The defence ministries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia on November 18 launched a joint search and rescue exercise themed "Rescue and relief activities at collapsed structures" at the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia Training Centre in mountainous Chum Sen Rikreay area, Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia.

The joint drill, conducted under the direction of the three countries' defence ministries, aims to strengthen cooperation between the nations' armies, support each other in case of natural disasters, provide prompt help for people affected by natural disasters and minimise the loss of life and property, Lieutenant General Pen Sokrethvithyea, Director of the Training Command for Cambodia and head of the Training Subcommittee of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, said at the opening ceremony.

During this exercise hosted by Cambodia, participating forces will coordinate to conduct search, rescue and relief activities, such as evacuation, transfer of victims to higher levels for treatment at level I, level II and level III hospitals.

Close to 700 soldiers, including 563 from the Royal Cambodian Army, 64 from the Lao People's Army and 71 soldiers from the Vietnam People's Army, joined this year's exercise. It will run until November 26./.

NA Chairman to visit Cambodia, attend ICAPP, IPTP meetings

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man will lead a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State to make an official visit to Cambodia and attend the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th Plenary Session of International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) from November 21 to November 24.

The trip is made at the invitations of President of the Cambodian People's Party Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the ICAPP Chung Eui-yong, the NA's Foreign Affairs Committee said on November 18.

Photo exhibition Vietnam’s ethnic groups opens in Hanoi

A photo exhibition titled "Colors of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups" opened at the Centre for Fine Arts and Photography Appraisal and Exhibition in Hanoi on November 18.

Organised under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the exhibition is hosted by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography, and Exhibition in collaboration with various agencies. The event aims to honour, promote, and preserve the distinctive and invaluable cultural values of Vietnam's ethnic groups.

The exhibition features 200 photographs by 87 authors, selected from thousands of entries submitted by professional and amateur photographers, ethnologists, journalists, and photography enthusiasts from across the country.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ta Quang Dong highlighted that Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously. These groups have shaped and enriched Vietnam’s cultural identity through millennia of national development and defense, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cultural mosaic.

The displayed works capture the distinctive cultural traits of these 54 ethnic groups, showcasing their customs, beliefs, lifestyles, traditional attire, and festivals.

Dong noted that though the collection comprises just 200 photographs, it presents vivid, authentic, and precious moments captured with great respect and love for traditional culture.

The week-long exhibition underscores the Party, State, and society's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

The exhibition is also accessible online at http://ape.gov.vn./.

Inspection commission suggests disciplinary action against Vinh Phuc’s former officials

The Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission exposed severe misconduct by three former officials of Vinh Phuc province during its 51st meeting in Hanoi on November 18 under the chair of Politburo member and its head Tran Cam Tu.

They are Pham Van Vong, former member of the Party Central Committee, secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Party Delegation, and chairman of the provincial People's Council; Phung Quang Hung, former vice secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Affairs Board and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee; and Ha Hoa Binh, former member of the provincial Party Committee’s standing board, member of the Party Affairs Board and vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.

They were found to have violated Party regulations and State laws in their assigned duties, particularly in the fight against corruption, wastefulness and negative practices, particularly linked to a project undertaken by the Phuc Son Group JSC, where they not only breached the Party’s regulations on things that Party members must not do but also failed to lead by example.

The consequences are severe, including substantial financial losses to the State budget. Their actions also sparked public concern, severely tarnished the reputation of the Party organisation and local authorities, to the extent that disciplinary action is considered.

In light of these findings, the commission proposed that appropriate disciplinary measures be taken against these former officials./.

Mexican media highlights Vietnam's key role in multilateral forums

Major Mexican newspapers have highlighted Vietnam's role in multilateral mechanisms, given State President Luong Cuong's recent official visits to Chile and Peru and his participation in the APEC 2024 Leaders’ Week and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's ongoing trip for a working visit to Brazil, participation at the G20 Summit, and an official visit to the Dominican Republic.

In an article on Vietnam’s active contributions to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Voces Del Periodista – a scholarly journal and the voice of Mexican journalists – noted that in its 26 years of membership, the Southeast Asian nation has twice successfully hosted the events in 2006 and 2017 and is among the most active members spearheading numerous APEC initiatives and projects.

According to the journal, Vietnam has made significant contributions to the forum this year, leading initiatives and projects on structural reform, finance, science-technology, innovation, human resources development, tourism, agriculture, climate change, and inclusive sustainable growth. It is now chairing the group responsible for developing the APEC structural reform agenda for 2026-2030, while leading the drafting of the 2025 APEC Economic Policy Report.

