Public Security Minister active in UK

Minister of Public Security, Sen. Lt. Gen. To Lam (L) meets with UK Minister of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes 

Minister of Public Security, Sen. Lt. Gen. To Lam met with UK Minister of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes and Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field in London on November 22, as part of his visit to the country at the invitation of UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

Receiving the Vietnamese guest, Nokes highlighted outcomes of the talks between representatives of the Vietnam’s ministry and the UK Home Office a day earlier, particularly their signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on anti-human trafficking cooperation.

She said the MoU reflects efforts and goodwill from both sides in the matter, which is currently a priority of the UK Government.

For his part, Lam said the two bodies have worked closely in crime prevention to safeguard social security and order of both nations. 

He underscored the exchange and management of immigration information as one of the most effective cooperation aspects between the two bodies.

The two sides agreed to further improve the exchange following their signed MoU on the matter. They said they will collaborate in verifying information related to illegal entry and exit and in handling the repatriation of Vietnamese citizens.

They pledged to create favorable conditions for their citizens to enter their respective nations for employment, business, tourism and education, considering this a measure to deal with the illegal entry and exit problem.

At the meeting with Mark Field, both Lam and his host praised the fruitful growth of Vietnam – UK strategic partnership since its elevation in 2010.

They also mentioned increasing cooperation between the Vietnam’s ministry and the UK Home Office in anti-human trafficking via frequent exchanges of delegations and information as well as their signing of the MoU.

Lam said his ministry is looking forward to more assistance from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and law enforcement agencies in offering education, training and technical support for Vietnamese security personnel.

He asked the UK office to facilitate expanding engagement between the two countries’ law enforcement bodies.

Defence Minister receives Chief of Army Staff of India

General Ngo Xuan Lich (R) receives Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army Bipin Rawat (Source: qdnd.vn)

General Ngo Xuan Lich - Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Defence Minister on November 23 hosted a reception for Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army Bipin Rawat, who is on a working visit to Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese minister said he believes the visit will contribute to fostering the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India in general and the bilateral adefence cooperation in particular, for the benefits of their people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. 

He suggested agencies of the Vietnamese and Indian Defence Ministries boost existing cooperation mechanisms such as the deputy ministerial level defence policy dialogue, bilateral defence working group meeting and consultation between officers of naval, land and air forces.

Lich underlined the need for the two sides to promote coordination in personnel training, defence industry, strategic research, and joining UN peacekeeping operations. 

Earlier, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) Sen. Lieut. Gen Pham Hong Huong held talks with Gen. Bipin Rawat, during which they reviewed the defence cooperation between the two countries over the past time and proposed collaboration areas in the time to come.

During his stay, Bipin Rawat laid a wreath at the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, offered incense to commemorate late General Vo Nguyen Giap at his home, and visit a number of VPA units.

HCM City’s official receives Australian delegation

Vietnamese and Australian delegates take a photo together (Source: http://voh.com.vn)

Ho Chi Minh City hopes the Australian Political Exchange Council to continue supporting cooperation between Australia and Vietnam in general and with Ho Chi Minh City in particular, especially in investment, trade, education, tourism and youth exchange. 

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang made the wish during a reception for a delegation from the council on November 23. 

Mang spoke highly of the council for annually sending delegations to Vietnam, saying this shows its goodwill and interest for the cooperation between the two countries and between Australia and HCM City in particular. 

The exchange between the two countries’ youths is a practical activity that contributes to enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two nations, he said. 

Mang stressed that HCM City has actively implemented cooperation activities with Australia, especially at local level. 

The city has so far established its cooperation and friendship with Queensland state and the Australian Northern Territory, and it is considering the possibility to set up ties with New South Wales state, he noted. 

On behalf of the council’s delegation, Elisapeta Kikkert, member of the Australian Capital’s House of Representatives, expressed her impression at the city’s dynamic and strong development, hoping that the council will make more efforts to contribute to promoting the bilateral relations as well as those between her country and HCM City. 

She said the delegation learned from experience in the operational methods of youth unions in Vietnamese localities, especially in moral education and implementation of youth development programmes. 

