ASOSAI Governing Board holds 53rd meeting in Hanoi

The 53rd meeting of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI)’s Governing Board took place in Hanoi on September 22 under the co-chair of Ho Duc Phoc, the new Chair of the association, and Secretary General Hu Zejun.

Addressing the event, Phoc, who is the Auditor General of Vietnam, said that the ASOSAI has become an influential organisation in promoting the independence, transparency, professionalism and responsibility in the field of auditing in the region.

The Governing Board meeting will focus on tasks for the time ahead, including the implementation of the 12th research project, and preparations for the 54th meeting of the board and the 15th ASOSAI Assembly, he said.

Members of the board approved the minute of the 52nd Governing Board meeting and agreed to keep India as the Editor-in-Chief of the ASOSAI Magazine for another term from 2021-2024.

Regarding the theme for the 12th research project, ASOSAI Secretary General Hu Zejun said that the ASOSAI Secretariat had received 38 suggestions from 16 SAIs and chose 24 for the recommendation list. 

After discussion, participants agreed on the topics of the 12th research project, which are audit of implementation of sustainable development goals; SAI’s role in the detection and evaluation of fiscal impacts and risks from public debts, and support for auditors in digital era.

On the 15th Assembly of the ASOSAI slated for 2021 in Thailand, Thai Audit General Sirin Phankasem pledged to exchange information with member SAIs during the preparations for the event, expressing hope for collaboration from other SAIs.

Concluding the meeting, Phoc thanked the ASOSAI members for cooperation with the State Audit of Vietnam during the organisation of the ASOSAI’s 14th Assembly.

The 54th and 55th meetings of the ASOSAI Governing Board will take place in Kuwait and Bangladesh in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Vietnam prioritises comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh attends the second Eurasian Women’s Forum held in Saint Petersburg. 

It is Vietnam’s consistent policy to prioritise its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh said on September 21.

Thinh made the affirmation while meeting with Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matvienko during her trip to attend the second Eurasian Women’s Forum held in Saint Petersburg.

The two sides expressed their delight at the dynamic development of the Vietnam-Russia cooperation, including the maintenance of the regular high-level political dialogue.

The Vietnam-Eurasia Free Trade Agreement has been implemented effectively, creating positive changes in trade exchange between the two nations. Meanwhile, cooperation in defence-security, science-technology, education-training, culture, and tourism, as well as connections between localities have been stepped up.

The two sides agreed to work closely together to successfully organise the Vietnam-Russia and Russia-Vietnam Year in the two countries on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam-Russia friendship treaty signing (1994-2019) and the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1950-2020).

They also consented to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, including the Eurasian Women’s Forum.

At the meeting, Matvienko, on behalf of the Russian State and parliament leaders, extended deep condolences to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam over the passing away of President Tran Dai Quang.

President Quang made great contributions to Vietnam’s national construction and development as well as to consolidating and strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, she said.

The Russian leader also spoke highly of the active and proactive participation of Thinh and the Vietnamese delegation in activities of the second Eurasian Women’s Forum, which she said contributes to the success of the September 19-21 event. 

Hailing the outcomes of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong’s recent visit to Russia, Matvienko affirmed that her country treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam and will do its utmost to develop bilateral collaboration in a more effective manner, meeting the aspirations of each side.

Vice President Thinh thanked the Speaker for her sentiments towards the late President and highly valued Russia’s organisation of the second Eurasian Women’s Forum, as well as the role of Matvienko herself in founding and organising the forum’s activities 

She expressed her wish that Matvienko, in her current capacity, will continue efforts to help the forum further promote its role in bridging women of the two continents and enhancing their partnership in various fields.

Vietnam strives to perfect institution for UN peacekeeping operations

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen.Nguyen Chi Vinh 

The Ministry of Defence hosted a meeting of the Vietnam Inter-sectoral Working Group for Participation in the UN Peacekeeping Operations on September 21 in Hanoi. 

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, head of the group, who is also head of the Defence Ministry's Steering Committee for Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions, chaired the first working session in the framework of the event.

Representatives from relevant ministries and sectors also attended the session. 

During the session, regulations related to the group’s operation were introduced. Participants also agreed on contents of the implementation of UN peacekeeping missions in the time to come; as well as coordination, guidance, management and performance of UN peacekeeping operations that Vietnam will join. 

After nearly five years joining UN peacekeeping operations, Vietnam has gradually arranged forces in line with the Master Plan on Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions approved by the Politburo in 2012. 

Vietnam successfully sent many officers to two UN peacekeeping missions. 

To continue implement the plan, with the aim of sending a unit with many members to in UN peacekeeping activities, Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh called for more efforts to consolidate the Vietnam Inter-sectoral Working Group for Participation in the UN Peacekeeping Operations, stressing the need to transfer the management role of the group from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Defence. 

The transfer will help carry out the work of providing consultation, management and direction for UN peacekeeping activities in a comprehensive manner in the context that Vietnam is expanding its participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions from the individual level to the collective level.

This will also enhance effective coordination among relevant ministries, sectors and agencies in the process of Vietnam’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations. 

The Inter-sectoral Working Group, with a head, four deputy heads and members, is responsible for providing consultation on the arrangement of forces to join UN peacekeeping operations to authorized agencies; proposing negotiations on the signing of agreements with the UN; and boosting cooperation between Vietnam and international partners in the field.

Vietnam boosts defence cooperation with Cambodia

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen (R) receives Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Cuong 

he Vietnamese Party, State and army will do their best to continuously consolidate and promote the traditional relationship between the two nations and their militaries.

Director of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA)’s General Department of Politics Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Cuong made the statement while being received by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Banh in Phnom Penh on September 21.

He said the Vietnamese Party, State and army always remember and appreciate the support and assistance Cambodia has given to Vietnam.

He expressed his wish that PM Hun Sen and Minister Tea Banh to create conditions for the two defence ministries in general and the VPA General Department of Politics and the Cambodian Defence Ministry’s General Department for Defence Services in particular to realise their cooperation contents.

