Nguyễn Đức Toàn, Deputy Chairman of the Quy Nhơn City People’s Committee in Bình Định Province. — VNS Photo Thu Trang

Why does Quy Nhơn City conduct the sorting trash at its source programme?

As we all know, environmental protection is not only an urgent task in Việt Nam, but also a global trend.

With socio-economic development, waste management and environmental protection are increasingly important. Waste management does not stop at collection and treatment, but also includes measures to reduce, recycle and reuse, in which waste sorting at its source plays a key role.

Quy Nhơn City has developed rapidly in recent years, attracting many investors and tourists. But its development also poses environmental challenges, especially in waste treatment.

Statistics show that the amount of domestic waste in the city is increasing significantly every year, while the waste treatment system is still in the form of a simple landfill — it is not thoroughly treated as required.

Without a suitable solution, this problem will greatly affect the environment, people’s health and the city’s sustainable development.

Therefore, the waste sorting at its source programme is extremely necessary and urgent.

Sorting waste at its source not only helps reduce the amount of landfill waste, but also takes advantage of resources from waste, reduces pollution and saves natural resources.

This is one of the key programmes to protect the environment, raise community awareness and improve residents’ quality of life.

What are some of the activities under the programme?

The programme officially started from the beginning of this month in Nguyễn Văn Cừ and Ngô Mây wards, with the goal of at least 50 per cent of households participating.

Waste will be divided into three main categories.

The first one is solid waste, which can be reused or recycled. This includes paper, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, leather, wood and rubber. People will sort it separately, put in a white bag and tie it tightly for environmental workers to collect.

The second category is hazardous waste, such as batteries, accumulators, light bulbs, chemical bottles and paint. People will bring this type of waste to the nearest collection points according to a published list.

The third type is domestic solid waste, including leftover or expired food, parts of vegetables and fruits that are discarded after preliminary processing, and discarded products from livestock, poultry and seafood, as well as tree leaves, seed shells, sedge mats, animal hair and foam boxes. People can use food waste as a bio-fertiliser for crops if needed, or they can give it to farmers as feed for livestock and poultry. For the remaining waste, people can store it in yellow bags to be collected by environmental workers.

Sanitation workers will collect the sorted waste using handcarts. Different handcarts will take different waste groups.

The waste is then transported in separate specialised vehicles. Vehicles collecting reusable, recyclable waste will take it to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Long Mỹ solid waste treatment area in Phước Mỹ Commune. Vehicles collecting other waste will transport it to the Long Mỹ landfill.

A worker uses handcart to collect waste for classification in Quy Nhơn City. — VNS Photo Thu Trang

How is the sorted waste treated?

Reusable and recyclable waste will be collected by the Bình Định Environment Joint Stock Company and transported to the MRF at the Long Mỹ waste treatment area.

Hazardous waste will be handed over to relevant agencies for treatment.

Remaining domestic solid waste will be collected and treated to be put into a sanitary landfill.

Household waste and reusable and recyclable waste will be collected daily. As for hazardous waste, residents can bring it to collection points that have been announced in the city so that relevant units can handle it according to regulations.

What are measures to ensure the programme’s effectiveness?

In the first week of September, training sessions were held for leaders of the Party Committee, People’s Council, Fatherland Front Committee, Women’s Union, Youth Union, heads of schools and residential groups and directors of hotels and restaurants in Nguyễn Văn Cừ and Ngô Mây wards.

Other training sessions were held in the second and third weeks of September for State employees, medical workers, employees in hotels and restaurants and small traders in markets.

Authorities from Ngô Mây and Nguyễn Văn Cừ wards organised training for every household out of 114 residential groups on September 20.

A number of videos have been broadcast and nearly 9,000 posters of different sizes have been delivered to residents, or put up in public places.

Competitions related to the topic have been organised for women and students of different levels.

Schools will provide education about waste sorting at its source to help students practise the habit of sorting garbage from an early age.

The waste sorting at its source programme is not only an environmental protection solution, but also part of the sustainable development strategy of Quy Nhơn City.

To achieve success, it requires the consensus and cooperation of the whole community, from local authorities and businesses to the people.

On behalf of the programme organiser, I therefore call on all households to proactively learn and participate in the waste sorting process, from putting waste in the right type of bag to supporting the collection work.

Agencies and businesses should also play a key role in promoting the programme, becoming examples for people to learn from and follow.

Associations and community groups act as a bridge between the authorities and the people, guiding the people to actively participate in the programme. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Seven out of 44 children in this kindergarten in Nủ Village in the northern mountainous province of Lào Cai lost their lives due to landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi in Việt Nam in the deadliest incident caused by the storm. — Photo courtesy of UNICEF Việt Nam

One month after Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Việt Nam, leaving in its wake great loss of life and economic damage that could take years to overcome, aid partner UNICEF Việt Nam Representative Silvia Danailov wrote to Việt Nam News about the situation.

As children and families in provinces hit by the typhoon pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, more international support is needed to ensure they can fully recover from the disaster.

During my recent visit to Yên Bái, one of the provinces most affected by Typhoon Yagi in Việt Nam, I met children and their families. Different stories, different circumstances, but all of them sharing the same sorrow; all of them gathering the scattered pieces spared by the typhoon to rebuild their lives.

