The conference was held via videoconference on May 26 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Political Director Alon Bar co-chaired the fourth political consultation conference between the two ministries via videoconference on May 26. Viet and Bar briefed each other on the political and socio-economic situation in their respective countries, and highly valued the positive progresses in the all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Israel over the years, especially in politics, diplomacy, economy, science-technology, and startup. Viet welcomed the organisation of the fourth consultation conference, describing it as an effective mechanism for reviewing and enhancing the effectiveness of the cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that Vietnam highly values and hopes to promote multifaceted ties with Israel , and thanked the Israeli Government and businesses for assisting … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Israel convene fourth political consultation
Assistance in child care
AFD, EU strengthen urban climate resilience in Vietnam
The AFD and EU have been actively supporting Vietnam in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Vietnam will receive financial aid from the EU and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to reduce the vulnerability to climate hazards in several towns in four northern and central provinces. The project is jointly co-financed with a EUR5 million (US$5.36 million) grant from the EU, a EUR123 million ($132 million) ODA loan from the AFD, and EUR 28 million ($30 million) from provincial budgets. The principal goal is to help localities adapt to climate change and recover from natural disasters such as flooding, typhoons, and drought. Delegates attend the launching ceremony. Photo: the Embassy of France in Vietnam The regional towns include Phat Diem in the northern province of Ninh Binh, Ngoc Lac in the central province of Thanh Hoa, and Hoang Mai in the central province of Nghe An, Huong Khe, and Thach Ha in the central province of Ha Tinh. … [Read more...] about AFD, EU strengthen urban climate resilience in Vietnam
AFD willing to support Hanoi in transport, urban and environment projects
AFD will assist the Hanoi government in developing priority programs such as improving air quality, wholesale markets, urban logistics, waste management and treatment, among others. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is willing to support Hanoi in transport, urban and environmental projects, Country Director of AFD Fabrice Richy said at a meeting with Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung in Hanoi on November 25. Fabrice Richy stressed that AFD has maintained a long standing relationship with Hanoi. Under the cooperation agreement, AFD will assist the Hanoi government in developing priority programs such as air quality improvement, wholesale markets, urban logistics, waste management and treatment, among others. Country Director of AFD Fabrice Richy and Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung. Photo: Thuy Linh The investment program will focus on building smart cities, developing cities sustainable and … [Read more...] about AFD willing to support Hanoi in transport, urban and environment projects
Engagement in UN peacekeeping missions
Officers and soldiers of Sapper Unit No. 1 (Photo: VNA) set off to participate in the UN peacekeeping operations (Photo: VNA) The spirit of dedication and responsibility of Vietnamese soldiers has helped spread the image of the country and people of Vietnam who love peace for a prosperous and progressive human community. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has assessed the engagement in UN peacekeeping activities over the past 8 years as a bright spot in the multilateral diplomacy of the country’s Party, State and army. The establishment of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre and the send-off for the first two VPA officers to work as liaison officers at the UN Mission in South Sudan on May 27, 2014, marked the nation's official participation in UN peacekeeping operations. On November 13, 2020, the National Assembly passed Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14 on joining the UN peacekeeping force, which clearly stipulates principles, forms, fields and forces, competence, force deployment process, … [Read more...] about Engagement in UN peacekeeping missions
Orphans, disabled kids receive scholarships on occasion of Int’l Children’s Day
At the scholarship-awarding ceremony (Photo: SGGP) At the program, 300 children with disabilities and orphans who are children of trade union members, workers, officials, and laborers in Ho Chi Minh City were able to participate in games as well as enjoy cultural performances, and fashionable performances with recycled materials. On this occasion, the City Trade Union Social Work Center also awarded 30 scholarships to disadvantaged children who overcame difficulties to study well. Units and benefactors gave away 300 toys, 220 portions, beverages, 200 boxes of confectionery, and 750 T-shirts totally worth more than VND150 million (US$6,437). According to Mr. Nguyen Mai Huy, Deputy Director of the Center for Social Work of Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union, the program has created a healthy playground for children with disabilities and orphans. Moreover, at the same time, it helped connect units, businesses, and donors for a meaningful activity full of love for workers’ kids in this … [Read more...] about Orphans, disabled kids receive scholarships on occasion of Int’l Children’s Day
