HCM City, Ireland cooperate in food processing

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong (R) ​and Ireland’s Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle. (Source: VNA)

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has called on Ireland to exchange experience and transfer technology in food safety and hygiene management in the processing industry. 

At a reception for Ireland’s Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle in HCM City on March 14, Phong said HCM City is interested in agricultural development, especially high-teach agriculture and food processing.

He urged Ireland to intensify cooperation and experience sharing in high-tech agriculture, and preservation and exploitation of ecological forests in service of tourism. 

The official applauded Andrew’s role in promoting the relations between Ireland and Vietnam, including HCM City, in the fields of green agriculture and food safety. 

For his part, Andrew expressed his impression on HCM City’s rapid and dynamic development, saying Ireland appreciates the city’s role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development and wishes to enhance collaboration with the city in the areas of shared concern. 

Specifically, Ireland wants to share experience with HCM City in quality agriculture with high added value products and building agricultural product processing system, and trade farm produce with the city, he said. 

Andrew suggested HCM City roll out master solutions to harmoniously combine ecological tourism development with environmental protection, land management with forest development and protection, while investing in scientific research in agriculture. 

Ireland hopes to continue its cooperation with HCM City in the areas that Ireland has strength and HCM City has demand, benefiting both sides and contributing to enhancing the Ireland-Vietnam relationship, he said.

Int’l Francophone Day celebrated in Switzerland

Ambassador Duong Tri Dung (between two ladies) and delegates at the celebration (Source: VNA)

A ceremony took place on March 14 at the Headquarter of the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Switzerland to celebrate the International Francophone Day (March 20).

The event saw participation of crowds of representatives from diplomatic missions and international organisations in the city, including Ambassador Duong Tri Dung, head of the Vietnamese permanent mission to the United Nations, the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva.

Addressing the event, Dominique de Buman, head of the Grand Council of Geneva, highlighted the value of language and culture diversity conveyed by French, reflected via the harmonious coexistence of the French, German and Italian language speaking communities in his country. 

Michael Moeller, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva also underlined the role of French language in promoting language diversity, saying that it enriches the UN system.

On the occasion, Ambassador Dung, who is also Vice Chairman of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) in Switzerland, and GAF leaders presented the group’s awards to Michael Moeller and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for their outstanding contributions to promoting the values of French language and diversity of culture and language at the UN institutions.

The ceremony also featured art performances by artists from Armenia, the host of the 17th Francophonie Summit in October.

Top legislator: SMEs - momentum of national economy

 Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (5th, right, front) and representatives of SMES. 

Small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become a momentum for national economic growth, said Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. 

They have generated jobs and income for labourers and significantly contributed to national socio-economic development, and narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor, the top legislator said at a meeting with a delegation of the Association of Vietnamese small-and medium-sized enterprises (VINASME) in Hanoi on March 14. 

Hailing the association’s contributions to the country’s achievements, she said VINASME has successfully implemented patriotic movements and major campaigns launched by the Party, State and Vietnam Fatherland Front. 

The NA leader praised the association’s scientific initiatives on counterfeit goods combat and drug detoxification, which, she said, have brought great socio-economic benefits. 

She highlighted the Party’s policies and State’s laws on private economy, support for SMEs and business environment improvement. 

The chief legislator pointed out the fact that up to 97 percent of private enterprises have micro and small scale, with low technology, financial capacity, productivity and business efficiency. They have also shown weaknesses in connecting with each other and with foreign-invested businesses, as well as in joining domestic and international value chains. 

This explains why many private firms have to halt operation or dissolve, she said. 

NA Chairwoman Ngan noted her hope that the association will continue to improve its capacity and prestige, and play a more active part in social criticism, and the building and issuance of legal documents on operation of the business circle.

Vietnam, US increase people-to-people exchange

Soldiers search for unexploded bombs and mines

Vice President of the Vietnam-US Society (VUS) Bui The Giang received in Hanoi on March 14 a delegation of the US Fund for Reconciliation and Development led by its Director John Francis McAuliff.

Giang expressed his hope that the delegation will understand more about  land, people, history, culture, traditions and customs of Vietnam as well as the life of Vietnamese people during their visit to Vietnam from March 4-25.

He briefed the guests on Vietnam’s development and integration, Vietnam – US cooperation and challenges in addressing post-war consequences in Vietnam, including the Orange Agent/Dioxin and mine clearance.

