National Daily welcomes Indian Prime Minister visit to Vietnam




Ha Noi, Jan. 8 (VNA) -- The national daily Nhan Dan has welcomed Indian Prime Minister A. B Vajpayee's official visit to Viet Nam, which starts today at the invitation of Viet Nam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

In its editorial of Jan. 8, the newspaper says: "Indian PM Vajpayee's visit and the cooperative documents to be signed while he is here will create new chances for both countries to both expand and make their bilateral cooperation more efficient, especially in trade, investment, science and technology so as to match their potential."

Pharmaceutical sector in Vietnam



Ha Noi, Jan. 7 (VNA) -- Viet Nam will invest more than USD 1,483 million to develop its pharmaceutical sector between 2001 and 2010.

Of this, USD 1,286 million will go to the pharmaceutical industry and USD 62.4 million will be used for pharmaceutical materials.

Mekong Delta proves its fertility




Ha Noi, Jan. 7 (VNA) -- The Mekong river delta is providing more than half of Viet Nam's total rice crop, helping ensure food security and increase rice exports.

The delta has earned more than USD 1 billion from exporting about 4.5 million tonnes of rice, or 2.1 times more than 1995, in the past four years, the agricultural ministry reports.

11th Plenum of Party Central Committee




Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- The Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee opened its 11th plenum in Ha Noi today, Jan. 6.

The conference was also attended by advisors to the Party Central Committee Do Muoi, Le Duc Anh, and Vo Van Kiet.

Vietnam increases investment in population program




Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- Viet Nam plans to invest VND 250 billion, USD 17.9 million, in its 2001 population programme, VND 25 billion more than the previous year in a bid to cut the birth rate by 0.05 percent.

The money will be used to disseminate information about population in the provinces where the birth rate is still high the northern mountainous provinces, the Central Highlands, central coastal provinces and poor and isolated areas.

Top ten cultural events of 2000 in Vietnam




Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- Journalists and reporters of nearly 30 press sources and news agencies have chosen the 10 most memorable cultural events of 2000.

1. Celebrations of Viet Nam's Major Anniversaries

Traing job center for street children




Ha Noi, Jan. 6 (VNA) -- The Ha Noi Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) has submitted a plan for the building of a vocational-training centre to provide vocational training and create jobs for between 300 and 350 street children to the Municipal People's Committee.

Construction of the centre, at an estimated cost of VND 4.9 billion, is expected to start this year.

The centre will teach the children rattan weaving, tailoring, carpentry, embroidery and animal husbandry.

Turnover of Garment and textile industry



Ha Noi, Jan. 5 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's garment and textile industry plans to earn USD 2.3 billion from export products in 2001.

The industry has registered an average annual growth rate of more than 10 percent in recent years. It posted an export value of USD 1.87 million in 2000, an increase of 6 percent over 1999.

Currently, the industry is focusing its efforts on overcoming difficulties and challenges to integrate into the regional and international economies.

Photo Exhibition for Agent Orange victims





Jan. 6 (VNA) -- A photo exhibition showing the effects of Agent Orange sprayed U.S. aircraft during the American War was opened at the war-evidence museum in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday, Jan. 5.

The collection of about 100 photos, all taken by Japanese photographer Goro Nakamura, reflects the sufferings of Vietnamese, American and South Korean victims of Agent Orange.

Health check-up for Agent Orange victims




Ha Noi, Jan. 8 (VNA) -- The Public Health Ministry has issued a document for the making of dossiers for victims of Agent Orange sprayed by the U.S. during the Viet Nam war.

The document makes the Labour, War Invalids and Social Welfare services of cities, provinces and branches responsible for completing files of those affected by toxic chemicals, especially Agent Orange, sprayed by the U.S. during their war in Viet Nam.

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