Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on Wednesday chaired a working session with the sub-committee for socio-economic affairs of the 14th National Party Congress.

The meeting saw the head of the subcommittee, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and its standing member, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dung, presenting reports on progress toward refining the draft 5-year review report that assesses the implementation of the socio-economic development strategy for 2021-30 and outlines further orientations for 2026-30; and on high growth scenarios for 2025 and for 2026-30.

In his concluding remarks, the Party chief commended the subcommittee for its dedication, noting that the draft 5-year review report, after 12 revisions, is now ready for presentation to the Politburo. He stressed the importance of incorporating a forward-looking vision that aligns with the dual “centenary goals” outlined by the 13th Party Congress and of making the review report to serve as a true "action programme" to inspire nationwide momentum toward national development, engaging officials, Party members, and all social strata.

The General Secretary underscored the need for a unified approach to fast yet sustainable growth, ensuring high growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability, balancing economic development with cultural, social, and environmental issues, and ensuring national defence and security.

People must remain central as both the most important subject, resource and goal of development, the leader said, adding that cultural values and people must be considered a foundation, driving force and intrinsic strength for sustainable progress.

Highlighting the importance of further reforming and improving Việt Nam’s development institutions, particularly the one for a socialist-oriented market economy, the Party leader stated it is a critical breakthrough to unlock resources for socio-economic growth.

There is a need to accelerate industrialisation and modernisation, develop a harmonious and smart infrastructure system, and prioritise the development of high-quality human resources, science-technology, innovation, and creativity, he said, adding advancing new economic models and comprehensive digital transformation is also crucial.

State leader meets President of Peru’s Supreme Court in Lima

State President Lương Cường had a meeting with President of the Supreme Court of Peru Javier Arévalo Vela in Lima on Wednesday morning (local time), within the framework of his official visit to the South American country.

Expressing his delight at his first trip to Peru and meeting with the highest-level leader of the judicial sector, Cuong congratulated Peru on becoming a Development Partner of ASEAN earlier this year as well as hosting APEC 2024 with a wide range of meaningful and important activities. He showed his belief that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week will be a great success, contributing to enhancing the nation's role, position and reputation in the region and the world at large.

Highlighting the Vietnamese State leader’s visit is taking place in the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (November 14, 1994-2024), Javier Arévalo Vela said he believes the trip will contribute to consolidating and enhancing the two countries’ relations in the coming time.

Cường said he is pleased with the positive developments of the two nations' relationship in all fields, especially in trade and investment. At present, Peru is Việt Nam's largest investment partner in Latin America, while the latter is the former's number one trading partner in ASEAN.

He said that in his visit, the two sides’ leaders will exchange specific measures to strengthen collaboration so as to create important momentum to lift the bilateral ties to a new height.

Regarding the judicial sector, the head of state highlighted that after 40 years of implementing the Đổi Mới (Renewal) process, Việt Nam has gained remarkable achievements in building a legal system and a rule-of-law state. However, in his capacity as head of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, Cường said that Việt Nam needs to continue to promote the perfection of its legal system to meet the new situation and serve the country's development.

Recognising that in that process, learning and referring to the experience of international friends is very important, the State President showed his hope that in the coming time, the Vietnamese and Peruvian courts will have more cooperation activities and delegation exchanges to learn from each other's experience.

In addition, he proposed the Peruvian judiciary will actively create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to increase investment in the country, and coordinate with the Vietnamese side to strengthen coordination at inter-regional and international judicial forums.

Javier Arévalo Vela affirmed that Peru in general and its judicial sector in particular always attach importance to and are ready to promote cooperation and friendship with Việt Nam. He confirmed that his country consistently considers Việt Nam a leading important partner and a reliable bridge in its overall foreign policy in the East Asian region.

He proposed that the judiciaries of Việt Nam and Peru soon sign a cooperation document guiding specific collaboration activities in the coming time.

The chief justice affirmed that Vietnamese enterprises investing in Peru will always be protected by local law, and emphasised that cooperation between the judicial agencies of the two countries still has much room and potential, as Peru and Việt Nam are both law-abiding countries. 

NA Vice Chairman hosts California State Treasurer

Việt Nam considers the US a key strategic partner and prioritises expanding cooperation with the American country at the global, regional and bilateral spheres, with a higher degree of mutual understanding and trust, National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyễn Đức Hải said.

During a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and a delegation of California-based businesses, Hải said Việt Nam welcomes the US’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Indo-Pacific, thereby making a more active contribution to regional peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Việt Nam hopes that through new strategies and initiatives, the US will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting ASEAN's central role, the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership, and the Mekong-US partnership, he said.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Việt Nam and the US is poised to unlock new opportunities for deeper economic, trade, and investment cooperation, with a longer-term vision, larger scale, stronger ties, and higher quality and effectiveness, he noted.

"Việt Nam always strives to improve business environment, ensuring all possible support for businesses and investors, including those from the US," he said, wishing that the US would continue to support the maintenance of stable and long-term trade relations between the two countries.

As the comprehensive strategic partnership is expanding in a substantive and effective manner, Hải expressed a desire for their legislative bodies to further strengthen cooperation through dialogue mechanisms and policy exchanges at various levels, contributing to raising understanding and trust, and fostering friendship between their people.

