Vietnam – Malaysia diplomatic ties celebrated in Hanoi

A ​singing performance at the celebration 

A ceremony marking 45 years of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia (March 30, 1973 – 2018) took place in Hanoi on March 30.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Vietnam – Malaysia Friendship Association Do Huu Hao said located in Southeast Asia, the two countries share cultural similarities and early established exchanges among their people.

Over the past 45 years, the ties have progressed across all fields, including politics, economics-trade, security-defence, culture, education and human resources.

He said he believes based on the past achievements and concerted efforts Vietnam-Malaysia strategic partnership will be further developing towards effectiveness for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and in the world.

Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohd Zamruni Bin Khalid thanked the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam – Malaysia Friendship Association for holding the ceremony.

He noted the bilateral ties had obtained fruitful results over the past years, adding the two countries’ signing of an agreement to establish the strategic partnership as a highlight of the 45-year period.

This ceremony is a chance for both sides to discuss future orientations for the development of their relations, the diplomat said.

Deputy PM Minh holds talks with Cuban Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parilla on March 29, within the framework of the ongoing State visit to Cuba made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Addressing the talks, Deputy PM Minh thanked the Cuban Foreign Ministry for having worked closely with the Vietnamese side to successfully organize the Party chief’s State visit to the Latin American country.

He highlighted the stably growing economic and trade ties between Viet Nam and Cuba, with two-way trade reaching US$240 million in 2017, adding that the two sides have effectively implemented cooperation mechanisms, whilst maintaining their close coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums.

Cuban FM Bruno Rodríguez Parilla suggested both sides continue to foster close collaboration aiming to further accelerate bilateral and multilateral relations in the time ahead. He agreed on the implementation of the fifth political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries in 2018, while pledging to work closely with the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry to successfully organize the 45th anniversary of Cuban Leader Fidel Castro’s visit to the liberated zone in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Tri (September 1973-2018).

The two sides also pledged closer coordination to accelerate the realization of the crucial outcomes reached during General Secretary Trong’s visit to Cuba, and agreed on measures to develop the special brotherly relations between Viet Nam and Cuba in a more substantive and effective fashion in the time to come, with a focus on the potential fields of economy, trade, investment, construction, agriculture, clean energy, and aquaculture. 

During the talks, the two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concerns. They shared the view on the peaceful settlement of sovereignty disputes, the avoidance of using or threatening to use forces, and the respect for legal and diplomatic processes, on the basis of respecting international laws and the UN conventions concerned.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Minh invited Cuban FM Bruno Rodríguez Parilla to visit Viet Nam in the near future, and the host accepted the invitation. 

Congratulations extended on 45-year Vietnam-Malaysia ties

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in a meeting in 2017 

Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang on March 30 sent a congratulatory letter to Malaysian King Sultan Muhammad V on the occasion of the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. 

The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also respectively extended their congratulations to their Malaysian counterparts Najib Tun Razak and Anifah Aman.-

Hanoi seeks technological cooperation with US firms

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung (C) speaks at the working session (Source: hanoimoi.com.vn)

US technological enterprises have proposed supporting Hanoi in building an emergency response centre, contributing to accelerating the city’s plan to turn it into a smart city. 

During a working session with municipal officials in the capital on March 29, US firms mentioned emergency communication-related challenges facing Hanoi, saying that locals’ access to emergency rescue services remains limited.

They detailed an integrated emergency information centre, which will work to receive and process emergency information via a hotline number instead of the three current ones. 

The centre will aid citizens through collaborative technologies, emergency rescue solutions and the building of geographic information systems in emergency management, they said. 

In his speech, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung stressed the building of e-government and a smart city is an important task for Hanoi. 

The municipal authority is working to establish a database centre with eight functions, including synthesising and using a shared-network system for the whole city and one on land management, Chung said. 

He noted that Hanoi has demand for security technologies and devices for the systems and their applications.

Chung called on the US Trade and Development Agency and the US Embassy in Vietnam to connect Hanoi and US leading technological firms, and promote their involvement in authorities’ efforts to develop Hanoi into a smart city.

Press Awards continues to disseminate Party building

The awards ceremony  of the  second Bua Liem Vang (Golden Hammer & Sickle) Press Awards.

