Vietnam-UK ties at their best: Ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Tran Ngoc An

The upcoming official visit to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh will create new momentum for the Vietnam-UK relations, now at their best development period, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Tran Ngoc An has affirmed.

In his interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit, Ambassador An stressed that Deputy PM Minh’s visit is the most important event among those held between the two countries to celebrate 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.

During his stay, Deputy PM Minh will have meetings with representatives of the UK Government, Parliament and the royal family to bolster the strategic partnership between the two countries, he said, adding that this is an important period for both sides as the UK is leaving the European Union (EU) and advocating to broaden relations with countries outside Europe, while Vietnam is integrating deeply into the global economy with its increasing position in the international arena.

Deputy PM Minh will chair a celebration to mark the 45 years of bilateral diplomatic establishment, which includes a stellar cultural programme “Vietnam Culture Day in the UK”, an exhibition displaying Vietnamese traditional costumes, and a photo exhibition highlighting Vietnam as an attraction of the world. 

Also, Minh will chair and attend a line-up of economic events to enhance two-way trade and investment, the diplomat added.

Ambassador An said that since the two countries set up diplomatic relations in 1973, they have enjoyed positive achievements in their cooperative ties.

In the field of politics, they have maintained high-level meetings and exchanges. The Vietnamese Party General Secretary, President, Prime Minister and Chairwoman of the National Assembly have already visited the UK. Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister, parliamentary leaders, and members of the Royal family have visited the Southeast Asian country several times. In 2010, the two countries officially established the bilateral strategic partnership, paving the way for the formation of various cooperative mechanisms such as strategic dialogue, Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation, and working group on defence ties. They have served as a firm foundation to further the bilateral ties.

On investment, the UK is now among the top 15 foreign investors in Vietnam, registering 4 billion USD in the country. Despite the complicated sitution in the world’s economy, two-way trade increased sharply to hit 6.1 billion USD in 2017, of which Vietnam exported 5.4 billion USD worth of products, up 10 percent from the previous year and tripling the figure recorded in 2010.

In the field of education, there are some 12,000 Vietnamese students studying in the European country. Receiving training in the world’s leading education environment, they will make positive contributions to the socio-economic development in Vietnam when returning home. 

Regarding defence cooperation, the military attaché’s offices were set up in both nations. In addition, delegation exchange and experience sharing, especially in peacekeeping activities, have been maintained. 

Furthermore, people-to-people exchanges have been enhanced in recent years. UK citizens now have a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese culture thanks to an array of activities to introduce and popularise Vietnamese culture and tourism. Vietnamese traditional cuisines like “pho”, “bun cha”, and “nem cuon” have been favoured in the UK and Vietnamese restaurants are now mushrooming in London and other big cities.

Ambassador An said that the two countries still have huge cooperative potential in the coming time. They see each other important to carry out their foreign policies. 

During Brexit, the UK prioritises relations with Asia-Pacfic in its “Global Britain” strategy. In the writing on the “All of Asia” policy, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field affirmed that the UK is seeking ways to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and looking for opportunities to enhance connections with the ASEAN. Meanwhile, Vietnam has played an increasingly important role in cooperative frameworks and multilateral forums, including the CPTPP and the ASEAN.

As the two countries have complementary economies, there is large room for them to foster trade and investment. Although Vietnam is the 25th largest partner of the UK, Vietnamese shipments to the country make up only 1 percent of its imports. In addition, the UK’s direct investment in Vietnam is still modest as it invests some 300 billion USD in foreign countries and becomes the 5th largest foreign investor in the world.

The diplomat also relished his prospects for cooperation in other sectors like science-technology, defence and education. He said that increasing mutual understanding will open up new opportunities for collaborative projects in the time to come.

Vietnam treasures defence ties with India

Sen. Lieut. Gen Pham Hong Huong (R) and his Indian guest at the reception (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Vietnam always attaches importance to the defence ties with India, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Sen. Lieut. Gen Pham Hong Huong has affirmed.

