Work suspended at Ha Giang gold mines; Rare bear trafficker put in custody; Construction workers get safety training; 30 families of Vietnamese brides in RoK visit homeland; 1,000 outstanding farmers honoured. Work suspended at Ha Giang gold mines

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has requested that work stop at 23 gold mines in northern Ha Giang Province due to mineral regulation infringements.

Hai asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to work with the provincial People’s Committee to investigate and resolve the matter.

The mines lie in five districts across the province.

Rare bear trafficker put in custody

Southern Binh Phuoc Province’s Police remanded a trafficker in custody on Thursday for smuggling a rare animal.

Nguyen Huu Lap, 29, was arrested while he was illegally transporting a Malayan sun bear weighing about 50kg. The bear is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Lap admitted to the police that he had snared the bear in Bu Gia Map National Park on Tuesday.

Construction workers get safety training

More than 10,000 workers at construction sites across the country were given training on safe work practices under a three-month campaign to reduce workplace accidents.

The campaign that ended at the end of last month was co-organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and German-owned Bosch Power Tools Viet Nam.

Experts were sent to more than 100 construction sites in nine cities and provinces to give recommendations on worksafety practices and warnings on the risk of accidents at construction sites.

Bomb defused in southern Bac Lieu

The military command in southern Bac Lieu Province destroyed a 125kg bomb at the provincial firing range on Thursday.

The 1971 American-made bomb, with an antipersonnel radius of 250m, was found two days earlier on a construction site.

Previously, two other bombs weighing 125kg and 250kg were found and deactivated in the area._

Lam Dong project saves forests, reduces poverty

A forest-conservation pilot project, where forest managers and forest protection households benefit from a user pays system in Lam Dong Province, has had good results.

The Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot project, which has been running for more than a year in the upper reaches of the Dong Nai River, helped develop forests and keep them safe from illegal logging, clearing and other activities while supplementing the incomes for the households responsible.

In April 2009, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong began to collect PES from businesses involved in forest-based tourism, water-supply companies and hydropower plants under the Prime Ministerial Decision 380/2008/QD-TTg issued on April 10, 2008.

The decision allowed PES pilot projects to be carried out in Lam Dong, Son La, Dong Nai, Hoa Binh, Binh Thuan and Ninh Than provinces and HCM City.

Collections from PES were then paid to forest managers and local households who were assigned to protect forests in the up reaches of the Dong Nai River.

In 2009-10, the province collected PES from the Dai Ninh Hydropower Plant, Da Nhim Hydropower Plant, the Sai Gon Water Corporation (Sawaco), the Bien Hoa Water Supply Company and nine tourism companies that have 14 tourist sites in Lac Duong and Don Duong districts and Da Lat City.

The Lam Dong Province Forest Development and Protection Fund collected a total of VND55.3 billion (US$2.9 million) in 2009 and VND20.3 billion ($1.06 million) in the first half of 2010.

Of this amount, VND39.5 billion has been paid to more than 8,000 households who protect more than 183,000 ha of forests.

Hoang Sy Son, deputy chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, said the incomes of households that protected, replanted and developed forests have increased since the project began.

“Collections from PES are now an important income source for poor households, especially ethnic families, helping reduce hardships in their lives,” Son said.

In Lac Duong District’s Da Sar Commune, nearly all the households have joined PES and protected a total of 15,000ha of forest.

In Da Nhim Commune, 260 households have been protecting 7,500 ha of trees under the project.

Kon So Ha Vuong, deputy chairman of the Da Nhiem Commune People’s Committee, said each household received VND290,000 per ha a year from PES.

Violations of the Forest Protection law in Da Sar and Da Nhim have been halved since the project started, according to Lac Duong District People’s Committee.

The project has also helped reduce the rate of poor households in Da Sar communes to 14.5 per cent in 2009 compared to 30.35 per cent in 2008 and in Da Nhim Commune to 27.5 per cent in 2009 compared to 34.33 per cent in 2008, said Lac Duong District People’s Committee.

30 families of Vietnamese brides in RoK visit homeland

Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd has co-ordinated with the Republic of Korea’s Women Fund to support 30 families of Vietnamese brides in the RoK to visit their homeland.

These families were divided into two groups, nine returning to Hanoi and 21 to HCM City. This is the fourth time the company has conducted the programme under which priority is given to families receiving support from the government.

This year, families that need to visit their homeland, registered for the programme from April 21 to May 24. The selected families visited their relatives and were involved in cultural programmes about family relationships from August 7-14.

They received financial assistance to cover expenses including return tickets and related costs.

According to Kim Ho II, chief representative of the Samsung Life Insurance Co,Ltd in Hanoi, the programme not only provided financial assistance for Vietnamese brides but also offered an opportunity for their RoK husbands and their children to learn more about Vietnamese culture. Kim added that the company will continue to support married migrant brides and establish a network to help them.