The third Bua Liem Vang (Golden Hammer & Sickle) Press Awards will receive entries appeared in print or e-newspapers, or on radio or TV programmes between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018, the contest’s organising board announced at a press conference in Hanoi on March 29. 

Vietnamese citizens at home and abroad are eligible to compete for the award, which aims to recognise outstanding works in disseminating information and promoting understanding about the Party’s policies and Party building. 

There will be a special prize, five A prizes, ten B prizes, 15 C prizes, 25 consolidation prizes, along with a number of auxiliary prizes. 

Of note, unlike the previous editions, this year’s contest will receive entries which win prizes at local press competitions. However, those participating in national, sectoral and inter-sectoral contests are not eligible. 

Entries will be sent to the Party building magazine’s headquarters at 11B Cat Linh, Quoc Tu Giam ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi, no later than November 10. 

Addressing the press conference, Pham Minh Chinh, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission, expressed his wish that the media will continue to support the Party in its quest to strengthen its foundation and improve transparency. 

Winners of the annual contest have been announced on the occasion of the founding celebration of the Communist Party of Vietnam. 

The third Bua Liem Vang Press Awards was launched at a ceremony to honour winners of the second edition in February 2018.

Parliamentary groups asked to foster Vietnam-Romania ties

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu receives Chairman of the Romania-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group Simion Lucian-Eduard in Hanoi on March 29. 

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu has said that friendship parliamentary groups of Vietnam and Romania should maintain meetings and increase the exchange of information and experiences, thus fostering economic, trade and investment ties between the two nations.

Luu made the statement while receiving a delegation of the Romania-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group led by its Chairman Simion Lucian-Eduard in Hanoi on March 29.

Luu reiterated that Vietnam always wants to consolidate and develop the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Romania. Vietnam appreciated Romania’s support for Vietnam’s past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as the current process of national construction and development, he noted.

The legislator lauded Romania’s initiative to form partnership between Ben Tre province and the Romanian province of Tulcea within the framework of the Mekong-Danube Initiative, a key part of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). He also thanked Romania for its assistance in training about 4,000 Vietnamese specialists in different fields, thereby promoting education-culture ties between the two countries.

The NA Vice Chairman hoped that Romania would support Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term and suggested the increased exchange of visits between the two parliaments and their agencies. He also wanted the two sides would continue to coordinate and back each other in multilateral parliamentary forums.

Lucian-Eduard said Vietnam remains Romania’s key traditional partner in the past years. He vowed to spare no effort in his position to push for the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU’s full recognition of market economy status of Vietnam.

US congressmen staff assistants’ visit to enhance ties

At the working session 

The visit of a delegation of US Senate Staff Assistants is meant to show US congressmen’s deep interest in boosting the broader and deeper affiliation between the law-making bodies of Vietnam and the US as well as the two countries’ ties.

Natalie Rogers, Chief of Staff to Senator Cory Gardener who is Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ Subcommittee East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, made the statement at a working session in Hanoi on March 29 with standing member of the External Relations Committee of the National Assembly Dinh Cong Sy.

Sy said the growing ties between Vietnam and the US has enabled the parliamentary relations to grow positively, reflected by the visits of various delegations of congressmen of the US to Vietnam.

He reiterated that Vietnam always treasures developing its relations with the US, suggesting the delegation pay more heed to ratcheting up the cooperation between the two law-making bodies and their legislators and deepening the bilateral comprehensive partnership. He also asked for the US Congress and Government support for the two countries’ trade ties.

Natalie Rogers said the visit of her delegation helped promoting exchanges and mutual understanding, delivering the delegation members’ suggestions for holding more exchanges and sharing experience in related activities.

At the working session, hosts and guests discussed how to promote and protect human rights and other basic liberties in compliance with the UN Charter, the importance of full respect for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, and responses to climate change. They agreed to provide proposals and consultancies for the two countries’ legislators to further enhance the Vietnam-US relations in the future.

On March 26, the US delegation visited Ho Chi Minh City to learn from its socio-economic situation and strengthen dialogue between the two sides.

The US is now running almost 400 investment projects worth approximately 900 million USD, ranking 10th among the 93 nations and territories investing in HCM City.

NA leader promises support to US businesses

At the meeting (Source: daibieunhandan.vn)

 

The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) wants to hear US investors’ comments on recent improvements of the Vietnamese investment environment, said NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu. 

