Posts

Posted on

President sends sympathy to AO/dioxin victims

 

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has sent a letter of sympathy to Agent Orange/dioxin victims and their families on the occasion of Day for AO/dioxin victims (August 10).

 

In the letter, he said since the AO/dioxin disaster hit Vietnam 60 years ago, losses and pain caused by it have been extremely serious, leaving after-effects impacting many generations.

 

Over the past years, the Vietnamese Party, State and people have paid attention to AO/dioxin victims, helping them overcome difficulties and get ahead in life, he said. He lauded the Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/dioxin (VAVA) for exerting constant efforts to work effectively, becoming a crucial part in overcoming AO/dioxin disaster consequences and fighting for justice and equality for victims.

 

He expressed his admiration for victims and their families for overcoming after-effects and diseases to integrate into the society.

 

The leader also appreciated practical support by philanthropists at home and abroad, and international friends.

 

Phuc wished that Party committees, authorities, mass organisations, agencies and people at home and abroad would continue the tradition of offering mutual support in order to contribute to addressing AO/dioxin consequences, as well as provide care for victims, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

 

 

 

Posted on

Vietnam looks to become AI hub in ASEAN by 2030

The Vietnamese Government has issued a national strategy on the research, development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) till 2030 with a view to gradually turning Vietnam into an innovation and AI hub in ASEAN and the world.

 

Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy said the strategy targets that Vietnam will be among four leading countries in ASEAN and 50 nations globally in terms of AI research, development and application by 2030; build 10 prestigious AI trademarks in the region; and develop three national big data and high-performance computing centres.

 

By 2030, Vietnam will set up 50 interconnected open databases in economic sectors in service of the effort.

 

To such end, the country is fine-tuning legal documents and creating a legal framework regarding AI, as well as promoting international cooperation in the field.

 

Further attention should be paid to human resources training and building database that is synchronous with computing infrastructure.

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out nearly two years ago, the application of AI in health care in Vietnam has become a bright spot in the world. AI has helped ease burdens on medical workers and anti-pandemic forces through tracing apps and epidemiological maps.

 

The Hanoi University of Science and Technology officially debuted an international centre on AI under the model of a mixed international research centre. It is expected to conduct basic studies and create “Make in Vietnam” core technologies.

 

Prof. Ho Tu Bao, Director of the centre, said digital environment is creating invaluable opportunities to develop the country and master important technologies, including AI.

 

Duy said construction on the National Innovation Centre began at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park to support start-up ecological system in Vietnam, contributing to renewing growth model based on advanced technologies.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

 

Posted on

Music video encourages frontline forces in COVID-19 fight

Singer Vu Thang Loi debuted its music video “Thương nhớ Sài Gòn” (Miss Saigon) to encourage frontline forces and local residents in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

The song was composed by Director of the Military Hospital 175 Maj. Gen Nguyen Hong Son based on a poem by Truong Hoa Binh.

 

Via the video, Loi conveyed his gratefulness to medical staff and frontline forces in the effort. He expressed hope to give more strength to Saigon, Hanoi and the whole country to overcome the difficult period.

 

Ho Chi Minh City is now the biggest coronavirus hotspot of the country with more than 110,000 cases. The city is now under strict social distancing order.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

 

Posted on

Over 11,000 students to take 2nd round of national high school graduation exam

More than 11,000 students have registered for the second round of the national high school graduation examination, which is scheduled for August 6-7, said Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Huu Do.

Of these, over 3,100 students are from Bac Giang, one of the localities hardest hit by the COVID-19 recently, and the rest from 38 provinces and cities, including Cao Bang, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, An Giang, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Lam Dong, Dak Lak and Dong Nai.

The second phase is intended for students who had their tests in the first unfinished due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks.

According to Do, the Ministry of Education and Training has asked for careful preparations and plans for the holding of safe exams amid the pandemic and the most favourable conditions for candidates.

Exam questions and durations will be similar to those in the first phase to ensure objectivity and fairness for contestants.

The exam councils are requested to review their list of students attending the second phase to avoid any mistakes that cause disadvantages for them. Candidates with difficult circumstances or having problems in traveling and accommodations should receive timely support so that they can take the exam, he said.

The deputy minister also directed the localities to screen students and taking measures suitable to the reality of each locality to ensure the health of both exam supervisors and candidates.

The exam is considered the most important exam for a student after 12 years of study as it not only awards a high-school graduation certificate but also decides on admission to universities and colleges.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Posted on

Ministry of Public Security’s cooperation with Thai agencies produces practical results: official

The Ministry of Public Security’s ties with Thai agencies like the Royal Thai Police, National Security Council, and Ministry of Justice have been sustained and consolidated, bringing about practical outcomes, said Minister To Lam while receiving the new Thai Ambassador to Vietnam, Nikorndej Blankura in Hanoi on August 5.

