People with visual impairment need more access to books and information. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - In Vietnam, books available for people with disabilities remain aslow as one percent, but there is hope for the future.
Expert gathered at aseminar in Hanoi on November 20 co-hosted by the National Committee on Peoplewith Disabilities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
They discussed how a treatysigned in Marrakesh, Morocco five years ago was implemented to help those whoare visually impaired or struggle to read books could be beneficial in Vietnam.
The Marrakesh Treaty is thelatest addition to the body of international copyright treaties administered byWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
It main goal is to create aset of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind,visually impaired and otherwise print disabled (VIPs).
People with printdisabilities are those who cannot read texts, hold a book or turn pages becauseof visual, learning or physical disability. These people need books to betransferred to accessible formats including Braille, audio or large print to beable to read.
The treaty enablesproduction, distribution, importation and exportation of accessible formatcopies without having to ask for right holders’ permission.
Meanwhile, it providesreassurances for the publishing industry and the author.
In developed countries, upto 10 percent of published books are made into formats to which print disabledpeople can access, the percentage in developing countries including Vietnam isone percent.
While 70 countries havejoined the treaty, Vietnam is still to sign up.
“The workshop clearlydemonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to lift barriers that stand on the wayto realise the full potentials and inclusion for people with disabilities,”said UNDP Deputy Country Director Akiko Fuji.
On behalf of UNDP,Catherine Phuong, Assistant Country Director, also showed expectation on Vietnam’sparticipation in the treaty.
“We hope that Vietnam willbe the new country to join the treaty. More countries need to ratify the treatyto maximise the access to knowledge of people with visual impairment and printdisability,” she said.-VNS/VNA
The law on supervisory activities of the National Assembly and People’s Councils and the amended law on accounting were approved by the National Assembly (NA) on November 20.
National Assembly deputies discussed the draft revised Law on Press and adopted a resolution on the implementation of bailiff institution during their plenary session in Hanoi on November 26.
Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Francis Gurry has vowed to keep assisting Vietnam in intellectual property field.
The programmes have brought about positive changes to rural infrastructure, comprehensively improved the material and spiritual lives of farmers, and contributed to Vietnam's economic restructuring, said PM Pham Minh Chinh.
The festival highlighted the contributions and robust development of Vietnam's revolutionary press over the past century while promoting press products and showcasing the creativity of Vietnamese journalists.
The programme on sustainable poverty reduction has achieved its annual targets for reducing the poverty rate as assigned by the National Assembly and the Government. It has fulfilled five specific objectives and five five-year goals, and met nine out of 12 indicators related to addressing basic social service shortages.
UNICEF stands ready to support the Government in implementing this important law and in continuing to invest in teachers as the cornerstone of a resilient, inclusive, and high-quality education system for all children.
PM Pham Minh Chinh highlighted how Vietnam's revolutionary press has continuously evolved and strengthened over the past century, affirming its role as a sharp and vital political, cultural, and ideological weapon serving the Fatherland and the people in the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
People with visual impairment need more access to books and information. (Photo: VNA) 
