Vietnamese in Belgium welcome Lunar New Year

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Manh Dung highlighted Vietnam’s encouraging achievements over the past years including a 5.32 percent GDP growth in 2009 despite the global financial crisis and becoming one of the leading economies in East Asia enjoying positive growths. 

The Vietnam visit by the Belgian Foreign Minister just after he took office marked 2009 a special year for the Vietnam-Belgium relationship, Dung said, adding that the visit strengthened bilateral cooperation, especially as Vietnam chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Belgium assumes EU Presidency in 2010. 

On behalf of the Belgian guests, Parliamentarian Georges Pire, Vice Chairman of the Liege province’s Council, applauded the fine relations between the countries in culture, science, education and health. 

He said he wished overseas Vietnamese in Belgium a happy and prosperous new year. 

Enjoying the excitement of the New Year, overseas Vietnamese had a chance to eat traditional dishes. All the money collected from the spring festival will be used to buy health insurance cards for poor people in Vietnam.

Activities mark Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic ties

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) hosted a banquet on January 28 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. 

DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Myong San and Vice Chairman of the DPRK Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Jon Young Jin were among the guests at the party. 

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Cu said that the establishment of Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic ties on January 31, 1950 opened a new chapter in the history of the friendship and cooperation between the two nations, proving great encouragement for national independence in each country. 

He stressed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and cooperation with the DPRK as well as supports the legitimate aspirations of and enduring efforts by the DPRK Party, Government and people to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsular with efforts towards national reunification. 

DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun said that the friendship and cooperation fostered by late President Kim Dae-jung and Ho Chi Minh have grown during the fight for national independence and socialism in each country. 

He added that the historical meeting between Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and the DPRK leader, Kim Jong-il, in 2007 helped elevate the bilateral ties to a new level of development. 

The minister also affirmed that the DPRK will do its utmost to further ties with Vietnam in all aspects, particularly politics, economics and culture. 

On January 26, the DPRK Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and the DPRK-Vietnam Friendship Association held a film screening and photo exhibition in Pyongyang to celebrate the event. 

Also the same day, DPRK Foreign Deputy Minister Pak Gil Yon gave a reception for the Vietnamese Embassy staff on this occasion.

French organisation raises funds for AO victims

Paris (VNA) – The Orange Fleurs D’Espoir organised a music performance programme in the French city of Choisy le Roi on Jan. 30 raising funds for Vietnamese Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims. 

Local audiences enjoyed music performed by musician Ho Quang Hai, and singers Claude Vinh San and Marc Behin featuring the land of Vietnam and its sufferings during the war. 

Established in March 2008, Orange Fleurs D’Espoir has actively participated in activities designed to support Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims. 

The association plans to hold a wide range of activities in the near future to raise funds and collect medical equipment and toys, and send French experts and trainees to Vietnam to provide treatment and care for the child victims. 

It will also host concerts, exhibitions and seminars on AO/dioxin and translate documents on the harmful effects of the toxic chemical into English, French and Vietnamese.

Party’s founding day marked in Russia, Algeria

Hanoi (VNA) – The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Committee and the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia jointly held a ceremony to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the CPV (Feb. 3) in Moscow on January 31. 

In his opening speech, Secretary of the Party Committee in Russia Dang Huu Trung reviewed the CPV’s 80-year glorious history from the successful 1945 August Revolution to the construction of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now renamed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

He stressed that the CPV, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, has always been in the forefront of the struggles for national independence and freedom. It has really been the vanguard of the working class, the people and the nation, he said. 

According to Trung, the Party Committee in Russia, a part of the CPV organisational system abroad, has made efforts in overcoming difficulties and fulfilling political tasks, and helping strengthen the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Russia. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Dinh Dinh highlighted the strengthened traditional friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, reflected by the regular exchange of high-ranking visits and the increasing two-way trade turnover. 

In 2009, two-way trade between the two countries exceeded 1.7 billion USD, up four percent over the previous year. 

The ambassador informed that Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and State President Nguyen Minh Triet will pay official visits to Russia while President Dmitry Medvedev plans to visit Vietnam this year. 

On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria held a meeting to mark the CPV’s 80th founding anniversary.

Vietnam hosts third round of 2010 Kiteboard Tour Asia

Binh Thuan (VNA) – The third round of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) wrapped up at Mui Ne beach in the southern province of Binh Thuan on Jan. 31. 

The first and second rounds of the tour were held in China and Hong Kong . 
Mui Ne beach witnessed tough competition among 70 outstanding professional and amateur athletes from 19 countries around the world, including China, Russia, the US, and Vietnam. 