What were once vibrant homes, bustling with laughter and love, now stand as hollow, lifeless ruins. Thousands of places filled with cherished memories; a child’s first steps, the fragrance of home-cooked meals, the safety and care that only a home can provide.

The remnants of life – tattered clothes, broken toys, soaked photographs – lie scattered among the wreckage. These objects, once held dear, now serve as haunting reminders of a life that no longer exists in the same form.

Typhoon Yagi may have passed, but the grief left in its wake still howls like the winds that brought it. Families, already vulnerable, now face an unimaginable ordeal: how do you rebuild your life when you have lost everything? How do you explain to a child why a parent is gone, why their school has been washed away, why there is no clean water to drink?

The pain is not just in the immediate loss; it is in the uncertainty of the days ahead. The full impact of Typhoon Yagi will be felt for months, maybe years to come. For over five million children, life has irreversibly changed. Their futures are now clouded by the aftermath of this disaster.

Yet, the world did not stand idly by as this catastrophe wrecked lives and futures. Public and private sector partners in Việt Nam and around the world stepped in to support humanitarian efforts, including by providing the Government, UNICEF and the United Nations with the crucial financial support they needed to kick-start its emergency response. We are most grateful for this strong mobilisation and solidarity. Together, we are supporting the Government’s decisive response, providing immediate relief and long-term security and agency for all those affected by the disaster.

However, more attention and resources are needed to ensure children and families pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes, schools and hospitals into something that will stand even worse calamities. They need tangible, immediate support.

Restoring hope amid the ruins

In the face of such devastation, UNICEF is working tirelessly with its government partners to ensure that these children and their families receive the help they so desperately need. The response is swift and multi-faceted, designed not only to address immediate needs but also to lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.

UNICEF-supported teams on the ground have been distributing life-saving supplies for almost a month, such as nutrition products and water and hygiene kits, ensuring that the most basic needs are met in these critical first days.

School and kindergarten supplies are being distributed to flooded and damaged facilities so that children can resume their education without delay. This is vital, not just for their cognitive development but also for restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives.

UNICEF Representative to Việt Nam, Silvia Danailov, speaks with a 13-year-old girl who has been affected by typhoon Yagi in the northern province of Yên Bái. — Photo courtesy of UNICEF Việt Nam

But UNICEF, in line with the Government’s work, goes far beyond meeting basic needs. Child protection services are being mobilised to provide psychological support to children grappling with the trauma of losing their homes, their schools and, in many cases, their loved ones. These children need more than material aid; they need emotional healing.

The long-term recovery effort will focus on rehabilitating water and healthcare facilities, ensuring that the affected communities can rise again. UNICEF will support government partners to ensure that essential services are rebuilt or strengthened to be more resistant to climate shocks, with a child-centred and inclusive approach.

This also means advocating for greater international support and mobilising resources to ensure the children of Việt Nam are not forgotten once the news cycle shifts its focus.

A future filled with hope

Despite the overwhelming loss, there is hope. The emergency response is already making a difference. Children are learning, using their new books, pens and backpacks; while essential water, sanitation, hygiene and health supplies are reaching more communities. Families are beginning to plan for the future, knowing they are not alone in this journey. The storm may have shattered their homes, but it has not broken their spirit.

With continued international support, these families will rebuild stronger, more resilient communities. This is crucial, as Việt Nam is a country that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters; and climate change is only increasing their frequency and intensity.

Typhoon Yagi was powerful, but so is the human spirit, especially when nurtured by care, solidarity and compassion. Together, with ongoing efforts, a brighter, safer future is within reach for the children of Việt Nam. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyễn Minh Tâm. — VNA/VNS Photo

On the occasion of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s participation in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Laos from October 8-10, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Nguyễn Minh Tâm, shared insights on preparations for the summit, its activities during its ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 and Việt Nam’s support and coordination.

Could you describe the atmosphere in Laos and the readiness of the ASEAN Chairman in 2024 for this important summit?

Following the success of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 57) and related meetings held in July, the atmosphere in Vientiane remains vibrant, both in the streets and within government offices. The Lao people, particularly officials and civil servants, are working diligently to ensure meticulous preparations, ready to welcome heads of state and government leaders from ASEAN member countries and partners to the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits from October 8-10.

Recently, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference regarding preparations for these summits. About 20 main events are planned, with the participation of ASEAN leaders, partners and representatives from various international and regional organisations. Specialised subcommittees have thoroughly prepared everything, from the summit content and venue arrangements to accommodation, transportation, visa procedures, security measures, and media coordination.

With the experience of Laos’ previous terms as ASEAN Chair (in 2004 and 2016), its successful organisation of ASEAN events throughout 2024, and strong support from friends and international organisations, I am confident that Laos will host a successful 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. This is an excellent opportunity for Laos to affirm its foreign policy of peace, independence, and cooperation for development with all nations, while further enhancing its multilateral and regional cooperation. By advancing socio-economic cooperation and promoting proactive engagement, Laos strengthens its role and standing in both the region and on the international stage.

