It is difficult to predict the developments of A/H1N1 flu in the coming time, though it has showed signs of warning in recent times, said a health official on December 23.

Vietnam is seeking to increase the population of some ethnic minorities, especially for groups whose populations are below 1,000.

In the next ten years, Vietnam will strive to have 30 percent or more female cadres holding key positions in State agencies and socio-political organizations at all levels.

The World Bank (WB) has approved the biggest loan ever on record worth US$500 million to support Vietnam’s stimulus effort and public investment reform programme.

A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in information exchange, consultancy and investment promotion was signed on December 23 between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the overseas Vietnamese Business Association (OVBA).  

The Phu Tho provincial People’s Committee in coordination with the Ministry of Transport organised a groundbreaking ceremony on December 23 for a section running through the northern province of Phu Tho under the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway project.

Child malnutrition rates in the country dropped from 38.7 percent in 1998 to below 20 percent in 2008, two years earlier than expected.

A series of ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22) were held in Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia and Japan by the Vietnamese Embassies and the Vietnam Defence Attaché Offices in the countries.

The southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau is striving to welcome 8.4 million visitors by 2010 including 320,000 international tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City will apply the eco-town model developed by Van Lang University and the local department of science and technology to protect the environment more effectively.

Municipal leaders have met religious organisations to wish them a merry Christmas.

The central coastal city of Da Nang hopes to attract more foreign tourists with the Crowne International Resort opening on December 23.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Vietnamese Government signed a loan agreement of US$71 million for the Secondary Education Sector Development Programme (SESPD) in Hanoi on December 22.

Saigontourist, a travel company based in HCM City, has launched 15 tours for overseas Vietnamese to return to Vietnam, enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival here and visit many local places of interest.

Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) now has a self-defence force of more than 400 members to protect its headquarters in Hanoi and other branches nationwide.

Since the “Fund for the Poor” was launched in 2000, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) has mobilized over VND550 billion, VND315.7 billion of which comes from localities.  

More than US$1.9 million will be earmarked for the implementation of 43 gender equality activities under the 2010 Vietnam-UN joint action programme, according to a seminar jointly held by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in Hanoi on Dec. 21.

The Ministry of National Defense on December 21 launched an official website to facilitate ASEAN Defense–Military Meetings (ADMM) next year with the participation of Lieutenant General and Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh as well as other representatives from various State agencies.

A meeting to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 20th anniversary of All-People National Defense Day was held in Berlin, Germany on December 21.

Vietnam ’s northern mountain provinces are struggling against drought to prevent it from devastating their production and livestock breeding.

The Vietnam Red Cross Society on December 21 received over US$62,000 in cash and US$15,000 worth of goods from its Singaporean counterpart to support victims of storms Ketsana and Mirinae. 

A conference was held in HCM City on December 21 to review the National Programme on controlling foot-and-mouth disease in the 2006-2009 period with the participation of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development from 40 provinces and cities throughout the country.

The Vietnamese Embassy held a meeting in Paris, France on December 21 with Vietnamese individuals and organizations who have made outstanding results in the “study and follow president Ho Chi Minh’s example” campaign.

Consumers should protect themselves by choosing products with reliable trademarks, clear origin and expiry dates. Food brand names need to meet all the State’s requirements and regulations.

The central  province of Quang Binh and the northern province of Dien Bien have strengthened measures to cope with A/H1N1 flu while the deadly virus is expected to spread widely during this winter.

A conference was held in Hanoi on December 20 by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to honour outstanding activists and collaborators in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Asian Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a US$45 million loan to provide clean water and hygienic toilets to 350,000 people in six central coast provinces of Vietnam.

The government programme to support 62 poor districts across the country, which was approved a year ago, has brought encouraging results, giving a facelift to these disadvantaged areas.

Many activities have been held nationwide to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s People’s Army Day and All-People National Defence Day (December 22).

The Government of Canada always considers Vietnam a priority in its educational cooperation, said Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Deanna Horton.