Vice Chairwoman receives Director of VSA Asia
Vice Chairwoman of Binh Dinh Province People's Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh receives Director of VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad) in Asia, Mr. Helder Da Costa, on January 24.
At the meeting, Helder Da Costa expressed his thanks to Binh Dinh for helping VSA volunteers complete their work. He also asked Binh Dinh to consider VSA's activities in the 2003-2008 period for the long term strategic cooperation.
Two sides should signed the cooperation program for the 2008-2012 period in the middle of June and Binh Dinh also need to suggest priorities for aiding in the coming time, said Helder Da Costa.
Vice Chairwoman Binh highly appreciated VSA volunteers' work in Binh Dinh and asked for more support in some fields such as health, education, life improvement for people in rural areas, and healthcare for workers at industrial zones.
She also agreed the time for signing the cooperation program between two sides and hoped that it will be more effective.
Tien Sy (translated by Hong Quang) 17:1', 25/1/ 2008 (GMT+7)
Vice Chairman receives CARE's Country Director
Permanent Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Province People's Committee Nguyen Van Thien held a meeting with Peter Newsum, CARE's Country Director in Vietnam on January 22.
Vice Chairman Thien expressed his thank to CARE for its help in the project of reducing and preventing drought, supporting the community for the sustainable life carried out in some Communes of Districts of Van Canh, Tuy Phuoc, and Phu My.
He also asked CARE for more support in developing irrigation, improving farmers' life, and enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products.
Mr. Peter Newsum highly appreciated the effort of Binh Dinh's authorities and the people in conducting CARE's projects effectively.
CARE would continue aiding Binh Dinh in carrying out the project, helping people in rural areas increase their income, said Mr. Peter Newsum.
Nguyen Han (translated by Hong Quang) 19:44', 24/1/ 2008 (GMT+7)
Permanent Vice Chairman receives AEP of Denmark
Permanent Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Province People's Committee, Nguyen Van Thien received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEP), Lysholt Hansen, to Vietnam and the Ambassador cum Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Deputy Secretary of State for bilateral relations, Carsten Nilaus Pedersen, on January 17.
Vice Chairman Thien welcomed the AEP's visit and expressed his thanks to the Danish Government for its help in promoting Binh Dinh's aquiculture industry through Fisheries Programme Support Phase II (FSPS II) (2006-2010)
At the meeting, Mr. Peter Lysholt Hansen expressed his concern for some issues such as poverty alleviation, life improvement for ethnic minorities, and risk decrease for aquatic products exploiting. He also hoped that FSPS II would be effectively conducted.
FSPS II has been carried out for poor households in 19 Communes of Districts of Hoai Nhon, Vinh Thanh, Phu My, Tuy Phuoc, and Quy Nhon City.
FSPS II comprises four components, including Strengthening of the Fisheries Administration (STOFA), Strengthening of Capture Fisheries Management (SCAFI), Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (SUDA), and Strengthening Capacities of Post-harvest and Marketing (POSMA).
Nguyen Phuc (translated by Hong Quang) 15:41', 18/1/ 2008 (GMT+7)
Ref. Báo Bình Định
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Good Morning Vietnam - Johanna Gibbs's vivid memories of southeast Asia
Language limitations and a lack of analgesia: just two of Johanna Gibbs's vivid memories of southeast Asia
The link between health and physical activity is crystal-clear in Vietnam. It's acted out in the open air every morning as young and old work out. From 5.30am the beaches and parks fill with people doing all kinds of exercise - from t'ai chi to badminton. It's an inspiring sight and even persuaded me to learn tae kwon do. The attitude to health through exercise carries through into hospital, where the idea that exercise can make you better is understood. Most Vietnamese know what a physiotherapist is. In addition, non-adherence to exercise programmes is not such a problem as in the west. Patients and relatives take advice eagerly and are good at adapting it to their own environment. This is a refreshing change and speeds up recovery.
Physios also have a highly respected position in multidisciplinary teams. Doctors often spend two years working as physiotherapists in order to become what are known as rehabilitation doctors. In addition, the doctor's practice of non-specific referrals allows the physiotherapist to act autonomously. Most physiotherapists treat private patients after work, bringing them much-needed extra income to supplement their low hospital salary (about 20 dollars a month).
I was in Vietnam to find out if I enjoyed working in a developing country, away from the comforts of the NHS. Before I started my training I had done a volunteer placement at a rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh, but found it rather frustrating because of my lack of experience. With two years of staff grade rotations at Leeds General Infirmary under my belt I was eager to try again.
A US charity, Vietnam Assisting the Handicapped, offered me a two-month post developing the physiotherapy service for amputees. I was based in a rehabilitation centre in the city of Qui Nhon, the capital of the Binh Dinh province on the country's south central coast. Qui Nhon is very much off the beaten track, and I was the only foreigner at the centre, although some westerners had visited before. The hospital director and the prosthetic director spoke some English, but the physiotherapists didn't speak any, and this turned out to be my greatest challenge, despite hiring translators.
Vietnamese patients have a high expectation of recovery, perhaps partly because of a recent upsurge in modern medicine. In fact, people tend to place a lot of trust in medicine generally, both traditional and modern. I once saw a physiotherapist inject herself with vitamin C rather than eat an orange, while the markets are full of old women selling brightly coloured pills. You mention any ailment and they point to a packet, but the pill seems to change every time you ask the question. Strangely, however, analgesia is not prescribed or encouraged.
On hearing a boy screaming with pain, I asked a physio about this and was told that the Vietnamese had a low pain tolerance. This attitude means that many patients endure a lot of pain during treatment - which is disconcerting for a soft westerner to watch. It is not always clear how much patients understand about their condition, prognosis and discharge plan. The educated patients ask questions, but they are in the minority. I am not sure exactly why doctors and physiotherapists don't give patients a full prognosis, but I think it is partly to do with giving the patient hope and partly about not losing face if nothing can be done. Unfortunately, the result is often the patient stays in the hospital far longer than necessary, paying for every day that they are there. Then, when they need wheelchairs and other equipment, patients have no money left.
When I planned my stint as a volunteer, I was keen to work with amputees, and the charity that sent me told me about the unexploded landmines, left over from the Vietnam war, that continue to disable farmers and children. But when I arrived at the centre, I found this specialty was one of the best funded and was staffed by some of the most skilled people.
Most of the new amputees were not landmine victims but had been injured in traffic accidents, due to the huge number of motorbikes. My patient load, therefore, turned out to include people with stroke, orthopaedic conditions, cerebral palsy and injuries from the so-called Agent Orange (the herbicide and defoliant, used by the US military in the Vietnam war), as well as new amputees.
Young and old were treated similarly in a gym, where six physios worked with about 10 patients a day, treating both in- and outpatients. Thanks to a charity, the equipment was fantastic compared to that of other hospitals in the area. We had separate gait re-education areas, hand therapy tables and a matted area for treating paediatric conditions.
However, the Vietnamese physios lacked confidence in using the equipment, which limited its success. They also tended to dismiss new techniques, although this attitude did not seem typical of the profession as a whole. I felt senior people were reluctant to learn new skills for fear of admitting they didn't already possess them. I decided the best way would be to teach through an 'exchange of information', where I could learn from them and, I hoped, they could learn from me.
The fact I was only 24, with just two years of postgraduate work, counted against me when I tried to encourage new practices. The Vietnamese, rightly, have great respect for older people. Although this means a huge amount of experience is handed down, the fact is treatment techniques are changing every day because of the impact of evidence-based practice. However, a lack of research funding means evidence-based practice is not so common in some developing countries. The older physios tend to stick with what they know, and new techniques are only introduced gradually as younger physios rise up the ranks. At the centre, this meant that contraindicated procedures were sometimes used. The most worrying was that patients, often children, with injuries such as supracondular and tibial plateau fractures, were pushed far beyond the pain threshold, while tied to a bed.
Strengthening exercises are not encouraged, so although transitory range is gained, there is increased inflammation and oedema, and active range is lost. I tried to change this, but the response was always that the patients were poor and couldn't afford to stay at the centre for long. Therefore, the most important goal was to regain the range of movement. The ability to squat is most important as this is the position most Vietnamese adopt to talk, wait and, of course, to go to the toilet. I did see some changes in practice while I was there, mostly involving strengthening exercises, but I will never know whether they went on to adopt any new techniques because changing practice immediately in front of a younger physio would have meant a huge loss of face. I can only hope there are fewer screams now I have gone.
The centre excelled in other ways. Patients could stay for as long as they felt they were benefiting. The environment was relaxed, with areas set aside for families to carry out most of the care. Just three nurses were responsible for 150 beds, but they only dealt with medical problems and, as most of the patients were medically stable, there wasn't a huge need for more.
The orthopaedic and prosthetic department was fantastic, producing 250 legs a month. The prosthetists were highly trained, and gave advice and recommended exercise as well as any physiotherapist could do. The most limiting factor to the patients' overall well-being was the lack of any discharge planning or follow-up care. Occupational therapists (OTs) are not recognised in Vietnam: no advice is given about how to cope at home, no adaptations are made to the patient's environment and no help offered on regaining a rewarding life. Patients are fully supported by their families, but the families often don't understand what the patient is capable of doing and so leave them lying in bed all day.
A government initiative to provide community-based rehabilitation throughout the country is now under way. This will go a long way to tackling a lot of the issues. However, the initiative needs proper teaching from experienced staff and, without OTs, skills are limited. My two months in Vietnam were fantastic but not without difficulties. Yet I gained a lot from the negative as well as the positive aspects. In particular, I learnt a huge amount about the sensitive issue of teaching new skills. You must understand the culture of the country if you are to be able to pass on your skills without causing offence.
One must have a huge respect for what is there already and accept cultures will determine the importance of certain goals - in Vietnam one example was the need to squat. Finally, we must not assume that, in the third world, people will instantly do everything we say.'
