Vietnam, China to deepen bilateral ties

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi hosted a reception for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Hong Xiaoyong on February 12.

Nghi highlighted the traditional friendship and numerous values and benefits shared by the two nations.

As neighbors, Vietnam wants that its friendship and cooperation with China will go from strength to strength, the Hanoi official said.

In return, Ambassador Hong praised the successes of Hanoi and Vietnam in recent years.

He noted that China has always attached importance to the neighbouring, friendly, and cooperative relations with Vietnam.

That viewpoint is strengthened by the fresh phone talks between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, he said.

Ambassador suggests ways to deepen Vietnam–Australia ties

The cooperation potential between Vietnam and Australia is extensive and remains largely untapped, as such both sides ought to go the extra mile to deepen their comprehensive partnership, Ambassador to Australia Luong Thanh Nghi told the Vietnam News Agency.

He commended the positive development of bilateral ties in politics, national defence-security, economics-trade-investment, and people-to-people exchange. Both nations have shared strong political trust, candidly discussing issues of shared concern and designing an action plan for 2015-2017.

The ambassador, however, also spoke of limitations to their bilateral relationship, including trade and investment rates below expectations.

Nghi suggested creating a more conducive business environment for enterprises, loosening trade barriers and quarantine procedures for each other’s products. He asked Australia to consider relaxing quarantine requirements for Vietnamese fresh and frozen shrimp, and accelerate the approval of importing Vietnamese fresh lychee.

Besides, Vietnam and Australia still have differences in their points of view on democracy and human rights. The ambassador noted that the two countries have held 11 rounds of talks over these issues in a constructive, straightforward and understanding manner.

He took the occasion to call on Australian politicians and researchers to visit Vietnam to get a first-hand view of its human rights situation.

The ambassador made a number of recommendations to stimulate the progression of Vietnam-Australia ties, including facilitating high-level visits and exchanges while effectively and comprehensively realising commitments in politics, security-defence, economics, science-technology, education, and training.

In Nghi’s view, underperforming cooperative areas—such as science and education—should be boosted. At the same time, both countries should enhance viewpoint coordination and mutual support at regional and global forums, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Europe Meeting, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and United Nations.

Nghi stated confidently that the relationship between Vietnam and Australia has a bright future, thanks to the dedication of their governments and people.

Party secretariat meets scientists, artists ahead of Lunar New Year

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong extended New Year greetings to intellectuals, scientists, and artists at a year-end gathering in Hanoi on February 12, where he assured that the Party and State continually value their substantial contributions to the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations Dang Vu Minh reflected on milestone achievements in the science sector last year, including the enforcement of the revised Law on Science and Technology, the launch of the first Vietnam Science and Technology Day, and the extension of the working age for retired science workers who want to continue working for universities or research facilities.

Huu Thinh, President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and President of the Vietnamese Writers’ Association, said the national successes feature the widespread influence of the revolutionary literature and arts sector.

Nearly 40,000 artists of 73 member units of the association pledged to stand united and breathe new life into the sector, he added.

The gathering, hosted by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, as attended by Le Hong Anh, Politburo member and Secretariat standing member, and Dinh The Huynh, Politburo member and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education.

Government, VFF coordination effective in 2014: PM

The Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee organised a joint session in Hanoi on February 11 to review what Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung declared “practical and effective coordination” in 2014.

According to the 2013 Constitution, the VFF is responsible for creating social consensus; contributing to building a strong Party and administration through social supervision and criticism; and developing relations between the people of Vietnam and other nations around the world. It acts as an umbrella organisation for Vietnamese socio-political organisations and forms the political base of the people’s power.

Participants highlighted that the Government enhanced mechanisms and policies relating to ethnic, religious, and overseas Vietnamese affairs, helping consolidate national solidarity. It also provided favourable conditions for the VFF to enhance Vietnam’s relationships with people around the world.

Last year, the two sides worked closely to intensify communication on the seas, islands, and national sovereignty. They jointly implemented an array of practical measures to support fishermen working at sea and ensure social stability, security, and order.

VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan said thanks to their coordination, the VFF has nearly completed its supervision of the implementation of policies to support those who rendered services to their country. It also surveyed the public opinion on administrative reform and monitored the settlement of complaints.

He asked for continued coordination between the two in carrying out a strategy to preserve Vietnam’s cultural identities in overseas Vietnamese communities.

At the event, PM Nguyen Tan Dung said the Cabinet and the VFF should coordinate further in promoting democracy and increasing public engagement in improving the State apparatus.

He also agreed on the VFF’s proposal to enhance supervision and feedback mechanisms.

Party leader hosts year-end meeting with intellectuals

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong described intellectuals as the basis of society while meeting with intellectuals, scientists, and artists in Hanoi on February 12.

The Party Central Committee has issued a resolution on educational reform and scientific, technological, and cultural development.

The Party has always acknowledged that intellectuals are the basis of social advancement. They are the key force of innovation and spreading knowledge in society.

In recent years, Vietnamese intellectuals have promoted their role and made great contribution to national development. Scientists have studied and initiated innovative programs, while artists have produced quality products, the Party chief said.