How would you assess Laos’ efforts throughout its ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 in achieving its agenda, particularly as ASEAN moves towards realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2025?

Laos assumed the significant responsibility of ASEAN Chair at a pivotal time for community building, as ASEAN works towards realising its Community Vision 2025. I highly commend Laos for its notable achievements in preparing and successfully organising key ASEAN events recently.

The year 2024 has been marked by Laos’ remarkable efforts in fulfilling its Chairmanship duties. Thus far, it has effectively implemented the agenda under the theme “ASEAN: Strengthening Connectivity and Resilience,” particularly through the successful organisation of AMM 57 in July. The Joint Declaration from AMM 57 stands as a major achievement of Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

Despite facing complex and unprecedented global and regional challenges, Laos has shown strong commitment to ASEAN’s collective goals. It has actively fostered unity, reinforced ASEAN’s centrality, and promoted regional cooperation in areas such as economic integration, digital transformation, and climate change.

Additionally, Laos has advanced security and defence cooperation while deepening ASEAN’s partnerships with its dialogue partners. These accomplishments affirm Laos’ role and contribute to ASEAN’s sustainable development, ensuring growth and stability for the region.

Throughout 2024, how has Việt Nam supported Laos in its role as ASEAN Chair, and what is the significance of this cooperation for both bilateral relations and within the broader ASEAN context?

Since Laos assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship at the end of 2023, Việt Nam has consistently demonstrated its solidarity and close cooperation with Laos, both materially and through shared experiences. This commitment is reflected in specific actions: in early 2024, Việt Nam provided Laos with US$1 million to support the organisation of ASEAN-related meetings.

In March 2024, Việt Nam’s Ministry of Public Security gifted Laos 20 cars, 30 patrol motorcycles, and numerous electronic devices to ensure summit security. During a state visit in July, President Tô Lâm presented 20 Vinfast VF9 electric cars to facilitate transport for high-level delegations attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.

Additionally, several Vietnamese ministries have contributed material support and shared expertise to help Laos fulfil its ASEAN Chair responsibilities.

During various high-level meetings, Việt Nam has pledged comprehensive support to Laos, from the organisation of major events to contributions on regional strategic issues. Việt Nam and Laos have closely coordinated to promote the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Beyond diplomacy, Việt Nam has also supported Laos in enhancing economic connectivity, education, and bilateral cooperation projects. This effective partnership contributes to regional stability and sustainable development within ASEAN.

This cooperation not only underscores the deep friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive collaboration between Việt Nam and Laos but also elevates their standing in the international arena. Furthermore, it reinforces ASEAN’s centrality in addressing regional challenges, ensuring unity and sustainable growth across the bloc. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Lao Ambassador to Việt Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh. — VNA/VNS Photo Việt Đức

HÀ NỘI — Playing an important role in implementing ASEAN’s development vision, Việt Nam has made great contributions to policy making and the process of building the ASEAN Community across three pillars of Political-Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community, stated Lao Ambassador to Việt Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s participation in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Vientiane from October 8-11, the Lao diplomat said that Việt Nam is a rapidly growing economy and playing an important role in the region.

The country’s relationships with many countries, especially major ones, have directly contributed to strengthening cooperative relations between ASEAN and partners through the ASEAN cooperation mechanism with partner countries, she said, adding that Việt Nam has firmly maintained the stance of promoting ASEAN’s centrality.

Particularly, Việt Nam’s strong performance in promoting cultural exchanges and its “bamboo diplomacy” has been an important factor for the improvement of awareness and understanding on Việt Nam’s position in the regional and world arenas.

The diplomat expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and with the flexibility and dynamism of leaders of other ASEAN member countries, the grouping will successfully realise the visions and goals set for particular periods.

Regarding the organisation of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, the diplomat said that Laos has chosen the theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” for its ASEAN Chairmanship Year in 2024, which is in line with the country’s policies and goals in the process of transforming Laos from a landlocked country into a regional integration and connectivity centre.

At the same time, it is consistent with ASEAN’s common goal of turning it into an integrated, connected, and self-reliant region that can respond to all challenges effectively and promptly in the context of rapid and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, she said.

Following this theme, Laos has defined nine priorities, with four under the “Enhancing Connectivity” part – integrating and connecting economies; forging an inclusive and sustainable future; transforming for the digital future, and culture and arts; and promoting the role of ASEAN culture and arts for inclusion and sustainability. Under the “Enhancing Resilience” topic, there are five priorities, namely developing strategic plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045; enhancing ASEAN centrality; promoting environmental cooperation: climate change resilience; women and children: promoting the role of women and children towards the systematic transformation; and health: transforming ASEAN health development resilience in a new context.

She said that so far, Laos has gained successes as the ASEAN Chair by hosting about 300 out of the 500 meetings and activities slated for this year. To date, it has been ready in all aspects for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, the ambassador affirmed.

Highlighting the special ties between Laos and Việt Nam, she thanked the Party, State, and people of Việt Nam for providing great support to Laos during its ASEAN Chairmanship in all fields, including contents, finance, equipment, and security.— VNA/VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đỗ Hùng Việt. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Anh

On the occasion of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính leading a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Vientiane, Laos from October 8 to 10, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đỗ Hùng Việt, head of the Việt Nam ASEAN SOM, speaks to the press about the summit.