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Issue: 19 April 2006
The link between health and physical activity is crystal-clear in Vietnam. It's acted out in the open air every morning as young and old work out. From 5.30am the beaches and parks fill with people doing all kinds of exercise - from t'ai chi to badminton. It's an inspiring sight and even persuaded me to learn tae kwon do. The attitude to health through exercise carries through into hospital, where the idea that exercise can make you better is understood. Most Vietnamese know what a physiotherapist is. In addition, non-adherence to exercise programmes is not such a problem as in the west. Patients and relatives take advice eagerly and are good at adapting it to their own environment. This is a refreshing change and speeds up recovery.
Physios also have a highly respected position in multidisciplinary teams. Doctors often spend two years working as physiotherapists in order to become what are known as rehabilitation doctors. In addition, the doctor's practice of non-specific referrals allows the physiotherapist to act autonomously. Most physiotherapists treat private patients after work, bringing them much-needed extra income to supplement their low hospital salary (about 20 dollars a month).
I was in Vietnam to find out if I enjoyed working in a developing country, away from the comforts of the NHS. Before I started my training I had done a volunteer placement at a rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh, but found it rather frustrating because of my lack of experience. With two years of staff grade rotations at Leeds General Infirmary under my belt I was eager to try again.
A US charity, Vietnam Assisting the Handicapped, offered me a two-month post developing the physiotherapy service for amputees. I was based in a rehabilitation centre in the city of Qui Nhon, the capital of the Binh Dinh province on the country's south central coast. Qui Nhon is very much off the beaten track, and I was the only foreigner at the centre, although some westerners had visited before. The hospital director and the prosthetic director spoke some English, but the physiotherapists didn't speak any, and this turned out to be my greatest challenge, despite hiring translators.
Vietnamese patients have a high expectation of recovery, perhaps partly because of a recent upsurge in modern medicine. In fact, people tend to place a lot of trust in medicine generally, both traditional and modern. I once saw a physiotherapist inject herself with vitamin C rather than eat an orange, while the markets are full of old women selling brightly coloured pills. You mention any ailment and they point to a packet, but the pill seems to change every time you ask the question. Strangely, however, analgesia is not prescribed or encouraged.
On hearing a boy screaming with pain, I asked a physio about this and was told that the Vietnamese had a low pain tolerance. This attitude means that many patients endure a lot of pain during treatment - which is disconcerting for a soft westerner to watch. It is not always clear how much patients understand about their condition, prognosis and discharge plan. The educated patients ask questions, but they are in the minority. I am not sure exactly why doctors and physiotherapists don't give patients a full prognosis, but I think it is partly to do with giving the patient hope and partly about not losing face if nothing can be done. Unfortunately, the result is often the patient stays in the hospital far longer than necessary, paying for every day that they are there. Then, when they need wheelchairs and other equipment, patients have no money left.
When I planned my stint as a volunteer, I was keen to work with amputees, and the charity that sent me told me about the unexploded landmines, left over from the Vietnam war, that continue to disable farmers and children. But when I arrived at the centre, I found this specialty was one of the best funded and was staffed by some of the most skilled people.
Most of the new amputees were not landmine victims but had been injured in traffic accidents, due to the huge number of motorbikes. My patient load, therefore, turned out to include people with stroke, orthopaedic conditions, cerebral palsy and injuries from the so-called Agent Orange (the herbicide and defoliant, used by the US military in the Vietnam war), as well as new amputees.
Young and old were treated similarly in a gym, where six physios worked with about 10 patients a day, treating both in- and outpatients. Thanks to a charity, the equipment was fantastic compared to that of other hospitals in the area. We had separate gait re-education areas, hand therapy tables and a matted area for treating paediatric conditions.
However, the Vietnamese physios lacked confidence in using the equipment, which limited its success. They also tended to dismiss new techniques, although this attitude did not seem typical of the profession as a whole. I felt senior people were reluctant to learn new skills for fear of admitting they didn't already possess them. I decided the best way would be to teach through an 'exchange of information', where I could learn from them and, I hoped, they could learn from me.
The fact I was only 24, with just two years of postgraduate work, counted against me when I tried to encourage new practices. The Vietnamese, rightly, have great respect for older people. Although this means a huge amount of experience is handed down, the fact is treatment techniques are changing every day because of the impact of evidence-based practice. However, a lack of research funding means evidence-based practice is not so common in some developing countries. The older physios tend to stick with what they know, and new techniques are only introduced gradually as younger physios rise up the ranks. At the centre, this meant that contraindicated procedures were sometimes used. The most worrying was that patients, often children, with injuries such as supracondular and tibial plateau fractures, were pushed far beyond the pain threshold, while tied to a bed.
Strengthening exercises are not encouraged, so although transitory range is gained, there is increased inflammation and oedema, and active range is lost. I tried to change this, but the response was always that the patients were poor and couldn't afford to stay at the centre for long. Therefore, the most important goal was to regain the range of movement. The ability to squat is most important as this is the position most Vietnamese adopt to talk, wait and, of course, to go to the toilet. I did see some changes in practice while I was there, mostly involving strengthening exercises, but I will never know whether they went on to adopt any new techniques because changing practice immediately in front of a younger physio would have meant a huge loss of face. I can only hope there are fewer screams now I have gone.
The centre excelled in other ways. Patients could stay for as long as they felt they were benefiting. The environment was relaxed, with areas set aside for families to carry out most of the care. Just three nurses were responsible for 150 beds, but they only dealt with medical problems and, as most of the patients were medically stable, there wasn't a huge need for more.
The orthopaedic and prosthetic department was fantastic, producing 250 legs a month. The prosthetists were highly trained, and gave advice and recommended exercise as well as any physiotherapist could do. The most limiting factor to the patients' overall well-being was the lack of any discharge planning or follow-up care. Occupational therapists (OTs) are not recognised in Vietnam: no advice is given about how to cope at home, no adaptations are made to the patient's environment and no help offered on regaining a rewarding life. Patients are fully supported by their families, but the families often don't understand what the patient is capable of doing and so leave them lying in bed all day.
A government initiative to provide community-based rehabilitation throughout the country is now under way. This will go a long way to tackling a lot of the issues. However, the initiative needs proper teaching from experienced staff and, without OTs, skills are limited. My two months in Vietnam were fantastic but not without difficulties. Yet I gained a lot from the negative as well as the positive aspects. In particular, I learnt a huge amount about the sensitive issue of teaching new skills. You must understand the culture of the country if you are to be able to pass on your skills without causing offence.
One must have a huge respect for what is there already and accept cultures will determine the importance of certain goals - in Vietnam one example was the need to squat. Finally, we must not assume that, in the third world, people will instantly do everything we say.'
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Issue: 19 April 2006
Major festivals in Vietnam
Festivals are typical folklore cultural activities organized in all regions of Vietnam. Such festivals bring peace to the heart and mind of the Vietnamese people, wipe out their pressures from daily life, and bring them closer to nature and the motherland.
As an agricultural country, most Vietnamese festivals are held during leisure times, which are spring and autumn. There are also national festivals for all Vietnamese people, including the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan), July Full-Moon, August Full-Moon or Hung Temple festivals.
The Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan): the Lunar New Year is the biggest festival of the entire Vietnamese nation. This is the time for the whole family to get together and enjoy traditional food, visit relatives, friends and colleagues and wish them a happy new year. As perceived by all people, Tet is the end of the old year, the wrap-up of misfortunes to open up a new year of good opportunities. The New Year Eve is the most sacred moment when all family members worship and pay tribute to genii and ancestors. Apart from the New Year Eve Worshiping, other traditional rites such as "the first visitor of the Year", "buds picking" and "lucky money" are still practiced today.
Hung King National Worshipping Festival: March 10th of the Lunar Calendar is the day of Hung King National Worshipping Festival. This event is celebrated every where in the country and abroad where there are large Vietnamese communities. The major celebration is held in Phu Tho, the first capital of Vietnam under Van Lang Dynasty and the location of the Temple for 18 Hung Kings. During this event, traditional offerings are prepared, including lanterns, incense sticks, wine, betel, areca-nut, water, Chung and Day (Square and Round Sticky Rice) Cakes. In recent years, this event has been considered the National Festival with high formalities, including official music, official costumes and the participation of officials of the Party, State, Government, and Phu Tho province.
The July Full-Moon Festival (Trung Nguyen Festival): According to Buddhism, on this day, spirits of the dead come to the living world to enjoy offerings. Most families hold worshiping rites for ancestors. Upon the end of the rite, votive papers are burnt for spirits of the dead. Other offerings, including soup, parched rice, dry pancake and fruits are also prepared for wandering spirits, who are not worshiped by relatives. After the rite, offerings are given to the children as a wish of luck.
The August Full-Moon Festival: This Festival is held mainly for children. Vietnamese families, especially those with little children, always prepare for this festival. On the night of the Festival, most families have a tray of specialties for members to get around and enjoy the Moon's beauty. The specialties are mainly fruits and confectionery formed like animals. During the festival, adults usually buy toys for children. The atmosphere of the festival night is enjoyable with the laughter of children, the light of the Moon, lanterns, and candles of many kinds and children’s dancing and singing, such as Lantern Carrying Dance or Lion dance, etc.
Copyright: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ref. Quê Hương
As an agricultural country, most Vietnamese festivals are held during leisure times, which are spring and autumn. There are also national festivals for all Vietnamese people, including the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan), July Full-Moon, August Full-Moon or Hung Temple festivals.
The Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan): the Lunar New Year is the biggest festival of the entire Vietnamese nation. This is the time for the whole family to get together and enjoy traditional food, visit relatives, friends and colleagues and wish them a happy new year. As perceived by all people, Tet is the end of the old year, the wrap-up of misfortunes to open up a new year of good opportunities. The New Year Eve is the most sacred moment when all family members worship and pay tribute to genii and ancestors. Apart from the New Year Eve Worshiping, other traditional rites such as "the first visitor of the Year", "buds picking" and "lucky money" are still practiced today.
