Defense minister Phan Van Giang said at the National Assembly Friday that the number of people reaching the age of military service is high, but so are the numbers of exemptions and postponements, and as a result fewer and fewer people are being drafted. All male citizens need to sign up for military service when they turn 18. Those who enter university or college can postpone their induction but need to sign up before they turn 28. But if they continue to get postponements until they turn 28, they can avoid induction altogether. Other reasons for exemptions include having too many visible tattoos and severe myopia and hyperopia. Women are not required to undergo military service, but can volunteer. Giang said the law would be amended to limit the exemptions and postponements and reduce the service period from the current two years. Some people have called for making the law as strict as in South Korea. South Korea requires all male citizens to serve in the military … [Read more...] about Military service law to be amended to prevent draft dodging
Muhammad as a military leader
Central Military Hospital, Belgian hospitals strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment
Representatives from the Central Military Hospital 108 learn about the radiation model at Particle Therapy Interuniversity Center Leuven (ParTICLe) of the University Hospitals Leuven. (Photo: VNA) Brussels (VNA) – A delegation from Central Military Hospital 108 led by its director Lieutenant General Mai Hong Bang has been paying working visits to hospitals in Belgium from June 5-12 to strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment. The delegation visited the University Hospital of Liège and the Particle Therapy Interuniversity Center Leuven (ParTICLe) of the University Hospitals Leuven - two leading Belgian medical facilities using high technology in cancer radiation therapy. At the ParTICLe, the delegation was briefed on the operation model of University Hospitals Leuven in general, the center in particular, and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with proton radiation therapy. Bang said his hospital hopes to cooperate with leading Belgian ones to deploy this advanced … [Read more...] about Central Military Hospital, Belgian hospitals strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment
State leader receives outgoing Bulgarian ambassador
The State leader congratulated Petkova on her excellent fulfillment of tasks in Vietnam, with various substantial contributions to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Thanking Vietnamese authorities for creating optimal conditions for her to perform duties, the ambassador affirmed that Bulgaria always treasures the time-tested friendship with Vietnam and wishes to step up bilateral multifaceted cooperation. She recalled the Bulgaria visit by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan in 2021, describing the trip as a demonstration of Vietnamese and Bulgarian leaders’ wish to strengthen bilateral ties. She also highlighted the strong recovery of trade between the two countries since the COVID-19 pandemic was brought under control. Petkova pledged that in any position in the future, she will continue helping foster the countries’ relations. She also took this occasion to convey the Bulgarian President’s invitation for a visit the European … [Read more...] about State leader receives outgoing Bulgarian ambassador
Kien Giang kick-starts military-civilian program in 2024
Themed “Kien Giang provincial armed forces together with the party organization, authorities, and people of Hon Dat district build new-style rural area,” the program will take place from June 2023 to January 2024. As planned, the program will facilitate the construction of 115 houses for needy households and seven rural bridges; present gifts to policy beneficiaries, poor and near-poor families; provide health examination, medicines, and consultation for locals. The organizing panel will present scholarships to needy students with good academic results; build electricity systems in rural areas; carry out environment projects; and hold artistic and sporting events and competitions. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Kien Giang provincial People’s Committee and head of the steering committee Nguyen Luu Trung evaluated that this mass mobilization model bears profound socio-political and humane significance, embodying the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its … [Read more...] about Kien Giang kick-starts military-civilian program in 2024
New task force promotes innovation, financing for plastic waste reduction in Vietnam
The move boosts innovative ideas and solutions to drive positive changes in plastic reduction, reuse and recycling and to unlock new sources of sustainable financing. A new task force was launched by the Vietnam National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) launched to promote innovation and catalyze investment in effective solutions for reducing plastic waste and pollution in Vietnam. In collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi and its Commercial Section - Innovation Norway, the Task Force held its first meeting to discuss new technologies for Deposit Return Systems (DRS). The NPAP Innovation and Financing Task Force -- co-chaired by the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Natural Science and Environment (MONRE) and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste – brings together government agencies and domestic and international enterprises and organizations to boost innovative ideas and solutions to drive positive changes in plastic reduction, reuse and … [Read more...] about New task force promotes innovation, financing for plastic waste reduction in Vietnam
ASEAN, Canada vow to bolster longstanding partnership relations
