PM reiterates inflation control

The Government’s central task by the year-end is to continue implementing drastically and effectively Resolution No. 11 on curbing inflation, stabilising the macro economy and ensuring social security in combination with economic restructuring.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the affirmation while meeting with more than 30 local economic experts and scientists in Hanoi on August 20 to consult with them on macroeconomic policies, especially financial and monetary policies, in the context of the world’s complicated developments.

According to experts, the challenging world economy with unsettled public debts in Europe and economic difficulties of the US and Asia has strongly influenced on the Vietnamese economy, hindering it from reaching the set growth and inflation control goals.

They said that the country recorded initial positive results in socio-economic performance in the first seven months of the year such as decreasing inflation, increasing exports, stable foreign exchange rate as well as increases in industrial production and service values and in the number of foreign tourist arrivals.

However, they noted that the foundation of the macro economy is yet to be improved remarkably as inflation and interest rates remain high, foreign currency reserves, though added more, are not strong enough and bad debts in the banking system tend to increase.

They also suggested a number of immediate and long-term measures to deal with these issues, with the immediate one bring to continue implementing a tightened monetary policy, cutting down public investment and closely controlling the real estate market.

Concluding the working session, PM Dung spoke highly of the experts’ frank, responsible and constructive suggestions for the national economic stabilisation and development.

He said that the Government, ministries, branches and institutes will keep them constantly updated with emerging developments, improve forecasting capacity and renovate statistical work, thus putting forth more suitable and effective macro policies.

Viet Nam-Laos national border marking speeds up

The first-year implementation of the Government's Directive on the reinforcement and upgrade of the Viet Nam-Laos national marker system was reviewed at a conference in Ha Noi yesterday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son , permanent member of the National Steering Committee on Land Border Demarcation and Marker Planting and President of the Viet Nam-Laos Border Marker Planting Committee, chaired the meeting.

The National Border Committee of the Foreign Ministry, a standing agency of the National Steering Committee on land borders, presented a report on the implementation of a plan on the reinforcement and upgrade of the Viet Nam-Laos border marker system.

Since the enforcement of Directive No. 631/CT-TTg, the marker programme had been accelerated. Both countries had defined 337 positions and erected 278 markers, according to the report.

Representatives of the Provincial Steering Committees on marker erection, as well as ministries and branches, exchanged experiences and discussed solutions to remove difficulties during the implementation process. They expressed their determination to fulfil the task by the end of the fourth quarter of 2012.

Son called on provincial steering committees and branches to thoroughly grasp the Directive and to speed up the process to complete the plan this year, to make a foundation for completing the task ahead of the deadline in 2012.

VNA and Thailand renew media links

Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Thai Public Relations Department (PRD) have agreed to continue to exchange information, photos and video clips in accordance with an agreement signed between the two agencies eight years ago.

At a meeting to review the agreement in Bangkok yesterday, VNA Deputy General Director Nguyen Hoai Duong said he was happy with the co-operation between the two agencies, including the exchange of visits by senior officials and reporters.

"These activities have helped expand co-operation and mutual understanding between the VNA and the PRD as well as the friendship between Vietnamese and Thai people," Duong said.

He added that many activities were being held to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed measures to promote co-operation, including online news.

Teerapong Sodasri, Deputy Director General of the PRD, said the close co-operation had helped improve understanding between the people of the two nations.

Duong and other Vietnamese delegates later visited the Thai National Television Station (NBT), an affiliate of the PRD.

The VNA delegation also visited MCOT, a state communications company, and discussed the possibility of establishing links.

Viet Nam active in regional co-operation

Viet Nam supported and would join other ASEAN countries and China in implementing initiatives within the framework of expanded Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf economic co-operation.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Transport Le Manh Hung made the above statement at the ongoing sixth Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf Economic Co-operation Forum held in Nanning, in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Hung said that infrastructure construction, seaports and transport, trade and investment facilitation, agricultural and environmental protection, would serve as the seven most important foundations in implementing future joint activities.

The "Viet Nam-China Two Corridors and One Belt" initiative, as well as economic co-operation areas along the border between Viet Nam and China, played an important role within the framework of expanded Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf economic co-operation, the deputy minister explained.

He also noted that the implementation of co-operative initiatives would occur according to principles of equality, common interests and respect of international law, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

ASEAN countries, alongside China, should develop solid action plans, focused on developing regional connectivity and conditions for economic exchange while implementing the "ASEAN Connectivity Plan", the deputy minister said.

Held from August 18-19, the sixth forum drew together around 400 delegates from China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss measures for increasing regional transport infrastructure connectivity, promoting trade and investment, tourism and financial co-operation in the expanded Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf economic co-operation area.

Indonesian ambassador's efforts in enhancing bilateral ties praised

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung yesterday spoke highly of Indonesian ambassador Pitono Purnomo's efforts in enhancing Viet Nam-Indonesian bilateral ties in a meeting with the outgoing diplomat yesterday.