Hung King National Worshipping Festival: March 10th of the Lunar Calendar is the day of Hung King National Worshipping Festival. This event is celebrated every where in the country and abroad where there are large Vietnamese communities. The major celebration is held in Phu Tho, the first capital of Vietnam under Van Lang Dynasty and the location of the Temple for 18 Hung Kings. During this event, traditional offerings are prepared, including lanterns, incense sticks, wine, betel, areca-nut, water, Chung and Day (Square and Round Sticky Rice) Cakes. In recent years, this event has been considered the National Festival with high formalities, including official music, official costumes and the participation of officials of the Party, State, Government, and Phu Tho province.
The July Full-Moon Festival (Trung Nguyen Festival): According to Buddhism, on this day, spirits of the dead come to the living world to enjoy offerings. Most families hold worshiping rites for ancestors. Upon the end of the rite, votive papers are burnt for spirits of the dead. Other offerings, including soup, parched rice, dry pancake and fruits are also prepared for wandering spirits, who are not worshiped by relatives. After the rite, offerings are given to the children as a wish of luck.
The August Full-Moon Festival: This Festival is held mainly for children. Vietnamese families, especially those with little children, always prepare for this festival. On the night of the Festival, most families have a tray of specialties for members to get around and enjoy the Moon's beauty. The specialties are mainly fruits and confectionery formed like animals. During the festival, adults usually buy toys for children. The atmosphere of the festival night is enjoyable with the laughter of children, the light of the Moon, lanterns, and candles of many kinds and children’s dancing and singing, such as Lantern Carrying Dance or Lion dance, etc.
Copyright: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ref. Quê Hương
Viet Nam, China discuss sea delineation
The Viet Nam-China joint working group on delineation of the sea area off Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf held its fourth round of talks in Beijing from January 17-18.
The two sides exchanged views and reached consensus in a number of issues, creating a basis for further negotiations and solving the matter of delineating the sea area between the two countries. Officials of the two countries agreed that the fifth round of talks will take place in Viet Nam later this year. The same day, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, head of the Chinese governmental delegation for negotiations on border and territory, had a reception for all members of the joint working group.
(VNA)
Created by hongnt ref. Quê Hương
The two sides exchanged views and reached consensus in a number of issues, creating a basis for further negotiations and solving the matter of delineating the sea area between the two countries. Officials of the two countries agreed that the fifth round of talks will take place in Viet Nam later this year. The same day, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, head of the Chinese governmental delegation for negotiations on border and territory, had a reception for all members of the joint working group.
(VNA)
Created by hongnt ref. Quê Hương
Tuesday 29 January 2008
First-month FDI hits US$1.7 billion
Vietnam drew more than US$1.7 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in January, a nearly five-fold increase over the same period last year, according to the Foreign Investment Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
During the period, the country licensed 35 new FDI projects with a total registered capital of US$1.65 billion, 21 percent year-on-year and 5.4-fold increases in the number of projects and value, respectively.
Meanwhile, 10 projects were allowed to add a total capital of US$65 million.
Prominent projects include a US$1.3 billion complex of five-star hotel and entertainment and culinary centres in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province by the US-based Good Choice Corporation and an over US$298 million resort in central Thua Thien-Hue province by the Lap An Development and Investment Ltd. Co. of Singapore.
According to the Foreign Investment Department, the number of foreign investors flocking to Vietnam to seek investment opportunities in localities continued increasing. In 2008, the Department plans to set up investment promotion centres in key international markets such as Austria, France, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the US to attract more foreign investors to the country.
(VOV) Created by hongnt Ref. Quê Hương
During the period, the country licensed 35 new FDI projects with a total registered capital of US$1.65 billion, 21 percent year-on-year and 5.4-fold increases in the number of projects and value, respectively.
Meanwhile, 10 projects were allowed to add a total capital of US$65 million.
Prominent projects include a US$1.3 billion complex of five-star hotel and entertainment and culinary centres in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province by the US-based Good Choice Corporation and an over US$298 million resort in central Thua Thien-Hue province by the Lap An Development and Investment Ltd. Co. of Singapore.
According to the Foreign Investment Department, the number of foreign investors flocking to Vietnam to seek investment opportunities in localities continued increasing. In 2008, the Department plans to set up investment promotion centres in key international markets such as Austria, France, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the US to attract more foreign investors to the country.
(VOV) Created by hongnt Ref. Quê Hương
Friday 25 January 2008
Ha Long Bay hits top ten in natural world wonders bid
The World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay now ranks ninth among some 200 other nominees in the bid to become one of the seven natural wonders of the world, announced the official website www.new7wonders.com of the New Open World Organisation.
Ha Long Bay was placed tenth on January 17 and inched up a place to ninth on January 18.
One month ago, Ha Long Bay was placed sixth in the list. To support the vote, the northern province of Quang Ninh will hold a tourism week with the theme of “Ha Long Bay Heritage site” on May 2008.
(VOV) Ref. Tạp chí Quê hương
Ha Long Bay was placed tenth on January 17 and inched up a place to ninth on January 18.
One month ago, Ha Long Bay was placed sixth in the list. To support the vote, the northern province of Quang Ninh will hold a tourism week with the theme of “Ha Long Bay Heritage site” on May 2008.
(VOV) Ref. Tạp chí Quê hương
Aspects of Vietnam national development
Vietnam is located in a region considered a cradle of mankind, one of the earliest agricultural centres practicing wet rice farming, where the stone and metallurgical revolutions took place. On the basis of socio-economic development in the time of the Dong Son culture and given the struggle with nature and against aggression, Van Lang State, the first State in Vietnam was established in the 7th century B.C.
Thanks to their hard work and creativeness, Van Lang (and then Au Lac) residents created a civilization that influenced the entire Southeast Asian region. Together with the formation of the first State in Vietnam’s history was the evolution of a diverse economy and advanced culture known as the Red River civilization (or Dong Son civilization) symbolized by Dong Son bronze drum, a heritage reflecting the quintessence of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the ancient Vietnamese.
In the cause of national building, the Vietnamese also had to cope with various foreign aggressions. During 12 centuries from the resistance against the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century B.C until late 20th century, the Vietnamese had to launch hundreds of struggles and uprisings against foreign aggression. The tactic, as stated in the Proclamation of Victory over the Wu “Binh Ngo Dai Cao,” “…Relying on surprises, we placed our weak forces before much stronger ones; In skillful ambushes, our few troops destroyed large units,” has become the rule of thumb in the wars of safeguarding the Fatherland of the Vietnamese.
Since the 2nd century B.C, Vietnam had been dominated by different Chinese dynasties for more than a thousand years. During this period, the existence of the nation had been challenged which helped give rise to the spirit of indomitability and staunchness of the Vietnamese in the struggle to maintain the nation’s vitality, preserve and build on the quintessence of its culture and the determination to gain national independence.
Despite many vicissitudes, from Van Lang, Au Lac to Van Xuan, Dai Co Viet and Dai Viet, the Vietnamese nation continued to develop in all fields, reflecting its strong vitality and unceasing evolution.
A typical feature of Vietnamese culture is the village culture. It is Vietnamese villages that have nurtured and fostered the quintessence of the traditional culture, the spirit of unity among the Vietnamese in the struggle against the domination of the North and the policy of assimilation of Northern dynasties to gain national independence, maintaining the nation’s traditions and cultures.
The Bach Dang victory in 938 opened up a new era in Vietnam’s history – the era of development of an independent feudal state, national construction and defense. As a result, the centralized-administration state was established under the Ngo (938-965), Dinh (969-979) and earlier Le (980 - 1009) dynasties.
Then, Vietnam entered the period of renaissance and development under the Ly (1009-1226), Tran (1226-1400), Ho (1400-1407) and Le So (1428-1527) dynasties. Dai Viet, the name of the country under the Ly-Tran-Le So dynasties, was known as a prosperous country in Asia. This period marked the golden age of Vietnam’s history. Economically, this period saw the development of agriculture and irrigation (with the construction of the Red River dike) and the formation of traditional handicrafts. In terms of religion, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism were considered the three co-existing official religions exerting great influence on people’s life. One important achievement in the Ly-Tran dynasties was the introduction of Nom scripts, Vietnam’s own writing system based on the reform of Chinese Han scripts. In addition, this period also marked the splendid development of education, science, culture, art, history and law etc. (such as the establishment of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university of Vietnam, the introduction of Hong Duc Code and Complete History of Dai Viet etc.) This period was called the Civilized Age of Dai Viet. Thang Long (the old name of Hanoi capital) was officially recognized as the imperial city of Dai Viet according to the Proclamation on the transfer of the capital to Hanoi in 1010 by Ly Thai To.
From the 16th century, the backwardness and weakness of the feudal regime under Confucius ideology were revealed, feudalism fell into a decline. While many nation states in Europe were moving to capitalism, Dai Viet was bogged down in internal wars and divisions, which heavily impeded the country’s evolution despite certain developments in the economy and culture, the establishment of towns and ports and the growth of trade and exchanges between the 16th and 18th century.
In the 19th century, Western capitalist countries entered the period of imperialism and colonialism. Through missionaries and trade, the French gradually dominated Vietnam. For the first time in history, the Vietnamese nation had to cope with the invasion of a Western country. In that context, some Vietnamese intellectuals were aware of the need to carry out reforms in an effort to bring the country out of stagnation and save national independence. Many plans of reform were proposed, yet rejected by the Nguyen dynasty. Subsequently, the country was driven into backwardness and deadlock. Vietnam became a semi-feudal colony for nearly 100 years from 1858 to 1945.
After setting up the colonist rule in Vietnam, the French colonialists quickly began large-scale exploitation in the country. Capitalist production relations infiltrated in Vietnam, stimulating the formation and evolution of internal capitalist factors, and as a result, narrowing and breaking up the existing feudal production relations. Vietnam’s economy thus moved from a backward and self-sufficient economy to a colonized one totally controlled by the French capitalists. A new social structure evolved along the line of capitalism, and subsequently the division between landlords and farmers was deepened while new forces, such as the working class, the bourgeoisies and petit bourgeoisies gradually came into being. Eventually, the struggle against the French colonialists was initiated by two forces i.e. the bourgeoisies (represented by Vietnam Quoc Dan Dang and Yen Bai revolt in early 1930) and the proletarians led by the Communist Party of Vietnam.
