The peoples movement

According to the Vietnam Institute of Seas and Islands under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), plastic waste accounts for between 50% and 80% of marine waste. Currently, Vietnam is ranked fourth among the five countries which have the biggest volume of plastic waste in their seas, with a volume of between 0.28 and 0.73 million tonnes per year (equivalent to around 6% of the world's total plastic waste discharged into the sea). According to the experts, the main sources of pollution related to marine plastic waste in Vietnam include land-based waste sources and marine-based waste sources from activities such shipping, fishing, natural incidents, floating trash at sea and other activities. On the other hand, over recent years, the marine tourism industry has developed strongly, attracting hundreds of millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year. Thus, the volume of plastic waste discharged by tourists to Vietnam's marine tourism areas is forecasted to be more than 206,000 tonnes by the end of 2020, of which nearly 40% will be discharged into the sea. Many beautiful beaches such as Ha Long Bay, or some islands such as Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Cu Lao Cham, are facing the risk of environmental pollution, especially an increasing amount of plastic waste. Worryingly, micro-sized (less than five millimeters) plastic waste formed during the manufacturing process, or fragmentation of plastic materials which exist as suspended matter and in seabed sediments do not decompose easily. They easily accumulate in the biological food chain causing a significant impact on marine ecosystems. Large plastic waste such as nets and floating fishing gear also cause serious harm to marine organisms when they become trapped, reducing fishing productivity and causing impacts on the other ocean ecosystems. Facing this situation, at the end of 2019, the Prime Minister promulgated the National Action Plan on marine plastic waste management by 2030. The …

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In response to the "Clean up the world” campaign and the "Anti plastic waste" movement, on September 27, at Cu Lao Xanh Island in Nhon Ly Commune, offshore from Quy Nhon City, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee coordinated with the Binh Dinh Provincial Youth Union to announce the model on building Cu Lao Xanh into a "Youth island without plastic waste". The model will be deployed for three months, focusing on activities on providing information about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health; calling for joint efforts in protecting the environment; and changing behaviours and habits of using disposable plastic products to help to reduce plastic waste. The local mobile youth team for environmental protection in Cu Lao Xanh will play a key role in implementing the model. Twice a week, the team will organise communications activities and inspections to remind islanders to dispose of trash at the correct places, while limiting the use of disposable plastic. They will also provide guidance on waste classification, conduct sea cleaning and organise other environmental protection activities on the island. Youth Union members skilfully paint murals to convey the message of environmental protection on the island. (Photo: NDO/Ngoc Vy) After the launch, hundreds of local youngsters gathered to collect waste at the seaside, organised the exchange of plastic waste for gifts and joined in painting images to convey the message of environmental protection. They also placed environmentally friendly recycling trash bins and set up the "Fish eating trash" collection model, as well as planting trees and giving medical examination and medicine and gifts to 200 local people. In addition, the organisers also awarded thousands of animals, farming materials and tools to local youth, along with 20 gifts to disadvantaged students and national flags to fishermen on the island, with a total value of nearly VND160 million. On …

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Export value skyrockets over Lunar New Year Vietnam's export turnover during this Lunar New Year saw breakthrough growth, occupying nearly half of the total export-import turnover. The latest data published by the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that export volume over the seven days (February 10-16) of the Lunar New Year holiday reached $730 million, rising 79 per cent on-year and accounting for about 44 per cent of the $1.67 billion export-import turnover. The main export articles include mobile devices and components valued at $332 million; computer and electronic products worth $251 million. The two categories accounted for 80 per cent of the total export value. This Lunar New Year saw exports going to 80 markets, seven more than last year. China continues to be the leading export market with a value of $189 million (26 per cent). Following are the US ($152 million), South Korea ($67 million), and Hong Kong ($57 million). According to statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, there were 960 import-export businesses, up 59 per cent on-year. Nevertheless, importers still outnumbered exporters with an import turnover of $940 million, up 37 per cent on-year. Thus, from early this year to February 16, the total export-import turnover reached $74.51 billion, up 31 per cent on-year. Of this, exports hit $38.57 billion, up 36 per cent on-year while imports reached $35.94 billion, up 26 per cent, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.63 billion. Drug market forecast to grow by 15 per cent in 2021 The pharmaceutical industry grew by just 2.8 per cent last year, much lower than its average 11.8 per cent growth in the last five years. It is expected to recover and grow by 15 per cent this year, mainly due to a rapidly ageing population and increasing incomes, analysts at SSI Securities Corporation said. Last year there was a short supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients from China and India due to social distancing and …

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