PM highlights Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the role and importance of multilateral diplomacy to Vietnam’s development, as well as the country’s important contributions to the United Nations’ common tasks, during a recent interview granted to the media. 

The interview took place as the PM prepares to lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to the High-Level General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, The event, themed “Making the UN Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable, and Sustainable Societies”, is scheduled to take place during September 25-October 1 in New York, the US. 

He said the Party and State have long considered multilateral diplomacy an important pillar in Vietnam’s external policy. When the country gained independence, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter asking the UN to recognise Vietnam as an independent country and admit it as a UN member. During its fight for national liberation, Vietnam flexibly combined multilateral and bilateral external policies to create a united external front, pooling the support of international peace-loving friends. 

Multilateral external activities, namely the 1954 Geneva Conference and the 1973 Paris Conference, contributed to ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam. In the wake of national reunification, Vietnam overcame embargoes and gradually joined international organisations. During its process of global integration, the country has signed a number of bilateral and multilateral economic and trade agreements, and strived to be a responsible member of various international organisations, a trustworthy partner, and an open and promising market. 

Since its 1977 entry into the UN, the world’s largest multilateral organisation, Vietnam has been a responsible member, making positive contributions to each field of UN operations, and even one of the body’s pioneers in promoting global peace, progress, cooperation, and development. 

Vietnam has also actively contributed to the building and enforcement of the UN’s international conventions and formation of a fair, transparent, and effective global multilateral mechanism, thus meeting the common aspirations of humankind. 

Vietnam’s contributions have been welcomed by the international community, especially activities at the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Socio-Economic Council, as well as many other UN agencies. 

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 tenure, Vietnam contributed to common efforts to settle disputes in several areas, strengthened UN peacekeeping activities and raised specific initiatives to promote the role of women in the peace and security segment. 

On the back of such successes, Vietnam has received support from multiple countries to seek a seat at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. The country has also actively contributed to the building and fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals until 2030 and taken the lead in adopting new cooperation models, including the “Towards Unity in Action, One UN” model. 

Over the past three years, Vietnam has played a crucial role in and directed the drafting of an annual Resolution of the UN Human Rights Council on climate change response and the promotion of human rights. 

In late 2016, a Vietnamese official was elected as Second Vice Chairman of the International Law Commission for the first time. 

PM Phuc said Vietnam has actively participated in many important multilateral organisations and forums in the region and the world, such as the Francophone community, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

“Joining ASEAN, Vietnam has proved its role as an active and even proactive member, with many initiatives focused on building the ASEAN Community and the 2025 vision for a united, resilient and innovative ASEAN that plays a central role in regional security mechanisms,” he said.

Such activities have shown Vietnam’s new, pivotal position in multilateral diplomacy, he said, adding that from the position of a participating party, Vietnam has affirmed its capacity to directly contribute to shaping international and regional mechanisms for the peace and prosperity of humankind, thus improving the country’s stature.

The Government leader stated that the rapid and complicated developments of traditional and non-traditional challenges in the world today require the shared efforts of all countries and regions. The role of multilateral cooperation mechanisms, primarily the United Nations, is becoming more important than ever.

Vietnam has been consistent in promoting the basic principles of international law and the UN Charter in terms of: solving international conflicts and disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; non-interference in the internal affairs of any country; and no use – or threaten to use of force, he affirmed. 

Stepping up multilateral diplomacy in the spirit of Decree No.25 CT/TW – issued by the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee on August 8, 2018 – not only aims to improve the position, strength, and prestige of Vietnam on the international arena; but also reflects the trust of Vietnamese people in a world of multilateral dialogue with respect for international law, peace, and equal cooperation for development.

According to PM Phuc, the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly takes place amid rapid and complex changes in the world, with war, conflict, and poverty remaining severe challenges to the international community.

At the event, themed “Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies”, the PM and high-ranking leaders from the 193 UN member nations will discuss and propose effective measures to deal with global challenges to security and development, as well as ways to help the UN serve the interests of all nations and people in a more practical and effective manner.

“In attending this important event, the high-raking Vietnamese delegation and I will transmit a strong message that as an active member, and reliable and responsible partner of the international community, Vietnam vows to do its utmost, within its own capabilities and conditions, to make more effective contributions to the common affairs of the international community, towards a world of peace, cooperation, and development, as well as a fair, democratic, and rules-based international political and economic order,” he stressed.

