Passengers at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA)– The number of passengers through Vietnamese airports reached 7.1 million in October, down 11.6% month-on-month, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).The figure represented a year-on-year surge of 1,814%, but a decrease of 23.3% against October of 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak.In the month, Vietnamese airports served 1.3 million foreign tourists, down 1.4% month-on-month, but up 2,794% year-on-year; and 5.8 million domestic passengers, down 13.6% month-on-month, and up 1,679% year-on-year.In October, Vietnamese airlines served a total of over 3.3 million passengers, including 614,000 foreigners.This is the second consecutive month the number of air passengers has recorded a fall. The CAAV said that the low season can last until the end of December every year and the number of air passengers only increases again during the New Year holidays.In the period from September 19 to October 18, Vietnamese airlines conducted 25,037 flights, down 17.6% from the previous month; in which 23,314 took off on time, accounting for the on-time ratio (OTP) of 93.1%, up 2.5 percentage points compared to the previous month./.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: VNA)- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on October 23 offered congratulations to Xi Jinping on his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.In his message, the Vietnamese leader also congratulated the 20th CPC National Congress on its success, especially the creative development in continuously perfecting the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, as well as strategic visions and important goals and tasks set by the congress for the long-term development of China.He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi being the core and the orientation of the Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, the entire Party and people of China will definitely fulfil the tasks set by the congress and soon achieve the target of basically realising socialist modernisation so as to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and beautiful.He also appreciated Xi’s good sentiment and attention towards Vietnam and his important contributions to Vietnam-China relations, for the benefits of the two peoples.Trong said that he always attaches great importance to and is willing, together with the Chinese leader, to direct all levels, branches and localities of the two countries to thoroughly understand and well implement the high-level agreements and common perceptions, thus bringing the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China to a new height that is stable, healthy and sustainable, meeting the fundamental and long-term interests of the two parties, countries and peoples, for peace, stability, cooperation and development of the region and the world.“I look forward to seeing you again soon so that we can deepen our discussions on strategic issues, contributing to further strengthening political trust, and setting out major orientations for the future development of the two countries’ relations,” he wrote in his message./.

Thai Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. It is hoped the upcoming law will prevent repeat offenses and foster safety for former victims.The minister explained the JSOC law will enable the monitoring of dangerous persons and foster safety in society. The law is aimed at preventing repeat offenses relating to sexual abuse or violence. The third group comprises those who will be entering prison.The justice minister said he believes the JSOC law will protect former victims and enable them to have peace of mind. Mr. Somsak said he personally wants the JSOC bill to become law as soon as possible./.

He affirmed that the UN will continue supporting the development priorities of Việt Nam and hoped that Việt Nam would continue contributing to global affairs, and as the host of major international events in the future, especially on the sea and ocean. Việt Nam is ready to do its best for the UN’s common works, for peace, security and sustainable development in the world, Phúc said. During the difficult period of COVID-19 in particular, the UN’s support helped Việt Nam drive back the pandemic. Vietnamese national university earns QS Recognition of ImprovementThe Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has won the QS Recognition of Improvement, making it the first in the country to secure the accreditation. The Can Tho-born beauty made the Top 22 of Miss Vietnam 2020 and finished as runner-up of Miss World Vietnam 2022.

Illustrative image (Photo: NNT)- The Thai government has launched a nationwide celebration of Kathina, a traditional Buddhist observation practiced after Buddhist Lent.The Thai government is encouraging faithful Buddhists across the country to observe the Kathina celebration, with a national celebration period set from October 11 to November 8 this year. Observed after Buddhist Lent Kathina is a celebration where Buddhists offer new robes to monks, along with other donations.Prior to the Cabinet’s meeting, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha watched a presentation from the Ministry of Culture on this year’s Kathina celebration during which Minister of Culture Itthiphol Khunpluem observed a demonstration of the Chula Kathina celebration from Wat Phrong Madua’s cultural learning center in Nakhon Pathom.The Prime Minister on this occasion participated in the tradition of placing a flag on a Kathina tree while inviting observers of Buddhism in Thailand to participate in the celebration, in order to help preserve and pass on this tradition.Kathina is a tradition observed by people of all social classes in Thailand, with the palace organising the Royal Kathina celebration every year. The celebrations can be arranged privately, or in groups.The Kathina celebration usually takes place over a period of one month, with the royal Kathina ceremony officially starting October 18./.