According to him, Việt Nam attaches importance to cooperation with California, the leading economic, financial and sci-tech hub in the US. It is also home to a large Vietnamese community and a preferred destination for thousands of Vietnamese students.

Việt Nam and California still hold vast potential for further cooperation, particularly in sci-tech and innovation, he said.

Fiona Ma, for her part, vowed to further boost the friendly and effective cooperation with Việt Nam in areas where California excels, such as green growth, climate change mitigation, sustainable development, renewable and new energy. 

Newborn infant trafficking ring busted in Hòa Bình

The four suspects in custody. — Photo kienthuc.net.vn

Police in the northern province of Hòa Bình have dismantled a human trafficking ring involved in the sale of newborn babies, apprehending several suspects connected to the illicit operation.

Following comprehensive surveillance, police identified suspicious activities involving a group of individuals frequently visiting a woman, B.T.T., 35, who had recently given birth at Hòa Bình General Hospital.

The suspects, identified as Nguyễn Lê Thanh Tâm, 29, Dương Thị Hoài Vân, 33, and Dương Thị Thảo Sương, 33, were staying at a hotel in Phương Lâm Ward. While residing there, they allegedly took turns visiting B.T.T. to negotiate the sale of her newborn son.

The suspects have been transported to Hòa Bình's Criminal Police Department for further investigation. 

Two more detained in HCM City’s expanding diamond smuggling case

HCM City Police have reported that two additional suspects have been detained in an ongoing investigation into the illegal transport of 716 diamonds.

Nguyễn Thị Linh, 52, from Giồng Trôm District in Bến Tre Province and Lý Thị Ngọc Bích, 45, from Gò Vấp District in HCM City are now under investigation for suspected fraud related to an alleged attempt to influence the smuggling case for VNĐ1.2 billion (US$47,300).

Their detention follows the arrest of Indian national Prajapati Shaileshkumar Hareshbhai for allegedly smuggling the diamonds into the country.

During the investigation, police summoned Linh, who subsequently fled her residence, according to police.

While in hiding, Linh allegedly sought assistance from Lý Thị Ngọc Nga, also of Gò Vấp, who then allegedly involved her sister, Bích.

Bích allegedly assured Linh that she could use her connections to secure leniency in the case and offered to retain a lawyer for her, on the condition that Linh provided funds.

Linh then allegedly borrowed and handed over VNĐ1.2 billion to Bích.

Bích reportedly spent VNĐ150 million on legal fees, but took no further action.

The city police then conducted a raid and recovered over VNĐ1 billion from Bích’s residence.

Both Linh and Bích have since confessed to their involvement.

Police are now widening the investigation to uncover any broader distribution network tied to diamond smuggling in HCM City and nearby provinces.

On October 23, HCM City’s economic crime police, along with Tân Sơn Nhất Airport Customs and Tân Bình District police, discovered Hareshbhai during a customs inspection upon his arrival from India.

Inside his luggage, officials allegedly found small packets labelled 'IGI' and ten nylon bags containing stones later confirmed to be natural and synthetic diamonds worth tens of billions of đồng.

IGI may be an abbreviation for the International Gemological Institute, an organisation that grades diamonds and other gems.

Hareshbhai has since been charged and detained under Article 189 of the Penal Code for illegally transporting goods across borders. 

Soc Trang holds largest Khmer five-tone musical performance

A performance of five-tone (Ngu am) musical ensemble or Pinn Peat orchestra of the Khmer people, the largest of its kind Vietnam, was held in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang on November 11.

The performance, part of activities within the framework of the 6th Ooc Om Boc - Ngo boat racing festival and the first Soc Trang Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, featured 20 five-tone musical essembles with the participation of 200 artists and musicians.

This large-scale performance aimed to secure a Vietnamese record and to promote the Khmer community's rich cultural heritage by bringing this traditional folk art to a wider audience.

The five-tone musical ensemble or Pinn Peat orchestra, a form of orchestral music for religious rituals, is closely associated with Theravada Buddhism in pagodas and hamlets of Khmer people in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.

The five-tone music is a popular and long-standing traditional musical genre of the Khmer in the Southern region in general and in Soc Trang in particular.

This genre of music is influenced by the royal court and religion of India as well as some countries in Southeast Asia such as Cambodia and Thailand but still reflects the unique characteristics of the Khmer group in general and those in Soc Trang in particular.

The 5-tone musical ensemble is an orchestra composed of five tones of musical instruments made from five different materials, which creates five distinct timbres.

Each Pinn Peat orchestra consists of nine or ten instruments, mainly wind, string, and percussions including several varieties of xylophones, drums, cymbals, gongs, and fiddles namely Srolai Pinn Peat, Roneat Ek, Roneat Thung, Roneat Dek, Kuong Vong Toch, Kuong Vong Thum, and Chhung, Sampho, and Sko Thum./.

Gia Lai’s search team for fallen soldiers' remains deployed to Cambodia

The Central Highlands province of Gia Lai’s Steering Committee 515 on November 12 held a send-off for the provincial military command’s K52 search team to Cambodia to locate and repatriate remains of Vietnamese soldiers who fell down there during wartime.