Mouris Salloum George, President of the Mexican Journalists’ Association, noted that at the Economic Leaders’ Week from November 12 -16, Vietnam effectively collaborated with other members to shape the Joint Declaration and other key documents. President Cuong presented several strategic and groundbreaking proposals to enhance the forum’s role in fostering international economic cooperation and connectivity.

Meanwhile, Regeneración, the official media outlet of Mexico’s ruling Morena party, published an article on Vietnam’s international integration policy. It said PM Chinh's participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil from November 16 – 19 reaffirms Vietnam's contributions to addressing global challenges and its efforts to strengthen cooperation with its partners across various sectors through such diplomatic engagements.

In its November 17 issue, Regeneración highlighted the visits to Latin American countries by the two leaders underscore the increasingly substantial and deepened relationship between Vietnam and the region and signify its evolution from traditional friends to partners in global integration.

Author Pedro Gellert noted that as Vietnam and Mexico celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, PM Chinh is expected to meet with newly inaugurated President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum – the first female President in North America – during the G20 Summit./.

6,000 compete in 2024 Strong Vietnam Int’l Marathon in Vung Tau

As many as 6,000 athletes, along with 60 Mister World titleholders and various beauty queens and runners-up, competed in the 2024 Strong Vietnam International Marathon in Vung Tau city, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, on November 17.

The annual race featured distances of 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, offering 100 prizes with a total value of over 600 million VND (23,612 USD), not only attracting enthusiasts but also helping promote health and fitness within the community.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee, said the marathon offers an opportunity to showcase Vung Tau as an ideal destination, known for its stunning natural scenery, friendly people, and unique cultural heritage.

She added the route, which traverses some of the city’s most picturesque streets, serves as an invitation for participants to explore and experience the distinctive beauty of Vung Tau.

The same day, more than 3,000 athletes participated in the 2024 Phan Thiet Marathon – Green Journey in the south central province of Binh Thuan.

Nguyen Nam Long, Vice Chairman of the Phan Thiet city People’s Committee and Head of the marathon’s Organising Board, said it aims to promote the city’s image as a vibrant tourist destination, bringing Phan Thiet closer to both domestic and international visitors./.

IRONMAN 70.3: Nearly 1,500 athletes conquer Phu Quoc's tropical challenge

Nearly 1,500 athletes checked in at the 2024 BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc, the second season, which took place in Phu Quoc city in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang from November 15-17.

The event featured a wide range of activities such as the Newborns Vietnam Run Out, Water Safety and lifeguard training, family-friendly Sunrise Sprint Vietnam and IRONKIDS Phu Quoc at the world-class resort and entertainment complex Phu Quoc Marina Integrated Resort Complex.

Athletes from over 61 countries, with star-studded lineup including six-time IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen and IRONMAN Malaysia Hall of Fame inductee Yee Sze Mun as honourary guests, competed in a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride, and a 21km run, testing endurance against the island’s striking coastal backdrop.

Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Van Sau said the event helped promote sports tourism while positioning Phu Quoc as a leading destination for sports and tourism in the world.

The event’s emphasis on sustainability aligns with global movements toward responsible tourism. The organising board collaborated with the local administration to arrange water safety and lifeguard training for residents and hospitality staff, while the Newborns Vietnam Run Out charity event raised awareness of preventable health risks.

CEO of BIM Group Doan Quoc Huy stressed that the event was crucial in establishing Phu Quoc as Southeast Asia's sports tourism hub in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Operations Manager of IRONMAN Asia Karen Matthews said with its tropical setting, Phu Quoc offers the perfect blend of competition and relaxation for athletes and their families.

This year event offered 30 qualifying slots to the 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain, set for November 8-9, 2025./.

Vietnam Culture Day held in New Zealand

An "Ao dai" (traditional long dress) show, evoking images of Vietnam’s past and present, was a highlight of the Vietnam Culture Day 2024, recently held in Wellington capital city of New Zealand.

Jointly organised by the Vietnamese Students' Associations in New Zealand and Wellington, the Vietnamese Association in Wellington, and the Vietnamese Embassy, this annual event formed part of broader efforts to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism in the Oceania nation.

The programme reflected the vibrancy and creativity of Vietnamese students. Performances, meticulously crafted, blended traditional and modern elements, including folk songs, dances, and musical pieces, vividly recreating Vietnam's cultural ambiance for international audiences.

Highlights included solo and duet vocal performances and traditional dances that brought familiar Vietnamese rhythms to life on stage. A unique addition this year was the debut of a dance troupe from the Vietnamese women’s community association in Wellington, newly established in early 2024.

