Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake    

    HANOI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnam-China Friendship Association launched a fundraising activity here Thursday for victims of a recent strong earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan Province.

    Companies, organizations and individuals from all walks of life are welcomed to contribute, said Bui Hong Phuc, vice chairman of the association.

    The Vietnamese were deeply sorrowful for the losses of the Chinese people in the earthquake, he said at the ceremony. The reconstruction work after the earthquake must be difficult and "we really want to extend a hand to the Chinese people at this point", he said.

    About 19,000 U.S. dollars were collected at the launching ceremony. The campaign will last until June 15.