Indonesia respects ties with Vietnam: FM Natalegawa

Indonesia attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam as well as the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam, says Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

Speaking at a reception given by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on July 26, FM Natalegawa highlighted Vietnam’s role in the region and the world and reaffirmed that Indonesia will make efforts to deepen bilateral relations in the interest of the people of both nations, for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. He also called for the establishment of a strong and united ASEAN Community.

Natalegawa briefed his host on the outcomes of the first meeting of the Vietnam-Indonesia Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, during which both sides discussed orientations and measures to enhance ties in trade, investment, agriculture, seafood production, culture, and education and training.

Party leader Trong praised Indonesia’s steady economic growth and its increasing influence in the region and the world.

He said he believes that Indonesia will gain even greater achievements in the future.

Both host and guest expressed their delight at the development of bilateral ties and agreed to fully tap their huge potential.

PM promises quicker disbursement of WB funding

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the World Bank to continue providing preferential loans to Vietnam, and vowed to accelerate the disbursement of WB funding and increase the efficiency of its aid.

Receiving the Vice President for East Asia and Pacific region of the WB, Pamela Cox, in Hanoi on July 25, PM Dung thanked the bank for its policy consultation and capital lending to Vietnam.

He said despite achievements over the past time, Vietnam has yet to achieve sustainable economic growth while poverty still remains a problem. Therefore, the country needs additional assistance in terms of both advice and capital to sustain its development and avoid the “middle income trap”, the PM said.

Cox spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, particularly the government’s policies to curb inflation and stabilise macro-economy. She affirmed that the WB will always go side by side with Vietnam in the process of development, adding that she found Vietnam has used WB loans effectively.

Milan pledges to step up cooperation with Vietnam

The authorities of Milan have pledged to facilitate the organisation of activities and events in the city to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic ties in 2013.

Milan’s Mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, stated this at a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long in Milan on July 25.

At the working session, the mayor said the city’s people always support and wish to further develop cooperative ties in economics, culture and education with Vietnam.

Representatives from local economic groups expressed their wish to seek investment and trade opportunities in Vietnam.

Ambassador Long said on the basis of positive developments in bilateral ties, the two countries are determined to map out a strategy for developing their cooperation in economy, trade and investment, education and training, and culture.

According to the ambassador, the organisation of Vietnam Year in Italy and Italy Year in Vietnam in 2013 to mark the 40 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties is also aimed at increasing mutual understanding in all aspects.

Vietnam, Cambodia trade unions boost ties

A delegation from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) is paying a working visit to Cambodia from July 24-28 to consolidate and foster cooperation between the two countries’ trade unions.

VGCL’s permanent Vice President Nguyen Hoa Binh held talks in Phnom Penh on July 26 with Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Ith Samheng, and Secretary of State at the Labour Ministry Oum Mean.

At the meetings, Ith Samheng and Oum Mean spoke highly of the delegation’s visit, describing it as an evidence for the two trade unions’ effective cooperation and as one of the activities to mark the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Year 2012 and 45th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

They expressed thanks to the whole-hearted help of the Vietnamese Government, political and social organisations and people in the past and at present, saying that they hoped the VGCL will continue speeding up cooperative activities to support Cambodia ’s trade unions, especially in human resources training.

Binh affirmed that the VGCL is always willing to strengthen cooperation with the Cambodian trade union for the development of the two agencies and the protection of legal rights and interests of labourers, contributing to each country’s socio-economic development.

Ealier, on July 25 the Vietnamese guests met with the delegation from the National Union Alliance Chamber of Cambodia (NACC) and Cambodia Council of National Union (CCNU) led by Som Aun, NACC President cum CCNU President.

The two sides affirmed to further promote ties between trade unions in the spirit of friendship and solidarity, continue exchanging information and experience, and support each other at regional and international forums.

They also pledged to try their best to implement effectively the Memorandum of Understanding which the VGCL and NACC signed in April 2011, with the focus on human resources training.

Defence leader greets outgoing Singapore diplomat

Minister of National Defence, Gen. Phung Quang Thanh received Simon Wong Wie Kuen, outgoing Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam in Hanoi on July 26.

Thanh spoke highly of the diplomat’s contributions to the developing friendship and cooperation in many fields between Vietnam and Singapore , including bilateral defence ties.

He also thanked the Singaporean Government for their assistance in English language and naval training for the Vietnamese Defence Ministry, as well as supporting Vietnam within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

Simon Wong Wie Kuen pledged to make continued contributions to developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries and defence ministries.

Haiphong urged to lure more foreign investment

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked Haiphong Municipality to try to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and improve its efficiency in its use of the state budget.

During a July 26 working session with the municipal authorities, PM Dung praised the city’s socio-economic achievements in the first six months of this year and asked the city to make greater efforts to achieve their annual target.

Haiphong should help businesses iron out snags and apply scientific and technological advances in production to improve the productivity, quality and competitive edge of locally-made products, Mr Dung said.

The government leader also urged the port city to speed up the new rural model, develop storm and flood prevention plans, and implement social welfare policies for the poor and social beneficiary families.

Vocational training for rural labourers, prompt settlement of citizen petitions, and the maintenance of social orders, traffic safety and political stability should also receive the due attention of local authorities, he said.

PM Dung asked Haiphong to work closely with central ministries and agencies to ensure the progress of key projects in the city such as the Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway and the Lach Huyen port projects.

Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Dien said the in the first half of the year, the city had made remarkable achievements, with the GDP increasing 6.81 percent and attracting over US$952 million in FDI.

Dien expressed the city’s determination to fulfill 2012 socio-economic targets with a focus on accelerating administrative reforms, helping businesses get access to capital, and hastening site clearance.

The city will also speed up the construction of infrastructure projects, including the Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway, various industrial zones, and the Haiphong 2 Thermal Power Plant, he said, adding that these projects are considered major factors in boosting GDP growth and increasing revenue for the state budget.

VNN/VOV/VNA