Vietnamese, Lao border localities share experience in religious affairs

At the conference 

Vietnamese and Lao localities along the shared border discussed religious affairs during a conference in Vietnam’s central province of Thua Hien-Hue on December 21. 

The event, held by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam and the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee, aims to build a shared border of peace, stability and development.

Delegates agreed on the need to intensify the communication work among border residents, including religious followers, to promote the fruitful neighbourliness, traditional friendship and comprehensive, long-term, sustainable cooperation between the two countries. 

The two sides should create conditions for religious dignitaries and followers to exercise their religions in line with law of each country, enhance information exchange and join hands in ensuring political security, and social order and safety in the border area, they said.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Trong Thua said cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in religious matters has been stepped up and reaped significant outcomes. 

Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Khambay Damlat, said over the past time his front has instructed its chapters in the ten provinces that border Vietnam to exchange experience, and coordinate with the Vietnamese Government Committee for Religious Affairs to promote relations between hamlets and districts of the two countries and encourage their residents to attend religious festivals of each other. 

The chapters have also supported local authorities in encouraging residents to exercise their religions in line with law, and join efforts in fighting corruption and other bad deeds in the border area, he said.

PM hails Quan doi Nhan dan newspaper for national contributions

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting with leaders, journalists, and editors of the Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) newspaper 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has lauded Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) newspaper’s contributions to national construction and development, as well as the armed forces. 

Meeting the newspaper’s leaders, journalists, and editors on the occasion of the 74th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) on December 21, PM Phuc said the newspaper has worked to promote the image of Vietnamese soldiers in both combat and production, as well as the traditions of the VPA.

The newspaper is one of the units taking the lead in the fight against corruption and transformation through valuable and frequent articles, he said, praising the efforts of its staff in spreading messages of the Party, State, and the Central Military Commission to the army and wider public. 

PM Phuc urged the newspaper to continue popularising the “Doi Moi” (reform) cause of the Party, State, and army; increase education about the heroic traditions of the VPA; further contribute to building a regular, elite and modern army; and promote positive images of Vietnamese soldiers.

The newspaper should play a pioneering role in protecting the sound guidelines and viewpoints of the Party, Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the goals of national independence and socialism, he said. 

As a body of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence, and the mouthpiece of the armed forces and people of Vietnam, the newspaper has accompanied the VPA and the Vietnamese revolutionary press over the past 68 years.

Hundreds of its journalists participated in the struggles against French and US aggressors, nine of whom sacrificed their lives. 

Over the past few years, the newspaper has done an outstanding job in performing its task of popularising the strategic targets of building and safeguarding the nation; as well as building an all-people national defence and people’s armed forces. 

It has maintained its position as one of the leading political newspapers nationwide. With five publications, namely Quan doi Nhan dan daily, Quan doi Nhan dan weekend, Events & Witnesses magazine, Quan doi Nhan dan e-newspaper in five languages (Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Lao, and Khmer), and an intramural magazine, the newspaper has had a profound impact on society and the army, and won the trust of Party and State leaders, as well as readers across the nation.

Meeting marks 40th anniversary of Southwest border defence war victory

A performance at the event (Source: qdnd.vn)

The Military Zone 9 High Command held a get-together on December 22 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Southwest border defence war (January 7, 1979 - 2019).

The event was attended by former Politburo member and former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; former Politburo member and former standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Le Hong Anh; and a number of leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, Defence Ministry and the Military Zone 9 High Command.

Addressing the event, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Hoang Thuy, Commander of the Military Zone 9 High Command recalled that the Military Zone 9 fulfilled the tasks assigned by the Defence Ministry, contributed to crushing the Pol Pot genocidal regime and liberating Cambodian people.