During his reception for a delegation of the US-ASEAN Business Council (UABC) led by President of its Vietnamese committee Alexander C. Feldman in Hanoi on March 29, Luu applauded great contributions made by US enterprises to Vietnam’s economy over the past years. 

He said that the UABC has worked as a bridge between US businesses and Vietnam, thus contributing to the enhancement of cooperative relations between the two nations and governments. 

The Vietnamese legislature has paid due attention to new moves and policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, especially those related to trade and investment, he said, noting that Vietnam always regards the US as one of its leading partners in terms of economy and trade. 

The legislator said since the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) took effect, two-way trade has increased continuously, from 220 million USD in 1994 to 1.4 billion USD in 2001, adding that Vietnam now is the US’s 16th biggest trade partner. 

The Vietnamese NA stands ready to create favourable conditions for foreign firms, including those from the US, to invest and expand business in the country, Luu stressed. 

He informed his guest that the legislative agency has been perfecting the legal system towards openness and transparency, comprising laws regarding the market-oriented economic institutions. 

Luu called on US enterprises in Vietnam to pay more heed to environmental protection, raise social responsibility and step up cooperation with Vietnam in personnel training and technology transfer, for the goal of sustainable development. 

In reply, Feldman briefed the host on the outcomes of his meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, during which the two sides discussed achievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development, particularly in improving its investment climate in an effort to lure more US firms. 

US businesses hope that Vietnam and the US will strengthen their trade-investment ties in the time ahead, he said, suggesting the Vietnam NA continue improving the legal framework in order to support US enterprises.

President, VFF Presidium work to strengthen great unity bloc

President Tran Dai Quang speaks at the conference 

President Tran Dai Quang and the Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFFCC) will continue their coordination to consolidate and promote the great national unity bloc. 

The consensus was reached at a conference in Hanoi on March 29, which was co-chaired by President Quang and VFFCC President Tran Thanh Man. 

Accordingly, the two sides will work together to encourage patriotic movements, spur economic growth, and ensure national defence-security and social welfare,  while participating in developing policies and laws, building the State, protecting people’s legitimate rights and interests, and enhancing people-to-people diplomacy. 

Addressing the event, the State leader highlighted reform in coordination between the President and the VFFCC Presidium in 2017 when many important events of the country took place.

He hailed the VFF and its member organisations for their operational renovations and organisation of many movements and campaigns, attracting the participation of people from all social strata. 

At the same time, they have constructively joined hands with the entire political system and population in the fight against corruption and wastefulness, contributing to realising resolutions of the Party Central Committee and the National Assembly, the President said. 

He asked the VFF and its member organisations to continue revamping its operation and carry forward their role in building the great national unity bloc.

The leader assigned the President’s Office and VFFCC’s Standing Board to tighten their collaboration and improve the quality of research and consultation work to help the President and the VFFCC implement major policies and laws of the Party and the State. 

He also asked ministries, agencies and localities to team up with the VFF and its member organisations in organising the all-level congress of the VFF and the ninth national congress of the VFF for the 2019-2024 tenure. 

President Quang called for support for the VFF to help the organisation fulfill its role and tasks, especially in tapping resources of the country and raising social consensus, thus contributing to national construction and defence.

Vietnam wants IMF’s support in economic restructuring

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and his IMF guest. 

The Vietnamese Government hopes to receive further policy evaluations and consultancies from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restructure the economy, creating momentum for growth, said Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue.

Hosting a reception for the IMF’s “Article IV consultations” delegation in Hanoi on March 29, Hue affirmed that Vietnam consistently works to stabilise the macro-economy, push up economic shake-up, improve the business climate, and promote global economic integration.

In that spirit, the Government will order relevant ministries and branches to enhance cooperative ties with the IMF, hoping that the institution will give more support in training and policy consultations to them.

Alex Mourmouras, who led the IMF’s delegation, said that Vietnam gained fruitful economic achievements in 2017. He gave an upbeat outlook for the Southeast Asia’s economy this year, in which the GDP is forecast to grow 6.6 percent while inflation rate is curbed below 4 percent thanks to improved business environment and contributions from the foreign business bloc.

He suggested that the Vietnamese Government modernise monetary policy and mechanism, better off financial risk management and work to facilitate the development of the private sector.

Mourmouras and the “Article IV consultations” delegation are working with the state organisations, commercial banks and private companies to give an overall evaluation on Vietnam’s macro-economy and consultations to the Government.

