Mauro Alboresi, General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party, emphasised that the victory holds immense significance not only for Vietnam and its people, but also for all nations that fought against imperialism.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy on April 18 hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975), bringing together nearly 200 delegates.

In his speech, Ambassador Duong Hai Hung highlighted the significance of the Great 1975 Spring Victory, saying that it marked a glorious pinnacle in Vietnam’s long and heroic history of nation-building and defence, opening up a new chapter in the country’s history — a chapter of independence, freedom, peace, and reunification.

The triumph will forever be remembered, affirming the great significance of the resistance war against the US and embodying the Vietnamese people’s spirit of independence, self-reliance, and profound aspiration for peace, he said.

Mauro Alboresi, General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party, emphasised that the victory holds immense significance not only for Vietnam and its people, but also for all nations that fought against imperialism.

In a video message, Massimo Loche, a former war correspondent in Vietnam during the 1970s, shared his memories of Vietnam’s historic moment on April 30, 1975 that marked the liberation of the South and national reunification.

For his part, Dimitri Sossai, a son of Captain Luciano Sossai, who commanded the ship Australe that departed from the port of Genoa in 1973 to deliver medicine, essential goods, and farming tools donated by the Italian people to Vietnam, recounted his father’s journey to the Southeast Asian country.

He said that his family was proud and happy to support such nation that was bravely confronting one of the most powerful country in the world.

At the photo exhibition “Solidarity and support of the Italian people for Vietnam,” visitors had the opportunity to view images of anti-war activities held in various cities across Italy, such as Genoa, Reggio Emilia, and Rome. Tens of thousands of Italian citizens took to the streets to support the struggle of the Vietnamese people.

The Italy-Vietnam cultural bridge association also organised an art performance programme at the ceremony.

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Kieu Linh said that she hopes that in the future, Vietnam, as well as countries with large Vietnamese populations, will invest more in Vietnamese language programmes abroad, as this is a genuine need that deserves attention.

Working in different fields, two Vietnamese Americans -Professor Kieu Linh Caroline Valverde in California and entrepreneur Katherine Lam in Oregon- share a common goal of preserving the Vietnamese language and promoting a modern image of Vietnam to international friends.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in the US, Professor Kieu Linh, founding director of the New Vietnam Studies Initiative at the University of California, said that she initially had limited Vietnamese language skills due to growing up in the US.

In 1993, when she first returned to Vietnam, she had the opportunity to learn Vietnamese further at a university.

She recalled that at that time, there were no Vietnamese language classes in the US, which is vastly different from today, where there are many centres teaching Vietnamese, supported by technology for language instruction.

According to the professor who specialises in Asian American studies, with Vietnam’s rapid development and unique cultural features, more and more people, not just those of Vietnamese descent, are interested in learning Vietnamese. Particularly, the Vietnamese community living in the US over many generations often desires to learn about their roots, leading to an increasing demand for Vietnamese language education.

Kieu Linh said that she hopes that in the future, Vietnam, as well as countries with large Vietnamese populations, will invest more in Vietnamese language programmes abroad, as this is a genuine need that deserves attention.

Kieu Linh who has a Ph.D. research project on Vietnam and Asia and has taught at UC Davis for over 20 years, said that most Vietnamese language classes in the US are still organised by the community and lack systematic structure. She herself is also teaching Vietnamese to her child and has realised that the learning is not as effective as expected due to the absence of a formal educational environment with structured lessons.

Throughout her 20 years of teaching at UC Davis, she has proposed that the university add Vietnamese in the curriculum every year. Her proposal once was approved, but it had to be halted due to a lack of funding. Currently, the university said she needs to find her own funding sources if she wants to open a Vietnamese language class.

Thirty years ago, when she was still a student, Kieu Linh together with the community and friends got funding from University of California, Berkeley for a Vietnamese language class for elementary school students. Later, she founded the New Vietnam Studies Initiative, aimed at introducing a modern, dynamic, and culturally rich Vietnam.

Linh stated that after 50 years of reunification, Vietnam has undergone significant changes and rapid development. According to her, in the US and many other countries, the Vietnamese community always looks towards their homeland. Many people wish to return to Vietnam to celebrate traditional New Year (Tet), visit family, or invest in business. Many have been away from Vietnam for decades, even since childhood, but still plan to return after retiring. Many individuals of the same generation as Kieu Linh are even seriously considering returning to live in Vietnam. The professor believes that Vietnam has many attractions for foreigners and the overseas Vietnamese, whether for living, working, or long-term tourism.

