PM’s CIIE attendance holds economic, political significance: Deputy FM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the expo. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s trip to China to attend the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) will help enhance Vietnam-China relations and drive economic and trade ties between the two countries forward, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung has said. 

He made the statement following the PM’s tour from November 4-5 for one of China’s most important diplomatic events in 2018, through which the country wants to extend its message of open markets to the world. 

While in China, PM Phuc met with party and state leaders and officials of ministries, agencies and localities of China to talk about Vietnam’s priorities in development and international integration, as well as cooperation between the two countries, Trung said. 

The host country is the world’s second biggest economy and the biggest manufacturer and exporter, he said, adding it is also the leading trade partner of 128 countries and contributes about 30 percent to global GDP. 

China is now Vietnam’s biggest trade partner while Vietnam is China’s largest trade partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the eighth largest worldwide. 

In 2017, two-way trade reached 93.7 billion USD, up 30.2 percent year-on-year, making up about a quarter of Vietnam’s total export-import value. 

China is the biggest importer of Vietnam’s farm produce and seafood, he said, citing Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export revenue to China at 29.6 billion USD in the first nine months of this year, a year-on-year rise of 10 percent. 

However, the deputy minister stressed, there remain limitations in bilateral economic and trade ties, such as Vietnam’s high trade deficit at 22.8 billion USD in 2017, along with smuggling, tax evasion and low-quality products. 

Given this, the PM’s trip aims to take advantage of China’s economic potential and big market, boost exports to the country, improve the efficiency of economic and trade collaboration and reduce the trade deficit. 

Additionally, it is expected to help attract international investment and promote Vietnam’s economy, investment and tourism, Trung noted. 

Apart from economic significance, the tour has contributed to enhancing political trust and friendship between Vietnam and China. 

During the event, leaders of the two countries discussed plans to step up bilateral cooperation across fields, the deputy minister said.  

At the meeting with Mayor of Shanghai Ying Yong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested the city expand its cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities. 

For his part, Ying Yong stated that Shanghai attaches importance to boosting collaboration with Vietnam, and to working with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities in implementing deals reached by high-ranking leaders.

He stressed the necessity of increasing delegation exchanges and reinforcing joint work to boost the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The trip has generated a driving force for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economy and trade.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and State President Xi Jinping agreed with PM Phuc’s proposals and affirmed China will devise policies and measures to boost bilateral trade toward stable growth, help Vietnam ease the trade deficit and facilitate the expansion of markets and of cooperation and distribution channels for Vietnamese goods, particularly farm produce favoured by Chinese consumers like fruit, fishery products, pork and milk.

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong has pledged to support and offer incentives for Vietnamese firms taking part in China’s international import expositions in Shanghai so that key Vietnamese goods like agro-forestry-fishery products will be available in larger amounts in the city and beyond, Deputy FM Trung said.

Chinese enterprises praised improvements in Vietnam’s business climate in recent times. They said they want to expand investment in the country’s high-tech and sustainable sectors.

During the tour, leaders of both sides agreed to better control differences and maintain peace and stability at sea.

PM Phuc lauded outcomes achieved through negotiations and cooperation in less sensitive marine matters between the two countries as well as initial progress in ASEAN – China negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

He requested Vietnam and China respect the interests of each other, realise the common perceptions of their high-ranking leaders and the agreement on the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Vietnam and China, and solve disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and the region.

On the participation of Vietnam at the first CIIE in Shanghai, Trung said the country was chosen as a guest of honour.

According to him, Vietnam sent 25 enterprises to the expo specialised in the areas of farm produce, fishery products, food processing and trade services. The Vietnamese space attracted many visitors and transactions, while various contracts were signed.   

Speaking at the fair’s opening ceremony, PM Phuc sent a strong message of Vietnam’s support toward the liberation and facilitation of trade and investment, as well a and its willingness to work with other countries in tackling global challenges.

The Government leader introduced Vietnam’s cooperation potential, particularly in terms of market, business climate, competitiveness and innovation. He also mentioned the country’s key products like rice, coffee, fruit, apparel and high-tech electronic devices, among others.

He stated Vietnam always creates a fair environment for foreign investors, highlighting the importance of increasing dialogues between the Government and businesses, and of effectively applying administrative reform measures, particularly in customs and quarantine procedures.

