Decision No. 44/2003/QĐ-BNV on approving the Statutes (amended) of the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology.

Pursuant to …;

Regarding the approval of the Charter (amended) of the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology

THE MINISTER OF THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Pursuant to Decree No. 102/SL-L004 dated May 20, 1957 on the right to establish Associations.
Pursuant to Decree No. 45/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 9, 2003 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Considering the proposal of the Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations.

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the amended Charter of the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology which was adopted at the Third National Congress on April 10, 2003.

Article 2. The Standard Measurement Quality Control Department shall be responsible for organizing and guiding the implementation of the Regulations adopted herein.

Article 3. The Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

CHARTER OF THE VIETNAM VETERINARY ASSOCIATION

Chapter 1

PRINCIPLES, PURPOSES AND TASKS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 1. The Association is named the Vietnam Association for Veterinary Science and Technology, abbreviated as Vietnam Veterinary Association, with the international trade name: VIVA. The Vietnam Veterinary Association is a professional social organization voluntarily established by collectives and individuals engaged in science and technology and services in the veterinary sector.

Article 2. The purpose of the Association is to gather and unite collectives and individuals engaged in science and technology and services in the veterinary sector to enhance their qualifications, disseminate knowledge, transfer technology, contribute to combating diseases in livestock and ornamental animals, promote the development of commercial animal husbandry, prevent diseases in animals and those transmitted from animals to humans, practically protect the environment, improve people's living standards, and contribute to enriching the country through industrialization and modernization.

Article 3. The Vietnam Veterinary Association operates throughout the country, is a member of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, complies with state laws, and implements the charter and regulations of the Union. The Association has independent legal status, has its own press organ, seal, separate accounts, and foreign currency accounts operating at the State Bank of Vietnam. The headquarters of the Association is located in Hanoi and it has representative offices in some localities.

Article 4. The Vietnam Veterinary Association has the following tasks:

1) To gather, unite, and protect the interests of individuals engaged in veterinary science and technology and services, assist each other in research, teaching, production, business, implementation of technology, and innovation in veterinary science.

2) To disseminate knowledge and quickly apply scientific and technological advances to production. Encourage members to conduct scientific research, transfer technology, improve diagnostic, treatment, and preventive skills for livestock and poultry, as well as produce and sell veterinary drugs and specialized materials.

3) Organize specialized conferences, academic activities, seminars, training sessions, and field trips to enhance technical skills, scientific and professional levels for members. Provide nationwide veterinary services to protect livestock and ornamental animals.

4) Advise state agencies on veterinary laws and regulations, research topics and projects, university curricula, and veterinary terminology dictionaries, especially policies and strategies for developing the veterinary sector in Vietnam.

5) Organize the publication of scientific and technological journals and other publications related to the veterinary sector of the Association. 6) Closely cooperate with domestic scientific and technological organizations to exchange experiences and support each other in scientific and technological and economic activities.

7) Collaborate with the World Veterinary Association and foreign veterinary organizations according to the law, build cooperation programs and projects to seek assistance in expertise, veterinary drugs, chemicals, equipment, new technologies, training, and technology transfer.

Chapter 2

MEMBERS

Article 5. Vietnamese citizens currently working in the veterinary sector or related fields, who agree with the Association's Charter and voluntarily join the Association's activities or support the Association may apply for membership. Individuals who have made significant contributions to the Association may be admitted as honorary members.

Article 6. Members have the following responsibilities:

1- Respect the Charter, strictly implement the directives and resolutions of the Association, and actively participate in the organization's grassroots activities.

2- Promote the recruitment of new members, participate in activities, and pay membership fees as stipulated by the Association.

3- Disseminate veterinary knowledge and experience, promote the profession, and participate in advisory or critical review roles for research and production projects on veterinary drugs.

Article 7. Members have the following rights:

1- Participate in the Association's activities.

2- Receive assistance from the Association to enhance scientific and technological levels in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. Be supported in implementing innovative ideas, inventions, research, and production projects proposed by the Association. Attend conferences, seminars, technical demonstrations, and field trips organized by the Association both domestically and internationally.

3- Have the right to nominate and vote for the executive committees at all levels of the Association, discuss, vote, question, and criticize the Association's work.

4- Request the Association's assistance in the following areas:

- Lead economic and technological contracts in veterinary science with domestic and foreign agencies and organizations.

- Critically review research projects in veterinary science to report at domestic and international conferences or defend veterinary doctor, master's, and doctoral degrees.

- Advise on issues related to veterinary animal husbandry.

- Disseminate research results or new technology applications widely.

- Voluntarily request to leave the Association.

Chapter 3

ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 8. The organizational structure of the Vietnam Veterinary Association includes the Central Association, provincial or city associations, and grassroots associations. The establishment of these organizations must comply with state regulations and the Charter of the Vietnam Veterinary Association.

Article 9. The highest leadership body of the Vietnam Veterinary Association is the National Congress of Delegates, held regularly every five years. In special cases, if two-thirds of provincial or city associations propose or the entire Central Executive Committee decides, an extraordinary congress can be convened. The National Congress of Delegates has the following duties and powers:

1- Approve the final report of the Central Executive Committee of the previous term.

2- Decide to amend and supplement the Association's Charter.

3- Deciding the tasks and directions of the Association's work during the term of the congress.

4- Electing the Central Executive Board and the Inspection Board of the Association for the new term (the number of members of the Central Executive Board and the Inspection Board shall be decided by the National Delegates).

