Vietnam to host 13th ASEM Customs DG-Commissioners Meeting

At the press conference (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) will host the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Customs Directors-General and Commissioners Meeting in October 2019.

The GDVC plans to propose some priorities to be added into the ASEM customs action plan for 2019-2019 period, including applying the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in enhancing connection of IT systems to serve effective customs management, promoting customs-business partnership, protecting the environment, society and security, and facilitating supply chain, Nguyen Viet Nga, deputy head of the GDVC’s International Cooperation Department, said at the press conference on October 24.

Hosting the event, the General Department hopes to make contributions to boosting regional linkages and cooperation in customs in the context of Industry 4.0 and global challenges in the fight against terrorism, and pressure on maintaining sustainable economic growth in response to climate change.

The ASEM was officially set up in 1996 following the political initiative to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.

It provides an open forum for policy makers and officials to discuss any political, economic and socio-cultural issues of common interest. ASEM covers the full spectrum of relations between the two regions and devotes equal weight to political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. 

ASEM works on three pillars of politics, economy and finance, and society, culture and education. Customs cooperation in ASEM is included in the economic and financial pillar, with priority to promoting the implementation of multilateral trade system in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The ASEM Customs Directors-General and Commissioners Meeting has been organised biennially as a forum directing working groups to realise action plans in approved periods.

During 2018-2019, the ASEM customs action plan will focus on measures to boost collaboration in prioritised sectors, comprising facilitation of trade and customs procedures, combating counterfeiting goods, one-door customs mechanism, border management of international parcels.

Congratulations keep coming to new Vietnamese President

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong at the swear-in ceremony in Hanoi on October 23 

Leaders of India, Brunei, Myanmar and New Zealand have sent their congratulations to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on his election as State President. 

President of India Ram Nath Kovind stated that India attaches importance to ties with Vietnam and said he believed that his visit to Vietnam in November will further strengthen political trust and deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of their peoples. 

Sultan of Brunei Suntan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his wish to work closely with the President to further deepen ties on bilateral and regional aspects. 

President of Myanmar Win Myint, for his part, expressed his belief that under the leadership of the new President, Vietnam will score greater achievements in national construction and development, affirming that Myanmar will continue closely partnering with Vietnam to foster their comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Governor General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy stressed that bilateral ties are growing in trade, education, politics and national defence, towards achieving the strategic partnership level. 

On the occasion, leaders of political parties from India, Mexico, Argentina, Sudan, Dominica, Ecuador, Peru and Palestine also cabled their congratulations to the newly-elected President.

Top legislator welcomes Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) welcomes Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail 

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 24 for Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, during which they agreed to intensify cooperation to protect women’s rights, interests and development.

Ngan emphasised that the Vietnam visit by the Malaysian Deputy PM is of major significance as the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. 

The bilateral Strategic Partnership, set up in 2015, has developed well with numerous achievements in economics, trade, investment, security, defence, education and labour, she stated, expressing hope that both sides will have in-depth discussions and put forward measures to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation during this visit.

The Vietnamese legislature always supports and promotes its supervision role in the implementation of signed agreements, she affirmed.

Ngan told the guest that at its ongoing sixth session, the Vietnamese NA will ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) the Vietnamese Government signed with 10 other nations, including Malaysia.

She expressed her hope that the Parliament of Malaysia will soon ratify the agreement, contributing to making it soon become effective in order to promote trade liberalisation and regional economic connectivity.  

The top legislator thanked the Malaysian Government for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese labourers. However, she noted several cases in which the labourers are refused to sign legal work contracts, and paid lower than their capacity. Therefore, she suggested both sides strengthen cooperation to create a safer and more favourable working environment for all labourers.

Agreeing with Ngan’s proposals, Wan Azizah stressed that Malaysia always wants to put an end to labour abuse, and is exerting efforts to ensure labourers’ rights and interests as well as to fight illegal behaviours in this field.

Both host and guest agreed that the two countries should collaborate with other ASEAN member states to consolidate unity, improve the role of the bloc, and maintain peace in the East Sea.

The Deputy PM took the occasion to congratulate the Vietnamese legislature on its recent election of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the post of the country’s President.

NA Vice Chairwoman receives Japanese health experts

Politburo member and Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong (centre) poses for a group photo with the Japanese delegation 

Politburo member and Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong on October 24 received a delegation of Japanese health experts led by Doctor Satoshi Nagasaka, head of the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Centre Hospital of Japan's National Center for Global Health and Medicine.

At the reception in Hanoi, the NA Vice Chairwoman spoke highly of the health cooperation between Vietnam and Japan over the years. 

During this trip, the Japanese delegation has transferred thoracic and digestive system surgical techniques for doctors at the Central Military Hospital 108 and the Bach Mai Hospital, she noted, adding that the cooperation serves as a proof of the thriving Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

Notably, the Japan visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc earlier this month affirmed the strengthened bilateral relations, including that in health cooperation, as the two PMs agreed to bolster training for skilled medical workers during the visit.