What is the purpose, meaning and importance of the working trip?

This is the most important series of ASEAN’s high-level activities this year, with participation of ASEAN countries’ leaders, Timor-Leste and 10 ASEAN partners, along with many guests representing international and regional organisations.

With the theme ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’, the leaders’ discussions will focus on strategic issues in ASEAN and the region, promoting dialogue, extensive cooperation and close connections, together seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges.

The trip has particular importance in the increasingly complex international and regional environment. Many challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters and other extreme weather phenomena, are problems that all countries need to work together to find effective solutions.

With a spirit of readiness to contribute and make every effort for common success, the Vietnamese delegation, led by PM Phạm Minh Chính, will attend these summits, conveying many important messages about ASEAN and its future.

Firstly, it’s important to discuss the direction of ASEAN cooperation.

Faced with strong emerging trends, ASEAN has made proactive steps to take advantage of new growth drivers. A number of frameworks are being actively negotiated, such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the ASEAN Power Grid Framework Agreement.

The most important task now is to actively implement them in order to exploit the maximum potential and opportunities that these frameworks will bring.

Cooperation in areas following green, digital and sustainable trends will be a top priority at ASEAN summits between ASEAN and its partners.

Secondly, to discuss shaping ASEAN’s future. This year marks a turning point for ASEAN, completing the master plans for next year and preparing for a new development phase through 2045.

With the rapid, strong and profound movements of the times, ASEAN’s new development strategies are expected to elevate cooperation and connectivity in the region towards creativity and action.

This includes innovation, with new thinking and new ways of doing things, in order to seize opportunities and effectively respond to economic fluctuations.

It also includes creativity, bold breakthroughs and promoting a leading and pioneering role in cooperation in the region.

This also includes action, turning commitments into concrete steps, meeting aspirations and bringing practical benefits to people, businesses and localities.

Thirdly, we must define the role of ASEAN. Taking place two weeks after the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, these summits will affirm and spread the irreplaceable value and importance of multilateralism in the current context.

With the success of the ASEAN Future Forum held in Việt Nam, we have enhanced our role as a bridge, conveying the forum’s recommendations and proposals to the UN Summit of the Future, linking common priorities and concerns in the region with the world.

With major achievements after nearly six decades, ASEAN has the capacity and ability to participate and contribute more deeply and effectively to global issues.

What contributions has Việt Nam made to ASEAN cooperation recently, and how has it supported the Chair country of Laos in preparing for this summit?

After nearly three decades of participating in ASEAN, Việt Nam has upheld its duties as a responsible member with an increasingly respected role and voice.

Adhering to the Party’s foreign policy, we participate in ASEAN in the spirit of being ready to contribute more and be more proactive in unifying work.

We are closely coordinating with and assisting Laos to successfully assume its important responsibility, fostering great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Our participation and contribution to ASEAN in recent times can be summarised in the following words: proactive implementation, substantive participation and sincere contribution.

Firstly, we are effectively working on the key points and priorities proposed by Laos. It can be said that the nine priority areas identified by Laos for this year are very suitable for the current common interests of ASEAN and the region, from building strategies for the future, strengthening ASEAN’s central role and connecting economies, environmental cooperation and culture.

With contacts and exchanges at all levels, our leaders have confirmed their support and successful promotion of the proposed priorities.

In particular, PM Chính’s attendance and speech at the third ASEAN Women Leaders Summit, a landmark event in its chairmanship year, was highly appreciated and respected by other countries.

Secondly, we will work with other countries to complete the 2025 Master Plans and develop Cooperation Strategies through 2045. In this process, we will not only complete the tasks according to our member responsibilities, but also proactively put forward many ideas and proposals for regional cooperation and connectivity.

The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 is a clear demonstration of our contribution, creating an open, inclusive and truly ASEAN-led forum.

In the near future, we will organise a regional consultation to review the ASEAN Community Blueprint 2025 and Vision to 2045, with the hope of looking back, evaluating and drawing lessons and good practices for the next phase.

Thirdly, along with other countries, we will strengthen ASEAN solidarity and unity in the current era of rapid and complex changes.

In the spirit of constructive dialogue and goodwill, we have successfully promoted our role as a bridge to reconcile differences and harmonise interests among countries, building and consolidating ASEAN consensus on many important issues, thereby contributing to the success of all.

This is also the policy and motto of our participation in these ASEAN summits.

We believe that, under the leadership of Laos, the summits will be a great success, continuing to uphold ASEAN’s stature in the region and the world, towards a more connected and self-reliant ASEAN Community. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Professor, Dr Đào Xuân Học, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

Professor, Dr Đào Xuân Học, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development spoke to Vietnamnet online newspaper about storm and flood response, as well as measures to enhance the resilience of disaster-prone areas in the future. 

Typhoon Yagi has caused tremendous casualties and property damage in the north, especially in Quảng Ninh Province and various mountainous localities. What are the priorities for alleviating the storm’s aftermath? 