With their mission taking place between now and the end of the 2025 dry season, the team is set to be divided into multiple units to conduct searches across Cambodia’s northeastern provinces of Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, and Ratanakiri. The trip marks their 24th deployment to the neighbouring country. Over the past 23 years, the team has recovered and repatriated remains of 1,489 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts.

At the ceremony, Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee and head of Steering Committee 515, commended the K52 for their dedication, solidarity, and resilience in carrying out their mission at home and abroad.

According to the team leader Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Toan, it found and sent home remains of 21 Vietnamese soldiers during the 2023-2024 dry season in Cambodia./.

Five Vietnamese arrested for kidnapping, torture of fellow nationals in Cambodia

Vietnamese police have apprehended five individuals on charges of murder, robbery, and kidnapping in Cambodia.

The defendants, identified as Nguyễn Khắc Mạnh, 34, Nguyễn Văn Khoa, 29, Hoàng Văn Thanh, 24, and Nguyễn Ngọc Thảo and Phan Sỹ Dũng, both 27, are accused of subjecting their victims to severe mistreatment.

The An Giang Provincial Police have recommended prosecution for murder, robbery and kidnapping.

Several additional suspects remain at large as the investigation, overseen by the Ministry of Public Security, continues.

According to investigative reports, on August 24, 2023, five Vietnamese individuals from the northern provinces of Hải Dương, Ninh Bình, Bắc Giang, and Thanh Hóa were unlawfully transported to Cambodia under the pretence of job opportunities in Taiwan (China).

Upon their arrival, the victims were detained by a group led by Khoa, Mạnh, and Thanh, who confiscated their belongings in a boarding house located in Cambodia’s Kandal Province.

The victims were subjected to extreme abuse, which was recorded by Thanh, who subsequently demanded ransom from their families.

One victim from Hải Dương Province died from a traumatic brain injury after his family failed to comply with the ransom demand.

On August 25, following the transfer of nearly VNĐ500 million (US$19,600) by the families of three victims, Khoa and his associates fled the scene.

The remaining four victims managed to escape and sought assistance from Vietnamese authorities, who later discovered that Khoa’s group had stolen nearly VNĐ500 million along with property valued at over VNĐ70 million.

In July, five Vietnamese individuals implicated in facilitating the illegal border crossing of the victims were sentenced by An Giang Provincial People’s Court to prison, ranging from five years to six years and six months for organising illegal emigration. 

Ministry of National Defence implements measures to curb IUU fishing

The Ministry of National Defence's Steering Committee for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Prevention and Control held a conference on southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on November 12 to discuss urgent measures in line with the Prime Minister’s directives to combat illegal fishing.

At the conference, Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Binh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, commended the efforts of agencies and units in addressing IUU fishing. He urged them to continue implementing the Prime Minister’s directives with the goal of having the European Commission (EC)'s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood lifted.

Binh called on authorities to strengthen inspections and controls on all fishing vessels leaving ports, ensuring ships that do not meet requirements are not allowed to leave ports. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Border Guard units are to work closely with the local authorities to review and address any unqualified vessels. These forces are also expected to increase patrols at sea, islands, river mouths, inlets, and flats, and adjust patrol methods as needed.

Additionally, the units will continue to investigate and address violations related to IUU fishing, including illegal exploitation in foreign waters, falsification of export documents, and illegal disconnections of vessel monitoring systems (VMS). They will also enforce the terms of Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HDTP issued on June 12, 2024, by the Supreme People's Court.

At the conference, delegates discussed specific measures and identified areas for improvement in IUU fishing prevention and control./.

Remains of nine Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, experts found in Laos in one month

A search team from Nghe An has discovered the remains of nine Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in the Lao provinces of Xiangkhouang and Xaysomboun over the past month, the Military Command of the Vietnamese central province said on November 12.

The unit said the remains of seven volunteer soldiers and experts were found in Xiangkhouang, and two others in Xaysomboun, noting the team has completed its task with the support of the authorities and residents of the two localities and Vientiane province.

During the 2024-2025 dry season, the team aims to locate and recover the remains of 80 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who lost their lives in the three provinces, while working closely with Lao competent forces, stepping up the mobilisation work, and calling for locals' support for the search operations.

In the previous dry season, it recovered the remains of 87 soldiers and experts, with 75 in Xiangkhouang, three in Vientiane, and nine in Xaysomboun./.

Party leader attends Great National Solidarity Festival in Hanoi

Party General Secretary To Lam joined residents in Quan Thanh ward of Hanoi's Ba Dinh district in the Great National Solidarity Festival on November 12.

The event, held in celebration of the 94th anniversary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Traditional Day (November 18, 1930 - 2024), also saw the presence of Politburo member and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man; Politburo member, Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission Tran Cam Tu; Politburo member and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh; and Vice President of the VFF Central Committee To Thi Bich Chau. Speaking at the event, Lam appreciated the achievements and efforts of the Party Committee, authorities, army and people of Hanoi in general, and Ba Dinh district and Quan Thanh ward in particular, over the past time.

He emphasised that the strength of the great national unity bloc is always one of the most important and powerful resources for the entire Party, people and army to overcome all difficulties and challenges, successfully carry out the cause of national development and innovation, as well as to build a peaceful, civilised, and modern capital with a long-standing culture.