KTA executive director Neil Godbold said Vietnam was selected for the first time to host Kiteboard Tour Asia at Mui Ne beach for its beautiful beach, good weather and large number of sports lovers. 

In the women’s 5000m course racing event, Nuvia Gomes of Spain won first place, followed by Katarin Bogwardt of Germany and Ally of Australia. In the men’s event, first place went to Jo Narapichit of Thailand, while David Gomes of Spain and Lai Hoang Phi of Vietnam finished second and third respectively. 

In the women’s performance event, Katarin Bogwardt of Germany claimed the victory, followed by Nuvia Gomes of Spain and Julia of Vietnam. In the men’s event, Jo Narapichit of Thailand took his second victory, while two Vietnamese athletes, Nguyen Ngoc Kin and Lai Hoang Phi, won second and third place. 
The next round of the tour will take place in the Philippines at the end of February, and the finals will be held in Thailand.

Largest war game kicks off in Thailand

Hanoi (VNA)- Cobra Gold war game, the largest annual military training exercise in the Pacific region launched by the United States, began in Rayong province of Thailand on February 1. 

The 11-days event will see soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and the Republic of Korea, take part in exercises focusing on joint peacekeeping operations, humanitarian missions and disaster response. 

"The US continues to view this exercise as an important symbol of US military commitment to maintaining peace and security in Asia,” said Ambassador Eric G. John at the opening ceremony, 

He welcomed the first time participation of the Republic of Korea in the event in its 29th year.

Vietnam hosts third round of 2010 Kiteboard Tour Asia

Binh Thuan (VNA) – The third round of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) wrapped up at Mui Ne beach in the southern province of Binh Thuan on Jan. 31. 

The first and second rounds of the tour were held in China and Hong Kong . 
Mui Ne beach witnessed tough competition among 70 outstanding professional and amateur athletes from 19 countries around the world, including China, Russia, the US, and Vietnam. 

KTA executive director Neil Godbold said Vietnam was selected for the first time to host Kiteboard Tour Asia at Mui Ne beach for its beautiful beach, good weather and large number of sports lovers. 

In the women’s 5000m course racing event, Nuvia Gomes of Spain won first place, followed by Katarin Bogwardt of Germany and Ally of Australia. In the men’s event, first place went to Jo Narapichit of Thailand, while David Gomes of Spain and Lai Hoang Phi of Vietnam finished second and third respectively. 

In the women’s performance event, Katarin Bogwardt of Germany claimed the victory, followed by Nuvia Gomes of Spain and Julia of Vietnam. In the men’s event, Jo Narapichit of Thailand took his second victory, while two Vietnamese athletes, Nguyen Ngoc Kin and Lai Hoang Phi, won second and third place. 
The next round of the tour will take place in the Philippines at the end of February, and the finals will be held in Thailand.

Largest war game kicks off in Thailand

Hanoi (VNA)- Cobra Gold war game, the largest annual military training exercise in the Pacific region launched by the United States, began in Rayong province of Thailand on February 1. 

The 11-days event will see soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen from Thailand , Japan , Indonesia , Singapore and the Republic of Korea , take part in exercises focusing on joint peacekeeping operations, humanitarian messionsand disaster response. 

"The US continues to view this exercise as an important symbol of US military commitment to maintaining peace and security in Asia,” said Ambassador Eric G. John at the opening ceremony, 

He welcomed the first time participation of the Republic of Korea in the event in its 29th year.

Vietnam hosts third round of 2010 Kiteboard Tour Asia

Binh Thuan (VNA) – The third round of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) wrapped up at Mui Ne beach in the southern province of Binh Thuan on Jan. 31. 

The first and second rounds of the tour were held in China and Hong Kong . 
Mui Ne beach witnessed tough competition among 70 outstanding professional and amateur athletes from 19 countries around the world, including China, Russia, the US, and Vietnam. 

KTA executive director Neil Godbold said Vietnam was selected for the first time to host Kiteboard Tour Asia at Mui Ne beach for its beautiful beach, good weather and large number of sports lovers. 

In the women’s 5000m course racing event, Nuvia Gomes of Spain won first place, followed by Katarin Bogwardt of Germany and Ally of Australia. In the men’s event, first place went to Jo Narapichit of Thailand, while David Gomes of Spain and Lai Hoang Phi of Vietnam finished second and third respectively. 