He asked for the Cambodian side’s help to speed up the searching and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia during wars.

PM Hun Sen and Minister Tea Banh sent their deepest condolences to the Vietnamese Party and Government leaders and people over the death of President Tran Dai Quang.

The Cambodian PM said that his country always attaches much importance to preserving and deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam for benefits of the two countries’ people, and for peace, stability and development in each country.

Earlier on September 20, Cuong and General Neang Phat, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Defence Ministry, held talks.

Cuong said Vietnamese and Cambodian militaries should enhance cooperation in information exchange and popularisation to ensure that people living in the border areas understand and abide by border management regulations in order to build a shared border of peace, friendship, stability and sustainable development.

He affirmed that Vietnam and Cambodia have enjoyed traditional friendship, solidarity, mutual trust, and comprehensive cooperation. The Vietnamese Party, State, military, and people always attach importance to consolidating the relations, seeing it as an invaluable asset of both peoples.

Neang Phat, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Government, army and people for helping Cambodia during its national construction and development in general and the royal military in particular.

Both sides informed each other of the economic development, politics, defence and security in each nation and discuss issues of common concern. 

They agreed that the defence collaboration has been carried out in a positive and effective manner, and in line with the yearly cooperation protocol and plan. This is also an important pillar in the bilateral relations, they said.

Regarding the cooperation between the VPA General Department of Politics and Cambodia’s General Department of Defence Services and other relevant agencies, the two officials said that they should work to bolster mutual understanding, friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

The two militaries should join hands to assure stability and development in each country, defeat all plots by hostile forces to harm the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship and solidarity. 

Delegation exchanges, experience sharing and training for officers should be paid due attention. Both sides should enhance cooperation in the search and repatriation of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down during wars in Cambodia.

Netherlands shares experience in smart port development

Opportunities for investing in the northern port city of Hai Phong and orientations for forming a smart and modern port economy in the locality were discussed at a workshop on September 21. 

Jointly organised by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam and the municipal People’s Committee, the workshop is part of the activities in the on-going “Dutch Days” event in Hai Phong on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam- Netherlands diplomatic ties. 

Dutch participants shared their experience in operating ports in line with smart and energy-saving models through using natural energy as well as experience in collecting and recycling packaging materials towards circulating production. 

Speaking at the workshop, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Thanh said the city has many advantages, as it is a gateway connecting between Vietnam and the world. 

Local authorities have built a development plan, focusing on infrastructure systems and foreign direct investment, he noted. 

Investment for infrastructure development has contributed to helping Hai Phong create socio-economic breakthroughs, he said, but also noting that the city are facing great challenges related to out-of-sync traffic infrastructure, solid waste treatment, flooding, environmental pollution, and traffic jam. 

Dutch Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman highlighted the strong development of bilateral relations across various fields, saying that the development has been bolstered thanks to investment and trade activities of Dutch investors in Vietnam. 

The same day, the diplomat visited the Saigon Newport Corporation (SNC) and the Hai Phong International Container Terminal Co., Ltd - a partner of the SNC in Hai Phong. 

She also paid a courtesy visit to Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung and officials from local departments and sectors, during which the diplomat affirmed that Hai Phong is one of the strategic destinations in Vietnam of Dutch firms which are operating in shipbuilding, maritime and logistics industry, and smart port development. 

There are more and more Dutch enterprises operating in Hai Phong, she said, noting that port development, logistics and smart urban planning are potential spheres for the Netherlands and Hai Phong to boost collaboration for mutual benefit. 

The Netherlands is willing to share its experience with Vietnam in these fields, she added.

HCM City, Sweden’s Uppsala County boost hi-tech cooperation

At the reception 

Ho Chi Minh City wants to boost cooperation with Uppasala County of Sweden, especially in education and high technology towards sustainable development, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong told its visiting Governor Stig Goran Enander during a reception on September 21. 

Phong said the city is coping with challenges in urban development such as environment and climate change. 

In order to grasp opportunities from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the city has announced projects on smart and innovative urban development which, he said, will offer opportunities to foreign investors, including those from Sweden and Uppsala, to form ventures. 

Lauding education quality in Uppsala universities, Phong said Ho Chi Minh City needs high-quality workforce to turn itself into a financial, scientific and technological centre. 

Ho Chi Minh City appreciates cooperation programmes between Uppsala University and Vietnamese universities, he said, wishing that Uppsala University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the city’s universities would turn opportunities into specific projects, contributing to improving local high-quality personnel. 

The host expressed wish that Uppsala firms would invest in the city in fields of strength such as high technology, innovation, environment and high-tech agriculture. 

Enander, for his part, spoke highly of the outcomes of working sessions with the city’s partners, including the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and several firms in environment treatment. 

He affirmed that Uppsala firms stand ready to assist Ho Chi Minh City in environment, communications, life sciences, start-up innovations and climate change response. 

At the reception, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg reaffirmed Swedish enterprises’ interest in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, saying that Uppsala businesses want to push forward joint work in potential fields such as innovations and technology, smart solution supply in service of sustainable development.

Vietnam hopes for stronger cooperation with EU

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the working session

 

Vietnam highly values the important role and position of the European Union (EU) in the region and the world, and wishes to further boost the comprehensive cooperation between the two sides.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement at a working session on September 21 with Ambassador Bruno Angelet, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and ambassadors of EU member countries in Hanoi.

Minh said he is delighted at the positive development of the Vietnam-EU relationship, especially both sides’ efforts to conclude legal reviews towards the official signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He suggested Bruno Angelet and ambassadors of EU member countries work to develop the comprehensive partnership and cooperation between Vietnam and the EU as well as its member nations in a practical and effective manner in the time to come.

He expressed his wish that the EU countries will support Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

The official affirmed that Vietnam has been making every effort to deal with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and proposed the EU soon remove its “yellow card” warning to Vietnam’s fisheries sector.

For his part, Bruno Angelet said Vietnam occupies a high place in EU's external policy and affirmed that he and the ambassadors of the EU member countries will try their best to deepen the Vietnam-EU cooperation, particularly pushing for the early signing of the EVFTA and bringing it into effect.