During a reception for Major General G. Jaishankar, an officer from the Indian army, in Hanoi on October 3, Huong highlighted the relationship’s development in all aspects, especially in training, the UN’s peace keeping activities, and defence industry.

Lauding support from the Indian army in the past time, Huong suggested both sides deepen the bilateral collaboration, with focus on training, military medicine, engineering, and experience sharing in the UN’s peace keeping operations.

The Indian guest, for his part, expressed his delight over the robust development in the India-Vietnam defence relations.

He congratulated Vietnam on sending the first second-level field hospital to South Sudan. He said that the Indian army has considerable experience in the peace keeping mission, and stands ready to share experience and help Vietnam in the field.

Vietnam, NZ to further facilitate two-way trade, investment

Vietnam and New Zealand holds the 6th meeting of the Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC) in Hanoi on October 4. 

Vietnam and New Zealand on October 4 agreed to continue facilitating trade and investment between the two countries and providing broader access for agricultural products to each other’s market.

The agreement came at the 6th meeting of the Vietnam – New Zealand Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC) in Hanoi. The event was chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh and Deputy Secretary for trade and economic affairs at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Vangelis Vitalis.

The two sides exchanged views about issues of mutual concerns and priorities for cooperation in economics and trade amid the unpredictable changes in regional and global trade.

They agreed to reinforce cooperation in the fields of hi-tech agriculture, commercial farming, human resources training, tourism and e-Government, and to step up coordination in promotion of trade, investment and tourism.

Vietnam asked New Zealand to provide further support for its localities in developing value chains for fruits, pepper, coffee, cashew nut and others; and at the same time, developing brands and origin tracking systems for farm produce and transferring production technology in agriculture and aquaculture.

Vietnam also wants the partner to assist it in capacity building in agriculture, food safety management, aviation, response to disasters and climate change, and e-Government, and to provide English language training for governmental workforce.

New Zealand, for their part, discussed with Vietnam the possibility for enhanced cooperation in aviation services, tourism, and education. In addition, it proposed Vietnam to facilitate New Zealand’s investment in education and tourism and cooperation between the two countries in food safety.

The two sides later moved on to talk about several issues of multilateral cooperation. They agreed to continue working together and backing each other within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The Vietnam – New Zealand JTEC was set up in 2006 to provide the necessary frameworks to address key issues, promote trade and commercial links, and explore and facilitate investment opportunities. 

New Zealand has remained as one of Vietnam’s key trade partners for years. Vietnam is currently New Zealand’s 16th largest trade partner.

According to statistics by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade of goods and services between the two nations hit 1.2 billion USD last year, up 37 percent from 2016. 

In the first nine months of 2018, the two-way trade amounted to 779 million USD, up 10.8 percent year on year. Of the figure, Vietnam’s exports totalled 357.8 million USD while its imports exceeded 421 million USD.

New Zealand now operates 32 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered investment of 102.8 million USD, mostly in the areas of manufacturing and processing, education, agriculture, forestry, fishery, construction, information and telecommunication, hospitality and food, arts and entertainment. 

Meanwhile, Vietnam has eight projects in New Zealand, worth a total of more than 30 million USD, mainly in manufacturing and processing, retail and wholesale, automobile and motorcycle repair and maintenance, catering and agriculture. 

Vietnam enhances friendship with international friends

Vietnam has actively joined in regional and global organisations and affirmed its position in the international arena, said Vice President of the Vietnam-US Society (VUS) Bui The Giang.

Giang made the statement while receiving a 17-member delegation of Friendship Force Marlborough from New Zealand under Friendship Force International (FFI), which is on a fact-finding trip to Vietnam from October 1-16.

The annual exchange programme between the FFI and the VUS has been implemented for 12 years and yielded fruitful results, he noted. 