Annually, the Australian Political Exchange Council  organises delegations of young leaders representing political parties in the Australian parliament and government agencies to visit to explore political systems of partner countries such as China, Germany, the UK, the US, Japan and Vietnam.

Party economic commission head receives Japanese SMBC leader

Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh (R) receives Chairman of the Board of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsu Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsu Banking Corporation Koichi Miyata

Politburo member and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh hosted a reception in Hanoi on November 23 for Chairman of the Board of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsu Financial Group (SMFG) and Sumitomo Mitsu Banking Corporation (SMBC) Koichi Miyata.

Binh welcomes Koichi Miyata’s visit amidst the Vietnam-Japan relations is growing soundly, especially in economy. He lauded the effective operation of the SMBC in Vietnam with all branches enjoying profits and having no bad loans.

Koichi Miyata said that the SMBC is implementing a new strategy with the focus on Asia, adding that Vietnam is the most important country in the strategy.

Many foreign investors have shown their interests in Vietnam, especially those from Japan, he said, pledging that the SMBC will support their investments.

Binh noted that Vietnam is a highly open economy, targeting to record rapid and sustainable growth based on the stable macro-economy and resilient banking system against outside shocks.

Vietnam will also continue improving its business-investment environment, creating more favourable conditions for domestic and foreign investors, including the SMBC, he said.

He expressed his hope that the SMBC will continue its long-term operation in Vietnam, while expanding cooperation and experience sharing with Vietnamese banks and the Vietnamese economy in general.

The same day, Binh also had a meeting with Ioanis E. Raptakis, Greek Ambassador to Vietnam, during which Binh highlighted the need for closer coordination between the two countries in raising two-way trade to match potential of both sides.

He proposed that Greece supports Vietnam to promote partnership with the European Union, as well as the signing and implementation of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU, thus expanding economic and trade cooperation space between the two sides.

Binh vowed that Vietnam always creates all favourable conditions for enterprises and investors from Greece, and welcomes them to seek investment opportunities in Vietnam.

Voters in Hai Phong hail reforms in NA’s activities

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (front, right) and other NA deputies of Hai Phong city meets with local voters on November 23

Voters in Le Chan district of the northern port city of Hai Phong applauded the recent reforms in the National Assembly (NA)’s activities while meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other deputies representing the constituency on November 23.

Locals spoke highly of the performance of Hai Phong’s NA deputies at the freshly concluded sixth session of the 14th parliament, expressing their delight at the socio-economic achievements of the city, as well as those of the country, this year.

They said activities of the NA have been reformed to become more effective in dealing with social problems, thus encouraging positive changes in all-level authorities and sectors. Meanwhile, they also noted that officials have worked hard to build an incorruptible and growth-enabling Government that serves people and businesses.

However, Hai Phong voters also voiced concerns about many problems, particularly loan sharks, robbery and drug-related crimes, asking the NA and the Government to have thorough solutions.

Appreciating the opinions, PM Phuc said the sixth session was the one that the parliament spent the longest time for questioning Government members about issues under their remit.

It is important that Government members have to fix shortcomings and work harder to meet people’s aspirations, he added.

The PM also spoke highly of Hai Phong’s socio-economic development in 2018, noting that local economic growth could reach a record rate of 16.25 percent, 2.4 times higher than the national average, while the annual per capita income is estimated at 4,277 USD.

He also asked the municipal administration to pay more attention to specific issues of public concern like upgrading infrastructure and residential areas, and opening new primary schools.

With regard to the complex crime and corruption situation, PM Phuc affirmed the police and the military will exert every effort for people’s peaceful life, repeating that there are no off-limits zones in the fight against corruption.

Briefing voters in Hai Phong – a major foreign investment destination – on Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategy, he said the FDI sector now plays a crucial role in the national economy. The State prioritises projects applying high and environmentally friendly technologies, and it will also ensure fair competition between FDI and domestic businesses, the Government leader stressed.

Meetings between NA deputies and voters are regular activities before and after each session of the parliament. 

