TayNinhfirefightersassistedCambodiainputtingoutacasinofireonNovember3.—Photonld.com.vnT?YNINH—TayNinhProvincehashelpedCambodianrescueteamsinputtingoutafireatacasinoinTbongKhmumProvince,savingfourtrappedemployeesonNovember3,saidtheprovincialpoliceonNovember4.At8.30am,afirebrokeoutonthetopandseventhfloorofacasinoinPonhiaKretDistrict.TheCambodianfirefightingforcessentthreefiretruckstothescene,buttheywereunabletoextinguishtheblazeandsosoughtassistancefromtheborderingTayNinhProvince.TheTayNinhpoliceforcesent15officialsandthreefiretrucksovertheborderintoCambodia.Atthescene,threebedroomsonthefloorwereablaze,withthefirecoveringaround80m2.Smokeandtoxicfumeshadspreadtothefourth,fifthandsixthfloors.TheTayNinhfirefightingpolicerescuedfourinjuredpeople,whohadbeentrappedonthefifthandsixthfloors.Thefirewasputoutat1.30pm.TheCambodianauthorityexpressedtheirgratitudetotheTayNinhfirefightingforce.Accordingtotheinitialinvestigation,thecauseofthefirewasduetoanelectricalproblemwithinoneofthebedrooms.VNS

FarmersinKiênGiangProvincesTanHi?pDistrictharvestsummer-autumnriceearlierthisyear.–VNA/VNSPhotoV?nS?KIêNGIANG–KiênGiangProvinceisexpectedtoharvestover4.6milliontonnesofpaddythisyear,200,000tonneshigherthanitstarget.Vi?tNamslargestrice-producingprovincegrows725,210haofricethisyear,with93.5percentdevotedtohigh-qualityvarieties,accordingtotheprovincialDepartmentofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.Situatedinthe(C?uLong)MekongDelta,theprovincegrowsthreericecropsannually,withthewinter-springonebeingthelargestatover352,800haplantedthisyear.LêH?uToàn,thedepartmentsdirector,statedthatthedepartmenthascollaboratedwithlocalitiestoimplementtheprovincialrice-growingplan,forecastpestrisksandprovidedguidanceonsowingschedulesandfarmingtechniques.Theyhavealsoenhancedweathermonitoringandhydro-meteorologicalforecastingtodevelopplansforaddressingdrought,saltwaterintrusionandfloodrisksfromheavyrains,helpingminimisetheirimpactsonagriculture.Theprovincehaspromotedadvancedfarmingtechniqueslikethreeincreases-threereductionsandonemust-fivereductions.Onemust-fivereductionsrequiresusingcertifiedseedsandreducingtheuseofseedlings,nitrogenousfertilisers,plantprotectionchemicals,andirrigationandpost-harvestlosses.KiênGianghasadoptedinternationalrice-growingstandards,suchastheSustainableRicePlatform,focusingonenhancingquality,economicefficiency,competitiveness,andenvironmentalandsocialsecurityprotection.TheIrrigationSub-departmenteffectivelyoperatessluicesinseadykesandembankments,managingirrigationforagriculture.ItcollaborateswiththeSouthernIrrigationWorkExploitationandManagementOneMemberLtd.CotooperatetheCáiL?n-CáiBéandX?oR?irrigationsystems,preventingfloodinginlow-lyingareas.Theprovinceismanaging767large-scalericefieldstotalling116,500hathisyear,405ofwhicharecultivatedunderstakeholderlinkages.Ithas27,080haoflarge-scalefieldsmeetingSRP,organic,VietGAPandGlobalGAPstandards,whoseoutputisexportedtotheEU,US,andJapan.Besides,itiscultivating60haofriceinTanHi?pandAnMinhdistrictsundertheMinistryofAgricultureandRuralDevelopmentsprojecttosustainablydeveloponemillionhectaresofhigh-quality,low-emissionricecultivationaimedatgreengrowthintheMekongDelta.Ofthis,10haareaareunderarice-shrimpfarmingmodel.Rice-shrimpfieldsinKiênGiangProvincesAnMinhDistrict.–VNA/VNSPhotoLêSenRice-shrimpfarmingKiênGianghasapproximately107,000haofrice-shrimpfarming,wherefarmersgrowriceduringtherainyseasonandbreedshrimpduringthedryseason.Theprovinceencouragescoastalfarmersaffectedbydry-seasonsaltwaterintrusiontoadoptthismodelasitreducesproductioncostsandincreasesyieldsandprofits.Nguy?nV?nH?iofAnMinhDistricts??ngHoàCommunefarmsonericecropandtwoshrimpcropsannuallyonhisthree-hectarefield,earninganincomearoundVN?200million(US$7,900).HisricemeetsVietGAPstandardsandsofetchesaVN?200perkilogrammepremiumfromtraders,hesaid.Iuseminimalfertilisersandpesticides,reducingproductioncoststolessthanVN?20million($790)perhectare,whichboostsprofitsby1.5timescomparedtotraditionalmethods.Manyrice-shrimpfarmershavejoinedco-operativesandco-operativegroupstolowerproductioncostsandenhanceefficiency.V?V?nNoofAnMinhs??ngH?ngBCommunejoinedtheNg?BátAgriculturalServiceCo-operativeandisguaranteedricesales.InthiscurrentcropheiscultivatingST24andST25,twooftheworldsbestricevarieties,on3.5ha.AgriculturalofficialshaveprovidedguidanceonVietGAP-standardricegrowingtoensurehighqualityforexport,hesaid.FarmersinAnMinhDistrictaregrowing27,000haofriceinrice-shrimpfields,with70percentsownwithhigh-qualityvarieties,accordingtothedistrictsBureauofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.Nguy?nThanh?i?n,thebureausdeputyhead,saidthatsince2022thedistricthasbeenstrengtheningvaluechainsforrice-shrimpfarmingbyencouragingcompaniestosigncontractswithco-operatives.Around1,000haoforganicriceand2,000haofrice-shrimpfieldsoperateunderfarmingcontracts,headded.Rice-shrimpfarmingimprovessoilfertilityandhelpsmanagediseasepathogens.Aftertheshrimpseasonends,thecrustaceanswastefertilisesriceplants,reducingfertiliserandpesticideuse.Afterthericeseasonstrawandfallenseedsdecompose,theyprovidenaturalfoodsfortheshrimp.Theprovinceaimstoexpandrice-shrimpfarmingto117,340haby2030.Toachievethis,ithasadvisedfarmerstoconvertunproductivemono-ricefieldsaffectedbysaltwaterintrusionintorice-shrimpfields.ThisswitchincreasesannualprofitstoVN?100-130million($4,000-5,200)perhectare,comparedtoVN?50million($2,000)frommono-ricefields,statedtheDepartmentofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.Toàn,thedepartmentsdirector,saidtheprovincewouldfocusonenhancingriceandshrimpyieldsthroughadvancedtechniquesandfostercollaborationamongstakeholderstosustainablydeveloprice-shrimpfarming.Itplanstoestablishmoreco-operativesandco-operativegroupslinkedwithcompaniestodevelopvaluechainsformajorrice-shrimpareas.Brandnamesandgeographicalindicationshavebeendevelopedforriceandshrimpproducts,boostingexportvaluesandfarmersprofits,Toànadded.