The programme aims to provide international friends with an insight into Vietnam as well as its people, history, culture, and customs, thus promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnamese people and international friends.

Over the years, the VUS has extended partnership with other FFI branches in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, Giang said.

He briefed his guests on socio-economic development and achievements Vietnam has recorded during the renewal process.

Giang also shared the country’s difficulties in tackling post-war consequences, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims, as well as efforts of the Vietnamese Government to overcome war consequences and international support.

In reply, Robert Eric Cooper, a member of the delegation, thanked the VUS for creating conditions for the delegation to visit Vietnam and learn about land and people of Vietnam, saying that they learned about the daily life of local people via a homestay programme in Hanoi and Hue city, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

Can Tho, Indonesia look to boost coordination

Authorities of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho held a working session with Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Hanif Salim on October 4 to discuss the prospect of multifaceted cooperation in the near future. 

Speaking at the event, Salim said both Vietnam and Indonesia are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum and many other regional and global forums and organisations. 

Indonesia considers Vietnam as an important and promising partner with great influence on ASEAN, he said, adding that as an economic hub of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is also an attractive business destination with incentives to lift economic and trade ties. 

He also expressed his wish to boost agricultural collaboration with Can Tho, especially in key farm produce such as rice and fruits, and share experience in adopting technological advances in farming, controlling food safety and epidemics in animal husbandry. 

The guest expressed readiness to transfer technology to Can Tho in farm produce production, processing and distribution, as well as hold training courses for agronomists, farmers and households. 

Indonesia will encourage its firms to learn about business environment in Can Tho, thereby increasing investment in the city and adjacent localities in cultivation and processing, spreading high-tech farming models to churn out safe and high-yielding products, he said. 

In education-training, both countries will enhance the exchange of lecturers and students to educational establishments in each side. 

The Indonesian side shared experience in launching State-school-business linkage model to ensure that training will meet social demand, and holding seminars and exchanges to facilitate quality research. 

It will urge tourism agencies, associations and firms to increase tourist arrivals and assist Can Tho in tourism promotion. 

According to him, more and more Indonesian people have chosen the Mekong Delta in Vietnam as a destination to enjoy peaceful and idyllic landscapes and unique culture, notably Can Tho with many places recognised as national cultural heritages. 

Salim suggested that Can Tho popularise Indonesia’s tourist attractions such as tropical forests of Sumatra and Prambanan temple compound recognised as the world’s natural and cultural heritages, respectively. 

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Truong Quang Hoai Nam agreed with Salim’s proposals, affirming that collaboration with Indonesia is one of the priorities in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta’s sustainable economic development strategies. 

Nam pledged to improve business climate and administrative reform at all levels, and offer incentives to attract more Indonesian investors. 

He hoped that the Indonesian Consulate General will help Can Tho hold regular meetings with Indonesian firms and investors to introduce local strengths and demand to partners.

Neighbouring leaders send condolences over former Party chief’s passing

Leaders of China, Laos, Cambodia have sent their condolences to leaders of the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, National Assembly and the family of former Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Do Muoi over his passing. 

In a message to Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President Xi Jinping hailed Do Muoi as an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese Party and State, a close comrade and friend of the Chinese Party and people, who dedicated his life to the cause of renovation and socialism building in Vietnam and made important contributions to the ties between the two Parties and States. 

He expressed his belief that under the firm leadership of the General Secretary, the CPV, Government and people of Vietnam will turn sorrow into power, continuing to reap new achievements in the cause of socialism building. 

China pledges to unceasingly foster the China – Vietnam traditional friendship, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he said. 

Expressing profound condolences to the CPV Central Committee, the National Assembly, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, National Assembly, Government and Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction spoke highly of Do Muoi’s huge contributions to national liberation and development over his 80 years of revolutionary career.  

The deceased was lauded for reinforcing great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples. 

For its part, the Central Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party expressed wish that Do Muoi will rest in peace in a message to the CPV General Secretary. 