The Vietnamese Government leader hoped the ambassador would keep contributing to the development of Viet Nam-Indonesia relations and the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Community.

"The bilateral ties in all fields have been going well," said the Prime Minister.

He said both sides should increase efforts of promoting tourism and investment relations.

The Government leader said he believed Indonesia would successfully complete its role as chair of the ASEAN this year.

At the event, Prime Minister Dung said Viet Nam wanted to enhance joint patrolling with the Indonesian navy in the bordering waters.

The Indonesian diplomat said his Government was also looking forward to the fourth patrol with Vietnamese navy in a part of the East Sea.

The Vietnamese Government leader also asked the Indonesian to consider Vietnamese fishermen's illegal fishing in Indonesian waters from a friendly point of view.

The role of youth highlighted at 8th UNESCO World Congress
 
The 8th UNESCO World Congress opened in Ha Noi yesterday, with the role of youth in addressing current issues, including preserving culture and heritage, topping the agenda.

In a speech delivered to 250 international delegates from 50 countries, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said that Viet Nam appreciated recommendations put forth by UNESCO in tackling "essential global issues" that have "life-and-death consequences to the future of mankind".

Nhan added that the Vietnamese Government acknowledged UNESCO's support and contribution to forming strategies aimed at developing education, culture and science.

"Vietnamese people always love peace and to be ready to back UNESCO's targets and action campaigns for peace," he said.

The five-day congress is being held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA).

Discussions as scheduled would centre on youth issues in accordance with 2011 being selected as the International Year of Youth by the United Nations.

UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova said that it's vital to provide young people with necessary tools they needed to carry out their ideas in efforts to reduce hunger and poverty, protect culture and heritage, improve education and fight discrimination.

"With recent changes in the world and various natural catastrophes, we are ready to strengthen our efforts towards global ethics, the protection of the environment and more sustainable development," said WFUCA President George Christophides.

The world federation plans to boost inter-regional dialogue, appealing to ministers of education over the world to pay more attention to UNESCO clubs as bridges to enhance education for children and teenagers world-wide, according to a report released by the WFUCA General Secretary.

The federation will also be organising an International Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 aimed at building a green economy free of hunger and poverty.

The congress will witness dialogues among financial corporations, banks, organisations and enterprises operating in fields of education, science, culture and communication as well as exhibitions on cultural, scientific and educational achievements in Viet Nam.

Tay Ninh, Cambodian provinces mark out border

The southern province of Tay Ninh and its three neighboring Cambodian provinces will strive to complete border demarcation and marker placement by the end of 2012.

The information was released at a meeting held by the Tay Ninh provincial People’s Committee on Friday to review five years of land border demarcation and marker planting with three neighboring Cambodian provinces, namely Svay Rieng, Sray Veng and Kompongcham.

According to Tay Ninh province’s Border Demarcation and Marker Planting Steering Committee, since June 2006, the province has coordinated with the three Cambodian provinces to conduct negotiations and surveys on marker locations.

The two sides completed the construction of marker No. 171 at the Moc Bai-Bavet International Border gate in September 2006 and marker No. 118 at the Xa Mat-Trapeng Pholong International Border Gate in 2007.

Over the past five years, the two sides have defined 89 out of 101 locations, accounting for 88 percent, and built 95 out of 110 markers, fulfilling 86 percent of the target.

To date, 43km out of 240 km of borderline had been demarcated.

Lao newspaper praises VN Communist Party

Laos’ Pasason daily newspaper on Friday ran an article highlighting the significance of Vietnam’s August Revolution victory in 1945 and praising Vietnam policy in building a law-governed state.

The article hailed President Ho Chi Minh’s judicious leadership in bringing victory for the national revolution and freedom for Vietnamese people.

In the context where the country was facing with many difficulties and challenges, the country elected outstanding individuals to lead the people to fight against invaders and protect the revolution’s achievements, it said, adding that the experience in the national defence had been inherited and promoted through the process of building a socialist law-governed state in line with the CPV’s guidelines.

In its conclusion, the article underlined that the 11 th National Party Congress’s Resolution focused on building a law-governed state of the people, by the people and for the people.

It affirmed the result of the 13 th National Assembly election as well as the Cabinet structure has reflected determination of the Vietnamese Party and people in setting up a real law-governed state for the people.

Ha Giang celebrates 120th anniversary

The northernmost province of Ha Giang celebrated its 120th anniversary on August 20 in the presence of Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly (NA), and Trieu Tai Vinh, Secretary Ha Giang provincial Party Committee.

At the ceremony, which was also attended by representatives of central and local agencies, foreign guests, and local people, Mr Vinh recalled the province's establishment and development.

Since the earliest stage of national construction and defence, the people of Ha Giang, from all ethnic minorities have overcome many difficulties through their patriotism, unity, bravery, and diligence to exist and develop.

The leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam has always promoted the revolutionary movement and people’s patriotism, he said, adding that during the struggles against the French aggressors and the US imperialists, Ha Giang was the cradle of the Vietnamese revolution, making great contributions to the nation’s final victory.

