NA Vice Chairman wraps up US visit

NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty (R) meets US friends who have supported Vietnam in its past struggle for national liberation and current nation building cause 

The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) will continue providing support for Vietnam’s overseas representative offices, affirmed NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty while talking to Vietnamese officials who are working in New York.

Ty asked Vietnamese representative offices to update and study the host country’s commercial policies to submit appropriate response to the legislature.

He met officials of the Vietnamese permanent mission to the United Nations and Vietnam’s representative offices, as well as correspondents of Vietnam News Agency and Vietnam Television in New York during his working visit to the city from July 26-27.

Meeting several US friends, Ty recalled important milestones in the relations between Vietnam and the US.

US friends, in turn, made proposals helping Vietnam carry out strategies related to the bilateral ties.

The NA Vice Chairman paid a working tour to the US from July 21-27.

OVs in Czech Republic hailed for community development

Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam 

Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam has praised organisations and associations of Vietnamese expats in the Czech Republic for their role in and contributions to developing the Vietnamese community and promoting Vietnam’s culture in the host country. 

Nam, who is also Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV), expressed his joy at the development of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic during working sessions with representatives from the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, the Vietnamese Association, and the Vietnamese Buddhist Association on the occasion of his working visit to the country from July 24-26. 

Over the recent years, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic has been one of the most active with a sense of solidarity, cordiality and mutual support, he said, stressing that it has made positive contributions to the host country as well as Vietnam.

Nam affirmed the Party and State are always attentive to the Vietnamese community abroad in general and that in the Czech Republic in particular, emphasizing that they are an integral part of the nation. 

The official took note of recommendations by the Vietnamese community regarding the construction of pagodas, development of Vietnamese language centres, and promotion of youth movement in Czech and those related to policies to attract talents. 

The SCOV always assists overseas Vietnamese in stabilising their lives, preserving the nation’s cultural identities, he reaffirmed, calling on the community to continue upholding the solidarity to make it stronger. 

Nam also asked the community to strictly abide by the law of the host country, and integrate deeply into the local society, as well as turn their hearts towards the homeland.

Within the framework of the visit, Deputy Minster Nam presented the SCOV’s certificate of merit to six organisations for their active contributions to building and developing the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic.

Vietnam wishes to enhance comprehensive partnership with Canada

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and outgoing Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Ping Kitnikon 

Vietnam always treasures and wishes to strengthen its comprehensive partnership with Canada in an effective and practical manner, President Tran Dai Quang has affirmed.

The State leader made the affirmation at a reception in Hanoi on July 26 for outgoing Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Ping Kitnikone.

President Quang said he is pleased with the comprehensive and significant development of the Vietnam-Canada ties over the past time, noting that the two countries have shared a number of interests in bilateral relations as well as at regional and global forums.

He recalled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s attendance in the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Da Nang city and his official visit to Vietnam in November 2017, during which the two nations set up their comprehensive partnership.

Vietnam and Canada are coordinating well in organising activities to mark the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations this year, he said.

According to President Quang, together with the solidification of ties in traditional fields such as exchange of all-level delegations, economy-trade-investment, development cooperation, education-training, and people-to-people exchange, the two countries should enhance collaboration in areas with great potential like defence-security, science-technology, climate change response, sustainable development, and infrastructure development.

Ambassador Ping Kitnikone stressed that the establishment of the Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership has created a foundation for the two nations to expand their relations in all fields, from politics and defence-security to education-training, science-technology, and people-to-people exchange.

It also offered an opportunity for the strengthening of cooperation at multilateral forums and organisations such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the International Organisation of Francophone, the World Trade Organisation, and the Comprehensive Partnership and Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), she added.

Canada supports Vietnam in its bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and believes the country will well perform this role, said the ambassador.

According to Ping Kitnikone, trade, investment and education are dynamic development cooperation areas between Vietnam and Canada in recent years. Vietnam has become the largest trade partner of Canada in ASEAN.

Canada appreciates the academic achievements of around 14,000 Vietnamese students in the country, she said, adding that his nation prioritises granting scholarships to Asian students, 30 percent of which will be dedicated to Vietnamese.

Sharing views with the diplomat, President Quang said Vietnam applauds the Canadian Government’s policy of increasing connectivity with the world, particularly the Asia-Pacific, as well as attaching importance to relations with Vietnam and ASEAN.  

Thanking the Canadian Government for backing Vietnam in international issues, President Quang said the two countries need to further their cooperation, both regionally and internationally, while continuing coordination at important multilateral forums and mechanisms like the UN, APEC, ASEAN, the International Organisation of Francophone, and CPTPP.

Vietnam offers aid to victims of dam collapse in Laos

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung (R) hands over 200,000 USD in aid relief from the Vietnamese Government to Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane in order to help the country in the aftermath of the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung on July 26 handed over 200,000 USD in aid relief from the Vietnamese Government to Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane in order to help the country in the aftermath of the collapse of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam.

At the event, Trung affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam are willing to assist Laos in overcoming the incident. 

For his part, the Lao Ambassador thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for the support, saying that the assistance will be sent to those in need as soon as possible.

Earlier on July 24 and 25, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; President Tran Dai Quang; Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc; National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan; and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh all sent messages of sympathy to their Lao counterparts over the great human and property losses caused by the collapse of the hydropower dam in Attapeu province.

The Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam collapsed at 8pm on July 23, releasing 5 billion cubic metres of water which completely isolated Sanamxay district. 

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said at a press conference on July 25 that the dam collapse had already affected 13 villages and is now affecting six others as the floods are still ongoing.

He informed that 587 families with 3,060 people have been made homeless, and 131 people are still missing. 

The Sepien-Senamnoi hydro electric power plant is being constructed by the Sepien-Senamnoi Power Company (PNPC), which is a joint-venture of SK Engineering and Construction (SK E&C), Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding (RATCH) and Lao Holding State Enterprise (LHSE).

Construction of the project began in February 2013 and commercial operations were expected to begin this year.