At the working session, Deputy PM Minh openly exchanged ideas with the EU ambassadors on priorities in Vietnam’s foreign policy as well as regional and international issues of common concern such as traditional and non-traditional security matters, sustainable development, promotion of human rights, and maintenance of peace, stability and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

ASOSAI 14: Member SAIs praise symposium’s outcomes

7th symposium takes place as part of 14th ASOSAI Assembly 

The 14th Assembly of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) is taking place in Hanoi, with participants discussing ways to boost environmental auditing for the sustainable development of the region.

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the 7th symposium in the framework of the 14th ASOSAI Assembly, delegates praised the event’s outcomes, which, according to them, will benefit all member supreme audit institutions (SAIs).

Ouk Saravudh, vice head of Cambodia SAI, said ASOSAI 14’s theme “Environmental Auditing for Sustainable Development” is relevant to requirement for national development.

The 46 member SAIs shared experience and knowledge. Cambodia SAI can learn from other SAIs and identify challenges in the future and seek solutions for them.

“We have learnt a lot from Vietnam SAI in environmental auditing and invited Vietnamese experts to come and share their knowledge and experience with Cambodian auditing agencies,” said Saravudh.

Likewise, the head of Nepal SAI, Tanka Mani Sharma expressed his delight at the fruitful discussions among member SAIs in the framework of the 14th ASOSAI Assembly.

“The discussions will lay a foundation for developing criteria and standards for environmental auditing implementation while improving the auditing systems of concerned countries,” he said.

He suggested Vietnam SAI, as ASOSAI Chair, take opinions of other member SAIs to ensure the effective performance of the organisation.

“Vietnam should also keep close touch with all other members, together identify strength and weaknesses, just improving each other’s auditing quality,” he said.

Meanwhile, Adam Naseer, head of Maldives SAI, noted the significance of environmental auditing to his country’s economy as a tourism nation.

“Our economy mainly relies on the sea and sand, which is part of the environment. It means our economy depends on the environment, therefore environmental auditing is our major concern,” he said.

He also underlined the need to apply technology in environmental auditing to ensure the work is more accurate and faster.

ASOSAI gathers 46 member organisations with diverse legal status, culture, politics and development level, leading to varying viewpoints on public auditing.

ASOSAI stands as an organisation committed to developing and supporting its member SAIs and helping them benefit from knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives to enhance their contribution to their nations.

The ASOSAI Assembly, held every three years, is a venue for all heads of ASOSAI audit agencies to discuss major issues, necessary documents, regimes and policies to achieve the association’s objectives and further its development.

This year’s event in Vietnam sees the largest ASOSAI gathering to date, with the participation of around 250 delegates from 46 supreme audit institutions in Asia.

Representatives from the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and a number of other international organisations are also attending as observers.

Congratulations to Japanese PM on re-election as LDP President

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo was re-elected as President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on September 21 sent a congratulatory message to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his re-election as President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as LDP President on September 20 for his third consecutive term.

Abe, 63, won 329 votes from Diet members and 224 from rank-and-file members for a total of 553 out of 807 votes. His new term runs for three years, until September 2021.

PM directs building of modern culture imbued with national identities

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 21 directed the building of a modern culture imbued with national identities, thus creating a driving force for socio-economic development. 

He made the statement during a televised conference in Hanoi to review the “All people stay united to build cultural life for the 2000-2018 period” campaign.

The PM described the campaign as a major policy towards constructing a well-rounded lifestyle for its people, fostering solidarity, and driving back social evils. He added that it has been welcomed by the people of all walks of life over the past 18 years with many good examples and deeds being honoured. 

Admitting that some shortcomings still occurred in the process, he said coordination among units concerned remains limited, while personnel for the effort is yet to meet demand and quality of cultural activities in regions and areas has been uneven. 

In order to further spread the campaign, he stressed the need to build a healthy cultural environment at national and local levels, in residential areas, and every aspect of society while fighting negative and wrongful phenomena. He also urged authorities and Party units to pool resources together, using collective power for the effort. 

According to the Central Steering Committee on the campaign, over 1.2 million exemplary acts and deeds by good people and over 69,000 wards and villages have been honoured, and more than 19 million households recognised as cultural families over the past 18 years. 

Many outstanding individuals and collectives have also been honoured by the Party, State, and Government during the period. 

Vietnam, Japan look to make intensive strategic partnership more practical

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda  

Vietnam and Japan need to ceaselessly promote cooperation, thus making their intensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia more practical, towards shaping a new strategic partnership model in the East Asia-Pacific region. 

Prof. Nguyen Xuan Thang – who holds the positions of Secretary of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Vice Chairman of the PCC’s Theoretical Council and Chairman of the Party Central Theoretical Council – made the suggestion at an international symposium themed “Vietnam-Japan Relations development: History and Prospects” in Hanoi on September 21. 

Thang said that the promotion of bilateral relations should be done based on the solid consolidation of strategic trust, comprehensive cooperation, and responsibility-sharing for regional and global issues. 

He emphasised that the two countries should continue to improve the efficiency of their economic cooperation in line with the trends of regional integration enhancement and the rapid evolution of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Japan and Vietnam ought to play a leading role in accelerating the realisation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and actively coordinate in negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as join hands in creating and connecting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, he said. 

The two countries should take the initiative in promoting overall connection between their governments, localities, enterprises, and sectors, especially in fields with high productivity, quality, efficiency, and those using high technology, Thang noted. 

Vietnam's supporting industries ought to be connected to global production networks, especially those led by Japanese technology groups, he added.

Thang underlined the need for the two sides to foster efforts to achieve the goal of doubling their 2014 trade and investment turnover by 2020. 

The two sides should also expand practical and effective defence and security collaboration – especially in maritime safety – and jointly deal with non-traditional security issues – such as cyber security and global climate change, which are major challenges for the development of humanity, he said.