Lam singled out as example the fruitful exchange of information on trans-national crime; coordination in verifying and arresting wanted criminals and expelling individuals who take advantage of Thai territory to conduct sabotaging activities targeting Vietnam; cooperation in investigating and cracking down on drug trafficking rings from third countries to Thailand through Vietnam and vice versa; as well as joint work in the field of training and equipment aid serving drug crime prevention and control.

To boost such engagements in the future, the minister suggested the two sides work towards the signing of an extradition agreement as a basis for their law enforcement forces; continue to share experiences in the management of entry-exit activities, tourism and investment; strengthen coordination in handling cases related to Vietnamese and Thai citizens; and step up cooperation in the field of human resources training.

For his part, Nikorndej Blankura pledged to do his utmost to foster Vietnam – Thailand collaboration across various fields.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Posted on

​Switzerland’s National Day, diplomatic ties with Vietnam celebrated in Hanoi

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on August 5 evening to celebrate Switzerland’s 730th National Day (1291-2021) and the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Switzerland diplomatic relations (1971-2021) with the attendance of Swiss Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis.

At the event, the State Bank of Vietnam’s Governor Nguyen Thi Hong, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government, congratulated the Swiss Government and people on the occasion.

With support from international friends, including Switzerland, Vietnam is sparing no efforts to push back the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

Hong expressed her hope that there will be more high-ranking delegations and friends from Switzerland to visit Vietnam as well as more people from the European country to form connections with Vietnam.

Cassis said the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs supports the designing and construction of the ‘Geneva Conference Room’ within a new building of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to support the facility’s training and research on international relations.

With 177 direct investment projects in Vietnam and a total registered capital of about 1.9 billion USD, Switzerland currently ranks 20th among 140 countries and territories directly investing in the Southeast Asian nation.

Despite adverse impacts from the COVID-19 epidemic, two-way trade between Vietnam and Switzerland reached 863.5 million USD in 2020.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Posted on

ASEAN, partners appreciate Vietnam’s ideas, proposals: Spokeswoman

Vietnam’s ideas and proposals at the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings have been supported by ASEAN member states and partners thanks to their appropriateness, activeness and practicality, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told the ministry’s online press briefing on August 5.

Regarding the ASEAN Community building, Hang said that Vietnam highlighted solidarity and unity as the foundation of ASEAN’s strength, and suggested the bloc promote its internal resources and hold responsibility for the common development of the region.

In implementing the results achieved in 2020, the countries agreed with Vietnam’s opinion on speeding up the assessment of the performance of the ASEAN Charter, the development of the ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision as well as the combination of sub-regional development cooperation with the ASEAN Community building process.

Regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam proposed ASEAN take advantage of cooperation opportunities with partners, especially in procurement and technology transfer for vaccine production, and soon complete the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework this year to ensure connectivity and promote recovery of the region, Hang stated.

For external relations, the countries also shared Vietnam’s views on the need for ASEAN to continue promoting the role of ASEAN-led mechanisms, uphold solidarity, promote internal resources, ensure a common voice and fair approach in relations with partners, and maintain the bloc’s central role in the regional structure, she said.

She went on to say that the nations also assessed that Vietnam had well fulfilled its role as a coordinator of ASEAN-Japan relations, thus contributing to exploiting cooperation potential, taking advantage of opportunities and overcoming many challenges, especially in COVID-19 response, and expanding and deepening collaboration between the two sides.

The countries contributed and pledged to contribute a total of 20.8 million USD to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, in which the bloc has agreed to use more than 10 million USD for the purchase of vaccines through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In addition, the partners also affirmed that they will maintain support for ASEAN’s initiatives on COVID-19 prevention and control, and made specific commitments and initiatives to support the bloc in improving the capacity of preventive medicine as well as research, development and access to COVID-19 vaccines in a safe, effective and equal manner, Hang said.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Posted on

 Shipping companies enjoy positive earnings thanks to high sea freight rates

Record-high sea freight rates have seen shipping companies produce positive second-quarter earnings reports.

The VN-Index gained 41.22 points last week, or 3.25 percent to close at 1,310.05 points after three consecutive weeks of decline. Total trading value on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) fell 7.3 percent to 84.9 trillion VND (3.7 billion USD).

