Dr Hà Anh Đức examines an elderly patient for eye disease at the free health check-up event in Quảng Ngãi Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

How has this year’s free health care and examination programme been carried out by the Việt Nam Young Physicians Association?

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Việt Nam Young Physicians Association (VYPA), and we will organise a series of events including the charity medical examination event ‘For a healthy Việt Nam’.

As part of this programme, we will travel to 30 cities and provinces to provide free health check-ups, medications, medical advice and gifts to the people.

To date, thousands of people have received free examinations, advice and medications alongside various gifts for disadvantaged families in difficult localities, particularly remote areas.

In addition to the main objective which is health check-ups, preventive medicine and health consultation, a highlight of the programme is to help detect cases of congenital heart diseases or cataracts for prompt medical intervention.

How is the programme going so far?

After Yên Bái and Hải Phòng, Quảng Ngãi is the third destination where VYPA organised the programme providing free health check-ups, medications and gifts. The free health care and examination event in Quảng Ngãi Province last week was held on Lý Sơn Island and Bình Hòa Commune of Bình Sơn District.

In particular, Lý Sơn is where a campaign supporting local people in fishing trips was launched by the health sector.

This time, VYPA doctors of different expertise from central-level hospitals conducted check-ups for Lý Sơn people and presented gifts to fishermen who joined forces to protect our seas and islands.

Bình Hòa Commune was one of the localities most impacted by a massacre 68 years ago, so this event is a tribute to people in an area that suffered from multiple disadvantages and the negative impact of the war against the US.

The result of the event in Lý Sơn Island and Bình Hòa Commune was that more than 50 cases of cataracts were detected, and we will work with hospitals in Đà Nẵng City for free surgeries. We also conduct preliminary examinations for children with heart diseases and bring them to medical facilities for cardiac surgeries and treatment.

What are the key activities in the programme’s charity examination and treatment?

During the programme, specialist doctors will screen for diseases in elderly people, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, high blood pressure, as well as other diseases related to bones and joints, in addition to free health consultation, prescriptions and gifts. We also organised a day focusing on washing hands with soap, where we taught primary school children the six-step handwashing instruction in localities that the programme covers.

A review of the charity medical examination programme in Bình Hòa Commune of Quảng Ngãi Province, with the engagement of doctors from central hospitals in Hà Nội, Huế, Đà Nẵng and HCM City, shows that around 700 people were examined and prescribed medications free of charge, while 500 children received gifts from the programme. These figures were, respectively, 500 and 200 at the event on Lý Sơn Island.

During the two-day event at these localities, 100 people who showed signs of eye-related diseases had their eyes examined, and around 50 of them will receive support for free eye surgery.

In particular, the programme and philanthropists will present 10 free cardiac surgeries to children born with heart diseases, each worth VNĐ50 million (US$2,000). In total, approximately VNĐ500 million ($20,000) was used to support patients with congenital heart diseases.

What is the significance of the programme ‘For a healthy Việt Nam’ to young physicians?

This programme is held by the VYPA in collaboration with the health sector’s youth steering committee, local authorities and sponsors to carry out the VYPA projects and campaigns leading to the Congress of Việt Nam Youth Union for the 2024-29 term.

With the aim to provide health care to the community, one of the purposes of this programme is to promote the pioneering spirit of young physicians across the country.

These mobile examinations let young doctors understand the difficulties and challenges that their colleagues and people in remote areas are facing, thereby sharing the burden, supporting each other in their profession and joining hands for a healthier Việt Nam.

The programme aims to promote the role of youth and their enthusiasm, bringing their skills and knowledge to provide services to patients in remote and border areas, as well as at sea and islands, who have difficulty accessing medical care. This is also an activity that encourages young people in health care to better engage in the sector’s volunteering activities. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

• April 8, 2024
• Posted by: GBS
• Categories: Business, Economics

Vietnam’s strides in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) have been substantial, nearing $500 billion over almost four decades of economic liberalization.

The recent analysis by the Ha Noi Moi newspaper underscores the critical importance of enhancing investment quality for propelling the nation into a new phase of growth.