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Vietnam needs to enlist technological support provided by the Japanese side in order to develop new sectors such as high-tech agriculture, industries and services; and learn from Japan’s experience in building a 5.0 social model, Thang said. 

He suggested the two sides enhance links in education-training and people-to-people exchange to deepen comprehensive relations between the two nations in the future. 

Addressing the event, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda stressed that the bilateral relations are now at their best point, adding that the ties are based on mutual trust as the two countries share many strategic interests.

He also underlined the necessity for the two sides to further bolster their ties in the context of great changes in the world’s order. 

Participants said the friendship between Vietnam and Japan has been ceaselessly developed, opening new and effective cooperation frameworks. 

The two sides have upgraded their relations to the intensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. 

Over the last 45 years, the Japan-Vietnam friendship has been constantly developing, in which economic cooperation has always been a top priority and a great success for the two countries' relations.

The two-way trade reached over 33.84 billion USD in 2017. This hit 8.7 billion in the first quarter of 2018, up nearly 16 percent over the same period last year.

Japan is Vietnam's fourth largest trade partner. The country’s investment in Vietnam in 2017 reached a record of 9.1 billion USD. By the end of the first quarter of 2018, Japan had nearly 3,700 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of nearly 50 billion USD. 

At present, more than 2,500 Japanese enterprises are operating in Vietnam, including most of the country’s major corporations. Japan was also the first G7 country to recognise Vietnam's market.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are continuously promoted under many formats. The number of Vietnamese students and trainees in Japan, as well as those of Japanese students pursuing their studies in Vietnam, has increased rapidly in recent years.

Regarding defence and security bonds, the two countries also achieved remarkable cooperation results in preventing transnational crime and ensuring safety and security at sea.

Japan treasures cooperation with Vietnam: Ambassador

An activity held to mark 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties

Japan attaches special importance to its cooperation with Vietnam, which is reflected through the more regular exchange of high-level delegations between the two countries and higher level of trust between their leaders in recent years.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda made the statement in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 21, 1973-2018).

According to the diplomat, the Vietnam-Japan relationship is now at its highest level so far, based on mutual trust and close attachment. As the two nations share many strategic benefits, Japan wishes to strengthen collaboration with Vietnam on the basis of basic perceptions of Vietnam’s sustainable economic development and capacity enhancement to ensure national defence and security. 

“This is especially important to the stability and prosperity of Japan, as well as the whole Asia-Pacific region”, he said, adding that the enhancement of bilateral cooperation is becoming more and more significant as the world has been witnessing changing global relations.

Regarding priority cooperation areas between the two countries, the diplomat said Vietnam is now in a great transition phase in terms of politics and economy, with abundant energy sources for growth. If the country can bring into full play these sources, it will see great strides.

“I hope that Vietnam can fully tap that opportunity to grow strongly,” he said.

Bilateral economic cooperation has developed drastically in recent times, with the increasing attention from Japanese businesses towards Vietnam reflected through the number of Japanese enterprises and projects popping up in the Southeast Asian nation, the ambassador.

In 2017, Japan’s direct investment in Vietnam hit 9.1 billion USD, the highest level so far. The figure for the first half of this year was 6.5 billion USD, making Japan the largest foreign investor in Vietnam.

More than 3,100 Japanese businesses have landed investment in Vietnam, marking an increase of 40 percent in four years. Japanese firms now top 1,700 members of the Japanese Business Association in Vietnam, surpassing those in Thailand.

The Japanese side wishes to continue cooperating with Vietnam, especially in boosting the growth of its economy, the ambassador said, noting that Japan has been busy implementing an array of collaboration programmes with Vietnam in developing hardware infrastructure, such as bridges, seaports, airports, and expressways.

Regarding software infrastructure, Japan has partnered with Vietnam in perfecting the latter’s legal system, training human resources, and improving labour productivity, he added.

In the coming time, together with expanding investment areas and scale, the Japanese side expects to continue cooperating with Vietnam in infrastructure development, thus supporting its sustainable development. 

The diplomat said his country also hopes to join hands with Vietnam to improve its administration capacity.

Joining Vietnam’s administrative reform efforts, Japan will share all of its experience – both successes and failures – with Vietnam, he stated.

“As Japan is prone to natural disasters and Vietnam is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change, we wish to enhance affiliation in this field in order to minimise negative impact of climate change on Vietnam,” said Kunio Umeda.

Regarding prospects for bilateral collaboration – as both Vietnam and Japan are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), formerly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – the ambassador stated that at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 held in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang in November last year, the two countries co-chaired the TPP Ministerial Meeting, during which several important decisions were made, such as the titular change.

This is just one of the cooperation achievements between Japan and Vietnam, he said, adding that in the context of rising protectionism in several economies, bringing the CPTPP into force at an early date is particularly crucial to both countries.

Six of the 11 participating economies must complete domestic ratification procedures to make the deal effective. At present, only three economies have completed such procedures, namely Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. 

It is known that the Vietnamese National Assembly will verify laws related to the CPTTP at its upcoming session, he said, expressing his hopes that Vietnam will become one of the first six economies to ratify the agreement. 

If the CPTTP comes into force, Vietnam’s exports will surely increase, he predicted.

On measures to boost cultural and educational cooperation as well as people-to-people exchange, the ambassador said as 2018 marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, more than 170 related events are scheduled to take place in both countries this year.

At the Vietnamese Festivals in Tokyo, Yokohama of Kanagawa prefecture, and Aichi prefecture, around 100,000 Japanese people came to have an insight of the land, culture and cuisine of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, in Hanoi, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam has coordinated with organisations and friendship associations in arranging a wide variety of celebration activities, including a concert of NHK orchestra on September 7 and the Vietnam-Japan Music Festival 2018 on September 15.

In the field of educational cooperation, Kunio Umeda said that alongside connections between Vietnamese and Japanese universities and projects to increase the number of Japanese language learners, new cooperation activities have also been deployed, including sharing experience in organising lunches at public schools, and music and physical training at high schools in Vietnam.