Key officials nationwide study Party Central Committee’s documents

Key officials nationwide on November 23 began studying documents adopted by the 8th plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee at an online conference that connects 74 points across the country.  

Among the participants there are members of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee Secretariat, and the Party Central Committee; and leaders of the National Assembly, the Government, ministries, agencies, sectors, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and socio-political organisations.  

Addressing the conference, Politburo member and standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong said the documents issued by the 8th plenum of the 12th Party Central Committee are very important to the successful implementation of socio-economic tasks and building a strong and clean Party. 

The documents are the regulation on the responsibility to set example of cadres and Party members, first of all members of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and the Party Central Committee, the resolution on the strategy on the sustainable development of the marine economy to 2030 with a vision to 2045, and the conclusion on the economy, social affairs and state budget together with other important issues.

During the national conference, Politburo and Party Central Committee members who directly involved in the drafting of the documents will give in-depth presentation on the process of discussion, and making decision for the documents, so that participants can gain deep understanding into the key and essential matters along with new contents in the documents. The understanding will help them do better in leading, instructing and implementing the documents in their realms of work.

Delegation of Kazakhstani Nur Otan party welcomed

Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee(R), receives K.B. Zhumasev, Secretary of the Nur Otan Party Central Committee 

Vietnam has always treasured its traditional friendship with Kazakhstan, as well as the Nur Otan Democratic People’s Party, a Vietnamese official has affirmed.

The statement was made by Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) while hosting a delegation of the Nur Otan Party led by K.B. Zhumasev, Secretary of the party’s Central Committee, on November 20.

At the reception in Hanoi, he expressed his belief that Kazakhstan will record further success in its nation building and development under the leadership of the ruling Nur Otan Party and President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Thuong, also head of the CPVCC’s Popularisation and Education Commission, affirmed that the Nur Otan Party delegation visit and the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the CPV will foster development in the parties’ political ties and create a significant foundation to bolster Vietnam-Kazakhstan cooperation in the time to come.

For his part, Zhumasev briefed his host on the development of Kazakhstan and the Nur Otan Party in particular. 

He stressed that the country has paid heed to the growth of the traditional friendship and cooperation with Vietnam, voicing his hope that the MoU will further promote relations between the two parties and nations in the future.

The same day, Zhumasev met with Hoang Binh Quan, member of the CPVCC and head of its Commission on External Relations.

Both sides informed each other about the current situation in each party and country, as well as discussing global issues of concern and ways to extend ties between the two parties and countries, and the development of youths. 

Following the meeting, the two sides inked the MoU on cooperation between the two parties.

On November 21, the delegation was welcomed by Hoang Trung Hai, Politburo member and Secretary of Hanoi’s Party Committee. They exchanged views on cooperation between Hanoi and Astana, as well as discussed measures to enhance cooperation of the cities in the time ahead.

During its stay, the visiting delegation held a working session with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Ba Ty and paid a visit to the northern province of Quang Ninh. 

Responsibilities for delayed SOEs equitisation to be made clear

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the event 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked for the clarification of responsibilities of organisations and individuals in delaying the equitisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). 

During a meeting in Hanoi on November 21, PM Phuc said SOEs working in seaports, airports, electricity, national defence-security, telecommunications, rubber, and oil and gas, as well as four major State-run banks will be not subject to equitisation.

The number of SOEs has been reduced from over 12,000 to below 600 so far, contributing to stabilising the macro-economy and increasing revenues to the State budget. 

Attributing corruption and negative behaviour in corporations, ministries, agencies, and localities to lax state management, he asked executives of SOEs and corporations to renew operations and seriously abide by the law. 

The restructuring, equitisation and divestment of SOEs should be open, transparent and in accordance with market principles, he said. 

Ministries and agencies were required to collect feedback from SOEs and corporations and submit amendments to regulations on evaluating the values of land-use rights; equitised businesses; divestment; equitisation; financial management; salaries; business registration; and the rights and responsibilities of corporate leaders, equity owners, and state management agencies. 

Delayed divestment cases will be transferred to the State Capital Investment Corporation before the end of this year. 

