HCM City calls for German state’s investment in training

Overview of the meeting

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Vinh Tuyen has highlighted good chances investors from Germany and its Saxony state will have when investing in areas of the city’s demands, especially in education and vocational training.

He hosted a reception for visiting Saxon State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport, and Deputy Premier of the Free State of Saxony Martin Dulig on November 22.

Tuyen held that Ho Chi Minh City’s partnership with German localities has grown soundly with various activities of investment promotion.

The city and Saxony are important economic hubs of Vietnam and Germany with many similarities, he said, asserting that the two sides can supplement each other’s strengths, especially when the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU takes effect.

Lauding the experience of investors from Saxony in industry, information technology, electronics and vocational training, he called for their sharing with the city in the field.

He said he hopes Saxony’s prestigious firms will send experts to the city to share experience and discuss measures to deal with challenges facing the tertiary education in the city and Vietnam.

For his part, Martin Dilig expressed his fine impression at the growth of Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, Germany has built a German House and placed the headquarters of the German Business Association in Vietnam, as this is a dynamic city with abundant investment opportunities.

He said that Saxony is strong in mechanics, machineries, and focusing on new technology industry, adding it also has many small- and medium-sized enterprises which are potential in energy and environment areas.

The official expressed his belief that in the coming time, the city and Saxony will conduct more activities of cooperation in vocational training, thus contributing to promoting the Vietnam-Germany partnership.

High-ranking Vietnamese military delegation visits Thailand

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence 

A high-ranking military delegation of Vietnam, led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, arrived in Bangkok on November 22 afternoon, beginning a four-day official visit to Thailand.

The visit is being made at the invitation of Gen. Pornpipat Benyasri, Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

It aims to review the outcomes of cooperation between the two armies in the recent past and discussed directions and measures to step up cooperative ties in the coming time, thus strengthening and developing the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership.

During his trip, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang is scheduled to hold talks with Gen. Pornpipat Benyasri, and pay a courtesy visit to Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

The Vietnamese delegation will also visit the Counter Terrorist Operation Centre of the Royal Thai Army and have several sidelines activities.

Quang Binh enhances border defence-security cooperation with Lao province

 Heads of the delegations signed the MoU for 2019 

Delegations of the central border province of Quang Binh and Laos’ Khammouane province on November 22 held talks and inked a comprehensive friendship cooperation agreement between the two localities.

At the meeting in Quang Binh’s Dong Hoi city, the delegations briefed each other on the implementation by each side of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two provinces. Accordingly, Quang Binh and Khammouane have maintained sound cooperation in border security-order as well as the annual cross-talk mechanism between local authorities and competent agencies.

On the occasion, heads of the delegations signed the MoU for 2019, which demonstrates the high consensus in comprehensive cooperation in the spirit of the special friendship and solidarity between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the people of the two nations as well as the two localities.

The two sides also vowed to continue close, regular and effective collaboration between their authorities, management agencies and border guards.

They agreed to bolster cooperation in border gate development, contributing to the socio-economic growth in the border area, along with activities in tourism and transport, among others.

Quang Binh and Khammouane provinces over the years have handed over 53 dossiers and blueprints in the building of border markers to each other and signed documents on the protection of the markers between the two provinces.

Front President meets constituents in Can Tho

VFF Central Committee President Tran Thanh Man at the meeting 

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man met constituents in Thot Not district in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 22 following the sixth session of the 14th National Assembly. 

Man said that in recent years, especially during 2017-2018, voters’ suggestions have been sent to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and ministers to deal with issues of concern. 

He asked district authorities to strictly follow residential planning in the third stage so that local residents do not find themselves living in highly polluted areas.

Regarding anti-corruption measures, Man said a number of the cases have recently been dealt with in the spirit of “no restricted zones”. 

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, head of the Party Central Committee’s Steering Committee on Corruption Prevention and Control, assigned the VFF Central Committee and its all-level chapters to actively call on the public to bring to light any corrupt behaviour they have witnessed, the official said.

Discussing the cracks found in the Vam Cong bridge, which was built in September 2013 and had its final segments joined last year, Man said Transport Minister Nguyen Van The promised with the legislature that the bridge will soon be open to traffic, sometime before the Lunar New Year celebrations in early 2019. 

He also urged localities to seriously punish forest destroyers and deal with illegal sand mining.

Constituents raised their concerns over pollution around industrial zones, compensation for unreasonably reclaimed land, fake and poor quality goods, and illegal sand exploitation. 

They called for measures to improve the quality of education and prevent high-ranking officials from engaging in corruption and legal violations.

Son La province, leaders receive noble orders, medals from Laos

At the ceremony (Source: nhandan.com.vn)

The northern mountainous province of Son La held a ceremony in Son La city on November 22 to receive noble orders and medals conferred by Laos.

At the ceremony, empowered by the Lao President and Prime Minister, Phethavone Philavan, member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Governor of Luang Namtha province, presented a Development Medal to Son La province and a Friendship Order to the province’s Police Department.

On behalf of the Lao President, Vansay Phengsumma, member of the LPRP Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Governor of Houaphan province, handed over a second-class Freedom Order to Secretary of the Son La Party Committee Hoang Van Chat; as well as third-class Freedom Orders to Deputy Secretaries of the Son La Party Committee Nguyen Dac Quynh and Nguyen Huu Dong, and Deputy Secretary of the Son La Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Cam Ngoc Minh.

Addressing the event, Secretary of the Son La Party Committee Hoang Van Chat said that the noble awards reflect the Lao Party and State’s recognition of Son La province and the contributions of its officials towards promoting the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the parties, states, and people of Vietnam and Laos.

