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

BTS’s Suga has been fined for driving an electric scooter while drunk. He previously apologised twice over the August incident. AFP/VNA Photo

SEOUL Suga of K-pop boy band BTS was fined 15 million won (US$11,468) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol.

Judge Lee Yoo-seop of the Seoul Western District Court has imposed the fine on Friday in a summary judgement –- a legal decision made by a judge without a full trial, usually applied to cases deemed relatively minor allowing for a quicker resolution. The amount is identical to the penalty previously requested by prosecutors.

Suga has the right to request a formal trial within seven days of the court’s decision if he disagrees with the ruling.

Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was caught by police on August 6 at around 11.15 p.m. while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. His blood alcohol concentration was at 0.227 per cent, far exceeding the 0.08 threshold for license revocation.

Seventeen days after the incident, the singer appeared at Yongsan Police Station and underwent a three-hour interrogation and confessed to the crime. Police later sent the case to the Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office without detention.

He is currently serving as a social service agent since September 2023, an alternative form of the mandatory military service in Korea.

On Aug. 25, Suga issued a handwritten apology in Korean to BTS’ members and fans over the incident via the Weverse platform. “I feel deeply sorry and painful for causing harm to my team and my members,” he wrote. “I apologize to our fans who have always shown me more love than I deserve,” Suga said, adding he has been reflecting on his action with a heavy heart. The Korea Herald/ANN

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

In Jakarta, Indonesia. The country aims to reduce emissions through its construction sector. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing is encouraging the development of green buildings and increasing energy efficiency through the use of modern technology, including rooftop solar power plants.

The ministry’s Director of Settlement and Housing Engineering Development Dian Irawati said that the ministry has prepared a roadmap for the implementation of green building which will serve as a reference for implementation for all policymakers in implementing building construction.

The ministry is also encouraging the implementation of passive design concepts in buildings which prioritise the efficient use of natural resources and the application of new renewable energy, he added.

The ministry is targeting a reduction in GHG emissions by 1.91 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from this sector by 2030.

According to the ministry, there have so far been 10 buildings, one zone, and five housing complexes which have received green building certification across the country. — VNA/VNS

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

Logo designed by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Hà Nội to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year celebrates its National Day on September 23, to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom and its founding by His Majesty King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud in 1932, as well as to recall achievements of the Kingdom under the leadership of the founding father and his sons til the current reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This year, the Embassy celebrates the Saudi 94th National Day alongside the 25th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, marking a significant milestone in the history of the two nations’ relationship. This occasion provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the quarter-century of cooperation and friendship that has flourished between us.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, during a bilateral meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the GCC-ASEAN Summit in October 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Photo Courtesy of the embassy

On this momentous anniversary, it is essential to acknowledge the shared values and goals that have brought our nations closer. Both Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam are dynamic, rapidly advancing countries that hold increasingly significant positions in their respective regions and on the international stage. The two countries share a common aim to promote peace, stability and coexistence throughout the world.

On October 21, 1999, diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam were officially established, laying the groundwork for a robust partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests. The opening of the Embassy of Việt Nam in Riyadh in 2007 and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Hà Nội in 2008 further consolidated this relationship, facilitating closer interactions between the two countries across all spheres.

Since then, our relations have grown stronger and stronger. Over the years, Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam have cultivated a multifaceted relationship, marked by significant achievements in politics, diplomacy, trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

In political and diplomatic ties, the two countries have witnessed positive developments, as demonstrated by more frequent exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-ranking visits, underscoring the importance both countries attach to their bilateral ties. Of those, the most recent prominent occasion was the meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, during the visit of His Excellency to Saudi Arabia to attend the GCC-ASEAN Summit last October. This fruitful visit witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding and an agreement between the two governments in the fields of crime prevention, the judicial system, tourism and commerce.

Previously, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, also paid visits to Việt Nam in March 2022 and August 2023 respectively. These visits reflect the keenness of our two countries to boost bilateral cooperation and deepen connectivity between the two peoples.

The two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021, also fruitfully held the first political consultation in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia to exchange views and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In international and multilateral forums, the two countries also have close cooperation and coordination, frequently exchanging support and endorsements to enhance each other’s positions in different organisations. Additionally, both countries are committed to fostering a robust and distinctive relationship between GCC and ASEAN.

In the economic domain, Saudi Arabia has become one of Việt Nam’s largest partners in the Middle East. Bilateral trade between the two countries has experienced robust growth over the years, reaching US$2.68 billion in 2023 — an increase of approximately 43 per cent from $1.87 billion in 2014. Exchanges between the business sectors of both countries are being further promoted, as evidenced by the two-way trade turnover of $1.42 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year. We look forward to enhanced trade engagements in the coming years, given the significant opportunities for economic and commercial cooperation between the Kingdom and Việt Nam, particularly in light of both countries’ efforts to expand markets, attract investments and implement economic reforms.

