I aspired to bring the quintessence of national folk music to the world many years ago. It can be said that, national music has granted a global ‘artist visa’ to me, creating opportunities for me to live, work and study in the top music environment in Europe. When creating art works, I mixed the principles of national music and western arts, creating a unique difference in familiar folk songs, which has been appreciated in foreign countries. I will set poems to music, harmonise songs and sing with singer Ha Linh, with the accompaniment of traditional instruments and electronic music. The second one, which is contemporarily unnamed, will consist of compositions for traditional Vietnamese musical instruments.

The effort was a major task for the agencies to better cope with natural disasters this year, he said. “Any officer who lacks knowledge of coping with natural disasters that lets any resident go hungry or thirsty during natural disasters, must take responsibility,” Phuc said. Although the country had made many efforts, the damage suffered from natural disasters was still huge, he said. Cuong said first, the committee would build a plan at both national and local levels to cope with natural disasters, with safety during natural disasters for public works included. In a related movement, the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Centre warned that natural disasters’ developments this year would become more complicated.

In the global scale, the project contributes to the UN sustainable development goals, particularly the goal number four on quality and goal number 17 on global partnership and cooperation. His daughters are eligible for loans of VND28 million from the social policy fund when they become university students. The survey also revealed that around 70 percent of surveyed migrant workers did not have employment contracts, meaning lack of access to work benefits such as social insurance, health insurance, sick leave, and annual leave. Meanwhile, Elisa Fernandez, Head of UN Women Vietnam Office, highlighted that discrimination and inequality fuel social instability and income disparities. Its contribution is expected to be an important instrument to Vietnam’s accomplishment of commitments to the Paris Agreement, as well as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

HCM City takes steps to ensure fire safety at apartment buildings, high-risesVietNamNet Bridge – Fire-fighting police in districts throughout HCM City are working with investors and managers of apartment buildings to strengthen fire-prevention measures at all high-rises and apartment buildings in the city, following a fire at the Carina Plaza apartment complex in District 8 that killed 13 people and injured 50 on March 23. The ministry has urged developers, builders and partners to follow technical standards for construction of apartment buildings. According to the department’s figures, seven apartment buildings in the city that do not follow fire-safety regulations have people living in them. Today, the committee is holding a conference on fire prevention and fighting at apartment buildings and high-rises. Fire-safety handbooks will be provided to all households in the city, especially in apartment buildings.

Captain dies at flight take-offThe captain of a Taiwanese Mandarin Airlines flight died from a stroke right before takeoff at Tan Son Nhat Airport. The 35-year-old Taiwanese captain received first aid from the airport's medical team while being rushed to the 175 Hospital. But doctors at the hospital said he died from cardiac infarction before arriving at the hospital. A source told the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper that the captain's health certificate was valid until October 31, 2018. 162 passengers boarding the flight has been transferred to another flight which departed at 6 pm that day.

Ta Phin monastery is a recommended place for visitors on the road from Ta Phin tourism village to the downtown of Sapa. Visiting Sapa during spring and summer, visitors will be immersed in the stunning colours of various flowers. In those months Sapa becomes a colourful paradise of pure white apricot and pear flowers, bright yellow and purple orchids, and soft pink roses. Ta Phin commune is home to an authentic herbal bath made in the uncompromising herbal traditions of the Red Dao ethnic group. A famous cuisine in Sapa is thang co (an indigenous hot pot cooked from horse meat, herbs, and spices).

First-ever GMS Business Summit opens in HanoiThe first-ever Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Business Summit opened in Hanoi on March 30 as part of the sixth GMS Summit (GMS-6) and the 10th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Summit (CLV-10). Applauding the initiative of the Cambodia Government on establishing a GMS young entrepreneurs business network, he said the VCCI also proposes a women-led business network and GMS startup network. On the occasion, Sok Phiset, Vice Chairman of the GMS Business Council and President of Cambodia Young Entrepreneurs Association, launched the GMS Business Connect (GBC) Application. A panel discussion featuring new business models – view of young and women entrepreneurs in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) as part of the GMS Business Summit in Hanoi on March 30. The first-ever GMS Business Summit forms part of the sixth GMS Summit (GMS-6) and the 10th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Summit (CLV-10), which is one of the most important diplomatic events of Vietnam in 2018.

Vietnam needs big deals to reach M&A value exceeding $8 billionVietNamNet Bridge - The total value of M&A deals made in 2017 was 8.4 billion, according to IMMA (Institute of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances). More M&A deals with big value were made in the year among well-known corporations. 2017 was the fourth consecutive year which saw M&A value increasing after the recession in 2012-2013. The real estate market saw 35 M&A deals worth $614 million in total, equal to the value of the finance M&A market. The real estate market saw 35 M&A deals worth $614 million in total, equal to the value of the finance M&A market.