The formation of the Communist Party of Vietnam marked the prevailing strength of the working class and revolutionary movements led by the proletarians. In August 1945, under the leadership of the Communist Party headed by Nguyen Ai Quoc (later known as President Ho Chi Minh), the Vietnamese people and the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation (now the People’s Army) successfully launched a general uprising to seize power. With the Proclamation of Independence on 2nd September 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam came into being.
The globe-shaking victory of Dien Bien Phu (May 1954) and the Geneva Accord (July 1954) put an end to the war of resistance against the French colonialists, opening up a new era of independence and freedom for the Vietnamese nation in which North Vietnam embarked upon the transitional period towards socialism. According to the Geneva Agreement, South Vietnam was under the temporary control of the French and the Americans in the run-up to the general elections. Nevertheless, the general elections could never be held due to the interference of the United States. The Republic of South Vietnam headed by Ngo Dinh Diem was established by the United States. Vietnam continued to be divided for more than 20 years.
Between 1954 and 1975, Vietnam had to fight another war for national liberation and unification. With untold hardships brought out for the Vietnamese people to bear, the war came to an end following the victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Operation in 1975. Since then, the unified Vietnam has ushered into a new era of peace, unification and national construction.
However, in the first ten years of this period, many socio-economic targets were not achieved due to both internal and external reasons. Vietnam’s economy fell into crisis and stagnation and people’s lives were difficult.
At the 6th Congress of the Communist Party in 1986, Doi Moi (reform) policy was launched with focus on economic reform. This marked an important milestone in the new stage of development of the Vietnamese nation. Doi Moi policy was consistently reaffirmed throughout the later Party Congresses. With the implementation of four five-year socio-economic development plans, Vietnam, from a food importing country, has become the second largest rice exporter in the world. Vietnam also exports a lot of other commodities with well-known brands. The economy has attained high growth rate since late 20th century and early years of the 21st century, people’s lives have been significantly improved; social policy received greater attention, the legal system has become increasingly complete and social management based on the rule of law put into place.
Looking back at the formation and development of the Vietnamese nation, we can see that patriotism, self-reliance, tradition of unity and the willpower to fight for the righteous cause of the nation are the most important features and the moral standards of the Vietnamese. The tradition of industriousness, creativeness and patience originated from the life full of hardship of the Vietnamese people. The need to stand united to cope with difficulties and challenges has created close bonds between the people and the nature and among the people in the family and in the community in the family-village-nation relations. Throughout history, the Vietnamese people have been characterized by the traditions of mutual assistance, ethic-based lifestyle, benevolence, one-mindedness and sharing of hardships in needy times, flexible ways of behaviour, the tradition of eagerness to learn, respect for righteousness and tolerance. These are the powerful and endless endogenous strengths for the Vietnamese nation to embark on the cause of national construction towards the goals of strong country, prosperous people, just, democratic and advanced society.
Copyright: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ref. Tạp chí Quê hương
Thanks to their hard work and creativeness, Van Lang (and then Au Lac) residents created a civilization that influenced the entire Southeast Asian region. Together with the formation of the first State in Vietnam’s history was the evolution of a diverse economy and advanced culture known as the Red River civilization (or Dong Son civilization) symbolized by Dong Son bronze drum, a heritage reflecting the quintessence of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the ancient Vietnamese.
In the cause of national building, the Vietnamese also had to cope with various foreign aggressions. During 12 centuries from the resistance against the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century B.C until late 20th century, the Vietnamese had to launch hundreds of struggles and uprisings against foreign aggression. The tactic, as stated in the Proclamation of Victory over the Wu “Binh Ngo Dai Cao,” “…Relying on surprises, we placed our weak forces before much stronger ones; In skillful ambushes, our few troops destroyed large units,” has become the rule of thumb in the wars of safeguarding the Fatherland of the Vietnamese.
Since the 2nd century B.C, Vietnam had been dominated by different Chinese dynasties for more than a thousand years. During this period, the existence of the nation had been challenged which helped give rise to the spirit of indomitability and staunchness of the Vietnamese in the struggle to maintain the nation’s vitality, preserve and build on the quintessence of its culture and the determination to gain national independence.
Despite many vicissitudes, from Van Lang, Au Lac to Van Xuan, Dai Co Viet and Dai Viet, the Vietnamese nation continued to develop in all fields, reflecting its strong vitality and unceasing evolution.
A typical feature of Vietnamese culture is the village culture. It is Vietnamese villages that have nurtured and fostered the quintessence of the traditional culture, the spirit of unity among the Vietnamese in the struggle against the domination of the North and the policy of assimilation of Northern dynasties to gain national independence, maintaining the nation’s traditions and cultures.
The Bach Dang victory in 938 opened up a new era in Vietnam’s history – the era of development of an independent feudal state, national construction and defense. As a result, the centralized-administration state was established under the Ngo (938-965), Dinh (969-979) and earlier Le (980 - 1009) dynasties.
Then, Vietnam entered the period of renaissance and development under the Ly (1009-1226), Tran (1226-1400), Ho (1400-1407) and Le So (1428-1527) dynasties. Dai Viet, the name of the country under the Ly-Tran-Le So dynasties, was known as a prosperous country in Asia. This period marked the golden age of Vietnam’s history. Economically, this period saw the development of agriculture and irrigation (with the construction of the Red River dike) and the formation of traditional handicrafts. In terms of religion, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism were considered the three co-existing official religions exerting great influence on people’s life. One important achievement in the Ly-Tran dynasties was the introduction of Nom scripts, Vietnam’s own writing system based on the reform of Chinese Han scripts. In addition, this period also marked the splendid development of education, science, culture, art, history and law etc. (such as the establishment of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university of Vietnam, the introduction of Hong Duc Code and Complete History of Dai Viet etc.) This period was called the Civilized Age of Dai Viet. Thang Long (the old name of Hanoi capital) was officially recognized as the imperial city of Dai Viet according to the Proclamation on the transfer of the capital to Hanoi in 1010 by Ly Thai To.
From the 16th century, the backwardness and weakness of the feudal regime under Confucius ideology were revealed, feudalism fell into a decline. While many nation states in Europe were moving to capitalism, Dai Viet was bogged down in internal wars and divisions, which heavily impeded the country’s evolution despite certain developments in the economy and culture, the establishment of towns and ports and the growth of trade and exchanges between the 16th and 18th century.
In the 19th century, Western capitalist countries entered the period of imperialism and colonialism. Through missionaries and trade, the French gradually dominated Vietnam. For the first time in history, the Vietnamese nation had to cope with the invasion of a Western country. In that context, some Vietnamese intellectuals were aware of the need to carry out reforms in an effort to bring the country out of stagnation and save national independence. Many plans of reform were proposed, yet rejected by the Nguyen dynasty. Subsequently, the country was driven into backwardness and deadlock. Vietnam became a semi-feudal colony for nearly 100 years from 1858 to 1945.
After setting up the colonist rule in Vietnam, the French colonialists quickly began large-scale exploitation in the country. Capitalist production relations infiltrated in Vietnam, stimulating the formation and evolution of internal capitalist factors, and as a result, narrowing and breaking up the existing feudal production relations. Vietnam’s economy thus moved from a backward and self-sufficient economy to a colonized one totally controlled by the French capitalists. A new social structure evolved along the line of capitalism, and subsequently the division between landlords and farmers was deepened while new forces, such as the working class, the bourgeoisies and petit bourgeoisies gradually came into being. Eventually, the struggle against the French colonialists was initiated by two forces i.e. the bourgeoisies (represented by Vietnam Quoc Dan Dang and Yen Bai revolt in early 1930) and the proletarians led by the Communist Party of Vietnam.
The formation of the Communist Party of Vietnam marked the prevailing strength of the working class and revolutionary movements led by the proletarians. In August 1945, under the leadership of the Communist Party headed by Nguyen Ai Quoc (later known as President Ho Chi Minh), the Vietnamese people and the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation (now the People’s Army) successfully launched a general uprising to seize power. With the Proclamation of Independence on 2nd September 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam came into being.
The globe-shaking victory of Dien Bien Phu (May 1954) and the Geneva Accord (July 1954) put an end to the war of resistance against the French colonialists, opening up a new era of independence and freedom for the Vietnamese nation in which North Vietnam embarked upon the transitional period towards socialism. According to the Geneva Agreement, South Vietnam was under the temporary control of the French and the Americans in the run-up to the general elections. Nevertheless, the general elections could never be held due to the interference of the United States. The Republic of South Vietnam headed by Ngo Dinh Diem was established by the United States. Vietnam continued to be divided for more than 20 years.
Between 1954 and 1975, Vietnam had to fight another war for national liberation and unification. With untold hardships brought out for the Vietnamese people to bear, the war came to an end following the victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Operation in 1975. Since then, the unified Vietnam has ushered into a new era of peace, unification and national construction.
However, in the first ten years of this period, many socio-economic targets were not achieved due to both internal and external reasons. Vietnam’s economy fell into crisis and stagnation and people’s lives were difficult.
At the 6th Congress of the Communist Party in 1986, Doi Moi (reform) policy was launched with focus on economic reform. This marked an important milestone in the new stage of development of the Vietnamese nation. Doi Moi policy was consistently reaffirmed throughout the later Party Congresses. With the implementation of four five-year socio-economic development plans, Vietnam, from a food importing country, has become the second largest rice exporter in the world. Vietnam also exports a lot of other commodities with well-known brands. The economy has attained high growth rate since late 20th century and early years of the 21st century, people’s lives have been significantly improved; social policy received greater attention, the legal system has become increasingly complete and social management based on the rule of law put into place.