The first quarter of 2024 witnessed a notable surge in FDI, reaching almost $6.17 billion, marking a significant 13.4% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, FDI disbursements during this period amounted to $4.63 billion, representing a 7.1% annual rise, and marked the highest quarterly disbursement in the past five years.

Related: Company formation in Vietnam

Currently, the FDI sector is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy, generating over 2 million employment opportunities and contributing significantly to various economic indicators. Notably, around 80% of foreign enterprises in the country have embraced ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies, underlining a commitment to sustainable practices.

The article also highlights a notable shift in focus among international investors towards high-tech and environmentally friendly sectors, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable development goals. Increased interest in semiconductor production and clean energy projects has been observed, with the government’s initiative to train 50,000 high-quality engineers by 2030 supporting this strategic shift.

Recognizing the pivotal role of FDI in economic growth, the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 667/QD-TTg on June 2, 2022, outlines a foreign investment cooperation strategy for 2021-2030. The emphasis is on attracting high-value foreign-funded projects with advanced technology and fostering positive spillover effects in the global production chain.

Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, highlights Vietnam’s proactive efforts to cultivate an ecosystem conducive to semiconductor industry development, inviting foreign investor participation. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to ensure a skilled workforce to meet project requirements.

The National Innovation Center (NIC) collaborates actively with both domestic and international technology enterprises to promote research cooperation and talent development for semiconductor manufacturing.

In a recent development, a delegation of 50 leading US companies visited Vietnam across key sectors such as energy, aviation, technology, banking, and food, exploring partnership and investment opportunities. Subsequently, significant discussions ensued, leading to the signing of memoranda of understanding worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment emphasizes Vietnam’s potential and strategic geographical position within the global supply chain, positioning it favorably to attract and leverage foreign capital inflows for rapid and sustainable development.

Source: GBS

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A Sacombank branch office in the central province of Khánh Hòa. Photo Sacombank

HÀ NỘI – Sacombank has denied a rumour that started on April 1 on social media that the bank’s chairman of the board Dương Công Minh was banned from leaving the country for his alleged involvement in a high-profile criminal case that has been on trial since last week.

“Sacombank categorically rejects the groundless rumour. We have taken the necessary measures, following legal regulations, to prevent the dissemination of false, distorted and defamatory rumour that will hurt Sacombank’s reputation and image, as well as those of the bank’s leadership.” 

Sacombank confirmed the chairman has been and will remain the bank’s chairman. Sacombank reassured the public that the bank will continue providing financial services to customers, maintaining effective business operations and ensuring safe operations. 

Sacombank urged investors, shareholders and customers to be cautious of baseless rumours and to rely on information from credible media channels and news sources.

“Sacombank appreciates the trust and support of investors, shareholders and customers. We confirm that Sacombank’s operation remains stable and efficient. We will continue to implement strategies to develop products, strengthen and expand the market,” the bank said in a statement. VNS

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence on the Vietnamese ride-hailing market in 2023, GSM holds an 18.17 per cent market share, ranking second in the industry after Grab. — Photo GSM

HÀ NỘI — Leading business conglomerate Vingroup JSC (VIC), has announced its plans to inject additional capital into Việt Nam’s Green and Smart Mobility JSC (GSM) in 2024, with the condition that its ownership of GSM’s charter capital does not exceed 5 per cent at each contribution point.

On March 29, the Board of Directors of Vingroup, one of the nation’s largest real estate developers and a retail sector giant, issued a resolution approving the plan to inject more capital into GSM during 2024.

GSM, established in March 2023, operates in two main sectors: electric vehicle and electric motorcycle rentals, as well as launching an electric taxi service. Initially, its charter capital was VNĐ3 trillion, with Việt Nam’s wealthiest billionaire, Phạm Nhật Vượng (who is also the chairman of Vingroup), contributing the entire amount in VIC shares.