He stated that the victory of the Southwest border defence war is a precious lesson for Vietnam, affirming that the people of Vietnam, with great national solidarity and international unity, will foil all schemes and moves of hostile forces and firmly safeguard the national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The victory demonstrated the noble international spirit and altruistic support of the Party, State and military of Vietnam to Cambodian people, he underscored, adding that with the victory, the Vietnam-Cambodia ties entered a new period of solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation on the foundation of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For his part, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that the armed forces of the Military Zone 9 and Mekong Delta localities should continue promoting their glorious tradition and achievements, paying more attention to developing the all-people defence and modernizing the armed forces, thus staying ready to fight in any circumstances.

Teleconference focuses on efforts to find, identify martyrs’ remains

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam speaks at the event 

A national teleconference was held in Hanoi on December 21 to review the implementation of a project on searching and repatriating martyrs’ remains during 2016 -2018 and another project on identifying remains that lacked information.

According to a report from the Ministry of National Defence, between 2016 and 2018, it had worked with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to transfer 1.9 million documents on martyrs to the Ministry of Information and Communications to build a database for the search and identification work. The MoLISA have collaborated with the Vietnam Post Corporation to design and operate an information portal on martyrs, graves, and cemeteries.

During the period, 5,885 sets of remains have been found, of which, 2,670 were unearthed in Vietnam, 854 in Laos, and 2,362 in Cambodia. Since 2017, 284 sets of remains have been verified and 475 others martyrs have been identified via DNA tests.

The implementation of the two projects has faced various difficulties, including increasing scarcity of information about martyrs and their families, the large number of remains in needed of finding or identifying, and mistakes in information management activities.

The Ministry of National Defence said it will work to basically complete a national database on martyrs, their families, graves, and cemeteries, as well as searching maps at commune, district, and provincial levels nationwide. The search campaigns in Cambodia and Laos will continue to be carried out, it added.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam lauded the effective coordination of agencies involved in carrying out the two projects.

He ordered the Ministry of National Defence to direct relevant agencies to speed up the search for remains and defuse leftover bombs at key locations, submit research to the Government on an identification process for remains that lack information, and complete the searching maps.

Party, State leader receives outstanding ethnic minority figures

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong describes the elderly villagers and village leaders are the backbone of the villages. 

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong had a meeting in Hanoi on December 21 with outstanding elderly villagers and village leaders from different ethnic minority groups across the country.

The meeting, part of a programme jointly held by the Communist Review, the Government Committee for Ethnic Affairs and the Border Guard High Command for the first time, aims to honour 163 delegates from 45 ethnic minority groups in 35 cities and provinces nationwide. The oldest is 82 years old and the youngest is 28.

Party leader and President Trong lauded the idea of organising the meeting, while expressing his delight at improved living conditions of the ethnic minority groups, attributing the changes to the strong solidarity of the 54 groups of the country.

He described the elderly villagers and village leaders are the backbone of the villages, showing his hope that the ethnic groups will continue promoting solidarity to complete all national construction and defence tasks.

The leader recognised contributions of the border guard force in safeguarding peace in the country’s border areas.

The delegates said that they are pleased at the great socio-economic and cultural achievements that the country has made.

They promised that they and the ethnic groups will continue joining hands together and support each other to overcome all difficulties.

They expressed their absolute belief in the leadership of the Party and State, pledging that they will keep close coordination with authorised forces to firmly protect the country’s border and land markers, contributing to building a borderline of friendship, cooperation and development.

According to Minister-Chairman of the Government Committee of Ethnic Affairs Do Van Chien, Vietnam has 1,019 border communes in 235 districts of 44 provinces neighbouring Laos, China, and Cambodia.

Leaders extend greetings to Japan on Emperor’s birthday

Japanese Emperor Akihito (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Hanoi (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong sent a letter of greetings to Japanese Emperor Akihito on the occasion of his 85th birthday (December 23).

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc cabled a congratulatory message to his counterpart Shinzo Abe.

Also on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh extended greetings to Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic ties on September 21, 1973, heralding a new era in their relations.

Vietnam People’s Army founding anniversary celebrated abroad

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Le Huy Hoang (standing) congratulates officials and staff members of Movitel on the 74th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army

The Embassy of Vietnam and Vietnamese community in Mozambique held a ceremony in Maputo city on December 21 to mark the 74th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22).

