NA reviews crime-fighting efforts

National Assembly deputies review reports presented by the Supreme’s People Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy and the Ministry of Public Security on crime-fighting activities. 

National Assembly deputies yesterday reviewed reports presented by the Supreme’s People Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy and the Ministry of Public Security on crime-fighting activities, judicial processes and anti-corruption efforts in 2018.

Minister of Public Security Tô Lâm said the country’s political apparatus, under the directives and guidance of the Government, had been working to prevent and fight crime. Government law enforcement agencies had been ordered to continue to improve their capacity and legal mechanisms as well as to encourage people to get involved in crime-fighting efforts.

Nearly 200 directives had been issued to support the efforts with the NA passing seven draft laws with eight more currently being reviewed. Numerous anti-crime campaigns were set up on a national level to combat human trafficking and drugs, which had resulted in positive impacts on social order and security.

Law enforcement agencies prosecuted more than 3,500 criminal syndicates and 6,360 individuals this year. This helps to bring the country’s crime rate down by 2.72 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Regarding anti-corruption and economic crime, this year was marked by numerous high-profile investigations and prosecutions, which were closely watched by the public.

The amount of assets recovered from corruption cases rose, major blows were dealt to transnational drug trafficking networks, and progress made in traffic safety and fire prevention and fighting.

However, the minister said the law enforcement agencies still faced difficulties due to increasingly complex criminal activities, especially in dealing with corruption cases and interest groups. Black-market loans had become widespread in recent years with loan sharks resorting to more violent means to collect debts, resulting in unlawful restraints and illegal seizures of properties. Homicides, abuse against minors, theft and robberies were also on the rise.

Corruption was still rampant with interest groups working to take advantage of various loopholes in the system causing large economic losses to the State budget. Environmental crimes and food safety violations were out of control while high-tech crimes such as credit card fraud and online gambling resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

 The Government renewed its pledge to make crime-fighting a priority next year. Transparency within the judicial process would also be made a priority to stop police brutality and forced confessions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the NA meeting today, minister Tô Lâm said the public security ministry would consider the possibility of house arrest for offenders convicted of petty crimes as a way to lessen the burden on the country’s prison system, which was overwhelmed and struggling to deal with a large number of inmates. 

Chief Inspector reports on anti-corruption drive

Chief Inspector Lê Minh Khái delivers a report on anti-corruption effort to the NA. 

Fighting corruption remains a major objective for the Government in the years to come, said the Government’s Chief Inspector Lê Minh Khái in a speech to the National Assembly (NA).

Khái said the Government, with the support of the people, the business community and the press, was making progress in the fight against corruption. Investigation results and audit reports related to high-profile corruption cases were made public. Feedback from numerous organisations and communities were collected to help improve the country’s anti-corruption law.

By November this year, the Government Inspectorate had opened more than 3,400 investigations. Disciplinary actions were recommended against 89 individuals with violations founds in 443 cases. Nearly VNĐ74 billion (US$3.2 million) were recovered.

On the topic of asset declaration, 44 investigations found that four individuals had committed violations. Nearly 5,400 Government offices were inspected with numerous heads of offices being held accountable for corrupt practices under their management. Five were prosecuted, 45 received disciplinary actions and six are being reviewed.

In total, the inspectorate has conducted over 220,000 inspections. Nearly 120,000 violations were found with fines totaling up to VNĐ9.83 billion. Thousands of hectares of land were also recovered as a result. More than 27,500 complaints and allegations were handled and 462 individuals were found with violations. Among those, nine were to be investigated and prosecuted.

The chief inspector, however, admitted there was still much to be done in the fight against corruption, especially against practices designed to extort businesses and hassle people.

The number of reported cases only reflects a portion of the rampant corruption among local authorities. Although it has increased in recent years, asset recovery is still dwarfed by the amount lost. In some instances, corrupt practices were discovered within law enforcement offices.

Cambodia pledges to support Vietnamese Cambodians in Tonle Sap Lake

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) meets his Cambodian counterpart Prak Shokhonn in Singapore on November 13 

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Shokhonn on November 13 affirmed that his country will work to support the Vietnamese-Cambodian community in Tonle Sap Lake to resettle.

In a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Singapore, the official underscored that the Cambodian Government hopes to continue fostering ties with Vietnam and will create optimal conditions for the community to settle down.

For his part, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh acknowledged efforts by the Cambodian side in assisting the Vietnamese-Cambodian community in Tonle Sap Lake area of Kampong Chhnang province.

He also expressed his concern that many members of the community have been moved to a new resettlement area where the minimum living conditions are not ensured.

He recalled Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s request to his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen for support to the Vietnamese Cambodian community to leave the Tonle Sap Lake area and stabilise their life in a new place, and for a clear roadmap relating to the work to ensure their livelihoods and necessary infrastructural works such as schools and health care stations.