–VNSTr??ngM?Lan,chairwomanofV?nTh?nhPhátGroup,attheappealtrialinHCMCityonFriday.—VNA/VNSPhotoHCMCITY—ProsecutorshaveproposedmaintainingthedeathsentenceforTr??ngM?Lan,chairwomanofV?nTh?nhPhátGroup,formassivefraudinVi?tNamslargestscam.Whileacknowledgingsomenewmitigatingfactorsrelatedtolendingregulations,theprosecutiondeemedtheminsufficienttochangethedeathsentence.TheHCMCityPeoplesHighCourtisreviewing68-year-oldLansappealagainsttheverdictandconsideringrequestsforreducedsentencesfrom47otherdefendants.Inherhandwrittenappeal,Lancalledthedeathsentenceexcessivelysevereandurgedthecourtforamorelenientandhumaneapproach.Sheexpresseddistressoverpublicperceptionandtheimpactonherfamilyshappiness.Defendant??Th?Nhàn,headofthecentralbanksinspectionteam,shouldhavefacedthedeathpenaltyforacceptingbribes,butthefirst-instancecourtsentencedhertolifeimprisonmentaftersherepaidtheembezzledfunds.Duringherappeal,sheaddedVN?500million(US$19,685)andpaidaVN?100millionfine.Theyrequestedthedenialofherappealandupholdingoftheoriginallifesentence.ThetrialrevealedthatNhànledtheinspectionteam,concealedviolationswithLan,received$5.2millionfromSaigonCommercialJointStockBank(SCB),anddirectedsubordinatestocreateamisleadinginspectionreporttoprotectSCB.Tr??ngM?LanwassentencedtodeathinAprilforembezzling$27billionfromSCB,asumequalto6percentofVi?tNams2023GDP.Lanalsoreceivedalifesentenceforissuingcounterfeitbondsandillegalmoneytransfersacrossborders.Authoritieshavereportedatleast42,000victimsfromfraudulentbondsfacedsignificantlosses,leadingtoconstantprotestsacrossthenation.ThecourthasorderedLantofullycompensatethevictimsofthefraud.Theappealtrialisexpectedtoconcludebytheendofthismonth.—VNS

RepresentativesoftheVi?tNamAuthorityofInformationSecurityandtheUSCybersecurityandInfrastructureSecurityAgencyatthesigningceremonyinHàN?ionThursday.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—Vi?tNamAuthorityofInformationSecurity(AIS-undertheMinistryofInformationandCommunications)onThursdaysignedacooperationagreementwiththeUSCybersecurityandInfrastructureSecurityAgency(CISA-undertheUSDepartmentofHomelandSecurity).Thesigningofthismemorandumofunderstanding(MOU)markstheofficialpartnershipbetweenthetwoagencies,withtheaimofensuringnetworksecurityandcontributingtothestrengtheningofthecomprehensivestrategicpartnershipbetweenVi?tNamandtheUS.ItalsodemonstratesVi?tNamsongoingeffortstoprotectcriticaldigitalinfrastructureandensureasecurecyberspace.Attheceremony,AISactingdirectorTr?nQuangH?ngunderscoredtheimportanceofthepartnershipinenhancingVi?tNamscybersecuritycapacity.Currently,cyberthreatsarebecomingincreasinglysophisticatedandunpredictable,hesaid.H?ngaddedthatcooperationwithanexperiencedorganisationsuchastheCISAhelpsVi?tNamstrengthenitsabilitytoprotectnationalinterestsandcontributestoasaferandmoreprosperousfutureglobally.TrentFrazier,deputyassistantdirectoroftheStakeholderEngagementDivisionatCISA,saidthatcooperationandcollaborationarekeytosuccessfullyprotectingcriticalinfrastructureandfurtherenhancingcybersecuritycapabilities.TheMOUisexpectedtostrengthentheexistingpartnershipbetweentheUSandVi?tNam,whilealsohelpingtheUSpromoteinnovationandsecuredigitalinfrastructureaswellascounteringthegrowingcyberthreats.BothsidesarecommittedtoworkingtogethertorealisetheobjectivessetoutinthisMOU.Theyalsolookedforwardtoamoresustainableandrobustcooperationbetweenthetwocybersecuritydepartments,inlinewiththecomprehensivestrategicpartnershipbetweenVi?tNamandtheUS.—VNSSpanishmodelandactressAndreaAybarhasbeenarrestedbyHCMCitypoliceforinvolvementindrugactivity.—PhotocourtesyoftheHCMCityPoliceHCMCITY—VietnamesepoliceinHCMCityhavearrestedaSpanishmodelandactresswhohasbeenlivinginVi?tNamforyearsfordrug-relatedactivities.OnSaturday,authoritiesconductedaraidatanapartmentinTh???cCity,resultinginthedetentionofAndreaAybarandseveralothersonchargesofdruguseandotherdrug-relatedactivities.Apreliminarydrugtestshowedthatthe29-year-oldmodeltestedpositiveforcontrolledsubstances.Inaseparatecase,TanBìnhDistrictpolicedetainedsingerChiDan,34,alocalsinger,andothersundersimilarallegationswhoalsotestedpositivefordrugs.Themodel,knowninVi?tNamasNguy?nTh?An,hasresidedinVi?tNamsinceherchildhoodandisfluentinEnglish,Vietnamese,andSpanish.ShegainedprominencewithintheVietnamesemodellingindustrybetween2012and2014andhasappearedinseveralfilmsinVi?tNam,butshehasbeenlargelyabsentfromtheentertainmentindustryinrecentyears.ThearrestsarepartofawiderinvestigationintoadrugtraffickingnetworkallegedlysmugglingnarcoticsfromFrancetoVi?tNam,accordingtothecitypolice.Citypolicehavesuccessfullydismantled146drugtraffickingringsandhaveindicted630suspectsthisyear.Todate,nearly500drug-relatedgroupshavebeendismantled,resultingin1,132indictmentsand201individualsreferredforrehabilitation.Authoritieshaveseized323.5kgofdrugs,12firearms,andthreegrenades,withtransactionsexceedingVN?28trillion(US$1.1billion).Vi?tNamenforcessomeoftheworldsmoststringentdruglaws,mandatingthedeathpenaltyfortraffickingortransporting100gramsormoreofheroinorcocaine,or300gramsormoreofmethamphetamine.