Speaking at the opening ceremony, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Jean-Hubert Lebet, President of the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations and Institutes, praised the initiative to organise the festival on the occasion of the International Francophone Day (March 20).

The festival offered an opportunity for the Francophone community in Hanoi , especially students, to share their interest in the language and cultures of French-speaking countries, he said.

It also helped increase the popularity of the French language in order to make it not only the language of culture but also the language of science, trade, economics and law, he added.

During the event, held at the Hanoi University , students visited camps and showrooms of embassies of French-speaking countries, including Canada , Switzerland , Belgium and France . They also had a chance to join interesting games such as hockey, a traditional sports in Canada , and a contest on France as well as enjoy famous cheese from Switzerland .

The 14 th French Singing Contest for the northern region was also held during the festival, drawing the participation of 16 units with 26 solo and duet items./.

 


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First patriarch of Vietnam Buddhism commemorated

 

Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee (VBSCC) hosted a solemn ceremony in Hanoi on Mar. 17 to commemorate the 1,000 th death anniversary of Imperial Councillor Khuong Viet, the first supreme patriarch of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Present at the event were religious dignitaries, leaders of several ministries, agencies and Hanoi , and a large number of Buddhist monks and followers, who devoted a minute in remembrance of the deceased in the recent powerful earthquake and devastating tsunami in Japan .

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Permanent Vice President of the VBSCC’s Executive Council, said the ceremony was an occasion to recall the history and tradition of defensing the nation and guarding the people of Vietnamese Buddhism.

The dignitary expressed deep gratefulness for the care of the Party, State and Fatherland and the sympathy sharing of the people, which he said are great encouragement to the Buddhist Sangha on the path of serving Buddhist dharma and the nation.

Over the past 2,000 years, Buddhist monks, nuns and followers throughout the country have always been active and trusted members of the great national solidarity bloc, contributing to building a strong and prosperous country.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Ha Van Nui said the event was of profound significance and a chance for everybody to express respect and gratefulness to the Imperial Councillor’s great contributions to the nation as well as the development of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice President and Secretary General of the VBSCC’s Executive Council, said Imperial Councillor Khuong Viet, real name Ngo Chan Luu, was born in 930 and once managed the Khai Quoc (now Tran Quoc) pagoda.

When he was 40 years old, Khuong Viet was invited to the royal palace by King Dinh Tien Hoang to discuss Buddhist and national affairs. He was appointed by the King as the supreme patriarch (the top position) of Vietnamese Buddhism and the Great Tutor a year later. Khuong Viet was then promoted to the rank of Imperial Councillor by King Le Dai Hanh.

The ceremony was followed with an incense offering ritual to pray for peace of the nation and people, and a requiem for the dead during the quake and its consequent tsunami in Japan .

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu also extended the sympathy and deep condolences to the Royal Family, Government and people of Japan over huge losses of humans and property during the recent quake and tsunami.

The participants and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha also raised 50 million VND to support the disaster-affected Japanese people./.

 


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Japanese PM: nuclear issue to be resolved soon

 

Tokyo (VNA) – Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on March 18 nuclear problems in the country will be resolved soon while calling on all the nation to stay calm and unite in rebuilding the country.

Speaking at a national televised press conference one week after the powerful earthquake and tsunami disaster, Kan affirmed that the current situation is a great test for the Japanese people. Therefore, this is the time for all the people to unite and work hard to recover the country, he stressed.

While admitting that the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant remains serious and uncertain, the Prime Minister vowed that he would do everything in his power to overcome the earthquake and nuclear crisis.

The Japanese government has publicised announce all information on problems at the Fukushima nuclear power plant No. 1, Kan said, adding that he will inspect the situation in the country’s northeast area on March 21.

Meanwhile, Japanese officials on March 19 said that radiation was detected in spinach and milks from farms near the tsunami-crippled nuclear complex but the level was not enough to pose health risks.

However, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano insisted the products pose no immediate health risks.

On the same day, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked Ibaraki Prefecture and surrounding areas. However, the earthquake did not cause any damage for nuclear power plants in the prefecture.