By December 28, 2023, the company’s charter capital had increased to VNĐ6.19 trillion, and on January 24, 2024, it further rose to VNĐ9.66 trillion, more than tripling its initial value. Currently, the CEO of GSM is Nguyễn Văn Thanh.

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence on the Vietnamese ride-hailing market in 2023, GSM holds an 18.17 per cent market share, ranking second in the industry after Grab. GSM’s market share is twice that of Be Group, which holds the third position with 9.21 per cent, and more than three times that of Gojek, which stands at fourth place with 5.87 per cent. 

As part of its expansion strategy into nine international markets by 2025, GSM plans to target Indonesia and the Philippines as its next markets. In fact, GSM has set a goal to invest US$900 million in Indonesia.

According to Vingroup’s financial report, in 2023, Vingroup earned VNĐ20.1 trillion from sales and service provision to GSM. — VNS

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

Nguyễn Thị Mai Hoa, deputy head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education. – VNA/VNS Photos

For the academic year 2024 – 2025, Hà Nội is expected to have more than 51,000 students unable to enrol in public high schools. Nguyễn Thị Mai Hoa, deputy head of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, spoke with the online newspaper Tin tức (News) about this issue.

Parents lining up for many hours to find a place for their children in private schools after failing to get into public high schools is an increasingly common situation in big cities. Can you tell us the reasons for this situation?

The first reason is the issue of supply and demand. The demand for children to complete secondary education is very high. Still, since high school is not compulsory education, the public high school system can only accommodate around 60 to 70 per cent of students admitted to grade 10. Thus, every year there will be about 30 – 40 per cent of students who will not have a place in public high schools.

For the academic year 2023-2024, it is estimated that the whole city will have about 133,000 students graduating from secondary education. According to the plan approved by the city People’s Committee, the expected quota for enrolment in public schools is about 81,200 students. The remaining 51,800 students will be admitted to private schools, vocational or continuing education centres.

The second reason is that we are implementing the diversification policy after secondary education, whereby students will have many other options besides continuing to high school. However, many parents still want their children to complete the general education programme.

The third reason is that the conditions provided in the public high school system are quite good, as they are funded from the State budget while the difference in tuition fees between public and private schools is often huge. The desire for children to attend public schools to have more affordable tuition fees is a legitimate aspiration, especially for economically disadvantaged families.

As the population density in major cities like Hà Nội and HCM City continues to be high, the pressure for increased capacity at public schools will increase. Although Hà Nội has conducted reviews and implemented solutions such as dividing classes and growing class sizes, these are only temporary solutions to the current situation.

What are the fundamental solutions to address this issue?

This is indeed a difficult problem, and addressing it only by increasing classes and student numbers can only be a short-term solution.

Comprehensive and coordinated planning is needed in the long run. For large cities, urban development planning must be synchronised with education and healthcare services to meet the population’s educational and healthcare needs.

Secondly, it is necessary to improve the data system to have rational regulation in education investment. For example, rural areas are currently experiencing the trend of merging schools and classes due to the increasing number of labourers migrating from rural to urban areas, leading to a gradual shift in demand for educational services towards urban areas.

Therefore, it is necessary to consider regulatory solutions for teachers and investment in infrastructure, transferring schools and classes from rural to urban areas. This means there must be a data system for careful analysis and forecasting to solve this problem.

Students take the national high school graduation exam in Hà Nội.

Thirdly, it’s about streamlining. This is a correct policy. In developed countries, streamlining is relatively easy. It is necessary to persuade people that their children have more choices in their education. However, to achieve this, there must be a system of high-quality vocational schools and a diverse labour market, ensuring stable and sustainable incomes.

If the target of streamlining into vocational schools is achieved by limiting students’ access to public high schools, this policy will not be effective. Worse, it may even affect students’ right to complete high school education.

In addition, to reduce the pressure on public schools, we need to mobilise social resources more effectively to develop a system of non-public high schools for different segments, including high-quality private schools with varying tuition fees.

The key is that the State must take responsibility for investing in policy mechanisms and resources to develop an education system that ensures quality and meets human resource needs. The State also needs to encourage the expansion of the labour market with various segments. At the same time, it should communicate well to change the public perception about education, training, and employment.