NA Chairwoman meets with outstanding workers

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (second, left) meets some winners of the third Nguyen Duc Canh Award 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan hosted a reception for 70 workers who have been honoured with the third Nguyen Duc Canh Award given by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) to outstanding labourers with excellent ideas, technological solutions, and inventions.

The NA leader said that she is impressed with the achievements of the workers who introduced a total of 781 projects, ideas, and technological solutions which generated a profit of 74 trillion VND (3.2 billion USD).

The honoured labourers are good examples of energy, dynamism, and creativeness, as well as the ability to overcome difficulties and make contributions to the growth of their companies, she said.

Highlighting that modernisation and industrialisation are strategic tasks in boosting the country’s development, the top legislator stressed that Vietnamese workers, regardless of their field of work, should be made aware of the Party’s policies and orientations in national development.

Ngan asked trade unions at all levels to continue to seek and honour excellent collectives and individuals.

She also pledged that the NA will provide adequate resources to care for labourers, while supervising the implementation of support policies for them, as well as policies related to wages, social insurance, and health insurance.

President bids farewell to outgoing Belgian ambassador

President Tran Dai Quang shakes hands with outgoing Belgian ambassador Jehanne Roccas 

President Tran Dai Quang on July 26 hosted a reception for the Ambassador of Belgium Jehanne Roccas who is due to finish her mission in Vietnam.

Quang spoke highly of Roccas’ contributions to fostering the Vietnam-Belgium cooperation and mutual understanding, particularly in events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations earlier this year.

Vietnam attaches great importance to deepening its friendship with Belgium, President Quang said, adding that the two nations are now significant economic partners with bilateral trade relatively higher than that between Vietnam and any other European country.

Educational cooperation is one of the highlights of bilateral ties in politics, culture, and education which have made decent progress at all levels over the years, helping the two countries to promote the image of each other among their people, he said.

To further bolster relations in the time ahead, President Quang urged Belgium to push for the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which is scheduled to take place in Brussels this October. In addition, he suggested both sides to soon conclude a new framework for expanded cooperation in agriculture in an effort to ensure food security and adaption to climate change.

He also lauded the effective coordination between Vietnam and Belgium at international and multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and ASEAN. He moved on to wish Belgium success in its hosting of the 12th ASEM Summit in October this year.

Ambassador Roccas, for her part, highlighted the positive results in the Vietnam-Belgium partnership in politics, economics, and development cooperation.

She said her country will continue supporting Vietnam in the coming time and that Belgium, along with some other European nations, are looking to set up a university in Vietnam. According to the Belgian diplomat, the Free University of Brussels has offered in-country postgraduate courses in Vietnam over the last 23 years, with more than 2,200 graduates, many of whom now hold senior positions at local governmental bodies.

Belgium treasures its ties with Vietnam, backing Vietnam in strengthening relations with the EU and the early signing of the EVFTA, she stressed. It also supports Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and is ready to share with Vietnam experience in UN peacekeeping operations.

Vietnam, Laos intensify cooperation in inspection work

At the talk between the Vietnamese and Lao Government Inspectorates held on July 26 

Vietnamese Government Inspector General Le Minh Khai and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Government Inspector General Bunthoong Chitmany have shared experiences in steering and managing inspection affairs,  settling denunciations and complaints, and combating corruption.

At their talk in Hanoi on July 26, both officials spoke highly of the results of cooperation between the two Government Inspectorates, and agreed to further intensify friendship and cooperative ties in the time ahead.

They discussed measures to organise training courses for Lao inspectors in 2018 and 2019.

Khai took the occasion to extend his profound sympathy to the Lao Party, Government and people for the great losses caused by the recent dam collapse in Attapeu province.

He expressed his hope that the Lao people will soon be able to stabilise their lives and recover production.

The Lao official thanked Vietnam for its sympathy and assistance in addressing the consequences of the incident.

He expressed his belief that the effective cooperation between the Government Inspectorates of Vietnam and Laos will contribute to bolstering the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

PM Phuc offers incenses to heroic martyrs

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (middle)launches the online portal providing information of martyrs and martyrs’ graves 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc offered incense to martyrs at Son Tay cemetery in Son Tay town of Hanoi on July 26 to mark the 71st anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

Youngsters and people nationwide also lit candles and burnt incenses to pay tribute to martyrs at more than 3,000 martyrs’ cemeteries across the country, including those in Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Tri, Ha Giang, Dak Lak and Tay Ninh.

In a ceremony broadcast live on Vietnam National Television, PM Phuc and head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Organisation Pham Minh Chinh presented certificates recognising the contributions of 30 martyrs’ families out of the 442 families receiving the certificate on this occasion.

The PM launched the online portal providing information of martyrs and martyrs’ graves at www.thongtinlietsi.gov.vn which was built by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Information and Communications.

Addressing the event, the Government leader expressed his deep gratitude towards Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs and revolutionary contributors.

He said the devotion and sacrifice by older generations who died for the nation’s revolution will be remembered forever.

Over the past 71 years, the Party, State and society have paid much attention to caring for martyrs’ families, wounded soldiers and revolutionary contributors. However, many martyrs have yet to be recognised, which remains a key task of the Party and State.

“Despite the achievements in the work, we should not stop but must exert more efforts to care for revolutionary contributors and their families,” stated the PM.

So far, data on nearly 850,000 martyrs’ graves, or 95.6 percent of the total graves at more than 3,000 cemeteries across the country has been gathered and put online, making it easier for martyrs’ families to find the graves.

Currently, about 200,000 martyrs’ remains have yet been laid to rest in cemeteries, while more than 300,000 other sets of remains are buried in cemeteries without full information.

Prior to the ceremony, PM Phuc met with leaders of Son Tay town to discuss the caring of revolutionary contributors in the locality.

He also visited and presented gifts to Vietnamese Heroic Mother Nguyen Thi Teo, and the families of Dang Duc Thuan and Pham Van Y who were seriously wounded in war.