Meanwhile, Katherine Lam, a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur in Oregon, noted that this state was the first in the US to implement a Vietnamese language programme in public schools, not only limited to language classes but also applied in other subjects. These are commendable results, reflecting the positive and persistent contributions of the local Vietnamese community.

According to Katherine, Oregon has five Vietnamese-American legislators participating in the state legislature. Two years ago, these legislators successfully coordinated to secure a 2.5 million USD grant for building a community center for Vietnamese people, an important milestone in the state’s history. Additionally, the Vietnamese community in Oregon has made its mark in business, education, and healthcare.

Regarding Vietnam-US relations, the entrepreneur said that since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2023, bilateral relations have seen certain progress. Her company has also experienced new advantages and developments. She views this as a very positive sign for the Vietnamese overseas entrepreneur community, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam’s national reunification.

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Vietnam has successfully hosted Vesak three times, in 2008, 2014, and 2019, contributing to promoting the image of a peace-loving, hospitable, and united nation to the international community and reaffirming the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has requested ensuring absolute security and safety during the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, as directed by the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee.

Chairing a meeting to review preparations for the event on April 16 in Hanoi, the Deputy PM acknowledged the efforts of ministries, agencies, local authorities, and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in actively implementing directions of the Secretariat and the Government regarding the organisation of the event.

Highlighting the significance of Vesak 2025, he asked relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to strictly implement plans to support the VBS in holding the event.

Vietnam has successfully hosted Vesak three times, in 2008, 2014, and 2019, contributing to promoting the image of a peace-loving, hospitable, and united nation to the international community and reaffirming the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion.

The 2025 edition, also hosted by the VBS, is receiving strong support and meticulous preparations from the Vietnamese Government. It is expected to promote exchanges, experience sharing and cooperation, thus affirming Vietnam’s responsibility for the UN and the international community.

The UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 will take place from May 6-8 in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development.” The event is expected to welcome around 2,000 delegates from Vietnam and abroad.

According to Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Hai Trung, the ministry has been working regularly with the VBS, and closely coordinating with relevant ministries, sectors, and local authorities in supporting the VBS in carrying out tasks related to the event in accordance with the set goals and requirements.

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Since its launching in 2014, the programme has spotlighted more than 2,500 stories of individuals who have quietly done good deeds.

State President Luong Cuong has emphasised the need to further promote and multiply models of sharing with and helping others, and to recognise more individuals and collectives dedicated to serving the community.

Speaking at a cordial gathering with 100 outstanding role models featured in the Vietnam Television (VTV) programme “Viec tu te” (“Acts of Kindness”) on April 16, President Cuong said the society needs more hearts, more compassion, like the 100 exemplary individuals honoured to generate positive energy and spread love across the community.

The State leader expressed his delight at meeting with the exemplary individuals whose kindness, generosity, and warm hearts have made life more meaningful and worth living.

Since its launching in 2014, the programme has spotlighted more than 2,500 stories of individuals who have quietly done good deeds. Thousands of simple, heartfelt stories have been conveyed to audiences in a vivid and authentic manner, highlighting the beauty of altruism and kindness. Beyond the stories themselves, the programme has for over a decade fostered the spirit of compassion and belief in humanity among millions of Vietnamese citizens.

Through its widespread influence, the programme has inspired a growing wave of benevolent acts across the nation, nurturing love through honest, deeply human stories that offer a more optimistic perspective on life.

President Cuong emphasised that every person and story featured in the programme serves as a powerful catalyst for empathy and compassion. He noted that every individual has the capacity for kindness and that the programme’s role models help amplify and multiply the good in society, allowing it to flourish more effectively.

Reaffirming that caring for people with meritorious service, the poor, the disabled, and the vulnerable is a consistent policy of the Party and the State, he stressed that in addition to government efforts, the support of kind-hearted individuals, such as those featured in the programme, is vital. They are often closest to those in need, and their support is heartfelt and sincere, the President added.

Highlighting Vietnam’s goal of achieving universal access to social welfare by 2030, President Cuong announced that the government will continue to improve legal frameworks, especially in the field of social work. He emphasised the need to develop and professionalise social work to enhance its capacity to serve the public.

The State leader also urged efforts to continue the mission of these kind-hearted individuals, noting that many of them are elderly or facing health challenges, adding that it is a must to cultivate a new generation of young people committed to doing good.