The Vietnam-Japan University, a symbolic project for the bilateral collaboration in this field, is expected to see gigantic developments in the time to come, he noted.

In addition, Japan has also paid close attention to exchanges between the two countries’ youths, especially in sports, he said, hoping that many Vietnamese athletes will take part in the next Olympics and Paralympics to be held in Tokyo in 2020.

Ho Chi Minh City marks 45 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties

At the event 

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee held a ceremony on September 21 to mark the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties. 

Speaking at the event, permanent Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1973, Vietnam and Japan lifted their ties to a trusted and long-term stable partnership in 2002, strategic partnership in 2009, and extensive strategic partnership for the peace and prosperity of Asia in March 2014. 

Liem said Ho Chi Minh City considers Japan not only an important strategic partner, but also a sincere and trusted friend. 

He thanked the Japanese Government and people for providing effective support to the city’s development projects – such as the Vo Van Kiet highway, the metro line No.1, and water environment improvement – making important contributions to its socio-economic development in years past. 

In the near future, the city will work closely with Japan to launch initiatives and increase dialogues towards promoting mutual understanding and developing bilateral ties. 

Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Kawaue Junichi described the extensive partnership between the city and Japan as a symbol of Vietnam-Japan ties with diverse cooperation programmes. 

He expressed his wishes for further support from the municipal authorities to further foster bilateral links. 

On the occasion, the Japanese official presented certificates of merit to Chairman of the municipal Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association Nguyen Cong Tanh and Rector of Dong Du Japanese Language Centre Nguyen Duc Hoe in honour of their dedication to the Vietnam-Japan ties. 

ASOSAI 14: delegates of Asian supreme audit institutions visit Quang Ninh

 Delegates of Asian supreme audit institutions visit Ha Long bay 

Officials from the People’s Committee of the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh on September 21 received a delegation of participants that attended the ongoing 14th Assembly of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in Vietnam. 

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long warmly greeted delegates, and introduced them to the locality’s economic potential, abundant mineral resources, and beautiful landscapes, including the world-famous Ha Long Bay. 

He said ASOSAI 14 is an important political and diplomatic event which consolidates the vision of Asian supreme audit institutions, adding Quang Ninh has always attached importance to applying both domestic and international accounting systems and auditing standards with the aim of building a healthy financial sector and ensuring sustainable development.

ASOSAI Secretary General Choe Jae-hyeong, who is also Chairman of the Republic of Korea’s Board of Audit and Inspection, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from local officials, saying that from the moment they arrived in Quang Ninh, the delegation had felt the sincerity and hospitality of Vietnamese friends.

Quang Ninh is located 130km northeast of Hanoi. It is described as the most important and vibrant trade gateway for Vietnam with China and other ASEAN member nations. The locality is identified for it growth momentum in the north.

The province has a coastline of more than 250km and over 2,000 islets, which is two-thirds of all islets across the country. The spectacular stretch of coast connects Ha Long Bay with the majestic natural scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To islands, and Tra Co beach with Cat Ba National Park in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

Ha Long Bay, literally “Descending Dragon Bay”, is a must-see destination in Quang Ninh. It has twice been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and named one of the seven new natural wonders of the world.

The bay spans 1,553sq.km and includes 1,969 islands of various sizes. The geodiversity of the environment, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets, has created biodiversity in the bay, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic, and sea biosystem. Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species.

Last year, Quang Ninh welcomed a total of 9.87 million tourists, including 4.28 million foreigners. 

It aims to attract over 12 million visitors this year, including 5 million foreigners. 

Gathering marks 69th anniversary of China’s National Day

At the event 

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and the municipal Vietnam-China Friendship Association (VCFA) held a gathering on September 21 marking the 69th anniversary of China’s National Day (October 1). 

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal VCFA Duong Quan Ha lauded the growing bilateral ties via high-level visits by Party and State leaders, economic and trade collaboration, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks. All of this has been making positive contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world, Ha stressed.

He said ties between VUFO, the municipal VCFA, and the Chinese Consulate General and business community in Ho Chi Minh have been effective, contributing to raising mutual understanding between people from the city and Chinese localities.

Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Chen Dehai said the year 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which has seen great progress in its active dialogue mechanisms, practical coordination, and closer people-to-people exchanges. 

Chen vowed to work closely with the HUFO and the municipal VCFA to raise mutual understanding and trust towards enriching the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.

Government encourages Vietnam-Poland cooperation: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (second from right) at the seminar 

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on September 21 encouraged enterprises from Vietnam and Poland to prepare investment plans in fields of mutual interests, such as the environment, agriculture, and food processing, in order to take advantage of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which will be signed soon.

In his speech at the Vietnam-Poland Economic Cooperation seminar held as part of his visit to the Central European country, Binh underlined that the Government encourages Vietnamese firms to land investment in the fields of IT and consumption goods in Poland to break into Polish and other European markets.

Laying stress on the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, he said that Poland is currently the largest trade partner of Vietnam in Central Europe, with two-way trade hitting a record of 1.05 billion USD in 2017.

There are already many Vietnamese businesses carrying out projects in Poland, he said, adding that the most noteworthy, worth 3 million USD, is invested by dairy giant Vinamilk.

Regarding the Vietnamese economic situation, he said that the economy grew 6.81 percent in 2017, the highest level recorded during the 2011-2017 period. Binh also introduced Vietnam’s favourable business climate, potential, international integration, and modern-day reform progress in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the seminar.

Polish participants and businesses expressed their impression at Vietnam’s socio-economic achievement over the past few years. They said that they are interested in investment opportunities in Vietnam, while speaking highly of Vietnam’s important position in their business network in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific. 

They lauded concerted efforts made by the Vietnamese Government in creating a welcoming business and investment environment and affirmed their determination to expand business in the country to capitalise on opportunities brought by the EVFTA.