Vietnam’s performance at the expo has contributed to boosting Vietnam – China cooperation across spheres, especially economy – trade, promoting the national image, trademarks and products, propelling the export of Vietnamese key products like agro-forestry-fishery goods and processed food to China and other countries worldwide, and helping Vietnamese firms seek new markets and expand their businesses, Trung stressed.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend ASEAN Summit next week

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 33rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and related meetings in Singapore from November 13-15.

The trip will be made at the invitation of PM Phuc’s counterpart, Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong.

Founded in 1967, the ASEAN groups together Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The ASEAN chairmanship rotates between member states alphabetically. Singapore is currently the Chair of ASEAN for 2018. Thailand will officially take over the chairmanship on January 1, 2019.

Party and State leader welcomes Japanese PM’s special envoy

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives the Japanese Prime Minister’s special envoy Kentaro Sonoura in Hanoi on November 5

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong received the Japanese Prime Minister’s special envoy Kentaro Sonoura, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, in Hanoi on November 5.

At the meeting, Sonoura handed over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s letter of congratulations to the chief of the Communist Party of Vietnam on his election as President of Vietnam. 

In the letter, PM Abe expressed his belief that under the leadership of Party General Secretary and President Trong, Vietnam will continue developing prosperously. He also wished to continue his close cooperation with the Vietnamese leader to help the Japan-Vietnam extensive strategic partnership grow in a result-oriented and comprehensive manner.

The Vietnamese leader thanked Japanese King Akihito for offering his congratulations and PM Abe for sending a special envoy to deliver the letter.

He expressed his delight at the comprehensive, strong, and practical expansion of the extensive strategic partnership, affirming that the Vietnamese Party and State have always and will continue to treasure its relations with Japan.

General Secretary and President Trong appreciated Japan’s effective cooperation and assistance in various fields, while also applauding the two sides’ coordination in holding various meaningful activities to mark the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties throughout the year.

The Vietnamese leader asked the two sides to maintain regular high-ranking visits and meetings so as to enhance political trust; promote economic connectivity through stronger ties in investment, trade, ODA provision, agriculture, and labour; boost locality-to-locality links; step up joint human resources training; and make connections between the countries’ development strategies.

The two nations should also intensify friendship between the Vietnamese and Japanese people, he added.

For his part, Sonoura thanked his host for the sentiment towards and respect for Japanese leaders. He emphasised that Japan highly values Vietnam’s recent development successes, as well as its role and active contributions to international and regional affairs.

The official affirmed that his country attaches special importance to its cooperation and friendship with Vietnam, and it will work hard to bring their extensive strategic partnership to a new stage of development.

Party official receives delegation of DPRK women’s union

 
The head of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Hoang Binh Quan, met with a delegation of the Socialist Women’s Union of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Hanoi on November 5.

Applauding the DPRK delegation’s working visit, Quan affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people have always treasured and are looking to enhance its friendship and cooperation with fraternal countries, including the DPRK.

He underlined the value of the traditional bilateral friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the DPRK, which were nurtured by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kim Il-sung, and generations of leaders of the two nations. 

Quang also highlighted Vietnam’s support for a Korean Peninsula of peace, stability, and prosperous development, expressing his delight at the positive progress in this peninsula.

At the meeting, the official also presented Vietnam’s achievements during its 30 years of reform, including substantial contributions by Vietnamese women and the Vietnam Women’s Union.

Quan voiced his belief that the Party, State, and people of the DPRK will continue efforts to promote regional peace, as well as wishing the Socialist Women’s Union success in attaining new accomplishments.

He asked the two women’s unions to devise further measures to increase experience sharing, especially in encouraging women’s engagement in socio-economic development. He also hoped they would develop stronger ties to contribute further to the relationship between the Vietnamese and DPRK people.

For her part, Chairwoman of the Socialist Women’s Union Jang Chun-sil, who is also an alternate member of the DPRK’s Workers’ Party Central Committee, briefed the host official about her country’s development accomplishments in recent years, the activities of the Socialist Women’s Union, and the two unions’ cooperation.

She said the Socialist Women’s Union will work closely with the Vietnam Women’s Union to carry out joint activities, thereby strengthening relations between the unions as well as between the two parties and states.

Chairman of the Theoretical Council of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Xuan Thang (R) welcomes Vice Chairman of the National Lao Council for Social Sciences Nam Vinhaket 

The National Lao Council for Social Sciences and the Theoretical Council of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee need to work more closely, especially in organizing the 7th theoretical seminar between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, a senior official said.