The event offered Vietnamese expatriates in New Zealand a chance to introduce Vietnam’s rich traditions to local residents and international students in Wellington, and honour the country’s cultural heritage. This year also marked the 15th anniversary of the Vietnamese Students' Association in Wellington, a cornerstone of the Vietnamese student movement in New Zealand, which has significantly contributed to promoting the homeland's culture to the world./.

Party leader requests extra efforts to fulfill education, training reform goal

Party General Secretary To Lam attended a meeting with outstanding teachers and education managers in Hanoi on November 18, during which he asked for stronger efforts to complete the goal of education and training reform.

The leader congratulated and commended the education sector, educators and educational administrators for recent achievements in education reform, while sending the best wishes to generations of teachers nationwide on the occasion of Vietnam Teachers' Day (November 20).

He said that the world is undergoing transformative changes, making educational reform a global trend, and Vietnam cannot remain outside this.

To achieve the strategic goals in celebration of the 100th founding anniversary of the Party and the nation, leading the country firmly into an era of growth and prosperity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with powers around the world, high-quality human resources have been considered a strategic breakthrough, and educational reform designated as a pivotal mission and strategic solution for the 14th Party Congress, he stressed.

The highest priority at present is to complete the reform of education and training, and the goal of human resources development serving the national construction and defence, the leader added.

He underlined the importance of focusing on building socialist people; enhancing education on personality, ethics, lifestyle, legal knowledge, and civic awareness; teaching the languages and writings of ethnic minorities; and teaching the Vietnamese language and popularising the Vietnamese culture abroad.

He proposed aligning training programmes with the country's development goals and priorities by identifying the demands and training content based on the specific requirements set by agencies, organisations, and enterprises employing labourers.

The Party chief also emphasised the requirement for a close integration of teaching and scientific research in higher and postgraduate education, and a robust overhaul of educational content and teaching methods, towards increasing learners' knowledge, skills, and qualities with greater emphasis on hands-on practice and applying knowledge to realities.

Some immediate tasks include implementing solutions to completely eradicate illiteracy, particularly in remote areas and among ethnic minority communities. Additionally, there should be a nationwide campaign to launch the “Digital Literacy Movement”, promoting access to education and essential digital skills for all citizens.

Lam asked for immediate solutions to completely eradicate illiteracy, particularly in remote areas and among ethnic minority communities, adding that digital literacy eradication movements should be launched nationwide.

He said he believes that with the nation’s tradition of valuing education and talents, a team of dedicated and passionate teachers, and the decisive and coordinated involvement of the entire political system, the education sector will weather all difficulties and challenges to successfully implement the education and training reform.

On this occasion, the Party leader awarded the third-class Labour Order to the University of Economics and Business under the Vietnam National University - Hanoi (VNU) in recognition of its contributions to training, scientific research, and technology./.

Global scientific luminaries to gather at VinFuture sci-tech week

The VinFuture Foundation has announced its flagship Science and Technology Week and Award Ceremony scheduled for December 4-7 in Hanoi, bringing together leading experts in pivotal technological domains such as materials sciences, AI, air pollution and environmental studies.

The pinnacle of the event will be the 2024 VinFuture Award Ceremony, recognising scientists for their groundbreaking achievements that significantly impact the lives of billions worldwide.

Themed “Resilient Rebound”, this year's event signifies the transformative power of science and technology in enabling humanity to overcome adversity and building a prosperous future. It will feature symposia on science for life, VinFuture discovery talk series, 2024 VinFuture Award Ceremony and a dialogue with the 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates.

Commencing the series of the events, the symposia will take place on December 4 and 5 with four sessions on materials for sustainable future, real-world deployment of AI, air pollution and the transport sector, and transformation in cardiovascular care and stroke treatment.

In parallel with the symposia, the VinFuture discovery talk series will play a pivotal role in connecting leading global scientists and Vietnamese research institutions, universities and companies. The discussions will focus on pressing global challenges and drive potential research partnerships in such topics as new approaches to hypertension management, climate-adaptive farming, solar energy innovations, and women scientists’ contributions to sustainable energy.

The award ceremony, set for December 6 at the Ho Guom Opera House, will recognise breakthrough innovations selected from nearly 1,500 research projects nominated by more than 9,000 partners across over 80 countries and territories.

Following the ceremony will be a dialogue with the prize laureates during which they will share their insights and their research journeys with the public.

Another notable highlight of this year's event is a special recognition of the prize’s official nominators, acknowledging their role in identifying impactful technological solutions.

Over the past four years, the VinFuture Award has established itself among the world's prestigious scientific awards, bridging international expertise with Vietnam's scientific community while fostering domestic technological advancement./.

Vietnamese, Chinese provinces hold 1st skill, technical exchange activity

Four northern provinces of Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province recently coordinated to organise the first skill and technical exchange activity for workers in Mengzi city, Honghe autonomous prefecture.