Meanwhile, representatives from some Polish universities said that they want to enhance student exchanges, and recommended that Polish authorities create favourable conditions for Vietnamese students wanting to pursue studies in the country.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Binh held meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives from the Vietnamese community in the host nation, during which he hailed their efforts in citizen protection work and contributions towards consolidating the relations between Vietnam and Poland. He said that the community, enterprises in particular, should serve as a bridge to further cooperation and friendship between the two countries. 

Can Tho bolsters agricultural cooperation with Cuba

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera 

Cuba is looking to bolster cooperation with the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in the production of rice, fruits, and aquaculture, in line with agricultural restructuring and high-technology application.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera made the statement during a working session with the city’s authorities on September 21.

Vietnam and Cuba have nurtured a traditional and long-standing friendship, the Ambassador stressed.

Vietnam’s 30-year reform process provided valuable lessons for the national construction of Cuba in the new era, facilitating the country’s international integration, the diplomat said, adding that Cuba is focusing on developing its agriculture, tourism, and healthcare industries, with the country striving to elevate economic and trade relations with many Vietnam’s localities, including Can Tho, to match the countries’ political ties.

Accordingly, priority will be given to animal breeding programmes that serve both sides’ agricultural development, she noted.

On the occasion, Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Indira Lopez Arguelles, who also attended the meeting, briefed her host on the potential, opportunities, and investment incentives in Cuba.

Vietnamese firms will be given top priority in terms of procedures and competition when investing in Cuba, she affirmed.

Arguelles also introduced opportunities for investment in the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone, which covers over 465sq.m in the west of Havana.

She hoped that the zone’s promising potential will attract investors from Can Tho and other south-western provinces of Vietnam.

For his part, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Thanh Thong applauded the proposals and contributions of his guests, noting that cooperation between Can Tho and Cuba remains largely untapped due to a shortage of information about the market and investment policy. 

Cuba has only one project, worth 5.6 million USD, in the city – the Labiofam Vietnam Co. Ltd based in Binh Thuy district. Meanwhile, Can Tho is yet to implement any investment project or export goods to the Latin American country.

He called on Cuba to enhance collaboration with Can Tho in fields that carry great potential with high demand in the Mekong Delta and Vietnam, such as tourism, high-tech agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and especially biotechnology. 

PM: Vietnam welcomes German investors

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and CEO of SAP Group Bill McDermott 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his hope that there will be more German businesses investing in Vietnam, during a reception for CEO of SAP Group Bill McDermott in Hanoi on September 21. 

At the meeting, PM Phuc lauded the contributions of SAP Group – one of the world’s biggest European software enterprises – to Vietnam over the past 20 years, and pledged to create all possible conditions for the group to operate successfully in Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese Government has always attached great importance to consolidating and developing relations with Germany, as well as its individual states, he said, emphasising that Germany is Vietnam’s leading trustworthy and important partner in Europe. 

The leader also said he hopes that Vietnam and Germany will step up their cooperation across many fields, especially in trade and investment. 

Vietnam is on its path of digital reform and is one of the first countries to strongly support and anticipate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as reflected in the country’s efforts to build new strategies and policies on digital transformation and Industry 4.0 application. 

During the process, Vietnam welcomes the world’s leading groups and businesses to share their experience in relevant fields, the PM said. 

He lauded SAP Group’s digital government solution that has been applied successfully in several countries and suggested the group coordinate with the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIT). The PM highlighted the project’s capacity to meet the demands for a growth-facilitating and transparent government which works to serve the people.

The PM also called for the German group’s support in building smart cities in Vietnam, as well as for the digital transformation of a number of Vietnamese telecom businesses. 

The Vietnamese Government is joining hands with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in building an information safety resource centre for ASEAN based in Vietnam, he said, appealing to SAP to support and send experts to help Vietnam with the construction. 

Vietnam is ready to cooperate with and wishes to receive consultations from SAP in devising policies on startups, the host said. 

For his part, Bill McDermott said his group would like to cooperate with and contribute to creating marked changes, bringing a bright future to Vietnam. 

SAP is committed to accompanying Vietnam in its digital development, he noted, adding that the group wants to participate in the country’s e-government, reform, startup, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and cyber security projects.

Vietnam, Bulgaria hold high potential for expanded trade, investment ties

Vietnam and Bulgaria hold much potential for cooperation in multiple sectors, particularly trade and investment, as heard at the Vietnam-Bulgaria Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on September 21.

The event was hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in partnership with the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency.

Vietnam and Bulgaria have forged a strong bond over nearly seven decades, said VCCI Vice President Vo Tan Thanh. The two countries have seen remarkable progress in economics, trade, and cooperation between their localities in recent years, he added.

However, the results of the cooperation are modest and do not match both sides’ potential and expectations, he noted.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached 109 million USD in 2017. Bulgaria’s exports to Vietnam mounted to 71 million USD with key items including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, wheat, animal feeds, machinery, and construction equipment. Meanwhile, Vietnam shipped to Bulgaria 38 million USD worth of commodities, mostly rice, cashew, coffee, frozen seafood, footwear, clothing, computers and electronic parts.

Bulgaria now operates 11 FDI projects in Vietnam, worth a total of 58 million USD, mainly in the fields of manufacturing, processing, communications, and science-technology.

According to Thanh, to make use of their advantages and unlock the full potential of each side, the countries’ leaders have agreed to develop a “new model of economic cooperation” and boost two-way trade. Under the deal, Vietnam will increase exports of its key products to Bulgaria which will be processed at Bulgarian ports for exports to European countries and the Balkan region. 

Emil Karanikolov, Bulgaria's Minister of Economy, said Vietnam and Bulgaria complement each other in economics as Vietnam is Bulgaria's key trade partner in Asia while Bulgaria acts as a transit point for movement of goods between Asia and Europe. In addition to trade, the two countries can also foster cooperation in investment in industrial parks, food processing, and mechanical engineering, he noted.

Bulgaria has adopted a number of incentives to encourage foreign enterprises to do business in the European country in biotechnology, information technology, machinery manufacturing, and entertainment, said Stamen Yanev, Executive Director of Invest Bulgaria Agency.