In the women’s performance event, Katarin Bogwardt of Germany claimed the victory, followed by Nuvia Gomes of Spain and Julia of Vietnam. In the men’s event, Jo Narapichit of Thailand took his second victory, while two Vietnamese athletes, Nguyen Ngoc Kin and Lai Hoang Phi, won second and third place. 
The next round of the tour will take place in the Philippines at the end of February, and the finals will be held in Thailand.

Communist Party of Vietnam celebrates 80th anniversary

Hanoi (VNA)- General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and other senior officials of the Communist Party of Vietnam received a number of best-wishing delegations on February 1 on the Party’s 80th anniversary. 

Guests came from Government agencies, political and social organisations, State-owned economic groups and local authorities, bringing along baskets of flowers and annual reports highlighting achievements recorded in 2009 to present to the Party leadership. 

They expressed pride for the Party and beloved President Ho Chi Minh. They also praised the Party’s sound leadership in national defence and construction, emphasising it is a decisive factor that brings the nation from one victory to another in the revolutionary cause. 

Also expressed at the event was optimism of the country’s future under the Party’s leadership and pledged to join hands in bringing the country to overcome difficulties and challenges. 

“We pledge to stand by the Party to achieve the goal of Socialist construction and defence and speed up the national industrialisation and modernisation,” said the delegates. 

In reply, Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh said the Vietnamese revolutionary success reflected the high determination, dynamism and renovation of the entire political system and people of all classes under the CPV leadership. 

“The Party, State and people recognised contributions of primary importance from the Government agencies, political and social organisations and local-level administrations to the nation’s common cause,” said the Party leader. 

He concluded by pledging to improve the Party’s leadership and battle power in an effort to fulfil the historic task of “prosperous people, mighty nation and equal, democratic and civilised society”.

First Vietnamese named master photographer

Hanoi (VNA) – A set of 20 photos highlighting environmental issues has earned Hoang Quoc Tuan the title of master photographer from the Federation of International Artistic Photography (FIAP).

Tuan said a desire to awaken people to take action for a better future environment, which has been seriously degraded by humans, inspired him to make the set of photos that earned him his new title. 

His photo collection - “Su tran tro ve moi truong” (Concern of the Environment), which he conceived over a period of nine years, depicts Mother Nature and its stages of evolution by photographing a square tray and a mixture of water paints and colour pastels.

Tuan’s masterly handling of water paints and pastels have made his photos lively and astonishingly dynamic in featuring his chosen theme, creating a strong sense of movement through still photography. 

“I brainstorm when taking photos. I do not want to simply take pictures of whatever I see,” Tuan said, sharing that he has travelled to many places in the country, from which experience he has found ways to “condense the vastness of the world and turn it into its essence”.

Formerly a teacher before immersing himself into photography, Tuan, 52, has been involved in the field for almost 30 years and has received around 200 awards from local and international competitions. 

On being bestowed with the title in late November, 2009, Tuan became the first M.FIAP holder in Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia.

Two Koreas resume talks on industrial complex

Seoul (VNA) – Officials from the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) held talks on Feb. 1 at the Kaesong industrial complex to discuss ways to improve operations at the complex.

The Kaesong industrial complex is considered to be an outstanding symbol of cooperation between the two Koreas since the historic inter-Korean meeting between leaders of the two countries in June 2000. 

At present, some 110 RoK firms at the complex are employing about 42,000 DPRK workers.

The previous talks from Jan. 19-21 between the two sides wrapped up without making progress, as the DPRK wanted the working agenda to give top priority to rises in wages for its workers while the RoK insisted that talks should first focus on facilitating entry for RoK engineers and housing facilities for workers.

“I assume the DPRK understands that today's talks concern the issues of 
housing as well as commuting, communications and customs,” chief of the RoK delegate Kim Young-Tak was quoted as saying before departure. “We will persuade the DPRK to understand that a mood favourable to discussing wages will be naturally created,” he said.

Overseas Vietnamese get updated on law revisions

HCM City (VNA) – As many as 500 overseas Vietnamese who are living, working and doing business in Ho Chi Minh City were updated on changes in the Citizenship and Housing Laws at talks held in the city on Jan. 31.

Representatives from the Construction Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and the HCM City Natural Resources and Environment Department were present at the event to help overseas Vietnamese gain a thorough understanding of new revisions to these laws.

As many participating overseas Vietnamese shared that they met with various difficulties when going through each stage of legal paperwork, 
Dr. Nguyen Thai Phuc, Chief of the Justice Ministry’s HCM City Representative Office, admitted that the enforcement of these laws has been varied among localities due to differences in understanding and application among local law enforcement agencies.