At the event, the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation and carried out exchanges of skills and techniques between workers from both sides.

Jinyong, Vice President of the Yunnan provincial federation of trade unions, stated that the Chinese province and Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, and Dien Bien provinces of Vietnam organised this activity to strengthen friendly exchanges between the federation and the Federations of Labour of the Vietnamese provinces.

Outstanding workers, artisans, union officials, and skilled technical staff of the two sides shared skills, techniques, and experiences, as well as innovative outcomes in their respective fields of work./.

Vietnamese players win mixed doubles title at Li-Ning Vietnam International Series 2024

Vietnamese duo Tran Dinh Manh and Pham Thi Khanh claimed the mixed doubles championship at the Li-Ning Vietnam International Series 2024 after defeating Bo Yuan Chen and Liang Ching Sun from Chinese Taipei in the final held at Bac Giang province's gymnasium on November 17.

The Vietnamese pair delivered an excellent performance, winning two straight sets with the scores of 21-19 and 21-13.

In the men’s doubles event, Vietnam's third-seeded duo, Nguyen Dinh Hoang and Tran Dinh Manh, secured the runner-up position. Despite their valiant efforts, they narrowly lost to the top-seeded pair, Zhi Wei He and Huang Jui Hsuan also from Chinese Taipei, with the scores of 20-22 and 19-21.

The tournament, held from November 12 to 17, is part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) system and was regarded as a prestigious international event. It featured 197 athletes from 20 countries and territories who competed in five categories: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles./.

Construction of 200 houses for poor families kicks off in Can Tho

Construction of 200 houses for poor and near-poor households commenced on November 17 in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.

This meaningful project aims to welcome the 15th Can Tho Party Congress for the 2025–2030 tenure and responds to the emulation movement to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses in the city during the 2024–2025 period. The project is funded by Petrovietnam Transportation Corporation (PVTrans), a subsidiary of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam).

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Nguyen Trung Nhan, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee of Can Tho city, highlighted recent efforts by the Front and its member organisations to support sustainable poverty reduction. He emphasised that providing housing for families in urgent need is a key priority which has effectively implemented by VFF Committees at all levels in the city.

In 2024 alone, the VFF Committees at all levels mobilised 25.6 billion VND for the "For the Poor" Fund. The sum and other sources were used to build and repair over 400 houses for low-income families, significantly reducing poverty rates and improving living standards of local people in Can Tho.

However, Nhan noted that many families are still facing housing difficulties. To better support these underprivileged households, the city’s VFF Committee is calling for continued contributions from agencies, organisations, businesses, and donors to enhance its social welfare programmes.

Local districts and communes have been urged to ramp up communication and mobilisation efforts to secure more resources for the "For the Poor" Fund and other welfare initiatives. These efforts aim to provide comprehensive support for poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged households, helping them escape poverty and stabilise their lives./.

Vietnam's head coach announces squad for regional football tournament

Head coach Kim Sang Sik has announced a 30-player preliminary roster for Vietnam's national football team ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

The Korean tactician continues to blend experienced veterans with emerging talents as he develops the team's playing style. Several key players are making their return to the national team, including goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, defenders Do Duy Manh and Bui Tien Dung, midfielders Nguyen Hai Long and Phan Van Duc, and forward Pham Tuan Hai.

Two newcomers have earned their first national team call-ups, namely midfielder Tran Bao Toan from LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC and Doan Ngoc Tan from Dong A Thanh Hoa FC. Toan has previous experience with youth national teams while this marks Tan's first involvement at any national team level.

Notable omissions are center-back Que Ngoc Hai due to his fitness concerns and aging midfielder Do Hung Dung.

The squad will gather in Hanoi on November 21 then depart for a training camp in the Republic of Korea from November 21 to December 3. Kim will finalise the list of 26 players before the team’s opening match with Laos on December 9.

The 15th edition of the biennial competition will be held from November 23 to December 21, 2024, with 10 ASEAN national teams competing to win the championship title./.

Vietnam thrash Myanmar 5-2 in ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship opener

Vietnam made a strong start in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024, defeating Myanmar 5-2 in their opening match at the Philsports Arena in Manila, the Philippines, on November 17.

Captain Trinh Nguyen Thanh Hang set the tone early, scoring in just the third minute. Myanmar responded with an equaliser from Nang Seng Brim in the 10th minute, before Sett Nwe Ni put Myanmar ahead in the 16th minute, capitalising on a rebound to score into an empty net.

Despite being under significant pressure for the remainder of the first half, Vietnam turned the game around in the second. Nguyen Phuong Anh levelled the score just a minute after the break, followed by Bien Thi Hang’s impressive solo effort in the 25th minute, putting Vietnam ahead 3-2.