—VNSGeneralDirectorofShinhanLifeVietnamBaeSeungJun(centre)receivesthetitleofCorporatefortheCommunity-SaigonTimesCSR2024foritsactivitiesinVi?tNam.—PhotocourtesyofthecompanyHCMCITY—ShinhanLifeInsuranceVietnamLimitedLiability(ShinhanLifeVietnam)hasbeenawardedthetitleofCorporatefortheCommunity-SaigonTimesCSR2024foritsCSRactivitiesinVi?tNam.TheSaigonTimesCSRprogrammeisheldannuallytohonourbusinessesthathavemadepositivecontributionstoeconomic,socialandenvironmentaldevelopment.Thisisaplatformwherethespiritofcorporatesocialresponsibilityisspreadthroughpracticalcontributionstothecommunityandsociety.Withthethemeof2024InvestinaSustainableFuture,theawardisarecognitionandemphasisonShinhanLifeVietnamscontinuouseffortsinnurturingfuturegenerations,withthebeliefthatinvestinginchildrenandyouthiscontributingtothesustainabledevelopmentofthefuturegenerationsofVi?tNam.ShinhanLifeVietnamstypicalprojectfocusingontheyounggenerationin2024istheS-Career,thecareerorientationprogramme,acollaborationwiththecareereducationcompanySIFCareer.Theprogrammeprovidesinformation,toolsandmethodstohelpstudentsChoosetherightmajor–Dotherightjob.Aftertwomonthsofimplementation,S-Careerhasreachednearly1,400studentsandmorethan150teachers,leadingtoenthusiasticexchangesbetweenstudents,teachersandexperts.Theprojecthelpsstudentshaveenoughinformationtochoosetherightcareer,optimisefutureworkefficiency,contributetoimprovingoveralllabourproductivityandbringsustainabledevelopmenttoVi?tNam.TheCorporatefortheCommunity-SaigonTimesCSR2024awardisarecognitionofShinhanLifeVietnamscontinuouseffortsinnurturingfuturegenerationsofVi?tNam.—PhotocourtesyofthecompanyShinhanLifeVietnamhasstartedmanyprojectsfocusingonotheryounggenerations,suchasiLeadLeadershipValuesProgramme(acooperationprogrammebetweenShinhanLifeVietnamwithBNJVietnam),acommunityprogrammetogiveawaymorethan50,000Shinhan–AnBình–BloodCancerinsurancepoliciesforchildrenagedfrom30daysto12yearsoldandactivitiestosupporttreatmentfeeforbloodcancerpatientsattheHCMCityChildrensHospital,withtotalaidworthuptoVN?600millionoverthepastthreeyears.GeneralDirectorofShinhanLifeVietnamBaeSeungJunsaidthatsocialresponsibilityplaysakeyrole,notonlyforShinhanLifeVietnam,butalsofortheentireShinhanFinancialGroup.Therefore,inparallelwithbusinessdevelopment,thecompanywillcontinuetofocusandprioritiseactivitiesthatdemonstratesocialresponsibility.OfficiallyoperatinginVi?tNamsinceJanuary2022,ShinhanLifeInsuranceVietnamLimitedLiabilityCompanyoperatesinthefieldsoflifeinsurance,healthinsuranceandfinancialinvestment,withachartercapitalofVN?2.32trillion.—VNS

Apaneldiscussionattheworkshoptoreviewtheinitialresultsofthestrengtheningscreening,diagnosis,careandtreatmentforhepatitisattheprimarycarelevelprojectonNovember13.—PhotocourtesyoftheorganiserHàN?I—TheMinistryofHealthannouncedthefirst-evercureofhepatitisCundersocialhealthinsurancethroughadomesticprogrammeataprimaryhealthcarelevelinVi?tNam.Thismarksasignificantstepforwardinensuringaccessiblehepatitiscareandtreatmentforvulnerablepopulations.Thenewswasrevealedataninternationalworkshoptoreviewtheinitialresultsofthestrengtheningscreening,diagnosis,careandtreatmentforhepatitisattheprimarycarelevelonNovember13.TheStITCH(StrengtheningtheIntegratedCareandTreatmentofHepatitis)projectfocusesitsactivitiesonimprovedscreening,diagnosisandtreatmentforviralhepatitisattheprimaryhealthcarelevelinVi?tNam.Itaimstodevelop,testandreplicateachronichepatitismodelofcareattheprimaryhealthcarelevelfollowingcurrentregulationsinVi?tNamandhelpthecountryachieveitsgoalofeliminatinghepatitisasapublichealththreatby2030.TheprojectwasimplementedbytheHealthAdvancementinVi?tNam(HAIVN)projectofBethIsraelDeaconessMedicalCentre(BIDMC)–HarvardMedicalSchool,incollaborationwiththeTháiBìnhandPhúTh?healthdepartmentsandGileadSciencesfromearly2024to2026.Attheworkshop,localandinternationalexpertsdiscussedthesuccessoftheStITCH(StrengtheningtheIntegratedCareandTreatmentofHepatitis)projectanditsroleintransformingVi?tNamsprimaryhealthcaresystem.Theyalsodiscussedthepeople-centredhepatitismodelofcareattheprimaryhealthcarelevel,highlightingwhythisapproachisapriorityandsharingprogrammaticsuccessesfrom2024.TheyproposedmeasurestostrengthenVi?tNamscommitmenttoeliminatinghepatitisby2030bystrengtheningtheprimaryhealthcaresystem,withStITCHproposedasakeystrategy.Vi?tNamwantstobecomeagloballeaderinthisfield,asreflectedinthenewnationalstrategyfor2025-2030.Expertsalsodiscussedtheadditionalsupport,resourcesandassistancerequiredfromstakeholderstomeetVi?tNamshepatitiseliminationtargetby2030.TheycalledforinitialcommitmentsfromotherprovincesandtheMinistryofHealthtobringthehepatitisscreeningandcaremodeltotheprimaryhealthcarelevel.Vi?tNamisoneofthetencountrieswiththehighestnumberofpeopleinfectedwithhepatitisBandCintheworld,withabout6.5millionpeopleinfectedwithhepatitisBand900,000peopleinfectedwithhepatitisC.Thisisthecauseofabout80,000casesofcirrhosisandhepatocellularcarcinomaandabout40,000deathsannually.AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO),thereareabout254millionpeoplelivingwithhepatitisBand50millionpeoplewithhepatitisCworldwide.Everydaythereare6,000newinfectionsand3,500deaths.