Leaders pay tribute to heroic martyrs

Leaders and former leaders laid wreaths at the Monument for Heroic Martyrs in Hanoi. 

A delegation of the Party Central Committee, President, National Assembly (NA), Government and Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee on July 27 laid wreaths at the Monument for Heroic Martyrs and President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

The delegation included General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, former Party General Secretaries Le Kha Phieu and Nong Duc Manh, President Tran Dai Quang, former President Tran Duc Luong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, former NA Chairman Nguyen Van An, and President of the VFF Central Committee Tran Thanh Man. 

The leaders and former leaders then paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. 

The same day, many delegations from the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Government Office, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and Hanoi city also laid wreaths in memory of martyrs and paid homage to President Ho Chi Minh.

The Vietnam Invalids and Martyrs Day is a special chance for the entire country to commemorate millions of martyrs and war invalids who sacrificed their lives and health during the wars.

In 1947, just two years after President Ho Chi Minh delivered the declaration of independence, the first decree on preferential policies for war invalids and fallen soldiers was issued. 

The same year, July 27 was designated as the national war invalids day, which was later renamed the War Invalids and Martyrs Day, to call on the entire community to support war invalids and martyrs’ families in acknowledgement of their contributions to the nation. 

71st War Invalids and Martyrs Day marked in Laos

Counselor Nguyen Thanh Tung leads a delegation to offer incense to fallen soldiers (Source: nhandan.com.vn)

The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos on July 26 held an incense offering ceremony in commemoration of heroes and martyrs at the Ban Kon Martyrs’ Cemetery in Vientiane province, Laos, on the occasion of 71st  War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

The ceremony was attended by Counselor Nguyen Thanh Tung, Deputy Governor of Vientiane Province Bounsone Phetlavanh, and representatives from the Laos War Veterans' Association and the Vietnamese community in Laos, among others.

Counselor Tung said that the event was to commemorate and pay tribute to both Vietnamese and Lao heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence and freedom of the two countries.

It also offered a chance to look back on the tradition of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder against the common enemy in the past and working together in the current nation building and defence of the two countries, the diplomat added.

The two countries’ young generations should uphold the tradition and contribute to maintaining the bilateral time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, Tung stressed.

Veteran Khamphone Chaleonsak said that on this occasion each year, he often visits the Ban Kon Martyrs’ Cemetery and offers incense to commemorate fallen revolutionary soldiers of the two countries.

This is an important historical venue for today’s and tomorrow’s generations to remember contributions by revolutionary soldiers to the two nations, thus understanding more about the Laos-Vietnam combatant alliance, the veteran said.

Vietnam, Laos boost cooperation in Party inspection work

Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Inspection Commission Tran Cam Tu (R) receives his Lao counterpart Bunthoong Chitmany, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Government Inspector General of Laos 

The Inspection Commissions of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee should work together to effectively implement their cooperation agreements and share experience in the inspection and supervision work  as well as in combating corruption, said a senior CPV official.

Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Inspection Commission Tran Cam Tu made the recommendation during a meeting with his Lao counterpart Bunthoong Chitmany, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Government Inspector General of Laos, in Hanoi on July 26.

Tu congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on important achievements they have reaped after two years of implementing the Resolution of the 10th National Congress of the LPRP, including contributions by the LPRP Central Committee’s Inspection Commission and the Lao Government Inspectorate.

The official said after three years of performing the Resolution of the 12th National Congress of the CPV, Vietnam has seen positive progress in all fields despite a wide range of difficulties and challenges. Vietnam has successfully stabilised its macro-economy, curbed inflation, ensured social security and firmly maintained defence and security, he said.

The country has also stepped up efforts to fortify the Party, strengthen the political system and intensify the fight against corruption, while the inspection and supervision work has been enhanced, Tu added.

Bunthoong Chitmany briefed his host about Laos’ achievements in socio-economic development and politics in the recent past.

He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Laos will join hands with Vietnam to preserve and nurture the special solidarity between the two nations.

HCM City leader receives Japanese parliamentarians

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan (R) received Ryu Shionoya, President of the Japan-Mekong Parliamentary Friendship Association on July 26 

Ho Chi Minh City and Japan hold great cooperation potential in areas of mutual concern, including experience sharing in flood prevention and startups, said Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on July 26.

The municipal official made the statement while receiving a delegation of Japanese parliamentarians led by Ryu Shionoya, President of the Japan-Mekong Parliamentary Friendship Association.

At the meeting, Nhan noted that many visits by high-ranking officials have been exchanged recently, contributing to the Vietnam-Japan Strategic Partnership.

He took the occasion to extend his sympathies to his guest for the losses caused by recent natural disasters in Japan, saying that Vietnam and Japan share many similarities, both in terms of culture and impact of climate change.

In addition to education and training, human resources development in nursing also has room for cooperation. The two sides should foster collaboration in foreign language and technical training, as well as promotion programmes for labourers, Nhan added.

In response, Ryu Shionoya said that this visit by Japanese parliamentarians to Vietnam aimed to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam and other countries in the Mekong region.

He said that Japan highly values Vietnam’s potential and role in the Mekong region and ASEAN, and wishes to tighten its friendship with Vietnam, contributing to regional stability and socio-economic development.

Lauding the active development of HCM City, the guest vowed that he will further promote cooperation programmes between the city and Japan, especially in trade, investment, education, and training.

At the meeting, the municipal Secretary and the Japanese parliamentarians discussed the important role of female parliamentarians, healthcare, education and training, and human resources quality and improvement, among others.

Japan is currently the third biggest trade partner and the largest foreign investor of HCM City, with about 1,000 projects totalling 4 billion USD. The city has set up relations with seven localities of Japan and organised numerous cooperation activities with the country.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosts Lao Deputy PM Bunthoong Chitmany

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Deputy Prime Minister and Inspector General of Laos Bunthoong Chitmany 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomed visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Inspector General of Laos Bunthoong Chitmany in Hanoi on July 26.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, PM Phuc again extended his profound sympathy to the Lao Party, Government and people for severe losses caused by the dam collapse in Attapeu province.