Over the past 20 years, Ha Giang has seen significant socio-economic development. From 2005-2010, the province enjoyed annual economic growth 12.7 percent with the average per capita income reaching VND7.5 million in 2010.

NA Vice Chairperson Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan highlighted the efforts and achievements of the province’s Party and people over the past years.

However, she said, local authorities and people should  continue to strive to escape from poverty.

Ms Ngan asked Ha Giang to uphold its achievements and consider socio-political stability the foundation for economic development.

The province should raise people’s educational levels, as well as their material and spiritual living conditions; create a strong, transparent political system; and be vigilant for hostile forces' schemes for sabotage in order to maintain security and defence and protect the nation’s sovereignty, she said.

At the ceremony, NA Vice Chairperson Ngan also granted the Independence Order, third class, to Ha Giang’s Party Committee, local authorities, and people.

NA Standing Committee to talk operation improvement

The first meeting of the 13th National Assembly Standing Committee will take place in Hanoi from August 22-24, focusing on building a project on improving the efficiency of the NA’s operations.

During the meeting, the committee will assess the results of the first session of the 13th NA and discuss preparations for the second session.

The committee will also give comments on draft laws on archives, complaints and denunciations and measurement.

The NA Standing Committee will hear reports on logistics and information services for the operations of the NA and full-time NA deputies.

Vietnamese, Mexican Parties strengthen cooperation

A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) paid a working visit to Mexico from August 15-18 to further tighten cooperation between the CPV and the Mexican Labour Party (PT).

During the visit, the delegation, led by Hoang Binh Quan, CPV Central Committee member and Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, had a working session with PT General Secretary, Senator Alberto Anaya Gutierrez.

The two sides highly valued the results of cooperation between the two Parties over the past time, expressing wish to deepen the bilateral ties in the time to come and sign a cooperation programme for 2012 based on the 2010-2015 Bilateral Cooperation Agreement.

The CPV delegation also met with members of the Mexico-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group and exchanged views with senior officials of the Party of Institutional Revolution (PRI) and the Party of Democratic Revolution (PRD) as well as representatives of the Mexico-Vietnam Friendship Cooperation Institute.

The Mexico-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group suggested putting the AO issue into the agenda of the Mexican parliament and proposed the authorities of the Mexican capital city build a statue and organise an exhibition of photos on AO catastrophe in parallel with activities in support of the Vietnamese AO victims.

The delegation laid a wealth at the Statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Mexico City and visited the coastal city of Acapulco.

Cambodia, Vietnam boost defence ties

The Cambodian prime minister has pledged his government will step up defence ties between Vietnam and Cambodia on par with the special relationship of solidarity between the two countries.

PM Hun Sen made this statement on August 19 during his reception for a senior delegation from the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, headed by Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister General Do Ba Ty, which is currently visiting Cambodia.

At the Peace Palace, Mr Hun Sen said that Cambodia is now enjoying peace and a dynamic economy, and the country will never forget the great assistance and sacrifices the Vietnamese Party, State, army and people have made for it in the past.

The Vietnamese delegation also paid an earlier visit to Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh.

General Tea Banh acknowledged the practical and effective assistance from the Vietnamese defence ministry and said Vietnam's armed forces have played an important role in helping the Royal Cambodian military fulfil its duties and tasks, including safeguarding Cambodia’s territorial integrity and maintaining political stability and social order.

VNA enhance ties with Thai Government PR Department

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand (PRD) have agreed to continue exchanging information, photos and video clips and implementing projects in relevant fields.

The agreement was reached at the eighth PRD-VNA Joint Technical Committee (JTC) Meeting in Bangkok on August 18. The meeting was held during an August 17-21 working visit to PRD by VNA Deputy Director General Nguyen Hoai Duong.

The exchange of news and information is very crucial, as it has contributed to better understanding between Thailand and Vietnam, in addition to enhancing friendship and knowledge between our people, said PRD Deputy Director General Teerapong Sodasri.

He spoke highly of the working visit and the boosted cooperation between VNA and PRD since they signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Information and News Exchange on August 24, 2003.

At this meeting, VNA and PRD officials reviewed what they have done in line with the MoU content and discussed measures to step up bilateral cooperation in the future, especially in the exchange of information, photo and video clips.

Duong emphasised that VNA and PRD have implemented many programmes and projects on news and information exchange effectively, along with exchanging working visits of high-ranking officials and journalists.

These activities and the outcomes of JIC meetings have greatly helped boost cooperation and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Vietnamese and Thai people at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the VNA official said.

Later the same day, the VNA Deputy Director General and his entourage made a fact-finding tour of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT). Earlier, he paid a courtesy visit to executives of MCOT, a Thai media conglomerate.

At these meetings, the VNA, NBT and MCOT executives discussed possibilities for the exchange of information, photos and television products to help the two countries’ people have access to official news information in each country and enhance the two countries’ mutual understanding.

PV