—VNSSeaturtlesarerescuedattheNúiChúaNationalParkinV?nhH?iCommune,NinhH?iDistrict,NinhThu?nsouthernprovince.—VNA/VNSPhotoNguy?nThànhNINHTHU?N—AprogrammetotrainfishermenandothersonrescuingseaturtlesandmarinemammalswasheldonWednesdayattheNúiChúaNationalParkinthesouthernprovinceofNinhThu?n.OrganisedbytheDepartmentofFisheriesundertheMinistryofAgricultureandRuralDevelopmentincollaborationwiththeInternationalUnionforConservationofNatureinVi?tNam(IUCNVi?tNam)andtheHumaneSocietyInternational(HSI),theprogrammeattractedtheparticipationofmarineconservationmanagersfromanumberofprovincesandcities,fisheriesexpertsand30fishermen.LêTr?nNguyênHùng,DeputyDirectoroftheDepartmentofFisheriesSurveillance,saidthattheprogrammeaimedtoequipofficersworkinginmarineconservationandfisheriesmanagementwithessentialskillsinrescuingseaturtlesandmarinemammals.Afterthecourse,thetraineesnotonlylearnedrescueskillsbutalsohowtobecomeambassadorsforprotectingthemarineenvironment,helpingspreadmessagesonconservationtothecommunity.Thosewhoattendedthetrainingprogrammeweretaughtspecialisedrescueskills,includinghowtohandleemergencysituations,careforinjuredanimalsandhelpthemreturntothewild.Inaddition,thetrainingcoursealsointroducedwaystocollectinformationonunintentionalexploitationofseaturtlesandmarinemammals,whichiscrucialtobetterunderstandingwhatconservationandmanagementmeasuresarerequired.BùiTh?ThuHi?n,manageroftheMarineandCoastalProgrammeunderIUCNVi?tNam,saidthatNúiChúaNationalParkisaplacewheregreatnumbersofseaturtlescometonest.Theparkisrankedsecondforturtlenestinggrounds,afterC?n??oNationalParkinBàR?a-V?ngTàuProvince.Theparksmanagementboardhasactivelyworkedinseaturtleconservation,especiallythroughanannualvolunteerprogramme.Theseprogrammesareconsideredgoodopportunitiestoconveyanationwidemessageonseaturtleconservation.AccordingtotheDepartmentofFisheriesSurveillance,seaturtlesandmarinemammalsareindispensabletothemarineecosystem.InVi?tNamswaters,fivespeciesofseaturtlesandabout30speciesofmarinemammalshavebeenrecordedlivingalongcoastalareasandoffshoreislands.AllseaturtleandmarinemammalspeciesarelistedintheVi?tNamRedBookandtheIUCNRedList.Seaturtlesbelongtogrouponeonthelistofendangered,preciousandrarespeciesprioritisedforprotection,issuedintheGovernmentsDecree64/2019/N?-CP.Marinemammalsbelongtogrouponeonthelistofendangered,preciousandrareaquaticspeciesissuedintheGovernmentsDecree37/2024/N?-CP.—VNS

OysterchipsoftheTanPhátL?iCo-operativeinCàMauProvincesNg?cHi?nDistricthavebeenrecognisedasaproductunderthecountrysOneCommune–OneProductProgramme.—VNA/VNSPhotoHu?nhAnhCàMAU—CàMauProvinceisboostingthedevelopmentofacollectiveeconomy,especiallyco-operatives,topromoteitspotentialandstrengthsforsocio-economicdevelopment.Underitsplanofdevelopingitscollectiveeconomyin2024-30,thesouthernmostprovinceaimstodevelop30newco-operativesand100newco-operativegroupsnextyear,focusingonestablishingagriculturalco-operativesinnew-styleruralandadvancednew-styleruralcommunes.Ittargetsanaverageannualincomeofworkersandmembersofco-operativesofmorethanVN?50million(US$2,500)in2025andforco-operativestoearnaverageannualrevenueofVN?1billion($40,000).Itaimsforabout50percentofco-operativestooperatehighlyeffectivelyandfor30percentofco-operativemanagershavecertificatesoftertiaryeducation.Italsoaimstoincreasetheaverageco-operativemembershipfrom15in2023to70in2030.TheprovinceismobilisingmorethanVN?726billion($29million)fromvarioussourcestoimplementtheplanofdevelopingitscollectiveeconomyin2024-30.LêV?nS?,deputychairmanoftheprovincesPeoplesCommittee,saidtheplanwillstrengthenthecollectiveeconomy,especiallyco-operativesinvarioussectors,toattractfarmers,households,companiesandorganisationstoco-operateanddevelopproductionlinkages.TheplanwillimproveStatemanagementofthecollectiveeconomyandcreatefavourableconditionsfordevelopingthesector,hesaid.ThePeoplesCommitteehastargetedtodevelopthecollectiveeconomyingeneralandco-operativesinparticularincombinationwithmeetingthedemandsofthemarketandimplementingthenationalprogrammeofbuildingnew-styleruralareasandOneCommune-OneProduct(OCOP)programme.Theprovincehasmorethan1,200co-operativesandco-operativegroupsinvarioussectors.Intheagriculturesectoralone,ithas187co-operativeswithmorethan3,749membersand939co-operativegroups.Upto77percentofitspopulationliveinruralareas.Organicshrimppondsofthe?oànPhátCo-operativeinCàMauProvincesTh?iBìnhDistrict.Theco-operativeimplementsorganicshrimp-ricefarming.