The leader said Vietnam has gathered all the necessary conditions and is facing a historic opportunity to enter a new development era, the one of the nation's rise.

To that end, he urged all-level Party Committees and authorities of Hanoi to further thoroughly grasp the viewpoint of "taking the people as the centre and the subject of all policies and strategies", "taking their happiness and prosperity as the goal to strive for", improving their material and spiritual life, ensuring that benefit from innovation and development.

On this occasion, the Party leader presented gifts to 17 Party officials with at least 70 years of Party membership in Quan Thanh. Meanwhile, other participating leaders presented gifts to outstanding individuals and families in the ward./.

Lunar New Year supportive programme benefits over 26.2 million workers in a decade

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL)'s Lunar New Year supportive programme for the occasion of Tet (Lunar New Year festival) – the biggest traditional celebration in Vietnam – has provided assistance to over 26.2 million union members and workers facing difficult circumstances in a decade, with a total financial aid amount exceeding 10.6 trillion VND (418.23 million USD).

The figures were shared at a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 13, reviewing the programme’s operations from 2015 to 2024.

Tran Thi Thanh Ha, head of the VGCL’s labour relations department, said that this initiative, supported by the Party, State, and various organisations, businesses, and benefactors, aims to improve workers’ welfare and protect their interests.

Over the decade, local unions nationwide organised nearly 187,000 events within the framework of the programme, engaging over 33 million members and workers. Among these activities were more than 4,600 “Tet-union” markets that provided nearly 3.6 million union members and workers with essential goods, free train and bus tickets for over 2.9 million workers, and over 17,000 bus trips arranged to bring nearly 653,400 workers home for Tet celebrations. More than 54,888 cultural and recreational events, including sports, galas, and entertainment activities, were also held.

At the conference, representatives suggested enhancing cooperation and sharing implementation experiences among localities to diversify activities. They also recommended additional resource support for remote areas with economic challenges and increasing the value of gifts provided to workers./.

HCM City man arrested for subversive plot

The Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Department's Investigation Police Agency issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Huynh Nhat Phuong, 42, from Binh Thanh district, on charges of conducting activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration under Article 109 of the 2015 Penal Code.

This arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into subversive activities orchestrated by a terrorist organisation called "Chinh phu quoc gia Viet Nam lam thoi" (Provisional National Government of Vietnam).

According to the investigation police agency, Phuong, along with accomplices Tran Van Linh and Nguyen Thi Huong, conspired to distribute leaflets designed to incite demonstrations and cause public disorder during the National Day (September 2) celebrations this year.

As the probe deepens, the agency is working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of Phuong's criminal activities and identify any additional collaborators./.

Vietnam prepare for ASEAN Cup 2024 with key players and strategies

Vietnam are gearing up for the ASEAN Cup 2024 with comprehensive preparations.

After the ninth match of the V.League 1 2024-2025 concludes on November 20, the national team will head to the Republic of Korea for training on November 21 in preparation for the regional cup. Coach Kim Sang-sik is expected to call up 30 players, before narrowing the list down to 23 for the year-end tournament.

In recent weeks, Kim and his staff have closely monitored matches in the V.League 1 and V.League 2 to evaluate national players and identify potential new talents for the squad. The team will primarily consist of veteran players, with Nguyen Filip and Dang Van Lam competing for the starting goalkeeper position. Currently, the smart money is on Nguyen Filip, as Lam has been relegated to the first division.

The defence will feature key players, including captain Que Ngoc Hai and experienced central defenders Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Binh and Nguyen Thanh Chung. On the flanks, familiar names such as Vu Van Thanh, Pham Xuan Manh and Nguyen Phong Hong Duy are likely to be included. To Van Vu, who is performing well for Nam Dinh Steel Blue, along with Jason Pendant Quang Vinh, may also have opportunities if his naturalisation process is completed in time.

In midfield, the standout players of Vietnamese football - Nguyen Hoang Duc, Do Hung Dung and Nguyen Quang Hai - are expected to be sure of their spots. Nguyen Thai Son, who was previously favoured by former coach Philippe Troussier, is consistently performing well for Dong A Thanh Hoa. Le Pham Thanh Long and Nguyen Hai Long, along with versatile player Khuat Van Khang, will add depth to coach Kim’s squad.

In attack, Nguyen Tien Linh has made a strong start to the season, scoring six goals in his first six matches. This is encouraging for Coach Kim, especially as Pham Tuan Hai is still struggling with his form following an injury, and Nguyen Van Toan is currently sidelined with an ankle issue.

Given the current landscape of Vietnamese football, Coach Kim is likely to prioritise a familiar lineup to ensure a solid performance in the ASEAN Cup 2024. Achieving good results in this tournament is essential for alleviating pressure before considering long-term plans.

With veteran players occupying key positions, opportunities for younger players could be limited. However, some young talents are generating considerable excitement among fans. Nguyen Thai Son, Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Dinh Bac have made notable impressions during their appearances with the 'Golden Star Warriors'. Although they have not yet established themselves as mainstays, they possess the potential to be surprise factors for the team, especially Hao and Bac, who have shown consistent progress since joining the national squad.

