At least 15,000 Filipinos to join WHO-led COVID-19 vaccine trial

At least 15,000 Filipinos are expected to participate in the World Health Organisation-led coronavirus vaccine trial that will likely kick off this month, a Philippine government official said on January 6.
At least 15,000 Filipinos to join WHO-led COVID-19 vaccine trial ảnh 1Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)


Hanoi (VNA)
- Atleast 15,000 Filipinos are expected to participate in the World Health Organisation-ledcoronavirus vaccine trial that will likely kick off this month, a Philippinegovernment official said on January 6.

ThePhilippines and Colombia will be the first two countries to take part in the vaccinetrial. Participants will come from Metro Manila, the capital region and the epicenterof the COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines.

The trialaims to determine the safety and efficacy of the candidate vaccine.

The Philippine Government is now "in the advancestages" of negotiations with at least seven vaccine makers, includingChinese drug maker Sinovac Biotech, Novavax, Pfizer andJohnson & Johnson of the US, and Russian medical research institute Gamaleya to buyvaccines.

Accordingto the latest statistics, Philippines now records over 480,000 infection cases,including more than 9,300 deaths./.

VNA

See more

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta (Photo: VNA)

Timor-Leste diversifies economy, seeks to attract investment

The President noted Timor-Leste is pursuing sustainable development, stronger regional connectivity and expanded international cooperation while seeking investment opportunities in energy, tourism and emerging economic sectors to reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues.

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hai Luu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam cooperates with UN to advance gender equality

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hai Luu highlighted Vietnam’s positive achievements in promoting gender equality, noting that 13 of the 20 targets under the national strategy on gender equality had been met or exceeded by 2025.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 9, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Russian public, experts praise top Vietnamese leader’s visit

Positive reactions to General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit have reaffirmed Vietnam’s steady foreign policy amid global changes, while highlighting the enduring trust and friendship between Vietnam and Russia, which are working together to create new breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation.

Thailand eases rules for foreign enterprises

Thailand eases rules for foreign enterprises

The regulatory adjustment is part of Thailand's efforts to simplify regulations governing foreign business operations and clarify licensing requirements, while simultaneously fostering economic development and enhancing the country's international competitiveness.

Julie Le Saos, Advisor for Asia, Oceania and the Americas to the French President (Photo: Pacific Newsroom)

France seeks to promote strategic cooperation with Vietnam: official

According to the Élysée Palace, a key objective of the visit to France by Party General Secretary and President To Lam is to drive the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2024, thereby helping reinforce the strategic autonomy of both nations and supporting Vietnam’s ambitious development goals.

A cargo port in Semarang, Central Java province, Indonesia. (Photo: Getty Images/VNA)

Malaysia, Indonesia seek to lift two-way trade

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said improved trade facilitation could substantially increase transaction volume, with the Border Trade Agreement playing an important role in facilitating economic activities.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Trinh Minh Manh (fifth from right) and Vietnamese Consul General in Mumbai Le Quang Bien (sixth from right) at the flight route inauguration ceremony (Photo courtesy of the Vietnamese Embassy in India)

Indian airline launches direct Mumbai–Hanoi route

The new route operates four flights a week and is the first direct Mumbai–Hanoi service operated by an Indian airline. Hanoi has become Akasa Air’s seventh international destination and its second destination in Southeast Asia, after Phuket, Thailand.