Addressing the consequences of the typhoon is an urgent issue, and a priority of the Party, state and local authorities. The most pressing concern right now is to arrange resettlement for those who lost their homes in the disaster. 

The following priorities include restoring infrastructure, production and businesses in the affected areas. In addition, after storms and floods, we must pay special attention to disease prevention, as decomposing crops and livestock can lead to various illnesses for humans. 

Reconstruction in affected areas following Typhoon Yagi, such as in Lào Cai Province’s Nủ Village or Quảng Ninh Province, is being carried out with urgency by central and local departments. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính trudged through the mud to Nủ Village to see with his own eyes the devastating destruction, sorrow and losses that local people have suffered. 

The Prime Minister also tasked Lào Cai Province with arranging new residences for Nủ Village people. At the latest, by the end of December 2024, Nủ villagers must have stable housing and living conditions in a safe and healthy environment. 

As for Quảng Ninh Province, immediately after Typhoon Yagi, the local authorities implemented various important policies to care for vulnerable groups as well as people who lost their homes and boats in the storm, in addition to infrastructure restoration. 

For business and production recovery, Quảng Ninh’s leadership has also proposed that banks reduce interest rates to alleviate the burden on local businesses. 

Temporary resettlements are built for Nủ villagers who survived the tragic flood that killed 60 of its population of 760. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu

What are the focuses on reducing and adapting to disaster risks based on the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi and the increasingly volatile weather conditions? 

These are long-term and fundamental issues in minimising damage caused by storms and floods. The first thing is to raise public awareness about disaster response, and this is about community-based disaster management. It is crucial that each village, neighbourhood and hamlet understand what types of natural disasters occur in their area and their hidden dangers. 

For example, coastal areas often experience whirlwinds during storms, therefore, houses need to be reinforced and people should refrain from going outside during this time. Meanwhile, storms cause flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas, fallen trees in urban areas, and waterlogging in lowlands.  

By understanding the characteristics of each type of disaster, people in each area will know how to respond, such as stockpiling food sufficient for a few days ahead of a storm. For areas at risk of flash floods, villagers should assign people to keep watch during rainy days. Early detection, even by a few dozen minutes, can be enough for evacuation. 

Ma Seo Chứ, the head of Kho Vàng Village (in Bắc Hà District, Lào Cai Province), upon discovering a 20cm-wide rift on the nearby hill convinced 115 villagers to evacuate to safety. This story is a prime example of placing the community at the core of storm response and management. It is also a lesson for policymakers to study and draw experiences from in storm and flood prevention and control. 

In addition, schools must educate students on how to detect weather abnormalities. When people understand the harshness of climate, they can be prepared to respond to disaster.  

The flash flood that swept away Nủ Village (Lào Cai Province) left devastating consequences, with 57 people dead and 10 others remaining missing. What are the sustainable measures to minimise storm-induced damage in the mountainous areas? 

Such flash floods occur when rivers and streams are obstructed, coupled with dense primary forests and underground lakes in the mountains. Prolonged downpours lead to unstable soil structure, which then easily collapses and causes flash floods and mudslides. I have participated in various flood relief efforts and witnessed numerous heartbreaking situations when lives were scattered in the mud – it was truly horrifying. 

In fact, for the past 20 years, we have put in place programmes to relocate people in landslide-prone areas to safer locations. However, some villages have existed there for 300-400 years, which makes relocation difficult. People in mountainous areas tend to reside near water sources, and these are locations at high risk of flash floods during storms.

Therefore, the optimal approach, as I said, is to raise people’s awareness and enhance their vigilance during the rainy season. They must also build sturdier homes to ensure safety during these months. 

In regard to state governance, we must strengthen our infrastructure to ensure safety for the people. In fact, we have already built flood and storm-resistant houses in the coastal areas. 

Additionally, regarding relocation, we must work to adapt people’s livelihoods to each area’s weather conditions. Only by doing so can we reduce economic losses when natural disasters occur. 

A neighbourhood in Hà Nội’s suburban Mỹ Đức District remains flooded due to the effected of Typhoon Yagi in this photo dated September 28, 2024. — VNA/VNS Photo Trần Việt

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, many areas in Hà Nội and the Red River Delta were submerged, forcing numerous households to evacuate and causing significant property damage. Should we change the ‘river-oriented’ development approach? 

There are many perspectives on this issue. The old saying “nhất thủy nhì hỏa” (water is the most dangerous, followed by fire) has warned of the unpredictability of natural disasters. In my opinion, people living in the way of flood drainage must be relocated to ensure safety. Outside of these routes, constructions are allowed, but with appropriate designs.  

It should be noted that many other countries, such as the Netherlands, consider excessive rainfall and flooding to be normal occurrences. Therefore, they constructed ultra-durable dikes. People are allowed to build homes in flood drainage areas, but they must not obstruct the water flow. In fact, the Yangtze River (China) is much more ferocious than the Red River, but people are allowed to live along the dike, and a major city like Wuhan has even developed.  