As a country hit by many fierce wars, Vietnam deeply feels the pain and losses caused by war and treasures the value of peace. At the same time, Vietnam is also an exemplary narrative in overcoming poverty, healing the wounds of war, and reconciling contradictions.

From a poor, underdeveloped nation, Vietnam has made every effort to become a middle-income developing country since 2010 and one of the economies with rapid growth.

Vietnam has been held by the UN, the World Bank, and many other international institutions as one of the nations with a positive tale of poverty reduction and successful implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“We will continue our pioneering role in responding to climate change in Asia and succeed in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and other important UN cooperation frameworks and agendas,” he said.

Vietnam wishes to learn from the international community, as well as share experience in boosting socio-economic development, reducing poverty, ensuring social security, and improving people’s living conditions.

Attending the UN activities this time round, Vietnam aims to take advantage of the available resources and opportunities for it own development as well as accelerate the realisation of UN action initiatives, plans, and priorities at national and regional levels.

Vietnam and the UN signed the joint One Strategic Plan (OSP) for the period from 2017 to 2021 between the Vietnamese Government and 18 UN agencies.

The OSP is built in accordance with Vietnam’s five-year 2016-2020 Socio-economic Development Plan, the SDGs, and the country’s international commitments on human rights.

The good implementation of these initiatives will help Vietnam achieve more inclusive growth goals in the future, thus raising its prestige and position at the UN as well as on the international arena.

This working trip is a chance for Vietnam to promote its achievements in economic and human development towards inclusive and sustainable goals, he said. 

It also offers an opportunity for Vietnam to share and propose policy initiatives in promoting and ensuring human rights in line with the development context of each country, in particular regarding the rights of vulnerable groups and disabled workers, child labour, the trafficking of women, and climate change, he added. 

Vietnam is not only a candidate of ASEAN, but also of the 54-member Asia-Pacific Group running for non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. 

The country was honoured to undertake its mission during the 2008-2009 tenure and made important contributions which were hailed by international friends. 

With its past experience, active and sincere spirit of cooperation, and support from the UN member states, the PM expressed his belief that Vietnam will successful fulfil all tasks at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, thus making greater contributions to peace, development, and prosperity worldwide. 

Now in Africa, Vietnamese army officers are standing side-by-side with military counterparts from all over the world to accomplish the peacekeeping mission entrusted by the UN and international community, he said, adding that Vietnam is ready to join hands for a better future for humankind. –VNA
PM commends trade unions for contributions to national development

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the event 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded trade unions and workers nationwide for their contributions to national development during a forum between Cabinet members and delegates to the 12th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) in Hanoi on September 24. 

He asked Vietnamese workers, in both the public and private sectors, to raise their sense of discipline in labour, fight corruption and wastefulness, and make ceaseless efforts for common interests. 

The VGCL was urged to improve the efficiency of trade union activities, devise an action plan to adapt to the fourth industrial revolution, and effectively tap into new-generation free trade agreements. 

At the same time, ministries and agencies were assigned to pay attention to the material and spiritual lives of workers, protect their legitimate rights and interests. 

He affirmed that 950 delegates to the 12th Congress of the VGCL are core nucleuses to inspire workers nationwide to join the programme on improving national competitiveness and sustainable development.

At the event, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung called for further attention to vocational training due to the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution that brings about both opportunities and challenges. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said the government is refining the minimum salary system to protect interests of workers, especially vulnerable ones, including hourly and monthly minimum salary, ensuring that all living needs of workers will be covered by 2020. 

He added that the government also looks to create a multi-layer social insurance policy towards achieving all-people insurance coverage. 

Another adjustment is cutting duration for social insurance payment to 10 years from 20 years at current, making it easier for workers to enjoy early pension, he said. 

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation Truong Thi Mai said the government and trade unions need to work closely together to support workers. 

She highlighted skillfulness, reasonable income and safe working environment as crucial to ensure sustainable employment.

VFF President meets with Russian officials

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man (R) and Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Iliyas Umakhanov 

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man met with Russian officials in Moscow on September 24, during which both sides stressed the traditional friendship between the two countries.

During talks with Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Iliyas Umakhanov, VFF President Man and the Russian official expressed their delight over the comprehensive strategic partnership which has developed in a closer and more practical manner, especially after Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to the Eastern European country earlier this month.