I believe it is necessary to implement many synchronised solutions with the participation of the State, localities, educational institutions and students’ families. Only then can we fundamentally solve the pressure on admission to public high schools as in recent years.

What specific actions has the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education taken to implement the fundamental solutions mentioned above?

During this period, we have focused on monitoring the implementation of legal provisions in the field of education. Our monitoring activities have revealed some difficulties and obstacles, such as the issue of forecasting the demand for school places.

According to statistics, as of June 1, 2023, the population of HCM City is nearly 8.9 million people. If we include those who reside without registering their households, the city’s population reaches almost 14 million. Therefore, the data did not accurately reflect the reality of the population, making it difficult to forecast the needs for school planning and ensure sufficient places for preschool and general education.

The committee has made many recommendations and proposals to the government, state management agencies, and local authorities regarding the implementation of the education law and the vocational education law. Additionally, the committee has participated in improving the legal system and policies regarding education, prioritising budget investment, credit policies, tuition fee policies, and institutionalising the policy of socialisation of education with preferential tax and land policies to create conditions for developing private schools to better meet the needs of students. — VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Tôn Ngọc Hạnh, vice president of the Vietnam Women’s Union. VNA/VNS Photo

Tôn Ngọc Hạnh, vice president of the Vietnam Women’s Union, speaks to Vietnam News Agency about assisting women in digital transformation.

In recent years, Việt Nam has taken bold steps in digital transformation. Could you assess the advantages Vietnamese women have reaped from the digital transformation?

In recent years, digital transformation has been given attention and implemented by authorities at all levels, sectors, and people at three pillars: Digital Government, digital economy, and digital society.

This process has resulted in practical benefits to people, including women.

The advantages have been amply demonstrated. In addition to enjoying services like public administration, healthcare, education and transportation equally, swiftly, and with higher quality, women and people can also use more advanced and current technologies.

That enhances living quality and saves time and effort. All women, even those with more challenging access circumstances like older women, women farmers and women living in distant places, have the chance to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain advanced services and knowledge.

Women now have easier and faster access to the market thanks to the digital economy.

Trading floors and information technology have helped many women grow their enterprises and increase their income.

Women used to work in traditional ways, but thanks to information technology, they can now quickly start their work anywhere in the nation or the world with the touch of a button.

In production, applying information technology in watering plants only requires using a smartphone, installing modern equipment and quickly pressing the control button. Click on and off during the stages of watering plants helps monitor the production of products and workers. Digital transformation brings many conveniences and benefits.

This progressive, modern change is important and necessary for everyone, including women.

Women often access technology and techniques slower than other groups. However, I think that in recent years, with this development trend, women have adapted quickly, gradually met society’s requirements, and promptly kept up with growth. This has allowed them to take better care of their material and psychological needs as well as work more effectively.

In addition to reaping the rewards, people, especially women, also play a role in digital transformation.

Women, who make up over 50 per cent of the population, play a significant role in advancing the digital transformation process.

Numerous female leaders, scientists, digital technology professionals, and entrepreneurs are actively involved in digital transformation, contributing and taking on new projects.

Women are working to become tech-savvy and adaptable in all sectors and regions.

Women in remote areas scan banking QR code for payment. VNA/VNS Photo Trần Việt

How have women across the country kept up with digital transformation?

The grassroots associations of the union have organised hands-on events to promote the use of IT and involvement in the digital revolution.

The local organisations arranged training sessions and enhanced the IT application skills of group leaders, presidents and vice presidents, teaching them how to utilise membership management, statistics and synthesis software, among other applications.

The organisation has encouraged the use of IT in communication by implementing multimedia communication, using IT to cast votes and gather official and member opinions, and disseminating positive role models and ideals among women.

However, women also face numerous challenges. In rural areas and among ethnic minorities, women still have restricted access to information technology, knowledge, and skills. Their IT applications operate more slowly because they lack smartphones, technology, and reliable internet access.

