Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association elects new Chair

Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong was elected as Chair of the Vietnam – Bulgaria Friendship Association for the 2018-2023 tenure during its fourth National Congress in Hanoi on April 19. 

The Congress also elected its executive board (fourth tenure) with 51 members. 

During 2018-2023, the association will launch activities to raise mutual understanding between the two peoples as well as boost exchanges with Bulgarian partners to seek cooperation opportunities in culture, education, tourism, economy and trade. 

It will also develop its member network, boost information exchange with its chapters and people-to-people diplomacy, popularise Vietnam and its images in Bulgaria, step up tourism and trade between the two nations, and serve as a bridge connecting the two countries’ businesses. 

Agreeing with the association’s tasks in the near future, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Bui Khac Son asked the association to seek new partners in the European country and pay attention to promoting bilateral ties across economy, trade, culture, education, science, arts, health care, environment, poverty reduction and social affairs. 

Chargé d’ Affairs of the Bulgarian embassy in Vietnam Marinela Petkova said the embassy will continue partnering with the association to reinforce bilateral friendship. 

On the occasion, Son presented the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit to the association and the insignia “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” to individuals and organisations in honour of their active contributions to the association’s activities.

VFF leader meets overseas Vietnamese from Thailand

VFF Vice President and General Secretary Hau A Lenh

Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Hau A Lenh met a delegation of overseas Vietnamese from the Thai province of Udon Thani in Hanoi on April 19, committing all possible support to them to integrate into the host country. 

Lenh said under the Party leadership and with the government’s determination and public support, all socio-economic targets and national defence-security have been met, partly contributed by the VFF and its chapters from the central to grassroots level. 

He said the VFF will actively work with agencies concerned to support Vietnamese teaching and studying for OVs, thus contributing to maintaining Vietnamese culture abroad. 

Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Udon Thani Luong Xuan Hoa said the OVs in Thailand always closely track situation in the homeland and uphold great national unity to contribute to its development.

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue receives Talanx Deputy Chairman

Overview of the meeting 

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue received in Hanoi on April 19 Deputy Chairman of the management board of Germany’s Talanx AG Group Christian Hinsch.

Talanx AG Group now owns a stake of over 47 percent in the PetroVietnam Insurance (PVI) in comparison to 25 percent when it started investing in Vietnam in 2011, said Hinsch, who is also Chairman of HDI Global SE, a subsidiary of Talanx.

He said the group hopes the Vietnamese Government will raise the ownership rate of foreign investors in a Vietnamese company to over 49 percent.

Deputy PM Hue said that the Vietnamese Government will make restructuring to develop the insurance market in Vietnam. He also lauded Talanx’s investment in Vietnam, which is suitable to the country’s policy of restructuring the financial-credit system, including the insurance market.

The Vietnamese Government plans to divest all capital of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) from the PVI, stated Deputy PM Hue.

The Government will assign the Ministry of Industry and Trade to study the increase of foreign investors’ ownership in the PVI as well as build an appropriate divestment roadmap, he added.

The same day, Hue also hosted Ferdianand Dano, Rector of Slovakia’s Bratislava University, during which he expressed his hope that the school will strengthen cooperation with Vietnam through connectivity and exchange programmes with Vietnamese universities, while granting more scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Defence Minister Lich receives Kazakhstani Deputy Defence Minister

Overview of the meeting (Source: qdnd.vn)

 

Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich received in Hanoi on April 19 Deputy Defence Minister of Kazakhstan Lieut. Gen. Talgat Sabitovich Mukhtarov.

Minister Lich welcomed the current Vietnam visit by Deputy Defence Minister Mukhtarov and the defence ministry delegation of Kazakhstan, saying that it contributes to strengthening understanding between the two armies and people of the two countries.

Deputy Defence Minister Mukhtarov briefed the host on outcomes of the talks between his delegation and the Vietnamese counterpart led by Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh.

He said he wished in the coming time, the two defence ministries will have more practical cooperation activities, especially in the fields of training, defence industry, United Nations peacekeeping, that suit to each side’s demand and ability.

Vietnam, France seek link-up in e-government development

At the working session 

France’s core experience and success in developing e-government have been shared with the Vietnamese side during a meeting between officials of the two countries. 