At the meeting, Deputy PM Minh also congratulated Prak Sokhonn for his appointment as the Deputy PM of Cambodia. Minh also showed his delight at the growth of the Vietnam-Cambodia partnership in the recent time.

PM Phuc attends Vietnamese Goods Week in Singapore

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) at the launching ceremony 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the opening ceremony on November 13 for the Vietnamese Goods Week in Singapore, as part of his trip to the country to attend the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and Singaporean Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also attended the event.

The Vietnamese Goods Week runs through until November 25 and aims to promote hundreds of agro-fishery products and commodities of Vietnam to Singaporean consumers and international visitors, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Summit.

The event is held by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade in cooperation with supermarket chain FairPrice, which distributes Vietnamese goods in its total 146 stores in Singapore. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh said that the Vietnamese Goods Week in Singapore demonstrate the effective cooperation between the ministry and FairPrice, and offers chances to expand cooperation models between the two countries’ businesses.

FairPrice’s retail system is selling about 650 Vietnamese products, such as farm produce, foodstuff, industrial goods, plastic products, and chemicals, among others.

Prime Minister receives Sembcorp leader in Singapore

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries Neil McGregor on November 13 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Neil McGregor – Group President and CEO of Sembcorp Industries, one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam – in Singapore on November 13.

Sembcorp has invested in nine Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks (VSIP), generating jobs for some 200,000 people.

PM Phuc, who is in Singapore to attend the 33rd ASEAN Summit, congratulated the firm on its success in Vietnam, especially in terms of the VSIPs, and its great contributions to the two countries’ economic, trade, and investment ties over the past years.

He asked the group to accelerate upcoming VSIP projects in the southwestern region, which has a population of 20 million people and is bursting with development potential, to make use of the abundant local workforce. 

The PM also suggested it open a VSIP in the Central Highlands as this region holds strengths in industrial crops like coffee, rubber, and cashew, and is in need of investment in its processing sector.

At the meeting, McGregor appreciated the substantial support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, sectors, and localities for his firm’s operations.

He noted that the group has surveyed some locations for future VSIPs, including the Central Highlands and the central province of Quang Tri. It has also worked on some solutions towards improving the value of its VSIPs.

Sembcorp is also promoting investment in energy in the country, he said, adding that is has discussed projects in this sector with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

PM Phuc said Vietnam is likely to record a growth rate of over 6.7 percent in 2018, attributing this to contributions by foreign investors.

To meet development demand, Vietnam has an increasing need for energy for production and business activities, and this is a chance for foreign investors to increase investment in the field, he noted.

He asked Sembcorp to speed up clean energy projects, including those in wind and solar  power, as this is where the country holds great strength and potential for growth. It should also consider investing in other Vietnamese fields in high demand, such construction, ports, and storage infrastructure development.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India presents credentials

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau (R) presents credentials to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind (L) 

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau presented a letter of credentials by President Nguyen Phu Trong to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on November 13. 

Chau affirmed that Vietnam has been ready to welcome a visit by the President from November 18-20. 

He expressed his delight at becoming the first Vietnamese ambassador to present the first credentials letter signed by President Nguyen Phu Trong, who took office on October 23. 

The ambassador vowed to fulfil his assigned task in stepping up bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, thus meeting the aspiration of the two countries’ leaders. 

Kovind, for his part, said he is delighted to be one of the first two heads of State to pay a State visit to Vietnam after the country had a new president. 

He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to be an important pillar in India’s Look East policy. 

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s achievements in political diplomacy, economy, and socio-culture over the past few years, he pledged to create favourable conditions for the ambassador to enjoy a successful tenure, making positive contributions to bilateral ties. 

In the afternoon the same day, Chau met with corporate representatives, officials, leaders of social organisations, and Vietnamese nationals in India, who had made positive contributions to lifting the Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership.

Friendship order, medal bestowed upon Russian gov’t agency

A ceremony was held at the Embassy of Vietnam in Moscow, Russia on November 13 to present the Friendship Order and Friendship Medal to several staffers at the Federal Protective Service (FSO) of Russia 

A ceremony was held at the Embassy of Vietnam in Moscow, Russia on November 13 to present the Friendship Order and Friendship Medal to several staffers at the Federal Protective Service (FSO) of Russia for their contributions to Vietnam’s information security sector.

The Friendship Order and Medal, approved by the Vietnamese President, will honour the achievements and contributions of four Russian recipients towards cooperation between Vietnam’s information security sector and the FSO, which in turn has bolstered the Vietnam-Russia friendship.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Government Information Security Commission presented the insignia “For the cause of information security” to four others for their contributions to the development of Vietnam’s information security sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Nguyen Nam Hai, vice head of the Government Information Security Commission, thanked the Russian officials for their support to Vietnam’s information security sector over the years.