At that time, both sides discussed measures to bolster collaboration in various sectors and agreed to increase two-way trade to 10 billion USD by 2020, as well as to facilitate Vietnamese and Russian products to enter each other’s markets.

Man underlined that Vietnam treasures the traditional ties with Russia and pays heed to consolidating its comprehensive strategic partnership with the country.

The political trust between the two countries has been increased through delegation exchanges, he said.

Lauding the effective cooperation between the two parliaments, Man said both sides should increase experience sharing in legislation and enhance the role of the friendship parliamentary groups in fostering collaboration between the two legislative bodies.

He hoped the Russian side would facilitate Vietnamese exports by allowing more Vietnamese firms to ship their products to the country.

Additionally, he thanked Russia for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to stabilise their livelihoods in the host nation, and wished Russian authorities will further support the Vietnamese community.  

Umakhanov, for his part, thanked Vietnam for supporting Russia on various issues in international arenas, including the United Nations.

He recommended bolstering cooperation between localities of both sides and affirmed Russia plans to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Celebrations like Vietnamese Year in Russia and Russian Year in Vietnam, and other activities to mark 70 years of diplomatic establishment will open new opportunities for the two nations, he added.

Meeting with Head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov, Man said the Communist Party of Vietnam treasures its friendship with the Communist Party of Russia, stressing that relations between the two parties are significant to Vietnam-Russia relations.

He expressed his belief that the Russian Communist Party will continue to consolidate its position in the country’s socio-political development, and make significant contributions to the nation’s prosperity.

Briefing the Vietnamese guest on his party’s achievements in recent local elections, Gennady Zyuganov said that his organisation will do its utmost to develop the relations with Vietnam.

Earlier, Man and the delegation from the VFF Central Committee laid a wreath of flowers at President Ho Chi Minh’s statue in Moscow.

Man was leading the delegation to visit Russia from September 19-25. The delegation left Russia to visit Cuba from September 25-29.

Party, State leaders attend 12th congress of Vietnamese trade unions

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attends a session of the 12th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour in Hanoi on September 25 

Many Party and State leaders attended a session of the 12th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) for the 2018-2023 tenure in Hanoi on September 25.

The event saw the participation by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, former Presidents Tran Duc Luong and Truong Tan Sang, and former Chairmen of the National Assembly Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Sinh Hung were also present.

In its report, the 11th-tenure VGCL Executive Committee said the entity has the functions of a people’s organisation under the Party’s leadership while representing workers in labour relations.

Over the last five years, the VGCL has made strong reforms to fulfill its tasks, the executive committee reported, noting that trade unions have pushed ahead with caring for and protecting the rights and interests of workers and their members.

Trade unions have advised the Party and State about a plan on building facilities for workers such as housing, nurseries and entertainment places in industrial parks and export processing zones, and taken part in the investment and construction of these works.

The VGCL has effectively played its role as the representative of workers in the National Wage Council, as it helped raise minimum wage by more than 55 percent in the past five years, according to the report.

It added that the negotiation, signing and monitoring of collective labour agreements (CLAs) have improved. Almost 27,870 CLAs have been signed in the trade union system so far, up 5 percent from the beginning of the 11th term.

Routine and unscheduled dialogues with workers have been held. The VGCL has held three dialogues between the Prime Minister and workers nationwide since May 2016, helping address difficulties facing the working class.

The VGCL Executive Committee also highlighted improvements in trade unions’ inspection, examination and supervision, along with legal aid. They have moved to improve the working environment and coordinated with authorities, sectors and employers to solve labour disputes, helping ensure harmonious labour relations in businesses.

President of the 11th-tenure VGCL Bui Van Cuong said there were more than 10 million trade union members nationwide as of the end of November 2017, up 2.1 million from the term’s beginning.

The VGCL’s external activities have also obtained important outcomes, helping promote Vietnamese trade unions’ stature in the international labour and trade union movements and capitalising on foreign support in the field of labour and trade unions, he added.

Vietnam looks to boost health cooperation with Argentina

At the meeting between the Vietnamese delegation (R) and Argentina's health experts

Vietnam wants to learn from Argentina’s experience in campaigns to prevent harm from tobacco, alcohol and non-contagious diseases, as well as in providing initial healthcare and improving public health, said Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien. 

Tien made the statement at a meeting with Adolfo Rubinstein, Deputy Minister in charge of health at the Ministry of Social Development of Argentina, within the framework of her visit to Argentina from September 21-24. 