–VNA/VNSPhotoH?ng??tEffectiveoperationManyco-operativesinCàMauhaveoperatedeffectivelyandexpandedtheiroperations.TheTanH?ngHighProductivityShrimpBreedingCo-OperativeinCáiN??cDistricthasincreaseditsmembersfrom44to70afterestablishingeightyearsago.Themembersbreed300haofshrimp,including50haofsuper-intensivewhite-leggedshrimpfarming.Hu?nhXuanDi?u,directoroftheco-operative,saidtheinitialsuccessesoftheco-operativeareduetomanyfactors,includingtheassistanceoflocalauthoritieswithadvancedbreedingtechniques.Watersuppliedfortheco-operativesshrimppondsisrecycledandreusedandthishelpsreduceproductioncosts,hesaid,addingthattheco-operativecanbreedfourtofiveshrimpcropsayear.Manyco-operativesintheprovincehaveaveragerevenueofVN?1billion($40,000)andaprofitofVN?300million($11,800)ayear,accordingtotheprovincesCo-operativeAlliance.Theprovincehasprovidedfinancialandothersupporttodevelopnewco-operatives.Theseco-operativeshavehelpedpromotelocalspecialtyproducts,improvingtheirvalueandincomeforlocalpeople.In??mD?iDistricts??mD?iTown,theCàMauSaltCo-operativewasestablishedwithsixmembersearlythisyear.ThetownsPeoplesCommitteegrantedVN?100million($4,000)fortheco-operativetobuymachinesandfacilitiesforproduction.Ti?nYNguy?n,directoroftheco-operative,said:IseeshrimpandsaltastwoabundantproductsinthetownandIhaveanideaofproducingfoodmadefromthemtodeveloptheirproductionandincreasetheirvalue.Theco-operativespecialisesinproducingproductsfromsaltandshrimpsuchasshrimpsalt,redchillisalt,andgreenchillisalt.LêNg?cLam,aworkeroftheco-operative,said:Ihavebeenworkingfortheco-operativesinceitsestablishmentandmyworkispackingproducts.Myincomeisbasedonmyworkproductivity.Tr?nQu?cTu?n,deputychairmanofthetownsPeoplesCommittee,saidtheco-operativehasdirectlycontributedtoreducingpovertyinthelocalityandcreatedjobsforlocalpeopleintheirfreetime.Theco-operativeisnewlyestablishedbutitsecuresstableproductoutputandcontinuesimprovingproductquality,hesaid.Co-operativesintheprovincehaveincreasedsellingtheirproducts,especiallythoserecognisedundertheOCOPprogramme,onlinethroughwebsites,socialmediaande-commerceplatforms,andbyintroducingtheirproductsattourismdestinations.AfterOCOPproductsaresoldonline,theirsaleshaveincreasedby20-30percentcomparedtotraditionalsales,accordingtotheirproducers.TheTanPhátL?iCo-operativeinNg?cHi?nDistrictsTan?nTayCommunehassetupitswebsitetosellitsproductsmadefromshrimpsuchasdriedshrimp,shrimpsalt,shrimpflake,shrimpchipsandfermentedsourshrimp.BùiV?nCh??ng,itsdirector,saidonlinesaleshavehelpedtheco-operativesOCOPproductsreachconsumersmoreeasily.Theco-operativesells2-3tonnesofproductsamonth,withupto90percentofthemsoldonthewebsite,hesaid.—VNS

PartofRingRoad3inHCMCity.—PhotocourtesyofHCMCitysTrafficWorksManagementBoardHCMCITY—HCMCityauthoritiesareseekingtoengagewithresidentsaffectedbykeytrafficprojects,includingtheRingRoad3project,toexpeditelandhandoversandsiteclearance.SpeakingatameetingonWednesday,LêNg?cHùng,deputydirectorofHCMCitysTrafficWorksManagementBoard,saidthecityhasformedaspecialisedcommandboardforcompensationandresettlementactivitiesfortheproject.Currently,landclearancefortheRingRoad3projecthasreached99.8percentcompletion,with1,689outof1,692householdsagreeingtolandtransfers.Hùngattributedthesuccesstoproactiveadvocacyefforts,includingcommunityengagementbyretiredofficialsandlocalleaders,whichhaveaddressedconcernsandimprovedunderstandingoftheprojectschallenges.Authoritiesarealsoutilisingoff-hoursforadvocacytominimisedisruptiontoresidents.Inaddition,thetrafficmanagementboardhasimplementedstrategiestostreamlinelandclearance,includingassigningprojectmanagerstoworkdirectlywithcompensationteamsandconductingregularmonitoring.Theyalsoconductsociologicalsurveystoevaluatetheimpactonaffectedhouseholdsanddevelopplansforimprovingtheirqualityoflife.Publiccommunicationeffortsaimtohelpresidentsunderstandthelandclearanceprocesswhileprovidingmaterialassistanceforrelocation,hesaid.LessonslearnedfromtheRingRoad3projectwillinformfuturelandclearanceinitiatives,hesaid,recommendingacoordinatedapproachandongoingpublicengagement.ConstructionofRingRoad3beganinJune2022andissettoopeninlate2025,withfullcompletionexpectedin2026.Spanning90kmatacostofoverVN?75.3trillion(US$3.2billion),itwilltraverseHCMCityandtheprovincesofBìnhD??ng,??ngNai,andLongAn.Theroadwillfeaturesixlanesforspeedsof80-100kmperhour,plustwoemergencystoplanes.Thefirstphasewillcover76kmwithfourlanes,withlocalitiesresponsibleforsiteclearingandconstruction.AnoverpasswillconnecttheringroadtotheHCMCity–LongThành–D?uGiayExpressway,linking??ngNaiandHCMCity,andconnectingtotheD?uGiay–PhanThi?tExpressway.Theprojectwillalsoconnecttofourotherexpressways,enhancingtrafficflowandfosteringurbanandindustrialdevelopment.V?TrungTr?c,deputydirectoroftheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment,saidthatsince2022,nearly540projectsinthecityhavebeendesignatedforcompensationandlandclearance,includingkeyprojectssuchasRingRoad3andmetrolines1and2.FormetrolineNo.2,whichconnectsB?nThànhMarketinDistrict1toThamL??ngDepotinDistrict12,585affectedcaseshavebeenidentified,with576successfullyhandedover,achievinga98.5percentcompletionrate.ForRingRoad3,over1,690affectedhouseholdshavebeenaddressed,withnearly1,700completed,resultingina99.8percentrate.AtTanS?nNh?tInternationalAirportsnewTerminalT3,alllandhasbeencleared.InVi?tNam,disputesoftenarisebetweenaffectedhouseholdsandpublicprojectdevelopersduetolowcompensationratescomparedtomarketvalues.Inadequatecompensationhasstalledrealestatedevelopmentandledtodisputes,expertssaid.Expertssaiditwasvitaltofostercloserengagementwithresidentstoexplainthesignificanceofprojectsandensuresmoothercompensationandlandhandovers.Inarelatedmove,cityauthoritiesrecentlyupdatedlandpricestooverVN?687million($27,000)persquaremetreincentraldistrictsandVN?2.3millionontheoutskirts,increasingratesbyfourto38times.Thesenewresidentiallandpriceswilldeterminecompensation,taxes,andfees,aimingtoresolvethelowcompensationissue.Cityofficialssaidthenewpricetablewillenhancetransparencyandfairnessforbothindividualsandorganisations.