The meeting was jointly chaired by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and SOM Leader of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin and Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia Pacific of Global Affairs Canada, Weldon Epp, with the participation of ASEAN Senior Officials, representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, and Timor-Leste as an observer. At the event, Canada conveyed its unwavering support for ASEAN community-building efforts, assistance towards the region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and commitment to ASEAN centrality through its active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms. Both sides welcomed positive advancement made in the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2021-2025) and acknowledged the strengthening of cooperation between both sides across the three ASEAN Community pillars. They shared the significance of intensifying economic cooperation in key areas of trade and investment. Recognizing the economic potential, they … [Read more...] about ASEAN, Canada vow to bolster longstanding partnership relations
ASEAN, New Zealand commit to bolster strategic partnership
ASEAN-Brunei SOM Leader and Country Coordinator for ASEAN - New Zealand Dialogue Relations Johariah Wahab and the ASEAN SOM Leader of New Zealand Deborah Geels co-chaired the meeting. Senior officials of ASEAN member states or their representatives as well as officials from the ASEAN Secretariat were also in attendance. A representative from Timor-Leste was present as observer. ASEAN recognized New Zealand’s commitment to support ASEAN Centrality through active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, including cooperation activities under the four themes stipulated in the ASEAN - New Zealand Plan of Action, namely peace, prosperity, people, and planet. The meeting agreed to continue strengthening existing cooperation and explore new areas for future cooperation in counter-terrorism and combatting trafficking in person; cyber security; maritime cooperation; human rights; trade, investment, and digital economy; micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); people-to-people … [Read more...] about ASEAN, New Zealand commit to bolster strategic partnership
MARD calls for early signing of protocol to boost farm produce trade with China
It said that to implement the common perceptions between the two countries’ leaders as identified in the 2022 joint statement on continuing to enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the MARD sent a delegation to work with the administrations and customs departments of the Chinese provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan from May 29 to June 2, aiming to promote cooperation and increase the value of agricultural products traded via the two countries’ provinces sharing the land border. The Vietnamese delegation and the customs departments of Guangxi and Yunnan agreed to coordinate with each other to propose China Customs soon finalize procedures for signing a protocol with the MARD on food safety, quarantine, and examination requirements for aquatic exports and imports between the two countries. The MARD suggested China Customs permit more fruits, aquatic species and products of Vietnam to enter this country, license more Vietnamese aquatic product exporters that meet … [Read more...] about MARD calls for early signing of protocol to boost farm produce trade with China
Ho Chi Minh City seeks stronger cooperation between local firms and Japanese counterparts
At a reception for Mizushima Kozo, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (JCCH), and a delegation of Japanese businesses, Hoan said the city always supports the chamber’s operation, and stands ready to remove obstacles facing Japanese firms, and listen to their proposals during its construction and development. He noted that the increasing number of the JCCH’s members reflects the close coordination between local authorities and Japanese enterprises, as well as the attractiveness of the local investment environment. The official used the occasion to thank Japanese businesses for their contributions to the city’s development, especially in COVID-19 prevention and control and post-pandemic economic recovery and development. Hoan suggested the JCCH step up connectivity activities with local businesses to exchange information and seek cooperation opportunities in such areas as goods supply chain and high-quality personnel training, while … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City seeks stronger cooperation between local firms and Japanese counterparts
UOB Vietnam forms strategic partnership with Vietnam Airlines
This collaboration aims to provide UOB Vietnam’s cardholders and Vietnam Airlines' Lotusmiles members with great travel benefits and access to exclusive offers and privileges. As the bank with the largest ASEAN consumer footprint and the top card issuer in the region, UOB aims to do right by customers wherever they are by offering deals and rewards for every lifestyle and life stage. The bank has continuously expanded its partnership ecosystem with established brands to offer its customers the very best deals that align with their preferences and desires. In Vietnam, UOB has a strong focus on establishing partnerships with industry leaders across key sectors such as travel, dining, and retail, which include Lazada, Shopee, Starbucks, CGV, Be, GrabFood, and top-notch restaurants to provide customers with the best deals and offers. Paul Kim, head of Personal Financial Services at UOB Vietnam shared, “Our partnership with Vietnam Airlines marks another milestone for us … [Read more...] about UOB Vietnam forms strategic partnership with Vietnam Airlines