Le Thi Thanh Ngan extended the lead with a penalty in the 32nd minute, and K’Thua sealed the victory with a powerful strike in the 38th minute. Vietnam will face Indonesia in their next match.

In other action, Thailand secured their second win of the tournament with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Philippines. The title favourites netted four goals in the first half and added three more in the second.

In the earlier matches on November 16, Thailand edged Indonesia 1-0, while the Philippines and Myanmar played to a 2-2 draw.

The championship features five teams competing in a single round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will conclude with the gold-medal match on November 21./.

PM urges faster eradication of dilapidated houses nationwide

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 18 issued an official dispatch, ordering faster and stronger efforts to do away with temporary and dilapidated houses across the nation.

He asked ministries, sectors and localities to drastically and harmoniously carry out the PM’s relevant directives and conclusions so as to provide standard houses for the people, particularly those who rendered services to the nation, impoverished households and natural disaster-hit families.

The Government leader assigned the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to join hands with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA) to instruct and oversee the execution of and fund disbursement for the work.

The dispatch also outlined specific tasks for key ministries in expediting the housing initiative, with the MoF requested to introduce tax incentives for enterprises contributing to the housing programme. The Ministry of Construction was tasked with submitting proposals to the Prime Minister regarding support levels for construction of new houses and repair of old ones as well as guiding localities to create housing designs that adapt to local cultural characteristics and climate conditions in different regions.

In the meantime, the CEMA must pen measures to settle housing support challenges under the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas.

PM Chinh also requested the establishment of the steering boards on the initiative in provinces and centrally-run cities as well as enhanced the communications work to create social consensus, particularly in the mobilisation of funds and human resources for the removal of substandard houses.

Deputy Prime Ministers Nguyen Hoa Binh and Le Thanh Long are responsible for directing ministries, sectors and branches to carry out the work./.

Deputy PM meets delegation from France’s largest employer federation

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received a delegation of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) or the Movement of French Enterprises - the largest employer federation in France on November 18 in Hanoi.

The delegation is led by Francois Corbin, Vice President of MEDEF International in charge of coordination in the ASEAN region, and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs' special representative for economic relations in the ASEAN region.

Appreciating the visit, Ha emphasised that this is the first working session between a leader of the Government of Vietnam and a French delegation to implement the outcomes of the visit to France by Party General Secretary and then State President To Lam in October 2024.

The Deputy PM said he hopes that after the visit, French enterprises will identify key investment cooperation fields and projects that suit the needs and strengths of Vietnam.

“Enterprises of the two countries need to have a mechanism to meet and exchange to promote cooperation plans in each stage in the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership," he noted.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet and Francois Corbin said that French enterprises are looking for investment opportunities in Vietnam in the fields of renewable energy, nuclear power, high-speed railway, urban railway, exploitation and processing of strategic minerals, education, health care, and food.

They not only pay attention to production and business projects but also shares Vietnam's determination in building and perfecting institutions, researching and transferring technology, and training human resources.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese Deputy PM assigned the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Construction to work directly with French enterprises, and connect them with Vietnamese companies and localities in specific projects./.

Hà Nội to mobilise electric cars to take passengers to metro line stations

Hà Nội will deploy electric cars to carry passengers from residential areas to two urban railway lines, according to the city’s Department of Transport.

Many individuals now choose to go to work and school every day via the Cát Linh - Hà Đông elevated railway line and the Nhổn - Hà Nội Railway Station line. However, residential neighbourhoods are still not connected to these urban train lines.

After nearly three years of operation, the Cát Linh - Hà Đông elevated railway line has recorded more than 35,000 daily passengers, 47 per cent of whom are commuting to work, 45 per cent are students and 8 per cent are travelling for other purposes.

The Nhổn – Hà Nội Railway Station Metro line, which was put into commercial operation on August 23, 2024, is also being used by many passengers for commuting.

The current system, which consists of nine connecting bus routes and 36 bus routes, has connected the two railway lines. However, people still want more bus routes from residential areas to stations.

According to Director of the Department of Transport Nguyễn Phi Thường, the city plans to have ten urban railway routes with a total length of 417km. To date, two routes have been put into operation.

The municipal People's Committee has proposed that the Prime Minister allow the city to adjust the traffic planning from 10 routes to 14 routes covering nearly 600km.

“The Cát Linh Station of the Cát Linh – Hà Đông line is currently about 400m away from the Cát Linh Station of the Nhổn – Hà Nội line. We have proposed investing in a tunnel connecting the two stations,” he said.