Looking back at the formation and development of the Vietnamese nation, we can see that patriotism, self-reliance, tradition of unity and the willpower to fight for the righteous cause of the nation are the most important features and the moral standards of the Vietnamese. The tradition of industriousness, creativeness and patience originated from the life full of hardship of the Vietnamese people. The need to stand united to cope with difficulties and challenges has created close bonds between the people and the nature and among the people in the family and in the community in the family-village-nation relations. Throughout history, the Vietnamese people have been characterized by the traditions of mutual assistance, ethic-based lifestyle, benevolence, one-mindedness and sharing of hardships in needy times, flexible ways of behaviour, the tradition of eagerness to learn, respect for righteousness and tolerance. These are the powerful and endless endogenous strengths for the Vietnamese nation to embark on the cause of national construction towards the goals of strong country, prosperous people, just, democratic and advanced society.
Copyright: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ref. Tạp chí Quê hương
Casinos will be allowed at suitable time: VN Deputy PM
The Communist Party and the state think that it is now not the right time to allow open casinos, because opinions still vary about this.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said so when answering questions from National Assembly deputies about whether the country should allow open casinos at the latest legislative session. He said: “It is not because we still cannot keep control over casinos. In fact, casinos are also not encouraged in the world.”
However, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said that casinos might be allowed at a suitable time later on a trial basis. However, he stressed that this would still need thorough studies in order to avoid bad impacts on society.
According to an official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the ministry has submitted to the government a plan on casino development. No official information has been released about this, but sources say that the government would only consider allowing casinos to be set up within projects that have investment capital of $4bil and higher, large real estate complexes. These must be very big projects that would positively impact the whole region.
However, when talking with press agencies, Head of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Phan Huu Thang said that the requirement on investment scale would be just one of the conditions.
Meanwhile, a lot of foreign investors are planning to make investment in big real estate complexes in Vietnam which include casinos.
In September 2007, two US investors, Gillman Group and Fidelity Ventures Investment Group, unveiled their plan to develop a tourism project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in the south, estimated to cost up to US$5bil. It would include a financial-banking centre, a water park and aquarium, a casino, a cinema area, resorts, and others.
Quang Ninh authorities in October 2007 approved the 300-hectare tourism complex worth US$112mil. Vu Nguyen Nhiem, chairman of the provincial government, said that the investor, which is a Vietnam-US joint venture, would build major works for the complex such as a golf course and hotel. It is also seeking permission from the Prime Minister to build a casino section there.
VnEconomy (30/11/2007) Ref. Vietnam gateway
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said so when answering questions from National Assembly deputies about whether the country should allow open casinos at the latest legislative session. He said: “It is not because we still cannot keep control over casinos. In fact, casinos are also not encouraged in the world.”
However, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said that casinos might be allowed at a suitable time later on a trial basis. However, he stressed that this would still need thorough studies in order to avoid bad impacts on society.
According to an official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the ministry has submitted to the government a plan on casino development. No official information has been released about this, but sources say that the government would only consider allowing casinos to be set up within projects that have investment capital of $4bil and higher, large real estate complexes. These must be very big projects that would positively impact the whole region.
However, when talking with press agencies, Head of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Phan Huu Thang said that the requirement on investment scale would be just one of the conditions.
Meanwhile, a lot of foreign investors are planning to make investment in big real estate complexes in Vietnam which include casinos.
In September 2007, two US investors, Gillman Group and Fidelity Ventures Investment Group, unveiled their plan to develop a tourism project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in the south, estimated to cost up to US$5bil. It would include a financial-banking centre, a water park and aquarium, a casino, a cinema area, resorts, and others.
Quang Ninh authorities in October 2007 approved the 300-hectare tourism complex worth US$112mil. Vu Nguyen Nhiem, chairman of the provincial government, said that the investor, which is a Vietnam-US joint venture, would build major works for the complex such as a golf course and hotel. It is also seeking permission from the Prime Minister to build a casino section there.
VnEconomy (30/11/2007) Ref. Vietnam gateway
Vietnam's SSI says 2007 net rises threefold
Saigon Securities Inc, Vietnam's top brokerage, said on Monday its net profit jumped more than three times to VND858.55 billion (US$53.3 million) last year as revenues also increased threefold.
The Ho Chi Minh City-based firm, known as SSI, said in a statement its revenues soared to VND1.19 trillion last year from VND339.94 billion in 2006, when it had a net profit of VND242.03 billion.
Shares in SSI, 10 percent owned by ANZ and in which Japan's Daiwa Securities Group Incorporation has a 1.25 percent stake, fell 2.03 percent to close at VND145,000 ($9) on Monday before it released the unaudited results.
SSI is valued at $1.1 billion, the sixth-largest firm on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange .VNI where it started trading on Oct. 29, 2007, having moved from the over-the-counter Hanoi Securities Trading Center .HASTCI.
The top broker firm also underwrites share and debt issues and advises state-run companies on privatisation.
SSI aims to increase its net profit by 16 percent to VND1.21 trillion on revenues of VND1.83 trillion this year.
Last month, state media quoted SSI Chairman Nguyen Duy Hung as saying the firm would list on the Singapore stock market this year. Hung did not give a date.
Source: Reuters Theo báo Thanh niên
The Ho Chi Minh City-based firm, known as SSI, said in a statement its revenues soared to VND1.19 trillion last year from VND339.94 billion in 2006, when it had a net profit of VND242.03 billion.
Shares in SSI, 10 percent owned by ANZ and in which Japan's Daiwa Securities Group Incorporation has a 1.25 percent stake, fell 2.03 percent to close at VND145,000 ($9) on Monday before it released the unaudited results.
SSI is valued at $1.1 billion, the sixth-largest firm on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange .VNI where it started trading on Oct. 29, 2007, having moved from the over-the-counter Hanoi Securities Trading Center .HASTCI.
The top broker firm also underwrites share and debt issues and advises state-run companies on privatisation.
SSI aims to increase its net profit by 16 percent to VND1.21 trillion on revenues of VND1.83 trillion this year.
Last month, state media quoted SSI Chairman Nguyen Duy Hung as saying the firm would list on the Singapore stock market this year. Hung did not give a date.
Source: Reuters Theo báo Thanh niên
Deputy PM pledges to improve business climate at Davos forum
24/01/2008 -- 10:41 PM
Davos (VNA) - Viet Nam will further improve its business environment for investors by strictly implementing WTO commitments and completing market economy mechanism. Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai made the pledge during his dialogue with nearly 50 leaders of world leading businesses in Davos , Switzerland , on Jan. 24 within the framework of the 38th World Economic Forum (WEF).Viet Nam , he said, is determined to create a fair and equal legal environment for healthy competition for all economic sectors both inside and outside the country, strengthen the fight against corruption, speed up administrative reform, and hold regular meetings with entrepreneurs to timely adjust its policies.“Once foreign entrepreneurs invest in Viet Nam , they become an integral part of the Vietnamese economy. Their successes are also Viet Nam ’s successes, so the Government of Viet Nam is responsible for protecting legitimate interests of investors,” Deputy PM Hai stressed.The official said within one year after Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s dialogue with more than 40 executives in Davos , Viet Nam attracted up to 20.3 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2007, double the previous year’s figure. In addition, a series of large-scaled projects are awaiting licences, signalling a new wave of FDI into the Southeast Asian country, he added.He went on to say that coming to Viet Nam, investors will be able to get access to a market with more than 80 million people and through which they can approach a larger market with over 600 million consumers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). More opportunities are in store with the establishment of free trade areas between ASEAN and China , Japan and the Republic of Korea in the future.Representatives from the participating companies all spoke highly of Viet Nam ’s rapid economic growth as well as its efforts to lure investment over the past years.They expressed interest in Viet Nam ’s plans to develop infrastructure facilities and skilled human resources in the near future.-Enditem Theo Vietnam News Agency
Davos (VNA) - Viet Nam will further improve its business environment for investors by strictly implementing WTO commitments and completing market economy mechanism. Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai made the pledge during his dialogue with nearly 50 leaders of world leading businesses in Davos , Switzerland , on Jan. 24 within the framework of the 38th World Economic Forum (WEF).Viet Nam , he said, is determined to create a fair and equal legal environment for healthy competition for all economic sectors both inside and outside the country, strengthen the fight against corruption, speed up administrative reform, and hold regular meetings with entrepreneurs to timely adjust its policies.“Once foreign entrepreneurs invest in Viet Nam , they become an integral part of the Vietnamese economy. Their successes are also Viet Nam ’s successes, so the Government of Viet Nam is responsible for protecting legitimate interests of investors,” Deputy PM Hai stressed.The official said within one year after Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s dialogue with more than 40 executives in Davos , Viet Nam attracted up to 20.3 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2007, double the previous year’s figure. In addition, a series of large-scaled projects are awaiting licences, signalling a new wave of FDI into the Southeast Asian country, he added.He went on to say that coming to Viet Nam, investors will be able to get access to a market with more than 80 million people and through which they can approach a larger market with over 600 million consumers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). More opportunities are in store with the establishment of free trade areas between ASEAN and China , Japan and the Republic of Korea in the future.Representatives from the participating companies all spoke highly of Viet Nam ’s rapid economic growth as well as its efforts to lure investment over the past years.They expressed interest in Viet Nam ’s plans to develop infrastructure facilities and skilled human resources in the near future.-Enditem Theo Vietnam News Agency
US finances Vietnam 1.4 million USD to operate direct flights
Updated on 1/24/2008 at 21:2
Vietnam National Flag Carrier (Vietnam Airlines) has recently suggested that the US Department of Transport start direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles via Osaka, Japan, said the US Embassy in Vietnam on January 24.-->
Vietnam National Flag Carrier (Vietnam Airlines) has recently suggested that the US Department of Transport start direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles via Osaka, Japan, said the US Embassy in Vietnam on January 24. To help Vietnam, the US Trade and Development Agency will provide Vietnam with 1.4 million USD for the project over three phases to improve its safety and supervision capabilities to international standards. The Vietnam Civil Aviation Bureau has so far completed the first phase of the project With Vietnam’s recent WTO accession, the direct flight liking the US and Vietnam will create opportunities to promote bilateral commerce and tourism, helping Vietnam to further penetrate into global economy.