Nguyen Xuan Thang, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Chairman of the Theoretical Council, and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, was speaking to Nam Vinhaket, member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Vice Chairman of the National Lao Council for Social Sciences in Hanoi on November 5.

Nam Vinhaket said he is happy with the growing special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

He briefed his host of the cooperation between the two councils in the past and their cooperative programme in 2019, and pledged to work closely with the Theoretical Council of Vietnam to implement cooperation agreements between the two councils.

He suggested Party leaders continue instructing the two councils to enhance their coordination, and share information, theories, experience, and scientific research outcomes in service of their countries’ development in the new circumstance. 

Thang said the visit by the Lao guest would help to step up the cooperation between the two councils as well as that between the two Parties and States.

He spoke highly of the results of the cooperation between the two councils and expressed his hope that the councils will focus on bettering scientific research, proactively providing consultancy pertaining to theory and ideology, and actively taking part in preparing documents for each Party’s congress.

The delegation of the National Lao Council for Social Sciences paid a working visit to Vietnam from November 1-5 under a cooperation agreement with the Theoretical Council of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee.

Deputy PM: Vietnam considers foreign firms part of its economy

At the reception (Source: chinhphu.vn)

Vietnam has always and will continue to consider foreign-invested enterprises as part of its economy, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue told head of SME Business Switzerland at Credit Suisse Andreas Gerber during a reception in Hanoi on November 5. 

Hue said the Vietnamese Government will provide all possible support to domestic and foreign enterprises in their operations. 

Last year, Vietnam attracted nearly 36 billion USD in foreign direct investment. The figure topped 28 billion USD in the first ten months of this year, which is expected to reach the equivalent of 2017’s impressive figure, he said. 

He noted that Vietnam is gearing towards quality, eco-friendly projects, not only those by multinational corporations, but also small- and medium-sized enterprises that make good use of modern technology. 

According to him, the Vietnamese Government gives priority to attracting investment in public-private partnerships in transportation and socio-economic infrastructure, as well as the manufacturing and support industry using modern technology such as electricity, semi-conductors, automobiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, high-tech agriculture, logistics, information technology and communications, and renewable energy. 

The Government also prioritises investment in finance-banking; encourages mergers and acquisitions in the field; and pushes for the involvement of foreign firms in the equitisation of State-owned enterprises, as well as in other ventures and startups. 

Lauding Swiss firms for their scientific and technological capabilities, as well as their experience in joining the global supply chain, the Deputy PM said the Government encourages Swiss businesses to invest in Vietnam. 

Gerber, for his part, said that this is the fifth time the delegation has sought business opportunities in Vietnam, mostly in northern localities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh. 

The delegation is comprised of the largest number of corporate representatives so far, all working in glass production, nano and medical technology, artificial intelligence, application software, media, banking, and education and medical infrastructure. 

He said the delegation is looking to transfer technologies to Vietnam. 

Switzerland now ranks 18th out of the 126 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Vietnam, China to increase sharing legislative experience

Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese NA Uong Chu Luu (R) and Chairman of the Constitution and Law Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Fei 

Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Uong Chu Luu received the Chairman of the Constitution and Law Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Li Fei, in Hanoi on November 5.

Luu reiterated Vietnam’s consistent viewpoint of treasuring and developing relations with the Chinese Party, State, and people. 

He said he hopes the policies and common principles on the countries’ relations, agreed by leaders of their parties and states, will be implemented seriously and effectively.

Given that Vietnam and China have similar political regimes and lawmaking activities, the Vietnamese NA’s Law Committee and the Chinese Constitution and Law Committee should maintain close cooperation to share legislative experience and advise their respective parliaments, parties, and states to perfect the socialist law-governed state institution and law systems, he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Constitution and Law Committee Li Fei voiced his wishes that the two countries will increase exchanges to solidify their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. 

Earlier the same day, the Chinese delegation had talks with officials of the Vietnamese NA’s Law Committee.

Chairman of the Law Committee Nguyen Khac Dinh gave a brief introduction of his agency, noting that the Vietnamese committee and the Chinese Constitution and Law Committee share many similarities in their functions and tasks. 

He added that further meetings to exchange experience between the two organisations will help reinforce the two countries’ solidarity and cooperation, he said.

Echoing this view, Li Fei said that through the talks, the Chinese side will be able to learn about the lawmaking experience of the Vietnamese NA. As a result, the two legislatures will step up collaboration and mutual support at multilateral forums.