An experts group of Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology say the radioactive cloud in Japan is expected to move seaward in the southeastern direction, that means not likely to affect Vietnam.

The ministry has been working with relevant ministries and agencies to get ready to cope with any effects from the nuclear crisis in Japan .

A document on how to respond to a nuclear emergency compiled by the Japan Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has been translated into Vietnamese and posted on the website of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety at www.varans.vn ./.

 


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First Vietnam int’l choir festival wraps up

 

Quang Nam (VNA) – The first Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition (VICC1) ended in the central province of Quang Nam on March 19.

The championship went to the choir from the Diponenegoro University of Indonesia.

Six first prizes were presented to the choirs of the Central University of Art Education of Vietnam and the Diponenegoro University of Indonesia, and the Plaisir Ensemble choir of Hong Kong ( China ), the Coro San Benildo and llocos Norte National High School-Samiweng Singers choirs of the Philippines .

The four-day event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Quang Nam provincial People’s Committee and the Germany-based Interkultur organisation.

It drew 30 choirs with nearly 1,000 artists from 11 countries and territories, including Germany, Hong Kong (China), Estonia, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Spain, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the host Vietnam./.

 

20/03/2011



Hanoi sees 30 self-nominated candidates for 13th NA

 


Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi Election Council has received dossiers of 71 candidates, including 30 self-nominated ones, for seats at the 13 th National Assembly.

Those dossiers have all been complied in line with regulations, Secretary of the Municipal election council Le Quoc Cuong said on March 19.

On the day, Hanoi organised a training seminar on preparations for the elections to the 13 th National Assembly and the People’s Committee at all levels in the 2011-2016 term./.

 



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VN concerned about latest military moves in Libya

 


Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is deeply concerned about escalating tensions and newly-emerging military actions targeting Libya , a spokesperson for the Vietnamese foreign ministry said.

These moves will generate implications to the Libyan people’s life, as well as to peace and stability in the region, spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga said on March 20 on Vietnam ’s reactions to the latest developments in Libya .

“Vietnam calls on concerned parties to keep refrain, quickly put an end to military activities, and actively step up dialogues to seek peaceful solutions that conform the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international laws and respect independence and sovereignty of all nations,” Nga said./.

 



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Global Village 2011 takes place in Vietnam

 


HCM City (VNA) – The cultural exchange festival Global Village 2011 took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 20.

The event, the first of its kind in the city, drew the participation of almost 300 Vietnamese students from the universities in Ho Chi Minh City and more than 250 outstanding students from 20 countries and territories across the Asia – Pacific region, including Japan , the Republic of Korea , the United States , Australia and Singapore .


The festival, annually hosted by AIESEC, the world’s largest student driven organization included activities of cultural exchange and artistic performances such as traditional costumes, cultural games and traditional dances.
The event brought Vietnamese students opportunities to make friend with international students and further expand friendly relations all over the world./.

 



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More Vietnamese in Japan move to safe places

 


Tokyo (VNA) – Up to Mar. 20, many more Vietnamese have been moved out of dangerous areas after the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan .

A Vietnamese student in Morioka city, Iwate prefecture, informed that after the mission of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan visited the city to help evacuate Vietnamese citizens, there were more than 30 Vietnamese students and pupils decided to stay in the city.

However, worrying about the risk of radioactive leaking from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in the nearby Fukushima prefecture or families’ urging, many others moved to safer places after means of public transport resumed operations.

According to the Vietnam Youth and Students’ Association in Japan , most of Vietnamese students in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures moved to other places or returned to Vietnam .

At present, the association is exerting efforts to find information relating to two students studying in Sendai city, Miyagi prefecture, whose families has had no contacts.

Meanwhile, almost of 84 Vietnamese people, who received help from three missions of the Vietnamese Embassy to evacuate from Miyagi and Iwate and Fukushima prefectures are temporarily residing in Tokyo, nearby prefectures or Osaka city. Some of them flied home. Five of 13 trainees sheltering in Nissin Kutsu pagoda in Tokyo downtown, are expected to fly home on Mar. 21 while the rest will return to factory for work.

