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(Photo: VNA)

PM approves intellectual property development programme

The Prime Minister has recently issued Decision No 2205/QD-TTg approving the intellectual property (IP) development programme to 2030. The programme’s common goal is to turn intellectual property into an important tool to improve national competitiveness, facilitate innovation and creativity, and promote socio-economic and cultural development.

Universities and research institutes are expected to receive support in IP protection by 2025 for their scientific studies.

At least 40 percent of products will be recognised as national and key national products, special products and services of centrally-run cities and provinces, and “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) products.

At least 60 percent of products will be recognised as national and key national products, special products and services of centrally-run cities and provinces, and OCOP products. Trademark applications by Vietnamese firms are to increase 8-10 percent on average.

The programme looks to improve the quality of human resources in innovation and IP, and step up IP protection at home and abroad to create an IP ownership culture in society, as reported by VGP.

Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards carry out joint patrols in Gulf of Tonkin

Vietnamese and Chinese coast guards successfully conducted a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin from December 22 to December 23 as a contribution to the waters of peace, stability, and mutually beneficial co-operation.

According to VOV, the joint inspection came following the Vietnam-China agreement on fishery co-operation in the Gulf of Tonkin expiring on June 30 this year, with the aim of ensuring that normal fishing activities continue while both nations hold negotiations aimed at boosting co-operation content for the following period.

Vietnamese coast guard is joined by their Chinese counterparts to successfully conduct a joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin (Photo: VNA)

The patrol targeted a total of 13 points spanning 255.5 nautical miles throughout the sea in areas adjacent to the demarcation line in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Despite the Vietnam-China agreement on fishery co-operation now being invalid, both countries will continue to seriously monitor the maritime boundary agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The joint patrol served to enforce international law, adding to the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in the Gulf of Tonkin. It has also played an important role in preserving maritime resources in the waters whilst simultaneously ensuring sustainable exploitation.

Deputy PM expects stronger Vietnam-Singapore cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has expressed his desire for stronger cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore during a reception for outgoing Singaporean ambassador Catherine Wong Siow Ping in Hanoi on Thursday.

Binh spoke highly of the fine development of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore over the years, noting bilateral relations have flourished in various areas, from politics and diplomacy to economics, culture, and education-training, according to VOV.

Economic cooperation is a bright spot in bilateral relations, he said, adding Singapore is now one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam. The system of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) industrial parks has been increasingly expanded and it has brought about good results.

He thanked the ambassador for her practical contributions to outlining, carrying out and connecting cooperation activities between Vietnam and Singapore in all fields.

For her part, Ambassador Catherine Wong Siow Ping said she was impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements as well as its increasing role and position in the international arena.

She said she believes that both Singapore and Vietnam still hold potential for closer cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Scientists urged to clarify if UK’s new Covid-19 variant has entered VN

The National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Friday urged research institutes to promptly coordinate with foreign partners to clarify whether the UK’s new Covid-19 variant has entered Viet Nam, VGP reported.

The new variant has prompted many European and Asian countries to cancel flights from the UK as it is thought to spread about 50% to 70% faster that other forms of the virus.

(Photo: LA Times)

In the UK, health officials said the new strain may be responsible for a rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 case in its Southeast region in recent weeks.

Concern about the spread of the variant led British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose the country’s strictest measures in London, the Southeast, and East of England over the weekend.

As the pandemic is still evolving swiftly and complicatedly, the National Steering Committee underlined the need to strengthen border control and strictly fine those illegally enter Viet Nam.

Viet Nam confirmed 1,439 Covid-19 infection cases, including 1,303 recoveries and 35 deaths as of 6:00pm on December 25.

Fireworks to be set off in HCMC, Hanoi to welcome Tet

Ho Chi Minh City will stage firework displays at different locations at around 12:00 - 12:15 am on January 1, 2021.

Residents in Ho Chi Minh City will have the chance to contemplate fireworks displays near the Saigon River Tunnel in District 2, Landmark 81 skyscraper in Binh Thanh District, and Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11 at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The five other locations will have fireworks set off from lower heights, including at Dam Sen Cultural Park (District 11), National Cultural and Historical Park (District 9), Ben Duoc Monument Temple (Cu Chi District), Can Gio District football field, and Nha Be District Administrative Centre.

Firework display in Hoan Kiem lake (Photo: VNE)

The Municipal Department of Culture and Sports is also preparing for a bicycle race in celebration of the new year on Mai Chi Tho Bouelvard and near the Sala urban area in District 2.

Three locations in Hanoi, which are Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat park, My Dinh stadium will also held the fireworks displays on the occasion.

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