He said his ministry and other relevant agencies are responsible for training local law enforcement officials to enable them to fully comprehend these laws and enforce them legally. He also pledged to punish those officials who have deliberately made troubles for overseas Vietnamese.

A number of lawyers who were invited to provide direct consultancy at the talks brought up the reality that many of their overseas Vietnamese clients have not had access to sufficient information and have encountered difficulties because of different applications of the laws.

They, however, affirmed that “it is easy to apply current policies and legal procedures as they are understandable and simple.” 

The talks, organised by the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese – HCM City (ALOV), was coupled with a Tet get-together.

The HCM City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese estimated that a record number of 500,000 overseas Vietnamese will return home for this year’s traditional Tet festival via the city’s Tan Son Nhat airport.

Peace at the end of the road

Hanoi (VNA) -- Tran Thi Tuyet Nga first arrived in Cu Chi in 1961 when the area was peaceful and plentiful. When she went back 10 years later, Cu Chi was a desolate battlefield during the American War, where nothing could survive above ground. Nga lived in a tunnel, fought and witnessed thousands of comrades sacrifice their lives. 

Her memories of those times inspired her. She had a dream to build something wonderful there and in 1991 the first bricks were transported to Bo Cap (Scorpion) pier, Phu Binh hamlet, An Phu commune, Cu Chi district. 

It has taken 18 years of hard work, determination and sacrifice and nearly 100 billion VND (around 7 million USD) for Nga and her partners to convert the swampy, crater-filled battleground into the attractive "A Glance of Viet Nam" tourism park. 

Covering 22.5ha, the park contains 53 houses, 8km of road and 2.3km of irrigation canal. The designers had to use 700,000cu.m of fill and 4,000 cajuput piles to reclaim it from the swamp. Nga’s vision was to make a place that celebrated everything that Viet Nam had to offer. 

The temple for country is the most exciting place. The mortar used to build the altar contains soil and water taken from famous landmarks of Viet Nam, including the country’s most northern part of Lung Cu Mountain in Ha Giang; Dien Bien Phu where the army was victorious against the French; Co Loa ancient citadel – the legendary capital of ancient Viet Nam; and Truong Son National Cemetery, where 10,000 War martyrs are laid to rest. 

"The temple for country is the place where we pray for a strong and wealthy Viet Nam," Nga, chairwoman of the park, said. 

Outside the temple, three ironwood piles from the Bach Dang River in the northern port city of Hai Phong are on display. 

They were used by General Ngo Quyen to defeat the Chinese navy’s invasion in 938. 

An exhibition has displays of artifacts from the Dinh, Le, Ly and Tran dynasties, and various wars over the past several thousand years. 

There is a 55m long map of Viet Nam with surrounds designed like a Vietnamese bronze drum. 

One of the park’s great achievements is the selection of traditional houses from different parts of the country – a typical northern house, a traditional southern residence, a mud house from the central province of Binh Dinh, a ruong wooden dwelling from Hue, a rong long house from the central highlands, and a long house of the E De ethnic people. 

All houses here were made of local materials using workers from the area. 

"We want everything to be as real as possible. I hope the collection will be meaningful for visitors," Nga said. 

The park is also set up like a craft village featuring craftspeople doing rattan and silk weaving, wood carving, aquaculture rice cultivation, ornamental planting, embroidery and conical hat making. The craftspeople have been brought from their villages and are happy to talk about how they do it. "I’ve lived and worked here for eight years. My job is much more stable than if I worked outside," wood craftsman Nguyen Thanh Trung said. 

The park also has a collection of 500 different types of trees, including 50 kinds of bamboo. 

"Viet Nam is the home of bamboo and we aim to make more products from it," Nga added. 

Restaurants serve food from the three regions. 

Recently the park has included music and dance performances by young Thai ethnic women from the northern province of Yen Bai. 

A traditional playground lets children see the games their ancestors played when they were kids. 

"The park is good for families to discover their culture and history," Nguyen Van My, director of Lua Viet Tour company, said. 

"We would like to do something for the land. It is a way for us to promote our culture in a unique way," Nga said. 

The tourism park is 60km from downtown HCM City. — VNS

Vietnam’s e-government ranking rises to 90 out of 192

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s e-government ranking, a measure of the capacity and application of information technologies in the public sector, rose one place to 90 out of 192 countries surveyed, according to a report by the United Nations.

The report, titled “E-government Leverage in Time of Financial Crisis”, is conducted every two years. 