He informed the guest that he had immediately made a phone call to his Lao counterpart Thoonglun Sisulith to talk about the incident, and affirmed that Vietnam is willing to help Laos recover production and soon stabilise the lives of people in the affected area.

The Vietnamese Government decided to provide 200,000 USD as relief aid for the Lao government to help the country in the aftermath of the collapse, he said, adding that he had directed the State Committee for Incidents and Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related offices to study and propose measures to assist the Lao side.

On behalf of the Lao Party, State and people, the Lao Deputy PM expressed his gratitude for the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their sympathy and support following the largest ever incident which has caused serious impact on locals’ lives and the country’s socio-economic development. 

The Lao leader also informed PM Phuc of the outcomes of his working session with the Vietnamese Inspector General, confirming that the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam has provided assistance for the Lao side in all fields, especially in training and improving the capacity of Lao inspectors.

Regarding Laos’ socio-economic development situation in the first months of 2018, Chitmany shared the Lao Government is working to solve difficulties for the business community, while stepping up investment promotion and facilitating investment of foreign firms, including those from Vietnam.

PM Phuc stressed that the Vietnamese Government encourages and facilitates cooperation between the two inspectorate agencies in inspection activities, the settlement of denunciations and complaints, and corruption prevention, including the training of Lao inspectors.

He affirmed the Vietnamese Party and Government attach importance to inspection work, settlement of denunciations and complaints, and prevention of corruption and wastefulness, with the Government Inspectorate holding important role.

He expressed his hope that the two agencies will intensify bilateral cooperation to increase the efficiency of inspection work, thus contributing more to the two countries’ special solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

PM visits war martyrs’ families in Hanoi

PM Phuc talks to Vu Thi Nhan, 98, mother of martyr Trinh Dinh Khoi 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the families of war martyrs Trinh Dinh Khoi and Dang Thuy Tram in Hanoi on July 26, as part of activities marking the 71st anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27). 

At the house of Khoi's family in Minh Khai ward, Hai Ba Trung district, the PM lit incence in memory of the young soldier, who died when only 19 years old on the Quang Tri battlefield. The location of his remains is yet to be found.

He also talked to Khoi’s mother, Vu Thi Nhan, 98, and wished her good health.

Later, he paid homage to military doctor Dang Thuy Tram at her mother’s house in Doi Can ward, Ba Dinh district. 

Born in 1942, doctor Tram worked at the Duc Pho District hospital in the central province of Quang Ngai. She died during an ambush in 1970.

PM Phuc stated the Vietnamese Party and Government always remembers contributions of war martyrs to the national independence and pays attention to caring for families of revolutionary contributors.

Vietnam, Singapore to intensify judicial cooperation

Chief Justice Nguyen Hoa Binh of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam. 

Vietnam and Singapore will intensify judicial cooperation following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Chief Justice Nguyen Hoa Binh of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam and his Singaporean counterpart Sundaresh Menon on July 25.

The signing ceremony between the two chief justices took place following their talks held within the framework of the 6th Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) meeting and related meetings which are underway in Singapore from July 24 – 27.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Singapore Sundaresh Menon suggested establishing a channel between the two sides for information exchange on transnational disputes, and setting up cooperation between the Singapore International Commercial Court and the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam.

He also proposed the two sides to together develop model rules on the service abroad of judicial documents in civil matters, consider the signing of a document guiding the enforcement of money judgments, and promote the signing of an MoU for partnership between Singapore Judicial College and Vietnam Court Academy.

Binh, for his part, voiced his support for his host’s proposals. At the same time, he asked the Singaporean side to send experienced judges to train judicial lecturers in Vietnam, and to assist Vietnam in formulating a bill on court-based conciliation. 

He also congratulated the Singapore International Commercial Court on its recent achievements, saying he will help improve awareness of the court among Vietnamese enterprises.

Vietnam highly appreciates the coordination and support the Supreme Court of Singapore has given to its Vietnamese counterpart over the past several years, particularly in developing the code of ethics for Vietnamese judges. 

Chief Justice Nguyen Hoa Binh is leading the Vietnamese delegation to the 6th Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) meeting and related meetings.

Lotte calls for authorities’ support in building Thu Thiem eco-urban complex

Participants of the reception pose for a photo with  Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan (fifth, from left) and Vice Chairman of the Lotte Group Hwang Kag-gyu (fourth, from left) at the centre (Source: HCMCPV.ORG.VN)

The Korea-based Lotte Group wants assistance from authorities in Ho Chi Minh City to implement its eco-urban complex project at the city’s Thu Thiem New Urban Area, said a leader of the company.

Vice Chairman of the Lotte Group Hwang Kag-gyu made the statement while being received by Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan in the city on July 25.

Hwang said his group’s investment idea in the Thu Thiem area formed in 1994 turned into a reality after representatives of Lotte and HCM City signed a contract on the eco-urban complex project in July 2017.

He said Lotte expects further support from the city so it can quickly begin building the complex. 

Hwang said member companies of his group want to take part in the city’s urban railway project and are ready for bidding. They are also interested in building local wastewater treatment facilities.

Lotte wants support for long-term investment in Vietnam, he affirmed.

The HCM City Party Committee’s Secretary Nhan welcomed Lotte’s projects in Vietnam, saying they have contributed to the two nations’ relations.

Noting the good progress of the 900-million-USD eco-urban complex, the official stated that the city will help it be constructed soon.

He said there are other projects for Lotte to join in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, suggesting building a financial centre and other financial facilities.

Nhan revealed that the city is designing a planning project for Thu Duc District, District 9 and District 2 to make them innovative urban areas and the core of the 4th Industrial Revolution in HCM City.

The Lotte Group has operated in Vietnam since 1996, opening 16 member companies for its investment in the country.

Vietnam and China to strengthen defence ties

Sen. Lt. Gen. Luong Cuong (L), Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army, meets with Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, in Beijing on July 25 

Senior military officers of Vietnam and China have emphasised the need for stronger defence ties to boost mutual understanding and trust during meetings in Beijing.