Utilising the Red River’s alluvial land and “bãi giữa” (middle island) is necessary, but careful calculations must be made to ensure safety during rainy and flood season. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Associate Professor Dr. Trần Lê Nam from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering under the University College Dublin (UCD). — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The successes in education and science and technology cooperation between Việt Nam and Ireland have been serving as a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations in other areas where both countries have significant potential, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and innovation, according to a scholar.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency in Europe ahead of the upcoming state visit to Ireland by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm, Associate Professor Dr. Trần Lê Nam from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering under the University College Dublin (UCD) further said although Việt Nam set up its diplomatic relations with Ireland in 1996, relatively late compared to other European countries, the two nations have achieved significant accomplishments in the fields of education, training, and science-technology.

Each year, the Irish government offers 30 full scholarships for Vietnamese students to learn at top universities in the European country. With the collaboration of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ireland also provides several postgraduate scholarships to Việt Nam as part of a national poverty reduction programme. Since 2015, the bilateral education exchange programme has facilitated partnerships between 15 Vietnamese and eight Irish universities across various fields, stated Nam.

According to the expert, bilateral cooperation in science and technology has also achieved remarkable successes. In 2010, the Irish Aid programme supported the establishment of the Ireland-Vietnam Initiative for Blood-borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), which is based on collaboration between the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Việt Nam and the UCD.

Việt Nam and Ireland recently prioritised cooperation in areas such as agricultural economics, food safety and nutrition, environmental issues, climate change response, and innovation through joint projects funded by the Irish government. The Irish Research Council and the Irish Aid have supported projects on addressing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and related health issues in HCM City.

With education and training cooperation as a focal point of the Vietnamese top leader’s visit to Ireland, Nam expressed his belief that upgrading bilateral relations in this sphere will open up broader opportunities for bilateral collaboration, helping the two countries enhance the quality of education, research, and human resources development.

This move will also facilitate closer collaboration between universities and research institutes in both countries on high-tech research projects, he said, adding that research projects in renewable energy, climate change, and pharmaceuticals can get priority, allowing Vietnamese research institutes to learn from and access Ireland’s advanced technologies. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến. VNA/VNS Photos

The European Commission (EC) inspection team will visit Việt Nam for the fifth time in October this year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến spoke with Vietnam News Agency about the immediate tasks that need to be carried out to ensure the best outcome from the EC inspection, with the aim of lifting the ‘yellow card’ warning related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Could you provide an update on how Việt Nam has improved since the previous EC inspections?

Compared to the four previous inspections, Việt Nam has made relatively positive progress.

Regarding the legal framework, the country already has the 2017 Fisheries Law and relevant decrees and circulars have been fully issued.

Notably, the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have recently revised two decrees and corresponding circulars to comprehensively manage the fishing fleet.

In addition, the export documentation for seafood to the EU now largely meets the requirements for both domestically caught and imported products. Electronic traceability has been implemented at over 70 fishing ports.

The handling of law violations has been more stringent, with relevant agencies and local authorities prosecuting and trying 11 criminal cases. These actions have reinforced the law and served as a deterrent to those who continue to violate regulations, including sending workers to fish in foreign waters.

In recent years, the Party and the State have strengthened their directive efforts on this issue. Following Document No 81-CV/TW issued on March 20, 2020 on enhancing leadership and guidance for the effective prevention of IUU fishing, the Party Secretariat issued Directive No 32-CT/TW on April 10, 2024 regarding strengthening the Party’s leadership in combating IUU fishing and promoting sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

Additionally, the Government passed Resolution No 52/NQ-CP on April 22, 2024 to implement the action programme and plan in response to Directive No 32-CT/TW. The Supreme People’s Court also issued Resolution 04/2024/NQ-HĐTP, which provides guidelines on applying certain provisions of the Penal Code related to the prosecution of illegal fishing, trading and transportation of seafood.

Since October 23, 2017, 13 conferences chaired by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, along with 11 official documents, directives and communications, have shown that over the past seven years, the Party, Government, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister – head of the national IUU steering committee – have been very resolute in addressing this issue. Thus, effective implementation remains the key to lifting the IUU ‘yellow card’.

However, certain issues persist in Việt Nam’s fisheries sector despite the EC’s recommendations. These include the management and monitoring of fishing vessels and administrative enforcement, which have yet to achieve the desired results.

What role should local authorities play in this critical period?

During the four previous inspections by the EC, they confirmed that at the central level, the legal framework has been established and meets the requirements to lift the card. However, the challenge lies in the implementation and the lack of strong commitment from local Party committees and local leaders.

Documents such as No 81-CV/TW and Directive No 32-CT/TW analyse both the achievements and shortcomings, identifying the causes and solutions. The Government’s Resolution No 52/NQ-CP also clearly outlines the tasks that need to be addressed.

All fishing vessels in the south central province of Bình Thuận are equipped with VMS (vessel monitoring system) devices.

Recently, the Prime Minister held a meeting with the Party secretaries and chairpersons of the People’s Committees from 28 coastal provinces and cities, issuing firm directives and emphasising the responsibility of local leaders. The involvement of local authorities from now until the EC’s fifth inspection is crucial and will be decisive in removing the ‘yellow card’.

What plans does the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have to support local authorities in combating IUU fishing?