Limitation in open budget indexVietnam is ranked under the global average in the open budget index, especially in terms of public participation. Vietnam is ranked under the global average in the open budget index, especially in terms of public participation. — Photo saigontimes.vnThat’s according to the report of Open Budget Survey composed and published by International Budget Partnership (IBP) on Thursday. Vietnam’s budget transparency (Open Budget Index - OBI) scored 15 out of 100 in terms of transparency, dropping three points compared to the previous survey in 2015. According to Huong, the 2015 Law of State Budget has several provisions aiming to accelerate the budget transparency.

NA Chairwoman wraps up official visit to the NetherlandsChairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and a high-level delegation of the Vietnamese NA left the Netherlands on March 29, concluding their four-day official visit to the European country. NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan holds a working session with NACO company. (Photo: VOV)Earlier on the same day, the top legislator visited and held a working session with the NACO company, an affiliate of Royal HaskoningDHV, specialising in airport design and consultancy. Over the past years, Vietnam and the Netherlands have implemented many cooperation programmes in this area, including the Dutch Aviation Vietnam (DAV) Cluster programme. The NA leader said she believes that aviation infrastructure projects in Vietnam will offer good opportunities for firms, consultants, manufacturers, and training institutions in the Netherlands’ aviation and aerospace industry.

Citadel named Nat’l Special RelicVietNamNet Bridge – The Dien Hai Citadel in the central city was officially recognised as a National Special Relic, under the Prime Minister’s decision signed last year, marking the 160th anniversary of the victory in fighting against French-Spanish coalition forces in 1858-60. Recognition: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien (right) hands over the certificate of National Special Relic for the Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang. — VNS Photo Le LamIt’s also the first national special relic recognised among 50 historical sites and 18 national historical monuments in the city. The museum of Da Nang still preserves 11 iron cannons that were unearthed at the Dien Hai Citadel between 1979 and 2008. Coming back: A plan for the restoration of the Dien Hai Citadel.

Advice on education master planVietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam should utilise cutting-edge technology to reform education to become a fast mover, said Professor Ju Ho Lee, Republic of Korea (RoK)’s former Minister of Education, Science, and Technology. Professor Ju Ho Lee, Republic of Korea (RoK)’s former Minister of Education, Science, and Technology speaks at a higher education strategy stakeholder consultation yesterday. — Photo vnexpress.netHe was speaking yesterday at a higher education strategy stakeholder consultation hosted by World Bank and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said Vietnam’s higher education lacks a long-term, feasible and globally-integrated development strategy. The Master Plan of Higher Education serves as a foundation for the reform and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term development of Vietnamese higher education.

Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong has talks with Cuban leader Raul CastroGeneral Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong had talks with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee and President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro Ruz in Havana on March 29 afternoon (local time). General Secretary Trong underlined that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have a sincere friendship with their Cuban counterparts. He expressed his belief that the Cuban Party, State and people will keep solidarity to tackle all challenges and difficulties to promote the country’s revolutionary cause. Party General Secretary Trong invited the Cuban leader to soon return Vietnam. Earlier, Party General Secretary Trong and his entourage paid floral tribute to Cuban’s national hero Jose Marti at his statue.-VNA

President Tran Dai Quang meets with Lao PM Thongloun SisoulithVietnam and Laos need to continue deepening their political ties while boosting their cooperation in diplomacy, security, and defence fields, President Tran Dai Quang said at his reception for Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in Hanoi on March 30. President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun SisoulithThe Lao leader is currently in Hanoi for the sixth Greater Mekong Subregion Summit (GMS-6) and the 10th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Summit (CLV-10) from March 29-31. The President expressed his belief that the participation of PM Thongloun Sisoulith will contribute greatly to the success of these summits, creating an impetus for the cooperation in the sub-region and between Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. “Vietnam’s consistent policy is respecting and giving the top priority to preserving and developing the special solidarity with Laos. PM Thongloun Sisoulith praised Vietnam’s organisation of GMS-6 and CLV-10 and its initiatives to the events and expressed his belief that the summits will be successful.

Party Chief's busy activities in CubaVietnam and Cuba discussed ways to make their special ties more practical and effective with the focus on promising sectors such as economics, trade, investment, construction, agriculture, aquaculture and green energy. The school named after Vietnamese hero Vo Thi Thang is an example of the special friendship, Trong added. He said he expects the establishment to enhance its teaching quality and educate the next generation into good citizens, inheriting their predecessors’ legacy and continuing fostering Vietnam – Cuba relations. On the occasion, the Vietnamese Party leader inaugurated an IT classroom, which was his gift to the school. Party General Secretary Trong is on a four-day State visit to Cuba at the invitation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’s Central Committee and President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers Raul Castro Ruz.