HCM City vows to strengthen Vietnam-Cambodia ties

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang (L) visited the staff of the Consulate General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City on November 5 on the 65th anniversary of Cambodia’s Independence Day 

Ho Chi Minh City will do its best to continue bolstering the sound neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, durable and long-lasting cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, a municipal official said.

Huynh Cach Mang, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, made the remarks while visiting the staff of the Consulate General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City on November 5 on the 65th anniversary of Cambodia’s Independence Day (November 9, 1953).

On behalf of the city’s leaders and people, Huynh Cach Mang offered congratulations to Cambodia on its achievements recorded under the reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He said he hopes the Cambodian people will reap greater attainments to build their country wealthily.

He stated that HCM City always treasures the sound neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, durable and long-lasting cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia and will do more to foster the relations, including the one between the city and other Cambodian localities, in a more productive manner.

HCM City and Phnom Phenh have exchanged a lot of high-ranking delegation visits, created new impulses for bilateral ties growth, and carried out cooperative projects, thus bringing practical benefits to the two sides, he said.

He also said that trade promotion and exchange, education cooperation and charity activities between HCM City and other Cambodian localities have helped to promote the sound relations between the two countries.

Im Hen, Consul General of Cambodia in HCM City, thanked the city for assisting the Consulate General in hosting Cambodian delegations on their working visits to Vietnam, saying the deed reflects the close-knit relations between the two countries, HCM City and Phnom Penh, and the Consulate General and municipal agencies.

He said in the past decade, Cambodia recorded an annual GDP growth of 7 percent.

Trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached 3.8 billion USD in 2017 and Vietnam remained the leading investor in Cambodia with around 582 million USD in the year.

Also in 2017, up to 835,000 Vietnamese visited Cambodia while 222,000 Cambodians visited Vietnam, he reported.

Women’s unions of Vietnam, DPRK bolster cooperation

President of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha held talks on November 5 with her counterpart from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Jang Chun-sil on women’s activities and traditional relations

President of the Vietnam Women’s Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha held talks on November 5 with her counterpart from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Jang Chun-sil on women’s activities and traditional relations.

At the meeting in Hanoi, Ha expressed her appreciation of the DPRK’s support for Vietnam in wartime, while also lauding the achievements of the Socialist Women’s Union of the DPRK over the years.

Vietnamese women have held important roles in the nation’s political system as well as its socio-economic development, she noted, adding that they have arranged and participated in many forums focusing on women in socialist countries. 

Underlining the long-standing traditional ties, the host voiced her hope that cooperation between the two women’s organisations will be strengthened in the coming time, especially as they are set to increase experience sharing in women’s activities, the education of political ideology, along with other activities in staff organisation and support for women, and more.

For her part, Jang Chun-sil said the Socialist Women’s Union of the DPRK – formerly known the Korean Democratic Women’s Union – is the only mass organisation for women in the DPRK. It was founded by President Kim Il-sung in November 18, 1945.

She informed her host that the union has increased exchanges and solidarity with women and female organisations in many countries worldwide, which has helped to foster mutual national understanding, friendship, cooperation, and peacekeeping.

The DPRK guest also expressed her hope that the two sides will continue to exchange information on each other’s activities and on campaigns for women, as well as bolster bilateral cooperation in many spheres, including tourism.

Vietnamese, Chinese businesses foster connections

A conference was jointly held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Shanghai on November 5 to foster connectivity between Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises.

The event drew Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Vietnamese Consul General in Shanghai Ninh Thanh Cong, and representatives of many Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises.  

Addressing the event, Minister Cuong noted that Vietnam and China share both land and sea border, and have similarities in politics, economic model and culture.

China has become the most important market for Vietnam agro-forestry-fishery products, with two-way trade of the products reaching 11.3 billion USD in 2017 and 8.16 billion USD in the first nine months of 2018, he said.

The minister added Vietnam is discussing with relevant Chinese ministries and sectors, including the General Administration of Customs and Ministry of Agriculture, on the recognition of each other’s regulations on quality management and quarantine procedures, thus creating more favourable conditions for import-export activities between the two countries, while facilitating the exports of tropical products such as vegetables, fruit, cashews, cassava, wooden products, coffee, aquatic products, milk, pork, and beef.

With its active international integration, Vietnam will continue improving its investment environment to give better conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from China, to engage in the agricultural sector of Vietnam, he stated.

At the conference, Vietnamese and Chinese firms introduced their strong products and sought partnership opportunities. They also voiced their difficulties during the investment and cooperation process.