This has been an annual activity of the delegation since 1993.

Chairman of Party’s economic commission hosts IFM official

Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Economic Affairs Nguyen Van Binh hosts division chief in IMF’s Asia-Pacific department Alex Mourmouras in Hanoi on March 29. 

Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Economic Affairs Nguyen Van Binh received a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by division chief in IMF’s Asia-Pacific department Alex Mourmouras in Hanoi on March 29.

Binh spoke highly of the effective partnership between Vietnam and IMF in recent years, particularly policy consultancy the IMF has provided Vietnam. He also appreciated the IMF for helping Vietnam stabilize the macro economy, boost economic growth, develop the local financial market and integrate deeply into the regional and global economy.

He moved on to affirm Vietnam’s determination to maintain macro-economic stability, accelerate economic restructuring and foster economic connectivity via bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. He said he wants the IFM will continue cooperating with Vietnam and provide better support for Vietnam in training and policy consultancy.

Mourmouras, for his part, said he was delight at the positive signs of Vietnam’s economy recently. He gave Binh a brief overview of what the IMF recommended for the country’s macro-economy in 2017 and the economic outlook in 2018. Positive growth signals for Vietnam’s economy this year, he said.

The two sides later exchanged views on several challenges faced by Vietnam to maintain its economic growth rate and quality and lessen negative influences of the global market’s fluctuation.

The guest showed his agreement with the country’s reform priorities, particularly fiscal policy and continued restructuring of the banking and business systems.

He vowed to continue closely working and supporting Vietnam’s development in the time ahead.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc wants bigger trade value with Belarus

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc wants Vietnam and Belarus to roll out measures to raise their trade value to over the current 100 million USD level as there is huge cooperation potential that remains untapped.

He made the remarks in Hanoi on March 29 at a reception for visiting Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko.

The PM described the visit by the Belarusian guest as marking a milestone, ushering in new prospects for cooperation between Vietnam and its important partner Belarus, stressing that “Vietnam always respects and wishes to continue maintaining and fostering the sustainable friendship and cooperation with Belarus.” 

High-level visits in recent years created an impetus for the two countries to broaden their cooperation across politics, economy, and people-to-people exchange. The free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union that took effect in late 2016 in particular opened up many new opportunities and prospects for the two sides’ economic-trade partnership, he said.

The Belarusian Deputy PM briefed his host of the fruitful outcomes of his working session with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, referring to their review on bilateral cooperation after one year and a half of implementing the Vietnam-EEU free trade agreement and their work together to unlock difficulties and hindrances.

He suggested boosting bilateral cooperation in Belarus’s strong fields like the production of dairy, mechanical engineering and industrial products.   

PM Phuc hailed the working session his guest participated in, expressing his hope that the two sides would increase the provision of information and organize regular exchanges between businesses for marketing their products and cooperative fields in service of the effort to raise the trade value. 

“Vietnam is ready to provide best possible conditions for Belarusian businesses to cooperate, invest, and do productive, stable, and long-term business that is associated with Vietnam’s sustainable development,” the leader said.

He pledged that the country will work to facilitate the entry of Belarus’s industrial, mechanical engineering, energy, and mining products in its market.

Referring to the East Sea, the PM asked Belarus to support the just stance of Vietnam and ASEAN on addressing the disputes in the waters by peaceful means basing on international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).

On March 28, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko was received by President Tran Dai Quang.

NA Chairwoman visits Dutch NACO aviation company

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan works with the Royal HaskoningDHV’s Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO). 

Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure projects will bring opportunities to Dutch manufacturers, consultancies and education centres operating in aviation and space, said Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

She made the statement while visiting the Royal HaskoningDHV’s Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) on March 29 (local time) in the framework of her official visit to the Netherlands.

Ngan highlighted that aviation solutions provided by the Dutch side for Vietnam under the Partners for International Business Programme “Dutch Aviation Vietnam” aim to set up bilateral business ties and recommend training activities between aviation agencies from both sides.

She spoke highly of NACO with the participation in 550 aviation projects in 100 countries worldwide, and expressed her belief that NACO will be successful in its role as a coordinator and representative for eight companies, universities and research institute involved in this programme.

The aviation sector has played an important part in Vietnam’s economic development, she affirmed, adding that the country is working to develop aviation infrastructure to become a passenger and cargo transport centre in the region.