2015 is a significant year as Vietnam will organize the Party Congresses at all levels, the national Party Congress, and several national celebrations which are all opportunities for scientists and artists to promote their creativity, he noted.

Trong reiterated Vietnam’s major work this year including implementing socio-economic targets set by the 11th Party Congress, escalating the international integration process, expanding external relations using wise and flexible policies, defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensuring social order and stability for development.

 Deputy PM wishes central provinces happy Tet

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended his New Year blessings to the Party committees, authorities and residents of the central provinces of Quang Ngai and Quang Nam on February 12.

While working with Quang Ngai authorities, Deputy Prime Minister Phuc acknowledged local social-economic accomplishments in 2014, including the expansion of large-scale projects such as the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) and the Dung Quat oil refinery and thermal power plant.

According to Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Tran Ngoc Cang, Quang Ngai’s gross domestic product was worth 11.5 trillion VND (546 million USD) in 2014, an annual increase of 2.2 percent, while export revenue rose 27.8 percent to 650 million USD.

The rate of households living below the poverty line is currently 3.87 percent provincially and 7.72 percent in mountainous areas.

Ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet), Deputy Prime Minister Phuc presented 10 houses, each worth 50 million VND (2,350 USD), to underprivileged families.

During the working session with Quang Nam authorities, the leader hailed the locality for its diligent attention to impoverished households, ethnic minorities, and welfare beneficiaries.

He was informed that the province has earmarked 70 billion VND (3.29 million USD) from the local budget for Tet gifts to the disadvantaged.

The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has prepared goods worth over 70 billion VND for sale at fixed prices to those in remote or border regions.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked the province to take drastic measures to ease traffic accidents, ensure social order and safety, and prevent fires and fire-related incidents during Tet.

Vinh Phuc rewarded for development

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung yesterday awarded the Order of Independence, first class, to the northern province of Vinh Phuc in recognition of its outstanding achievements in socio-economic development.

The medal was bestowed yesterday to provincial leaders at a ceremony to celebrate Vinh Phuc's 65th founding anniversary.

With reasonable and timely resolutions related to economic restructuring as well as agricultural and rural development, the province upgraded its infrastructure, attracting more foreign investment projects. From a poor rural area with low standard infrastructure, Vinh Phc changed rapidly to become one of the nation's brightest samples of economic development with impressive industrial production value, surging economic growth and State budget revenue collection reaching VND20 trillion (US$937.4 million) in 2014. The province has become a big hub for manufacturing automobiles and motorcycles in the north.

At yesterday's ceremony, Hung praised the outstanding achievements of the province's authorities and people. He also asked the province to further promote economic restructuring and boost economic efficiency and competitiveness, in addition to improving the quality of human resources.

The province was also urged to work on issues related to culture and society, particularly ensuring social security, new rural area building, reducing poverty and improving the lives of the people.

The NA Chairman also noted that Vinh Phuc needed to focus on developing education and training and improving healthcare access, as well as environmental protection, consolidation of defense and security, political stability and social order and safety.

He appealed to the province's people and authorities to strive to fulfill their 2011-15 development plan and be ready for the 12th Party Congress to be held next year.

Deputy PM wishes central provinces a happy Tet

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended his New Year wishes to the Party committees, authorities and residents of the central provinces of Quang Ngai and Quang Nam on February 12.  

While working with Quang Ngai authorities, Deputy Prime Minister Phuc acknowledged local social-economic accomplishments in 2014, including the expansion of large-scale projects such as the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) and the Dung Quat oil refinery and thermal power plant.

According to Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Tran Ngoc Cang, Quang Ngai’s gross domestic product was worth VND11.5 trillion (US$546 million) in 2014, an annual increase of 2.2%, while export revenue rose 27.8% to US$650 million.

The rate of households living below the poverty line is currently 3.87% provincially and 7.72% in mountainous areas.

Ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet), Deputy Prime Minister Phuc presented 10 houses, each worth VND50 million (US$2,350), to underprivileged families.

During the working session with Quang Nam authorities, the leader hailed the locality for its diligent attention to impoverished households, ethnic minorities, and welfare beneficiaries.

He was informed that the province has earmarked VND70 billion (US$3.29 million) from the local budget for Tet gifts to the disadvantaged.

The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has prepared goods worth over VND70 billion for sale at fixed prices to those in remote or border regions.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked the province to take drastic measures to ease traffic accidents, ensure social order and safety, and prevent fires and fire-related incidents during Tet.

Deputy PM urges tighter aviation safety measures

 Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has called for stronger efforts to ensure civil aviation safety in 2015.  

Speaking at the National Committee for Civil Aviation Security’s conference on February 12, Hai stressed that there is no room for mistakes.

He requested the committee, airline providers, and flight management corporations design specific working plans for 2015 and the coming years as well as investing in upgrading infrastructure and equipment to ensure flight security and safety.

They were also asked to tighten control and inspections over aviation activities to minimise security and safety threats.

Last year, the sector avoided any serious civil aviation accidents. However, it experienced 91 incidents relating to safety, and saw 300 security-related violations.

Vietnam now ranks 50th out of 145 countries in terms of aviation safety and security.

VNA/Nhan Dan/VOV/VNS