Returning to the RoK, they will continue to receive assistance from a network of multi-cultural families and organizations.

National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion inaugurated

The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion made its debut at a newly-built facility in Yen Hoa new urban area in Cau Giay district, Hanoi.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Health Nguyen Quoc Trieu, emphasized that this is the first time the ministry has built a complete, synchronized and modern facility. Mr Trieu asked the institute to operate effectively, helping reduce overloading at central hospitals.

Construction of the Institute began on December 25, 2006 on an area of 2,100 square metres. It has been equipped with modern medical technologies to diagnose and treat all related-blood diseases. It also has a blood transfusion centre with the capacity of 150,000 units of blood per year.

Vietnam’s marriage law introduced to Koreans

A book featuring Vietnam’s marriage and Family Law was introduced to Koreans in Seoul on August 13.

The book, published in Vietnamese and Korean, was translated from Vietnamese into Korean by Prof. Ahn Hee-wan, director of the Vietnamese Economic Research Institute, and edited by Prof. Bae Yang-soo from Pusan University of Foreign Studies.

The book launching was attended by representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea, the Korean marriage matchmakers association (KMMA), and the multi-cultural family support centre. They observed one minute of silence to commemorate Vietnamese bride Thach Thi Hong Ngoc, 20, who was beaten to death by her Korean husband in Pusan port city not long ago.

Representatives of KMMA and its affiliates vowed to abide by both the Korean and Vietnamese laws and ensure there will be no similar cases in the future.

Prof. Ahn began to collect materials and translate the book in late 2008 under the auspices of Park Soo-kwan, Vietnam’s honorary General Consul in Pusan and Keangnam cities, and Koo Cha-yol, Vietnam’s honorary consul in Incheon and Kiengki cities.

KMMA representatives said they will work with relevant agencies to popularise the book among families in Tegu and Pusan who have Vietnamese brides and among Korean men who plan to marry Vietnamese girls.

KMMA is the only international marriage matchmaker licensed by the RoK Government.

1,000 outstanding farmers honoured

Around 1,000 outstanding farmers were honoured for their achievements in production activities on August 14 by the Hanoi Farmers Association.

They excelled in the rural modernization programme and in building a strong Farmers Association.

They were also honoured for their patriotism for the country, diligence, intelligence and creativity. They improved their own households and helped many others escape poverty, raise incomes, and maintain social order in localities.

Most notably, Mr Nguyen Van Trung, a farmer with disabilities in Phu Nghia commune, Chuong My district has overcome his difficulties to become a manager of a rattan and bamboo export enterprise which generates more than 100 jobs for local people.

According to the Hanoi Farmers Association, over the past five years, grassroots-level emulation movements have contributed to establishing many highly efficient agricultural areas that spur the local economy and reduce the number of poor households.

Exemplary role models encouraged

State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan has proposed that the central highland province of Lam Dong replicate exemplary role models to make its emulation movements more practical.

At the fourth provincial patriotic emulation congress on August 14, Ms Doan praised Lam Dong for having launched emulation movements for the past five years, making a significant contribution to its socio-economic development. Many effective business models have been initiated and brought high economic efficiency.

Among those honoured at the event were the Lam Dong provincial Police that have succeeded in maintaining local social security and order; the Lam Dong Food Joint Stock Company that has stimulated innovations to increase the competitive edge of its products; and village chief Ya Loan who has encouraged local villagers to do household economies well.

In the next five years, Lam Dong aims to enhance the dissemination of information on emulation movements at grassroots level, renew movement operations and strengthen the capability of emulation staff.

Ms Doan presented the Ho Chi Minh Order, the Independence Order, the titles Labour Hero of People’s Armed Forces, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers to outstanding collectives and individuals.

Catholics attend La Vang festival

Catholic followers flocked to a church in the central province of Quang Tri on August 13 to attend the opening ceremony of their annual La Vang festival.

The authorities of Hai Phu commune where the two-day event is taking place have created favourable conditions for local Catholic dignitaries and followers to practice their faith.

They have mobilised forces to ensure security, cooking hygiene and traffic safety for the festival.

Japan helps improve investment environment in Vinh Phuc

The Japanese government has decided to provide US$120 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for a project to improve the investment environment in the northern province of Vinh Phuc.

The ODA-funded project will help upgrade infrastructure in the region, support sustainable socio-economic development, and improve the business environment through providing services for investors and strengthening the capacity to foreign direct investment (FDI).

The first phase of the project has five components including constructing a main road in the new urban area of Me Linh; expanding the water supply, drainage and waste water treatment systems in Vinh Yen city; improving electricity networks in Vinh Yen and Phuc Yen communes, as well as strengthening the capacity to attract FDI and providing and managing services for investors.

Land clearance for the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Vietnam, Laos boost cooperation in social science

The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) will help the Lao National Social Science Institute improve its researchers’ capability for the 2011-2015 period.

