The simple truth is the best argument

Although acknowledging positive changes in Vietnam , the report failed to provide a just or accurate overview and faced strong public protest, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) said in its commentary on March 15.

Vietnam ’s consistent policy is to respect and ensure human rights, which it considers both the goal of development and the means towards it. The country has, over the recent past, reaped great achievements in ensuring human rights in all fields--from the civil, political, and economic, to the cultural and social aspects—which have earned recognition from the international community.

At the Geneva meeting last May, t he UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group lauded Vietnam ’s outstanding achievements, especially in poverty reduction and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. 

The media in Vietnam has also been fulfilling its vital role in national construction and development, the commentary said, emphasising the State of Vietnam’s facilitation of the growth of the media by building a full legal framework and policies to ensure freedom of speech and freedom of the press. As clear evidence of this, the State of Vietnam has been revising the law on the press and issuing more regulations, in line with the specific conditions pertaining to the culture and history of Vietnamese society and in accordance with international law.

The State of Vietnam is also consistent in its policy of solidarity among all ethnic groups and religions, and the creation of conditions for all people and religions to develop. That is why activities concerning religion and belief in Vietnam have rapidly and strongly developed in recent years.

In saying “The government persisted in placing restrictions on the organised activities of religious groups....”, the report has intentionally ignored a major event by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha early this month. A solemn ceremony was held to welcome a Buddhist from India to Southeast Asia’s largest pagoda, Bai Dinh, in Vietnam with the participation of 15,000 people –evidence of the people’s trust in the sincerity of the Government’s policy on religious freedom.

Clearly, the conclusions of the US Department of State’s Human Rights Report 2009 turn a blind eye to the actual situation in Vietnam , and don’t even represent the thoughts and opinions of all American people.

There are no religious or political prisoners in Vietnam . Those named as activists for human rights and democracy in the report are, in fact, violators of Vietnamese law.

Recent measures taken by the State of Vietnam recently are intended to maintain socio-political stability to ensure development. Those who violate the law threaten the country’s welfare, and are accordingly punished by the law.

The plain, honest truth is, itself, the best argument to counter the point of view of US authorities, the commentary says, noting that Vietnam is always willing to cooperate and hold dialogues with nations and international organisations, including the US, to clarify these issues.

To increase mutual understanding about differences, including those regarding human rights, only dialogue is really useful and appropriate, in the context of new opportunities for cooperation which are opening up in the light of improved Vietnam-US relations.

Book festival opens in HCM City

HCM City (VNA) – The HCM City Book Festival 2010 opened at the Le Van Tam Park in HCM City ’s district 1 on March 15. 

The sixth festival, entitled “Books – Knowledge – Integration and Development”, aims to promote the publishing sector and cultural products. 

The biennial event drew the participation of more than 120 domestic and 30 foreign publishing and distributing businesses that display their books at 471 pavillions. 

The festival also included an exhibition on book titles and more than 100 photos on Thang Long- Hanoi to mark the grand celebrations of the 1,000 th birthday of the capital city.

Gov’t tightens budget spending on properties abroad

Hanoi (VNA)- From April 26, 2010, purchases or construction of offices abroad worth 10 million USD upwards that use State budgets have to get a nod from the Prime Minister, decided a new regulation. 

The Government decree No.23/2010/ND-CP sets qualifications for agencies to buy properties abroad with State budgets, which are limited to State-run agencies or agencies fed by State budgets. 

The beneficiaries include those representative agencies abroad which have not yet owned any office buildings or any kinds of workplaces. 

Also eligible are agencies abroad with their office and living space narrower than 70 percent of standards or their offices and accommodations getting degraded seriously. 

Relevant properties projects abroad worth 10 million USD upwards also need to receive the Prime Minister’s approval in procedures and proceedings of investments and construction.

US magazine launches Vietnam edition

Washington (VNA) - The Cosmopolitan, the world's largest-selling magazine for young women, launched in Vietnam on March 15 with the April 2010 issue.

Cosmopolitan Vietnam will be published in partnership with Vietnamese publisher Sun Flower Media, supported by the Hanoi Media Association. 

The Cosmo parent Hearst Magazines International (HMI) said in its press release. Cosmopolitan Vietnam will initially be distributed in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and will target 20 to 35-year-old working urban females. While its overall theme and spirit will mirror the American flagship, with editorial topics including relationships, fashion, beauty, health and career, the magazine will also include local content unique to the Vietnamese way of life.

HMI President and CEO Duncan Edwards said: "We are pleased to be bringing Cosmopolitan to women in Vietnam . The magazine translates exceptionally well with women around the world and we're confident that Cosmopolitan Vietnam will resonate with these readers as well."

The magazine will initially comprise 180 pages and an initial print run of 20,000 copies, with a cover price of 29.800 VND.

WB helps boost small production in Lam Dong

Lam Dong (VNA) – Farmers in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong will benefit from a 8.5 million USD project funded by the World Bank to help them raise the competitive edge of their small-sized production. 

The provincial authorities on March 15 announced that between 2010-2015, Lam Dong province will develop 15-20 joint establishments in agricultural production between farmers and enterprises and will provide 5,000 farmers with training on new cultivation methods. 

Under the project, 30 percent of farmers are expected to apply clean and safe production model in the future.

Investors consolidate gains

Hanoi (VNA) – Shares on the HCM Stock Exchange once again trod water on March 15, with the VN-Index closing up just 0.07 percent to 531.86 points on fairly brisk trading. 

Market value totalled 2.3 trillion VND (84.3 million USD) on a volume of 55.3 million shares. 

Due to the pressures from profit-taking, Au Viet Securities Co analysts predicted more market corrections before the VN-Index reached the resistance mark of 545 points. But they remained optimistic for market prospects due brisk trading volume. 

The director of Sacombank Securities Co’s research and private equity department, Nguyen Huy Cuong, said that investors this week would be keeping an eye on the expected release of inflation figures for HCM City and Hanoi during the past month. 

A relatively low CPI would solve a lot of problems, creating not only optimism for investors but also stimulating the State Bank of Vietnam to loosen monetary policy, promoting the liquidity of the banking system, Cuong said. 

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index was unable to resist the forces of profit-taking, dropping by a hair to 173.32 points. Daily value remained high, however, at over 1.2 trillion VND (55 million USD), on a volume of 35.85 million shares.

Vietnamese firm builds plant in Laos

Champasak (VNA) - The Viet-Laos Rubber Joint Stock Co has started work on a rubber latex processing plant in Pakse District in the Lao province of Champasak . 

The factory, which has an investment capital of 68 billion VND (3.57 million USD), will be able to produce 15,000 tonnes of rubber a year. 

It is expected to be operational by the end of this year.