Politburo holds meeting with former Party officials
On February 27, the Politburo and the Party Central Committee (PCC)’s Secretariat hosted a gathering in Hanoi with former members of the 12th Politburo, PCC’s Secretariat and PCC.
Chairing the event, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong said the Politburo and the PCC’s Secretariat highly value the great contributions of the former officials to the Party, people and country in the time when they held important positions in central and local agencies.
The Party chief wished that the former Party officials will continue to make contributions to the Party, people and nation, and lend their experience in addressing important issues of the country.
Participants expressed their belief that the 13th Politburo, PCC’s Secretariat and PCC will lead the country to a higher level of development in the near future, pledging to continue contributing to the Party’s cause and strengthening solidarity in the Party.
National Assembly Standing Committee convenes 53rd meeting
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The 53rd meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee (Photo: NDO)
The National Assembly Standing Committee convened its 53rd meeting on February 22 under the chair of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.
At the meeting, the Standing Committee discussed several issues, including giving feedback on the report reviewing the Government’s work during the 2016-2021 period and the preparations for the National Assembly’s 11th plenary session.
Another important matter on the agenda is the composition of candidates for the upcoming National Assembly election, scheduled to take place in May.
Vietnam moves up three places in Global Soft Power Index
Vietnam is the sole member of ASEAN to jump 2.5 points to rank 47th in the overall index of the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index Report for 2021.
The reports indicates that the country can be viewed as a bright spot in the bloc thanks to a range of remarkable improvements in the national brand name and plenty of socio-economic achievements recorded over the past year.
According to Brand Finance, Vietnam has made use of all aspects of soft power, especially the further integration of Vietnamese national brands and leading brands.
Furthermore, the country’s national prestige has been enhanced over the past year due to rapid response and policies of the Government, especially in terms of supporting businesses and promoting local brands both at home and abroad.
First batch of AstraZeneca vaccine arrives in Vietnam
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First batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Photo: VNA)
The first batch of 117,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on February 24, serving the urgent need of COVID-19 prevention and fighting.
The vaccine has been developed by British-Swedish company AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University and is imported by Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC).
With the delivery, Vietnam has become one of the first countries in Asia to access a prestigious vaccine in the world. Apart from stepping up the trial and production of vaccines at home, the Health Ministry is working to import more vaccines from other producers as directed by the Government while preparing for vaccination in the priority list.
According to the Ministry, the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine will be prioritised medical workers and officials participating in COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control. They are among the 11 groups of subjects prioritised for access to the vaccine this year.
Vietnam listed among world’s top 10 emerging logistics markets
Vietnam has jumped three spots to eighth from 50 countries in the global freight forwarder Agility’s ranking of Emerging Market Logistics Index 2021.
Vietnam’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the most successful globally. “The steps taken by Vietnam in 2020 have propelled it into the top 10 ranking in 2021 – its rise of three positions to 8th is the fastest ever in the top half of the Index and has displaced regional partner Thailand in the top 10.”, Agility wrote.
The report added that in recent years, Vietnam has added significant hi-tech manufacturing capacity, helping attract investment from producers higher up the value chain as costs in China increase. Avoiding additional costs associated with the US-China trade war has provided further motivation for manufacturers to choose Vietnam.
Binh Duong among world’s outstanding smart communities for three consecutive years
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An aerial view of Binh Duong Province.
The southern province of Binh Duong has made itself onto the list of 21 localities worldwide having outstanding smart city development strategies (Smart21) this year, which was unveiled on February 25 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).
This is the third year in a row in which the province has received the recognition. Binh Duong is also the first Vietnamese locality to be named in the Smart21.
Gaining a place among the year's Smart21 is considered a badge of honour while being the first step toward greater recognition as an Intelligent Community positioned to prosper in the broadband economy, the ICF noted.
Actress wins award at 2021 Paris International Film Festival
Vietnamese actress Hoang Thi Bich Phuong has won the best actress award at the 2021 Paris International Film Festival for her role in “Invisible Love” (Tinh Yeu Vo Hinh).
The movie tells the tale of a beautiful and strong-willed Vietnamese nurse Nguyen Thi Hoa (starring Phuong) in the 1930s who faces various ups and downs, and sorrows. It is the first film in which the young actress has ever starred.
The film was co-directed by Xiang Guo of China and Nguyen Minh Phuong, with Bill Einreinhofer being its executive producer.
Vietnam to organise ASEAN Para Games 11 in December
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Vietnamese delegates attend 23rd APSF Board of Governors Meeting (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam will officially host the 11th Southeast Asian Para Games (ASEAN Para Games 11) in December with 11 sports.
The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) announced the cancellation of the ASEAN Para Games 10 in the Philippines and empowered the organisation of the ASEAN Para Games 11 to Vietnam at its 23rd Board of Governors Meeting held via video conference on February 25.
Hosts Vietnam briefed member states on preparation works for the tournament, as well as plans to organise 11 main sports, namely athletics, swimming, weightlifting, badminton, table tennis, chess, archery, goalball, wheelchair tennis, Bocia, and Judo.
Head of the Vietnam Paralympic Association Huynh Vinh Ai stressed that as the host country, Vietnam is actively preparing for the Games. However, everything still depends on the developments of the pandemic. The organising board will follow all regulations of the World Health Organisation and the Vietnamese Government.
