TyphoonYagileavesatrailofdestructioninitswakeinthenorthernprovinceofQu?ngNinh.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—TheMinistryofLabour,InvalidsandSocialAffairs(MOLISA)hasproposedatemporaryreliefmeasureforTyphoonYagi-hitbusinesses,allowingthemtohaltcontributionstotheirpensionanddeathbenefitfunds.ThismovefollowsarecommendationfromVi?tNamSocialSecurity(VSS),whichreportedthatTyphoonYagihadseverelyimpacted3,300tourismbusinessesinnorthernVi?tNam,with93,000employeesonthepayroll.VSSrecommendedasix-monthbreakfrompensionanddeathbenefitcontributionsforthe3,300businesses,whichwouldsavethemapproximatelyVN?740billion(US$29million).MOLISAgenerallyagreedwiththerecommendation,proposingtheGovernmentgrantVSStheauthoritytodeterminewhichbusinesstobetemporarilyexemptedfrompensionanddeathbenefitcontributions,foraperiodnotexceeding12months.—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.—VNS

GeneralDirectorofShinhanLifeVietnamBaeSeungJun(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.—VNSApaneldiscussionattheworkshoptoreviewtheinitialresultsofthestrengtheningscreening,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.—VNSPartofRingRoad3inHCMCity.—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.—VNS

ResidentsreceiveassistanceininstallingservicesonsmartphonesinMinhB?oCommune,YênBáiCity,YênBáiProvince.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—TheMinistryofInformationandCommunications(MIC)hassubmittedaproposaltothePrimeMinistertoadjustitssupportschemeunderthepublictelecommunicationsserviceprogramme.Theproposalsuggestsreallocatingthefundsinitiallysetasidefor400,000tabletsandusingtheminsteadtoprovidesmartphonestolow-incomehouseholds.Thismovecomesaspartoftheministrysongoingeffortstoacceleratethepublictelecommunicationsserviceprogramme,whichaimstoexpandbroadbandinternetaccesstodisadvantagedareas,borderregionsandislands.Theprogrammealsofocusesonmobilisingresourcestoextendservicestohard-to-reachcommunities,includingthoseinethnicminorityandmountainousareas.Between2021andSeptember2024,approximately3,310villageswereidentifiedaslackingmobilebroadbandcoverage.Ofthese,2,141villagesaresituatedinareassupportedbytheprogramme,whichfocusesonregionswithparticularlydifficultsocio-economicconditions.AsofSeptember2024,nearly2,549villageshadbeenconnectedtomobiletelecommunicationsservices,with1,476ofthesebenefitingfromthesupportoftheprogramme.However,761villagesremainwithoutmobilebroadbandcoverage.Theministryhasoutlinedplanstoextendservicesto547ofthesevillagesandisurginglocalauthoritiestocollaboratewithtelecomcompaniestoaddressadditionalcoveragegaps.MIChasapprovedafundingplantotallingmorethanVN?2,230billion(nearlyUS$88million)tosupportpublictelecommunicationsservicesfrom2022to2024.In2022,telecomcompaniesprovidedservicesworthVN?107.7billion,helpingaround195,000poorandnear-poorhouseholdsaccessmobileservices.In2023,thevalueofservicesprovidedincreasedsignificantly,withover590,000householdsreceivingmobileservices,worthanestimatedVN?345.65billion.Theprogrammealsosupportedaround3,600schoolsandhealthstationswithfixedbroadbandinternet,valuedatVN?8.19billion.Contractsfor2024havealreadybeensigned,andtelecomcompaniesarenowimplementingtheirexpansionplans.Undertheoriginalplan,theMIChadallocated400,000tabletstoassistlow-incomehouseholdswithonlinelearningduringtheCOVID-19pandemic.However,withthepandemicnowundercontrolandstudentsreturningtoin-personclasses,theministryhasrecognisedtheneedtoreassessthepolicy.TheMICalsohighlightedthechallengesinimplementingtheprogrammeduetogapsinthelegalframework.Thesechallengesmainlyrelatetothetenderingandcontractingprocessesfortelecomcompaniesassignedtoextendservicestounderservedareas.Toaddresstheseissues,theministryisdraftingadecreetoprovidelegalclarityontheoperationsofthetelecommunicationsserviceprogram.OnceapprovedbythePrimeMinister,thisdecreewillresolveexistinglegalobstaclesandenablemoreefficientsupportfortelecomcompaniesinexpandingservicestoremoteareas.Inaddition,theministryplanstoproposefurtheradjustments,includingtheshiftintabletsupporttosmartphones,tobettermeettheevolvingneedsofdisadvantagedcommunities.—VNS

Alocalresidentinthecentralhighlandprovinceof??kL?kfindsjobatajobfair.VNA/VNSPhoto??KL?K—SendingVietnameseworkersforseasonaljobsinSouthKoreaisbecomingaviablestrategytohelpreducepovertysustainably.TheCentralHighlandsprovinceof??kL?k,withitshighpovertyrateandlargepopulationofethnicminorities,hasfoundthisinitiativeparticularlyimpactful.IntheborderdistrictofEaSúp,peoplefacetoughlivingconditionsduetosevereweather,limitedirrigationinfrastructure,naturaldisastersandvolatileagriculturalprices.TheprogrammeofferingseasonalworkinSouthKoreahasintroducedanewpath,providingastableincomeandimprovinglocallivelihoods.HàV?nH??ng,amemberoftheThaiethnicgroupfromEaRvêCommune,EaSúpDistrict,hasjustreturnedfromhisthirdthree-monthseasonaljobintheRepublicofKorea.H??ngsfamily,classifiedaslow-income,ownstwohectaresofcassavaland,butharshborder-areaweatherandrecurringdroughthavehinderedcropproductivity.Afterlearningabouttheprogrammeforgoingabroadforworkthroughlocalofficials,heregisteredtoparticipate.H??nghasnowcompletedthreetrips.Aftercoveringexpenses,hehasbroughtbackapproximatelyVN?70-80million(US$2,760-$3,150)eachtime,usingthesavingstorepairhishouseandinvestinadditionalcassavacultivation.Myjobtheremainlyinvolvedplantingandharvestingsweetpotatoes.Iworkedninetotenhoursaday.Comparedtofarminghere,itwasnttoostrenuous,H??ngsaid.Ilearnedalot,especiallyaboutmodernagriculturalpracticesinSouthKorea,whichIhopetoapplytomyworkathome.Ihopethisprogrammecontinues,asitprovidesstableworkandincome,helpingusimproveourlives,hesaid.Similarly,PhanBáTyfromEaSúpTowninEaSúpDistricthasworkedthreeseasonalstintsinSouthKorea.Hiswife,V?Th?Dinh,saidhebeganhislatesttripinthisAugust.HeisworkingatasweetpotatofarminIksanCity,JeollabukProvince,earningaroundVN?30million($1,180)permonthbeforeovertime.Aftertwotrips,TybroughtbackVN?170million($6,700),whichthecoupleusedtorenovatetheirhomeandinvestinfarmingandlivestocktoboosttheirlivelihood.AccordingtoHoàngTh?Ki?uOanh,DeputyHeadofEaSúpDistrictsOfficeofLabour,WarInvalidsandSocialAffairs,theseasonalworkprogrammeinSouthKoreahasbeenwellreceived,helpingtoaddresslocalemploymentneeds,increaseincomeandsupportpovertyalleviationefforts.Thethree-monthworkingperiodallowsworkerstoearnanincomewhilemanagingfamilyobligationsbackhome.Mostseasonalworkersfrom??kL?karefromlow-incomeorstrugglingbackgrounds.Afterexpenses,theytypicallysavebetweenVN?70-90millionpertrip.Thisincomehelpsthempayoffdebts,investinlivestockandagriculture,andimprovetheirfamilysqualityoflife.Thewagesforseasonalworkabroadaresignificantlyhigherthandomesticoptions,andwhiletheinvestmentisminimal,theeconomicbenefitsaresubstantial.Additionally,workingabroadgivesparticipantsachancetolearnnewskills,includinglanguageandadvancedworktechniques,whileadoptingnewtechnologies.Allatnotrainingcosttothem.Thisvaluableexperiencecanopenupcareeropportunitiesuponreturninghome,shesaid.ApromisingpathWithsupportfromthe??kL?kProvincesPeoplesCommitteeandDepartmentofForeignAffairs,theEaSúpDistrictPeoplesCommitteesignedacooperationagreementonsendingandreceivingseasonalagriculturalworkersinSouthKoreainFebruary2023.Theagreement,betweenEaSúpDistrict,??kL?kProvince,andthegovernmentofIksan,JeollabukProvince,SouthKorea,prioritisesworkersfromlow-income,near-poorandethnicminorityhouseholds.Nearlytwoyearsintotheprogramme,EaSúpDistrictPeoplesCommitteehasrecruitedandsent327workerstoSouthKoreaforseasonalemployment.BasedonlabourneedsfromtheIksanauthority,thedistricthascarriedoutrecruitment,signedcontractswithworkersanddirecteditsOfficeofLabour,WarInvalidsandSocialAffairstocoordinatewithrelevantagenciestoprovideorientationtraining,Koreanlanguagelessonsandassistworkerswithobtainingnecessarydocumentation.Theofficealsoorganisesthelogisticsforworkersdepartureandtheirreturnuponcontractcompletion.TheworkersonlyrequiredexpenseisaboutVN?20million($788)fortravel.VietnameselabourersworkataginsengfarminthemountainousareaofGeumsan,NamChungcheongDistrictinSouthKorea.VNA/VNSPhotoPh?mAnhNguyênOanh,DeputyHeadofEaSúpsDepartmentofLabour,WarInvalidsandSocialAffairs,notedthatuponarrivalinSouthKorea,workersareassignedtogroupsandplacedonfarmswithstableemploymentandsafe,well-ventilatedhousingprovidedbyemployers.Workerscovertheirownhousingandmealexpenses.Despitetheprogrammesbenefits,challengesremain,shesaid.Someindividualshavetakenadvantageoftheprogramme,abandoningtheirjobstoresideillegallyinSouthKoreaforshort-termpersonalgain,whichcomplicatesthepartnership.Nguy?nQuangThuan,DeputyDirectorof??kL?ksDepartmentofLabour,WarInvalidsandSocialAffairs,statedthatthereissignificantdemandforseasonalworkabroad,especiallyinSouthKorea.Overthepasttwoyears,threedistrictsofEaSúp,Kr?ngN?ngandEaHLeohavesignedsimilaragreementswithJeollabukProvince.However,onlyEaSúphassuccessfullysentworkers.Workersfrom??kL?karehighlyvalued,signallingpromisingopportunitiesforlocallabour.EaSúpsforeignlabourprogrammeispartofacomprehensivepovertyreductionstrategy,alignedwithinitiativestoboostagriculturalproduction,improveinfrastructureandenhancehealthcareandeducationservicesforresidents.Theseoverseasworkopportunitieshavebeenapowerfulmotivator,helpinglocallabourersbreakthecycleofpovertyandstabilisetheirlives,underscoringthedistrictscommitmenttoleavingnoonebehindinitsdevelopmentefforts.—VNSBoatsbecomestheprimarymodeoftransportforpeoplelivingintheinundatedareasofL?Th?yDistrictinthecentralprovinceofQu?ngBình.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—TheNationalCentreforHydro-MeteorologicalForecastinghasissuedawarningforheavyrainacrosscentralVi?tNamonTuesday,particularlyfromsouthernHàT?nhtoTh?aThiên-Hu?.Theseregionsareexpectedtoexperiencemoderatetoheavyrainfall,withlocaliseddownpoursreachingbetween100to200mm,andsomeareasreceivingover400mm.Intense,short-durationrainfall,potentiallyexceeding100mmwithinthreehours,isalsoexpected.Thisweathercouldleadtofloodinginlow-lyingareas,flashfloodsonsmallrivers,andlandslidesonsteepslopes.Scatteredshowersandthunderstormsarealsoanticipatedthroughoutthesouthernregion,withsomeareasreceivingheavyrainupto30mm,andisolatedspotspotentiallyexceeding50mm.MarinewarningshavebeenissuedfortheGulfofTonkin,thewesternEastSea(internationallyknownastheSouthChinaSea),includingtheHoàngSa(Paracel)archipelago,andareasstretchingfromQu?ngTr?toKiênGiangandtheGulfofThailand.Strongwindsreachinguptolevel7(50-61km/h),withgustsuptolevel8(62-74km/h),willaccompanythesestorms,potentiallycausingtornadoesanddangerousseaconditionswithwavesbetween2to4.5mhigh.OnOctober30,strongnortheasternwinds,reachinguptolevel7insomeareas,areforecasttointensifyintheGulfofTonkinandnorthernEastSea,raisingwavestobetween3and5m.HàN?iandthenorthwestwillbemostlycloudy,withlight,scatteredrainexpectedinthemorning.Temperatureswillrangefrom20to22°C,withhighsbetween25and27°C.Thenortheastandothernorthernregionswillseecoolertemperatures,droppingtoaslowas17°Cinmountainousareas.AreasfromThanhHóa(chǎn)toTh?aThiên-Hu?arelikelytoexperiencesteadyrain,withthunderstormsinthesouth.Coastalareasshouldbraceforstrongwinds,especiallyinsouthernregions,wheregustscouldreachlevel6(39-49km/h).Thunderstormsandheavyrainareanticipatedtopeakinthelateafternoonandeveningacrossthesouthernregion,withsomelocalareaspotentiallyexperiencingintensestormscapableofproducinglightning,tornadoes,andgustywinds.TheCentralHighlandswillexperiencecloudyskiesaccompaniedbyisolatedshowersandthunderstorms,primarilyinthesouthernareasduringtheafternoonandevening.Temperatureswillvaryfrom17to27°C.—VNS

High-endcruisesontheheritagewatersofH?LongBayoffertravellersanunforgettableexperience.—PhotoVietnamplus.vnHàN?I—Intodaystravellandscape,luxurymaynotbedefinedbyextravaganthotelsorlavishoffers,butbyunforgettablejourneysenrichedwithprofoundexperiencesandunexpectedinsights,wheretheemotionsoftravellersplayapivotalroleindeterminingthetruevalueoftheiradventures.Whenguestsfeelgenuinelyimpressedandfullyimmersed,theyareoftenwillingtospendsignificantlyintheseservices,embodyingthetruespiritofluxurytourism.ButhowcanVi?tNamattracthigh-endtouristsandinspirethemtopurchasebeautifulexperiences?DeputyMinisterofCulture,SportsandTourism,H?AnPhong,highlightsapromisinglandscapeforluxurytourism.Arecentstudyindicatesthatthegloballuxurytourismmarket,whichwasoverUS$2.1trillionin2023,isprojectedtoexceed$3trillionby2032,maintaininganannualgrowthrateoffourpercentfrom2024to2032.Interestingly,inEurope,oneoftheworldsforemosttraveldestinations,luxurytourismaccountsforonlyabouttwopercentoftotalvisitors,yetrepresentsanastonishing22percentoftravelexpenditure,estimatedat130-170billioneuros.PhongseesasignificantopportunityforVi?tNamtoharnessthismarket,pavingthewayforarevivalandrobustdevelopmentofitstourismsector.Whileheacknowledgesthatluxurytourismisoneofthefastest-growingsegmentsglobally,contributinghighrevenueandoperationalefficiency,heemphasisesthatthequalityoftheclienteleremainsparamount.Thechallengeliesinencouragingvisitorstoprolongtheirstaysandincreasetheirspending,whileexploringVi?tNam.Inrecentmonths,Vi?tNamhasemergedasacoveteddestinationforbillionairesseekinguniqueexperiencesandluxuriousretreats.Thishasattractednumerousultra-wealthycouples,particularlyfromIndia,whoarechoosingVi?tNamsexclusivebeachresortsfortheirweddings.Theendorsementsofpoliticalfigures,celebritiesandtheelitehavefurtherenhancedVi?tNamsinternationalimageasapremiumtouristdestination,provingthecountryscapabilitytomeetthedemandsofdiscerningtravellers.Thelastthreemonthsoftheyeararepeakseasonsforwelcominginternationalvisitors.Therefore,thisisagoldenopportunityforustoassessandforecaststrategiesforattractinghigh-endtouriststoVi?tNam,thedeputyministertellsVietnamplus.vn.Asthedemandforpersonalisedandexclusivetravelexperiencesrises,expertssuggestthatluxurytravellersareincreasinglyinclinedtowardshigh-endoptionsandarepreparedtopayapremiumforqualityproductsandservices.Tocatertothisdesireforuniqueexperiencesandculturalexploration,varioustourismservicesinVi?tNamhavebeendesignedwithanemphasisonindividualisation.AprimeexampleisthetourtoexploreS?n?oòngCaveinQu?ngBìnhProvince.Whileitappealstoanichemarketandcomeswithahighpricetag,thistouroftensellsoutquicklywhenbookingsopenatthebeginningoftheyear.Nguy?nChauá,founderandCEOofOxalisGroup,whichexclusivelyoperatesS?n?oòngtours,revealsthattherearecurrently45knowncavesinPhongNha-K?Bàng,representingonly30percentoftheareascavesystem.Thistourisspecificallydesignedforadventureseekersratherthanthegeneralpublic.TravellersembarkonanadventurethroughthecavesysteminPhongNha-K?Bàng.Sinceitsinception,S?n?oònghaswelcomedover50,000visitors,establishingVi?tNamasthelargesthubforadventuretourisminAsia.Toensurethesafetyofeachexpeditiongroupoftenguests,werequire30supportstaff,includingacaveexpert,atourguide,fivesafetyassistants,aforestranger,twochefsand20porters,ásaid.ThisluxurytourismofferingnotonlygeneratesconsistentprofitsforoperatorsbutalsocontributestolocalcommunitiesandsignificantlyenhancesthetourismbrandofQu?ngBình,showcasingtheallureofcaveexplorationandthewondersofPhongNha-K?Bàngtotheworld.Additionally,helicoptertoursprovidingbreathtakingaerialviewsofH?LongBayandHCMCity,alongsideprojectsmergingtourismwithmusic,golf,MICEevents,cruisetourismandwellnessretreats,holdsubstantialpromiseforattractinghigh-spendinginternationalvisitors.Ng?Th?H??ng,DeputyGeneralDirectorofVinpearlJointStockCompany,sharedinsightsintohowthecompanyaimstocreateamulti-experiencedestinationthatfeaturesnovelofferingsuniquetoVi?tNamwhileensuringtouristsafetyisatoppriority.AccordingtoH??ng,uniqueculinaryexperienceswillattractaffluenttourists.Visitorsprioritisementalhealthandwellness.SouthKoreanvisitors,inparticular,showastrongpreferenceforgolf.Insomemarkets,touristsareincreasinglyinterestedingreentourism.ThenumberofIndiantouristsvisitingVi?tNamisontherise.In2024,VinpearlhasalreadyhostedovertenweddingsforIndianbillionaires,withplanstodoublethisnumberin2025.Vi?tNamisemergingasaprominentdestinationforweddings,MICEtourism,andgolftourismglobally,H??ngsaid.Meanwhile,LiamCordinglyfromtheOxfordEconomicResearchOrganisationhighlightedthelimitedandhighlycompetitivenatureoftheluxurytourismmarket.Inasurveyof1,800potentialtouristsfromthefivelargestsendingmarketstoSoutheastAsia,China,SouthKorea,Australia,theUSandtheUK,wefoundthatculinaryservicesareasignificantdriverintheirchoiceofdestination.Notably,luxurytravellersshowagreaterinterestinculinaryexperiencescomparedtomid-rangeandbudgettravellers.Todeveloptheluxurymarket,Cordinglyrecommendedfocusingonhigh-endculinaryexperiences,whichincludesbuildingessentialsupplychainsbothdomesticallyandinternationallytoenhancethequalityofthetravelexperience.Itiscrucialtocreateconditionsforhigh-qualityproducts,restaurantsandbarstooperatelegallyandtoemphasisesafetyandreliabilityinfoodasacoreelementthatshapestheimageandreputationofatouristdestination.Toeffectivelycatertotheneedsofluxurytravellers,expertsrecommendthattravelbusinessesfocusontheFiveCs:Culture,Cuisine,Customisation,CommunityandContent.AnIndiancouplechoosesVinpearlResortSpaH?LongasthevenuefortheirweddingceremonyinMarch2023.