The union has offered training for underqualified individuals. We are working on the national digital transformation project right now, hoping to get it authorised this year and help women in remote areas.

What has the Vietnam Women’s Union done to support women accessing and adapting to digital transformation?

We have encouraged those who can equip themselves with smartphones for multi-purpose use – for work, daily life and online public services.

Women in challenging circumstances will receive financial assistance to purchase new ones.

I am aware of the abundance of helpful programmes. To support people in digital transformation and their participation in convenient online public services. The Ministry of Information and Communications, for instance, has started projects to provide smart devices to remote and border areas. This initiative aims to promote the digital economy, digital transformation and the development of a digital society.

In order to create a digital society, all citizens—including women—must have access to more services and more potent tools than just cutting-edge technology.

Even with the best current technology, efficiency and quality may not be achieved if people do not use it or use it to the fullest extent possible.

Our core staff at the Women’s Union is prepared to travel to any location in order to support localities, help with IT training, and assist women in becoming skilled with today’s software.

Could you share solutions to prevent risks and support women to adapt to digital transformation?

The Vietnam Women’s Union has always paid attention to how women can be more sensitive and alert to adapt and use technology effectively and with high quality, to serve themselves and their lives, and avoid risks.

The union has provided numerous training sessions on IT knowledge and skills, IT applications and cyber-risks related to data loss or exposure.

In order to prevent unfavourable outcomes, women should be aware of these dangers.

Data from the November 2023 workshop co-organised by UN Women and the Ministry of Public Security revealed that up to 90 per cent of victims in cyberspace are female.

Criminals’ tricks are increasingly sophisticated. Due to the fact that legal regulations have not kept up with the rapid development of technology, there are subjective reasons behind that, such as lack of knowledge and skills and not having enough information about the field of digital transformation or credulity.

These are the main things that we believe women should be informed about.

Many steps must be taken to reduce the risks for women, including enhancing institutions, tightening penalties for fraud, and stepping up information sharing to help women understand the benefits and potential risks of the digital transformation and feel empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Women need to be assisted in responding quickly to risks by hotlines, consulting advisory groups, technical assistance and legal counsel, among other means.

Every woman must actively seek out opportunities to learn and advance her skills. VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

Associate Professor Dr. Bùi Hoài Sơn, a Permanent Member of the Cultural and Educational Committee of the National Assembly. Photo quochoi.vn

In the ongoing efforts to bolster the nation’s soft power and amplify Việt Nam’s presence and reputation globally, Associate Professor Dr. Bùi Hoài Sơn, a Permanent Member of the Cultural and Educational Committee of the National Assembly, emphasises the need for the diplomatic sector to vigorously enhance the promotion of Việt Nam’s culture through diplomacy in the years ahead.

Could you explain the importance of cultural diplomacy for the country’s politics?

Cultural diplomacy holds significant importance for a nation’s politics on various fronts. Firstly, in the broader spectrum of human existence and international relations, culture serves as a vital conduit. It operates as a form of soft power, exerting a profound and enduring influence across generations. In the context of globalisation, cultural diplomacy assumes heightened importance. While countries navigate the currents of globalisation, preserving their unique cultural identities becomes paramount. This preservation not only fosters national pride but also facilitates the achievement of national development goals by fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Cultural diplomacy is integral to Việt Nam’s foreign policy framework, standing alongside political and economic diplomacy as one of its three pillars. The adaptability and flexibility of cultural diplomacy enable it to effectively complement these pillars, forming a comprehensive foreign policy strategy. Particularly in today’s era of deep and comprehensive integration, global appreciation of Việt Nam’s culture, people and policies is essential for enhancing the nation’s international standing and image. Therefore, cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in advancing Việt Nam’s political objectives on the world stage.

Indeed, cultural diplomacy has played a pivotal role in Việt Nam’s political landscape, contributing significantly to the nation’s modernisation, cultural preservation, and integration of international influences. Activities such as international cultural exchanges, hosting cultural events abroad, and organising Việt Nam Days overseas have been actively pursued and highly valued by both the Party and the state. These endeavours have not only promoted Việt Nam’s image but also elevated its standing on the global stage.