At their working session in Paris on April 19, Minister and Chairman of the Office of the Vietnamese Government Mai Tien Dung, General Secretary of French Government Marc Guillaume, Secretary of State for Digital Affairs  Mounir  Mahjoubi, and representatives from French enterprises discussed the possibility of boosting link-up between the two countries to help Vietnam develop e-government. 

Both sides debated issues on the digital government development strategy and open data in connection with state administrative reform, as well as issues related to the management and an implementation roadmap. 

French experts introduced non-paper policies and online transactions, and simplification of documents in state agencies’ activities of France at all levels. 

They underlined the importance to digitalise documents and archives used in national and specialised databases of all-level state agencies. 

Dung said in Vietnam, state agencies have implemented the digitalisation of documents but they have encountered many difficulties due to a large number of documents, while the country has not have technology solutions that are really suitable and effective.

The French side’s experience will help Vietnam build important policies related to IT application, and develop e-government in a comprehensive and effective manner, he stressed. 

The application of information technology is very popular in France. According to the United Nations E-Government Development Index in 2016, France ranked second worldwide. The country has built e-government and provided online public services for local people and enterprises for long time.

Vietnam welcomes efforts for peace, stability on Korean peninsula

Vietnam welcomes the upcoming inter-Korean summit which aims to promote dialogue and maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, said the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson.

The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 19 in response to reporters’ questions regarding the third Inter-Korean and the possibility of the signing of a peace treaty to end the war on the Korean peninsula.

“Vietnam welcomes the organisation of the Summit scheduled for April 27 between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in order to promote dialogue, and maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.”

About Vietnam’s response to the fact that US President Donald Trump is considering the US’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Hang said the CPTPP is an open deal to which economies could join after it takes into force on the basis of accepting its high standards and consensus among member states.

Anti-corruption work at MONRE, MOIT reviewed

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh 

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has lauded efforts made by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to streamline administrative procedures, helping to increase national competitiveness. 

At a meeting held in Hanoi on April 19 to review the anti-corruption work at the two ministries in 2017, Deputy PM Binh, who is also deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, noted achievements made by the MONRE and MOIT in asset and income declaration, which, he said, was conducted openly and transparently. 

He said the MONRE actively implemented solutions to control, prevent and handle projects with potential environmental pollution like Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Co. Ltd in the central province of Ha Tinh, and Vietnam Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang. 

The MONRE has also assessed the implementation of policies, guidelines and laws on land and environment to amend the Land Law and the Law on Environmental Protection, he said. 

However, Binh pointed out bottlenecks in land withdrawal for socio-economic projects, corrupt in land management in many localities, illegal mining and outdated technology in the mining sector, causing wastefulness of natural resources, as well as loose post-inspection supervision. 

Reviewing the anti-corruption work in the MOIT, the Deputy PM applauded its transparent capital divestment from Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (Sabeco), describing this as an example for other sectors and units. 

However, he said, the ministry failed to clarify responsibility of collectives and individuals committing wrongdoings. 

Binh urged the two ministries to carry forwards the achievements and roll out plans to overcome the remaining shortcomings.

Head of PCC’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation works with Bac Lieu leaders

Head of the PCC's Commission for Mass Mobilisation, Truong Thi Mai (L) and Secretary of Bac Lieu provincial Party Committee Nguyen Quang Duong (photo: baobaclieu) 

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC's Commission for Mass Mobilisation, Truong Thi Mai paid a working visit to the southern province of Bac Lieu on April 19.

At the working session, Secretary of Bac Lieu provincial Party Committee Nguyen Quang Duong said that the province has made comprehensive achievements in all areas over the past few years.

Bac Lieu reported an economic growth rate of 6.5% in 2017 while achieving and surpassing 17 out of its 20 targets for socio-economic development as set for the whole of 2017.

In addition, the local administration has paid due attention to Party building, ensuring defence security, and caring for revolutionary contributors and disadvantaged people.

Leaders of Bac Lieu province are focusing on implementing various measures to boost local socio-economic development in 2018 in an effort to develop the province into a well-performing locality in the region.

Politburo member Truong Thi Mai lauded Bac Lieu for its positive results of the past years particularly in poverty reduction, rural development, investment attraction, and the wind power plant which is under construction.

The Party official expressed her hoped that Bac Lieu will boost the prevention of and fight against corruption to consolidate the trust of the people while outlining appropriate policies for further development in the future.