Draft revised law on domestic violence control submitted to parliament
Authorized by the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung presented the proposal, noting that after nearly 15 years of enforcement, the law has helped improve public awareness of domestic violence prevention and control, thus protecting victims, dealing with domestic violence and legal violations, and improving gender equality in families. However, despite certain achievements, domestic violence remains a problem. Given this, the amendments aim to improve regulations so as to better protect human rights under the 2013 Constitution, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of State and social institutions as well as families’ role in this issue, thereby upholding sound traditional cultural values and boosting socio-economic development in the new context, said Hung. Containing six chapters with 62 articles, the draft revised law focuses on measures for preventing domestic violence and protecting and assisting victims, coordination mechanisms and … [Read more...] about Draft revised law on domestic violence control submitted to parliament
TV shows promoting traditional culture to be screened
The shows are the result of co-operation between VOV and the Vietnam Film Studio (VFS). Launched last month, Vietnam Journey aims to honor Vietnamese culture and tourism. The screening of these shows is a part of the effort, according to Nguyen The Ky, General Director of the VOV. “We are introducing two shows for the Tet holiday to give viewers a chance to relax and enjoy interesting stories,” he said. “The stories are told in a tender and humorous way to call on people to preserve the country’s fine traditions.” Vuong To (Beauty of Silk) tells the story of Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong district, where the trade of weaving silk has been nurtured for centuries. The film depicts the process of making and designing silk, and how hard the artisans fight to preserve the traditional trade in the face of modern trends and foreign brands. Directed by Nguyen Duc Viet, the show stars Quoc Tuan, Phu Don, Vinh Xuong and Thu Hien. Xuong said he spent a long time and effort learning … [Read more...] about TV shows promoting traditional culture to be screened
Hanoi parents brace for tuition hikes
After a year of not raising tuition fees due to the impacts of Covid-19, the Hanoi people's council passed a resolution on May 20 to hike public preschool and high school tuition fees for the 2022-23 academic year. The fees would double at first and subsequently increase by 20-40 percent every year. Sen, 43, lives in Hanoi’s Ha Dong District with her husband and two daughters, the other in 10th grade. She cleans houses for hourly wages while her husband is a laborer. They pay the highest tuition rate since their household registration is in Region 1, which comprises the capital’s inner districts. In addition, she may be required to pay VND300,000 ($12.93) per child per month for the following academic year, which is 1.4-2 times the current fee. Tuition fees for middle and high schools in Region 1 will gradually rise over the next three years to VND410,000, VND530,000, and VND650,000, respectively. Meanwhile, Sen and her husband's incomes fluctuate every month: Sometimes … [Read more...] about Hanoi parents brace for tuition hikes
New pact promotes Việt Nam-Europe fashion links
Alain Cany, EuroCham chairman and Lê Thị Quỳnh Trang, chairwoman of Việt Nam International Fashion Week and President of the Council of ASEAN Fashion Designers, sign a MoU on promoting culture, lifestyle, and fashion industry links between Việt Nam and European countries. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC HCM CITY — Culture, lifestyle and fashion links between Việt Nam and Europe will be promoted under a Memorandum of Understanding signed this week by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) and the Aquafina Vietnam International Week (VIFW). The signing has presented an opportunity for EuroCham and its affiliated national chambers to support the development of European companies both regionally and in Việt Nam, and to assist Vietnamese companies interested in expanding their European market. It will also identify and promote the benefits of the EVFTA for both groups. It will help Việt Nam’s fashion and culture reach out to the world as well, and … [Read more...] about New pact promotes Việt Nam-Europe fashion links
Việt Nam continues to strengthen cooperation to fight against LGBTQ+ discrimination
The workshop takes place on Friday at the Intercontinental Landmark 72 Hotel, Hà Nội. — Photo VNA/VNS Anh Đức HÀ NỘI — "Việt Nam is consistent in protecting and promoting human rights to meet the goal of 'human rights for all'," said a foreign affairs official. "At the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Việt Nam accepted and enacted many recommendations to protect vulnerable groups," Lê Thị Thu Hằng, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and spokesperson for the ministry, told an international workshop on Friday. The event titled "Protection against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: International and Việt Nam's Experiences" was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Hà Nội. "Legal frameworks and policies to counteract against violence and discrimination based on sexual … [Read more...] about Việt Nam continues to strengthen cooperation to fight against LGBTQ+ discrimination