Priority will be given to the expansion of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, construction of Long Thanh International Airport and opening of new airports, she told the company executives.

After NACO visit, the top legislator and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation left the Netherlands, wrapping up their visit to the European country.

Consuls general updated on special policies for HCM City’s development

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong (standing) at the event. (Photo: hochiminhcity.gov.vn)

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has updated foreign consuls general on information concerning the implementation of special mechanisms and polices to promote the city’s development.

At a meeting on March 2​8, Phong appreciated the participants for their presence at the event, saying that this show their interest and confidence in HCM City’s development potential. 

While briefing delegates about the National Assembly’s Resolution 54/2017/QH14, Phong said under the resolution, the city will pilot special mechanisms and policies to foster its development in five fields: land management; investment management; financial-state budget management; empowerment mechanism; and incomes of officials and civil servants. 

The resolution is hoped to untie bottlenecks in management, thus making it easier for the municipal authorities to proactively roll out policies in a bid to serve its socio-economic development. 

Regarding the project to develop HCM City into a smart city in 2017-2020 with a vision to 2015, Phong said the project demonstrates the determination of administrations at all levels to turn the city into an a city with rapid and sustainable economic growth. 

According to the chairman, the project includes four pillars, focusing on building centres for studying and forecasting socio-economic development strategies, ensuring information security, and developing open-data ecosystem.

A creative urban area connecting district 2, district 9 and Thu Duc district will be formed, which is expected to play a centre role in implementing the fourth industrial revolution in the city and the whole southern key economic zone, towards pushing knowledge-based economic development. 

He hoped that the consulates general will serves as bridges connecting the city with their countries’ authorities and businesses so that they could share relevant ideas and advanced technological solutions with HCM City.

HCM City pledged to create more favourable conditions for foreign enterprises and investors to operate in the locality, Phong affirmed.

Leow Siu Lin, Singaporean Consul General in HCM City who is head of the consul delegation, said the resolution opens many new development opportunities for the city.

While highly evaluating HCM City’s smart city development strategy towards a sustainable and knowledge-based economy, she said this is very important as the city is an attractive destination for investors. 

During the event, participants debated a roadmap to implement the resolution, focusing on matters related to capital, cooperation in human resources development, experience sharing, and technologies for building smart city.-

Vietnam welcomes efforts in building peace: Ambassador

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations 

Vietnam welcomes all efforts in organising and distributing resources to prevent disputes, as well as in building and maintaining peace, stated Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations.

Addressing a UN Security Council’s open discussion themed “Collective Action to Improve UN Peacekeeping Operations,” on March 28 in New York, the Vietnamese ambassador emphasised that peacekeeping activities should be reformed to improve efficiency in responding to current complicated challenges.

She shared viewpoints of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries and ASEAN members that peacekeeping operations should be implemented within the framework of international law and the UN Charter, with respect to national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of states.

The operations must be conducted with agreement of relevant parties without using forces except the purposes of self-defence and mission implementation, he added.

Ambassador Nga affirmed that Vietnam will continue efforts to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations, she noted, adding that the country is deploying a level-two field hospital in South Sudan.

Recognising the role of women in peace keeping and building missions, Vietnam has sent the first female officer to join peacekeeping operations and will deploy other female officers when the field hospital in South Sudan is implemented, said Nga.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on member countries to sustain their political engagement and push for political solutions and inclusive peace processes, including through bilateral diplomacy and sanctions if necessary. 

He noted that peace operations cannot succeed if they are deployed instead of a political solution, rather than in support of one.  

And UN peacekeeping missions now operate in far more dangerous, complex and high-risk environments. They are under threat from armed groups, criminals and terrorists, who have access to powerful modern weapons, he said, adding that UN peacekeepers are often under-equipped, under-prepared and unready for the dangerous environments in which they now operate.  There are gaps in command and control, in culture, in equipment and in training.  

Last year, the UN lost 59 peacekeepers through malicious acts – a sharp increase since 2016, when the figure was 34, he said.

He suggested that member states should focus our efforts in three areas: refocusing peacekeeping with realistic expectations; making peacekeeping missions stronger and safer; and mobilising greater support for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped, well-trained forces.

PM encourages businesses to participate in disasters prevention

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the national conference on natural diaster prevention and control, Ha Noi, March 29, 2018

Natural disaster prevention and control is the task of the whole political system and society and it requires the participation of the State and people and the effective use of resources from the State and foreign and domestic organizations and individuals. 

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc made that statement at the national conference on natural disaster prevention and control on March 29 in Ha Noi. 

Speaking at the event, the PM referred to consequences of natural disasters on Viet Nam which accounted for 1-1.5% of the nation’s GDP. Viet Nam is one of the five nations seriously suffering from damages of natural calamities. 

He highlighted risk management in struggling against natural disasters, asking to ensure the realization of international regulations Viet Nam has joined. 

The PM suggested mainstreaming natural disaster prevention and control in the nation’s socio-economic development plan and encouraging businesses to invest in this field. 

The Government leader required improving management capacity, applying advanced science and technology in weather forecast and observation and enhancing communication on natural disaster prevention and control.    

He proposed completing financial policies to support this work, promoting socialization and facilitating private-public cooperation. 

PM writes about VN’s contributions to GMS, CLV

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc wrote about the meaning of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit (GMS) and the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Summit (CLV) and Viet Nam’s contributions to the mechanism on the occasion of the organization of the 6th GMS and 10th CLV in Ha Noi from March 29-31. 

The nation’s organization of the GMS has received consensus from GMS members, and support from such partners as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank (WB) and ASEAN.

The event also attracts the participation of more than 2,000 delegates from foreign and domestic businesses, which manifests businessmen and investors’ belief  in the Government’s open and transparent policies and creates more business opportunities for GMS and CLV in the upcoming time. 

Within the framework of GMS cooperation, country members and development partners have mobilized around US$21 billion for socio-economic development projects in the six member nations. Especially, Japan financed around US$13 billion for 2009-2015 period and disbursed US$6.5 billion for the 2016-2018 phase. 

Recently, China has launched a plan to invest US$10 billion for the sub-region, especially transport projects connecting North-South Expressway. 

The Mekong Sub-region is the space of security and development, which directly affects Viet Nam. Besides forming a peace and favorable environment in the region, the region contributes to the sustainability and development of Viet Nam and brings specific benefits for the nation. 

Firstly, the Mekong cooperative mechanism helps the nation attract resources from development partners to serve its socio-economic development, promote growth, enhance regional connection and reduce poverty, particularly borer areas. 

As of December 2017, projects under the framework of GMS connectivity are valued around US$6 billion, accounting for 30% of GMS’ mobilized capital. These projects include Ho Chi Minh City-Moc Bai Expressway, the second Thailand-Laos-Viet Nam Bridge, Con Minh – Ha Noi - Hai Phong Economic Corridor and Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway. 

Secondly, Mekong cooperation helps boost economic connection between Viet Nam and other nations in the region through a number of cooperative agreements in economics and trade and cultural cooperative programs.

Thirdly, the participation in Mekong cooperation also creates a dialogue channel with other nations in the Mekong River and attracts financial and technical sponsors from development partners on sustainable use and exploitation of water resources in the Mekong River. 

In addition to the Mekong River Commission (MRC), Viet Nam has joined hands with other nations to implement projects on environmental protection and water resource security at other Mekong cooperative framework. 

Regarding investment and trade, Viet Nam has participated in trade facilitation and investment activities within the GMS, including the 2004 Strategic Framework for Action on Trade Facilitation and Investment (SFA–TFI) as well as inked protocols and appendix of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Transport & Trade Facilitation and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Greater Mekong Sub-region Transport & Trade Facilitation. 

Viet Nam has actively cooperated with other MRC members in negotiating and completing procedures on data sharing, supervision of water use, actively participated in GMS environmental protection strategy, monitor and protect mangrove land in the Lower Mekong and strengthen institution and training on environmental protection. 

In field of education and training, the nation joined hands in Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Human Resource Development in the GMS in the 2009-2012 and 2013-2017 periods and supported the implementation of regional initiatives on human resource cooperation  and addressing trans-border issues on human resources between GMS nations. 

Especially, the nation has made contributions to the development of the Greater Mekong Sub-region by organizing the eighth Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam Cooperation Summit (CLMV 8) and the seventh Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit (ACMECS 7) in October 2016 and the second Mekong-Japan Summit in 2010. 

Viet Nam has supported Laos and Cambodia in constructing some expressways connecting border localities and building border markets. Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 100 projects in the CLV with the total registered capital of more than US$3.8 billion. 