The PM assigned the Ministry of Finance and the Government Office to acquire suggestions at the event to refine the draft directive on accelerating the restructuring and renewal of SOEs, equitisation, and divestment to submit to him for consideration. 

According to the plan approved by the PM, at least 85 SOEs must complete equitisation this year. However, only 12 of them were equitised as of November 18, 2018. 

Only 31 units have conducted divestment activities, compared to the targeted 135 for 2017 and 181 for 2018.

Meanwhile, only 35 out of the 526 SOEs had their restructuring plans approved by authorities as of the late November. 

NA supports ties between CPV, Kazakhstan’s Nur Otan Party

The Vietnamese National Assembly backs the close cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and political parties in Kazakhstan in general and the Nur Otan Democratic People’s Party in particular.

The statement was made by NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty at a reception for Secretary of the Nur Otan Party Central Committee K.B. Zhumasev in Hanoi on November 21.

The Vietnamese official hailed the visit as an important contribution to developing the relations between the two countries’ political parties.

He spoke highly of the role played by the Nur Otan Party in the political system of Kazakhstan and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the party, Kazakhstan will further prosper in the future. 

Ty stressed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam never forget the valuable support and assistance the former Soviet Union countries, including Kazakhstan, have given to Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence and unification as well as current national development.

Vietnam attaches importance to fostering the traditional friendship with Kazakhstan, he added.

According to the NA Vice Chairman, the cooperation between the Vietnamese and Kazakhstani parliaments has been continuously consolidated and developed, both bilaterally and multilaterally. The two sides have maintained the exchange of high-level delegations and those of the legislatures’ committees. 

He said he wishes that the Nur Otan Party leaders will support the promotion of collaboration between the two countries’ legislative bodies, making it closer and more effective.

For his part, K.B. Zhumasev said Vietnam is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the Southeast Asian region in terms of economy and politics.

As Vietnam and Kazakhstan share a lot of similarities, the two countries may enhance cooperation and sharing of experience in lawmaking, supervision and deciding on major national issues, he said.

Voters in Hai Phong hail reforms in NA’s activities

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (front, right) and other NA deputies of Hai Phong city meets with local voters on November 23 

Voters in Le Chan district of the northern port city of Hai Phong applauded the recent reforms in the National Assembly (NA)’s activities while meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other deputies representing the constituency on November 23.

Locals spoke highly of the performance of Hai Phong’s NA deputies at the freshly concluded sixth session of the 14th parliament, expressing their delight at the socio-economic achievements of the city, as well as those of the country, this year.

They said activities of the NA have been reformed to become more effective in dealing with social problems, thus encouraging positive changes in all-level authorities and sectors. Meanwhile, they also noted that officials have worked hard to build an incorruptible and growth-enabling Government that serves people and businesses.

However, Hai Phong voters also voiced concerns about many problems, particularly loan sharks, robbery and drug-related crimes, asking the NA and the Government to have thorough solutions.

Appreciating the opinions, PM Phuc said the sixth session was the one that the parliament spent the longest time for questioning Government members about issues under their remit.

It is important that Government members have to fix shortcomings and work harder to meet people’s aspirations, he added.

The PM also spoke highly of Hai Phong’s socio-economic development in 2018, noting that local economic growth could reach a record rate of 16.25 percent, 2.4 times higher than the national average, while the annual per capita income is estimated at 4,277 USD.

He also asked the municipal administration to pay more attention to specific issues of public concern like upgrading infrastructure and residential areas, and opening new primary schools.

With regard to the complex crime and corruption situation, PM Phuc affirmed the police and the military will exert every effort for people’s peaceful life, repeating that there are no off-limits zones in the fight against corruption.

Briefing voters in Hai Phong – a major foreign investment destination – on Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategy, he said the FDI sector now plays a crucial role in the national economy. The State prioritises projects applying high and environmentally friendly technologies, and it will also ensure fair competition between FDI and domestic businesses, the Government leader stressed.

Meetings between NA deputies and voters are regular activities before and after each session of the parliament.