The growing interest and understanding of Việt Nam from countries worldwide serve as a testament to the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy efforts. Recognising its importance, the organisation and implementation of cultural diplomacy strategies have become a focal point of concern raised by National Assembly delegates.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy activities in enhancing the promotion of the country’s image and its people to the world. What significance does this hold? How do you assess the cultural promotion efforts of the country in recent years?

Cultural diplomacy serves as a crucial instrument for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening political relations with other nations, thereby contributing to global peace, stability and elevating Việt Nam’s international standing. Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn’s acknowledgement underscores the profound significance of such endeavours.

In recent years, Việt Nam has made commendable strides in cultural promotion, spreading soft power, instilling confidence in Vietnamese culture and its people and establishing brands for Vietnamese cultural and artistic products. These efforts have been instrumental in supporting the country’s socio-economic development and enhancing its global reputation. Through cultural diplomacy, Việt Nam has effectively showcased its rich cultural heritage and hospitable people to the world, fostering goodwill and forging positive relations with other nations. These initiatives have laid a solid foundation for international cooperation and trade, while also attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.

The dissemination of soft power enables Việt Nam to actively engage in international forums and address pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainable development and global security. By doing so, Việt Nam contributes to the establishment of a peaceful and prosperous world.

Simultaneously, it cultivates interest in tourism and exploration of Việt Nam’s landscapes, culture and people, fostering the growth of the tourism industry and spreading benefits across various economic and social sectors. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the economic and cultural development of localities and tourist destinations.

Over the years, promoting Vietnamese culture has emerged as a pivotal task, evident in numerous congresses, resolutions and policy documents. Notably, in the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy until 2030, cultural promotion stands as a key focus. The objectives outlined therein emphasise the promotion of cultural values, the country’s image, and the Vietnamese people. This involves highlighting the values and ideologies of President Hồ Chí Minh and UNESCO-honoured figures, nurturing the development of the cultural industry, expanding the market for Vietnamese goods and services and establishing Việt Nam as a compelling destination for international cultural exchanges while promoting local brands.

Assessing the promotion of the country’s culture in recent years, we observe significant efforts from various ministries, sectors and localities. Through diverse diplomatic channels and participation in numerous domestic and international events, these efforts have rendered the image of Việt Nam and its people more familiar and appealing to international audiences, thereby providing additional resources for the country’s development.

In my view, the foremost challenge lies in the realm of resources. We face shortages in terms of financial, infrastructural, and human capital resources for cultural promotion endeavours. Financially, the current budget allocation mechanism presents numerous hurdles for organising cultural promotion activities. Notably, major events like the World Expo encounter obstacles and even smaller-scale initiatives such as inbound and outbound delegations face financial regulation issues. External resource mobilisation also encounters challenges due to constraints within public-private cooperation mechanisms or the management and utilisation of public assets.

In terms of infrastructure, despite concerted efforts, cultural and sports facilities still lack the requisite conditions to host large-scale events in Việt Nam. This deficiency prevents Việt Nam from becoming a priority or optimal destination for major cultural and artistic events worldwide, thereby impeding our ability to promote our culture within our own borders.

We face a shortage of cultural and tourism promotion centres abroad. Despite setting targets, for many years, we have only established Việt Nam Cultural Centres in France and Laos. Tourism promotion centres encounter even greater difficulties in this regard.

Human resources indeed constitute the most critical aspect. We must acknowledge that the workforce involved in cultural promotion across various ministries, sectors, and localities has not fully met the demands of this vital mission. Our compensation policies lack attractiveness, failing to draw in talented individuals to engage in promotional activities. These challenges, coupled with issues like inadequate coordination in promotional strategies or other policy and mechanism-related matters, are paramount. It is only by surmounting these obstacles that our cultural promotion endeavours can yield the desirable outcomes we aspire to achieve.

What specific activities should the diplomatic sector prioritise in order to effectively promote Việt Nam’s image and elevate its position among international friends?