—VNSThuVanLàOCAI—NearlytwomonthshavepassedsincethedevastatingdisasterstruckLàngN?VillageonSeptember10,yettimehasdonelittletohealthedeepemotionalandphysicalscarsbornebyitssurvivors.Theoncepeacefulvillagewasravagedbycatastrophicfloodsandlandslides,leavingsixtypeopledeadandsevenmissing.HoàngTh???t,nowinhertemporaryhomeakilometreawayfromwherehervillageoncestood,feelsasifthetragedyhappenedonlyyesterday.HoàngTh?NóngandchildrenofLàngN?Villagetendtothenewlyplantedgarden.VNSPhotoThuVanWhenIthinkaboutit,Icantsleepatnight.Weallfeelemptyandexhausted.Itshardtodoanythingproperly,??tsaid.Shereminiscedabouttheclose-knitcommunitythatonceworkedsidebyside,helpingeachotherwithfarminganddailychores.Now,nearlyhalfofthevillagespopulationisgone.Sherecallsthewarmthoffamily,friendsandneighbourswhooncesurroundedher,likehernieceDuy,whowaspartofhereverydaylife.Thenightbeforetheflood,shecameovertohelpwiththecooking.Thenextday,shewasgone,??trecounted.HoàngTh???t.VNSPhotoThuVanShewasonly37,gentleandkind.Thisyear,shegrewglutinousricenearmyfieldsowecouldharvestandmakegreenricetogether.Nowthatshesgone,myheartacheseverytimeIlookatthatfield.Ihavenodesiretoharvestit.Forothers,likeNguy?nTh?Kim,thefloodsbroughtterrorandanear-deathexperience.IwasabouttogetupwhenIheardthesoundofstrongwinds.Ithoughttocovermysleepingdaughterwithablanketincaseshefeltcold.ThenIheardaviolentnoiseandeverythingwentdark…WhenIopenedmyeyes,Iwasbeingsweptawaybywater.Ithoughtitwasanightmare,sherecalled.Kimsrightarmwasbrokenandshehasntregainedfullmovement.Herrightearwasalsoinjured,leavingherwithimpairedhearing.Kimsthree-year-olddaughterwassweptawayaswell,butwasmiraculouslyfoundalivebylocals.Nguy?nTh?Kimandherdaughter.VNSPhotoNh?tH?ngPeoplesaidshelookedjustlikeateddybearinthemud,mixedwithdebris—noonerealiseditwasachilduntiltheyheardhercrying,Kimsaid,hervoicefilledwithreliefdespitethetragedy.Otherfamilieswerelessfortunateandinsomecases,noonesurvived.Idontthinkpeoplehavefeltbetteryet.Westillseemdazed,wakingupnotknowingwhattodo,howtostarttheday,Kimsaid,capturingthepervasivedisorientationandgriefhauntingthecommunity.ExpectantmotherL?cThiNh?ywasfortunateenoughtoescapewithherfamily,whoawokeearlyandfledasthewatersrose.Yet,thelossofneighboursandextendedfamilyweighsheavilyonherheart.IknowImluckymyfamilyissafe,butotherswerentsofortunate,shesaid,hervoicebreaking.Duringtheday,wetalk,tryingtoconsoleeachother,buthowcanthepainbelessened?Myfather-in-lawstwobrotherscouldntescape,thefloodcametoofastandnooneattheirhomessurvived.Afatherandsonwereatthehospitalthatdayandsurvived,buttheirlovedonesathomedidnt,shesaid,detailingthetragicfatesofherneighbours.Butwhennightfallsandeveryonereturnstotheirownhomes,thatswhenthesadnessreallysettlesin.Nguy?nV?nCai,anotherresident,sharedthathisextendedfamilylost14members.Inthepast,wewouldgathereverymorningtogotoworkandintheevenings,wedgatheragain,evenifweweretired.Now,theyreallgone,hesaid,hisvoicereflectingtheprofoundlossfeltthroughoutthesurvivingcommunity.CommunitysupportamidsorrowAmidthesorrow,localauthoritiesinB?oYênDistrictareworkingtirelesslytohelpresidentsrebuildtheirlivesandlivelihoods.Nh?Th?Tam,headoftheAgricultureDepartmentoftheB?oYênPeoplesCommittee,recalledthemomentsheandotherdistrictleadersfirstheardthenews.SomedistrictleadersdecidedtogotoLàngN?,andittooksixhourstotraveljust20kmfromthetowntothevillage.Theyhadtoswim,travelbyboat,walkandclimbthroughlandslidesandfloodwaterstoreachthesite,Tamrecounted.Itwasaheavyfeelingforallofus.Inthatmoment,noonethoughtaboutthemselves,everyonefocusedsolelyondoingwhattheycouldtosupportthepeople,shesaid,notinghowsheremainedattheofficefortwostraightweeksafterthedisaster.Toeasethepainofloss,thedistrictisprioritisingsupportforagriculturalrecovery,withover2,500hectaresoffarmlanddamaged,includingmorethan800hectaresofricefields.Revivingthewintercropiscrucialtorestoringthecommunitysfoodsupply.Restoringagriculturalproductionisincrediblymeaningfultoresidentsrightnow,Tamsaid.Itgivesthemanimmediatefocusandhelpsalleviatetheimpactoftheirgrief.Thedistricthasallocatedpartofitsbudgettoprovideseedsandmaterialsforthewintercrop,focusingoncropsthatcanbeharvestedquicklyandstoredlong-term,ensuringasustainableincomesource.Lookingfurtherahead,thedistrictisworkingtosecurefundsforagriculturaldevelopment,beyondtargettedprogrammefunds.Whilecentral,provincialanddistrictbudgetshavebeenused,theseresourcesarelimited.Therefore,weareprioritisingbusinesspartnershipsasakeystrategyforcommercialagriculture.Throughinitiativeslikelandconsolidationandassistancewithinvestmentapprovalsandconstructionpermits,weaimtofosterlong-termagriculturalgrowth,Tamsaid.Immediatelyaftertheflood,localauthoritiesmobilisedtoensurerapidsupportforthoseingreatestneed.Withinaweek,atemporaryresidencewasestablished,supportedbybothlocalagenciesandprivateenterprises.This2,000-square-metreareaincludes23sturdysteel-framehouses,eachstockedwithessentialsupplies,providingdisplacedfamilieswithsafetyandstabilitywhileawaitingpermanentresettlement.Flowersbloominfrontoftemporaryhouses.VNSPhotoThuVanMeanwhile,constructionofthenewresettlementareaforLàngN?Villageisprojectedforcompletionbytheendofthisyear.Situatedonahillabouttwokilometresfromthefloodsite,thenewlocationwillofferasaferfoundation.Theplanincludes40two-storeyhousesinthetraditionalTaystiltstyle,withessentialfacilitieslikekitchens,bathroomsandacommunitycentre.Infrastructureforroads,electricityandwaterwillalsosupportthelong-termstabilityofresidents.ViceChairmanoftheB?oYênPeoplesCommittee,Nguy?nV?nNh?t,emphasisedtheircommitmenttocompletethenewaccommodationbyDecember31.Ourpriorityisthewell-beingoftheresidentsandconstructingtheresettlementareaisbeingurgentlyaddressed,hesaid.Eachfamilywillreceivebetween800to1,000squaremetresforbothresidentialandagriculturaluse,allowingspaceforlivestockandcrops.Nguy?nDanhNamfromCorps12,undertheMinistryofNationalDefence,theconstructionunit,expressedtheirdedicationdespiteobstacles.Afterassemblingthefirsthouse,theteamencounteredheavyrainseachnightforthreeconsecutivedays.Nevertheless,westayedcommitted,assigningtasksandworkinginshiftsfrom6amtomidnightandsomedaysuntil2am,tostayonschedule,Namsaid.Thefirsthouses,nowcompletewithwalls,roofsandkitchens,standasasymbolofresilienceandrebuilding.PhotoCourtesyofCorps12Heexplainedthattheraincreatedmuddypatches,whichhinderedconstruction,requiringthemtouseexcavatorsandbulldozerstopullvehiclesupslopes.Withalloursincerity,we,alongwiththeofficersandsoldiersonthisproject,hopethecommunityfindsstabilitysoon.Wepromisetocontinueourutmosteffortstocompletethesehomesontime,Namadded.Soldiersandworkershavebeenworkingdaysandnighttocompletenewhomesfortheresidentsbytheendoftheyear.PhotoCourtesyofCorps12Attheconstructionsite,morethan200personnel,supportedby50piecesofheavymachinery,includingfivecranes,areworkingtoerectcolumns,assemblefloorsandinstallwalls.Tosavetime,theteampre-castconcretecolumns,supportbeamsandfloorpanelsoff-site,thentransportedthemtoassemblethecompletestilthouseframes.Thefirsthouses,nowcompletewithwalls,roofs,andkitchens,standasasymbolofresilienceandrebuilding.Formany,likeHoàngTh???t,eachhillsideandricefieldcarriesmemoriesofthoselost,servingasquietremindersoftheresilienceneededtorebuild.Infrontofthetemporaryresidence,avegetablegardenhasbeenplantedbyvolunteerswhocametoshowtheirsupport,withflowersbeginningtobloomnearby.Thepeacethatoncefilledthisplacehasnotyetreturnedandmaybealongtimecoming,butasthenewvillagetakesshape,residentsfindstrengthinknowingthattheentirenationstandsbehindthem.Stepbystep,theymoveforward,upheldbyaspiritofunityandhope.VNS

Nguy?nV?nTh?chatTh?chL?pCommunePoliceOffice.Photocongly.vnTHANHHóA—ThePeoplesProcuracyofNg?cL?cDistrictinthecentralprovinceofThanhHoáhasdecidedtocommencelegalproceedingsagainstanddetainNguy?nV?nTh?ch,24,onallegationsofsexualassaultinvolvingathree-year-oldgirl.Th?ch,residinginTh?chL?pCommune,Ng?cL?cDistrict,mayfacechargesunderClause3,Article142ofthePenalCoderelatedtooffencesagainstindividualsunder16yearsold.OnOctober17,Th?chandafriend,B.T.G.,hadlunchanddranktogetheratTh?chshome.Around3pm,theywenttoG.sresidencetocontinuedrinking.Whileinside,Th?chenteredtherestroomarea,whereheencounteredH.N.M.,athree-year-oldnieceofG.,playingalonenearby.Th?chwasallegedtohavebroughtthechildintotherestroom,whereG.reportedlyinterveneduponhearingsoundsofdistress.OnOctober22,Th?chvoluntarilyreportedtoTh?chL?pCommunePoliceOffice,acknowledginghisactions.Afterinitialinvestigation,thepoliceidentifiedthisasaseriouscase.WhileTh?chinitiallydeniedallegationsofseriousmisconduct,furtherquestioningledtoaconfession.Incooperationwithlocallawenforcement,additionalevidencewasgathered,whichcontributedtotheprosecutionscase.ThecasehasbeentransferredtotheThanhHóa(chǎn)ProvincialPoliceInvestigationDepartmentforfurtherlegalproceedings.—VNSStartingNovember15,therequirementforaudioandvideooversightoftrafficpolicewillberemoved.—Photonld.com.vnHàN?I—SeveralnewpolicieswillcomeintoeffectinNovember,includingtheremovalofaudioandvideooversightfortrafficpolice,arequirementforsufficientfundswhenbuyingstocksandsignificantfinesforlawyerswhoinsultjudgesorprosecutors.StartingNovember15,therequirementformonitoringtrafficpolicethroughaudioandvideorecordingdeviceswillbeeliminated.ThischangeispartofanewcircularissuedbytheMinistryofPublicSecurity,whichoutlinesfiveapprovedmethodsforpublicoversightoftrafficsafetymeasures.Theseincludeaccessingpublicinformationanddirectobservation,ensuringthatmonitoringdoesnotdisruptofficialduties.Additionally,anewregulationwillrequireinvestorstohavesufficientfundswhenplacingstockpurchaseorders,effectiveNovember2.UnderCircular68/2024/TT-BTC,foreigninstitutionalinvestorswillbeassessedforpaymentrisksbysecuritiescompaniesandanypaymentdeficiencieswillbetheresponsibilityofthesecuritiesfirm.OnSeptember