An agreement to the effect was signed between the two bodies on August 13 under which both sides will conduct joint research and exchange experiences in theoretical and practical issues of their national development and international integration.

Vietnam will help train Lao researchers and finance short-term study tours for six Lao researchers at the VASS.

The VASS has joined the Lao counterpart in six research projects, which cover the building and development of democracy in Laos, Lao social development, the globalisation impact on the Lao society and the study of the Mong ethnic group along the common border.

The academy has also participated in compiling a book on the Vietnam-Laos history and the Vietnam-Laos social science dictionary.

Vietnam takes firm steps against money laundering

The Government has promulgated a National Action Plan on Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism for the period from August 2010-August 2011.

A decision to this effect was signed on August 12 by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Accordingly, the Steering Committee for Anti-money Laundering was assigned to instruct and coordinate relevant ministries, sectors and agencies to implement the plan. Relevant ministries, sectors and agencies were asked to study the practical plan and coordinate with the State Bank of Vietnam to carry out their tasks.

Under the national action plan, the Public Security Ministry will issue a circular to give instructions to relevant ministries and sectors to implement the Penal Code’s Article 251 on anti-money laundering.

The Finance Ministry will create a circular with instructions on the implementation of the Government’s Decree on Anti-money laundering in securities, insurance, rewarded games and entertainment.

The Justice Ministry will submit to jurisdiction levels the ratification of the convention on anti-transnational crimes.

The State Bank of Vietnam will check against limitations on regulations relating to high-risk customers and requirements of beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Information and Communications will disseminate information on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism.

In August 2011, the Justice Ministry will review and make proposals for revising (if necessary) the Penal Code, to be in line with the Article 2 of the international convention on combating financing of terrorism and special recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Vietnam helps Cambodia treat drug addiction

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Ke Kim Yan, chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, on August 13 paid a working visit to FATACO Export Import Company, in the southern province of Ben Tre, the manufacturer of Bong Sen, a detoxification drug.

Deputy PM Ke Kim Yan spoke highly of the cooperation between the State, Government and people of the two countries in many areas, especially in combating criminals and drugs.

FATACO Director Nguyen Thi Phan said that in December, 2009, the company sent a group of health workers to Cambodia to guide the use of Bong Sen medicine as a treatment for drug detoxification. As a result, within half a month, 21 patients recovered and integrated well into the community.

Contest to raise public awareness of traffic safety

A contest entitled “The scourge of traffic accidents- the community’s story” will begin on June 22 to publicize Vietnam’s Road Traffic Law and raise public awareness of traffic safety.

The contest was announced at a press briefing held in Hanoi on August 13.

The contest will be held in two phases, from June 22 to September 23 and from October 15 to December 30, with 24 prizes including a special prize worth VND 75 million.

To take part in the contest, contestants can write and send messages to switchboard No 8558 or call 1900571531 for further information.

According to the National Traffic Safety Committee, 12,492 traffic accidents were reported in 2009, leaving 11,516 dead and 7,914 injured. Despite a drop in the number of accidents, there was an increase in the number of fatalities and injuries compared to 2008.

Seminar highlights scientific and technological innovation

It is essential to apply science and technology in production to increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese products, said To Huy Rua, Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC’s Information and Education Commission.

Addressing a seminar held in Quang Ninh on August 12-13, Mr Rua praised organisations’ and individuals’ scientific and technological creativity in national industrialisation and modernisation.

He emphasised the needs for scientific and technological applications in the process of national industrialisation and modernisation.

On the occasion, winners of a recent contest sponsored by the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC) received certificates of merit from the Prime Minister.

Winners from the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX2010) and the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE) 2010 were also honoured.

Seminar highlights scientific and technological innovation

It is essential to apply science and technology in production to increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese products, said To Huy Rua, Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC’s Information and Education Commission.

Addressing a seminar held in Quang Ninh on August 12-13, Mr Rua praised organisations’ and individuals’ scientific and technological creativity in national industrialisation and modernisation.

He emphasised the needs for scientific and technological applications in the process of national industrialisation and modernisation.

On the occasion, winners of a recent contest sponsored by the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC) received certificates of merit from the Prime Minister.

Winners from the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX2010) and the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE) 2010 were also honoured.

Quang Binh hosts scientific conference on sustainable development

An international scientific conference on sustainable development was held in Dong Hoi City in the central province of Quang Binh on August 13 by the Quang Binh University, in coordination with Mahasarakham and Silpakom universities in Thailand.

The conference provided lecturers and students from the three universities scientific, technological and technical knowledge for sustainable development. The 64 reports presented at the conference focused on the issues of energy and the environment, electricity and electronics, technology and manufacturing techniques, civil construction, mechanics, agricultural and transport technologies and logistics.

It was also a good opportunity for the three universities to share experiences and for Quang Binh to introduce its historic relics and landscape to international friends.