Participants at the ceremony congratulated officials and staff members of Movitel, a joint venture of the military-run Viettel telecommunication group in Mozambique.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Le Huy Hoang highlighted the great role of the Vietnam People’s Army in defending the nation throughout history as well as in the country’s reform, development and international integration process.

He noted that over the past six years, Movitel has brought big economic benefits to Vietnam, while contributing to promoting the image of Vietnamese culture, people and nation in Mozambique.

General Director of Movitel Nguyen Van Dat affirmed the determination of the firm to continue showing strong performance to benefit the homeland.

The same day, Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania Nguyen Kim Doanh also conveyed greetings to the Viettel Tanzania (Halotel) and Viettel Construction JSC on the occasion.

The diplomat spoke highly of the firms’ success in 2018, expressing his belief that Halotel will become a major telecommunication brand in Tanzania in 2019.

Leaders of Halotel and Viettel Construction JSC thanked the embassy for supporting the firms during their operation both at home and Tanzania. The helpful and timely assistance of the embassy has motivated officials and staff of the enterprises to expand  business in Tanzania, while encouraging other Vietnamese firms to invest in Tanzania and other East African countries, they said.

RoK ready to help Vietnam with environmental protection: official

The 14th environment ministers’ meeting between Vietnam and the RoK takes place in Seoul on December 20 

The Republic of Korea (RoK) is ready to assist Vietnam in building the capacity of protecting the environment and responding to climate change, and in making relevant laws and regulations.

RoK Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae made the statement at the 14th environment ministers’ meeting between Vietnam and the RoK, which took place in Seoul on December 20 to review bilateral cooperation and discuss partnership for the time ahead.

Addressing the function, Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha appreciated the RoK Ministry of Environment’s cooperation with and assistance for Vietnam through training programmes, expert exchanges, support projects and technology transfer. 

That has helped the country develop human resources and improve its capacity in environmental protection, water resources management and hydro-meteorological forecasting, he noted.

The minister asked the RoK side to continue prioritising support for manpower training in natural resources and environmental protection since human is the first factor in every project.

Ha suggested the two countries’ universities strengthen links through direct or distance training. He also asked the RoK side to keep sending experts to advise Vietnam on amendments to waste treatment regulations and environmental standards.

Minister Cho shared the view that the RoK is carrying out a law on resource circulation, and it can help Vietnam with recycling waste and wastewater.

The country is experienced in the management of waste and wastewater from industrial zones, and it is also willing to assist Vietnam in this regard, he said.

The official pledged support in making plans on water resources management and biodiversity protection, adding that many RoK businesses now want to invest in Vietnam’s renewable energy sector.

He agreed that his ministry will make stronger efforts to turn partnership in natural resources and environment into one of the leading fields of the countries’ cooperation. 

Vietnamese products must secure international recognition: PM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (standing) in a meeting with 97 Vietnamese enterprises who have earned the ’national brand’ titles this year in Hanoi Vietnamese products can only be worthy of the ‘national brand’ honour when they secure “a standing” in the global value chain, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said.

The PM was speaking at a meeting with representatives of nearly 100 domestic enterprises who earned the top honour of 2018 in Hanoi on December 20.

‘National brand’ products represent Vietnam as a country, which means they must be able to capture the international recognition. Failure to do so would impede our efforts integrating into the global economy, he said.

He said the ardent patriotism was one decisive factor in the making of “valuable brands and the products’ competitiveness in both domestic and global markets alike.”

Cherishing and upholding the ‘national brands’ also constitutes a gesture of respect for the country, he said.

PM Phuc reiterated that “the health of enterprises is equivalent to the health of the economy” and that the strength of the brands is the most important measure to gauge this.

He also expressed his optimism at the capacity of Vietnamese enterprises, saying the annual list of national brand products is important but still “a relative frame of reference.”

“I trust there are many more other outstanding brands with huge potential but their true worth has not been recognised by the programme or the customers,” the Government leader said.

