The Hanoi Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front launched a fundraising campaign on March 20, calling on local people and organizations to contribute to the "For Vietnam's Seas and Islands Fund" in 2024. More than 50 units across the city have registered to donate over VND40 billion (US$1.7 million).

Delegates at the "For Vietnam's Seas and Islands Fund" fundraising event in Hanoi on March 20. Photos: daibieunhandan.vn

Speaking at the fundraising ceremony, Committee Head Nguyen Lan Huong reiterated the support of the Government and people of Hanoi for the soldiers and people in coastal areas and islands, and their contribution to protecting the sovereignty of the country's sea and islands.

"Since 2016, the city government has collected about VND350 billion ($14.2 million) for the fund and supported the construction of eight multi-purpose cultural houses on islands in Truong Sa District, Khanh Hoa Province," Huong said.

Admiral Pham Van Quang, Deputy Director of Military Politics in charge of the Navy's Political Department, said this is an annual activity that shows the political significance and deep concern of the capital's people for their homeland's islands and seas. "The activity has promoted the strength and spirit of great national solidarity, demonstrating Hanoi's affection and responsibility to support the military and people on the Fatherland's seas and islands," he said.

Admiral Pham Van Quang, Deputy Director of Military Politics in charge of the Naval Political Department speaks at the event.

Vu Thi Thanh, chairwoman of the Committee of the Fatherland Front of Long Bien District in Hanoi, said that Long Bien is one of the districts supporting the Sea and Island Fund with the highest responsibility.

"This year, we have donated VND2 billion ($80,710). However, the fund is expected to increase to VND2.5 billion ($100,887) to improve the lives of officers, soldiers and people on the islands and seas of the Fatherland," Thanh told The Hanoi Times.