He called on the Vietnam Television to collaborate with the standing board and relevant agencies of the Central Emulation and Commendation Council, as well as with localities, to actively identify and promote exemplary individuals and acts of kindness. By doing so, he said, will help ensure that noble actions are widely shared and multiplied throughout society, inspiring collective actions and fostering a better, and more humane and beautiful nation.

President Cuong commended the Vietnam Television and its partners for their decade-long commitment to the programme, which has successfully broadcast over 2,500 stories of kindness along with many other humanitarian and charitable programmes. He expressed his hope that the programme will continue to thrive, discovering and highlighting more good people and good deeds from every corner of the country to reach and inspire the entire nation.

The President believed that the widespread recognition of role models and good deeds will motivate communities to act, contributing to the building of a prosperous, civilised, and happy Vietnam.

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Vietnamese localities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhancing control over fishing ports and offshore activities in accordance with the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations.

Vietnamese localities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhancing control over fishing ports and offshore activities in accordance with the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations.

Fishermen have been required to install vessel monitoring systems (VMS) to track their movements.

Nguyen Thanh Hien, a fisherman from Ninh Thuan province, emphasised that failure to maintain a functioning VMS could result in substantial fines and being barred from docking at other ports.

To improve oversight, all 28 coastal provinces have reviewed their registered fishing fleets and integrated the data into the national VNFishbase system. Significant progress has been made in addressing unregistered, unlicensed, and uncertified vessels. In Kien Giang, all such “three-no” vessels have now been registered, reducing safety risks and improving resource management.

The Directorate of Fisheries reported that round-the-clock monitoring is being conducted, focusing on vessels longer than 24 metres to detect boundary violations or signal disruptions. Weekly updates on high-risk and non-compliant vessels are added to the VMS database for enforcement purposes.

All operational fishing ports, including private ones, are now required to verify vessel entries and exits, inspect seafood landings, and trace product origins to prevent IUU fishing. Authorities have deployed specialised teams at ports to ensure compliance and penalise offenders.

Tran Dinh Luan, Director of the Fisheries Directorate, urged continued high-level law enforcement and the application of strict penalties on violations, including unauthorised fishing in foreign waters. He also called for additional resources to bolster IUU prevention efforts.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide have escalated legal actions against IUU-related offences, with 39 criminal cases initiated and 12 brought to trial. These cases cover violations such as illegal border crossings, fraud, and tampering with VMS devices.

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UNICEF has praised Vietnam’s recent decision to waive public school tuition fees, emphasizing it as a vital investment in the country’s future. This policy ensures that more children can complete their education, regardless of their socio-economic background, marking a significant step in Vietnam’s ongoing development, according to Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative to Vietnam.

The Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam recently approved the nationwide elimination of tuition fees for students from kindergarten through high school in public schools. Danailov described this as a transformative measure that promotes integration and equal opportunities for all children.

She congratulated Vietnam on the decision, stating that it aligns with the country’s international commitments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goal 4. The policy, she reiterated, plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s development by expanding educational access for all.

To maximize the effectiveness of the tuition waiver policy, Danailov put forward several key recommendations. She stressed that tuition exemption must be accompanied by efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning. This requires ensuring sufficient resources, expertise, infrastructure, and high-quality learning materials.

Additionally, she highlighted the financial burdens families still face, such as the cost of textbooks, uniforms, and transportation, which can be particularly challenging for vulnerable households. She called for policies to address these costs to make education truly accessible to all.

Danailov also emphasized the importance of equity and inclusion in implementing the policy. She urged targeted support for children with disabilities and those from ethnic minority communities to ensure their full participation and benefit from education.

Expanding access to high school education, she noted, could be achieved by increasing the number of public schools and investing in community-based education. This includes the development of satellite primary schools to reach students in remote areas.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving this vision by enhancing teacher training, improving educational administration, and promoting digital learning opportunities. Danailov also highlighted the potential of integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to aid educators. Furthermore, UNICEF advocates for investments in green school models to address climate change and supports policies that foster inclusive education.

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Nghe An’s anti-IUU fishing efforts pay off, particularly in raising fishermen’s awareness and promoting coordination among agencies.

The central province of Nghe An has taken drastic actions to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in an effort to have the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnam’s seafood exports lifted.

With a coastline of 82 km, a large fleet of over 3,100 fishing vessels, and about 12,000 workers directly involved in the sector, the province has deeply experienced the impact of the EC’s yellow card.