To effectively promote the country’s image and enhance Việt Nam’s standing in the eyes of international friends, the diplomatic sector should prioritise several key activities in the near future.

It is crucial to ensure the effective implementation of both the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy and the Foreign Cultural Strategy until 2030. This involves building and refining mechanisms and policies to support the promotion of national art and the export of cultural products abroad. By doing so, we can proactively expand cultural cooperation with other countries, diversify forms of cultural promotion and deepen international cultural relations to achieve practical effectiveness. Selectively absorbing the world’s cultural essence will enrich our national culture and strengthen our cultural diplomacy efforts.

Additionally, we must further harness the talents and dedication of Vietnamese intellectuals and artists residing abroad to promote the country’s culture. They can serve as bridges in promoting the image of Việt Nam, its culture, and its people on the global stage. Establishing several Việt Nam Cultural Centres abroad and translation and cultural promotion centres for Việt Nam will facilitate these efforts.

All these activities necessitate collaborative efforts from various sectors of society, including the state, enterprises, private individuals, both domestically and internationally. Through collective action, we can confidently envision a bright future for cultural promotion activities, contributing to the realisation of our aspirations to build a prosperous and happy country. VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News

A ship carries steel structure to the Golden Triangle Polymers Plant in the US after more than 10 months of production at Doosan Vina in Quảng Ngãi Province. South Korea Doosan Enerbility Vietnam (Doosan Vina) will be exporting more cargo to the plant in the US in 2024. Photo courtesy of Doosan Vina

QUẢNG NGÃI — South Korea Doosan Enerbility Vietnam (Doosan Vina) has shipped a cargo of made-in-Việt Nam steel structures to the Golden Triangle Polymers Plant, an integrated polymers facility being developed in Orange County, Texas in the US, after more than 10 months of production.

Doosan Vina said the nine steel structure modules weighing 1,900 tonnes were a part of the Golden Triangle Polymers project (GTPP) that was signed between Doosan Vina and the joint venture ZDJV and investor CP Chem in 2023, including 18 modules with a total weight of 4,589 tonnes.

It said the remaining nine modules had also been almost completed and were in the process of pressure testing, installing electrical troughs and related parts for timely handover to customers on April 16.

Doosan Vina General Director Kim Hyo Tae said: “We are very proud winning the contract to supply 18 modules for the US market for the first time and this is the first project that all of the steel structures are galvanized and fireproof painted with the participation of the joint venture ZDJV and investor CPChem.”

“Also, moving towards sustainable development and a low-carbon future, we are proud to contribute to creating products that generate 25 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to similar facilities in Europe and the US,” Kim Hyo Tae added.

Quảng Ngãi province-based Doosan Vina has been producing 140 modules for international customers, including 39 modules for the Ruwais Refinery in the UAE, 35 modules for the Sarawak Methanol Plant in Malaysia, 26 modules for the Cariflex IR Latex Asia project phase one in Singapore, 18 modules for the Golden Triangle Polymers project in the US, and is currently producing four modules for the North Field Expansion Project EPC-2 in Qatar and 18 modules for the Ras Laffan Petrochemical project, also in Qatar.

Doosan said the Golden Triangle project was expected to be put into operation in 2026, and it would become one of the largest integrated polymers facilities in the world with one ethylene cracker unit with processing capacity of 2.08 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and two high-density polyethylene units with a combined capacity of 2mtpa.

Streel structures are loaded on to a ship at Quảng Ngãi Province’s Dung Quất Economic Zone. The cargo has been shipped to the US market. Photo courtesy of Doosan Vina

Doosan Vina is a high-tech industrial complex in the Dung Quất Economic Zone in the central Quảng Ngãi Province.

The company supplies mega infrastructure products including boilers for thermal power plants, desalination plants, cargo container crane for seaports, fired heaters, modules and structural steel for petrochemical refineries, buildings and infrastructure developments. VNS

Source: Vietnam News/ Vietnam Insider

Director of the Drug Administration of Vietnam Vũ Tuấn Cường. Photo vtv.vn

Director of the Drug Administration of Việt Nam, Vũ Tuấn Cường, spoke to with Vietnam Television regarding the future development trajectory of the pharmaceutical industry.