At the meeting (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The 15th National Assembly discussed in groups the 2022 socio-economic performance and the 2023 socio-economic development plan during the ongoing fourth session in Hanoi on October 22. Lawmakers also mulled over the State budget 2022, the 2023 State budget estimate, public investment plan and allocation of State budget. According to the Government report, GDP growth hit 8.83% in the first nine months of this year and is estimated at about 8% for the whole of this year. In the morning, deputies also debated in groups the implementation of the Resolution on piloting special policies and mechanisms for the development of Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, they listened to a report examining the draft amended Law on Cooperatives, and discussed the draft Law on the Implementation of Democracy at the Grassroots Level in plenary session./.

At the event (Photo: VNA)At the event (Photo: VNA)– The Delegation of Vietnam to the UN on October 21 discussed the country’s contributions to and priorities at the UN with a delegation of learners from the US Military Academy.This meeting took place within the framework of the academy’s training course for a strategic studies class whose learners are officers of the US army and other countries, including one officer from the Vietnam People's Army.At the event, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Tra , Charge d'affaires a.i. of Vietnam to the UN, briefed the delegation on Vietnam’s participation in and contributions to the UN since its membership began in 1977.Vietnam always strives to make maximum contributions within its capabilities to the common work of the UN regarding all three pillars of sustainable development, human rights protection and promotion, and maintenance of international peace and security, she affirmed.Tra said as a responsible member of the UN, the Vice Chair of the 77th UN General Assembly, and a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure and many other important UN agencies, Vietnam will continue to work with other countries to deploy the UN’s major initiatives and priorities in the coming time.The sides discussed a series of matters, including challenges facing the UN in the current period, and Vietnam's foreign policy in relations with big countries at the UN and its efforts in ensuring and promoting human rights as well as in Vietnam's engagement in UN peacekeeping activities, among others./.

Last year, Vietnam earned over US$1.4 billion from fishery exports to the EU, with US$420 million from seafood and US$980 million from aquaculture. There will also be showers and local thunderstorms in the north and central regions of Vietnam over the coming days. Vietnam Design Week 2022 looks towards new expectationsThe Vietnam Design Week 2022 will take place in Hanoi, the central city of Hue and Ho Chi Minh City from November 5-11. Vietnam needs to address severe acute malnutrition in childrenNinety percent of children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Vietnam remain untreated, said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to Vietnam, who called for policies and laws to enable it. The event was co-hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Association’s chapter in Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Association’s chapter in the city.

The Vietnamese delegation works with the High Council of the Judiciary. (Photo: VNA)Rome, October 21 (VNA) – A Vietnamese delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice led by Deputy Minister Phan Chi Hieu paid a working visit to Italy from October 19-21. To realise the MoU, the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice built a draft bilateral cooperation programme for the 2023-2024 period, with specific and comprehensive cooperation plans, focusing on judicial and legal activities, management of judicial vocations and personnel training. Chief of the Department of Judicial Affairs Nicola Russo pledged to step up the bilateral cooperation programme for the 2023-2024 period. Hieu expressed his belief that the working results during the visit will contribute to deepening ties between the two justice ministries as well as judicial cooperation between the two nations./.