BTA (According to Lao Dong) Theo báo Đảng CSVN
Vietnam National Flag Carrier (Vietnam Airlines) has recently suggested that the US Department of Transport start direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles via Osaka, Japan, said the US Embassy in Vietnam on January 24.-->
Vietnam National Flag Carrier (Vietnam Airlines) has recently suggested that the US Department of Transport start direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles via Osaka, Japan, said the US Embassy in Vietnam on January 24. To help Vietnam, the US Trade and Development Agency will provide Vietnam with 1.4 million USD for the project over three phases to improve its safety and supervision capabilities to international standards. The Vietnam Civil Aviation Bureau has so far completed the first phase of the project With Vietnam’s recent WTO accession, the direct flight liking the US and Vietnam will create opportunities to promote bilateral commerce and tourism, helping Vietnam to further penetrate into global economy.
BTA (According to Lao Dong) Theo báo Đảng CSVN
130 overseas Vietnamese buy houses in the homeland
Updated on 1/23/2008 at 18:44
As many as 130 overseas Vietnamese living in foreign countries have bought houses in Vietnam, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, since a new decree allowing overseas Vietnamese to buy houses took effect, according to the Construction Ministry.-->
As many as 130 overseas Vietnamese living in foreign countries have bought houses in Vietnam, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, since a new decree allowing overseas Vietnamese to buy houses took effect, according to the Construction Ministry. Overseas Vietnamese who have bought houses in the homeland mainly fall into four categories: investors, scientists, people with contributions to Vietnam and those repatriating. The Construction Ministry hopes that the number of overseas Vietnamese buying houses in the homeland will go up in the future. At the mean time, a huge number of overseas Vietnamese are returning home for the Lunar New Year 2008.
BTA Theo báo Đảng CSVN
As many as 130 overseas Vietnamese living in foreign countries have bought houses in Vietnam, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, since a new decree allowing overseas Vietnamese to buy houses took effect, according to the Construction Ministry.-->
As many as 130 overseas Vietnamese living in foreign countries have bought houses in Vietnam, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, since a new decree allowing overseas Vietnamese to buy houses took effect, according to the Construction Ministry. Overseas Vietnamese who have bought houses in the homeland mainly fall into four categories: investors, scientists, people with contributions to Vietnam and those repatriating. The Construction Ministry hopes that the number of overseas Vietnamese buying houses in the homeland will go up in the future. At the mean time, a huge number of overseas Vietnamese are returning home for the Lunar New Year 2008.
BTA Theo báo Đảng CSVN
VN wants closer cooperation with the US
(24/01/2008-07:15:00 AM)
VNGOP – Upon presenting a letter of credentials to US President George W. Bush on January 22, Vietnamese Ambassador Lê Công Phụng confirmed Việt Nam’s consistent policy to further deepen multi-faceted cooperation with the US, especially in economy, trade, education, science and technology.
On the occasion, President George W. Bush also affirmed that the US attaches importance to and will consolidate the multifaceted partnership with Việt Nam bilaterally and in dealing with regional and international issues.
The US President showed his delight at rapid developments of the US-Việt Nam relationship since the normalization, which has been marked by the visits of high-ranking leaders.
By Phương Hoàng (Ref. http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page?_pageid=439,1091466&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&pers_id=1091200&item_id=6548229&p_details=1)
VNGOP – Upon presenting a letter of credentials to US President George W. Bush on January 22, Vietnamese Ambassador Lê Công Phụng confirmed Việt Nam’s consistent policy to further deepen multi-faceted cooperation with the US, especially in economy, trade, education, science and technology.
On the occasion, President George W. Bush also affirmed that the US attaches importance to and will consolidate the multifaceted partnership with Việt Nam bilaterally and in dealing with regional and international issues.
The US President showed his delight at rapid developments of the US-Việt Nam relationship since the normalization, which has been marked by the visits of high-ranking leaders.
By Phương Hoàng (Ref. http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page?_pageid=439,1091466&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&pers_id=1091200&item_id=6548229&p_details=1)
VN Financial and capital markets to dramatically develop in 2008
(24/01/2008-07:18:00 AM)
VNGOP – Finance Minister Vũ Văn Ninh emphasized that the Government places a special importance on reforming procedures directly relating to business environment in order to give favorable conditions to investors.
The Việt Nam Finance and Capital Markets Conference 2008 – Photo: VNGOP
At the Việt Nam Finance and Capital Markets Conference 2008 held by the Ministry of Finance on January 23 in Hà Nội, over 300 delegates from domestic and foreign economic groups discussed hot issues relating to Việt Nam’s finance and capital markets.
Most of the audience asserted that, in 2007, Việt Nam gained an admirable growth and is now one of most dynamic and promising economies in Asia.
However, according to many attendants, the competitiveness and capital absorbability of the Vietnamese economy remain quite low, so that ministries, sectors and businesses have not maximized resources.
Mentioning solutions to improve the situations, Mr. Brad Levitt, Head of the Global Capital Market Department of Standard Chartered Bank, suggested Việt Nam quickly lift all blockages relating to regulations.
Meanwhile, WB Acting Director in Việt Nam Martin Rama stressed that, Việt Nam’s laws and policies on indirect investments and procedures to open branches have not been revised properly, slowing down the adoption and implementation of projects. According to him, Việt Nam should found financial intermediate organs to instruct investment process and formalities for investors.
Finally, the delegates asked the Government to offer a complete legal frame and mechanism to facilitate the healthy and safe development of capital market as well as further improve investment environment by developing infrastructure, training human resource, and boosting administrative reforms.
By Xuân Hồng (Ref. http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page?_pageid=439,1091250&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&pers_id=1091173&item_id=6548309&p_details=1)
VNGOP – Finance Minister Vũ Văn Ninh emphasized that the Government places a special importance on reforming procedures directly relating to business environment in order to give favorable conditions to investors.
The Việt Nam Finance and Capital Markets Conference 2008 – Photo: VNGOP
At the Việt Nam Finance and Capital Markets Conference 2008 held by the Ministry of Finance on January 23 in Hà Nội, over 300 delegates from domestic and foreign economic groups discussed hot issues relating to Việt Nam’s finance and capital markets.
Most of the audience asserted that, in 2007, Việt Nam gained an admirable growth and is now one of most dynamic and promising economies in Asia.
However, according to many attendants, the competitiveness and capital absorbability of the Vietnamese economy remain quite low, so that ministries, sectors and businesses have not maximized resources.
Mentioning solutions to improve the situations, Mr. Brad Levitt, Head of the Global Capital Market Department of Standard Chartered Bank, suggested Việt Nam quickly lift all blockages relating to regulations.
Meanwhile, WB Acting Director in Việt Nam Martin Rama stressed that, Việt Nam’s laws and policies on indirect investments and procedures to open branches have not been revised properly, slowing down the adoption and implementation of projects. According to him, Việt Nam should found financial intermediate organs to instruct investment process and formalities for investors.
Finally, the delegates asked the Government to offer a complete legal frame and mechanism to facilitate the healthy and safe development of capital market as well as further improve investment environment by developing infrastructure, training human resource, and boosting administrative reforms.
By Xuân Hồng (Ref. http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page?_pageid=439,1091250&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&pers_id=1091173&item_id=6548309&p_details=1)
Project HOPE volunteers
Navy Missions: View Photos of Volunteers at Work
The first rotation of Project HOPE volunteers boarded the USNS Comfort this month on a 12-city, 12-country humanitarian assistance mission to Central and South America.
Project HOPE volunteers began their service in Belize, treating patients in medical clinics on land as well as performing operations at sea. Volunteers have also conducted medical training and medical supplies and medicines have been donated to Belize's hospitals and clinics.
The USNS Comfort mission is just one of three missions that Project HOPE will partner with the U.S. Navy this year. Staffed with Project HOPE volunteer doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, the U.S. Navy hospital ship Comfort will visit coastal communities in Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Surinam. Project HOPE will send 88 volunteers on this mission, in four rotations, each lasting approximately 23 days, to help treat an expected 85,000 patients – including 55,000 children.
Later this summer, the USS Peleliu will visit Southeast Asia including coastal communities in Vietnam (where the SS HOPE sailed during the second half of its maiden voyage in 1960), Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands. HOPE will send 63 volunteers on this mission, serving in three rotations, each lasting up to 19 days. In the fall, Project HOPE will accompany the Navy to West Africa.
Along with the volunteer support, Project HOPE is seeking to provide an estimated $6 million worth of donated medicines (including vaccines, antibiotics and basic supplies) in support of each operation.
The humanitarian voyages with the U.S. Navy will be similar in scope to the two previous joint missions - the 2005 Tsunami Response, which provided direct medical support on the ship and ashore to the victims of the December 2004 tsunami and the 2006 Mission of HOPE and Mercy which revisited the area to provide medical help and expertise to those still suffering from the effects of the tsunami.
Dr. Nick Morris, a surgeon, and his wife, Madelyn, a certified registered nurse specializing in surgery assistance, volunteered on the 2006 Mission of HOPE and Mercy. He is volunteering again this summer aboard the Comfort. Dr. Morris describes his volunteer mission with HOPE as life changing.
“It was really like I was closing the loop on my childhood ambitions for becoming a doctor,” Dr. Morris said. “I felt like this was something I had been looking for all my life and God said, ‘Here, this is my gift to you.”’