The visit aimed to learn about the health system in Argentina and share experience in issues related to public health of common concern. 

Tien affirmed this is an occasion for the two sides to enhance mutual understanding and foster bilateral cooperation in the health sector. 

Rubinstein and other health experts introduced their country’s health system to Vietnamese delegates as well as Argentina’s policies in ensuring and improving public health, especially initial healthcare and preventive healthcare. 

They stressed primary healthcare is prioritised in the South American country's health system via a system of community health centres. 

Regarding tobacco harm reduction campaigns, the experts said Argentina built a national tobacco control programme at the end of 2003, aiming at reducing the proportion of smokers, protecting people from smoke in public areas, raising public awareness of the harms caused by cigarettes and encouraging people to quit smoking.

Argentina has also passed an anti-tobacco law in 2011, including stringent regulations related to tobacco advertising and imposed high tariffs on these products to limit smoking, especially among young people, they said.

During their stay, the Vietnamese delegates visited the Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, one of the largest medical centres in Buenos Aires.

Director of the Garrahan Pediatric Hospital Patricia Elmeaudy said this is a leading public hospital for the treatment and care of pediatricians, and one of eight central-level hospitals in Argentina.

The hospital’s management board shared cooperation models with universities in training physicians and doctors at the hospital.

The Vietnamese delegation also had a working session with representatives from the leading pharmaceutical enterprises of Argentina, laid a wreath at Ho Chi Minh Monument in Buenos Aires and visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

PM asks Lang Son to develop trade, tourism

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the working session. 

The northern mountainous province of Lang Son should set its vision on trade and tourism development, considering its favourable geo-economic location, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a working session with the province’s officials in Hanoi on September 24. 

With a 230km long borderline with China and many border gates and markets, and its position in the economic corridors of Nanning (China) – Lang Son – Hanoi – Hai Phong and Lang Son – Ha Noi – Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai, the province should develop the border economy, capitalizing on the giant Chinese market, he said. 

The province serves as an important gateway connecting China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which, the leader said, would facilitate border trade and services. 

The PM urged Lang Son to step up e-commerce and hold international trade fairs or investment promotion conferences in order to attract more attention of foreign cities, provinces and businesses to Vietnamese products. 

In addition, he asked Lang Son to develop agro-forestry in mountainous and rural areas, focusing on forestation and forest protection. 

Apart from economic development, the leader listed other tasks for the locality such as strengthening the friendship with China, ensuring security and national defence, and focusing on high-tech agriculture, new-style rural area building, sustainable poverty reduction, health care and education, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas. 

PM Phuc noted that Lang Son is still a poor province, with the rate of poor households exceeding 19 percent as compared with the national average of only 7 percent. 

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Ngoc Thuong reported at the meeting that the province’s annual economic growth rate reached 8 percent and GDRP per capital income hit 35.6 million VND (1,530 USD) in 2017. 

Over the past time, Lang Son has focused on the border economy with the purpose of making it a driving force for economic growth and economic restructuring.

Vietnam, Sri Lanka foster cooperation in religion

Cooperation in religion between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has contributed to the religious work in each country and to stepping up people-to-people diplomacy and tightening the bilateral traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.

The statement was made at a meeting between deputy head of the Government Committee on Religious Affairs Bui Thanh Ha and visiting Minister of Buddha Sasana of Sri Lanka Gamini Jayawickrema in Hanoi on September 24.

They spoke highly of the relationship between the two State management agencies on religious affairs, and the positive outcomes of collaboration between the two countries’ Buddhism.

The Vietnamese Government Committee on Religious Affairs and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Buddha Sasana agreed to continue exchanging information in religion and religion-related policies as well as issues of mutual concern in order to boost the two countries’ ties.

During their stay in Vietnam from September 23-27, delegates from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Buddha Sasana are scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to Minister of Home Affairs Le Vinh Tan, meet leaders of the People’s Committee of northern Ninh Binh province and visit several religious establishments in Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges announced

Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court Nguyen Hoa Binh  speaks at the ceremony (Source: toaan.gov.vn)

The Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam has issued a Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct for Judges.

At the ceremony for the issuance on September 21, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court Nguyen Hoa Binh said judges, who are appointed by the State President to exercise the judicial power on behalf of the State, have a noble mission and heavy tasks. Therefore, they must be the symbol of ethics, adhere to the Constitution’s principles on judicial activities, and perform their tasks in an impartial, objective and rule-based manner.