Phong expressed her hope that Japan will continue its support for Vietnam in the transfer of medical techniques.

In response, Doctor Nagasaka said as the demand for high-level surgeries is projected to rise, the two nations’ cooperation in surgical techniques transfer will benefit Vietnam's health sector. 

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives outgoing Italian Ambassador

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) received Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccion, who came to say good-bye to him at the end of her tenure, in Hanoi on October 24

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccion, who came to say good-bye to him at the end of her tenure, in Hanoi on October 24.

At the reception, the PM spoke highly of the successful tenure of the diplomat, adding that she has made various contributions to the development of the Vietnam – Italy strategic partnership.

The bilateral relations saw strides during her term, and many Italian firms have come to Vietnam to invest in the country. However, the potential for cooperation remains huge, especially in trade and investment, he noted.

The EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will be a driving force to lift the two-way trade turnover and investment, as well as a good opportunity for businesses of the countries, Phuc said, voicing his hope that Italy will push the signing and ratification of the EVFTA.

The Vietnamese Government will create optimal conditions for foreign investors, including those from Italy, he pledged.

The Government leader also expressed his belief that the Italian diplomat will contribute to the Vietnam-Italy ties in her new position.

For her part, Ambassador Cecilia Piccion thanked the Vietnamese Govermenment, ministries and authorities for their support to her during her work in the country, and voiced her hope for the early signing and ratification of the EVFTA.

Italy is currently the fourth biggest trade partner of Vietnam in the European Union while Vietnam is the biggest trade partner of Italy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Over the past five years, two-way trade neared 5 billion USD each year, and both sides are working to lift it to 6 billion USD for 2017-2018. Within 10 years, from the fourth place, Vietnam has become the largest trade partner of Italy among the 10 ASEAN member countries.

As of February 2018, Italy ranked 31st out of the 128 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 88 projects worth more than 388 million USD. The Italian government has added Vietnam into its list of 10 emerging markets prioritised for trade and investment ties.

Vietnam attends Global Agriculture Leadership Summit in India

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau addressing the summit 

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam is attending the 11th Global Agriculture Leadership Summit in New Delhi, India from November 24-25. 

The annual summit is providing policymakers, managers, scientists, experts and leading Indian firms with a chance to share experience and seek business opportunities. 

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau said from its humble beginning as a food importer, Vietnam has become the largest exporter of rice, coffee and pepper after three decades of renewal. 

Vietnam wants to acquire new technology and seek investment to further improve product quality and export, he said, adding that the global community needs to maintain a comprehensive, fair and open trade system while countries need to deliver on commitments in free trade agreements they joined. 

From October 25-27, the first World Agriculture Prize 2018, the All India Progressive Farmers’ Convention, 12 international seminars on agriculture, 40 global trade dialogues, and six business forums between India and Africa, ASEAN, Latin America, the US, Japan and Germany will be also held. 

At the India International Agro Trade and Technology Fair 2018 to be held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, machinery, equipment, services in manufacturing, processing, packaging and preservation of farm produce, seafood and processed food will be put on display. 

Nearly 1,000 State agencies, research institutes, Indian and foreign enterprises will join the event which is expected to attract about 10,000 visitors.

Vietnam learns about theoretical, practical issues in Germany

Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Xuan Thang 

A Vietnamese delegation led by Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Xuan Thang paid a working trip to Germany from October 22-23 to learn about several theoretical and practical issues in the European country. 

During a working session with delegates from the Communist Party of Germany, Thang, who is also Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said Vietnam has recorded achievements in reforms towards socialism over the past three decades thanks to tapping Marxism, Leninism and Ho Chi Minh thoughts in the new situation. 

German representatives said part of German society sought ways to deal with existing social issues based on Marxism and studied the plus side of socialism in the past.  

At the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the delegation learnt about issues regarding the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Leading German digital experts shared experience in preparing for the revolution and assessed its impact on the German economy and society. 

About the protection of workers’ interest in the new situation, the delegation held a working session with the German Trade Union Confederation. The confederation forecast that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will impact nearly 50,000 German workers in the next decade. 

At the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the largest and oldest political foundation in Germany, the delegation discussed issues of global concern such as relations among major countries, trade war and its impact, and the role of the European Union and the ASEAN in dealing with global issues.

Ceremony marks Vietnam-Uruguay 25-year ties

The Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina and Uruguay in coordination with the Foreign Ministry of Uruguay jointly held a ceremony in Montevideo on October 24 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam-Uruguay diplomatic ties.

The event was attended by Uruguay Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai, who is the co-Chair of the Vietnam-Uruguay Joint Committee on economic, trade and investment, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina and Uruguay Dang Xuan Dung, among others.