He also told businesses to be “consistent” with the offerings, avoiding a decline in quality in the future, which he deemed “a notable weakness”.

Referring to a complaint that Vietnamese customers’ preferences are heavily skewered towards foreign products, the leader urged businesses to do serious “soul-searching” to see whether their offerings and services have been good enough, urging businesses to pay more attention to the domestic market.

The event honouring the 97 enterprises attaining the ‘national brand’ titles was the sixth edition of the programme that was first launched in 2008. Last year, 91 enterprises gained the titles.

In 2017, total revenue of the honoured 97 firms reached 924 trillion VND (40.8 billion USD), an increase of 28 percent on 2015’s figure. They contributed 63 trillion VND to the State budget, 19.3 percent higher than that of 2015. 

Vietnam People’s Army founding anniversary marked in Laos

Colonel Tao Van Thai, Defence Attaché of Vietnam in Laos speaks at the event 

A ceremony to mark the 74th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA)was held in Vientiane on December 20 by Vietnam’s defence attaché in Laos.

The event was attended by General Chansamone Chanyalath, Politburo member, Defence Minister of Laos;Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung;representatives from the Lao ministries of Defence and Security; defence attachés of other countries;Vietnamese enterprises operating in Laos and overseas Vietnamese in the country. 

In his speech at the event, Colonel Tao Van Thai, Defence Attaché of Vietnam in Laos, warmly congratulated the Ministry of Defence and the People's Army of Laos on its upcoming 70th founding anniversary and Lao Defence Minister Chansamone Chanyalath’s promotion to the rank of General - the highest rank in the Lao People's Army. 

Thai highlighted the development of the Vietnam People’s Army over the last 74 years, saying the army has grown steadily over the years and 2018 was no exception,with achievements in building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern army. 

He added 2018 saw enhanced integration and external defence work of Vietnam, with the successful organisation of the Vietnam-Laos-China-Cambodia-Thailand-Myanmar border exchange and the sending of the first level-2 field hospital to South Sudan for UN peacekeeping activities. 

Thai underlined new developments in the Vietnam-Laos defence relations in the year, saying cooperation has been promoted in all areas; including building a Vietnam-Laos border of peace, friendship, stability and development. 

The defence ties between the two sides deserve to be one of the most important pillars in the great friendship between Vietnam and Laos, he affirmed.

Colonel Thai expressed his gratitude to the Lao Party, State, people and army in the past year in promoting defence and military cooperation between the two nations. 

He also thanked defence attaché offices of others countries in Laos for working with the VPA and Vietnam’s Defence Attaché in Laos.

Vietnam holds first planning conference for AMNEX 2/2020

The first planning conference  for the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise is held in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The High Command of Vietnam People’s Navy on December 20 held the first planning conference in Nha Trang for the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX 2/2020), which will take place in Vietnam in 2020.

The event was attended by naval officers of ASEAN countries and representatives of the Lao People’s Army and Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence.

Following the success of the first AMNEX held by the Royal Thai Navy in 2017, Vietnam will host the second AMNEX in May, 2020. To prepare for the exercise, the Vietnam People’s Navy will hold three planning conferences, according to deputy chief of staff of the Vietnam People’s Navy Colonel Dam Xuan Tuan.

During the conference, the Vietnam People’s Navy announced the plans for the AMNEX 2/2020 and related events and received recommendations from the navies of other ASEAN states for plans relating to logistic works.

Naval officers from ASEAN countries and representatives of the Lao armed forces later visited the Vietnam Naval Academy and Cam Ranh Port in Nha Trang. 

Last year, Vietnam’s naval ship HQ 012-Ly Thai To attended the first AMNEX and an international fleet review on and around Sattaship Naval Base in the north of the Gulf of Thailand from November 14 – 29.

The AMNEX 2017 featured a harbour-phase exercise, an oil-spill response symposium, discussions on marine environment protection and arrest of ships carrying illegal chemicals, and sport exchanges. 

