitarian activities
Over the past five years, the Ho Chi Minh city Red Cross has mobilized over VND1.463 trillion to carry out humanitarian activities, the organization reported during its 6th congress (term 2016-2021) held on September 29th. Accordingly, the organization has built 1,639 charity houses; and presented over 2.1 million presents and 258 cows to poor families, those who are affected by natural disasters, and beneficiaries’ families in the city and across the country. In addition, the mobilized money has been spent building 49 free medical check-up centres and 775 foundations for first aid and prevention of disasters; mobilizing over one million units of blood; and built up 36 models and clubs which have been operated effectively. In the years to come, the city will focus on disseminating Party Resolutions at all levels, and synchronously carrying out specific plans and programs on humanitarian work, healthcare and disaster response./. Compiled by BTA … [Read more...]
ASEAN should forge much stronger ties within its members: Sec. Yasay
During an exclusive interview with Tuoi Tre News in Hanoi on Thursday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he will disagree with anyone who will say that ASEAN is not fully and firmly committed as one unified regional group in so far as in ensuring their commitment and adherence to international law, to the peaceful settlement of the disputes.What is the significance of the visit, considering this is the first one for the President to Vietnam? President Duterte has made sure that one of his ASEAN visits will be Vietnam. This is because the Philippines, in particular the President, underscores the importance of the relationship. In fact, this year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic ties. And just last year we signed the strategic partnership agreement that will further enhance our relationship in the area of economics, trade, cultural exchanges, people-to-people contact, educational exchanges. At the very high level, we make sure to engage our … [Read more...]
Two university technical courses achieve German standards
The German Chamber of Skilled Crafts Potsdam yesterday handed over a Letter of Acknowledgement to certify the equivalence of two occupational standards offered by the LILAMA 2 Technical and Technology College in Đồng Nai Province. Tilo Jaensch of the German Chamber of Skilled Crafts Potsdam hands over a Letter of Acknowledgement to certify the equivalence of two occupational standards offered by the LILAMA 2 Technical and Technology College in Đồng Nai Province to Lê Văn Hiền, the college president. The two are occupational standards for construction machinery technicians and industrial electronics technicians. Two courses have been developed based on the standards, the university said. They will be introduced in this school year. "German standards serve as international benchmarks and were adjusted according to the needs of the Vietnamese labour market," Lê Văn Hiền, president of the college, said. The close involvement of Vietnamese professional associations and more … [Read more...]
Result of Russian military campaign in Syria after one year
(VOVworld) - Russia’s military campaign launched in Syria a year ago (September 30th 2015) signaled a turning point in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group and prevented Syria from turning into a terrorist springboard, British political scientist, editor-in-chief and publisher of the Politics First magazine Marcus Papadopoulos said in an interview with TASS. As a result of the Russian air campaign, the Syrian army and with its Government will not collapse, will not be defeated on the battlefield. However, expoerts said that crisis in Syrian is still unsolved, and thare are still remaining conflicts between Russia and the US, which are continue to be challages in the coming time. In other developments, the United States is close to suspending talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday, as the Kremlin vowed to press on with an assault on the city of Aleppo. … [Read more...]
Golf course in Seongju chosen as S. Korea’s new THAAD site
(VOVworld)- South Korea chose a golf course in Seongju, southern region, 296 km from the capital city of Seoul, as the new location to host a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery. The defense ministry said on Friday it had changed the location originally from a site planned nearby Seongju village due to strong protests from the villagers and notified the decision to the governor of Seongju County. Seoul decided to deploy the powerful US antimissile system despite strong opposition from Beijing and Moscow amid escalating provocations from Pyongyang including fresh nuclear tests and a long-range missile launch this year. The announcement on the revised location comes 79 days after the Seoul government originally decided to install the anti-missile system in Seongju. … [Read more...]
VCA warns mobile users against getting scammed
Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI - Việt Nam Competition Authority (VCA), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has urged mobile phone users to contact service providers when they notice abnormal account activity or suspect value-added services being activated automatically. The Vietnamese mass media recently reported the problem of "scamming" money from mobile users by automatically installing and expanding value added services, which customers may not know of or control. This has caused much concern among mobile phone users. To check the list of value-added services, Viettel users should call the free switchboard at 18008198 or call numbers 19008198 or 0989198198, which will entail call charges. Viettel users can also send a message by texting TC and sending to 1228 to check services they are using. For Mobifone, consumers can call to 18001090 (free) or 9090 (VND200 per minute) or text KT to 994. Meanwhile, VinaPhone users should call 9191, with the rates of VND200 per minute for … [Read more...]
New rural area models should stimulate business starts-up and prosperity
(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his deputy Vuong Dinh Hue chaired an online conference on Friday to review the national target program to build new rural areas by 2020. The Prime Minister told delegates that new rural areas building is a revolutionary and long term tasks for ministries and provinces. He asked for connectivity with urbanization and business starts-up attitudes: “New rural areas must encourage entrepreneurship and prosperity where resources are mobilized for sustainable development. Farmers should nurture their attitude of creativity and business mindset. For example, many farmers have been successful in the creation of agricultural machines with high productivity.” … [Read more...]