In the latest report, the Republic of Korea ranked first followed by the US, Canada and England.

HCM City earmarks 31 mln USD for health projects

HCM City (VNA) – The HCM City People’s Committee would spend 600 million VND (31.58 million USD) on more than 100 health projects this year, Huynh Van Biet, deputy director of the city Department of Health, told a conference last week.

The city’s Tumour and Cancer Hospital will receive 37 billion VND and Tu Du Hospital, 27 billion VND. 

His boss, Nguyen Van Chau, said the health sector spent only 80 percent of its allotted fund last year.

French photographer captures peaceful life

HCM City (VNA) - Two decades after she first visited the country, Isabelle Aragon has not had her fill of Vietnam . 

She has traveled the length and breadth of the country since her maiden visit in 1989, and closing the way, recorded striking images of its landscape and its people. 

A collection of black and white as well as colour photographs by the French herbalist and photographer showcases what it is about the country that captures her imagination. 

The Vietnam-Travelling Diary exhibition features well-known landscapes as well as remote areas of the northwestern province of Lao Cai , and portraits of local people. The 42 photographs were chosen from several thousands that she has taken over the last 20 years. 

“I want to introduce Vietnam – a beautiful and peaceful country – its people, culture and lifestyle to the world through my photographs,” Isabelle said. 

“I love capturing elderly people and children who live in remote areas. Through their faces and smiles, you can see a peaceful life.” 

Isabelle, who began dabbling in photography when was just 12 years old, insists she is an amateur. But she modern techniques and computers to store her photographic images. 

She had organised three well received exhibitions featuring Vietnam and its people in Paris . 

Isabelle first visited Vietnam in 1989 and though one day she would live here. She made that move 17 years later, settling down in HCM City and working for the Institute de Development Vietnam Pacifique as a herbalist. 

Last year, her first photo exhibition at the IDECAF (The Institute of Cultural Exchange with France) featuring 45 colour photographs made a good impression on both Vietnamese and foreign viewers. 

Some described her work as a documentary on Vietnamese people living in different regions of the country. 

Vietnam-Travelling Diary will remain open at the Lotus Gallery, 67 Pasteur Street , district 1 until February 5.

Nation’s best farmers honoured

Hanoi (VNA) – Ten most outstanding farmers in the country were presented the “2009 Farming Genie” prize at a ceremony in Hanoi on Jan. 31.

The awardees representing over 50 million farmers nationwide have production models that bring high economic values.

They include Do Quy Hao from southern Kien Giang province, who was successful with sweet potatoes; Nguyen Van Moi from southern Ninh Thuan province with grapes; Lam Thanh Tran from the Moc Chau Milch Cow Breeding Company in northern Son La province; and Vo Dai Nghia from central Quang Binh province with husbandry and forest plantation in sand hills.

The “Farming Genie” prize was jointly held by the Vietnam Farmers’ Association, the Vietnam Television’s News Department, the Rural Nowadays newspaper and the Viet News Agency Joint Stock Company.

Vietnam’s V-League champions defeated by Thai team

Da Nang (VNA) – Vietnam’s V-League champions SHB Da Nang lost 3 - 0 to visiting Thai League champions Muang Thong United in a play-off match to enter the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League. 

The match took place at Chi Lang stadium in the central city of Da Nang on January 31. 

The visiting team’s midfielder Panupong Wongsa and strikers Kouakou Yao Christian and Teerathep Winnothai each scored a goal on the 32 nd , 45 th and 78 th minutes. 

SHB Da Nang was reduced to nine men as Tran Van Hoc and Rogerio Machado Pereira were given red cards on the 60 th and 88 th minutes.

Hanoi calls for more contributions from young people

Hanoi (VNA) – Leaders of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Hanoi held a meeting on Jan. 31 with 1,000 delegates representing tens of thousands of young party members in the capital city.

The event was part of activities to celebrate the 80 th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and 1,000 th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Addressing the meeting, Pham Quang Nghi, Secretary of Hanoi’s Communist Party, praised the capital’s youngsters, including the 1,000 most prominent party members, for their achievements and contributions to the construction of the capital and the party.

Nghi urged the participants to contribute more to the city, especially at this point in time when it is preparing for the great festival to mark its 1,000 th birthday.

The Hanoi ’s HCM Communist Youth Union took the occasion to present certificates of merit to 80 most excellent young party members who have made outstanding achievements in study and research.