Recently, more Saudi enterprises are focusing on the Vietnamese market, while more Vietnamese firms are exploring opportunities to expand their business to Saudi Arabia. Last year, two Saudi Arabia-Việt Nam Business Forums were successfully organised in both countries, illustrating our commitment to fostering economic cooperation. Notably, the forum held last September in Hà Nội hosted the largest Saudi business delegation to Việt Nam and attracted the participation of a record number of enterprises from both sides, paving the way for stronger cooperation between the two countries’ business communities.

In addition, the two countries are also accelerating negotiations to finalise agreements and memoranda of understanding, aiming to expand existing economic and investment opportunities.

Beyond economic ties, cultural exchanges have played a vital role in strengthening the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam. Both nations have recognised the importance of fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s rich cultural heritage. Vibrant cultural exchanges, art exhibitions and cultural events organised to mark this 25th anniversary are testaments to our shared commitment to deepening people-to-people connections. These activities not only celebrate our rich cultural diversity but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples.

Contributing to growing exchanges between the two peoples, in October 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Việt Nam and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia signed an action programme to boost bilateral tourism cooperation and bolster two-way tourist flows.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam, it is evident that the relationship between the two nations has grown onwards and upwards. The achievements in diplomacy, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges are a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision of Saudi Arabia and Việt Nam.

Taking this opportunity, I am pleased to extend my sincere thanks to the friendly government and people of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, for their good sentiments towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people.

Finally, I extend my best wishes for further success and greater accomplishments to the government and people of Việt Nam. May the Saudi-Vietnamese relationship continue to thrive and reach new heights in the years ahead. VNS

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

• September 20, 2024
• Posted by: GBS
• Categories: Business, GBS

GBS – Global Business Services LLC, a renowned business and legal services provider in Vietnam, proudly announces its enhanced business registration services designed specifically for foreign investors.

As Vietnam continues to attract increasing international interest, GBS aims to facilitate smooth market entry by simplifying the often complex registration process.

Vietnam’s dynamic economy, paired with favorable policies towards foreign investment, makes it an ideal hub for international business expansion. However, the regulatory environment and administrative hurdles can pose challenges for newcomers. To address these, GBS offers comprehensive business registration solutions, ensuring foreign investors can focus on strategic growth rather than bureaucratic complexities.

The GBS Business Registration Package Includes:

• Business Entity Formation: Expert guidance on choosing and establishing the most suitable business structure, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Joint Ventures, or Branch Offices.
• Regulatory Approvals: Fast-tracked assistance in securing mandatory licenses, permits, and compliance documentation.
• Local Law Compliance: Expert legal advisory covering key areas such as corporate law, tax obligations, labor law, and intellectual property.
• Ongoing Administrative Support: Full post-registration services, including tax filing, accounting, and legal representation, ensuring long-term compliance with Vietnamese laws.

Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at GBS, commented, “We understand the challenges faced by foreign investors entering a new market. Our team’s deep understanding of local laws and regulations enables us to offer practical and effective solutions that help our clients succeed in Vietnam.”

GBS’s business registration services are backed by years of experience and a robust network of legal and industry experts. Their proven approach ensures foreign investors can smoothly establish their presence in Vietnam, positioning their ventures for success in one of Asia’s most promising markets.

Foreign businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to multinational corporations, are invited to leverage GBS’s expertise for their market entry strategy in Vietnam.

For more information, visit http://www.gbs.com.vn or reach out to the GBS team via info@gbs.com.vn.

—

About GBS – Global Business Services LLC

GBS is a full-service business and legal consultancy based in Vietnam, specializing in corporate formation, investment advisory, and compliance solutions for foreign and domestic businesses. With extensive experience in assisting international clients, GBS has become a trusted partner for companies seeking to establish and grow their operations in Vietnam.

Source: GBS

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

Since 2017, under the financial support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), a programme of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, partnered with the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids, and Social Affairs and 15 provinces and cities to launch the proven effective interventions of survival swim and water safety education for children aged 6-15.

Việt Nam News reporter Lê Hương spoke with Đoàn Thu Huyền, Việt Nam Country Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, about the programme’s highlights.

HEALTH OFFICIAL: Đoàn Thu Huyền, Việt Nam Country Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Photo courtesy of the organisation

Could you highlight the progress of this programme in Việt Nam?