The Government of Vietnam has joint hands with international organisations to settle post-war consequences, Giang said, adding that the effective settlement of the issue will help consolidate and build the trust and promote friendship between the Vietnamese and American people in the coming time.

For his part, John Francis McAuliff expressed his admiration at Vietnam’s rapid growth as well as the fruitful development of the Vietnam – US relations.

This current trip to Vietnam is expected to help delegation members get update on Vietnam and the Vietnam – US relations’ development, he said.

During the meeting, the two sides talked issues related to post-war consequence settlement, search for remains of missing-in-action US servicemen in Vietnam, and Vietnam’s people-to-people diplomacy.

Cambodian religions ministry’s delegation visits Binh Duong

Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Duong province Tran Thanh Liem (R) ​and Him Chhem, Senior Minister and Minister of Cults and Religions of Cambodia.

Chairman of the People’s Committee of southern Binh Duong province Tran Thanh Liem on March 14 received a Cambodian delegation led by Him Chhem, Senior Minister and Minister of Cults and Religions of Cambodia.

At the reception, Liem briefed his guests on the province’s achievements in socio-economic development.

He voiced his belief that the ties between Vietnam, particularly Binh Duong, and Cambodia will continue to thrive.

Recalling the Vietnam-Cambodia traditional friendship and cooperation, Him Chhem also lauded the province’s comprehensive socio-economic development. 

He expressed his hope that the two countries will foster economic cooperation and experience sharing in social management, thus deepening the bilateral relationship.

VFF leader stresses contributions of LDS Church’s followers to national unity

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man ​(R) and Gary Evan Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of LDS Church. (Source: VNA)

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man highlighted contributions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Vietnam to the great national unity bloc. 

At a reception for a delegation of the LDS Church led by Gary Evan Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the church, in Hanoi on March 14, Man said the LDS Church’s followers have also contributed to national socio-economic achievements. 

He asked the LDS Church’s Representative Committee in Vietnam to continue coordinating with competent Vietnamese agencies in encouraging the followers to participate in social activities, patriotic movements, as well as people-elected and fatherland front agencies. 

The committee was urged to carry out joint programmes on environmental protection and climate change response, and materialise the Law on Belief and Religion which took effect on January 1, 2018. 

For his part, Stevenson emphasised that the VFF has created favourable conditions for the church to promote the role of its followers in patriotic movements and campaigns launched by the VFF. 

He promised that he will continue to encourage the church’s followers to take part in environmental protection and climate change combat, along with programmes providing clean water for people in remote areas and teaching English for the followers in Vietnam.

NA Standing Committee, VFF Presidium reinforce coordination

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (front, left) and President of the VFF Central Committee Tran Thanh Man sign the revised work coordination regulations on March 14 

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee and the Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) on March 14 approved revised work coordination regulations in a bid to improve bilateral collaboration in promoting the strength of the great national unity and promote the quality of NA deputies’ meetings with voters and their supervisory role.

At the meeting in Hanoi, participants reviewed the achievements as well as shortcomings in bilateral cooperation over the past 15 years.

President of the VFF Central Committee Tran Thanh Man said the two sides have obtained important outcomes in bilateral coordination over the last 15 years. To improve their partnership, the two agencies need to regularly exchange information through meetings. 

Man said the NA Standing Committee and the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee should continue working together to fine-tune mechanisms and policies, promote patriotic emulation movements and make law and ordinances. They also need to take part in supervisory activities of the NA and the NA Standing Committee, he noted.

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said the two agencies have been coordinating effectively, helping to promote their activities as well as of the political system. Particularly, the bilateral coordination has greatly contributed to the reform and improvement of the quality of the NA’s activities, which have become more transparent and closer to people.

She also urged closer and more effective coordination to fulfill each side’s political tasks, especially the building of some draft laws pertaining to human rights, the rights and fundamental obligations of citizens, and the State apparatus, and the amendment of the joint resolution stipulating the organisation of NA deputies’ meetings with voters.

The top legislator also urged both sides to work closely to prepare for the NA’s collection of votes of confidence for persons who hold positions elected or approved by the NA at the parliament’s sixth session in October.

Deputy PM pays homage to Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and a Government delegation pay tribute to Deputy Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Discernment Council Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and a Government delegation on March 14 paid tribute to Deputy Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Discernment Council Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam who passed away on March 13 in Bac Ninh province at the age of 90.