Also on Mar. 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Phu Binh and some officials of the embassy visited the Nissin Kutsu pagoda to thank the shrine’s head monk Yoshimizu Daiichi and Tam Tri nun and Buddhist followers for helping Vietnamese people during those days.

The Ambassador conveyed Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s thanks to Yoshimizu Daiichi.

Yoshimizu Daiichi pledged to continue care for Vietnamese citizens, who are facing difficulties in Japan .

Tam Tri nun informed that on Mar. 21, Yoshimizu Daiichi will leave for Vietnam to attend a requiem ceremony for Japanese victims of the earthquake and tsunami and pray for peace for survivors of the disasters, which will be held in An Quang pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City on Mar. 27./.

 



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Libya attacked, 48 people killed

 


Hanoi (VNA) – At least 48 people were killed and 150 others wounded following a joint air strike launched by the United States , France and Britain on March 19.

According to the Libyan state media, Western warplanes had on Saturday night bombed civilian targets in Tripoli and also hit fuel tanks feeding the city of Misrata , east of Tripoli .

The strike took place immediately after an urgent high-level meeting of 22 leaders from the US , the European Union and the Arab League in Paris , France , on March 19.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said the UN Security Council must take responsibility for halting those provocative actions against his country.

International public were concerned about the military intervention actions in Libya .

The African Union on March 20 called for an “immediate” end to all attacks on Libya .

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Mar. 19 that Russia regrets the military intervention by foreign forces in Libya .

Also on March 19, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that Western military action against Libya aims to seize the country’s oil.

The International Red Cross on Mar. 19 urged all parties in Libya to respect international humanitarian law during hostilities./.

 



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Businesses called to be tough in labour safety

 


Quang Ngai (VNA) – Employees and employers nationwide are called to strictly adhere to labour safety regulations for the sake of their families’ happiness and their businesses’ sustainable development.

The appeal was launched by the Steering Committee for the National Week on Labour Safety and Sanitation and Fire Prevention and Combat on March 20 at the Dung Quat Economic Zone in the central province of Quang Ngai .

According to Deputy Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Bui Hong Linh, 5,125 labour accidents took place nationwide in 2010, claiming the lives of 601 people, causing serious injuries to 1,260 others and economic loss worth 137.5 billion VND.

Serious labour accidents were reported mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Long An, the central province of Quang Binh, the northern province of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong port city and Hanoi.

Employers failing to provide safety equipment, apply required labour safety procedures and train their employees on labour safety requirements held responsible for 24 percent of those accidents, said Linh.

He also pointed that workers held responsible for over 38 percent of the accidents due to violations of labour safety measures and procedure.

In 2010, environmental tests, such as dust and microclimate levels, light, and noise, were conducted at 29,100 production establishments across the country, an increase of 10 percent over 2009, finding out nearly 27,000 people contracted with occupational diseases, according to the official.

Regarding fires and explosions, Linh reported that there were 2,260 fires and explosions, including 388 forest fires in 2010, a rise of 14.9 percent over 2009. These incidents killed 84 people, injured 246 others, and caused the loss of 618.3 billion VND in property and 2,543 ha of forests.

To implement the national programme on labour safety and sanitation and fire prevention in 2011 and towards 2015, deputy minister Linh asked ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses to diversify communication drives to raise both employers and employees’ awareness on labour safety and sanitation.

These drives should focus on private, and small and medium-sized businesses as well as on the sectors with a high potential of risks, including construction, mining, chemical and electricity./.

 



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Vietnam attends balloon festival in Malaysia

 


Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Vietnam has for the first time participated in the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which took place in Malaysia from March 17-20.

The Vietnamese team brought five balloons carrying posters to call for votes for Ha Long Bay as one of the world’s seven wonders, to the event, which is the third of its kind so far.

The festival saw a total of 27 balloons of the US , Japan , Belgium , Switzerland , Netherlands , New Zealand , France , Germany , the UK , India , Thailand , Malaysia , Vietnam and Dubai ( United Arab Emirates ).