In response, Director of the FSO Academy, Major General Malysev Pavel expressed his appreciation of the Vietnamese Government and the Government Information Security Commission for the high evaluation of the FSO’s training for Vietnamese experts. 

He also voiced his belief that the collaboration between the Russian agency and Vietnam’s Government Information Security Commission will be strengthened in the time to come, especially in human resources training. 

Vietnam takes part in 2018 APEC CSOM in Papua New Guinea

A delegation of Vietnam attended the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which took place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on November 12-13 (Photo: vtv.vn)

A delegation of Vietnam attended the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which took place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on November 12-13.

The delegation, comprising of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry Industry and Trade, actively participated in discussions and made various contributions to the compilation of dossiers for the 30th meeting of APEC ministers of foreign affairs and economy.

The CSOM is the first event of the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, which runs through November 18.

At the CSOM, APEC senior officials spoke highly of the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang city of Vietnam for maintaining the momentum of regional economic cooperation and connectivity, and creating motivations for trade liberalisation, inflow and outflow investment, and sustainable and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific. 

In addition, they assessed the implementation of the results of the 2017 APEC, notably in promoting the inclusive economic, financial, social, and human resources development in the digital era, e-commerce, and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the global value chain, along with the construction of the post-2020 APEC Vision.

They also discussed priorities of the 2018 APEC, themed “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future”.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will attend the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the host's Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

The meeting will be held at Port Moresby from November 17-18.

Established in 1989, APEC comprises 21 economies, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

Petition settlement main focus of National Assembly on Nov. 14

Inspector General Le Minh Khai will deliver a Government report on the settlement of citizens’ complaints and petitions in 2018 at the morning session of the National Assembly on November 14

The settlement of citizens’ complaints and petitions in 2018 is the focus of the morning session of the National Assembly on November 14. 

The deputies will listen to a Government report on the issue presented by Inspector General Le Minh Khai, followed by the NA’s committees’ assessment of the work. 

They will then proceed to discuss the Government report. 

In the afternoon, the NA is to vote on a resolution on the allocation of the State budget in 2019. 

After the voting, the bill on architecture will be tabled for discussion.

Previously, the bill was one of the topics during group discussion on November 8 morning, during which most deputies expressed approval of the draft law submitted by the Government and an evaluation by the NA Committee on Science, Technology and Environment. 

At the same time, many deputies said the stipulations in the draft are still too general and many overlap.

Vietnam, Finland step up cooperative ties

Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh (R) and First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Mauri Pekkarinen 

Vietnam and Finland should enhance collaboration in the fields of renewable energy development, information and technology, education and training, and renovation, said Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh.

Chinh, who is leading a high-level delegation from the Party Central Committee to visit the North European country from November 11-14, made the suggestion while holding talks with First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Mauri Pekkarinen on November 13.

Expressing his delight to visit Finland when the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements after 30 years of reform, and spoke highly of the development of the bilateral relations with Finland.

He hoped that Finland will support Vietnam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2020-2021 term as well as work together with Vietnam to bolster the Vietnam-Finland relations in a deeper and more practical manner.

Chinh took the occasion to thank the Finnish Parliament, Government and people for their assistance for Vietnam through development projects in the past years. He said that Vietnam wishes to receive more official development assistance from Finland to realise its sustainable development goals and respond to global climate change.

Mauri Pekkarinen, for his part, said he desires to promote extensive ties with Vietnam, affirming that Finland supports cooperative relations between the Southeast Asian country and the EU, particularly the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement.

Touching upon international issues of mutual interests, including the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means in line with international regulations, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Earlier, Chinh had a meeting with Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintila, during which bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education and training was on the table.

During their stay in Finland, the delegation also had working sessions with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Academy of Finland, and competent authorities in the country on building a streamlined and efficient apparatus, training officials and fighting corruption.

Besides, they met with Chairman of the Finnish Communist Party Juha Pekka Vaisanen, and toured some education facilities to discuss cooperation opportunities under Vietnamese Government’s Project 165 which funds overseas training of government officials.

National Assembly debate issues of public interest on November 13

The National Assembly discussed many issues of public interest during the plenary meeting on November 13

The National Assembly discussed many issues of public interest during the plenary meeting on November 13. 

The NA listened to reports on the fight against crimes and law violations in 2018, the performance of the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the enforcement of court verdicts, and anti-corruption work this year. 

During the following debate on the reports, matters under focus included the responsibility of officials holding the top positions in anti-corruption work, “petty” corruption, and the freezing of bank accounts and confiscation of assets acquired from corruption. 