The delegation of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), led by Sen. Lt. Gen. Luong Cuong, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission’s standing board and Chairman of the VPA’s General Department of Politics, visited China from July 22 to 26.

At a meeting on July 25, Zhang Youxia, Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China welcomed the trip, describing it as a contribution to defence relations between the two countries, including between the two armies’ political agencies.

He applauded the outcomes of talks between the Vietnamese delegation and officers of the Political Work Department of the Chinese Central Military Commission, affirming that the two countries’ cooperation has been reinforced and developed recently.

Defence cooperation, including sharing experience in Party building and political work, building politically strong armies and enhancing the Communist Parties’ leadership of each country’s army, is of critical importance, he noted.

Zhang said China and Vietnam are good neighbours and share many similarities. China treasures its relationship with Vietnam and will boost coordination to solidify ties.

He said defence ties are important, and he wants the two sides to foster connections in this field through building cooperation mechanisms, maintaining regular meetings, reviewing and making cooperation plans and working together to defeat hostile forces’ plots to drive a wedge between them.

For his part, Luong Cuong reiterated that Vietnam considers China a leading partner and will exert every effort to develop bilateral friendship. 

He voiced his belief that the countries’ defence cooperation, including in Party building and political work, will enjoy new strides, contributing to relations between the two nations.

On July 24, the Vietnamese delegation had talks with officers of the Political Work Department of the Chinese Central Military Commission led by Miao Hua, member of the Chinese commission and head of the Political Work Department.

Miao Hua emphasised that both China and Vietnam are socialist nations, have similar goals and interests and share certain issues of common concern. Therefore, his country wants to consolidate the time-tested friendship with Vietnam.

Luong Cuong congratulated the Chinese Party, government and people on their achievements in national development and socialism building. He stressed that relations between the two Parties and states have continually developed and harvested many important outcomes. Notably, leaders have made mutual visits and meetings through which they agreed to increase discussing strategies, strengthen political trust and promote the development of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

At the talks, the two sides agreed that in the context of complicated global and regional situations, the two armies need to enhance cooperation and friendship exchanges, thereby deepening mutual understanding and trust.

Over the years, bilateral relations have soundly developed. Vietnamese and Chinese leaders have also created favourable conditions for the armies to bolster cooperation and realise the joint vision statement on defence cooperation until 2025 between the two ministries of national defence, they noted.

The two sides agreed on the need to resolve disagreements by peaceful means on the basis of the agreements reached between their leaders, adding that the armies are taking the lead in implementing those deals.

Dak Nong’s implementation of CLV cooperation deals reviewed

Cooperation in Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Area 

Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Nguyen Van Giau met with leaders of the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on July 25 to review the implementation of cooperation agreements within the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Area. 

Dak Nong shares more than 130km of land border with the Cambodian province of Mondulkiri, stretching across seven communes in four districts which are viewed as extremely disadvantaged areas.

To implement the agreements, Dak Nong and Mondulkiri have strengthened relations with notable progress seen in the fields of infrastructure development, trade promotion, investment, industry, agriculture, forestry, poverty reduction, and national security and defence. 

The two provinces have inked a deal to foster cooperation in socio-economic development from 2016-2020, in which Dak Nong has supported Mondulkiri in building a number of projects and provided the Cambodian province with a significant amount of electrical equipment and construction materials.

The two sides’ health agencies have intensified partnership in border quarantine control and food safety inspection. Hospitals in Dak Nong have provided medical check-ups for many high-level officials from its neighbouring province, including senior cadres of Mondulkiri province.

In a bid to effectively implement the CLV Development Triangle agreement, Dak Nong proposed that the Vietnamese Government soon conclude negotiations with the Cambodian side on the upgrading of the Dak Peur-Nam Lyr border gates to boost local socio-economic development. The province also asked for financial support to renovate transport infrastructure around its Bu Prang and Dak Puer border gates as roads leading to these gates are in very bad condition, hindering bilateral trade and diplomatic activities.

At the meeting, Giau spoke highly of the province’s efforts to bolster the implementation of the three countries’ agreement. He pledged to send its proposals to the NA and Government and requested Dak Nong to identify sectors which are key to the implementation of the cooperation.

NA Chairwoman visits National Archives Centre

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on July 25 visited the National Archives Centre No.3 in Hanoi. 

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on July 25 visited the National Archives Centre No.3 in Hanoi where about 72,000 old personal documents and items of those who served in the southern battlefield from 1959-1975 are being kept.

The visit was made as the country celebrates the 71st anniversary of the Vietnam War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947). Ngan was accompanied by Minister of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Trieu Van Cuong.

The centre is currently keeping a range of personal documents and items, such as birth certificates, identity cards, diplomas and degrees, certificates of merit, personal letters, and badges of those who rendered their service to the country between 1959 and 1975. They were soldiers, nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers, writers, reporters, performers, and more serving in the southern battlefield during the anti-US war.

The NA leader lauded staff of the National Archives Centre No.3, a member of the National Archives of Vietnam, for managing such a large amount of historic documents that record the activities of central agencies and individuals since 1945. She also spoke highly of the centre’s efforts in storing and preserving the documents and items, which have survived over time almost completely intact.

The centre has made efforts to make its archives more accessible using modern technology. Once the documents and items have been classified, they are then processed into the centre’s digital database, aiming to help those interested, such as relatives looking for information about their loved ones.

Referring to them as precious historical objects, NA Chairwoman Ngan asked the NA Office to continue coordinating with the National Archives of Vietnam in events that promote the value of the old documents and items.

However, even after several decades, these historical records have remained relatively unknown to the public. She urged news outlets, particularly those at local levels, to provide the public with more information about them so that those who served in the southern battlefield and their relatives can contact the centre to retrieve such items. 

Top Lao leader receives Vietnamese Party officials

LPRP General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith 

Head of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC)’s Commission for Information and Education Vo Van Thuong has affirmed that Vietnam will do its best together with Laos to educate younger generations about the special relationship between the two countries. 