He emphasised that the issuance of the Code aims to meet the requirements of the country’s judicial reform towards building a system of clean and strong people’s courts.

The Code comprises three chapters and 17 articles, and is applicable to judges at People’s Courts and Military Courts at all levels. It is recommended to be applied to judges who have retired or changed jobs.

The Code serves as the foundation for the national council for selection and supervision of judges to monitor and assess the professional ethics and conduct of judges.

The Code requires judges to first of all be loyal to the State and the Constitution, and to have good morality, firm political ideology, and resolve to protect justice.

It devotes one chapter to stipulate in detail the professional ethics of judges, including independence at work, integrity, honesty and straightforwardness. Judges must not use their position to seek interests for themselves or for others. They must not let their family members or their subordinates demand for or receive money, assets and other interests from anyone in association with their work. They have to declare personal incomes in accordance with the law.

Judges must be impartial and objective, and perform their work base on evidence, arguments at court, and the law. They must refrain from making any remarks or comments at court, at meetings, in public or to the media which can influence the objective handling of lawsuits.

The code also requires judges to behave politely, cautiously and reasonably in any activity, and demonstrate patience and kindness towards persons concerned in a trial.

VFF and NA leaders meet OV community in Russia

Delegates at the meeting  

A high-ranking delegation of the Vietnam Father Front (VFF) Central Committee and National Assembly (NA), led by VFF President Tran Thanh Man and NA Vice Chair Uong Chu Luu, met with the Vietnamese embassy staff and Overseas Vietnamese community in Russia, on September 23.

Participants at the meeting observed a minute’s silence to remember President Tran Dai Quang.

Welcoming the VFF and NA delegations, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia briefed the delegates on the performance of the embassy in all fields of political, economic and cultural diplomacy, as well as the situation of the OV community in Russia.

VFF President Tran Thanh Man spoke highly of the efforts made by the embassy staff over the past few years, which have effectively contributed to strengthening and developing the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

He stressed the significance of the recent working visits to Russia made by Vietnamese delegations, particularly the official visit made by Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in early September and the attendance of Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh at the second Asia-Europe Women's Forum.

He also updated the participants on the the country’s situation and the outcomes of his on-going visit to Russia.

Meanwhile, NA vice Chair Uong Chu Luu expressed his delight at the achievements made by the Vietnamese embassy staff and Overseas Vietnamese in Russia.

ASOSAI 14 contributory factor to raising Vietnam’s regional profile

The hosting of the 14th Assembly of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI 14) is seen as a major landmark external event, affirming the important standing of the State Audit of Vietnam (SAV) in the region and the wider world.

The ASOSAI 14 Assembly ends in great success and wins the praise of international delegates The international delegates at the event highly appreciated the role of the SAV as ASOSAI Chair for the 2018-2021 tenure, which shows the opportunity of and responsibility for the SAV’s leading role in providing fresh impetus for the ASOSAI community.

Notably, the 7th Symposium "Environmental Auditing for Sustainable Development” within the 14 ASSOSAI framework was the focus of attention by a large number of ASOSAI members and domestic and international experts.

The meeting reached its goal of building a common forum for sharing knowledge and experience as well as proposing solutions to effectively implement environmental audits towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).

SAI members, through the event, gained deep insights into environmental issues and came up with practical and effective solutions to environmental audits towards sustainable development in each country, the region and beyond.

As the host of ASOSAI 14, the SAV proposed the "Hanoi Declaration" initiative which received great support from numerous member organizations.

ASOSAI 14 with the highlight of the Hanoi Declaration indicated a long-term vision of ASOSAI in the coming period. The Hanoi Declaration affirmed the interest, efforts and practical contributions of the ASOSAI community to the United Nations’ pursuit of environmental agenda.

According to Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) members, with its ideas and significant activities shown at the Assembly, the SAV has grown rapidly and earned a public auditing reputation in the region and the world after 24 years of formation and development.

The fact shows that with more than 20 years of its ASOSAI membership, the SAV has constantly strengthened its voice and role in the development process of the organization, while doing its part in contributing to the process of boosting international integration and improving audit capacity of the ASOSAI community's SAIs.