This unique public-private partnership distinctly recalls the days of the SS HOPE hospital ship, and represents a rebirth of the volunteer spirit on which Project HOPE was founded 49 years ago. During its 14 years of service, from 1960 to 1974, the SS HOPE, staffed by medical volunteers, made 11 voyages to countries around the world – including several of those scheduled for visits by the Comfort and Peleliu this year (Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Colombia). When it was retired, the SS HOPE had become a symbol of American goodwill and compassion. (ref. http://www.projecthope.org/headlines/view.asp?id=12387991)
The first rotation of Project HOPE volunteers boarded the USNS Comfort this month on a 12-city, 12-country humanitarian assistance mission to Central and South America.Project HOPE volunteers began their service in Belize, treating patients in medical clinics on land as well as performing operations at sea. Volunteers have also conducted medical training and medical supplies and medicines have been donated to Belize's hospitals and clinics.
The USNS Comfort mission is just one of three missions that Project HOPE will partner with the U.S. Navy this year. Staffed with Project HOPE volunteer doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, the U.S. Navy hospital ship Comfort will visit coastal communities in Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Surinam. Project HOPE will send 88 volunteers on this mission, in four rotations, each lasting approximately 23 days, to help treat an expected 85,000 patients – including 55,000 children.
Later this summer, the USS Peleliu will visit Southeast Asia including coastal communities in Vietnam (where the SS HOPE sailed during the second half of its maiden voyage in 1960), Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands. HOPE will send 63 volunteers on this mission, serving in three rotations, each lasting up to 19 days. In the fall, Project HOPE will accompany the Navy to West Africa.Along with the volunteer support, Project HOPE is seeking to provide an estimated $6 million worth of donated medicines (including vaccines, antibiotics and basic supplies) in support of each operation.
The humanitarian voyages with the U.S. Navy will be similar in scope to the two previous joint missions - the 2005 Tsunami Response, which provided direct medical support on the ship and ashore to the victims of the December 2004 tsunami and the 2006 Mission of HOPE and Mercy which revisited the area to provide medical help and expertise to those still suffering from the effects of the tsunami.
Dr. Nick Morris, a surgeon, and his wife, Madelyn, a certified registered nurse specializing in surgery assistance, volunteered on the 2006 Mission of HOPE and Mercy. He is volunteering again this summer aboard the Comfort. Dr. Morris describes his volunteer mission with HOPE as life changing.
“It was really like I was closing the loop on my childhood ambitions for becoming a doctor,” Dr. Morris said. “I felt like this was something I had been looking for all my life and God said, ‘Here, this is my gift to you.”’
This unique public-private partnership distinctly recalls the days of the SS HOPE hospital ship, and represents a rebirth of the volunteer spirit on which Project HOPE was founded 49 years ago. During its 14 years of service, from 1960 to 1974, the SS HOPE, staffed by medical volunteers, made 11 voyages to countries around the world – including several of those scheduled for visits by the Comfort and Peleliu this year (Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Colombia). When it was retired, the SS HOPE had become a symbol of American goodwill and compassion. (ref. http://www.projecthope.org/headlines/view.asp?id=12387991)
Thursday 24 January 2008
Quang Trung Museum: home for Tay Son's treasures
14:47', 17/12/ 2007 (GMT+7)
A ceremony was held on December 15 to mark the 30th anniversary of establishment of Quang Trung Museum. During 30 years, Quang Trung Museum has been considered as the home for Tay Son dynasty's treasures.
Preserve "Tay Son dynasty's treasures"
Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City visit Quang Trung Museum. Photo N.T
A ceremony was held on December 15 to mark the 30th anniversary of establishment of Quang Trung Museum. During 30 years, Quang Trung Museum has been considered as the home for Tay Son dynasty's treasures.
Preserve "Tay Son dynasty's treasures"
Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City visit Quang Trung Museum. Photo N.T
It took 30 years to collect more than 11,057 items and scientific documents displayed at Quang Trung Museum now. They have been collected from many provinces where there is trace of Tay Son dynasty.
"It wasn't easy to persuade those who were keeping items originated from Tay Son's dynasty such as conferring decree, bronze bell, and cannon because they kept them as their own treasures," said director of Quang Trung Museum.
The discovery of a storehouse of coins in Cat Tien Commune of Phu Cat District in 1998, for example, was a memorable event owing to its great value. When knowing that there were many jars of coin found, the staff of Quang Trung Museum went to Cat Tien at once and were really happy to know thousands of coins casted under dynasties of Kings Thai Duc, Quang Trung, and Canh Thinh.
Also, thanks to Vietnamese embassies and other relationship, many antiques were collected from foreign countries. A troupe of artists was formed, helping visitors know more about Tay Son dynasty and traditional martial arts by performing the war drums.
And better
Quang Trung Museum is now being expanded. Over VND18 billion has been invested in upgrading the museum. A complex of vestiges and landscape is expected to be built on an area of 16 hectares.
Also, other items such as the square, flower garden, temples to Bui Thi Xuan and Vo Van Dung will be built and restored.
Thanks to the sponsorship, cultural works like statue of King Quang Trung, statue of three Tay Son's national heroes, Bana cultural communal house, and Canh Thinh kettle drum make the museum become more beautiful.
It is believed that Quang Trung Museum would continue developing, becoming a center for researching the history of Tay Son dynasty.
Ngoc Tu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/land-people/2007/12/52250/)
"It wasn't easy to persuade those who were keeping items originated from Tay Son's dynasty such as conferring decree, bronze bell, and cannon because they kept them as their own treasures," said director of Quang Trung Museum.
The discovery of a storehouse of coins in Cat Tien Commune of Phu Cat District in 1998, for example, was a memorable event owing to its great value. When knowing that there were many jars of coin found, the staff of Quang Trung Museum went to Cat Tien at once and were really happy to know thousands of coins casted under dynasties of Kings Thai Duc, Quang Trung, and Canh Thinh.
Also, thanks to Vietnamese embassies and other relationship, many antiques were collected from foreign countries. A troupe of artists was formed, helping visitors know more about Tay Son dynasty and traditional martial arts by performing the war drums.
And better
Quang Trung Museum is now being expanded. Over VND18 billion has been invested in upgrading the museum. A complex of vestiges and landscape is expected to be built on an area of 16 hectares.
Also, other items such as the square, flower garden, temples to Bui Thi Xuan and Vo Van Dung will be built and restored.
Thanks to the sponsorship, cultural works like statue of King Quang Trung, statue of three Tay Son's national heroes, Bana cultural communal house, and Canh Thinh kettle drum make the museum become more beautiful.
It is believed that Quang Trung Museum would continue developing, becoming a center for researching the history of Tay Son dynasty.
Ngoc Tu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/land-people/2007/12/52250/)
Petec Mart project kicked off
17:23', 15/1/ 2008 (GMT+7)
Petec Binh Dinh Joint Stock Company (Petec Bidico) kicked off the first phase of Petec Bidico Trade Center (Petec Mart) in Quy Nhon City on January 15. Thuy Vi interviewed the general director of Petec Bidico Nguyen Trong Phat about the project.
Petec Binh Dinh Joint Stock Company (Petec Bidico) kicked off the first phase of Petec Bidico Trade Center (Petec Mart) in Quy Nhon City on January 15. Thuy Vi interviewed the general director of Petec Bidico Nguyen Trong Phat about the project.
Petec Mart. Photo B.L
Q: Why did Petec Bidico decide to invest in Petec Mart project?
A: Binh Dinh has the potential to develop the retail market which is very popular in Vietnam at present. Nhon Hoi Economic Zone and other industrial clusters have attracted more and more investors. The infrastructure for the economic development is strongly invested. Also, Quy Nhon City is expected to become a center of the key economic zone for Central region.
Petec Mart is, therefore, expected to partly contribute to the development in Binh Dinh when it is fully operational. A goods distribution system will be formed, meeting the people's requirements.
All above-mentioned factors helped us decide to build Petec Mart with the hope that it will benefit not only the company but Binh Dinh's trade activities.
Q: How about the scale of project?
A: The 7-storey Petec Mart worth nearly VND30 billion plans to be built on an area of 1,700 sq.m. In the first phase, four storeys including one basement, one ground floor, and two other floors are expected to be in use by late 2008.
The second phase will be used for the construction of offices for rent and halls for conference.
We are concerned of not only infrastructure but human factor for this is a modern building. At present, the staff are being trained to work at Petec Mart.
Q: Could you talk more about the operation of Petec Mart when it is completed?
A: We carefully analyzed the statistics for business. The population of Quy Nhon City is more than 500,000 people who will be potential customers for self-selected and electronic products.
Petec Mart plans to sell high quality products, so distributors will be carefully selected. We eye well-known distributors such as Metro Cash and Carry in Da Nang, PP Center, and other food manufacturers.
Petec Mart will be designed as a modern trade center with advanced technologies. The business at each storey will be appropriately arranged to meet customers' demand for shopping.
Petec Mart is expected to play an important role in our business strategy. It can be considered as a driving force to diversify measures of distribution and expand the market. Thanks to this, we hope to develop kinds of services, typically offices for rent. Petec Mart will also provide more choices for the people and tourists to Binh Dinh when they go shopping.
We do believe that Petec Mart would create more jobs and contribute to the local budget. More significantly, it is a turning point in the development of Petec Bidico.
We plan to join the securities market in the coming time. The effective business, therefore, means that we could get the belief of shareholders, partners, and local authorities.
Thuy Vi (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/business/2008/1/53632/)
Q: Why did Petec Bidico decide to invest in Petec Mart project?
A: Binh Dinh has the potential to develop the retail market which is very popular in Vietnam at present. Nhon Hoi Economic Zone and other industrial clusters have attracted more and more investors. The infrastructure for the economic development is strongly invested. Also, Quy Nhon City is expected to become a center of the key economic zone for Central region.
Petec Mart is, therefore, expected to partly contribute to the development in Binh Dinh when it is fully operational. A goods distribution system will be formed, meeting the people's requirements.
All above-mentioned factors helped us decide to build Petec Mart with the hope that it will benefit not only the company but Binh Dinh's trade activities.
Q: How about the scale of project?
A: The 7-storey Petec Mart worth nearly VND30 billion plans to be built on an area of 1,700 sq.m. In the first phase, four storeys including one basement, one ground floor, and two other floors are expected to be in use by late 2008.
