We are confident of Sangha development, says chief monk

Wed, 11/19/2003 - 17:26

(11/19/2003 -- 18:12GMT+7)

Ha Noi, Nov. 19 (VNA) - "Given our past achievements, we hope that Viet Nam's Buddhism will expand and contribute more to the nation with every passing day," said the Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Editor of the Buddhist newspaper Giac Ngo (Enlightment).

The monk wrote an article for his newspaper on the occasion of 22nd founding anniversary of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha. It follows below:

VN must confront ‘brain drain’ before it enters global economy

Wed, 11/19/2003 - 16:25



"Many countries in the region like China and the Republic of Korea have always relied on their overseas communities to develop their domestic science and technology industries. But our country seems to have missed this precious opportunity" - Dr Dang Ngoc Dinh, Union of Scientific and Technical Associations

HA NOI — Many of Viet Nam’s best and brightest are departing for higher-paid jobs in other countries, sparking concern that a brain drain could impede economic progress.

Vietnamese musicians get serious about their royalties

Wed, 11/19/2003 - 16:22



HCM CITY — In what must be sweet music to their ears, the body acting for musicians in Viet Nam is now permitted to chase up royalties owed to composers.

An agreement this week between the Viet Nam Recording Association and the Viet Nam Copyright Centre (VCC) allows the centre, which represents many composers, to enforce their royalty payments.

Under the agreement, composers will receive royalty fees from concert organisers and CD producers who use their material.

Government leader appreciates NGOs' cooperation with VN

Wed, 11/19/2003 - 16:21


(11/19/2003 -- 18:11GMT+7)

Ha Noi, Nov. 19 (VNA) - "The Vietnamese government has appreciated international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their effective cooperation with and valuable assistance to Viet Nam's development process. Viet Nam will continue to create favourable conditions, including improving legal environment for NGOs' operation in Viet Nam," said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan at an international conference on Viet Nam-NGO cooperation.

Socialist-oriented market economy: concept and development soluti

Mon, 11/17/2003 - 23:54


Radio Voice of Vietnam
November 17, 2003

Vietnam and China shared experiences in developing socialism and market economy at a two-day symposium in Beijing last month.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Phu Trong, Politburo member and president of the Party Central Committee’s Theoretical Council. Trong delivered an important report highlighting Vietnam’s concept of socialism and the development of socialist-oriented market economy in the country. VOVNews presents you excerpts of the report.

Accidents down but roads remain unsafe

Mon, 11/17/2003 - 23:51



HA NOI (November 17, 2003) — Minister of Transport Dao Dinh Binh told the National Assembly the number of traffic accidents on Viet Nam’s roads had fallen, but admitted that his ministry had failed to sort out ongoing problems of road safety and construction.

In a question and answer session broadcast live on television on Thurday, Binh said traffic had become more law-abiding as a result of the timely publication of guiding documents, greater efforts in dealing with violations, and the raising of people’s road safety awareness.

Deputies query top judge about the quality of trials

Mon, 11/17/2003 - 23:49



HA NOI (November 17, 2003)— Both the quality of trials and the competence of the judiciary were at the heart of many questions asked of the Supreme People’s Court’s Chief Judge, Nguyen Van Hien, in the National Assembly last Saturday.

The deputies conceded that much progress had been made in judicial reform but said much remained to be done.

VN agriculture prepares for free trade

Mon, 11/10/2003 - 18:00


November 10, 2003

HCM CITY — The planned entry of Viet Nam into the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) in early 2004 would provide both opportunities and tough challenges for the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said.

By entering ACFTA, Viet Nam would be well placed to develop new markets for its products, especially crops such as coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, vegetables and tropical fruits, which it could produce more cheaply than its ASEAN neighbours.

Places of worship abound as U.S. debates sanctions

Thu, 11/06/2003 - 23:20


The Washington Times, May 29, 2003


As religious freedom legislation aiming at Vietnam makes its traditional way through the U.S. legislative process, pagodas and churches in Vietnam are open and well visited. There is an obvious discrepancy between the perception of religious freedoms in the halls of the U.S. Congress and for the observer on the ground.

Heyday of Vietnamese Buddhism: chief monk

Thu, 11/06/2003 - 22:09



On October 29, the Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, permanent deputy president of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council and National Assembly (NA) deputy of the Hanoi constituency, spoke before the NA about the current situation of the Sangha. To shed light on his speech, Lao Dong (Labour) daily newspaper interviewed the Most Venerable on the sidelines of the NA. Following is the interview:

Q: How do you judge the Party and government's policies towards religion, including Buddhism?

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