Hanoi to open Spring fairs for Tet holiday

Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi ’s Spring Fair will be held from Feb. 2-12 at the Vietnam Exhibition and Fair Centre to satisfy the consumption needs of city dwellers as the Lunar New Year festival is approaching.

According to the organising committee, there will be 900 stalls of 600 domestic and foreign businesses in the fair, providing basic necessities such as apparel and clothing, footwear, beverages, cookies and jams, furniture, household commodities, decorative plants and food specialties from different localities.

The fair is expected to be a great event for trade promotions and also for preservation of cultural values of Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole.

Art performances and festivals will be organised during the event. 

From Feb. 4-7, Hanoi will also host a national Spring newspapers festival with the participation of 66 media agencies. 

An online newspaper, at http://congluan.vn , will be launched during the festival. It is expected to be a useful information channel disseminating all news, domestic and international alike, to viewers and protecting the rights of its members and journalists in general.

Earthquake jolts southwest China

Beijing (VNA) – A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit the China’s Sichuan province, killing at least one person, injuring 11 others and collapsing more than 100 houses on Jan.31 

Its epicentre located near Suining City, about 140km from Chengdu city to the east. This area is not prone to earthquake and has recorded only three minor quakes measuring 2.0 on the richter scale over the past 20 years, the local authorities said. 
Currently, seismologists are still not sure if the quake on Jan.31 was an aftershock of the 8.0 magnitude quake in Sichuan on May 12, 2008, which left about 87,000 people dead or missing, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.

Exhibition affirming sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly held

Quang Ngai (VNA) - An exhibition on Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos entitled “Quang Ngai – Hoang Sa, Truong Sa: History of Vietnam’s sovereignty over sea and islands” was opened by the Quang Ngai’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 29. 

The exhibition is showcasing more than 100 photos, maps, objects, documents and documentary films representing sea and islands of Quang Ngai province; Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos; a naval fleet that was assigned to protect Vietnam ’s sovereignty over sea and archipelagos on the East sea. 

The documentations, which contribute to affirming the country’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, come from various sources at home and abroad. They include notes dated to the Nguyen dynasty and studies on culture and history by scholars and researchers. 

The exhibition will last until February 12.

BUSINESS

Hong Kong, a potential market for Vietnamese exporters

Da Nang (VNA) – Businesses in the central city of Da Nang are encouraged to explore the market for fine arts and handicraft products in Hong Kong as the global demands is increasing in the sector. 

Tina Phan, Director Indochina of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) gave the suggestion at a conference in Da Nang on February 1, focusing on exports through Hong Kong, which is considered an international trade centre. 

At the meeting, jointly held by the Da Nang Trade Promotion Centre and the HK TDC, Tina Phan introduced Hong Kong’s convenient geographical location and its seaport and aviation capacities while underlining its low-cost duty system and open investment policies. 

Therefore, Hong Kong remains not only an ideal partner for businesses that seek a potential consuming market but also a transition channel for Vietnamese exporters, she said.

Economy bounces back, but faces challenges

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s economy has recovered, but still faced numerous challenges and difficulties requiring greater efforts to deal with, such as a big trade deficit, high inflation and low budget collection, said a government official. 

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung delivered the remarks while chairing the government’s regular meeting, which convened in Hanoi on Feb. 1. 

Hung asked all ministries, sectors, cities and provinces to work out their own plans with specific measures removing obstacles hindering production and business activities and boosting exports combined with controlling imports to reduce trade deficit. 

The deputy PM also requested the relevant bodies to ensure the sufficient and timely supply of essential and quality goods for the people at reasonable prices, especially ensuring food safety and hygiene in preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival (Tet). 

“Each locality must have responsibility for caring for the lives of the people, both materially and spiritually, particularly beneficiaries of social welfare policies and the poor, and not leaving them suffer hunger during the between –crop period,” he said. 

Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc reported that in January all sectors and industries recorded high growth rates compared with the same period last year. 

The industrial sector posted the highest growth as its production value rose by 28.4 percent year on year, of which the non-state enterprises saw a 31.1 percent increase. 

In January, Vietnam welcomed 416,000 foreign tourists, up 10.6 percent against December 2009 and up 20.4 percent from the same period a year ago. 

The total number of new telephone subscription reached 4.86 million during the month, a year on year rise of 145.3 percent, of which 4.3 million were mobile phone subscription. 

According to the report, as many as 5,800 businesses were set up in January, a 25 percent rise year on year. Foreign-invested enterprises disbursed a total of 400 million USD, a 33.3 percent climb from the same period in 2009, while the country’s export turnover surged at 28.1 percent year on year to reach 4.9 billion USD. 