Its anti-IUU fishing efforts pay off, particularly in raising fishermen’s awareness and promoting coordination among agencies.

In 2024 alone, the provincial Border Guard Command collaborated with authorities in coastal districts and competent forces to organise 12 communications sessions, reaching 2,235 people. Relevant units worked with localities to conduct 108 broadcasts on local loudspeakers, hold 82 communications sessions in wards and communes for over 3,440 fishermen, and distribute 3,550 leaflets.

At the same time, the owners of 5,582 vessels signed commitments to not engage in IUU fishing. Nearly 98.6% of fishing boats have installed vessel monitoring system (VMS) equipment. Fishermen strictly comply with regulations regarding departure and fishing activities.

Pham Van Tuan, a fisherman from Ngoc Bich commune, Dien Chau district, said that local fisherment are now aware of the importance of removing the “yellow card.”

In addition to communications activities, Nghe An has mobilised the entire political system in the fight against IUU fishing.

As a core force, in recent years, the provincial Border Guard Command has directed units to coordinate with competent forces and local authorities to monitor the situation, enhance patrols, and promptly detect, combat, and prevent violations.

In addition to supporting fishermen in regulation compliance, the force is determined to handle violations. In 2024 alone, thanks to coordinated efforts, they detected and handled 191 cases, imposing administrative fines exceeding 4.3 billion VND (167,700 USD).

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To further tighten control, the Tien Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment recently established task forces to monitor the operation of vessels, their compliance with fishing regulations, and the installation of the vessel monitoring system.

Proactive measures and stringent enforcement actions have helped the Mekong Delta province achieve positive outcomes in its fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with no violations reported in recent years.

According to Le Van Son, Chairman of the Go Cong Dong district People’s Committee, authorities have ramped up educational campaigns to raise awareness among fishermen, while closely monitoring vessels to ensure no boats infringe upon foreign waters. Thanks to these efforts, since 2022, no violations have been recorded in the district in this regard.

In Vam Lang town, home to 20 cooperative fishing groups and 100 offshore vessels, community engagement has played a vital role. Ly Van Lieng, head of the Truong Duy fishing cooperative, shared that local fishermen now fully understand and comply with marine resource exploitation regulations, thanks to consistent government outreach.

To further tighten control, the Tien Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment recently established task forces to monitor the operation of vessels, their compliance with fishing regulations, and the installation of the vessel monitoring system.

The department has also intensified patrols and inspections, issuing directives to local authorities to tighten control over unregistered vessels setting sail in 2025. Officials have ensured that essential documents such as registration certificates, seafood origin certificates, and crew member directories are properly issued to meet the demands of both fishermen and seafood exporters. Technical safety inspections for all vessels have been strictly enforced to ensure compliance with regulations, minimising risks of violations.

In a significant move towards transparency, the department has partnered with enforcement agencies to roll out an electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT). This system requires all departing and arriving vessels, as well as seafood purchasing enterprises, to update their data on the platform to ensure product legality.

Tran Hoang Nhat Nam, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, confirmed that Tien Giang will continue to implement urgent and targeted measures to combat IUU fishing. Key actions include enhancing vessel registration, issuing fishing licenses based on quotas, and certifying food safety standards for fishing vessels.
The department also plans to keep VN-Fishbase updated with comprehensive vessel data.

To maintain vigilance, Tien Giang authorities will collaborate with local governments and border guard forces to expand public awareness campaigns and strengthen vessel monitoring. Strict penalties will be imposed on vessels that lose tracking signals, ensuring non-compliant boats are barred from offshore fishing activities.

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Strong moves have been made to handle the vessels infringing foreign waters, violating VMS rules, not entering ports for unloading as regulated, or failing to meet operational conditions.

Vietnam has been making progress in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing with comprehensive and drastic solutions put in place, said Vu Duyen Hai, Deputy Director of Fisheries and Fisheries Resource Surveillance Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of a recent meeting held between the national steering committee for anti-IUU fishing and central provinces to prepare for the European Commission (EC)’s fifth inspection slated for late March, Hai said that under directions from the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and the Government, the political systems in localities have taken concerted and strong solutions to IUU fishing.

This has brought about observable results, especially in handling “three no’s” fishing vessels (those without registration certificates, fishing licenses and inspection certificates) and controlling raw materials imported into Vietnam.