Experts are also optimistic about Vo Hoang Minh Khoa, a midfielder born in 2001, who is excelling at Becamex Binh Duong and has received positive feedback from Coach Kim’s assistant, Choi Won-kwon. Khoa is a well-rounded midfielder, which the team desperately need as Hung Dung and Tuan Anh are no longer at their peak. If Khoa continues to impress, he may secure a spot on the ASEAN Cup 2024 roster.

Vietnam are placed in Group B alongside Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos for the upcoming tournament. The regional cup features ten teams divided into two groups, with matches played in a round-robin format, both at home and away. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Vietnam will kick off their campaign with Laos on December 9, followed by matches against Indonesia on December 15, the Philippines on December 18, and Myanmar on December 21.

Held biennially, the ASEAN Cup is the largest football event in the region. Since its inception in 1996, the competition has grown significantly, showcasing ASEAN national teams. In 2022, it reached a record of over 438 million viewers across television and digital streaming platforms. Additionally, social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X recorded 4.2 billion views of event-related videos./.

Vietnamese in Europe connect together for Vietnam’s seas, islands

The Liaison Committee for Overseas Vietnamese in Europe “For Vietnam’s seas and islands” has transferred its rotating chairmanship to the Truong Sa club in Germany headed by Bui Thi Thu Minh.

Established on July 2, 2022, the committee, led by Chairwoman of the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa club in Poland Cao Hong Vinh, has united Vietnamese communities across 12 European countries and rallied international friends to advocate for Vietnam's maritime interests. Among its members, the Truong Sa club in Germany, founded in 2017, holds the distinction of being the first Vietnamese sea and island club in Europe.

Over the past two years, the committee has made significant strides, presenting scholarships to children of Truong Sa soldiers in need, visiting kindergartens and primary schools at Cam Ranh naval base with gifts, and successfully organising international seminars. Notably, events in Paris (2022) and Warsaw (2024) drew hundreds of scholars, OVs, and maritime club representatives, fostering dialogue on the East Sea, Vietnam's sovereignty, and calling for EU support in scientific research.

At the 9th National External Information Service Awards in 2023, it received a third prize for initiatives in external information products.

Additionally, the Vietnamese community in Germany has raised funds for a sovereignty boat (CQ-01) and multifunctional sports equipment set valued at over 200 million VND (8,000 USD), both gifted to Truong Sa personnel in May 2015.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Truong Sa club in Germany arranged a significant donation of 100,000 masks from Vietnam to the German people, distributing them across 16 states.

Participants discussed expanding the Truong Sa club's membership in Germany and exploring practical activities. Plans include a photo exhibition on Vietnam’s seas and islands, a singing contest on maritime themes, and fundraising for Truong Sa soldiers and residents./.

Government details regulations on harm reduction interventions in HIV prevention

The government has recently issued a decree detailing certain articles of the Law on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS.

Decree 141/2024/NĐ-CP specifies details on harm reduction interventions in HIV prevention, excluding measures already prescribed in Decree No. 63/2021/NĐ-CP on the implementation of the amended Law on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS.

They include opioid addiction treatment with substitution therapy; HIV counselling and testing; integration of HIV/AIDS prevention activities with socio-economic development programmes; a list of specific occupations requiring HIV testing prior to employment; management, distribution, and use of antiretroviral and substitution drugs.

The decree specifies the provision and guidance on the use of condoms for individuals specified in Clause 2, Article 11 of the Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control shall be implemented in one of the following forms:

- Free provision of condoms through approved programmes and projects by competent state agencies. Free condoms must clearly state on the packaging or supplementary labels: “Free provision, not for sale”;

- Commercial sale of condoms in accordance with medical device management regulations.

Agencies, organisations, and units responsible for the provision and guidance on condom use are tasked with developing networks for free condom distribution points, installing condom vending machines, and setting up retail condom points at recreational venues, stations, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and other accommodation services; organising free condom distribution activities.

The provision and guidance on condom use in harm reduction interventions for HIV prevention shall follow the professional guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

Local People’s committees are asked to co-ordinating with the Police, ministries of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs; and Culture, Sports and Tourism; and other relevant agencies in implementing the provision and guidance on condom use in harm reduction interventions for HIV prevention, as well as monitor, evaluate and report the results of the activity to the Health Ministry.

Clean needles and syringes shall be provided and used by drug injectors like the form of condom provision.

The decree also specifies requirements for psychological therapy for drug users.

Personnel providing psychological therapy for drug users must hold a certificate of completion in psychological therapy training for drug users, issued by a qualified training institution and have private settings for conducting psychological therapy.

Individual and group intervention techniques in psychological therapy for drug users shall be carried out according to the professional guidelines of the Ministry of Health. 

Beauty salons’ regulations tightened following misconduct, false advertisements reports

The Department of Medical Services Administration (DMSA) has asked local departments of health to local into the activities of plastic surgery facilities and beauty salons.

The DMSA, under the Ministry of Health, had recently received feedback from organisations and press agencies related to law violations at medical facilities specialising in surgery, plastic surgery, aesthetics, in particular beauty salons, said Director of the DMSA Hà Anh Đức.

These facilities perform technical services in medical examination and treatment and advertise beyond their permitted scope, causing misunderstandings among the people, leading to many accidents and complications.

In particular, some beauty salons intentionally use the same name as a licenced medical examination and treatment facility, but they operate in a different business location.