Politburo member Thuong works with Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

At the working session (Photo: VOV) 

Politburo member Vo Van Thuong, who also serves as Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC Commission for Communication and Education, held a working session with the Party Committee of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) to review their performance of some assigned tasks.

Speaking at the session, Politburo member Thuong noted the state management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is diverse and has a direct impact on the spiritual life of society.

The Party and State always appreciate the role of culture and consider it as being a cornerstone during the national construction and development.

The Politburo member also spoke highly of efforts made by the MCST in realising the Party's resolutions on cultural development in the current situation.

He suggested that more practical solutions should be proposed to further develop the country's literature and arts in the direction of transparency in management while still ensuring compliance with the provisions of law, in addition to attracting and encouraging society to invest in arts and literature.

Art works on themes of anti-corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena should also be encouraged, he added.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to US sends regards on Lao traditional New Year

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh congratulates Ambassador Mai Sayavongs and all Lao diplomats a happy new year 

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh visited and conveyed his best wishes to Lao Ambassador to the US Mai Sayavongs on April 18 (local time) to mark the occasion of the Lao traditional New Year 2018.

The Vietnamese Ambassador, along with Vietnamese officials at the Vietnamese Embassy, wished Ambassador Mai Sayavongs, his spouse, and all Lao diplomats a new year full of health, happiness, and success.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh also shared insights from his three-year working experience in the US with the Lao Ambassador and spoke of the mutual support between the two embassies in promoting the relationship between each country and the US, and between ASEAN countries and the host country.

The two Ambassadors also expressed their delight at the development of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos and the socio-economic achievements of both countries.

They also affirmed a desire to continue to improve the friendship and close ties between the two embassies in the future.

HCM City sets up partnership with RoK’s Gyeonggi

Representatives from HCM City and Gyeonggi province sign the MoU in the Vietnamese city on April 19. (Photo: voh.com.vn) 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishing the friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Gyeonggi province of the Republic of Korea (RoK) was signed on April 19 on the occasion of the ongoing working visit by Vice Governor of Gyeonggi Kim Jin-heung to the Vietnamese city.

Under the MoU, the two sides will enhance mutual understanding and promote cooperation through the dialogue mechanism during high-level visits.

Both sides pledge to facilitate cooperation of their private and State enterprises by creating a favourable business environment, promoting business connection activities, and arranging meetings and trade transactions.

They will also step up linkages in other fields such as science-technology, culture-art, tourism, education, environment protection and youth exchange.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem appreciated Gyeonggi’s initiative in establishing and strengthening cooperation with HCM City, hoping that the two localities will focus on boosting links in the fields of their strengths.

Gyeonggi is considering selecting two schools in HCM City for installation of smart classes, Liem said, adding that this matches the city's smart city-building orientation.

Liem believed that once completed, the smart class project will help better teaching and learning in the city, expressing his wish that the two sides will work together to expand the model in the future.

Briefing the host on the province’s socio-economic situation, Kim Jin-heung said the cooperation will significantly contribute to the development of the two localities and the two countries in general as both Gyeonggi and HCM City are key drivers for the respective countries’ economy.

For the smart class project, Kim stressed the model has proven effective in the RoK, affirming that his country is willing to cooperate with HCM City to expand the model in the future.

FM Minh: Vietnam shares similarities with Bangladesh in socio-economic development

Deputy PM cum FM Pham Binh Minh receives Bangladeshi Ambassador to Vietnam, Samina Naz, in Hanoi, on April 18. (Photo: MOFA) 

Vietnam and Bangladesh could share their experience in economic development, social security, poverty reduction and gender equality promotion as both are developing countries with similarities in their socio-economic conditions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement while receiving Bangladeshi Ambassador to Vietnam, Samina Naz, in Hanoi, on April 18.

Congratulating the guest on her official inauguration, FM Minh highly appreciated the coordination from the ambassador in preparation for the State visit to Bangladesh by President Tran Dai Quang in March last year and urged the diplomat to promote the results achieved, as well as the documents signed, during that visit.

He recalled the good sentiments and support from the Bangladeshi people for Vietnam in its struggle for national liberation, while affirming that Vietnam always wishes to strengthen the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Bangladesh.