Addressing the event, the Uruguay Foreign Minister highlighted the traditional relationship and friendship between the two countries, noting that the establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam 25 years ago was an important milestone and a proper strategy of Uruguay.

The formation of bilateral ties showed the two countries’ common viewpoint in developing their relations amidst the complicated world situation over the past two decades.

Nin Novoa underlined that the two Governments have continuously fostered bilateral ties in all fields, while actively coordinating with and supporting each other at multilateral forums.

The two sides have regularly exchanged all-level delegations to share experience and act together for common interests, he said, adding that the far geographical distance could not hinder the development of the friendship between the two countries and their people.

The diplomat also reaffirmed the Uruguay Government’s commitment to giving continued priority to the intensive and extensive development of ties with Vietnam in the future in all fields.

For his part, Ambassador Dang Xuan Dung reviewed important milestones in bilateral relations since 1993 when Vietnam faced many difficulties from embargo and the world situation changed significantly.

Relationship with Uruguay is a success of Vietnam in its policy to develop ties with traditional friends in the Latin-American region, he said.

The ambassador said that over the past years, along with progress in political relations, the economic and trade ties between the two countries have significantly improved, with two-way trade rising from 71 million USD in 2012 to nearly 120 million USD in 2017.

He expressed his hope that in the future, the two sides will continue working closely in delegation exchange, promote promoting the efficiency of existing cooperation mechanisms such as political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries, and continue negotiating collaboration documents to set up a favourable legal corridor for bilateral partnership.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy also held Vietnamese Day in Uruguay to introduce local friends to the traditional culture, handicrafts and special food of Vietnam. A photo exhibition was also organised, with 30 photos highlighting the cultural diversity and landscapes of Vietnam, as well as the country’s socio-economic development in the renewal period.

Vietnam, Uruguay aim for stronger economic ties

Uruguay’s Vice President Lucia Topolansky has suggested Vietnam and Uruguay strengthen their cooperation across fields, especially in economy, trade and investment, making it match the fruitful bilateral political ties. 

At a reception for Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai in Montevideo on October 23, Topolansky said the first meeting of the Vietnam-Uruguay Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation serves as a foundation for the two sides to expand their collaboration in different realms. 

Briefing his host on outcomes of the meeting, Hai said the two sides reviewed their affiliation over the past time and discussed cooperation priorities in the time ahead. 

They agreed to create conditions for products of the two countries to access the respective markets, promote delegation exchanges, and organise trade and investment promotion activities. 

Hai urged the two countries to soon implement signed cooperation agreements, while boosting collaboration in the areas of their potential.

The joint committee will carry forward its role in forging bilateral affiliation in economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and science-technology, the official said. 

The first meeting of the joint committee took place earlier the same day under the co-chair of Hai and Uruguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Ariel Bergamino. 

The two sides shared the view that the meeting marks a new step in the bilateral cooperation since the establishment of Vietnam-Uruguay diplomatic ties in 1993. 

Although two-way trade increased from 71 million USD in 2012 to nearly 120 million USD in 2017, the economic, trade and investment relations have yet to match their potential as well as traditional friendship, the meeting heard. 

Regarding market access, especially of agricultural products, Uruguay hoped to export beef and citrus to Vietnam while the Southeast Asian nation wanted to ship vegetables, pepper, cashew nuts, seafood and interior decorations to Uruguay. 

Vietnam exports footwear, garments-textiles, computers, electronic products and spare parts, rubber, rattan, steel, plastic and ceramic products to Uruguay. 

Meanwhile, the country imports wood and timber products, garment-textile and leather materials, pharmaceutical products, milk and dairy products, seafood, cattle feed, and chemicals from this market.

Kon Tum to host Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia friendship exchange

Major General Nguyen Tien Thang speaks at the press conference 

The first Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia border friendship exchange in 2018 will take place in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on November 2. 

The information was revealed by Major General Nguyen Tien Thang, head of the Political Department of the Border Guard High Command, at a press conference on October 24. 

The exchange aims to enhance the solidarity and friendship among the three countries in general and between the authorities, people and border guard forces of Kon Tum and those of Rattnakiri province of Cambodia and Attapeu and Sekong provinces of Laos in particular. 

The event will feature many activities, including a friendship seminar, border marker salute and joint patrol, friendship tree planting at the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border T-junction, as well as free check-ups and medicine supply for people in border areas. 

The border marker salute and joint patrol will take place on November 3 at the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border T-junction. Patrol forces of the three countries will make an inspection tour of shared border areas, border makers, and cross-border roads; and discuss measures to manage and protect their shared borderlines. 

Thang said representatives from 13 foreign delegations would also attend the exchange. They will share issues related to policies on external relations and border economic and socio-culture development cooperation of the three Governments and armed forces of the three countries, as well as those of Kon Tum, Rattnakiri, Attapeu and Sekong provinces.