As the leading advisory body on pharmaceuticals and cosmetics legislation for the Government and the Ministry of Health, could you assess the notable achievements of the pharmaceutical industry in recent years?

Over the past few years, with the guidance of the Party Committee and the Minister of Health, the pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides forward. Foremost among these achievements is the consistent provision of quality medicines at reasonable prices to the populace.

Especially amid the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully procured over 250 million doses of vaccines and tens of millions of doses of medication, bolstering public health efforts.

The industry has diligently constructed a robust legal framework, pivotal for its sustained growth. We’ve played a pivotal role in advising on the enactment of 31 legislative instruments, including the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Strategy, Pharmaceutical Industry Development Project, and an array of legislative statutes, thereby fostering an environment conducive for production, trade and advancement.

We’ve prioritised administrative streamlining, reducing regulatory hurdles, and catalysing digital transformation. Substantial transformations have been witnessed across all facets of the industry. Presently, retail systems interlink 61,000 pharmacies and 100 per cent of public service procedures have achieved Level 4 status. Notably, drug quality is rigorously assured, with the incidence of substandard drugs consistently held below 1 per cent.

Could you please outline the strategies to enhance the utilisation of domestically produced and exported drugs in Việt Nam in the foreseeable future?

We advocate for a comprehensive approach. Firstly, it’s imperative to bolster the capabilities of domestic production entities. Presently, we’ve attained over 50 per cent domestic drug production.

Effective communication campaigns are essential to underscore the quality of domestically manufactured drugs, thereby fostering increased adoption. Additionally, we must incentivise investment and foster a conducive environment for the growth of localised pharmaceutical industries.

Strategically, we need to formulate policies that prioritise the procurement of domestic drugs, aiming to achieve an 80 per cent domestic drug usage target by 2030.

What strategic directions and initiatives are imperative for the future advancement of the pharmaceutical industry?

Confronted with global adversities, our pharmaceutical sector encounters challenges such as disrupted supply chains and the deficiency in producing certain specialised drugs.

Our reliance on imported raw materials underscores the necessity for strategic interventions for future industry development.

Primarily, we must intensify efforts to attract investment and facilitate technology transfer, crucial for mitigating our reliance on imported raw materials.

We must leverage our indigenous herbal resources and prioritise the development of herbal-based pharmaceutical products.

Strategic integration into the global value chain, coupled with the promotion of drug exports where Việt Nam holds competitive advantages, is paramount.

Lastly, continuous administrative reforms, digital transformation initiatives, and the enactment of investor-friendly policies are vital to propel our industry towards the goal of achieving parity with advanced regional counterparts by 2030, attaining a Level 4 classification per the World Health Organization’s pharmaceutical industry development scale.

Could you elaborate on the key policies proposed in the upcoming amendments to the Pharmacy Law?

In our efforts to amend several articles of the Pharmacy Law, we have made the draft available on both the Government and Ministry of Health websites, adhering to the timeline for submission to the National Assembly by May 2024. It is anticipated that the Assembly will review and potentially approve it during the October 2024 session.

The forthcoming amendments to the Pharmacy Law will centre around five pivotal policies aimed at fostering administrative procedural reforms and enhancing the investment climate, propelling the pharmaceutical industry towards greater growth and development.

Concerning registration procedures, our focus will be on facilitating the automatic renewal of conditional registration numbers, fostering a conducive environment for businesses to seamlessly access the Vietnamese market.

We will introduce a dedicated chapter on pharmaceutical industry development, outlining comprehensive preferential policies pertaining to technology, taxation and innovation. Notably, emphasis will be placed on policies incentivising the production and sourcing of raw materials for pharmaceutical chemistry, ensuring a robust and self-sufficient supply chain for the future development of the pharmaceutical sector. VNS

This article was first posted on Vietnam News