Vietnam promotes cooperative ties with Argentinean locality

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Dang Xuan Dung (L) and local authorities

 

A delegation of the Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina led by Ambassador Dang Xuan Dung has paid a working visit to the central province of Cordoba to promote ties between the locality and Vietnam. 

Cordoba province, some 700km from the capital city Buenos Aires, has huge development potential.

Cordoba is one of the country’s leading localities in terms of agricultural products, particularly in livestock, soybean, maize and peanuts. It has seen strong industrial development, including automobile assembling, spare parts and agricultural machinery.

The Ambassador met with Cordoba leaders to explore local development models and expand cooperation in its key sectors with Vietnam.

The hosts lauded the Doi Moi (Reform), economic development, and national building of Vietnam in recent years, believing that with its abundant human and natural resources, Vietnam will continue to obtain more successes on its path of development.

Local leaders expressed their hope that Argentinean enterprises will have a chance to meet with promising Vietnamese partners in their upcoming visit.

The Governors of Cordoba, Entre Rios and Sante Fe provinces will lead a delegation of Argentinean officials and enterprises to Vietnam to discuss cooperation, according to the Argentinean side.

For his part, Ambassador Dung briefed the hosts on Vietnam’s socio-economic development model, affirming that after 30 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has gained breakthroughs, improving its people’s living conditions and boosting economic development via industrialisation.

He welcomed the upcoming visit of Argentinean officials and enterprises, and pledged to connect the Argentinean firms with Vietnamese partners.

During the trip, the Vietnamese delegation met with leaders and students of the province’s Twenty-First Century University and Catholic University. He briefed participants on Vietnam’s education system and programmes and pledged to serve as a bridge to boost cooperation in training, research and students exchange, particularly in language training between the province and Vietnam.

He also introduced to the hosts Vietnam’s landscapes, people and international integration over the year nearly 40 years of Doi Moi.

Despite challenges, Vietnam is one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia, with GDP growth of 6.8 percent, inflation at 3.16 percent and trade value reaching a record 400 billion USD in 2017.

Vietnam pursues a consistent policy of diversification and multilateralisation of international relations and international integration, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and benefits.

Vietnam has signed 12 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Vietnam has responsibly participated in international organisations and multilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Vietnam has established cooperation with other nations and partners in all fields, including politics, security – defence, science – technology and education – training.

The Vietnamese diplomat highlighted the Vietnam – Argentina bilateral friendship which was established in 1973, particularly after they upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership in 2010.

Recently, economic and trade relations between the two countries have seen improvements, with two-way trade value reaching 3 billion USD, making Argentina Vietnam’s second biggest trade partner in Latin America, and Vietnam the second most important market of Argentina in Asia.

On the occasion, the embassy of Vietnam introduced Vietnamese food and coffee to international friends in Cordoba province.

China’s Chongqing city suggested expanding ties with Vietnamese localities

A truck crosses a Vietnamese border gate to China

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung proposed that China’s Chongqing city will expand partnership with localities of Vietnam while hosting Vice Mayor of the city Liu Guiping in Hanoi on March 29.

Chongqing is a centrally-run city and an economic hub of China’s western region as it is strong in infrastructure, high technology and information technology.

In 2017, economic, trade, investment and tourism between Vietnam and the city reached about 2 billion USD, accounting for about 2 percent of total trade between Vietnam and China. Of the figure, Vietnam’s exports in the city were nearly 1 billion USD.

Lauding socio-economic achievements of China and Chongqing in 2017 and in first months of 2018, Deputy PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening cooperation among localities of the two countries.

He suggested in the coming time, Chongqing city and Vietnamese localities strengthen connectivity and exchanges to share experience in socio-economic development.

They should promote economic, trade and investment cooperation, he stated, expressing his hope that more Vietnamese goods, especially agro-forestry-fishery products, will be exported to China, thus contributing to boost the Vietnam-China trade ties in a balanced and sustainable manner.

He also proposed that localities of both sides hold diverse people-to-people exchange activities, especially among young generations, while increasing cultural and tourism promotion.

For his part, Liu declared that Chongqing city pays attention to friendship and cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities.

The city is willing to coordinate with localities of Vietnam in implementing shared perspectives reached by senior leaders of both sides, while strengthening friendship exchanges, thus deepening cooperation and contributing to reinforcing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.