The second phase will be used for the construction of offices for rent and halls for conference.
We are concerned of not only infrastructure but human factor for this is a modern building. At present, the staff are being trained to work at Petec Mart.
Q: Could you talk more about the operation of Petec Mart when it is completed?
A: We carefully analyzed the statistics for business. The population of Quy Nhon City is more than 500,000 people who will be potential customers for self-selected and electronic products.
Petec Mart plans to sell high quality products, so distributors will be carefully selected. We eye well-known distributors such as Metro Cash and Carry in Da Nang, PP Center, and other food manufacturers.
Petec Mart will be designed as a modern trade center with advanced technologies. The business at each storey will be appropriately arranged to meet customers' demand for shopping.
Petec Mart is expected to play an important role in our business strategy. It can be considered as a driving force to diversify measures of distribution and expand the market. Thanks to this, we hope to develop kinds of services, typically offices for rent. Petec Mart will also provide more choices for the people and tourists to Binh Dinh when they go shopping.
We do believe that Petec Mart would create more jobs and contribute to the local budget. More significantly, it is a turning point in the development of Petec Bidico.
We plan to join the securities market in the coming time. The effective business, therefore, means that we could get the belief of shareholders, partners, and local authorities.
Thuy Vi (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/business/2008/1/53632/)
More findings at Duong Long towers
17:3', 8/11/ 2007 (GMT+7)
Binh Dinh Museum and the Southern Social Sciences Institute’s Archaeology Research Centre held the second archaeological excavation of Duong Long towers in Tay Binh Commune of Tay Son District. The excavation unearthed many vestiges.
Foundations clearly identified
Following the findings in 2006, the second excavation was mainly carried out in the south and east areas of the towers. At the east area of the south tower, archaeologists found a three-layer earth foundation. The first layer is a mix of broken bricks and brick powder, the second is made of macadam, and the third is a laterid gravel one which is thought to be the original surface.
In the east of the middle tower, a 10 m-length brick wall was discovered, running parallel to the wall found in 2006. Two shorter brick lines with similar structure were unearthed on the opposite side. At the end of two lines are vestiges of two brick pillars leaning to the gate.
Along two walls there are many pieces of broken tiles and terra-cotta. Two walls are, therefore, said to be vestiges of a house in front of the towers or a corridor used for placing statues.
The excavation showed Duong Long towers are a cluster of three towers with other architectural works involved, creating a unique complex. Results play an important role for the upcoming restoration.
Unique features recognized
Architectural style of Mam or Binh Dinh tower ages within the 11th – 14th centuries, according to Champa architectural style formed by Ph.Stern.
French scholars only based on relics collected at Mam and Canh Tien towers to form the style. Two archaeological excavations of Duong Long towers in 2006-07 unearthed many valuable vestiges, contributing to the research of Binh Dinh style under Champa art.
"Collected items like round statues, relievos of Laskmi, Uma, Shiva, and Makara prove sculptors' perfect skills and religious philosophy," said Dr. Bui Chi Hoang.
Compared with sculptural pieces like Makara status in Mam tower, those in Duong Long towers had a similar overall layout but different design and details. The statues of Naga snakes, for example, had round figures covered with scales; meanwhile, Angkor temple's Naga snakes had sharp and flat heads and smooth figures, Hoang added. Naga snakes in Duong Long towers are, thus, similar to the figure of the dragon in Dai Viet (Great Viet) culture, which is due to historical events in that period.
"Findings of two excavations provide the newest evidences for researchers. They prove Duong Long towers have factors of not only Khmer but Champa culture. It is necessary to have further research to clear the indigenous features of Duong Long and other towers in Binh Dinh. This is also an important condition for the UNESCO's acknowledgement for Binh Dinh's Champa towers as a world cultural heritage in the future," said Dr. Le Dinh Phung.
Hoai Thu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/culture-sport/2007/11/50478/)
Binh Dinh Museum and the Southern Social Sciences Institute’s Archaeology Research Centre held the second archaeological excavation of Duong Long towers in Tay Binh Commune of Tay Son District. The excavation unearthed many vestiges.
Foundations clearly identified
Following the findings in 2006, the second excavation was mainly carried out in the south and east areas of the towers. At the east area of the south tower, archaeologists found a three-layer earth foundation. The first layer is a mix of broken bricks and brick powder, the second is made of macadam, and the third is a laterid gravel one which is thought to be the original surface.
In the east of the middle tower, a 10 m-length brick wall was discovered, running parallel to the wall found in 2006. Two shorter brick lines with similar structure were unearthed on the opposite side. At the end of two lines are vestiges of two brick pillars leaning to the gate.
Along two walls there are many pieces of broken tiles and terra-cotta. Two walls are, therefore, said to be vestiges of a house in front of the towers or a corridor used for placing statues.
The excavation showed Duong Long towers are a cluster of three towers with other architectural works involved, creating a unique complex. Results play an important role for the upcoming restoration.
Unique features recognized
Architectural style of Mam or Binh Dinh tower ages within the 11th – 14th centuries, according to Champa architectural style formed by Ph.Stern.
French scholars only based on relics collected at Mam and Canh Tien towers to form the style. Two archaeological excavations of Duong Long towers in 2006-07 unearthed many valuable vestiges, contributing to the research of Binh Dinh style under Champa art.
"Collected items like round statues, relievos of Laskmi, Uma, Shiva, and Makara prove sculptors' perfect skills and religious philosophy," said Dr. Bui Chi Hoang.
Compared with sculptural pieces like Makara status in Mam tower, those in Duong Long towers had a similar overall layout but different design and details. The statues of Naga snakes, for example, had round figures covered with scales; meanwhile, Angkor temple's Naga snakes had sharp and flat heads and smooth figures, Hoang added. Naga snakes in Duong Long towers are, thus, similar to the figure of the dragon in Dai Viet (Great Viet) culture, which is due to historical events in that period.
"Findings of two excavations provide the newest evidences for researchers. They prove Duong Long towers have factors of not only Khmer but Champa culture. It is necessary to have further research to clear the indigenous features of Duong Long and other towers in Binh Dinh. This is also an important condition for the UNESCO's acknowledgement for Binh Dinh's Champa towers as a world cultural heritage in the future," said Dr. Le Dinh Phung.
Hoai Thu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/culture-sport/2007/11/50478/)
Statue of King Quang Trung inaugurated
17:38', 21/1/ 2008 (GMT+7)
Binh Dinh Province People's Committee solemnly held a ceremony, inaugurating the statue of King Quang Trung at Quang Trung Park on January 20.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Tran Chien Thang and provincial leaders were among those attending the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Thang highly appreciated the contributions of sponsors to the socialization of historical and cultural works, honoring the tradition of "when drinking water, remember the source".
Provincial Vice Chairman Thien expressed many thanks to sponsors, saying that the landscape around the statue would be embellished to hold important events in the coming time.
Hoai Thu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/culture-sport/2008/1/53936/)
Binh Dinh Province People's Committee solemnly held a ceremony, inaugurating the statue of King Quang Trung at Quang Trung Park on January 20.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Tran Chien Thang and provincial leaders were among those attending the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Thang highly appreciated the contributions of sponsors to the socialization of historical and cultural works, honoring the tradition of "when drinking water, remember the source".
Provincial Vice Chairman Thien expressed many thanks to sponsors, saying that the landscape around the statue would be embellished to hold important events in the coming time.
Hoai Thu (translated by Hong Quang) (Ref. http://www.baobinhdinh.com.vn/culture-sport/2008/1/53936/)
How much will I earn through Google ads ?
How much will I earn through this program?
The Google ads you are able to display on your content pages can be either cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-1000-impressions (CPM) ads, while AdSense for search results pages show exclusively CPC ads. This means that advertisers pay either when users click on ads, or when the advertiser's ad is shown on your site. You'll receive a portion of the amount paid for either activity on your website. Although we don't disclose the exact revenue share, our goal is to enable publishers to make as much or more than they could with other advertising networks.
The best way to find out how much you'll earn is to sign up and start showing ads on your webpages. There's no cost, no obligation, and getting started is quick and easy. You can sign up now from the AdSense home page at https://www.google.com/adsense?sourceid=asos&subid=ww-ww-et-HC_entry&medium=link.
Once you're a part of Google AdSense, you can view your earnings at any time by logging in to your account at https://www.google.com/adsense?sourceid=asos&subid=ww-ww-et-HC_entry&medium=linkand clicking the Reports tab. You'll be able to see the total number of page and ad unit impressions, ad clicks, clickthrough rate, effective CPM, and your total earnings so you can get an idea of how well the program is performing for you and how much you can expect to earn over time in the program.
You can also find more information about our payment schedule in our Payments Guide. (ref. https://www.google.com/adsense/login/en_US/)
The Google ads you are able to display on your content pages can be either cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-1000-impressions (CPM) ads, while AdSense for search results pages show exclusively CPC ads. This means that advertisers pay either when users click on ads, or when the advertiser's ad is shown on your site. You'll receive a portion of the amount paid for either activity on your website. Although we don't disclose the exact revenue share, our goal is to enable publishers to make as much or more than they could with other advertising networks.
The best way to find out how much you'll earn is to sign up and start showing ads on your webpages. There's no cost, no obligation, and getting started is quick and easy. You can sign up now from the AdSense home page at https://www.google.com/adsense?sourceid=asos&subid=ww-ww-et-HC_entry&medium=link.
Once you're a part of Google AdSense, you can view your earnings at any time by logging in to your account at https://www.google.com/adsense?sourceid=asos&subid=ww-ww-et-HC_entry&medium=linkand clicking the Reports tab. You'll be able to see the total number of page and ad unit impressions, ad clicks, clickthrough rate, effective CPM, and your total earnings so you can get an idea of how well the program is performing for you and how much you can expect to earn over time in the program.
You can also find more information about our payment schedule in our Payments Guide. (ref. https://www.google.com/adsense/login/en_US/)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