With regard to Vietnam’s organization of the 14th ASOSAI, the head of the Thailand supreme auditing institution (SAI), Chanathap Indamra said, “I must say that Vietnam’s hosting of ASOSAI 14 is excellent, thanks to the hardworking of every section, particularly the staff of Vietnam's supreme auditing institution. They have cooperated very well with each other to manage this meeting. The hosting is very excellent and we have seen good outcomes.

Thailand SAI, as a member of ASOSAI, will keep a very close cooperation with Vietnam as the ASOSAI chair to strengthen the organization’s performance, reputation and efficiency in the coming time, and make it more trusted among member SAIs as well as make sure its outcomes to go smoothly. In this term, Vietnam SAI is the ASOSAI President, I am sure that Vietnam will make great contributions to ASOSAI and bring the organization into the next level of development. For the next term, Thailand will be the host and chair of ASOSAI in 2021, we will keep closer cooperation with Vietnam.”

Takaya Kato from Japanese SAI placed a high value on the SAV’s thorough preparations for the 14 ASOSAI Assembly as well as the host’s hospitality to delegates.

“We hope and believe that the two sides will have good cooperation for the development of ASOSAI in the future,” Kato said.

Nepalese Auditor General Tanka Mani Sharma, who is also a member of the ASOSAI Governing Board, hoped that in the new position of ASOSAI Chair, Vietnam will enhance its leading role in the development of auditing community, not only in ASOSAI but also in the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), and further promote bilateral partnership in the field.

As a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) with considerable experience, Nepal will help Vietnam build auditing capacity, thus further enhancing mutual understanding and sharing of experience and skills, he said,

With the expectations of SAI members, Vietnamese Auditor General and ASOSAI Chair Ho Duc Phoc pledged to take stronger actions to create a higher level of motivation for ASOSAI cooperation so as to fully maximize the  potential of SAI members, thus developing ASOSAI into a regional model organization towards new heights.

Environmental issues are becoming a serious threat to the growth of each country, making environmental audit for sustainable development more important, Phoc said while stating that the SAV will further step up environmental audit as well as auditing operations in the time to come to assess the management and use of resources and environmental protection of state agencies towards achieving SDGs.

PM highlights importance of Lien Chieu seaport construction

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the working session

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a working session with leaders of central Da Nang city on September 24 to discuss the construction of Lien Chieu seaport, noting that it is a well-scheduled and orderly project. 

PM Phuc said the volume of cargo going through Da Nang city’s Tien Sa port has increased recently, causing congestion in the city and hurting its socio-economic development. Many big vessels have been unable to enter the port due to its low water level. 

He lauded the municipal authorities and the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for their plan on the socialization in the construction of the Lien Chieu seaport project, including wharves, loading and unloading services, and logistics. 

The leader asked the city to directly work with the MoT and the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MoPI) to make a proposal on initial support in order to accelerate the project’s progress. 

As the Lien Chieu seaport lies in an important location, its planning should be made synchronously and thoroughly, towards building a modern and world-class seaport, he said. 

The PM suggested that the city could establish a steering committee or a special working group to launch the project. 

The municipal authorities reported that cargo via Da Nang port grew by 16.2 percent annually and is forecast to surge to nearly 10 million tonnes by 2020, and about 30 million tonnes by 2030 – which is beyond the capacity of the port’s Tien Sa and Son Tra wharves for that period. 

Recently, cargo from Tien Sa port to Yet Kieu, Ngo Quyen, and Ngu Hanh Son highways have jumped up, causing deadly accidents caused by container trucks and trailers, which is of great concern to all. 

So far, a feasibility report for the Lien Chieu port project has been completed, while a report on capital appraisal has been submitted to the MoPI. 

The MoPI is collecting feedback from the Ministry of Finance and the MoT on the project.

HCMC wants to boost cooperation with Sweden

Chairman of the People’s Committee of HCM City Nguyen Thanh Phong and the delegation of Sweden’s Uppsala County

Chairman of the People’s Committee of HCM City Nguyen Thanh Phong on September 21 hosted a reception for Governor for Uppsala County of Sweden, Stig Goran Enander.

At the reception, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong said that the city is facing with challenges and opportunities from the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).

Building HCMC into a smart city is a necessary step to open chances for foreign investors, including those from Sweden and Uppsala, he added.

For his part, Stig Goran Enander affirmed that Swedish enterprises, including Uppsala firms hope for further cooperation in Vietnam and HCMC in fields of education, environment, communication, high tech, research and development.