Thuong, who is also Politburo member and Secretary of the CPVCC, made the statement during a meeting with General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Bounnhang Volachith in Vientiane on July 25 during his trip to the country to attend the sixth theoretical workshop between the two Parties. 

He congratulated Laos on its important achievements after two years of implementing the Resolution adopted by the 10th National Party Congress, believing that under the leadership of the LPRP, the Lao people will continue to gain new and greater successes in the renovation process, towards successfully holding the 11th National Party Congress. 

On behalf of Vietnamese Party, State leaders, and people, Thuong extended profound condolences to the Lao counterparts over losses caused by the recent hydropower dam collapse and expressed his belief that the Lao people in affected areas will soon be able to overcome the incident, restore production, and stabilise their lives. 

The Vietnamese official informed the host about the outcomes of the workshop between the two Parties, saying that both sides discussed the achievements, shortcomings, and lessons in the ideological work, and proposed measures to improve it in the current context. 

He said the CPVCC’s Commission for Information and Education and the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training will continue working closely together to realise the resolutions of each Party, raise public awareness of the Vietnam-Laos special ties, and prevent distorted allegations of hostile forces that aim to divide the bilateral relationship. 

Volachith, for his part, vowed to join hands with Vietnam to reinforce the special solidarity and everlasting ties between the two nations. 

According to the Lao leader, the ideological work is significant to Party-building and the workshop brought both sides a chance to enrich arguments about the ideological work during the renovation process in the two countries. 

The host wished that both sides would increase the sharing of information and topics of mutual concern in order to point out urgent issues in national construction and defence. 

He thanked Vietnamese leaders for conveying their sympathy over losses caused by the recent hydropower dam collapse, which he said, reflects the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity. 

Earlier on the same day, Thuong held a working session with head of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, during which they debated the information-education work and cooperation between the two commissions in the near future. 

They pledged to effectively realise the agreements made between the two Parties’ leaders, as well as the cooperation agreement between the two commissions for the 2016-2021 period. They also agreed to share information and experience in the information and education work, direct information and education agencies from the central to local levels to offer mutual support to successfully implement the resolutions of each Party. 

During the trip, Thuong is scheduled to visit Bolikhamxay province and hold a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos. 

Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council Ta Ngoc Tan will hold a working session with Sonethanou Thammavong, Chairman of the Lao Academy of Social Sciences and Vice Chairman of the Lao National Council for Social Sciences.

Vietnam – Laos theoretical workshop closes

At the event

The sixth theoretical workshop between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) wrapped up in Vientiane, Laos, on July 25.

At the two-day event, scientists and delegates from both sides delivered and discussed reports on key issues of the ideological work in the current situation in Vietnam and Laos.

The reports focused on decisive elements to the ideological work in each country and analysised realities and solutions.

Participants agreed that over the past 30 years of implementing their comprehensive renewal policy, Vietnam and Laos have obtained great achievements, which proved the rightness and creativeness of the renewal policy of the two Parties. Economic development is a central task and Party building is a key task while the development of culture and human resources is the spiritual foundation and ensuring security-defence is a vital and regular task.

They stressed on realities that require the two Parties and countries to continue studying, supplementing and completing theories to strengthen and consolidate the ideological work in the current situation in Vietnam and Laos.

Studies presented at the workshops are expected to help Vietnamese and Lao theoretical research agencies improve the quality and effectiveness of their consulting work, thus contributing to successfully implementing Party congress resolutions of each country as well as national reform in Vietnam and Laos.

PM hosts investors interested in Bac Lieu power project

At the reception

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 25 for investors who are planning to pour capital into a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled power project in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu.

The project has a total investment of 91.4 trillion VND (around 4 billion USD). It will cover an area of 100 hectares with a total capacity of 3,200 MW.

If the investors get support and cooperation from the government, ministries and sectors of Vietnam, they expect to begin operation of the first turbine with a capacity of 1,000 MW within the next three years.

According to the investors’ report, the factory’s exhaust emission will be at low level as compared to coal-fueled power projects and there is almost no other waste that can pollute the environment.

Bac Lieu province’s authorities evaluated the project as feasible and its electricity price of 7 US cents is reasonable and lower than that of power produced by coal-fueled plants, wind power or solar power farms.

PM Phuc said the Mekong Delta holds great potential for gas-fueled power projects and many investors have showed their desire to build such plants in the region.

The government leader assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN), relevant ministries and agencies to add this project (if highly feasible) into the country’s power development strategy so that it could start producing electricity in 2021.

He requested the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Bac Lieu province and concerned ministries and agencies to instruct the investors complete investment procedures.

This is a big project, therefore all stages must be conducted strictly and in line with regulations, PM Phuc said, adding that the project must minimize its effects on the environment and its electricity price must be competitive and progress must be ensured.-

Deputy PM requests fixing land use plans before equitisation

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has requested fixing land use plans before equitisation, given that many State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are focused on land value instead of investing in their core areas. 

Addressing a meeting of the Steering Committee on Enterprise Renovation and Development in Hanoi on July 25, Deputy PM Hue, who is also head of the committee, said the progress of equitisation and divestment remains slow due to prolonged price evaluation and stricter regulations. 

He asked the Government Office and the committee to complete reports on the effort to submit to the PM, permanent members of the Secretariat, and the National Assembly Standing Committee for consideration between now and the year’s end. 

Ministries, agencies, corporations, and localities were required to closely abide by the conclusions made by the PM and head of the committee at Notice No.72; the refined legal framework as guided at the Decree No.126/2017/ND-CP on turning SOEs into joint stock companies; and Decree No.32/2018/ND-CP on amendments to Decree No.91.2015/ND-CP on pouring State capital into enterprises. 

The Government Office was assigned to work with the steering committee to review adjustments in equitisation and divestment plans as concluded by the PM, ministries, agencies, and localities. Difficulties and recommendations during the process must be reported to the government, ministries, and agencies in preparation for a national conference between the PM and businesses in the near future. 