In addition to the electric cars, the city would develop a public bicycle system to facilitate passengers to travel from residential areas to urban railway lines, he said. 

Over 12,000 residents in Bắc Giang surveyed on local government services

More than 12,300 people in the northern province of Bắc Giang took part in a survey on local government services at the commune/ward and town-level offices.

The survey was conducted from October 2 to 4 by the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation and People’s Committee.

Lục Ngạn District, Việt Yên Town and Lục Nam District reported a large number of survey participants. Lục Ngạn District reported 1,837 respondents, while Việt Yên Town and Lục Nam District received 1,586 and 1,464 responses, respectively.

The majority of survey responses indicate that the public is satisfied with the atmosphere at the commune-level offices, including the neat, orderly, welcoming office environment, courteous government personnel, and prompt procedure handling.

According to the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation, the survey aimed to evaluate the results of improvements to offices and services offered by the communal people's committees.

It will be the foundation for suggestions made to the provincial Party Committee's Standing Committee on raising the standards at local government offices in terms of professional communication, working style, and conduct of cadres, civil servants, and public employees.

The assessment level will be used as a basis for determining whether or not agencies in 2024 satisfy the requirements of friendly governance.

The survey feedback was collected at the communal reception desks.

To make the collection process easier and guarantee a thorough and impartial survey, the province Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation worked with functional units to create QR codes for 209 commune-level offices.

Residents were instructed to scan the QR codes in order to complete the survey when they visited the commune-level one-stop shop to complete administrative tasks.

Seven questions about the attitudes of civil servants and cadres, facilities, service quality, management, and operation were included in the survey.

The provincial Women's Union was in charge of collaborating with the provincial Party Commission for Mass Mobilisation to oversee the gathering of opinions during the survey period.

At the district, town, and city levels, the steering committees for creating friendly governments were responsible for overseeing the survey collection process.

Information regarding the poll was previously disseminated by commune-level local authorities using websites and social media platforms, including Facebook and Zalo. 

Locals were also informed about the survey by community mobilisation groups, village and residential area heads, and others. 

Tractor accidentally running over and killing two in Central Highlands

Two farmers in the Western Highland province of Đắk Lắk lost their lives when taking shelter from the rain beneath a tractor.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in Cư M'lan Commune, Ea Súp District, where six farmers were harvesting cassava, when a sudden downpour forced them to seek cover beneath a parked tractor.

The tractor suddenly started, causing panic among the group. While four managed to escape, 28-year-old Nguyễn Văn Khánh and 27-year-old Lục Thị Háo were tragically run over and killed.

Ea Súp District's police are taking statements from the tractor driver and other witnesses to determine the exact cause of the incident.

According to local authorities, Khánh was the main provider for his family, who are now facing immense hardship with his father suffering from a stroke and his elderly mother battling illness.

Local authorities have offered support to the grieving family, assisting with funeral arrangements and providing condolences. 

Bus fare increases must go hand in hand with service quality improvement

Bus fares, applied in Hà Nội since 2014, were adjusted this month with the largest increase reaching 60 per cent.

Many commuters contend that, in light of the fare hikes, service quality needs to improve, but the bus company says the new fares reflect the expanded network.

The city's Public Transport Management Centre claims that the bus ticket prices, which had been subsidised by the city's budget since May 1, 2014, are now outdated.

In 2014, the bus network consisted of 72 routes and branch routes, with the longest route measuring 49.9 km. After ten years, the bus network now includes 132 routes that connect 30 cities, villages and districts, with the longest route spanning 61.05 km.

Charging the same price for routes between 30 and 60 km long is considered inappropriate. The current bus fares are believed to be reasonable, given the commuters' ability to pay, particularly low-wage workers.

The new rates have gone up from VNĐ7,000 to VNĐ8,000 for trips under 15 km and from VNĐ7,000 to VNĐ10,000 for trips between 15 km and less than 25 km.

The fee goes up from VNĐ8,000 to VNĐ12,000 each journey for routes that are 25 km to less than 30 km long.

Prices for trips between 30 km and less than 40 km and 40 km increased from VNĐ9,000 to VNĐ15,000, while trips 40km and longer now cost VNĐ20,000.

The monthly rates have increased by 40 per cent. The monthly ticket for students and industrial park workers commuting on a single route has increased from VNĐ55,000 to VNĐ70,000.

Many Hanoians agreed that the increases were fair but still expected improvements in bus service speed and quality.

Dương Văn Nguyên, a driver on bus route No 74, said the majority of commuters have expressed satisfaction with the revised fares since the new prices were made public.

"On the first day of the new fares, passengers generally found the increase acceptable. It comes as a big surprise to people who haven't updated the information. But no passenger wanted to cancel the trip when they saw the price increase," he told Sức Khỏe&Đời Sống (Health and Life).

