Government keeps guard up against killer epidemic

HA NOI (April 3, 2003) — Despite a World Health Organisation assurance that the deadly atypical pneumonia is well under control in Viet Nam, the Government continues to keep its guard up. Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has instructed the setting up of emergency epidemic prevention committees in all provinces and cities.

On Wednesday, he told authorities in all provinces and cities to have sufficient medical facilities on hand to combat any possible spread of the virus.

Vietnamese Overseas - an important human resource


Ha Noi, April 3 (VNA)- The Government of Viet Nam has always considered Vietnamese Overseas (Viet Kieu) as an integral part of the nation. In the recent past, the Vietnamese intellectual community overseas has made considerable contributions to national development in many fields.

Thien Mon Dao - Quintessence of Vietnamese Martial Arts

Viet Nam Review, Issue 3-2003

Story: Duc Anh

Recently the Thien Mon Dao (lit. Heavenly-Gate Martial Arts School) sent shock waves into the sport when performing the marvels of the traditional Vietnamese martial arts. We went to the homeland of this martial arts school in Hoa Nam Village, Ung Hoa District, Ha Tay Province, to see with our own eyes the super might hidden in the human bodies.

Viet Nam covers all bases against SARS



HA NOI (April 2, 2003) — All people entering Viet Nam will be required to make a health declaration in an attempt to keep the fatal SARS virus at bay, the Ministry of Health announced on Sunday.

The ministry has issued all air, land and sea entry points with appropriate forms, and hopes that the initiative will improve available information needed to keep the lid on deadly disease.

Medical departments around the country were also instructed to be vigilant for signs of an outbreak, and take preventive measures if possible cases are detected.

Vietnam cruise still popular despite SARS outbreak

Monday March 31, 8:17 PM
(Channel News Asia)

Despite the SARS scare, hundreds of passengers left Singapore on Sunday for a week-long cruise that includes Ho Chi Minh City as one of its ports of call.

Vietnam is one of the countries where SARS cases have been reported.

It was business as usual for the Superstar Virgo as passengers checked in for its maiden journey to Ho Chi Minh City, which also includes a stopover in Kota Kinabalu, during its eight-day trip.

Catholics pray for unity in year ahead

Viet Nam News, March 24, 2003

HA NOI — Leaders of the Viet Nam Committee for Catholic Unity (VCCU) have gathered in Ha Noi to discuss the committee’s plans of action, with focus on contributions to the current patriotic emulation and the great national unity.

Speaking at a two-day conference, which wrapped up yesterday, the VCCU President, Priest Nguyen Tan Khoa, reviewed the committee’s past activities and outlined its plan of actions for the coming years.

Conflict pushes up retail prices


HA NOI (March 24, 2003) — Local consumers are worried about what seems to be the beginning of an upward price spiral, as the retail prices of many goods and services on the market continue to rise over the US-Iraqi crisis.

According to a local newspaper report, the retail prices of commodities such as clothing and plastics have increased between 10 and 20 per cent since the beginning of March due to the higher cost of raw materials and petrol inputs.

Hair designer cuts imagination loose

( Viet Nam News, March 21, 2003)

In the past, the difficult lifestyle in Viet Nam meant that nobody had time to think of improving their looks. Today, businesswomen like Hoang Hai Yen, 34, have forged an empire devoted to beauty.

From humble beginnings when she opened her own business as a barber 14 years ago, she now runs the Yen Trang cosmetic salon network, employing 54 people.

"Everything I did depended so much on my inspiration and daring," says Yen. When she started her business, imaginative hair design was unheard of in Viet Nam.

PM announces taskforce to combat deadly killer virus


HA NOI (March 21, 2003)— Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has announced the setting up of a steering committee, under Health Minister Tran Thi Trung Chien, to combat the spread of the killer atypical pneumonia in the country.

The committee will also include the deputy ministers for Foreign Affairs, Culture and Information, Public Security, National Defence, Finance, and Transport and other officials.

Vietnam ensures safety for foreigners, foreign rep offices

(VNA, March 21, 2003)

The Vietnamese government has paid special attention to and taken effective measures to ensure safety for foreigners and foreign representative offices in Vietnam, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Phan Thuy Thanh on March 20.

She reiterated: "Vietnam will do its utmost to guarantee that this country is still a safe destination for both investors and holiday-makers."

Also at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on March 20, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Thanh said that the Vietnamese embassy staff in Iraq had already left Baghdad.

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