Writing on the funeral book, Deputy PM Binh showed his deep sorrow, stating that Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam was a good example of a dignitary who devotedly cared for the development of Buddhism and the nation.

“He was a vivid evidence of the close ties between Buddhism and the nation,” Binh wrote, stressing the Most Venerable’s passing is a great loss to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, monks and Buddhist followers both at home and abroad.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam became a monk when he was 13. 

He joined the revolution against the French colonists and was arrested and detained by the enemy in 1952. When peace was resumed in 1954, he engaged in teaching farmers in Cao Duc commune, Gia Binh district of Bac Ninh to read and write.

He became a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1962.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Sam was an active member of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha since the organization was formed in 1981. He was elected as Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the fifth national congress of the organization in 2002, and then Deputy Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Discernment Council in the next congress.

In 2004, he was elected as a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

He made numerous contributions to Buddhism and the nation and had been conferred with the first and third class Independence Order, the second class War Resistance Order, among others.

The dignitary’s funeral will be held on March 16 in Kinh Bac ward, Bac Ninh city in Bac Ninh province.

Earlier, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Secretariat and head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai, and representatives of many ministries, sectors and localities as well as Buddhist followers also paid homage to the deceased.

PM orders to cut time in granting construction permits

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued Directive 08/CT-TTg on measures to cut time required for granting construction permits and relevant procedures. 

Over the past years, the granting of construction permits has been improved positively in terms of procedures and time. 

However, there are some shortcomings with prolonged waste time and unsynchronized procedures due to the lack of laws, the application of a single window system, close coordination among relevant agencies, and incompetent public servants. 

On February 6, 2017, the Government issued Resolution 19-2017/NQ-CP on main duties and measures for improving the business environment and enhancing national competitiveness in 2017 and orientations towards 2020 which regulates some measures to streamline administrative procedures and cut time in granting construction permits and related procedures to better the business and investment environment in order to achieve the average of ASEAN 4 groups.  

Accordingly, the PM tasked ministries, agencies, and localities to timely and effectively implement Resolution 19 to cut time in granting construction permits from 166 days to 120 days in maximum.

Under Directive 08, PM Phuc asked for further application of IT, the single window system, online public service, and public postal service with a view to further cutting time in granting construction permits.

Specifically, the time in assessing construction designs and granting construction permits will cut from 82 days to only 63 days (down 19 days).

Implementers include the Ministries of Construction, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade, Public Security, National Defense and Departments of Construction, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Industry and Trade. 

The Directive will be conducted in 2018. 

The PM assigned the Ministry of Public Security, provincial People’s Committees, department of fire prevention, fighting, and rescue to cut time for fire and explosion assessment from 30 days to 20 days. 

Time in power and water supply will be streamlined from 14 days to seven days in maximum.

The Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, provincial People’s Committees, Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, land registration offices were asked to reduce time in land and property-related land registration from 30 days to 20 days. 

The Government chief also noticed the importance for close coordination among relevant agencies and perfection of the legal system on this field./.

14 legal documents issued in February

The Government and the PM issued 14 legal documents, including 12 Decrees and two Decisions. 

Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP detailing the execution of a number of articles of the Law on Food Safety, including food safety requirements in the production, trading and use of additives. The Decree consists of eight chapters and 44 articles. 

Decree No. 22/2018/NĐ-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Intellectual Property in 2005 and Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Intellectual Property in 2009 regarding copyright and related rights includes six chapters and 51 articles. 

Decree No. 23/2018/NĐ-CP defines  compulsory fire and explosion insurance products. 

Decree No. 24/2018/NĐ-CP deals with complaints and denunciations settlements in the domain of labor, occupational education and activities of sending Vietnamese laborers to work abroad under contracts, jobs, labor safety and hygiene. 

Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP focused on amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 60/2014/NĐ-CP prescribing printing activities.

Three new Deputy Ministers appointed

The PM has appointed two Deputy Ministers of Planning and Investment and a Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. 

Mr. Vu Dai Thang, former Vice Chairman of the Nam Dinh Province’s People’s Committee was assigned as Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment. 

Mr. Le Quang Manh, former head of the Local and Territorial Economy Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment was appointed as Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment. 

The PM assigned Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Bac Ninh Province’s Party Committee as Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.