Numerous passengers felt that the quality of the buses and services on numerous bus lines should be improved, not just maintained, even though they agreed with the fare increases.

There are reportedly still cases of old vehicles, poorly maintained vehicles stalling on the road, leading to minor breakdowns.

Some vehicles still emit black smoke, and passengers complained that traffic bottlenecks caused delays.

These issues have made public transport passengers feel uncomfortable.

Anh Hào, a student at a university in Đống Đa District, said the fare increases have little effect on those like him who travel short distances.

However, he hopes that the fare increases go hand in hand with improvements in bus service quality, as drivers sometimes speed, brake suddenly, and weave dangerously on the road.

Minh Châu, an office worker in Hai Bà Trưng District said: "Buses are not the regular choice for students and office staff. Many of us want to take buses but they are slower than private cars and ride-hailing services during rush hour.”

Director of the city’s Traffic Management and Operation Centre Thái Hồ Phương said the centre has been working with the Department of Transport and city authorities on ways to expand the bus network's coverage and improve public transport standards.

The department recently adjusted the validity of the free card for meritorious people, people with disabilities and the elderly. Those groups of passengers can now use free bus tickets without an expiration date. 

Five foreigners arrested in drug trafficking ring busted in Nghệ An

Five foreigners and 70kg of ketamine were seized in a joint operation between Nghệ An Province’s border guard forces and customs department. 

The five alleged members of the drug trafficking ring were transporting illegal narcotics from Laos through Việt Nam at the Nậm Cắn International Border Gate at around 2.30pm on Monday, when they were caught by the local authorities. 

They are Lasengthong Yotdaling, 32, Dalavong Kinnaveth, 28, Chotthvong Khat, 24, Chanthavong Hongfa, 22 and Phabou Misouda, 19 - all of Lao nationality.

Their Lao-registered car was seized along with 70kg of ketamine reportedly disguised as tea packages and hidden in various parts of the vehicle, including in the fuel tank and under the seats. 

The five Lao nationals and evidence from the case have been handed over to the border guards for further investigation. 

Households in landslide areas waiting for full reallocation financial help

A total of 282 households in the mountainous region of the north central province of Thanh Hóa have been relocated to safer areas and provided with financial support through provincial funds.

The reallocation is a part of a project to arrange and stabilise the population in areas with a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion in mountainous districts of the province for the 2021-25 period.

However, to date, 151 households in Ón Hamlet in the border district of Mường Lát, in Co Hương Hamlet in Quan Sơn District, Lở Hamlet in Nam Động Commune and Tang Hamlet in Trung Thành Commune, Quan Hóa District, have yet to receive the full amount of relocation support, totalling nearly VNĐ3 billion (US$119,000).

Since 2022, residents of Lở Hamlet in Nam Động Commune, Quan Hóa District, who lived at the base of Pom Dưới Mountain, an area at high risk of flash floods, landslides and soil erosion, have been classified for relocation.

Following the Government’s investment in a new resettlement area, residents from Lở Hamlet were moved to the new site at the beginning of 2023.

Using State funds, the relocated households received financial support for building houses at their new locations, with each household receiving between VNĐ30 million and VNĐ80 million ($1,200-3,200).

However, 34 households in the village have yet to receive the full amount of resettlement support.

The delay was due to only a portion of the support funds being disbursed from State sources when the resettlement area was built and residents were relocated.

The remaining amount that is funded by the Việt Nam Fatherland Front and other organisations, has not been fully provided and mobilising funds from these sources has proven challenging.

As a result, after a prolonged period, residents are still awaiting for the complete disbursement of resettlement support.

Lương Văn Cẩn, a resident of Lở Hamlet, said that his family has been living in the resettlement area for a long time and was supposed to receive VNĐ75 million ($3,000) to rebuild his home.

However, his family has only received VNĐ50 million so far.

Similarly, Lò Thị Sử moved to the resettlement area long ago but has yet to receive financial support of VNĐ10 million ($400).

Her family is currently facing financial difficulties and still owes money to the bank for their home. She hoped that remaining funds will be soon released to help her family stabilise their life.

In 2023, the Quan Hóa District People's Committee arranged and relocated 111 households to the resettlement areas in Lở Hamlet and Tang Hamlet of Trung Thành Commune with a total support amount of VNĐ4.5 billion ($178,000).

However, the district still lacks nearly VNĐ2 billion ($80,000) to support residents in the new resettlement areas.

The district government has submitted a request to relevant departments and agencies for additional funding to support the residents.