Former General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Do Muoi was born on February 2, 1917, in Dong My commune, Thanh Tri district, Hanoi. He passed away in Hanoi on October 1 at the age of 101 due to serious illness. He served as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee from June 1991 to December 1997, and was presented with an insignia of 80-year Party membership.

Vietnam will hold two days of national mourning for him on October 6 and 7.

Japan lauds Vietnam’s role in Mekong-Japan cooperation: Ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong 

Japan highly values Vietnam’s important roles in the Mekong-Japan cooperation mechanism, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong.

In his interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Japan and his participation of the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting in Japan from October 8-10, Ambassador Cuong highlighted Vietnam’s positive contributions to the mechanism with various activities like the Green Mekong Forum, and cooperative programmes in environment, clean water, disaster prevention, among others.

Vietnam is drawing up a plan for the cooperative activities in 2019-2021 period, he said.

Bolstering the mechanism development is in line with the benefits of both Vietnam and the whole region. Vietnamese ministries and sectors have involved in some 100 projects carried out in the framework of the mechanism. Among them, Lach Huyen deep-water port, Noi Bai International Airport’s terminal 2, O Mon thermal power plant, and Nghi Son 2 thermal power plant are important projects to Vietnam’s infrastructure system.

Thanks to the mechanism, Vietnam has already built and operated an electric customs clearance system and produced measles-rubella vaccine, he added.

Besides, the country has put forth projects to connect the sub-Mekong region and integrate the Mekong water resources management into the cooperation mechanism.

On the development of the Mekong-Japan cooperation mechanism, Ambassador Cuong said that it has attained significant achievements in the past 10 years across the prioritised sectors of soft and hard infrastructure cooperation, and sustainable development. 

Member countries have worked together to build comprehensive transport system that helps link the sub-Mekong region through connecting the East-West Economic Corridor to the South Economic Corridor. Also, their cooperation facilitates customs clearance and human resources training. 

Attaching much importance to the mechanism, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe committed 7 billion USD for the Mekong-Japan cooperation mechanism under the Tokyo Strategy 2015 for the 2016-2018 tenure.

On bilateral activities of PM Phuc, Ambassador Cuong said that the leader will have bilateral meetings with Japanese high-ranking officials to develop the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership into a more effective and practical manner.

PM Phuc and his Japanese counterpart are scheduled to hold talks on bilateral and international cooperation. Besides, the Vietnamese Government leader will have several meetings with Japanese officials to further all-round collaboration. 

An investment forum will be held in the East Asian country, with 1,000 representatives of businesses expected to attend. The event shows Vietnam’s respect for the extensive strategic partnership with Japan, particularly in economy, trade and investment. 

HCM City leading official, UK Trade Envoy discuss ties

At the reception 

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Vinh Tuyen and UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Ed Vaizey discussed ways to boost two-way trade and investment during a reception in the city on October 4. 

Speaking highly of the Vietnam –UK ties in diverse areas, Tuyen said Ho Chi Minh City is honoured to be chosen as a venue for events and cooperation programmes between the two nations. 

He lauded the UK’s support to the programme “City of the Future”, affirming that the city wants to partner with the UK in high-tech agriculture, smart urban development and education-training, thus bringing benefits to both sides. 

The host also thanked the UK for assistance in personnel training on public-private partnership and urban construction. 

Vaizey, for his part, thanked the city for providing support to the British Council to operate effectively, hoping that it will receive further help to promote English teaching and learning there. 

He expressed satisfaction at the joint work between UK and Vietnamese enterprises, including the construction of the 81-storey Landmark building in the city. 

The guest said he is readiness to help the city with high-tech agriculture by connecting it with leading UK experts in the field. 

UK firms also expressed willingness to help the city deal with problems in water drainage, build urban transportation system and expand airports.