Shares of the Hai An Transport & Stevedoring JSC (HAH) increased 12.06 percent, Vinaship JSC (VNA) rose by 11.17 percent, Duyen Hai Multi Modal Transport JSC (TCO) 6.98 percent, Vietnam Ocean Shipping JSC (VOS) 6.29 percent, Petrovietnam Transportation Corporation (PVT) 5.11 percent and Pacific Petroleum Transportation JSC (PVP) 4.17 percent.

In the second quarter, the Hai An Transport & Stevedoring JSC (HAH) recorded a 72 percent increase in net revenue compared to the same period last year, reaching 449.3 billion VND with a net profit of 97.7 billion VND, up 150 percent.

In the first six months of the year, HAH’s revenue reached 808 billion VND and post-tax profit recorded more than 183.2 billion VND, up 49 percent and 161 percent, respectively. With this result, HAH only fulfilled 49 percent of its revenue target but surpassed its profit target by 16 percent.

The Petrovietnam Transportation Corporation (PVT) also reported Q2 revenue of 1.87 trillion VND, a slight increase over last year. Post-tax profit rose by 8 percent to 256.5 billion VND. In the first half of this year, PVT collected 3.6 trillion VND in revenue, completing 60 percent of its yearly plan and 438.9 billion VND in post-tax profit, exceeding 8.6 percent of its yearly plan.

The net revenue of the Vietnam Ocean Shipping JSC (VOS) decreased slightly compared to the same period last year, reaching 325 billion VND, but post-tax profit was 242 billion VND. During the same period last year it suffered a loss of 32 billion VND.

In six months, VOS recorded revenue of 580 billion VND, down 15 percent year-on-year and fulfilling 47 percent of the yearly revenue target. Post-tax profit reached 222 billion VND, 7.4 times higher than the yearly plan, while in the same period last year it lost 118.2 billion VND.

Last week, shares of the Seagull Shipping Company (SSG) increased by 25.93 percent, from 5,400 VND per share to 6,800 VND per share. In the June 9 session, SSG suddenly hit the daily limit rise of 12.5 percent, starting a series of rising prices in the sessions that followed. Since its listing so far, SSG has increased by 183.3 percent.

At the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2021, the company submitted a business plan to shareholders with total annual transportation revenue of 23.4 billion VND and an after-tax loss of 200 million VND. However, 32.85 percent disagreed and asked the company to adjust revenue to 24.9 billion VND and post-tax profit to 1.3 billion VND. SSG has adjusted the plan accordingly, but so far the company has not announced its second quarter results.

Shares of Transport And Chartering Corporation (VFR) also increased by 20.45 percent during the week, rising from 4,400 VND per share to 5,300 VND per share.

Recently, VFR announced Q2 revenue of 37.4 billion VND, down slightly over the same period last year. Post-tax profit still reached 7.8 billion VND while in the same period last year it lost 7.4 billion VND.

In the first six months, VFR’s net revenue reached 78.6 billion VND, down 5.1 percent year-on-year. Post-tax profit was 1.3 billion VND while it lost 21.9 billion VND last year.

Shares of Transportation and Trading Services Joint Stock Company (TJC) also recorded growth of 17.02 percent last week.

In the second quarter, TJC’s net revenue reached 33.8 billion VND, up 42 percent, post-tax it was 3.1 billion VND. In the first six months, the company recorded revenue of 62.9 billion VND, up 22.1 percent. Post-tax profit reached 4.7 billion VND, 899 times higher than the same period last year. With the yearly target of pre-tax profit of 2.5 billion VND, the company has exceeded its plan for the whole year.

Since July 2020, sea freight rates worldwide have begun to increase sharply.

According to The Vietnam Maritime Administration, the sea freight rate (including surcharges) from Vietnam to the US for the highest 40 feet container is 14,250 USD per container, the lowest is 8,000 USD per container. So far, there have been at least four upward adjustments, 14 times higher than at the beginning of 2020.

The World Shipping Council (WTC) previously said that it would be difficult to determine when shipping costs will peak as global demand has not yet fully recovered.

SSI Research said that there were many factors affecting the shipping market. Some factors were temporary while others were quite long-term and will not change anytime soon.

“This means that an escalation of short-term factors could push freight rates to new highs, but are not sustainable in the long-term,” it said.

Accordingly, SSI forecasts that freight rates may peak in the fourth quarter of 2021, then adjust slightly in the first half of 2022.

“Freight rates may decrease significantly in 2023 when the supply of new ships comes into operation, but will maintain a higher level than before the COVID-19 pandemic as carriers gain more experience in supply management and increase cooperation,” it said.

Source: Vietnam News Agency