Lê Văn Nam, deputy head of the Agriculture Office in Quan Hóa District, said that under Resolution 590 by the Thanh Hóa Province Party Committee in 2021, financial support for households relocated to new resettlement areas was approved.

However, households have only received provincial budget support, while funds from the Việt Nam Fatherland Front and other organisations have not yet been provided, he said.

The district’s People's Committee has requested the province’s People's Committee and Việt Nam Fatherland Front mobilise funds to support the residents, as they face numerous difficulties and need additional funding to sustain their lives in the new resettlement areas.

Under the plan for population arrangement and stabilisation in areas prone to flooding and landslides in the mountainous districts of Thanh Hóa for the 2021-25 period, so far, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local authorities have relocated 282 households to safe locations, with provincial funds providing direct support.

However, funding from the Việt Nam Fatherland Front has yet to be disbursed to these households.

Lê Bá Lương, head of the Rural Development Sub-department in Thanh Hóa Province, confirmed that the districts have submitted lists of households that have not received their full resettlement support funds to the department.

The department has compiled the information and requested that the provincial Việt Nam Fatherland Front address the issue.

In addition to providing support, Thanh Hóa Province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to promote public awareness of the Government's policies, encouraging residents to support the implementation of resettlement projects to ensure their safety and improve their livelihoods, he said. 

PM urges drastic measures on African swine fever in year-end months

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has ordered drastic measures, including large-scale vaccination campaigns, to prevent and control African swine fever.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as many as 1,452 African swine fever outbreaks have been reported since early this year in 1,003 communes in 48 provinces and cities.

Over 81,000 pigs have been culled thus far, an increase of 2.6 times over the same period last year.

Several typhoons this season have also caused severe damage to agricultural production and livestock farming.

African swine fever and typhoons have negatively affected the livestock industry, food supply and consumer price index, with prices expected to rise before the end of the year and Lunar New Year 2025.

In order to promptly and effectively prevent African swine fever, restore production and ensure an adequate food supply, the Prime Minister requested ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies and chairmen of provincial and centrally-run people's committees to take drastic and synchronous solutions to prevent and control African swine fever.

Local authorities have been asked to mobilise local resources to handle outbreaks and prevent new ones while destroying sick pigs, suspected sick pigs and dead pigs.

Farmers have also been ordered to sterilise cages and surrounding areas.

Localities will review and compile data on the total number of pigs as well as the number already vaccinated against African swine fever.

They will have to adjust plans and prioritise funding for centralised vaccine purchases before organising simultaneous vaccinations.

The PM also urged dissemination of information on the fever’s risks and told local authorities to take responsibility if an outbreak of African swine fever occurs in the area.

He asked for localities to build disease-free areas and facilities to serve exports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is presiding over and coordinating with ministries, sectors and localities to closely monitor the situation and proactively deploy measures to ensure an adequate food supply before, during and after the Lunar New Year. 

Humanitarian surgery programme provides free artificial hip and knee joints for poor patients

Operation Walk Ireland will provide free knee and hip replacement surgeries for about 70 poor patients at the 108 Military Central Hospital.

The patients are in extremely difficult circumstances with hip and knee diseases and with indications for joint replacement.

This year, Operation Walk Ireland sent a delegation of nearly 100 experts and medical staff in joint surgery, in coordination with doctors and medical experts of the 108 Military Central Hospital, to perform hip and knee surgery and provide post-operative recovery treatment for patients.

Many poor patients have knee and hip diseases that affect mobility, but do not receive surgery because of the high cost of treatment. Therefore, when participating in the programme, patients will receive free of charge the entire cost of artificial joint replacement surgery, each worth about VNĐ50 million (US$2,000). After surgery, all patients are trained to restore the motor function of their limbs and return to normal work and daily activities.

The humanitarian programme was under the framework of a cooperation programme between the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Operation Walk Organisation since 2008, helping patients restore the motor function of their limbs in order to resume normal activities.

The annual programme aims to continuously improve the hospital’s quality of examination, treatment and patient care in general and surgery for patients with knee and hip replacement indications.

It also helps strengthen the exchange and learning of experiences with Irish surgeons in the fields of joint replacement surgery, anaesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care, comprehensive care as well as rehabilitation for patients with knee and hip replacement.

Operation Walk is a humanitarian organisation specialising in joint replacement surgery, established in 1996 in the United States. After nearly 30 years of operation, the organisation has operated on thousands of patients worldwide.

In Việt Nam, Operation Walk has worked with many medical facilities, such as the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Military Hospital 175, to provide humanitarian activities since 2008.

Up to now, the 108 Military Central Hospital has coordinated with the Operation Walk organisations of the United States and Ireland to perform humanitarian surgery to replace hip and joint joints for about 1,000 patients in Việt Nam. 

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV