Category: General

Hanoi: Vietnam needs to complete a legal framework to better manage virtual assets (VAs) as well as virtual asset service providers (VASPs), experts said at an annual forum on Blockchain and AI held by the Vietnam Blockchain Association in Hanoi on April 24. Some 20% of the Vietnamese population own crypto assets which are developed by blockchain technology, they said, stressing without strict management and failure to comply with global taxing principles, VA transactions will pose great challenges for the country in the coming time. As of the end of December 2023, 32 countries regulated crypto-assets in their jurisdictions, including ten nations of the G20 group officially issuing regulations on VA and VASP, the Alantic Council's surveys on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and protection of users and the VASPs revealed. Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Blockchain Association Phan Duc Trung said 18 related documents have been issued in Vietnam so far. The notabl e one being the national action plan to carry out the Government's commitment to preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction so as to lift Vietnam out of the Financial Action Tasks Force's list of Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (grey list). He said the plan has focused on the AML/CFT and VASP standard but neglected taxation of VA and protection of users. Therefore, a complete legal framework has not been shaped up yet. The association hoped to collect opinions from the community and enterprises as well as have dialogue with state management agencies to develop a complete framework before May 2025. At the event, the association announced the second Switch Up Accelerator, helping startups to call for funds, and highlighted an overview of the blockchain industry in Vietnam and the globe. The Academy of Blockchain and AI Innovation was debuted on the occasion, aimed at providing blockchain and AI training strategies for 1 million people by 2030, including 100,000 students in 30 universities across the nation./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Quang Ngai: An annual ceremony commemorating sailors of the historic Hoang Sa (Paracel) flotilla took place in the communal house of An Vinh village, Ly Son district, the central province of Quang Ngai, on April 24. The traditional event, namely 'Le khao le the linh Hoang Sa' (Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa Soldiers), pays tribute to the men enlisted in the flotilla to patrol the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly), tap natural resources, and defend national island sovereignty. In 2013, it was accredited as a national intangible cultural heritage. According to history, the fleet was established in the early 17th century under the reign of Nguyen Lords in the south. Each year, 70 fishermen were enlisted, commissioned to survey sea routes and erect sovereignty landmarks and steles declaring national territory in Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. They began their trip in the second lunar month and returned six months later. Since their mission was fraught with danger, a ceremony was held before the trip to pray for their safety. Puppets representing the men and basics like rice, salt, fuel wood, and drinking water were put on replica boats which were then released into the sea to symbolically substitute for them. The ceremony has been observed over centuries by families in Ly Son and many coastal areas in Quang Ngai, attracting increasing participation from visitors across Vietnam in recent years. Following local tradition, after the ceremony, a boat race was held. In the past, such races were organised to select skillful and strong seafarers to join the flotilla./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 24 requested more efforts to step up institutional improvement, create a full legal corridor to promote national digital transformation and develop the digital economy while addressing the eighth meeting of the National Committee for Digital Transformation. Chinh, who is head of the committee, stressed the need to speed up the upgrade of digital infrastructure and digital platforms to create an important premise for digital economic development; promote the creation of digital data and the development of digital services; step up the development of digital human resources and skills to meet socio-economic development requirements; and ensure cyber security and information security to protect the national cyberspace sovereignty early and from afar. He urged paying more attention to increasing public awareness of the role of digital transformation and encouraging public-private cooperation, using public investment to lead private investment and activate all socia l resources for this work. The Prime Minister requested to prioritise resources to ensure the completion of assigned tasks in the National Digital Transformation Programme and three strategies on developing the digital government, the digital economy and the digital society; and concertedly and effectively carry out measures so that the country can move up at least five places in the United Nations e-Government Development Index, and be listed among the top 30 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index. The Ministry of Information and Communications should early complete and submit a national strategy on semiconductor development to 2030 and the Ministry of Planning and Investment should submit a project on human resources development for the semiconductor industry to 2030, with a vision to 2045 to the Prime Minister for promulgation, Chinh urged. Digital transformation is a key task and a breakthrough step in achieving socio-economic development goals, and contributing to reducing burdens for citizens an d businesses, combating corruption and negative phenomena, the PM affirmed. He said the action plan for 2024 issued by the National Committee for Digital Transformation has identified the four pillars of the national digital transformation work, including the information technology industry, digitalisation of economic sectors, digital governance, and digital data, which are important drivers for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. However, the leader also noted that to date, 390 out of the 1,086 administrative procedures have not been reduced or simplified; cyber and information security in many places have not received adequate attention; and digital infrastructure has not met development needs. In Vietnam, the proportion of digital economy/GDP reached 11.91% and 14.26% in 2021 and 2022, respectively, and is estimated to hit 16.5% last year with a growth rate of 20%, three times higher than the pace of GDP growth. In the first quarter of 2024, the information technology industry's revenue r eached nearly 36.3 billion USD, up 17.7% year-on-year, while its exports reached 31 billion USD, an increase of 17%./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Ben Tre: The coastal Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre is pushing its efforts in preventing and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, preparing to work with the EC inspection team for the 5th time. Within the second quarter, the provincial People's Committee of Ben Tre is set to propose the provincial Party Committee issue an action programme to implement a new directive of the Party Central Committee on enhancing the Party's leadership in combating IUU fishing and on the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In addition, Ben Tre is focusing on the strengthened management of fishing vessels, completing the registration work and issuing exploitation licences. In this regard, strict handling targets vessels without registration certificates and exploitation licences. The province is reinforcing the effectiveness of monitoring the operations of fishing vessels, promptly tackling those with risks of violating the waters of foreign countries. According to the provincial People 's Committee, Ben Tre currently has 2,769 registered fishing vessels, with the percentage of those obtaining exploitation licenses reaching 91.7%. So far this year, it has logged no fishing vessels apprehended by foreign countries. The EC inspection team is expected to visit Vietnam for work in May or June./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Ottawa: A delegation of Vietnamese negotiators joined those from 176 countries worldwide at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on plastic waste in Ottawa, Canada, on April 23. This session is to work towards finalising an agreement on a global treaty to eliminate plastic pollution by the end of this year. To achieve this goal, negotiators will need to reach a comprehensive legally binding compromise on plastic waste. In his opening speech, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault said plastic has become a microcosm of consumer culture since the mid-20th century, adding that the world has depended on this culture. He underlined the necessity to forge a new consensus to eliminate this, putting an end to the waste, expense, and harm of plastic. On the threshold of the meeting, Guilbeault said the meeting's goal is to achieve consensus on 60-70% of the treaty's content. Vietnamese head delegate, Director of the International Cooperation Depar tment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) Le Ngoc Tuan said Vietnam supports the current approach to tackling plastic pollution, but noted that to prepare for negotiations in this session and the next one, specific assessments of future impacts when participating in the agreement are necessary. As a developing country, Vietnam seeks a balance where, alongside control measures, consideration should be given to implementation methods, including financial, technological, and capacity aspects, he said. Talking to Vietnam News Agency in Canada, Tuan said Vietnam and other member countries all support building a legally binding global agreement to address plastic pollution. He noted that this will serve as a legal framework for member countries to develop actions to reduce plastic pollution and collectively address environmental challenges. Anthony Merante, a plastic waste campaigner from Oceana Canada, asserted that the world cannot delay resolving this crisis any longer. Plastic p ollution knows no borders and is the second most urgent environmental issue after climate change, he said, noting that the devastation caused by plastic pollution in the ocean is undeniable. Methods and implementation roadmaps are also crucial because each country has its level of development and unique circumstances, making it impossible to apply a one-size-fits-all formula, he stressed Statistics show that annual plastic production has more than doubled over the past 20 years to 460 million tonnes, and is on track to triple. Only 9% of the total is recycled. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the "contribution" of plastic to global warming is likely to more than double by 2060. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasised the urgency for a treaty and specific actions to combat plastic pollution, affirming that time is running out for both finalising a treaty and for the earth's resilience./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Eighty-four works were honoured with the 17th National Technical Innovation Awards at a ceremony held in Hanoi on April 23. Phan Xuan Dung, President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) and Chairman of the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC) said that in the 17th contest (2022 - 2023), organisers in provinces, cities, ministries, and sectors selected 587 outstanding solutions for the national competition. Eighty-four of them were awarded, including six with the first prize, 12 with the second prize, 24 with the third prize, and 42 with the consolation prize. The latest competition attracted over 8,000 entries from 55 ministries, sectors, and localities, he said, describing the achievements as a great source of encouragement for scientists, collectives, and individuals to push ahead with working and making innovations to contribute to socio-economic development. Thousands of scientific research and application projects carried out across socio -economic and security - defence areas are greatly helping with national reforms, he added. On this occasion, the organising board decided to commend nine collectives and eight individuals for outstanding performance in popularising and holding the contest. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour presented the certificate of labour and creativity to the chairs and co-chairs of the solutions winning the first, second, and third prizes. The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee also honoured the authors aged 35 and below of those solutions. At the event, organisers also launched the 18th National Technical Innovation Awards (2024 - 2025)./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: The police have officially started legal proceedings against Vice Chairman of the Vinh Phuc provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Khuoc and five others for their suspected involvement in the case at the Phuc Son Group JSC, Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) Lt. Gen. To An Xo said on April 23. He noted that the MPS's investigation police agency is probing into the case of 'violating the regulations on accounting that causes serious consequences, taking bribes, violating the regulations on bidding that causes serious consequences, and abusing influence on persons holding positions and power to seek illegal profit' at the Phuc Son Group JSC, the Thang Long Trade and Real Estate Investment JSC, the central province of Quang Ngai, the northern province of Vinh Phuc, and related units and agencies. During the investigation, the police found that while Thang Long company was implementing the Vinh Tuong wholesale market and urban area project in Vinh Phuc, Nguyen Van Hau, who is Chairman o f the company and also Chairman of the Phuc Son Group JSC, repeatedly met, gave money to, and asked some officials to create conditions for his company to gain favourable land use prices. While performing their duties, Nguyen Van Khuoc (Vice Chairman of the Vinh Phuc People's Committee and Chairman of the province's land price appraisal council), Chu Quoc Hai (former Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment), and Hoang Van Nhiem (Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Finance) received money from Hau to order Dinh Thi Thu Huong (head of the division for compensation and resettlement land prices at the land management sub-department of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and member of the team of assistants to the land price appraisal council), through Cao Dai Nghia (deputy head of the price division at the Department of Land Resources Planning and Development under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and Nguyen Ngoc Huy (Director of the Nam Ha price appraisal company), to advise on and appraise land prices in favour of Thang Long, causing a loss of 200.9 billion VND (nearly 7.9 million USD at the current exchange rate) to the State. Basing on these investigation results, the police on April 20 and 23 prosecuted and arrested Khuoc, Hai, and Nhiem on the charge of 'taking bribes' under Clause 4 of Article 354 of the Penal Code, and Nghia on the charge of 'abusing position and power while performing duties' under Clause 3 of Article 356 of the Penal Code. Meanwhile, Huong and Huy were investigated and banned from leaving their living places under Clause 3 of Article 356 of the Penal Code. On March 27, the MPS's investigation police agency also prosecuted and temporarily detained Le Viet Chu (former Vice Chairman and former Chairman of the Quang Ngai provincial People's Committee, and former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee) and Pham Hoang Anh (Standing Vice Secretary of the Vinh Phuc provincial Party Committee and former Director of the provincial Department of Construction) both for the charge of 'taking bribes' from Hau to assist his companies to carry out projects in the provinces. Regarding the case at the Phuc Son Group JSC, the police have prosecuted 15 suspects, including former Secretary of the Vinh Phuc Party Committee Hoang Thi Thuy Lan, Chairman of the Vinh Phuc People's Committee Le Duy Thanh, Chairman of the Quang Ngai People's Committee Dang Van Minh, and former Chairman of the Quang Ngai People's Committee Cao Khoa. Investigation in the case, which involves many localities, was initiated on February 26./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Vietnam needs a policy on artificial intelligence (AI) to help this industry develop strongly, while minimising risks, according to insiders. In the Prime Minister's Decision No. 127/QD-TTg dated January 26, 2021 promulgating the national strategy on research, development and application of AI by 2030, the building of a legal system and corridor related to AI is one of the highlights. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Hoang Giang affirmed that Vietnam cannot stay out of the game, but must ensure two factors. On the one hand, the country needs to build an open environment meeting practical needs in research and development and socio-economic development. But on the other hand, due to the downside of AI, it must be developed responsibly, in accordance with Vietnamese practice and culture. Digital technology development must go hand in hand with responsibility and ethics, he stressed. The ministry is also reporting to the Government on the need to propose the promulgation of a law on di gital technology industry to the National Assembly, in order to create new development space for digital technology, and turn it into a new production force, resource and factor, and a new driving force of the country. Nguyen Phu Tien, Deputy Director of the National Digital Transformation Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications, said that the ministry is tasked with developing and completing additional legal documents on establishing and sharing data about the testing framework (sandbox), thus creating a favourable space with specifically designed legal policy framework to conduct AI testing in potential fields. The ministry has also assigned the department to preside over the pilot implementation of large language models and virtual assistants, and build a Benchmark set (a strategic tool used to compare the performance of processes, products and services of a business with the performance of the best companies inside and outside the industry) to evaluate the quality of large langua ge models. It is expected to be issued in 2024. The Ministry of Science and Technology has proposed the Government approve a national strategy on AI research, development and application by 2030. The move is to create a boost for Vietnam's AI industry, turning the country into a bright spot in this regard, said deputy chief of the MoST's Department of High Technology Tran Anh Tu at the ministry's quarterly press conference in Hanoi on April 10./. Source: Vietnam News Agency