HCM City, UK promote cooperation between elected agencies

An overview of meeting between Vice Chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City's People’s Council Truong Thi Anh and  British MP Wayne David 

Ho Chi Minh City is willing to share experience with elected agencies of the United Kingdom in professional work and election organisation, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Council Truong Thi Anh has stated.

Anh made the remark during her reception on October 4 for Wayne David, who is Labour Member of Parliament for the Caerphilly, Shadow Defence Minister for the Armed Forces and Defence Procurement, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam.

The HCM City official expressed her delight at fine development of the two countries’ relations, as reflected through regular delegation exchanges and growth in trade and investment cooperation.

The city always welcomes foreign firms, including those from the UK, to do long-term business and investment, she affirmed.

Wayne David, in turn, confirmed that UK all-party parliamentarians are unanimous in the stance of boosting the relationship between the UK and Vietnam in general, and between UK MPs and Vietnam’s people-elected deputies in particular.

Showing his impression with the strong and dynamic development of Ho Chi Minh City, he said that during its working visit to the city, the UK parliamentary delegation wants to learn about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, especially the operation of people’s councils at the local level.

ASEAN calls for enhanced anti-terrorism capacity

Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for Political Security Community Hoang Anh Tuan has called for better efforts to enhance ASEAN’s anti-terrorism capacity in an ongoing symposium in Singapore.

Terrorism has been among the biggest threats to the regional peace, stability and prosperity, Tuan told the 2018 Southeast Asia Counter-Terrorism Symposium, which is taking place on October 4-5. 

It is needed to improve the ASEAN nations’ capacity in counter-terrorism against the backdrop of the growing threat of cyber terrorism in Southeast Asia, while not all member states are properly accoutered to fight this threat, he said.

The two-day event is organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, with support from the local Ministries of Culture, Community and Youth; Defence; Foreign Affairs; and Home Affairs; and the National Security Coordination Secretariat.

Anchored on the theme “A Collective Approach”, the symposium brings together senior government officials from the region, practitioners as well as representatives from academia and the private sector to exchange ideas and best practices on issues related to counter-terrorism.

It discusses four key topics: building societal resilience against terrorism, enhancing the region’s ability to tackle the increasingly militarised terror networks, tapping technological advancements for CT, and exploring areas of cooperation to enhance ASEAN’s collective CT capacity.

As part of the symposium, the participants will be visiting the Singapore Armed Forces’ Island Defence Training Institute and the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Resource and Counselling Centre.

It is part of key events hosted by Singapore this year as Chair of ASEAN. 

Vietnam welcomes B2B cooperation with France

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung (R) welcomes Philippe Christodoulou, Vice President for Large Industries International Development of Air Liquide Group 

Vietnam encourages and creates favourable conditions for cooperation between Vietnamese and French enterprises, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung has reaffirmed.

Dung hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 4 for Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to Vietnam, and Philippe Christodoulou, Vice President for Large Industries International Development of Air Liquide Group.

He said that the Vietnam-France strategic partnership is growing well, reflected through the regular exchange of high-level delegations, including the France visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in March 2018.

Cooperation in culture, education, economics, trade and investment has become an important pillar in the bilateral ties, Dung stated, adding that France is currently Vietnam’s leading partner in Europe.

Ambassador Lortholary affirmed that many French enterprises are keen on running business and investment in Vietnam, especially in the fields France has strength and Vietnam has demand such as infrastructure, energy and hi-tech industry.

He expressed his belief that the two sides will promote multi-faceted cooperation, especially in collaboration between Vietnamese and French businesses.

Philippe Christodoulou shared since 1996, Air Liquide Group has continuously expanded its investment scale in Vietnam, with over 10 factories set up so far, providing gas for the automobile, metal, electronic, petrochemical, and healthcare sectors.

The group wants to participate in the Dung Quat Oil Refinery Plant expansion project and several energy projects in Vietnam, he stated.

For this proposal, Deputy PM Dung asked the group to work with the Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company, the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to have a specific cooperation plan.