Some people were reported to impersonating doctors and hospitals to scam people. Impersonators often create fanpages on social media using the names of real doctors to advertise, misleading customers.

Localities will strengthen inspection and examination of those facilities, strictly handle violations of facilities operating exceeding the scope approved by competent authorities.

Salons which violate the rules will be announced on mass media, so that the people become aware of the issues.

Provincial and municipal departments of health advises local people's committees to coordinate with competent units and police to strengthen inspection and punishment of beauty establishments that perform medical examination and treatment activities and services but are not permitted.

Localities should strengthen education, and guide the implementation of legal regulations on medical examination and treatment establishments, improve people's knowledge that when they need to use surgical, plastic and cosmetic services, they should go to licensed ones.

Local departments of health will publish a list of specialised medical examination and treatment establishments in surgery, plastic and cosmetic surgery that have been granted operating licences on their official websites.

In addition, they will coordinate with departments of information and communications and concerned agencies to monitor and manage advertising content of medical examination and treatment facilities. 

Death toll from Typhoon Trami, flooding in central region climbs to 8

Eight people have been killed and fourteen others injured due to Typhoon Trami and the ensuing floods which swept through central region, according to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Most of the fatalities occurred in Quảng Bình Province, with seven deaths reported, while one person was confirmed dead in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province.

As of 7am on Friday, the storm’s aftermath has left a path of destruction across the region.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, the flooding and high winds have damaged or destroyed 326 homes, leaving 300 households in Quảng Bình submerged under up to a third of a metre of floodwater.

Thirteen homes have been damaged in Quảng Trị, 235 in Thừa Thiên Huế, 18 in Quảng Nam and 60 in Đà Nẵng.

The agricultural sector suffered significant losses, with 1,269ha of crops and fruit trees flooded or damaged.

Quảng Bình was hardest hit, losing 791ha, followed by Quảng Trị with 456ha, Thừa Thiên Huế with 5ha, Quảng Nam with 7ha and Đà Nẵng with 10ha.

Over 1,500 livestock and nearly 104,700 poultry have perished, while nearly 1,800ha of aquaculture facilities sustained damage.

Infrastructure has also suffered with 28.5km of drains and irrigation canals destroyed and 145 sections of road damaged or blocked by landslides in Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên-Huế and Quảng Nam.

The North-South railway was temporarily suspended, but has since reopened.

The floodwaters have caused five dyke breaches across Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị provinces, with local authorities continuing to assess damages and provide aid to affected residents.

Man detained for sexual abuse of 15-year-old twin sisters

A 26-year-old man, with the name V.N.T, was detained on Friday by Quảng Ngãi City Police for allegedly engaging in sexual abuse of two twin sisters, both minors aged 15.

On November 1, the Quảng Ngãi City Criminal Investigation Police detained T. (resident of Nghĩa Chánh Ward, Quảng Ngãi City) on charges of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor between the ages of 13 and 16, a form of child sexual abuse under Vietnamese law.

He is accused of sexually abusing both sisters multiple times.

The initial investigation revealed that N.N.B.Tr. and N.N.B.Tri. (both 15 years old, in Quảng Ngãi City) are twin sisters.

On Facebook, Tri. exchanged messages with V.N.T., and a romantic relationship developed between them. Meanwhile, Tr., her twin sister, discovered the relationship and began messaging T. from her own account, which eventually led to a separate romantic connection with him.

Between June and July 2024, V.N.T. reportedly exploited Tr.'s lack of understanding to engage in sexual relations with her multiple times. When Tr.'s parents became aware of the relationship, they intervened to stop her from continuing it with T.

Following the parents’ intervention, T. redirected his attention to Tri., Tr.'s twin sister, and also engaged in sexual relations with her on several occasions.

N.T. (37 years old), the father of Tr. and Tri., filed a complaint with Quảng Ngãi City Police, accusing V.N.T. of multiple incidents involving both of his daughters.

After receiving the report, police determined that this was a serious case involving children’s safety and rights. During questioning, V.N.T. initially denied the accusations, but with substantial evidence gathered, he ultimately confessed.

This case highlights the importance of guidance for minors navigating online environments. While the internet offers educational and social opportunities, it can also pose risks. Alongside preventive efforts by authorities, parents are advised to supervise children’s online interactions to reduce the risk of similar incidents. 

Việt Nam cracks down on auction bid forfeitures

Starting January 1, 2025, bidders in land and mineral auctions will face a ban ranging from six months to five years if they fail to honour their winning bids.

This new regulation, stipulated by the Revised Auction Law, aims to curb bid bond abandonment and market manipulation in high-value asset auctions.

The Ministry of Justice is drafting a legal proposal to supplement the regulation with specific provisions.

One provision stipulates that the authorities would have 10 days to issue a ban after an auction winner defaults on payment.

The authorities would notify the banned parties within seven working days, and then publish their names on the National Property Auction Portal to ensure public awareness.

Affected individuals and organisations have the right to appeal or initiate legal proceedings if they wish to contest the ban.

Officials believe that the regulation will prevent bidders from manipulating auction outcomes through forfeiture schemes, which can drive up market prices artificially.