He affirmed that the Party Organisation, administration and people of Son La have remained highly aware of the significance in preserving, reinforcing, and developing Vietnam-Laos ties, which were founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Suphanuvong.

Chat pledged to continue strengthening the solidarity and comprehensive partnership between Son La and Houaphan, Luang Namtha, and other northern Lao provinces.

PM calls on SMBC to expand investment in Vietnam

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and SMBC and SMFG President Koichi Miyata 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) further expand its investment in Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on November 22 for President of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and SMBC President Koichi Miyata. 

As Vietnam continues its path towards strong growth, PM Phuc hoped that SMBC will actively join in the country’s restructuring of its banking system. 

He proposed that SMFG and SMBC uphold their roles as bridges, connecting and promoting Japanese investment in Vietnam, thereby strengthening the bilateral comprehensive partnership. 

The Vietnamese Government will continue to listen to feedback and remove obstacles facing Japanese investors, he said, adding that he hopes Japan will become the largest foreign investor in the country. 

Lauding SMBC-funded projects in Vietnam as important and large-scale, PM Phuc wished that SMBC would increase its credit to Vietnamese and Japanese partners. 

The leader affirmed that Vietnam will increase its economic scale, while keeping inflation and credit for real estate and securities under control, thus creating a stable business environment for investors. 

He expected that SMBC would continue reaping successes in Vietnam in the near future. 

Miyata, for his part, said SMBC will expand the supply of preferential loans to Vietnam, especially in infrastructure. 

He said SMBC wants to receive further support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, and agencies, adding that it will carry on standing side-by-side with Vietnam during its development process. 

Miyata took this occasion to thanked the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors, especially the State Bank of Vietnam, for creating optimal conditions for SMBC to operate smoothly in the country.

Vietnam People’s Army delegation visits Thailand

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Defence Minister 

A high-ranking delegation from the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the VPA General Staff and Deputy Defence Minister is paying an official visit to Thailand from November 22-25.

The visit is made at the invitation of General Ponpipaat Benyasri, Chief of the Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

During the visit, the two sides will focus on reviewing their cooperation over the past time and discussing measures to foster defence ties between the two nations in a more effective and practical manner, contributing to consolidating and developing the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership.

The defence cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand over the past years has grown strongly with practical outcomes, especially in delegation exchange, personnel training, air and naval defence cooperation.

The close defence partnership has helped reinforce and strengthen the friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the people and armies of the two countries

Vietnam, NZ trade union agencies enhance bilateral cooperation

President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour Bui Van Cuong (right) presents a gift to Secretary of the Council of Trade Union of New Zealand Sam Huggard 

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the Council of Trade Union of New Zealand (NZCTU) should cooperate in protecting each other’s guest workers and support each other at international labour forums, said VGCL President Bui Van Cuong. 

At a reception for NZCTU Secretary Sam Huggard on November 21, Cuong briefed his guest on the VGCL’s structure with more than 10.5 million members. 

During 2018-2023, the confederation will focus on protecting legal and legitimate rights and interests of trade union members and labourers, while revamping its operation, developing the contingent of trade union officials and stepping up communications work, he said. 

It is expected to admit at least 2 million members during the period, according to the official. 

He said the Vietnamese National Assembly has passed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which New Zealand is also a member. 

The deal is expected to generate both opportunities and challenges for trade union orgnisations, forcing the Vietnamese trade union organisation to reform, he said, adding that the confederation is working to attract more members. 

For his part Huggard, said during their stay in Vietnam, the New Zealand delegation attended a workshop on trade and decent work held by the VGCL, the International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP) and the German foundation Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. 

The visit aims to connect the NZCTU and the VCGL, he said, stressing cooperation possibilities between the two sides in protecting employees.

Vietnam, Belgium’s Wallonie-Bruxelles expand cooperation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vu Dai Thang (right) and General Director of Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) Pascale Delcomminette at the signing ceremony. 

Vietnam and Belgium’s Wallonie-Bruxelles region signed cooperation minutes for the 2019-2021 period in Brussels on November 21, covering a total of 25 projects, as part of the 10th meeting of the Vietnam – Wallonie-Bruxelles Joint Committee.

Accordingly, the two sides will promote collaboration in industrial development, agriculture, transport, the environment, the fourth Industrial Revolution, healthcare, education, tourism, culture and Francophone issues.  

Among the 25 projects there are 13 new ones, including a project on enhancing professional and French language skills for journalists of the Vietnam News Agency. 

The 10th meeting of the Vietnam – Wallonie-Bruxelles Joint Committee took place on November 20-21 under the chair of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vu Dai Thang and General Director of Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) Pascale Delcomminette. 

At the meeting, Pascale Delcomminette highlighted the close cooperation between Vietnam and Wallonie-Bruxelles over the past 25 years with many useful projects. 

Wallonie-Bruxelles will coordinate with the Wallonie Export-Investment Agency (AWEX) in Vietnam and competent agencies to seek cooperation opportunities and to serve the implementation of joint projects. 

For his part, Thang applauded the support of the Belgian Government and people in general and the Wallonie-Bruzelles region in particular, for Vietnam’s development. 

The freshly-inked projects will contribute to materializing commitments made by Governments of the two countries in the spirit of the Vietnam-Belgium joint statement issued during the official visit to Belgium by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last October, he said. 

During the two-day meeting, the two sides reviewed outcomes of cooperation between Vietnam and Wallonie-Bruxelles in the 2016-2018 period, and discussed the building of action plans and cooperation programmes in the next three years. 

They said projects deployed over the past three years have brought about benefits to both sides, and agreed to pay more attention to applied research towards a cooperation programme on industrial and economic development, in the context of the Vietnamese Government striving to turn the country into a startup nation.