According to the Organising Board, the event attracted 300,000 domestic and foreign spectators./.

 

BUSINESS

Dung Quat refinery’s products granted ISO certificate

 


Quang Ngai (VNA) – Norway-based DNV, a leading international provider of risk management services, has granted ISO 9001-:2008 certificates to eight petroleum and gas products made by Dung Quat Oil Refinery.

The products include oil liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propylene, Mogas 90, Mogas 92 and Mogas 95 petrol, Jet A1 aviation fuel, kerosene and diesel oil, said Nguyen Hoai Giang, Director General of Binh Son Oil Refinery Ltd. Co, which is running Dung Quat Oil Refinery.

The country’s first refinery has also been granted OHSAS 18001:2001 certificate for occupational health and safety management and ISO 14001:2004 certificate for environmental management by DNV. /.

 



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Hanoi sees 2.41 percent increase in CPI

 


Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi’s consumer price index (CPI) in March is estimated to increase by 2.41 percent over last month and 13.56 percent compared to the same period last year, the Hanoi Statistics Office (HSO) said.
This is the sharpest rise of Hanoi ’s CPI since February 2010 when the figure stood at 2.61 percent.
All 11 product categories registered price increases with five of them rising over 1 percent. The biggest price hikes in the month were seen in transportation services with 7.41 percent, following by housing, electricity, water, fuel and building materials with 3.19 percent, food and restaurant services with 2.79 percent.
Other categories including cultural products, entertainment and tourism; telecoms; education; health care; home appliances; footwear and garment saw slight price increase ranging from 0.02 to 0.86 percent over last month.
According to economic analysts, the rise in the month’s CPI was expected as electricity and fuel price hikes pushed up the prices of essential products by an estimated 0.43 percent. The high CPI this month will create pressure on the country’s economy as well as the target of curbing the annual inflation rate at 7 percent.
Also during the month, gold price increased 5.27 percent against last month while the US dollar price was up by 3.11 percent month-on-month./.

 



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Vietnam, Thailand step up cooperation in ICT

 


Bangkok (VNA) – Representatives from 30 Vietnamese and Thai businesses operating in the information and communications technology (ICT) explored cooperation opportunities at a recent meeting at Thailand Software Park in the Thai capital city of Bangkok .

During the meeting, themed “Business networking and matching session: Potentials and Cooperation Opportunities”, businesses exchanged information and experiences in the ICT sector and set up ties.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Duc Thang to Thailand said Vietnam ’s ICT sector has gained remarkable achievements, recording a turnover of 6.17 billion USD in 2009, an increase of 18.14 percent over last year, of which hardware accounted for over 4.62 billion USD.

According to Pirasan Punyagupta from the Thailand Software Export Promotion Association, with the establishment of cross-border partnership, cooperation between the two sides would prosper in the future.

Currently, Thailand’s CT Asia and Wealth Management System Ltd., are operating in Vietnam, providing software solutions, he said./.

 



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Vietnam, Cambodia boost agricultural cooperation

 


Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Cambodia will jointly implement some 20 cooperative projects in agricultural science and technology, quarantine, forestry and seafood with a total investment of nearly 365 billion VND (over 17 million USD) between now and 2020.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said it will work with the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood on the signing of a government-level agreement on growing 300,000 ha of rubber and industrial trees in Cambodia .

The two sides will strengthen cooperation in plant protection and veterinary as well as discuss measures to prevent the spreading of epidemics through borders.

They plan to sign cooperative agreements on the exchange of information and data on seafood, aquaculture development and research activities.

Vietnam and Cambodia will attach importance to sustainable forest management, the control of the trading of timber, forest products and wild animals as well as scientific and technological cooperation in forest development.

The two sides will speed up investment and trade activities in seafood processing and cattle-feed production.

In addition, Vietnam will also assist Cambodia in a 50 billion VND aquatic breeding development project and a 200 billion VND project to build a seafood research institute in Kampot province.

The two sides will also cooperate in developing safe vegetable production in border provinces./.