Besides the achievements, Phuc also pointed out outstanding issues faced by the country’s economy, including a high rise in the consumer price index (CPI), at 1.36 percent, and a trade deficit of 1.3 billion USD, equivalent to 26.5 percent of the total export revenues. 

To address these shortcomings, the government urged relevant ministries and agencies to complete and allocate state budget estimates and capital sourced from government bonds to the targeted units. 

Stepping up industrial development, especially the production of goods to replace imported ones, and supporting agro-forestry-fishery production are also major tasks for the next months.

Positive future for exports in 2010

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam revealed an export growth rate of 28.1 percent in January compared to a year ago due to the recovery of the global economy causing high export price, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 

Among the export staples, machineries and equipment generated the highest growth, bringing in 210 million USD, up 139 percent compared to the same period last year. 

It was followed by electric wire and cable, earning 100 million USD and up 107.6 percent, rice at 165 million USD increasing at 50.6 percent and wood and wooden products topping 270 million USD rising 37 percent. 

To achieve the set target of 60 billion USD in export value this year, a year-on-year increase of 7 percent, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will increase exports of garment and textile, footwear, woodwork and electronic components with expectation that these sectors will post high export value and growth rate.

Together with increasing the effectiveness of trade promotion programmes in key markets in Asia, Europe and North America, the Trade Promotion Department will also expand markets in Middle East, Latin America and Africa. 

The department will continue to work for the US to grant generalised system of preferences (GSP) to Vietnam , and call on EU countries to abolish anti-dumping tax on the country’s leather-capped shoes exporting to the EU.

Positive future for exports in 2010

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam revealed an export growth rate of 28.1 percent in January compared to a year ago due to the recovery of the global economy causing high export price, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 

Among the export staples, machineries and equipment generated the highest growth, bringing in 210 million USD, up 139 percent compared to the same period last year. 

It was followed by electric wire and cable, earning 100 million USD and up 107.6 percent, rice at 165 million USD increasing at 50.6 percent and wood and wooden products topping 270 million USD rising 37 percent. 

To achieve the set target of 60 billion USD in export value this year, a year-on-year increase of 7 percent, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will increase exports of garment and textile, footwear, woodwork and electronic components with expectation that these sectors will post high export value and growth rate.

Together with increasing the effectiveness of trade promotion programmes in key markets in Asia, Europe and North America, the Trade Promotion Department will also expand markets in Middle East, Latin America and Africa. 

The department will continue to work for the US to grant generalised system of preferences (GSP) to Vietnam , and call on EU countries to abolish anti-dumping tax on the country’s leather-capped shoes exporting to the EU.

Industrial production increases in January

Hanoi (VNA) – The industrial production value increased by 28.4 percent in January to 62.79 trillion VND as a result of the country’s economic recovery, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Bui Xuan Khu.

The non-state economic sector maintained the highest growth rate of 31.1 percent. It was followed by the foreign-invested sector with a rise of 29.1 percent and the state-owned sector with 23.1 percent.

Electricity, coal, fuel and clothing experienced a sharp rise in production, Deputy Minister Khu added.

He noted Da Nang city, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Binh Duong and Quang Ninh lead in terms of growth rate of industrial production value among localities. They posted growth rate ranging between 46.6 and 92.7 percent. 

According to the Deputy Minister, economic stability stirred investment in construction causing an increase in construction materials. Cement value rose 91.5 percent and steel up 61.5 percent.

The apparel industry also encountered advantages in January with more contracts for exports and domestic consumption.

To maintain the growth rate in February, the Ministry urged businesses to rearrange production and renew methods of management and promote production of materials for export and supporting items.

Tet consumer goods fair opens in HCM City

HCM City (VNA) – Almost 300 local and foreign companies are showcasing their products at the Tet Consumer Goods Fair that opened in Tan Binh district, HCM City , on Feb. 1. 

On display at the week-long fair include garments, footwear, processed foodstuff, beverage, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, jewellery, electronic and electric products, and household utensils. 

Workshops on Vietnamese people use locally-made goods and meetings between local and foreign businesses and between enterprises and consumers will be held during the fair. 

The fair, which is held on the occasion of traditional Lunar New Year (Tet), will include outdoor music performances and promotional programmes.

E-customs procedures to be applied for exports

Hanoi (VNA) – The customs sector plans to apply e-customs procedures on 60 percent of export activities this year.

The Vietnam General Administration of Customs (VGAC) will apply e-customs in three steps. 

