VN, Japan agree to boost logistics co-operation

A co-operation agreement on setting up policy dialogues related to the logistics sector was signed between Viet Nam and Japan on October 10.

Present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa and Japan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tadahiro Matsushita.

Under the agreement, both sides plan to exchange information, solutions and policies related to technical logistics standards, assistance and technology.

Issues related to the support of logistics enterprises, delegation exchanges and the sharing of mutual experiences will also be brought forward.

According to a Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) survey, high costs and pro-longed transportation times were among some of the main logistical shortcomings in ASEAN and Viet Nam.

Transportation and customs clearance regulations contributed 30 per cent to the cost of logistical services while tardy administration procedures contributed between 30 and 40 per cent.

JETRO found that a shortage of skilled personnel was one of Viet Nam's largest problems.

In addition, services have remained undeveloped due to poor infrastructure, a shortage of deep seaports and international entrepots.

Road and railway systems have additionally not been successfully linked with seaports, industrial zones and economics zones.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam is said to possess large potential for logistical services with export value expected to reach US$200 billion in the next 10 years.

The leader of the Industry and Trade Ministry said that the agreement would help open opportunities for enterprises of both countries to co-operate and benefit while helping consumers access high-quality goods.

Last year, bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Japan reached $16 billion, representing an increase of 24 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Mexico wants to enhance ties with Vietnam

Mexico’s legislative body wishes to contribute more to boosting Mexico-Vietnam cooperation, said Mexican Senate president José González Mofin.

President Mofin was speaking at a reception for Vietnamese ambassador Le Thanh Tung to Mexico on October 10.

He expressed his delight at the development of bilateral relations and his admiration for Vietnam’s past struggle for national independence and its present-day socio-economic achievements.

Ambassador Tung conveyed the best wishes and invitation to visit Vietnam from National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung to the Mexican senator who accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Condolences to Thailand over flood damage

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung yesterday, Oct 10, sent a message of condolence to Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra over the loss in human life and property caused by recent floods.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent a message of condolence to his Thai counterpart Surapong Towichakchikul over the flood losses.

President Sang’s visit makes the headlines in India

Indian newspapers on October 10 gave in-depth coverage of the traditional friendship between India and Vietnam prior to Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang’s visit scheduled for October 11.

The Times of India, The Statesman, Financial Chronide, Mail Today and many other online newspapers published excerpts from Mr Sang’s interview granted to the Press Trust of India (PTI), highlighting the strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, bilateral cooperation in oil and gas exploitation and solutions to increase two-way trade.

They quoted Mr Sang as saying that the fine traditional relationship has stood the test of time, and that his visit is to consolidate bilateral friendship and further elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights, in the interests of their people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the rest of the world.

On this occasion, The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Today magazine released a special issue on India-Vietnam relations.

VN to attend UN convention against corruption

Viet Nam will attend the fourth conference of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to be held in Morocco from October 24-28.

According to a decision recently signed by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, the Vietnamese delegation will be led by a deputy chief of the Government Inspectorate.

In June 2009, Viet Nam ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption. The convention was entered into force in 2005, aimed at improving the efficiency and co-operation among state parties to fight corruption.

VNN/VOV/VNS