As a result, the government of Bulgaria has put in place a special program to provide support for foreign investors in terms of completing investment procedures, accessing funds, and labour supply. Foreign investors are also entitled to preferential corporate and income tax rates which are capped at 10 percent in Bulgaria, he added. 

Vietnam pays attention to institutionalising gender equality

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh addresses a plenary session of the second Eurasian Women’s Forum 

Vietnam is paying more and more attention to institutionalising gender equality and women empowerment, said Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh at a plenary session of the second Eurasian Women’s Forum in Saint Petersburg of Russia on September 20.

Thinh stated that Vietnam has set specific targets in this field, including increasing the participation of women in management and leadership positions, narrowing gender gap in the economic and labour fields, offering more opportunities for poor women in rural areas and ethnic minority women, increasing the quality of female workers, and ensuring gender equality in all aspects and in the family.

The country has gained positive results, as seen in the rate of women holding positions in the National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils reaching 26-27 percent, the rate of women participating in economic activities at 85 percent and the proportion of trained female workers at 55 percent.

Vietnamese women are taking the initiative and actively taking part in start-up and international integration, she added.

The Vietnamese leader appreciated contributions by the Eurasian Women’s Forum to connecting women from different nations and cultures in Asia and Europe, promoting women’s role in all aspects of social life, thus building a world of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

She said that changes in the world situation such as the fourth Industrial Revolution and international integration have brought many opportunities to women. However, they are facing a lot of challenges caused by uneven development, conflict risks, terrorism, natural disasters, climate change and increasing protectionism.

This requires the international community, including the Eurasian Women’s Forum, to join hands to solve these challenges.

Vice President Thinh called on women around the world to take the initiative to boos economic connectivity and international cooperation, and improve their knowledge by themselves to avoid being left behind.

Every nation should consider the ensuring of gender equality and women empowerment one of the priority tasks, she suggested.

She also expressed her hope that women will expand international collaboration to contribute more to the implementation of sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of the forum, Vice President Thinh met Georgy Poltavchenko, Governor of Saint Petersburg, who affirmed his hope to boost cooperation between the city with Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese localities and contribute to the Russia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.

He shared that his city is working with the Vietnamese side to build a museum on the US war in Vietnam and a Vietnam trade-culture centre in the city, and is willing to share its experience in city management, information technology, health, ship building, manufacturing, environment and tourism.

The first edition of the Eurasian Women’s Forum was also held in Saint Petersburg in 2015.

This year’s forum, themed “Women for Global Security and Sustainable Development”, attracted about 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries over the world.

Russia treasures ties with Vietnam: Russian senior official

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man (L) presents a gift to Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov 

Russia’s relationship with Vietnam is one of the main pillars in its foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian regions, said Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov.

Melnikov, also First Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) Central Committee, held talks with visiting Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man in Moscow on September 20.

During their discussion of numerous issues in bilateral ties, the two sides expressed their delight at development in the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, reflected through high political trust, increasing two-way trade and effective collaboration in defence, security, science, technology, education, training, culture and tourism.

Melnikov said Russia and Vietnam share similar stances in addressing regional and international issues, and Russia backs Vietnam’s efforts to increase its position in the international arena.

He suggested both sides pay more attention to educating young generations about their time-honoured friendship, and intensify their parliaments and social organisations’ supervision over the implementation of signed cooperative agreements.

He also expressed interest in the VFF’s experience in serving as a bridge between the country’s political institutions and people.

For his part, Man emphasised Vietnam treasures its ties with Russia, and prioritises consolidating and enhancing its partnership with Russia.

He lauded close and effective cooperation between the two parliaments.

The Vietnamese National Assembly supports and participates in inter-parliamentary cooperative activities chaired by Russia, such as the Eurasian Women's Forum, he stated, hoping the legislative bodies will continue coordinating closely within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

He proposed the two sides intensify cooperation and exchange experience in legislative affairs and increase the role of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group in stepping up ties between the two parliaments and countries.

The Vietnamese official expressed his gratitude to Russia for supporting the Vietnamese community in Russia.

He said he hopes Melnikov and Russian authorised offices will continue helping Vietnamese people consolidate their legal status and run business in Russia.

Acknowledging Man’s proposal, Melnikov stated that in the time ahead, both sides can seek measures to address outstanding obstacles in bilateral ties, including issues related to the legal status of the Vietnamese community in Russia.

Man’s visit to Russia will last until September 25.

Vietnam, Czech Republic exchange experience in social welfare policies

Vo Van Phuong, deputy head of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, has paid a visit to the Czech Republic for experience exchange in developing social welfare policies.

During his stay from September 19 – 20, Phuong had a meeting with Vice Chairwoman of the Czech Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Social Policy Lucie Safrankova during which the two sides discussed policies for retirees and those on social welfare, women’s rights and housing.

Safrankova shared her views about population decline, population ageing, falling birth rate, labour shortage and gender pay gap. To address these issues, the Czech Government has adopted a number of solutions, such as increasing level of insurance and pension for retired people, raising retirement age, and providing jobs for the retirees, she said.

She also spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, saying they are very hard-working, dynamic and friendly who have made great contributions to the local society.

Phuong also visited the Embassy of Vietnam and the Vietnamese association in the Czech Republic to learn about the thoughts and wishes of overseas Vietnamese.

He vowed to work with relevant state agencies to support the Vietnamese community in the European country. 

Hungarian parliamentarian lauds Vietnamese community’s position

Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Hau A Lenh joined a working lunch with Szatmary Kristof, member of the Hungarian National Assembly on September 20 

The Vietnamese community in Hungary, with more than 5,000 people, has earned a high position in the country in various fields, Szatmary Kristof, member of the Hungarian National Assembly has said.

Kristof, who is also head of the group of Vietnam-friendly parliamentarians, made the remark during a working lunch with Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Hau A Lenh, on September 20.

Relations between Vietnam and Hungary have thrived and the parliamentary cooperation between the countries has been strengthened through regular exchanges of delegations between their parliamentary committees and friendship parliamentarians’ groups, Kristof noted. 