The ministry has conducted numerous working groups, with some fishing ports being inspected up to five times. Each inspection involves reviewing the fishing logs in detail and identifying areas where improvements are needed, but the implementation has been limited.

Since the issuance of Directive No 32-CT/TW, each inspection group has included the participation of the provincial Party Standing Committees and after each visit, official reports have been sent to the Standing Committee, the Party secretary and the provincial leaders for follow-up action.

When announcing Resolution No 04/2024/NQ-HĐTP, Supreme People’s Court Chief Justice (now Deputy Prime Minister) Nguyễn Hòa Bình emphasised that the resolution was not aimed at fishermen, but at those who violate the law and deliberately involve fishermen in illegal fishing in foreign waters.

Communication and education, combined with administrative enforcement, will be essential for implementing Directive No 32-CT/TW. Alongside directing state management and law enforcement agencies, Việt Nam must continue raising awareness among fishermen, helping them understand that as the country integrates into the global economy and exports products to nearly 180 countries and territories, so it must comply with the principles and regulations set by the markets.

This is not just a requirement of the EU but also of countries like Japan and the United States. – VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Dr Nguyễn Tuấn Lâm, technical officer for the Tobacco Free Initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo

Dr Nguyễn Tuấn Lâm, technical officer for the Tobacco Free Initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Việt Nam, speaks to the press on recommendations for tobacco tax increases in an effort to reduce the dangers of smoking.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is receiving feedback on the draft amendment to the Law on Special Consumption Tax, which plans to keep cigarette tax at 75 per cent of the ex-factory price and gradually increase the absolute tax during the 2026-2030 term under two proposed options. What is your assessment of this proposal?

The WHO gives high regard to the two options for tobacco tax increases by 2030 as proposed by the Ministry of Finance.

According to Option 1, the absolute tax will increase to VNĐ2,000 (8 US cents) per cigarette pack by 2026. From 2027 to 2030, this tax will rise by an additional VNĐ2,000 per pack each year. By 2030, the absolute tax will be VNĐ10,000 ($0.4) per pack.

In Option 2, the absolute tobacco tax will increase to VNĐ5,000 (20 US cents) per cigarette pack, then increase by VNĐ1,000 each year thereafter. By 2030, the absolute tax will be VNĐ10,000 per pack.

In the second option, the initial absolute tax is VNĐ5,000 per pack compared to VNĐ2,000 per pack in the first option. WHO considers Option 2 to be more effective in quickly reducing the smoking rate when it starts being applied in 2026.

Overall, by 2030, WHO estimates that the MoF’s proposals will help reduce the number of smokers by 2.5 million people. This is because without intervention measures through tax, the smoking rate will rise and there will be an additional 2.5 million new smokers.

I believe that the MoF’s proposal on tobacco tax is sufficient to prevent an increase in the number of smokers, although the smoking rate should decrease according to WHO estimates.

Based on the model that we have developed in collaboration with the MoF and the Ministry of Health (MoH), this proposal should reduce the smoking rate among the male population to 37.5 per cent, nearly achieving the national target.

However, WHO still recommends a stricter option, which is to increase the special consumption tax to VNĐ5,000 per pack initially, then to VNĐ15,000 ($0.6) per pack of 20 cigarettes by 2030, in addition to the current tax rate of 75 per cent of the ex-factory price. This will help achieve the national target of reducing the smoking rate among the male population to below 36 per cent by 2030.

Without intervention measures through tax, the smoking rate will rise with an additional 2.5 million new smokers by 2030. — AFP/VNA Photo

What is WHO’s assessment on tobacco tax increases to reduce the number of smokers?

WHO’s proposal to increase the tobacco tax will help reduce the smoking rate among Việt Nam’s male population to about 35.8 per cent is a relative target, which is expected to help reduce the number of smokers by about 3.2 million.

However, without impactful measures, the number of smokers will increase by 2.5 million people by 2030. WHO’s proposal holds great significance not only in reducing smoking and related illnesses and fatalities, but also in the public’s health.

Increasing the tobacco taxes has another benefit, which is additional tax revenue for the government. We estimate that tobacco tax increases will equal about VNĐ30 trillion ($1.2 billion) each year by 2030, and will be a considerable source of tax revenue.

Both the tobacco tax increase proposals of the MoF and the WHO have positive impacts on protecting the public’s health protection and increasing the government’s revenue.

Some say that such a high tobacco tax will raise concerns about tobacco smuggling. What is your opinion on this?

Việt Nam’s current tobacco tax is very low. Compared to the retail price, Việt Nam’s tobacco tax is about 38 per cent, and between 36 to 38 per cent is a very low level compared to the global average (about 60 per cent compared to that of developing countries and 62 per cent of the global average). The WHO recommends that the tax on tobacco products should be about 75 per cent of the retail price; therefore, Việt Nam’s tobacco tax rate is currently extremely low.

With the MoF’s tax increase proposal, this rate is expected to increase and the retail price will go up by about 59 per cent, and WHO’s recommendation is estimated to increase the tax to about 65 per cent of the retail price, meaning it would be relatively similar to WHO’s best-case recommendation. Such a hike might be high for Việt Nam, but compared to the world, it is not.

Our estimates also show that the MoF’s proposal will only keep the number of smokers from rising. Therefore, it is a relatively good plan, but the WHO’s recommendation will better help lower the number of smokers.

Regarding the smuggling issue, tobacco companies often argue that increasing taxes will worsen the situation, but this is not true for Việt Nam. Việt Nam is maintaining a relatively high import tax [for tobacco products] at 135 per cent, which is necessary.

Recent reports show that the smuggling of tobacco products has eased, dropping to 13 per cent in 2017 from 20 per cent in 2010. This is a good trend, and I hope that the authorities will strengthen inspection to lower this figure even more.

Since 2009, both of Việt Nam’s tobacco tax increases remained very low. Therefore, tobacco is extremely affordable when income and other prices increase. Specifically, from 2010 to 2022, the per capita income rose by more than 300 per cent – threefold – while the tobacco price increased by only over 50 per cent. It is not good and not right that consumers can easily purchase such a harmful product like tobacco at such a low price and such accessibility.

Authorities prepare to destroy smuggled cigarettes in southern Tây Ninh Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

Statistics show that about 40,000 Vietnamese die from tobacco-related diseases every year, has this figure increased?

The figure of 40,000 tobacco-related deaths each year that we are seeing is actually a very outdated estimate (since 2006). The current estimate stands at about 70,000 to 80,000. However, we are still working on this research and will announce our findings once the study is completed.

As for tobacco-related deaths, we see that each person who dies early, when they are the breadwinner of their family, leads to grave consequences due to the loss of income for the family themselves and the society as a whole. Tobacco can cause cardiovascular disease, cancer or respiratory disease among people of working age, resulting in loss of workability or premature deaths, which affect family finances. Notably, when one person is hospitalised, many people in the family have to take on the role of caregivers, which is more costly.

I believe that the damage caused by tobacco is unnecessary, as all tobacco-induced premature deaths and losses are avoidable. When we apply impactful policies to reduce the number of smokers, we will reduce the number of people suffering from diseases and premature death. We truly hope that in the near future, the higher tobacco tax increases will lower the number of smokers, patients and premature fatalities. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass. — VNS Photo Lê Hương

Could you brief me about the aid package that Switzerland’s government will send to Việt Nam soon to ease the consequences caused by Typhoon Yagi?

Please allow me first to just express my condolences and really my deep compassion of Switzerland, of our government and of our people for what you have been experiencing, what Việt Nam has been experiencing here.

We really feel the hurt, but we also feel the courage that you have and the resilience for rebuilding.

And at this moment, Switzerland wants to stand shoulder-by-shoulder with you to respond to your needs and help you to rebuild your lives and your communities.

You know, I was here when the storm hit and we saw the rain and the wind, how it just broke the trees and it reminded us of some of the natural disasters we had in Switzerland this same summer.

Over the last six months, we have seen mudslides. We have seen our houses and villages completely flooded.

We have also had losses of life in the Swiss mountains, where in the summer we had really terrible floods and rains.

And so when I saw what happened here, it reminded us that this is something that we also experienced and that we all can experience, especially in these mountainous countries.

So the Swiss government decided to allocate one million Swiss francs, that’s about US$1.2 million, to support the Vietnamese Government in its efforts to rebuild these communities and to come to help the vulnerable people. The most vulnerable people.

There will also be already some non-food items, so some tents, for example, family tents, 300 family tents.

There’s going to be hygiene kits, cooking sets for families, I think about 800 cooking sets and then two big water distribution systems that can bring water to 10,000 people.

So there’s a big shipment on its way already, and they will arrive in the early morning on September 16.

Will you send some experts here to help Vietnamese authorities? Could you tell me about them?

The experts are hydrologists and people who have expertise in securing very mountainous and very dangerous terrain.

And how can you rebuild the villages, and how can you secure them against landslides? How can you protect your population? How can you put the shelter, the temporary, but then also the long-term shelter?

So for the population to be safe, especially in this moment when things are not so stable yet.

Have you heard about any Swiss citizens stuck in flooded areas?

Actually, we have not and I’m actually not so surprised because the Government has been extremely efficient in bringing to safety all the tourists that were, for example, in Hạ Long Bay in Cát Bà, but also in the mountainous areas in Lào Cai.

As a Swiss Ambassador, I really want to express my gratitude to the Government of Việt Nam for what it has done to put tourists and foreigners into safe places.

And I know that many, many Vietnamese were also evacuated, so we have not had any casualties.

What do you think about Việt Nam’s capabilities to prevent natural disasters and overcome the consequences of superstorms?

So definitely there was a strong readiness.

And as I said, I mean, you cannot (be completely ready), nature is very powerful and so you cannot completely prevent the impacts of such disasters.

But I really believe that Việt Nam has been outstanding in the way that it has taken the population out of harm’s way to the extent possible.

Now, as I explained, in Switzerland, we have a lot of experience with natural disasters in the mountains, it’s just too powerful when you have landslides and rivers coming out of their banks and running through villages. There’s not much we can do to prevent that.

So hopefully now with these experts that are here, we can perhaps look at the short and medium term together with the Vietnamese Government to see whether something can be done also to further improve the disaster readiness. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News