The Asset Auction Service Centre in Thái Nguyên Province has expressed its support, stating that the regulation will bolster legal integrity and curb market exploitation.

This sentiment was echoed in recent National Assembly discussions, where concerns were raised about forfeiture-driven inflation in the real estate market.

During the discussions, Deputy Hoàng Văn Cường from Hà Nội proposed requiring bidders to prove their financial capability before participating. This approach, he noted, would deter those with purely speculative or profit-seeking motives.

Deputy Dương Văn Phước from Quảng Nam Province highlighted the role of deposit regulations in addressing forfeiture issues.

Citing a recent auction where the winning bid for a sand mine surged from VNĐ1 billion (US$40,000) to VNĐ370 billion ($14.6 million) with high forfeiture risk, he advocated for progressive deposit increases in each bidding round to ensure that participants carefully consider their financial commitment before bidding. 

Hà Nội police bust fake cell tower scammer

Police in Hà Nội have arrested a man accused of using a fake cell tower to send scam messages to hundreds of thousands of mobile phone users.

Trần Văn Út, 34, was caught red-handed on Wednesday at the Văn Phú Intersection in Hà Đông District.

Authorities seized a Toyota Inova containing sophisticated equipment, including a makeshift base transceiver station (BTS) assembled from a black box, a laptop, a power supply unit, and a Samsung phone.

This equipment allowed Út to impersonate legitimate cell towers and send fraudulent SMS messages to Viettel and Mobiphone subscribers.

The messages warned recipients that their accounts had been flagged as 'unusual' and would be locked within 12 hours, prompting them to click a link to a fake Telegram website.

This phishing scheme was likely designed to steal personal information and potentially gain access to victims' accounts.

He confessed to operating the fake BTS after being contacted by an individual claiming to be Chinese via Telegram. He was promised a monthly salary of VNĐ50 million (approximately US$2,000) to carry out the operation.

Police believe Út may have sent messages to as many as 389,494 mobile devices between October 20 and his arrest. 

Cultural exchange cements ties between Lao, Cambodian students and host families

A cultural exchange event connecting Lao and Cambodian students studying in HCM City and Vietnamese families hosting them have been held in the southern province of Bình Thuận, aiming to strengthen the friendship and comprehensive and sustainable cooperation between Việt Nam and its two neighbouring countries.

Taking place over the weekend, the annual event saw approximately 160 students visiting local scenic spots and historical sites, and engaging in cultural exchanges with their Vietnamese peers and host families.

They paid tribute to President Hồ Chí Minh at a local museum dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader and toured the Đức Thanh school, where he once taught before leaving the country to seek a way for national salvation. Additionally, the participants engaged in a series of exchange activities, including a knowledge contest about the life, career, and legacy of President Hồ Chí Minh as well as the historical and cultural ties between Việt Nam, Laos, and Cambodia.

In his remarks, Vice President of the HCM City Federation of Labour Phùng Thái Quang said that the friendship among the three peoples was forged through challenging times, especially during their struggles for independence and freedom.

He highlighted that the homestay programme not only offers material and emotional support for Lao and Cambodian students far from home but also serves as a strong bridge between them and their Vietnamese host parents. Its impact goes beyond familial bonds, resonating broadly as a vivid testament to international solidarity and cross-border friendship, Quang noted.

Xaiyavong Duangmany, a Lao student at the Nguyễn Tất Thành University who has lived in Việt Nam since 2019, said he and his friends learn about culture and knowledge at school as well as life skills, daily routines, and the customs of Vietnamese families which they consider their beloved second home. 

Bạch Mai Hospital's extended hours are a success

Bạch Mai Hospital's recent initiative to extend medical examination and treatment hours has proven a resounding success.

Implemented two months ago, the extended hours have been met with positive feedback from patients and enthusiastic support from the hospital staff.

The hospital now operates from 6am to 9pm on weekdays and 6.30am to 4.30pm on weekends at its Outpatient Department for Required Services, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience for patients, particularly those who work or travel from faraway provinces.

P.H.N., a Hà Nội resident, praised the new system after booking an appointment through the hospital’s Facebook page.

"For busy people like me, being able to see the doctor after work is incredibly convenient," she said. "I felt reassured with the professionalism and dedication of the medical staff."

P.V.K. from Hòa Bình, who regularly travels to Bạch Mai for treatment of chronic hepatitis, no longer faces the stress of arriving in the early morning to queue for medical services.

“The afternoon hours are much more convenient, especially for elderly patients like me who come from distant provinces," he said. "Now, I can travel to the hospital in the afternoon, get my tests done quickly and head home by evening without the hassle of long waits."

The hospital has ensured that patients can access all regular medical services during the extended hours, including consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays and MRI scans.

Deputy Head of the Outpatient Department for Required Services,Trần Minh Thảo, emphasised that the cost of services remains unchanged and that patients still receive full medical support, just as they would during regular hours.

The initiative has also helped ease the workload on medical staff, allowing for a calmer and more focused environment, improving diagnosis and treatment efficiency.

Nguyễn Quốc Thái, who is a doctor in the Infectious Disease Department, highlighted the reduced waiting times and the ability of doctors to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses.

"With after-hours examinations, patients can quickly get necessary tests and examinations without having to wait and get immediate results, so they feel more comfortable and satisfied," Dr Thái said.