18,thegovernmentannouncedDecree117/2024,amendingDecree82/2020,regardingadministrativepenaltiesacrossvariouslegalsectors.ThisnewdecreeintroducesfinesbetweenVN?15and30million(US$591-1,182)forlawyerswhoinsultthedignityorreputationofcourtofficials,includingjudgesandprosecutors.ThisregulationwilltakeeffectonNovember15,reinforcingaccountabilityforlegalprofessionalsandaligningwithArticle15oftheLawonAdministrativeViolations,whichaddressesactionsthatobstructlegalproceedings.StartingNovember26,Decree126/2024willestablishnewrequirementsforformingassociations,mandatingthatorganisationspossessadequateassetstosupporttheiroperations.Additionally,Decree113/2024willimplementtheCooperativeLawonNovember1,whichincludesninesupportivepoliciesaimedatfosteringcooperativedevelopment,suchasfundingfortrainingprogramsandinfrastructureinvestments.Finally,anewregulationwillincreasemonthlyallowancesforretiredmilitarypersonnelby15percent,effectiveNovember1,benefittingveteranswhohaveservedlessthan20yearsinthemilitary.—VNS

AsummerstreetfestivaltookplaceinQuyNh?nCityonJuly14.—VNA/VNSPhotoBìNH??NH—Bình??nhProvincehasrecentlysubmittedarequesttotheMinistryofTransport,seekingapprovalfromthePrimeMinistertodevelopapilotprojectforflyingtaxisintheregion.Thisinnovativemodeoftransportusessmallelectricaircraftcapableofverticaltakeoffandlanding,accommodatingapproximately4-5passengers.Itpresentsanidealopportunityfortouriststoexperiencethenaturalbeautyoftheareafromtheair.Characterisedasgreen,modernandunique,flyingtaxisoffersignificantadvantages,includingefficientmovement,timesavingsandhigh-qualityservicefortravellers.Theyarecompetitivelypricedandproducefewerharmfulemissionscomparedtotraditionalroadandrailvehicles.Initsproposaltotheministry,Bình??nhProvincehighlightedthesubstantialpotentialofflyingtaxistomeetlocaltourismdemands.ThisinitiativeaimstopositionBình??nhasapremierdestinationintheregion,whilesupportingthegovernmentsbroadergoalsforrapidandsustainabletourismdevelopment.TheprovincialplanningforBình??nhfrom2021to2030,approvedbythePrimeMinisteronDecember14,2023,identifiestourismasakeypillarfordevelopment.Theplanseekstoestablishtheprovinceasaleadingregionaldestination,showcasingitsuniquecoastalandculturaltourismofferings,aswellasspecialisedproductssuchasscienceexploration,traditionalmartialarts,folkgameslikeBàiChòiandlocalcuisine.Tofurtherenhanceitstourismbrand,theprovinceaimstopromoteQuyNh?nCity-thetopdestinationinAsiawhilegraduallydevelopingnewtourismroutes.Bình??nhishometonumerousstunningbeaches,includingQuyNh?n,H?iGiang,TrungL??ng,CátH?i,alongsidenearbyislandslikeNh?nChau,HònKh?andY?nisland.Thesenaturalattractionscreateidealconditionsforcoastaltourism.Theprovincealsoboastsseveralbaysandcoastallagoons,suchasQuyNh?nBay,Th?N?iandTrà,alongwithover30otherislandsthatholdsignificanttourismpotential.Theprovincehasseenamarkedincreaseindomesticandinternationaltouristarrivals.Inthelastthreequarters,Bình??nhwelcomedovereightmillionvisitors,markinganimpressive87.5percentrisecomparedtothesameperiodin2023andreaching147percentofthe2024tourismtarget.By2030,theprovinceaimstoattract12milliontouristvisitsannually,including2.5millioninternationalvisitorsand9.5milliondomestictravellers.Currently,flyingtaxisareanewconceptinVi?tNam,thoughsomecountriessuchasChina,theUS,Germany,theUK,SingaporeandSouthKoreahavebeenpilotingthisformoftransport.—VNSFirefightersatthesceneofadeadlyblazethatengulfedakaraokebarinthesouthernprovinceofBìnhD??ng,inSeptember,2022,killing32people.—VNA/VNSPhotoBìNHD??NG—AkaraokebarownerhasbeensentencedtoeightyearsinprisonforfiresafetyviolationsthatcausedafireinBìnhD??ngProvincethatkilled32peopletwoyearsago.TheBìnhD??ngProvincialPeoplesCourtonWednesdayfoundLêAnhXuan,owneroftheAnPhúkaraokebar,failedtoinspectfirepreventionsystemsduringrenovations,leadingtothedeadlyfire.ThejudgesimposedasentencelongerthantheProcuracysrecommendationoffivetosixyearsforthe43-year-oldman.Otherdefendants,includingformerfiredepartmentofficials,receivedprisonsentencesbetweenfiveyearsandsevenyearsandsixmonthsforthesamecharge.AformerofficeroftheThu?nAnCityFireDepartmentwassentencedtofouryearsfornegligence,causingseriousconsequences.Thecourtalsoorderedthedefendantstocollectivelycoverfuneralcosts,mentalanguishdamages,andsupportforthevictimschildrenuntilage18.AformerlieutenantcolonelandheadofThu?nAnCitysFirePreventionPoliceTeamwasindictedonsimilarcharges,buthiscasewasdismissedafterhedied.Theblaze,whicheruptedinBìnhD??ngProvincenearthecommercialhubofHCMCity,promptedtheclosureofthousandsofkaraokebarsacrossthecountryduetonon-compliancewithfiresafetyregulations.Thefireengulfedthesecondfloorofthe30-roomAnPhúkaraokebuildinginSeptember2022,trappingpatronsandstaffasthicksmokefilledthestaircaseandobstructedtheemergencyexit.Manysoughtrefugeonabalconytoescapetheflames,whichrapidlyspreadthroughthewoodeninterior,whileotherswerecompelledtojumpfromthebuilding.Atotalof32individualsperishedintheblaze,including17menand15women.Authoritieshavetightenedthemanagementofkaraokebarsnationwidesincethedeadlyaccident.Vi?tNamstruggleswithfiresafetyviolations,especiallyinkaraokebarsinnarrow,poorlydesignedbuildingswithinsufficientexits,asanescapeduringafireisalmostimpossible.—VNS