The national fisheries database and the vessel monitoring system (VMS) have been completed, helping localities oversee their fleets. Vessel and VMS data have been made transparent. These are positive results demonstrating localities’ efforts over the past years to remove the EC’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood, Hai said.

The official clearified that many localities have shown significant progress in addressing the problems pointed out by the EC. Strong moves have been made to handle the vessels infringing foreign waters, violating VMS rules, not entering ports for unloading as regulated, or failing to meet operational conditions.

The former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) has fine-tuned the institutional framework in accordance with the EC’s recommendations, he went on, adding that serious wrongdoings have been dealt with stringently.

Many provinces and cities have adopted flexible solutions to monitor fishing fleets at sea and in fishery ports. Previously, it was difficult for authorities to track where vessels were. Now, thanks to information technology applications and well-managed databases, all data on vehicles operating in various sea areas are collected and updated daily. When a violation is detected, data are sent back to local authorities so that law enforcement forces at sea and on land can handle according to regulations. Through such close and regular monitoring, fishermen have improved their law compliance awareness.

In the upcoming inspection, the EC will evaluate Vietnam’s electronic traceability system. While the EC plans to apply this system from October 2026, Vietnam started implementing it in January 2024. Information of all vessels that enter/exit ports and their catches is updated on Vietnam’s electronic traceability database, Hai emphasised.

According to him, the EC highly values and is recommending Vietnam officially and mandatorily apply this system. However, the country still faces limitations regarding information technology infrastructure at fishery ports and fishermen’s application capabilities.

In 2025, if localities prioritise resources for investment, training, and guiding fishermen in using this system, its application could be made mandatory for all fishing vessels. This is a sustainable solution that will enable Vietnam to easily show its compliance to the EC. It will help Vietnam not only have the EC’s “yellow card” lifted but also overcome all barriers in international markets, he noted.

Currently, the issuance of statements of catch and catch certificates to complete traceability documentation has been integrated into Vietnam’s electronic traceability database. Therefore, this information is ensured to be truthful, accurate, objective, and unalterable.

To date, Vietnam has made efforts to address the issues of the EC’s concerns, resulting in significant improvements. However, the way localities report and summarise information has not clearly highlighted these changes, Hai said, adding assistance will be given to help them show their progress more clearly to the EC.

Regrading issues that central coastal provinces should focus on in the IUU fishing combat, he noted that the fleets of eight central provinces and cities – Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan – regularly move to fishing grounds in the North and South for exploitation.

To effectively manage fishing activities, the localities should allocate more resources, increase the application and improve the understanding of the electronic traceability database, and apply information technology to management.

Another important issue is that the number of small vessels in central localities is still large while private wharves and ports still exist in some places. Therefore, more personnel should be arranged to inspect and monitor all vessels, the official said.

Vietnam has been working hard to carry out the EC’s recommendations about IUU fishing prevention and control, towards the goal of having the “yellow card” warning lifted.

The EC issued a “yellow card” warning for Vietnam in this regard in 2017. The “yellow card” is followed by a “green card” if the problem is resolved or a “red card” if it is not. A “red card” may lead to a ban on aquatic exports to the EU.

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According to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, 54 centrally-run cities and provinces approved plans to do away with substandard houses as of March 16.

Localities nationwide are demonstrating their strong determination and making concerted efforts to deliver on the goal of wiping out temporary and dilapidated houses this year.

According to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, 54 centrally-run cities and provinces approved plans to do away with substandard houses as of March 16.

In Binh Duong province, authorities greenlighted a plan to eliminate 455 temporary and dilapidated houses, eyeing to complete 50% of this target by April 30 and finish the entire project by June 30.

Ben Tre province identified 2,101 homes in need of replacement or repair, with 1,462 requiring new construction and 639 needing repairs. The province aims to complete the target by December 31.

Ninh Binh province approved a plan for 1,216 houses, Ha Tinh province 1,374 homes, and An Giang province 3,156 houses. Quang Tri province has the most ambitious target with 7,663 homes, including 4,460 new houses and 3,203 repairs.

The provinces of Ninh Binh, Ha Tinh, An Giang, and Quang Tri committed to completing their housing improvement projects by the third quarter of this year.

Currently, there are no temporary and dilapidated houses in Hanoi and Hai Phong city.

Sixty-one localities have completed the issuance of plans to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses in their areas, with 54 having issued regulations on the organisation and operation of provincial-level steering committees on the work.

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