Patients requiring blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds can receive their results within two hours. For those needing only ultrasounds or standard X-rays, results are available within the hour.

Bạch Mai Hospital’s Director Đào Xuân Cơ noted that the hospital has recently added state-of-the-art medical equipment, including MRI and CT scan machines, to further enhance its services.

"With seven MRI machines now in operation, patients can receive their scans on the same day, without delays," he said.

In line with the Government’s push for digital transformation in healthcare, the hospital is streamlining administrative procedures, implementing cashless payments and moving towards everyone having electronic medical records.

In August 2024, the hospital started phasing out medical files, saving approximately VNĐ30 billion (US$1.2 million) annually. 

Việt Nam National Tuồng theatres plays part in Hà Nội Creative Week

Among Việt Nam's rich traditional plethora of performing arts, the art of tuồng is among the oldest, most sophisticated yet beautiful traditions. However over a history of hundreds years, the art of tuồng has been pushed into the background somewhat, to give room to more modern, younger art forms.

But the youthful wave of the Hà Nội Creative Week this year won't let it stay in the shadows any longer.

The Tuồng Theatre has been a key part of the creative week and is opening its doors for young audiences to see excerpts from the theatre's best of the best.

The show is back tonight (November 14) for three more performances after the first was sold out to much critical acclaim.

Its series, 'History and its echoes: Hà Nội's sacred imprints' brings a multi-sensory programme with some of the best tuồng passages. The leading art form will transport the audience back to the greatest times for this captivating art form.

You will see a brave woman warrior Xuân Trầm, who risked her life to rescue her family and your heart will twist as you see a beautiful talented Hồ Nguyệt Cô cast under a love spell to be turned into a fox. You will witness the platonic friendship between Khương Linh Tá and Đổng Kim Lân, who sported bravery and faithfulness that touch our souls even today.

The cast of tuồng theatre not only brings history back to life via this genre of art, their performances captured even the young people's attention, a generation who didn't know much about it like their parents or grandparents.

Tuồng is a demanding performing arts genre. The artists have to study not only singing, but martial art dancing, acting and role playing, while the art of face painting in tuồng is a sophisticated skill all of its own. Many characters of tuồng have become iconic in Việt culture.

The tuồng stage only produces heroes, not just ordinary characters. Throughout Việt Nam, styles may be slightly different in the North and the South and the Centre, with the costumes and face masks adapted to the local provinces, but they unite to narrate the most heroic stories from history. The tragic drama is often related to the big subjects of a country and its king, or the camaraderie among friends, which can be listed among the classics.

In this show, the tuồng theatre chose to collage its best cuts to create a new story. History will be retold, cultural traits analysed and side stories of tuồng explained to bring this art even closer to reach out to the young audience.

Traditional performing arts are making a strong comeback and you won't be able to escape its allure. 

Exhibition looks back at President Hồ Chí Minh's revolutionary movements in China

The exhibition 'Hồ Chí Minh's Footprints in China' showcases 200 documents and artefacts from President Hồ Chí Minh's revolutionary career in China, showing the growing close friendship between the two countries.

It is not just an important collection of memorabilia about President Hồ Chí Minh's time in China, but also an invaluable heritage, symbolising the passing of the partnership between Việt Nam and China.

The exhibition aims to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day leader Nguyễn Ái Quốc (Hồ Chí Minh) first set foot in China on his revolutionary journey (November 11, 1924) and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Việt Nam - China diplomatic relations (1950-2025).

Director of the Hồ Chí Minh Museum Vũ Mạnh Hà said: "We believe that the exhibition is a practical cultural activity with wide influence, contributing to fostering Việt Nam - China friendship."

The exhibition is arranged in three parts, with Part I: 'Revolutionary Footprints – Source of Friendship', looking back at Nguyễn Ái Quốc's early revolutionary career in China.

In the 1920s, he went to Guangzhou and Hong Kong to participate in the activities of the Communist Party of China and to build up the Vietnamese revolutionary forces.

"Throughout his revolutionary career, President Hồ Chí Minh visited China many times, formed many lasting friendships with the Chinese people and left a profound impact," Hà said.

"Several places in China still bear his mark, serving as powerful symbols of the friendship between Việt Nam and China."

Part II is entitled 'Across the Land of China – Deepening Friendship' and on display, artefacts given as gifts by the leaders and people of China.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, especially in the last years of his life, President Hồ Chí Minh often visited China and worked with the leaders of the Chinese Party and State.

He also visited farms, factories, schools, scenic locations and resorts in China.

The final part, called 'The Footprint of Hồ Chí Minh – The Eternal Friendship', offers a comprehensive view of the Việt Nam - China friendship, a relationship founded by President Hồ Chí Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong and diligently nurtured over time, continuing to be inherited and developed by subsequent generations.

Today, the locations that take the strong footprint of President Hồ Chí Minh's revolutionary activities in China are still preserved by the leaders of the Party, State and local governments, as well as the people of China.

These have become important sites for educating tradition and hosting exchange activities for the people of both countries, especially the younger generations.

The exhibition is on at the Hồ Chí Minh Museum, 19 Ngọc Hà Street, Ba Đình District, Hà Nội until the end of April 2025. 

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