The programme is hoped to be a prominent border diplomatic activity that contributes to further strengthening the solidarity, trust and cooperation for mutual development among the three neighbouring nations and their localities, he stressed.

Mexican senator hails all-round relations with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Hoai Duong 

Mexico’s connection with Vietnam is an exemplary relationship of the American nation with a country in the Asia-Pacific region, a Mexican senator told Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hoai Duong on October 23.

At the meeting, Cora Cecilia Pinedo Alonso, President of the Foreign Affairs Asia – Pacific – Africa Commission at the Mexican Senate, said her country attaches importance to all-round relations with Vietnam – a nation with political and social stability, an average annual economic growth rate of over 6 percent, a young workforce, and growing stature in the international community.

She said the two countries share many similarities in history, culture and hospitality and holds important geo-political positions in their respective regions, which are also factors helping to promote bilateral ties.

During over 40 years of diplomatic ties, Vietnam is a friend with extensive connections in politics, culture and economy with Mexico. After their leaders’ meeting at the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang city last year, the two countries’ relations have entered a new stage of development with closer cooperation in multiple fields towards building a strategic partnership, the senator said.

Cora Cecilia added their friendship has also been reinforced through mutual visits to exchange management experience in various areas, including working visits by senior parliamentary officials. The two sides have also supported each other at multilateral forums such as those on climate change and global security.

Economic and trade links have enjoyed great strides with bilateral trade approximating 5 billion USD in 2017. Mexico has become the third largest trade partner of Vietnam in Latin America while the Southeast Asian nation now ranks eighth among Asian-Pacific trade partners of Mexico, she noted.

For his part, Ambassador Duong affirmed that the two countries’ relations are growing strongly in all spheres, including between their parliaments.

He highly valued the Mexican parliament’s support and coordination in organising cultural activities to popularise the images of Vietnam’s land and people, thus helping to deepen mutual understanding between the nations.

There remains much room for bilateral cooperation to expand, particularly in economy, trade, culture, education and tourism, he said, voicing his belief that once coming into effect, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will help facilitate the countries’ economic, trade and investment ties.

Vietnam, Belarus step up trade union cooperation

At the reception (Photo: laodong.vn)

Vietnamese trade unions want to learn experience from the Belarusian Trade Union of Chemical, Mining and Oil Industries Workers in ensuring benefits for workers, according to Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour Tran Thanh Hai.

During a reception on October 23 for a delegation from the Belarusian trade union, led by Chairwoman Svetlana Klotshok, Hai said Vietnamese trade unions and the Belarusian Trade Union of Chemical, Mining and Oil Industries Workers share striking similarity in their priority for assuring labour safety, wages and sustainable jobs.

Lauding the Belarusian trade union’s activities to protect its members, including contract signing between the trade union and the employees, and vacationing at its 13 resorts, Hai said that these are good examples for the trade union of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petro Vietnam).

Svetlana Klotshok, for her part, said despite difficulties in politics and economy, the Belarusian trade union always pays attention to ensuring workers’ rights. 

As the industry has high-quality human resources, the trade union considers their members’ health and wage as top priorities.

Besides signing contracts with members and arrange for them to holiday to improve their health, the trade union also helps its members extend their labour contracts when the old ones end and the employers no longer want to hire them. In addition, they receive assistance in housing rental costs and consultancy to find new jobs.

Also, the trade union holds health records of the workers so if they suffer from occupational diseases, they can ask for compensation or take early retirement.

Party leader’s election as President covered abroad

Foreign media outlets have covered the Vietnamese National Assembly’s election of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam as the new President on October 23.

Chinese Xinhua News Agency published a biography of Party General Secretary, President Nguyen Phu Trong, and quoted the new President after being sworn in as saying “I am happy because I have been trusted and loved by the National Assembly and assigned tasks. I am worried about how to fulfil the heavy tasks before the country”.

Chinese Party head and President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong.

Meanwhile, Prensa Latina news agency of Cuba also reported the Vietnamese NA’s election of Nguyen Phu Trong as new President through a secret vote.

The agency noted that First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Raul Modesto Castro Ruz and President of the Cuban Council of Ministers Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez sent messages of congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

The same day, Russia’s TASS news agency reported Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, saying his election showed Trong’s prestige earned through his Party and State positions, as well as the recognition of his contributions to completing socio-economic tasks and reinforcing Vietnam’s global status.

President Putin also expressed his belief that Vietnam and Russia will continue efforts to foster their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Many other news agencies such as France’s AFP, UK’s Reuters, US’s AP and Japan’s Kyodo, also reported on the event.

The AFP quoted experts’ comments that after taking the office, Party General Secretary, President Nguyen Phu Trong will continue the anti-corruption campaign.