—PhotocourtesyofVinpearlByintegratingthesefiveessentialelementsintotheirtravelprogrammes,companiescanattractanddelighteventhemostdiscerningtourists.Nguy?nTrùngKhánh,DirectoroftheVietnamNationalTourismAdministration,believesthatacomprehensivesolutionisneededtotacklethechallengeofattractinghigh-endvisitors.Thisapproachinvolvesconductingthoroughmarketresearch,investingininfrastructureandtechnicalfacilities,andimplementingpoliciesthatfosterthedevelopmentofhigh-qualitytourismproductsandprofessionalservices,alongsidetrainingskilledpersonnel.Khánhfurtherassertsthatthetourismandtravelsectorsmustrollouttargetedpromotionalcampaignsthatspotlightspecificmarketsegments,products,services,destinationsandthepremiumtourismbrandofVi?tNam.Additionally,leveragingthemediaexposuregeneratedbytripsundertakenbyglobalcelebritiescansignificantlyenhancethepromotionofVi?tNamstourism.Byconductingmarketresearchtogaininsightsintotheconsumptionbehavioursandpreferencesofhigh-endtravellers,theindustrycandeviseeffectivecommunicationstrategiesandestablishacompellingbrandimage.—VNSHàN?iforestrangerscoordinatewith??ngXuanCommuneinQu?cOaiDistricttorehearseforestfirefightingskills.—Photohanoimoi.com.vnHàN?I—HàN?iisenteringdryseason.Withthickvegetation,justalittlecarelessnessamongthetreeswithanopenflamecancauseaforestfire.Toproactivelypreventforestfires,thecapitalcityhasimplementedmanysolutionstoenhancetheroleandresponsibilityofforestowners,rangersandlocalresidents.HàN?ihasatotalforestareaandsub-forestareaof??nearly27,100ha,acrosssevendistrictsandtownsincludingBaVì,SócS?n,M???c,S?nTay,Ch??ngM?,Qu?cOaiandTh?chTh?t.ForestsinHàN?iaremainlyplantedones,includingtreessuchaspine,acaciaandeucalyptus,highlyflammableplantspecies,sotheriskofforestfiresisveryhigh.Withhot,dryweatherandlowhumidityoveralongperiod,thecitysforestfirepreventionandcontrolmustalwaysbeinreadinesstominimiseanydamage.Ng?XuanThanh,aworkerofthemobileteamforforestfirepreventionandfightingundertheHàN?iPreventiveForestManagementBoard,saidthatinthedryseason(fromearlyOctobertotheendofMay),SócS?nDistrictisalwaysahotspotforforestfires.Themostworryingissueisthatfirefightingequipmentisrudimentary.Firefightingmeasuresaresimple,mainlyusinghoesandshovelstoclearvegetationtopreventanyfirefromspreadingandusingfreshbranchesandblowerstoputouttheflames.DeputyHeadofForestProtectionDepartmentNo4undertheHàN?iForestProtectionDepartment(FPD)LêV?n??csaid:Inthedryseason,althoughtherehavebeenwarningsatdifferentlevels,manypeople,especiallytourists,stillbringfiresourcesorlightfiresnearforests.Ifnotdetectedandextinguishedearly,thefirespreadisinevitable.StatisticsfromtheFPDshowthatfromthebeginningofthisyear,twoforestfireshavebeenrecordedinthecity.Ofwhich,oneblazewasacrossanareaof??1.5hainTh?chTh?tDistrict,whereasanotherwithanareaof??0.5haoccurredinSócS?nDistrict.Thefiresweredetectedandpromptlyextinguished,thustheycausednomajordamagetoforestresources.Comparedtothesameperiodlastyear,thenumberofforestfiresdecreasedby32andthefiredamagedareafellbymorethan38ha.DeputyHeadoftheFPDNguy?nTi?nLamsaidthatthenumberofforestfireswasdownsharplybecauselocalitieshaddoneagoodjobofforestmanagementandprotection.ItisalsobecausethisyearHàN?ihashadalotofrain,thethickvegetationhasaccumulatedwaterandhumidity,makingareaslessflammable.Buttheweatherforecastfromnowuntiltheendoftheyearisforittobedrywithlittlerain,solocalitieswithforestsneedtoproactivelydevelopplanstopreventandfightforestfires.TheHàN?iDepartmentofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment(DARD)hasissuedmanydocumentsrequestingdepartments,branches,militaryunits,police,districtsandtownswithforeststocoordinatewellinforestprotectionworkandminimisethechanceofforestfirestakinghold.DeputyDirectoroftheDARDNguy?nM?nhPh??ngsaidmostrecently,localareaswithforestedareashavebeengivendrillsaboutfirefighting,raisingawarenessofresponsibilityinconductingStateregulationsonforestprotectionanddevelopment,alongwithfirepreventionandfirefightingforofficialsandpeoplefromofallwalksoflife.Herequesteddistrictsandtownstoregularlyinspectandurgedepartments,units,peoplescommitteesofcommunesandtownstostrictlyrealiseforestfirepreventionmeasures.Atthesametimelocalauthoritieshavebeenstrengtheningthecommandcommitteeandforestfirepreventionandfightingteamsincommunes,guidingandstrictlymanagingthevegetationclearingaccordingtotheplan.Inaddition,theFPDdirectedforestrangerstocoordinatewithlocalauthoritiestoguidecommunesandforestownerstostrictlyimplementtheestablishedforestfirepreventionandfightingplan.Theymustregularlyreviewandadjustitastheseasonsandlocaldevelopmentschangeovertime.Wearealwaysproactiveinallsituations,includingmeansandforces,promptlyhandlingforestfirestominimisedamage,ensuringabsolutesafetyforpeopleandproperty,saidLam.—VNS

AircraftatN?iBàiInternationalAirport.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—Vietnameseairlineshavestruggledtomaintainpunctuality,with25.8percentofallflightsdelayedinthefirstninemonthsofthisyear,accordingtotheCivilAviationAuthorityofVi?tNam(CAAV).Outof194,027flightsoperated,50,031weredelayed,primarilyduetolate-arrivingaircraft,theCAAVreported,basedonairportauthoritydata.Amongthemajorcarriers,VietnamAirlinesledwith83,552flights,achievingan83percenton-timedeparturerate.ClosebehindwasVietjetAir,operating83,326flights,whileBambooAirwayscompleted13,064flights,maintainingapunctualityrateof82.8percent.Onaverage,theon-timedeparturerateforVietnameseairlinesstoodatjust74.2percent,CAAVreported.Delaysaccountedfor25.8percentoftotalflights,with15.3percentduetolate-arrivingaircraftand7.6percentattributedtoairline-relatedfactors.InSeptemberalone,Vietnameseairlinesconducted17,720flights,managinganon-timerateof76.6percent.However,delaysaffected4,142flights,makingup23.4percentofthetotal,whilecancellationsreached106flights.TheCAAValsohighlightedpositivedevelopmentsintheaviationsector,withinternationalairtransportseeingasteadyrecovery.Currently,61foreignairlinesandfiveVietnamesecarriersoperate147internationalroutes,connectingVi?tNamwith28countriesandterritoriesworldwide.—VNSTheimageofH?nandtwoyoungvolunteerswadingintothefloodedareatohelppeopleavoidthefloodwasfilmedbylocals.—Phototuoitre.vnQU?NGBìNH—ThePeoplesCommitteeofTháiTh?yCommuneinL?Th?yDistrictsaidonMondaymorningthatlocalsearchteamshavediscoveredthebodyof22-year-oldLêNg?cH?n.HewassweptawaybyfloodwaterswhilewadingintoasubmergedareatoassistresidentsonSundayafternoon.Hisbodywasfoundat7.05amonMonday,approximately200metresfromthespotwherehewentmissing.Arrangementsarecurrentlybeingmadetohandoverhisremainstohisfamilyforafuneral.Accordingtoaccountsfromwitnesses,recordedinavideopriortotheincident,residentsindicatedthatmanyhousesinanearbyvillagedownstreamfromThanhS?nirrigationdamwereseverelyfloodedandrequiredurgenthelpwithclean-upefforts.Anyonewhoisyoungandstrong,pleaselendthemahand,onelocalwasheardsaying.Inresponse,H?nvolunteeredalongwithtwootheryoungmenfromhisvillage.However,toreachtheaffectedarea,theyhadtowadethroughalowsectionofroad,wherewaterfromupstreamwasflowingrapidly.Asthethreeyoungmenreachedthemiddleofthecurrent,withwaterlevelsrisingtoaboutchestheight,theywereunexpectedlysweptaway.Twomanagedtoswimtosafety,butH?ndidnotresurface.Residentswhowitnessedtheeventimmediatelyrealisedwhatwashappeningbutwereunabletoassistduetothestrongcurrents.ItisreportedthatH?nhadrecentlyreturnedhomeafterayearofserviceinthemilitary.—VNS