At the first step, the information and technology and data centre will automatically receive the information. Customs offices will check detailed e-customs producers at the second steps and finally, exports will be check directly.

The plan is expected to reduce time in customs procedures for both the customs sector and export enterprises, according to the VGAC.

HCM City rakes in over 1.3 bln USD from exports in January

HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest commercial hub, grossed over 1.3 billion USD from exports in January, up 8.8 percent from a year ago. 

Of the amount, the state-owned economic sector contributed 53.1 percent (up 7.2 percent); the private sector, 20.6 percent (up 13.1 percent) and the foreign-invested sector, 26.2 percent (up 8.6 percent). 

The city-based businesses in the month exported 150,000 tonnes of rice, earning 63.3 million USD (up 42.1 percent). In addition, in spite of challenges in the export market, the city grossed 24.3 million USD from aquatic exports, up 6.1 percent. 

Economic experts said garment and footwear businesses in the city have secured export contracts since late last year thanks to the world’s economic recovery. However, these businesses are suffering a shortage of workers, especially skilled workers. 

Last month, the city’s businesses spent over 1.1 billion USD on imports, up 21.8 percent over the same period last year. Among imports, milk products registered the highest growth with 86.3 percent, followed by steel with 36.4 percent, pharmaceutical products with 33.7 percent and garment materials, 13.2 percent. 

The city is taking measures to encourage the production of export-oriented items and expand its export market.

Handicrafts eye post-crisis opportunities

HCM City (VNA) – The Handicrafts and Wood Industry Association of HCM City will help its members capitalise on post-crisis opportunities to boost exports and expand their domestic market, its chairman has said.

Speaking at a meeting held last week to review the association’s performance last year, Nguyen Chien Thang, said the association had played an important role in the last several years by acting as a bridge between the Government and businesses, communicating the Government’s policies to enterprises and conveying the latter’s demands.

It had held professional training courses, trade promotions and seminars to help members strengthen their competitiveness and expand their markets, the meeting heard.

“Its up-to-date website has gradually become a key source of information for businesses,” Nguyen Thanh Phong, Hawa general secretary, said.

This year, it would organise more seminars, fairs, training courses and trade promotion programmes to support its members, Thang said.

It would also continue to gather opinion to provide the Government inputs for effective policy-making, he added.

Tran Quoc Manh, Hawa deputy chairman, said four to five exhibitions on wooden products would be held this year, offering members the opportunity to introduce their handicrafts and wooden products to the market and seek partners.

The association would also cooperate with relevant agencies to organise trade promotions and foreign market-research trips, he said.

“If our trade promotion programmes are methodical and long-term, our products will surely become more popular around the world.”

There had been a recovery in recent months with the situation expected to become brighter, he added. Nguyen Quoc Khanh, another deputy chairman of the association and chairman of AA Corporation, advised companies that hope to expand domestic sales to invest more in developing professional design staff and researching into consumers’ demands and tastes.

Wooden exports were worth 2.55 billion USD last year, 8.9 percent down from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Timber imports were worth 888 million USD, down 19.1 percent. 

Hawa, which was established in 1991, has 325 members.

Intel to assist Da Nang with information tech applications

Da Nang (VNA) – US-based Intel Corporation will support the central city of Da Nang in the development of open-source information technology applications, according to Navin Shenoy, general director for Intel in the Asia-Pacific region.

Navin made the announcement while meeting with the Da Nang People’s Committee vice chairman Phung Tan Viet last week.

Viet proposed the corporation could help the city to develop computer applications for its administrative management activities and expand wireless coverage throughout the city.

He also suggested that Intel should consider investing in the Da Nang Information Technology Industrial Park.

Slight gain ends sluggish week

Hanoi (VNA) – Busier trading on Jan. 26 on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange helped the VN-Index pull off an overall gain of 0.92 percent on an otherwise sluggish week, closing on Friday at 481.96 points. 


On the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index rose by an even more substantial 1.96 percent on the week, to a Friday close of 160.35. 

The State Bank of Vietnam ’s announcement on Jan. 26 that it would keep the prime rate unchanged through February helped calm investor worries about reignited inflation. 

Despite the rallying indices, trading volumes remained poor, at a daily average of less than 25.8 million shares on the southern bourse, worth a daily average of just over 1 trillion VND (57.3 million USD), a decline of 26.7 percent from the previous week. 

In Hanoi , meanwhile, the average daily value of trades dropped 20.8 percent from the previous week to 530 billion VND (28.6 million USD), averaging a volume of 16.72 million shares.