The event was part of activities to mark the 50th ASEAN anniversary. 

NA Chairwoman looks to tighten ties with Myanmar

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and USDP Chairman U Than Htay 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has urged the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) of Myanmar and its Chairman U Than Htay to uphold their roles in strengthening ties between the two legislatures, especially in inspecting the implementation of signed agreements between the two governments. 

During a reception in Hanoi on December 20 for the USDP Chairman, the NA Chairwoman expressed her delight at the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Myanmar, especially the upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive cooperative partnership level during Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s state visit to Myanmar in August 2017. 

She also recalled the warm reception given by Myanmar’s top legislator during her visit in September 2016. 

Chairman Than Htay affirmed that the USDP will actively contribute to ties between Myanmar and Vietnamese lawmakers, as well as the two legislatures. 

Previously on December 19, Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue hosted the Myanmar delegation. Both sides expressed their delight at the development of bilateral ties over the past years, especially in economy, investment, trade, energy, agriculture, and finance-banking, as well as joint work in regional, ASEAN, and global forums. 

During the stay, the Myanmar delegation held meetings with leaders of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission and Inspection Commission, as well as the Vietnam-Myanmar Friendship Association. They also visited the northern province of Quang Ninh and several economic and cultural establishments in Vietnam. 

CPJ delegation visit Ninh Binh province

Secretary of the Ninh Binh Party Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh presents souvenir to Chairman of the Presidium of the Communist Party of Japan (CPJ) Central Committee Kazuo Shii (Photo: baoninhbinh.org.vn)

Chairman of the Presidium of the Communist Party of Japan (CPJ) Central Committee Kazuo Shii, and a delegation from the CPJ, visited the northern province of Ninh Binh on December 20.

At the reception, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh briefed Japanese guests on the province’s socio-economic achievements, Party building work, and the strengthening of the local political system.

She hailed contributions of Japanese companies investing in the province to these achievements, citing the Nikken Sekkei consulting company, which helped the locality map out a urban area planning to 2020 with a vision towards 2050.

Ninh Binh has established a twin relationship with Okayama city, she said, expressing her hope that via the visit, Japanese guests will help popularize Ninh Binh among Japanese people, contributing to promoting the friendship between the two Parties and people.

She said the Ninh Binh Party Committee is delighted with the sound relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the CPJ over half a century.

Kazuo Shii said he is happy with the warm welcome of Ninh Binh, saying this is the third time he has visited Vietnam.

He said the visits left deep impression on him as Vietnam has developed fast socially and economically and achieved attainments in poverty reduction.

The Japanese guests toured the Trang An Scenic Complex and Kazuo Shii suggested the province helping produce a TV programme on Ninh Binh landscape and people to introduce to Japanese people.

During their visit to Vietnam, the Japanese communists were received by Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

They held talks with Politburo member and member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong.

UN expert lauds Vietnam’s efforts in revising anti-corruption law

An overview of the event (Photo: www.thanhtra.gov.vn)

A United Nations expert has praised the Vietnamese Government and the Government Inspectorate (GI) for their efforts in amending the Anti-Corruption Law.

Francesco Checchi, Anti-Corruption Adviser of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said at a seminar on anti-corruption held in Hanoi on December 20 that Vietnam’s ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2009 exemplified the country’s strong commitment to the anti-corruption cause.

Since that time, Vietnam has witnessed positive changes in constitutional completion and UNCAC implementation, he said, adding that most notably, the National Assembly recently passed a new Anti-Corruption Law.

He also hailed Vietnam for completing the national self-assessment checklist on UNCAC implementation for the second cycle.

The UN expert proposed the Vietnamese Government create optimal conditions for social organisations, businesses, and the press to effectively engage in the UNCAC Review Mechanism.

According to Francesco Checchi, each year, about 1 trillion USD is misused for bribery and 2.6 trillion USD is stolen through corruption, equivalent to 5 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

He added that corruption poses greatest obstacles to global socio-economic development.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Inspector General Tran Ngoc Liem said that the event aims to offer updates on the outcomes of UNCAC implementation in Vietnam, including the results of the second round’s report, and introduce the recently-approved 2018 Anti-Corruption Law.