Việt Nam has been one of the most successful countries in child preventing child drowning over the past five years. The programme has been implemented in over 130 communes across 15 provinces, increasing awareness about child drowning prevention and teaching children aged 6 to 15 survival swimming skills.

We’ve trained more than 1,000 teachers in safe swimming instruction. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, around 32,000 children have learned to swim, and 52,000 have been taught water safety skills.

The percentage of children who can swim has more than doubled, rising to 32.6 per cent from 14.7 per cent. Additionally, in the areas where we’ve implemented the programme, the number of child drowning incidents has decreased.

What advantages and challenges have you encountered in carrying out this programme in Việt Nam?

We’ve acknowledged sincere thanks for the strong support and pro-active engagement from relevant ministries and local authorities, particularly from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Training. They’ve actively engaged in the programme planning and interventions at local levels, especially before the peak seasons for child drowning, such as summer and flood periods.

Public awareness has also increased significantly, with parents now actively seeking out information to protect their children. Social media has played a vital role in disseminating information in engaging formats, while in remote, underserved areas, healthcare workers visit homes and use public address systems to spread key messages.

However, in rural areas where children are often cared for by their grandparents or other elders, we need to provide even more support. These children are particularly vulnerable and should be prioritised for swimming lessons and safety training.

SAFETY FIRST: Children should learn survival swim and water safety skills. Photo courtesy of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Some experts argue that teaching survival skills in water should take precedence over swimming for sport. What’s your view?

It’s important to see drowning prevention as a comprehensive issue. Drowning can happen to anyone, at any time, so we need a multi-faceted approach.

Survival swim is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. The WHO defines “survival swim” as the ability to swim at least 25 metres and float for at least 30 seconds.

For primary school children, it’s crucial to teach them not just how to swim, but also how to assess risks and perform basic self-rescue. For children under five, however, we don’t recommend swimming lessons. Instead, parents and caregivers should supervise them closely and keep them away from open water.

With the recent floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, do you think teaching survival swimming skills has become even more urgent? Have there been any proposals from the Vietnamese authorities to train children in these skills?

The UN’s Resolution on drowning prevention encourages countries to incorporate drowning prevention into their natural disaster action plans. There’s a clear connection between child drowning and climate change, as floods and other disasters increase the risk for children who play near open water.

Việt Nam has made significant progress in reducing child drowning, but we must have more joint efforts for long-term sustainability and impact to reduce the ratio of drowning deaths. In the coming year, I hope to see more investments in teaching water safety skills, especially in schools, with a focus on primary school students. Incorporating these lessons into both the main curriculum and extracurricular activities would be ideal.

If possible, communities should also host swimming classes for children, but it’s critical that these are conducted in safe conditions. This includes having qualified teachers who are knowledgeable about child safety.

Parents and caregivers must also be proactive in ensuring their children’s safety, whether that’s through reminders or careful supervision. Sometimes, a simple reminder or close watch can prevent a tragedy. VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

SHB players show off their new jerseys for the national football championship, V.League 1 in 2024-25. The team is aiming to finish in the top five in the premiership. VNS Photo Cộng Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — Players and members of football team SHB Đà Nẵng have raised VNĐ104 million to help Typhoon Yagi’s victims and post-storm flood families in the northern provinces and cities.

The money was collected by the squad who are getting ready to compete in the football premiership V.League1 and will be sent to aid to those most in need following the typhoon and subsequent floods. 

Head coach Trương Việt Hoàng said the team had a successful performance in the V.League 2 last year, but it will see big challenges in the top-flight championship in 2024-25.

Hoàng said the team have set a target of top-five finish in the new football season, along with a performance best in the National Cup.

The team have three Brazilian players – defender Marlon Rangel, striker Yuri Souza Almeida and Werick Caetano De Olivera – in the squad for the new season.

The three players, who performed well in V.League 1 last year, expect to achieve new successes with the central city team.

Brazilian Werick Caetano contributed five goals to help SHB Đà Nẵng finish second with three wins and one loss at the Thiên Long friendly tournament last month.

Marlon Rangel played for Bình Định, while his country’s fellowman Yuri Souza scored five goals for Hải Phòng in 2023-24.

Đà Nẵng has upgraded the 20,000-seat Hòa Xuân Stadium ready to achieve greatness in the 2024-25 season.

It will play an away match against tough rival Sông Lam Nghệ An on September 15 and will be hosting Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh at home on September 22.

SHB Đà Nẵng won the V.League championship in 1992-2009-2012 and two National Cup titles in 1993-2009, but it was relegated in 2022, before bouncing straight back into the top flight one year later.

The team has been sponsored by SHB Bank since 2007.

This article was first posted on Vietnam News