Article 10. The Central Executive Board elects a Standing Board consisting of: the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretaries, and Standing Members.

- The Central Executive Board is the highest leading body of the Association between two congresses, with the following duties and powers:

 - Directing all activities of the Association, implementing the resolutions of the congress - Establishing the operational regulations of the Association.

 - Developing long-term and short-term plans and taking measures to effectively implement all tasks of the Association, particularly researching and implementing veterinary projects.

- Appointing or relieving some members of the Central Executive Board, but not exceeding 1/5 of the total number.

 - The Central Executive Board convenes once a year and may convene extraordinary meetings when necessary.

 The Standing Board has the duty to direct all activities of the Association between meetings of the Central Executive Board, establishing specialized boards and subordinate units, deciding on the establishment of affiliated branches. The Standing Board meets every three months and may convene extraordinary meetings.

Article 11. The Inspection Board elects a Head, Deputy Head, and members.

The Inspection Board has the following duties and powers:

- Inspecting the implementation of the charter, operational regulations, and program of work of the Association. 

- Inspecting the implementation of the resolutions of the congress and the Central Executive Board of the Association.

- Implementing tasks related to inspection and auditing according to the directives of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations' Inspection Committee.

- Proposing rewards and disciplinary actions.

Article 12. The highest leading body of the provincial association is the Provincial Congress of Representatives, which convenes every three years. In special cases, if two-thirds of the grassroots branches propose or the entire Provincial Executive Board decides, an extraordinary congress may be convened. The Provincial Congress of Representatives has the following duties:

1- Approving the report on the work of the Executive Board.

2- Deciding the tasks and directions of the local level association's work during the congress term and organizing various forms of academic activities.

3- Electing the Provincial Executive Board, the number of which is determined by the delegates and sending representatives to attend the National Congress. Consolidating the organization of specialized management boards and professional councils.

Article 13. The Provincial Executive Board has the duty to implement the resolutions of its own congress and directives and resolutions from higher levels. The Provincial Executive Board elects a Standing Board consisting of: Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Secretary, Financial Member, and establishes specialized management boards, economic and scientific service organizations, and livestock insurance units under the Provincial Association. The Provincial Executive Board meets every six months, while the Standing Board meets every three months.

Article 14. Each agency, school, farm, station, company, factory, department, bureau, county, commune, group of private veterinarians voluntarily engaged in the profession, if having five members or more, can establish a branch. If a branch has many members, it can be divided into sub-branches based on their professional nature and job positions. The highest leading body of the branch is the Branch General Meeting, which convenes every two years, and in special cases, an extraordinary meeting may be convened. The Branch General Meeting has the following duties:

1- Approving the report on the work of the Branch Executive Board and setting out specific programs for future work.

2- Organizing academic activities, technology transfer, technology demonstrations, training sessions, seminars, and other veterinary services.

3- Electing the Branch Executive Board from three to nine people depending on the number of members and sending representatives to attend higher-level congresses. The Branch Executive Board appoints a Branch President, Vice President, and other members to lead the implementation of the branch's resolutions, directives, and resolutions from higher levels, and oversee all aspects of the branch's work. The Branch Executive Board meets every three months.

Article 15. The branch has the following duties:

1- Conducting scientific and technical activities in accordance with the objectives and purposes of the Association.

2- Promoting the development of new members, educating, and assisting members.

3- Mobilizing members to adopt and apply scientific and technological advancements, implementing technological improvements and innovations, expanding the influence and reputation of the Association. Organizing clubs, academic activities, cultural events, entertainment, and commemorations of scientists.

Chapter 4

 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 16. The Association must be self-sufficient in funding its operations, with the Association's fund relying on the following sources:

1- Membership fees and registration fees paid by members.

2- Income from scientific and technical activities, publishing, business, economic contracts, cooperation with domestic enterprises, and international veterinary organizations.

3- Donations from agencies, organizations, individuals within the country, donations from foreign organizations and individuals, and other income.

4- Subsidies from the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

5- Share capital contributions from members and loans from state banks.

Article 17. The principle of financial management of the Association is transparency, compliance with financial regulations, and unified under the guidance of the Central Association. The budget preparation and final accounts of the Association are approved by the congresses at various levels and directly by superiors according to the national accounting system. The principle of financial management and operation of the Association is balanced revenue and expenditure planning and annual inventory. When a level is dissolved, its assets and finances must be handed over to the superior Executive Board.

Chapter 5

REWARD AND DISCIPLINE

Article 18. Units and members who have outstanding achievements, effective research serving production, valuable inventions in veterinary science, and those who have made significant contributions to building the veterinary sector shall be commended by the Association and recommended for appropriate rewards by higher authorities and state agencies. Units and members who act against the bylaws, resolutions of the Association, violate the regulations and rules of the Association, or damage the reputation and credibility of the Association, or violate national laws shall be criticized, reprimanded, warned, or expelled from the Association depending on the severity of their violations.

Chapter 6

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BYLAWS

Article 19. The Veterinary Association of Vietnam's bylaws consist of six chapters and nineteen articles, drafted and adopted at the first National Congress of Delegates, and subsequently revised and adopted at the second National Congress of Delegates. Only the National Congress of Delegates has the authority to amend the Association's bylaws. The Central Executive Board is responsible for guiding the implementation of the bylaws, while the Inspection Board shares the responsibility of monitoring the enforcement of the bylaws.