It is impossible to sacrifice quality in order to progress and conduct equitisation at any costs, he said, adding that what matters is the efficiency, corporate governance, and benefits gained after equitisation. 

In the first half of this year, 19 SOEs had their equitisation plans approved with a total chartered capital of more than 22 trillion VND (960 million USD). Over 22.45 trillion VND was collected in 16 initial public offerings and stakes sales for strategic shareholders, reported the committee. 

According to approved equitisation plans, the 16 firms had a chartered capital upwards of 136.2 trillion VND, including the PetroVietnam Power Corporation, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Vietnam Rubber Group, and Vietnam Southern Food Corporation. 

Revenue from divestment by 42 SOEs hit 5.598 trillion VND during the period, raising the total income from equitisation and divestment to roughly 198,000 trillion VND since 2016. Up to 115 trillion VND was sent to the State budget, equal to nearly half of five-year public finance plan. 

The PM has approved plans to reshuffle agro-forestry companies by ministries, agencies, and localities. As many as 160 out of 249 units have completed reshuffle procedures. 

After one year spent fixing the shortcomings of 12 delayed and inefficient projects under the watch of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, two of them have bounced back to earn profits, four others have cut losses and become stable. Amongst the three projects which were forced to shut down, one has been able to resume its operations.

Such projects have contributed to generating thousands of jobs and socio-political stability, laying the foundation to thoroughly dealing with the remaining projects, towards addressing all 12 projects by 2020. 

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s Decision No.1232/QD-TTg, up to 62 SOEs will be handed over to the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) between 2017 and 2020. Last year, 24 of them were transferred to the SCIC with a total capital of 821.14 billion VND while three others came under its helm in the first half of the year. 

From January to June, there were 64,531 newly-established firms nationwide, up 5.3 percent annually. Their total registered capital amounted to more than 648.9 billion VND, up 8.9 percent year on year.

HCM City wants to strengthen bonds with Australia

At the reception (Photo: news.zing.vn)

Ho Chi Minh City hopes to enhance cooperation with Australia in several potential fields to bring practical benefits for people on both sides, said Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee and Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam.

Hosting a reception for Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Tony Smith on July 25, Tam spoke highly of her guest’s visit to Vietnam, saying that it will help foster sound cooperation between the two nations.

As a leading locality in foreign affairs and cooperation with foreign countries, Ho Chi Minh City has organised a string of friendship programmes with Australia, as well as carried out effective activities across education and training, investment, tourism, and culture, she noticed.

Describing the municipal socio-economic development, Tam said that besides robust achievements, the city still faces some challenges in its urban development process, including traffic jams, environmental pollution, and inundation.

She proposed Smith continue promoting the relations between the city and Australia, particularly in areas of both sides’ strengths, while boosting people-to-people exchange and sharing experience in the fields of mutual concerns.

Smith, for his part, expressed his delight over the strong Vietnam-Australia relations, saying that both nations have enhanced their high-level exchanges, and friendship activities in politics, foreign affairs, economy, and people-to-people diplomacy. 

This is Smith’s first visit to Vietnam as the Australian Speaker of the House of Representatives, during which he aims to promote cooperative ties between the two legislatives bodies, thus consolidating and developing the friendship between the two nations.

Besides investment and tourism, the education sector poses huge potential for cooperation for both sides, he stressed.

More than 1,500 Australian students have pursued study and research in Vietnam since 2014, and in return, many Vietnamese students have studied and worked in Australia. They serve as a bridge to connect and contribute to the friendship between the two countries, he underlined.

Smith affirmed that he will do his utmost to step up cooperative activities with the Vietnamese side, as well as branch out cooperative programmes and delegation exchanges so as to foster the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership.

Tony Smith is currently on his three-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Vietnamese leaders send condolences to Greece over forest fire

Forest fire in Mati causes critical human and asset losses.(Photo: EFE-EPA/TTXVN)

President Tran Dai Quang on July 25 cabled condolences to Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos over the forest fire which ripped through the Mati coastal town near Athens, causing critical human and asset losses.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh extended his sympathy to Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias.

The fires broke out on July 23 following a spell of hot and dry weather. The death toll from the fire stood at 80, with dozens of people unaccounted for as of July 25.

Hundreds of people were trapped in the eastern resort town of Mati as flames whipped around them. Many jumped into the sea to survive, but others died from suffocation either in their cars, or trapped on the edge of steep cliffs.

Congratulations to Cuba on anniversary of Moncada Barracks attack

Moncada Barracks today. (Photo: telesurtv.net)

Vietnamese leaders on July 25 extended congratulations to their Cuban counterparts on the 65th anniversary of the attack on the Moncada Barracks (July 26, 1953) which the Cubans viewed as the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong sent a congratulatory message to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Raul Castro Ruz.

President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended messages of greetings to President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan cabled a message of congratulations to President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernandez, while Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh offered greetings to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the anniversary.

On July 26, 1953, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. Although they lost, this event paved the way for the insurrection against the regime of Dictator Fulgencio Batista and the establishment of the first agrarian-industrial country in the Western Hemisphere, taking Cuba to a new era of freedom and independence.

NA Chairwoman extends sympathies over Laos’ dam collapse

Villagers are evacuated after the Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydro-power dam collapsed in Attapeu province, Laos. (Photo: KPL/VNA) 

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has sent a message of condolences to her Lao counterpart Pany Yathotou over the collapse of the Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam in Attapeu, Laos on July 23.

“On the behalf of the National Assembly and people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I convey my heartfelt and deepest sympathies to you and the people of Laos, particularly the families of victims and those affected,” Ngan said in the message.

“I am confident that under the leadership and interest of the Party, State, and National Assembly of Laos, the fraternal Lao people will soon overcome the losses and surmount the aftermath of the incident,” she added.

The Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam burst at 8pm on July 23, discharging 5 billion cubic metres of water, causing flash floods in 10 low-lying villages and completely isolating Sanamxay district. Five of Sanamxay district’s villages – namely May, Hinlath, Nhaythe Sanong Tay, Thasengchan, and Thahin – were entirely submerged.

The disaster has left at least 18 dead, around 200 people still missing, and made over 1,300 families of 6,600 people homeless. No Vietnamese casualties have been reported so far.

The Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower plant is being constructed by the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy Power Company (PNPC), a joint venture between the Republic of Korea’s SK E&C and Korea Western Power, Thailand’s Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, and Lao Holding State Enterprise. 

The project, estimated to cost 1.02 billion USD, is the first build-operate-transfer (BOT) model to be undertaken by Korean companies in Laos. The dam is 90 percent completed and operation was due to start in 2019.

On July 24, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding issued a press release announcing that unexpected heavy rains caused the dam to collapse. High volumes of rainwater fractured the dam and caused a deluge in the downstream area of Xe-Pian River, it said. 

Thua Thien-Hue, Laos’ Salavan province step up cooperation

The central province of Thua Thien-Hue, and the Lao province of Salavan agreed to maintain and develop the sound friendship between the two countries in general and two localities in particular, as heard at talks held in the Vietnamese province on July 25.

Reviewing the results of cooperative efforts over the past few years – which saw friendship visits regularly organised and collaboration accelerated across sectors such as the economy, education, healthcare, culture, and border trade and management – leaders from both sides then inked a further friendship cooperation agreement in various areas.

As per the deal, communication works will be prioritised to ensure that local people strictly implement and adhere to the Vietnam-Laos agreement on border and border gate management regulations, as well as the protocol on borderline and border markers.

The two sides will join hands to protect and upgrade border markers along the shared border line.

The localities will continue to branch out relations between the twin mountainous villages of both sides, and coordinate closely in enforcing the agreement on the settlement of undocumented migration and marriage along border areas.

Also, culture, tourism, education, and human resource training will be at the forefront in the upcoming cooperation agreement. 

Accordingly, Thua Thien-Hue will grant 10 full scholarships to students of Salavan, provide free medicine and medical checkups for border people, and help Salavan border locals stabilise their livelihoods.

In return, Salavan will create favourable conditions for businesses from Thua Thien-Hue to invest in energy and forestry sectors. The province will also assist the Vietnamese locality in repatriating the remains of Vietnamese experts and volunteers who were taken down in Salavan during wartime.

Thua Thien-Hue has received and provided training for 167 students from Salavan since 2002, and has granted 10 full scholarships for Salavan students each year since 2009. 

Both localities worked hard to search out and bring home the remains of 10 Vietnamese soldiers from Salavan during the 2017-2018 dry season.

On the occasion, Thua Thien-Hue leaders sent their sympathy over the recent dam collapse incident in Laos.

PM urges VGCL to accelerate trade union institution building

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the working session 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) to push forward the building of trade union institutions, especially those regarding housing for workers. 

The PM made the request at a working session between the Government and the VGCL in Hanoi on July 25 which reviewed the recent coordination between the two sides and set out orientations for future collaboration. 

He said all-level trade unions should continue to constructively participate in finalising institutions, step up administrative reform, and improve the efficiency of State management in employment and social affairs. 

PM Phuc emphasised the need to promote the development of the labour market, prevent workplace accidents, and care for the material and spiritual lives of its employees. 

All-level authorities and trade unions were also asked to improve their efficiency in settling pressing issues that relate directly to labourers.

Reviewing the country’s socio-economic development in the first few months of 2018, PM Phuc attributed such achievements to great efforts made by the Party, army, and people – in particular, labourers and trade union officials across the country. 

Thanks to activities launched by the VGCL and its chapters, employees have supported the Party and Government’s changes in economic management and corruption prevention, he said. 

The PM, however, pointed out shortcomings regarding employees’ income, social insurance payment, housing, unemployment, late salary payment, and in particular workplace accidents, citing the nearly 9,000 cases with about 9,000 victims, including 928 deaths, in 2017. 

VGCL President Bui Van Cuong reported that in the past time, the agency has constructively participated in building institutions and gathering social feeback towards policies on labourers and trade unions, contributing to building a transparent, trusted Government that spurs growth and serves people and businesses. 

The Government, ministries, and agencies have paid due attention to the operation of trade unions, he said, recalling the dialogue between PM Phuc and nearly 2,000 workers in the central key economic zone, and another dialogue of the Government leader with close to 1,000 employees in industrial parks in the Red River Delta region in 2017 and the first six months of 2018. 

Following the dialogues, the PM dispatched a working group to the southern province of Dong Nai to inspect the implementation of policies towards labourers in the locality, he said.

VFF President extends sympathy over Laos’ dam collapse

The collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam caused flash flooding in 10 villages in lower areas and completely isolated Sanamxay district. (Source: Attapeu Today)

Tran Thanh Man, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, on July 25 sent a message of sympathy to President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Xaysomphone Phomvihane over the collapse of the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam in the Lao province of Attapeu on July 23.

The Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam burst at 20:00 on July 23, releasing 5 billion cu.m of water which caused flash flooding in 10 villages in lower areas and completely isolated Sanamxay district. Five out of Sanamxay district’s villages, namely May, Hinlath, NhaytheSanong Tay, Thasengchan and Thahin, were entirely submerged.

The disaster has left at least 18 dead and about 200 people missing, and made over 1,300 families with 6,600 people homeless.

The Xepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower plant is being constructed by the XePian-XeNamnoy Power Company (PNPC). 

The PNPC is a joint venture between Republic of Korea’s SK E&C and Korea Western Power, Thailand’s Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding and Lao Holding Sate Enterprise. 

The project, estimated to cost 1.02 billion USD, is the first Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) one to be undertaken by Korean companies in Laos. 

On July 24, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding issued a press release announcing that unexpected heavy rains caused the dam to collapse.

High volumes of rainwater fractured the dam and caused a deluge in the downstream area of Xe-Pian River, it said.