He voiced his belief that following the seminar, a close and complete legal corridor will be established, boosting the effectiveness of anti-corruption activities towards the building of a democratic, equal, civilised, stable, and thriving society.

Vietnam People’s Army founding anniversary marked in Ukraine

Participants of the event 

A ceremony was held in Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine to mark the 74th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 29th All-People’s Defence Festival (December 22).

The event drew Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Anh Tuan, representatives of the Vietnamese Military attaché in Ukraine and Vietnamese associations in Kiev, as well as members of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association in the country.

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Anh Tuan reviewed the founding and development process as well as the glorious feats of arms of the Vietnam People’s Army throughout the two national resistance wars.

He expressed his deep gratitude towards heroic martyrs, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, wounded veterans, former volunteer youths and those who sacrificed for the revolution and the national peace, independence, and freedom.

The diplomat emphasised that Vietnamese war veterans in Ukraine hold an important part of the Vietnamese community in the country via their active operation and strong solidarity and mutual support.

They have also shown strong performance in people-to-people diplomacy of the country, while keeping close connections with Ukraine war veterans who supported Vietnam during the national construction and defence, said the ambassador.

He hailed the effective operations and efforts of Vietnamese veterans in Ukraine.

Vietnam, China look to boost economic, trade ties

A Vietnam-China trade promotion forum was held in Hanoi on December 20 to seek ways to further boost economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries in the future.

The event was jointly held by the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Committee of Hanoi and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Addressing the conference, VCCI Chairman Vu Tien Loc said that since 2004, China has always been the biggest trade partner of Vietnam and, at the same time, the leading importer of Vietnam’s computers, accessories, natural rubbers, coals and rice, as well as the second largest market of Vietnam after the US.

By November 2018, China had invested 13.05 billion USD in 2,102 projects in Vietnam, mostly in areas of processing, energy, real estate, garment and textile, electronics and service.

However, Vietnam has still suffered trade deficit with China with increasing imports, said Loc, suggesting that China import more Vietnamese strong products to balance two-way trade.

Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hanoi Nguyen Duc Chung said that the city always pays attention to cooperation activities and programmes with Chinese localities and businesses for mutual benefits.

So far, Hanoi has hosted 425 Chinese-invested projects worth 517 million USD.

Chinese enterprises have registered to open 100 representative offices in Hanoi, he noted.

As part of the planning for the implementation of the “Two corridors, one economic belt” initiative, Hanoi has actively engaged in economic cooperation conferences held in different localities of the two countries, and signed collaboration deals in many areas, said the city leader.

But he held that bilateral economic, trade and investment affiliation has yet to meet the potential of both sides, as import-export volume has yet to be balanced. In the future, the city will focus on reviewing main products suitable for export to China, and continue reforming administrative procedures regarding import-export activities, he pledged.

Vice President visits Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (standing) on December 20 visits the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics (CSVC) and its Chairman, Priest Tran Xuan Manh, ahead of Christmas. 

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on December 20 visited the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics (CSVC) and its Chairman, Priest Tran Xuan Manh, ahead of Christmas. 

Wishing Priest Manh and Catholics a merry, happy Christmas, the Vice President affirmed that Catholics form an integral part of the great national unity bloc. 

They made significant contributions to the past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as the present cause of reform, thus fulfilling socio-economic and cultural targets, she said

Thinh lauded the enthusiastic response of the CSVC to movements and campaigns launched by the Party, State and Vietnam Fatherland Front, and urged the committee to continue encouraging Catholics to participate in patriotic movements. 

For his part, Priest Manh said over the past 35 years, the committee has played the core role in patriotic movements of Vietnamese Catholic followers, and join efforts in realising the reform policy of the Party and State. 

It has organised training courses and popularised guidelines of the Party, and policies and laws of the State, as well as relevant documents among Catholic dignitaries and followers, he added.