Lawmakers also paid attention to the prevention and fight against child sexual abuse, high-tech crime, juvenile delinquency and human trafficking, along with the quality of investigation, prosecution and trying work. 

At the end of the debate in the afternoon, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy Le Minh Tri and Chairwoman of the NA’s Judicial Affairs Committee Le Thi Nga made further explanations on several issues raised by NA deputies. 

On November 14, the NA is scheduled to listen to reports on the settlement of citizens’ complaints and petitions in 2018 and discuss the reports. 

A resolution on State budget allocation in 2019 is due to be passed in the afternoon. The draft law on architecture will also come under scrutiny.

Conference talks realisation of Vietnam-Laos border treaties

Vice Chairman of the Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee Le Minh Ngan addresses the conference in Dong Hoi city on November 13

A conference was held in Dong Hoi city, in the central province of Quang Binh, on November 13 to look into the implementation of certain documents on the Vietnam-Laos borderline, border markers, and border gates.

On March 16, 2016, the Vietnamese and Lao Governments signed a protocol on the countries’ borderline and border markers, along with an agreement on regulations for land border and border gate management. These documents took effect on September 5, 2017.

Addressing the conference, Vice Chairman of the Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee Le Minh Ngan said the treaties are important legal documents that fully and precisely describe the borderline and border markers’ locations, while also specifying the responsibility and obligations in managing and protecting the shared boundary of each side. They have helped to improve border management and build a Vietnam-Laos border of peace, stability, cooperation, and development for the sake of the two peoples.

He noted that in order to effectively realise these documents, authorities of all levels and the general public must come to understand their terms, implement measures, and promote a high consensus in the matter, especially among border residents, in the management and protection of the borderline and border markers.

An official of the western border division of the foreign ministry’s National Boundary Commission informed participants on the Vietnam-Laos and Vietnam-Cambodia border situation, some noteworthy issues in local land border management, and the realisation of the treaties.

Vietnam and Laos share a border of nearly 2,340 km that runs across through 10 Vietnamese provinces: Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Nam, and Kon Tum. 

The line also appears in 10 Lao provinces: Phongsaly, Luang Prabang, Houaphan, Bolykhamsay, Khammoune, Savannakhet, Salavan, Xiengkhouang, Sepon, and Attapeu.

The two countries marked the completion of a project on increasing and upgrading border markers along their boundary in March 2016. 

Under the project, 1,002 markers and stakes were planted along the joint border, compared to only 199 markers before 2008. These were increased in necessary areas to further clarify the border in reality. Meanwhile, existing markers, especially those at border gates, were upgraded to create a system of solid and modern border markers, officials said. 

ASEAN enhances solidarity to deal with security challenges

Heads of delegations pose for a photo at the 18th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting in Singapore on November 13

The ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) and the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) convened their meetings in Singapore on November 13 to review the grouping’s cooperation, and complete reports and documents to be submitted to the leaders.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh led a Vietnamese delegation to the events.

In his opening speech, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakishnan stressed that the regional and international situation continues to see rapid and profound changes, with increasing competition, political and economic instabilities. Therefore, ASEAN should maintain solidarity, strengthen cohesion and cooperation, and continue efforts to effectively realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 in parallel with dealing with emerging challenges.

Regarding political-security collaboration, the APSC acknowledged the positive outcomes in the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2015, with 255 out of 290 lines of actions fulfilled or 88 percent, he said.

Many cooperation areas have seen strong progress such as diplomacy, defence, justice, cyber security, and fight against terrorism and extreme violence, thus contributing to ensuring peace, security, stability and cooperation as well as building trust in the region, he added.

Notably, the countries also spoke highly of cooperation contents that bring practical benefits to residents, including consular support for ASEAN citizens in a third country and humanitarian assistance in case of natural disasters. 

On the regional and global situation, the countries reaffirmed the importance of maintain and promoting peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and maintaining solidarity and common voice of ASEAN, while boosting the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Addressing these meetings, Deputy PM Minh acknowledged progress made in the building of the ASEAN Community and the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 over the past time. He proposed the ASEAN countries continue to enhance solidarity and self-resilience, as well as stay persevering with traditional principles and methods while being flexible and creative in dealing with arising challenges. 

He also noted that ASEAN needs to focus on ensuring regional peace and security, and maintaining its central role, as well as continue to reform processes and procedures, improve capacity in responding to emergencies, and increase coordination among agencies.

The Vietnamese official stressed that ASEAN should persistently pursue agreed principles, make efforts to ensure peace, security and stability in the East Sea, abide by international law, exercise self-restraint, not militarise and take actions to complicate the situation, vow to address disputes via peaceful means on the basis of international law, fully and effectively implement the DOC and soon reach the more effective COC.

The APSC and ACC meetings are part of a series of events in preparation for the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings, scheduled to open on November 13’s afternoon.