Both sides acknowledged the positive developments in the two countries' relations after 45 years of the establishment of their diplomatic ties (1973-2018), especially in the fields of political-foreign affairs, trade and investment, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides discussed measures to promote their bilateral cooperation in the immediate future, focusing on the exchange of high-level delegations, maintaining regular bilateral cooperation mechanisms and proposing effective measures to increase their two-way trade turnover to US$2 billion by 2020 as set by the two countries' leaders, in addition to promoting aviation links and cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Stating that the bilateral cooperation mechanisms play an important role in promoting bilateral relations, besides the regular visits by senior leaders, Ambassador Samina Naz unanimously agreed to promote the organisation of the third session of the joint committee and the second political consultation between Vietnam and Bangladesh in Hanoi in 2018.

She revealed that the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry is planning to visit Vietnam soon to boost their bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The ambassador also affirmed Bangladesh’s willingness to continue cooperating closely with Vietnam in international forums and the United Nations, as well as supporting Vietnam in seeking a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

Thai Nguyen to attract more investment from domestic businesses

Representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Investment and Government Office attended the meeting. 

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh on April 19 held a working session with leaders of the northern province of Thai Nguyen on the province’s socio-economic development and diplomatic works. 

In 2017, the province’s income per capita was estimated at VND68 million, 1.3 times higher 2015 figure and higher than the nation’s. 

In the first quarter of 2018, the province contributed VND3,700 billion to the State budget, a year-on-year increase of 7%. 

As many as 6,116 enterprises are operating in the province with the total registered capital of VND78,117 billion. The province has attracted US$7.3 billion in 129 Foreign Direct Investment projects. 

In 2017, the province gained US$23.563 billion from exporting, up 23%, making up 11% of the nation’s total export value. In the first quarter of 2018, the figure attained US$6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.6%. 

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy PM Minh hailed the province’s economic growth, income per capita and budget revenue and improvement in the business and investment environment. 

He proposed the province facilitate domestic enterprises to pour more investment in the province, especially in high tech area.

Thai Nguyen Province needs to make breakthroughs in upgrading investment and business environment indexes, thus enhancing socio-economic development. 

The Deputy PM assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Planning and Investment to coordinate in organizing the upcoming investment promotion meeting in the province in next June. 

Ministries of Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development launch administrative procedure reform

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The has inked a Decision to eliminate and simplify 384 out of 570 business conditions, equal to 67.36% of regulations on business conditions in transport.

The aviation sector takes the lead with the proportion of simplified conditions up to 74.36%. It was followed by railways 73.08%, roads 68.5%, waterways 67.34%, shipping 65.08%, motor vehicle registration 61.43% and multimodal transport service and carriage of dangerous goods 61.74%.

The simplification of administrative procedures is aimed to tackle barriers and difficulties for businesses.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has planned to eliminate and simplify 241 business investment conditions among 345 ones, equal to 69.8%, said head of Legislation Department Nguyen Thi Kim Anh.

The information was released at a conference on reviewing business and investment conditions in agriculture on April 18 in Ha Noi.

These up-coming eliminated and simplified conditions focus on such areas as veterinary, animal feed, plant protection and quarantine, quality control and genetically modified products.

In the upcoming time, the ministry will gather legal documents related to administrative procedures to remove unsuitable and issue new ones to meet management requirements and create transparency for businesses.

PM urges preparations for conferences in 2018

The Government has released an announcement on the PM’s conclusions of a meeting on preparations for conferences in 2018. 

The PM has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to host and coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other related agencies to report to the PM in April on the organization of a conference to address free immigration issue and a conference on land management at State-run agricultural and forestry farms in May in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak. 

The Ministry of Finance will join hands with other relevant ministries and agencies to organize a conference on the national one-door system, the ASEAN one-stop mechanism and trade facilitation in May 2018. 

The Ministry of Planning and Investment will chair a conference on measures to attract investment in agriculture and rural areas in May in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will organize a conference on measures on accumulation and centralization of land to meet large-scaled agricultural production in next May. 

The PM has tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to host and coordinate with other relevant agencies to hold a conference on measures to boost exports on April 23, 2018. 

The Ministry of Planning and Investment will chair and join hands with the Government Office, the Ministry of Finance and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to report to the PM in April on the organization of a conference between the PM and businesses. 

The Ministry of Planning and Investment will prepare for a conference on infrastructure development at industrial parks and clusters in June this year. 

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with related agencies to organize a conference on measures to accelerate the development of the auxiliary industry in June.