Vietnam and Lebanon wish to promote cooperation
(VOVworld) - Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Lebanon Do Hoang Long suggested Lebanon recognize Vietnam’s full market economy status during his current visit to the Middle-east country. The ambassador told Lebanese Prime Minister Tamman Salam during his visit to Lebanon on Thursday that Vietnam and Lebanon should consider expanding their cooperation in trade, finance-banking, tourism and labour, while supporting each other at international organisations and forums. The diplomat hoped that the two countries will work to tap their cooperation potential, particularly in economy and labour, via high-level delegation exchanges, economic, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and meetings between their businesses. On September 27, the embassy in conjunction with the Honorary Consul and the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture organised an economic seminar highlighting Vietnam’s business potential and opportunities. … [Read more...]
Vietnam’s average life expectancy touches 75.6
The average life-span of Vietnamese people has reached 75.6 which is the second highest in Southeast Asia according to the latest survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The country ranks 56 out of 138 countries and territories surveyed by the WEF. Japan leads the list with a life expectancy of 86.3 thanks to their healthy diets. Hong Kong follows at 84. Experts said that steamed food, tea and martial arts have helped Hong Kong people live a healthier and longer life. The top 10 countries with highest life expectancy also include Spain (83.6), Switzerland (82.8), Italy (82.7), Singapore (82.6), France (82.4), Australia (82.3), Israel (82.2), and Luxembourg (82.2). Meanwhile, most of the countries with lowest life expectancy lie in Africa, with Lesotho the lowest at 49.7, Sierra Leone 50.9, and Nigeria 52.8. … [Read more...]
37th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly opens
(VOVworld) – The 37th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-37) opened on Friday in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and other delegations at the 37th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Photo: VNA) The Vietnamese delegation led by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan attended the event. The event attracted the participation of parliamentary delegates from the 10 AIPA member countries. Opening the event, Speaker of Myanmar’s Parliament and Upper House and President of AIPA-37 Mahn Win Khaing Than said ASEAN countries are now facing a number of challenges, including the balance between the use and protecting rights of foreign workers, the fight against human trafficking, and gender inequality. He expressed his belief that an active AIPA in the ASEAN Community will help seek out measures to deal with regional challenges. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s Minister of Foreign … [Read more...]
Two trillion VND of State capital divested from transport sector
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is pushing forward with the restructuring of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the sector, with two trillion VND of State capital divested from five corporations and companies since the beginning of this year. According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Hong Truong, all State capital was withdrawn from the Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 6 (Cienco 6), the Transport Engineering Design Inc .(Tedi), the Waterway Transport Corporation, the Vietnam Motors Industry Corporation (Vinamotor) while 23.18 percent of the charter capital was withdrawn from the Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 5 (Cienco 5). The divested capital was then put into the Business Arrangement and Development Support Fund of t he State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC). The MoT also transferred the management of State capital in the Thang Long Construction Corporation to SCIC and submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration the transfer of … [Read more...]
World Bank urges Vietnam to shun coal
'When I ask [Vietnam] about using renewables they say ‘we would but it’s too expensive’,' the World Bank president recalls. President of the World Bank Jim Yong Kim has expressed his concern over Vietnam’s plan of building a network of coal plant in a speech at the Climate Week New York which concluded Thursday. “When I ask them about using renewables they say ‘we would but it’s too expensive’,” Kim said in his speech. “We are bringing to the table all the tools we need to bring the costs down significantly and quickly.” Vietnam has imported more than 9.7 million tons of coal valued at $600 million over the past eight months, almost double the quantity in the same period last year, latest data from Vietnam Customs shows. By 2030, half of the country’s power will come from coal, with 83 plants across the country, according to the revised government Power Development Master Plan VII. “It’s a very … [Read more...]
Air pollution in Hanoi, HCM City remains high
Big cities like Hanoi and HCM City and localities home to many industrial production activities such as Viet Tri still face high air pollution. The Vietnamese Natural Resources and Environment recently published a national environmental report for the 2011-2015 period. According to the report, air pollution in big cities, including Hanoi and HCM City remains high, particularly areas near main roads or construction sites. Localities which have many industrial production activities like Phu Tho Province's Viet Tri City also face serious air pollution. Dust and exhaust fumes from vehicles are the major causes of the high air pollution in big cities. Meanwhile, many private vehicles, especially buses, are aging and emit high levels of exhaust fumes. At many intersections, such as Kim Lien, Giai Phong, Ha Dong, Nguyen Xien roads, Phung Hung, De La Thanh streets in Hanoi, dust levels are often 5 to 7 times higher than permitted levels. Meanwhile, 89% of air samples checked in HCM … [Read more...]
China landslide leaves at least 26 people missing
A landslide in China’s eastern Zhejiang province has hit Japan, leaving at least one people dead and 26 people missing. The landslide occurred after heavy rain, brought by Typhoon Megi, lashed the coastal province on September 29th. Rescuers had pulled 15 people from the mud but 26 were still missing, according to state media. Another six people were missing in Baofeng village after a landslide destroyed their homes. Local authorities say they have mobilised heavy equipment and over a thousand people to help with search and rescue efforts. Residents have also been relocated to safer areas. Earlier, typhoon Megi which has wrecked havoc in Taiwan in the past two days, killings four people and injuring more than 60 others./. Compiled by BTA … [Read more...]