He stressed the highest target of ensuring the efficiency and quality of products of the Dung Quat Oil Refinery Plant after it is expanded and upgraded.

HCM City leader welcomes Thai Buddhist delegation

Vice Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee Vo Thi Dung presents a picture to Most Venerable Phra Promwachirayan 

Vice Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee Vo Thi Dung hosted a reception on October 3 for Most Venerable Phra Promwachirayan, member of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, monks heading Vietnamese pagodas in Thailand and several Vietnamese Buddhists living in Thailand.

Welcoming the delegation, Dung expressed her gratitude for delegation members’ attendance of requiem for President Tran Dai Quang, who passed away on September 21.

She also thanked the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand and heads of Vietnamese pagodas in Thailand for caring for the spiritual life of Vietnamese Buddhists in the country.

Cooperation between the Sangha Supreme Council and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) strengthens Vietnam-Thailand ties and the relationship between the two organisations, she affirmed.

According to her, Ho Chi Minh City is home to about 3 million Buddhists and 1,300 pagodas.

For his part, Most Venerable Phra Promwachirayan stated that despite differences in belief and culture, the two countries can work together to develop Buddhism.

The policy encouraging the development of the Buddhist An Nam sect in Thailand shows the Vietnamese Government’s and VBS’s attention to the spiritual and religious life of Vietnamese people in Thailand, he added.

The Buddhist An Nam sect of Vietnam entered Thailand about 200 years ago. Currently, there are 21 Vietnamese pagodas in the country.

Party Central Committee proposes measures to fulfil socio-economic targets

Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh 

Measures to improve human resources and the capacity of crime prevention and control, as well as to perfect the legal system were put on table at the ongoing eighth session of the 12th Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee on October 3.

Concurring with reports by the Government’s Party Committee on socio-economic and budget performance in 2018 and their plans for next year, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh said that various set targets have been achieved thanks to the instructions of the Party Central Committee and the Government; the supervision of the legislature; and the engagement of the entire political system, business community, and public.

However, Thanh expressed his concern over the growth rate of labour productivity in 2018 as it was lower than that of 2017.

According to him, the increase in labour productivity is caused by the shifting of the economic structure from agriculture to industry and services.

In Vietnam, it relies much on the shifting of the economic structure from agriculture to services, which means that the labour market has yet to develop synchronously, he noted.

The lack of skilled labourers is also a big challenge for Vietnam during the international integration process, he added.

Sharing the same view, Secretary of Quang Tri province’s Party Committee Nguyen Van Hung proposed the Government restart the Vietnam cultural and human development strategy.

Regarding the fight against illegal activities, Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh noted that this year, the criminal situation has developed in complexity, with the appearance of new kinds of crimes, often using high technology.

She asked for extra efforts to be mobilised to channel focus on drug-related crimes, emphasising the need to reduce the demand for and supply of illegal drugs, and subsequently drug-related criminals in 2019 and the years to follow.

In the plenary session, many delegates proposed continuing to complete laws and regulations on land, investment, and disbursement procedures.

Secretary of Nghe An province’s Party Committee Nguyen Dac Vinh stated that over the past time, administrative procedures for people have been improved significantly; however, those involved in the projects of enterprises remain limited.

Therefore, Vinh stressed the importance of continuing to reform administrative procedures to avoid overlapping.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Ha Tinh province’s Party Committee Le Dinh Son expressed his agreement with the tasks and measures at hand, especially in maintaining efforts to stabilise the macro-economy and curb inflation, mentioned in the reports by the Government’s Party Committee on socio-economic and budget performance in 2018 and plans for next year.

He suggested promulgating some decrees to institutionalise the Party’s resolutions and the Politburo’s conclusions.

In this October 3 session, 14 delegates contributed their ideas, focusing on analysing the country’s situation, defining the main targets and tasks, and proposing measures to the ensure targets and tasks of 2019 and the following years will be fulfilled.