At the event (Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) – The Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organisation Affairs (COMINGO) and Vietnamese agencies will continue partnering with and offer effective support to foreign NGOs in Vietnam, thus ensuring their legitimate rights and interests. He suggested foreign NGOs maintain the sharing of information with COMINGO, follow Vietnam’s regulations, and stand side by side with the country for national development. According to COMINGO, 436 foreign NGOS offered 108.5 million USD worth of aid to Vietnam in the first half of this year. Of the figure, over 30 million USD was used for social affairs, about 27 million USD for socio-economic development, and 16.9 million USD for health care. On October 14 in Hanoi, COMINGO held a similar conference to share information with foreign NGOs in the north./.

The new cases lifted the country’s total infections to 11,496,354.The same day, 356 patients were declared to be free from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of recoveries to 10,600,580.Meanwhile, the death toll was kept at 43,159 as no fatality was reported on the day.The country has so far administered more than 261.05 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine s./.

Society Training courses for female entrepreneurs launched in Vietnam Deputy Chief of the US Mission in Vietnam Melissa A. Bishop on October 21 launched the first two courses of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in the country. Society Hanoi approves pilot of e-bike sharing model serving BRT passengers The Hanoi Department of Transport has given the green light to the pilot of an electric two-wheeler sharing model to facilitate the transit of bus rapid transit (BRT) passengers. Society Vietnamese, Russian scholars urged to boost cooperation Evgheni Kobelev, Vice Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN)'s Institute of China and Modern Asia, has suggested further strengthening relations between scholars of Russia and Vietnam. Society Situation of Vietnamese workers in Africa sees certain improvements: spokesperson The situation of Vietnamese workers in Africa has been stable and seen certain improvements, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said at a regular press conference of the ministry in Hanoi on October 20.

Participants at the forum (Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) - Despite its great potential for growth, poor transport infrastructure and high costs are holding back the logistics industry, insiders said at the Vietnam Logistics Transformation forum held in HCM City on October 19. Vietnam ranks 11th out of 50 countries in the 2022 Emerging Market Logistics Index released by logistics and freight provider Agility. The country’s freight and logistics market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.5% in 2022 – 2027. Vietnam’s foreign trade was worth 557 billion USD in the period, representing a large freight and logistics market. Dao Trong Khoa, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, said the logistics industry is benefiting from free trade agreements and the rapid growth of e-commerce.

She was then taken to the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for diagnosis and treatment. The report summarising opinions and recommendations of voters and people nationwide was presented by President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien. Vietnam also hopes that the lives and assets of people in Ukraine, including Vietnamese citizens, are guaranteed, she added. Concert to mark Vietnam-RoK diplomatic relations anniversaryA concert to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) will be held at the Vietnam National Academy of Music on October 23. Vietnam attends Singapore International Cyber WeekMinister of Public Security, General To Lam attended the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW2022) from October 18-20.

First working day of 15th National Assembly’s 4th session (Photo: VNA)The 15th National Assembly commenced its fourth session in Hanoi on October 20 following a preparatory meeting approving the agenda of the fourth session and an opening ceremony with the presence of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and other incumbent and former leaders of the Party, the State and the Vietnam Fatherland Front.The first working day started with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presenting a report on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan in 2022, and a socio-economic development plan for 2023.Vu Hong Thanh, head of the NA’s Committee for Economic Affairs, presented the assessment report on these issues.President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien delivered a report summarising opinions and recommendations of voters and people to the fourth session.Member of the NA Standing Committee, and head of its Commission on Ombudsman Duong Thanh Binh reported on the supervision results of the settlement of voters' petitions to the third session.The opening siting was broadcast live on national television and radio channels, and the TV channel of the legislature.In the afternoon, legislators heard reports on state budget performance in 2022, state budget estimate and central budget allocation plan for 2023, and a three-year financial plan for 2023-2025.The draft Law on Money Laundering Prevention and Control (amended); a draft resolution on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Buon Ma Thuot city of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, and another on promulgating NA session regulations were also presented to the NA.The NA also heard proposals on relieving the State Audit General and the Minister of Transport of the 2021-2026 tenure, and discussed the proposals in groups.The legislators are scheduled to continue with the personnel work on October 21.The draft law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Radio Frequencies will also be tabled for discussion on the day./.