Hungary highly valued the Vietnamese community’s solidarity and law obedience as well as their practical contributions to the host country, he said, pledging that Hungary will support Vietnam in all fields. 

For his part, Lenh affirmed that the visit by the high-ranking delegation of the VFF Central Committee this time will further contribute to the Vietnam-Hungary relations in the time to come. 

Vietnam always treasures the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with East Central Europe countries, including Hungary, he stated.

He voiced his hope that Hungary will invest more in fields of Vietnam’s demand such as health, wastewater management, information technology, medicine and food safety.  

He also asked Hungary to create optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country, consolidating the countries’ friendship.

Previously, the Vietnamese official paid a visit to Vietnamese traders at the Thang Long Centre in Budapest.

Vietnam sends congratulatory letter to Japan on 45-year ties

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent a congratulatory letter to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on September 20 on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the Vietnam – Japan diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - 2018).

In the letter, PM stated bilateral friendship and cooperation have thrived across all fields over the past 45 years, meeting aspiration of and bringing practical benefit for the two countries’ people, thus contributing to peace, stability, prosperity, cooperation and development in the region and in the world.

Vietnam and Japan have become each other’s important partner, he wrote.

Based on good outcomes obtained so far, Phuc suggested the two countries continue strengthening their extensive strategic partnership toward a new height.

The PM also congratulated Abe on his re-election as president of the Liberal Democratic Party.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent a congratulatory letter to Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Vietnam seeks stronger multifaceted cooperation with Poland

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (L) and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Higher Education Jaroslaw Gowin 

Vietnam wants to develop traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Poland, one of its prioritised partners in East-Central Europe, said Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh.

Binh has been on an official visit to Poland from September 20-22 at the invitation of Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Higher Education Jaroslaw Gowin.

Binh has held talks with Gowin and met with Marshal of the Senate Stanisław Karczewski and Chief of the Chancellery of the President Halina Szymanska.

At these meetings, Binh affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the precious assistance and support that the Polish people extended to Vietnam during the cause of national liberation and construction, especially its help in training thousands of Vietnamese personnel.

He congratulated Poland’s achievements in socio-economic development and European integration, while the Polish leaders expressed their impression at Vietnam’s high economic growth, stable society, and growing position in the region and in the world.

The Polish officials stressed that Vietnam has been an important partner of Poland over the past seven decades. 

They agreed with Deputy PM Binh’s proposal on soon organising the first meeting of the Vietnam-Poland economic cooperation consultation mechanism and resuming the operation of the joint committee for science-technology cooperation, saying that they are ready to send delegations to Vietnam.

They also concurred with the early signing of an agreement on degree equivalence and on the establishment of cooperation mechanisms in security and crime prevention. The Polish officials said they would create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and studying in Poland.

The two sides agreed to maintain meetings between their high-ranking officials, and exchange delegations at all levels, sectors, and localities.

They promised to support each other in issues of common interest at multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Binh took the occasion to thank Poland for its support for Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term and stressed his belief that Poland will achieve more while holding the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the 2018-2019 term.  

At their talks, the two Deputy PMs reviewed past collaboration across sectors and reached an agreement on specific measures to boost bilateral ties.

They applauded the strong development in bilateral economic-trade-investment ties. Trade between Vietnam and Poland exceeded 1 billion USD last year and hit 750 million USD in the first half of 2018, up 50 percent year-on-year. Poland’s direct investment in Vietnam increased 2.5 times in the past three years to reach 230 million USD.

To sustain the growth, the two Deputy PMs agreed to step up trade and investment promotion, as well as create conditions for Vietnamese and Polish firms to network, carry out market studies, seek investment opportunities, and form joint ventures in the fields of agriculture, food processing, pharmacy, and environmental protection, among others.

They affirmed the need to strengthen judicial cooperation, particularly the negotiation and signing of a regional agreement on extradition, as well as agreements on the transfer of prisoners and the criminal judicial assistance. They said the establishment of collaboration between the two supreme courts and supreme procuracies are also necessary.

The Polish leader stressed that Poland is willing to exchange its experience with Vietnam concerning anti-corruption policy and measures. 

Gowin and Karczewski agreed with Binh’s view on the importance of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and stressed their commitments to backing the early signing of the pact in 2018 and its ratification next year.

The Polish officials showed their support toward Vietnam’s stance on international and regional matters, including the East Sea issue.

NA Standing Committee’s 27th meeting concludes

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan concludes the 27th meeting of the NA Standing Committee 

The 27th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee concluded on September 20 after nine working days to prepare important contents for the NA’s sixth session slated for October.

Closing the meeting, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that during the meeting, the NA Standing Committee gave ideas on nine bills and approved a number of resolutions on various issues.

She asked the Government and NA committees, as well as the NA General Secretary and other agencies to absorb opinions given at the meeting in order to complete reports and bills for debate at the NA.

Ngan said that in the next meeting of the NA Standing Committee, scheduled for October 15-17, relevant agencies should send documents to the committee on time to ensure the quality and progress of discussion at the meeting.

Earlier, the NA Standing Committee approved a resolution on an environmental tax list, which aims to raise public awareness of the responsibilities in environmental protection, while encouraging organisations and individuals to use environmentally-friendly products.

The committee agreed with the Government’s proposal on adjusting the environmental tax rate on some products, including fuel. Specifically, the rate for petrol was suggested to increase from 3,000 VND per litre to the ceiling level of 4,000 VND per litre, while that of diesel oil to be raised from 1,500 VND per litre to 2,000 VND per litre, and fuel oil from 900 VND per litre to the ceiling rate of 2,000 VND per litre. The tax rate on kerosene was proposed to be pushed up from 300 VND per litre to 1,000 VND per litre.

The resolution also adjusts the tax rate for products that take a more lasting toll on the environment, such as fossil coal, herbicides, anti-termite chemicals, plastic bags, and restricted antiseptics.

The same day, members of the committee also debated the revised Law on Tax Management.

Vietnam, RoK plan joint audit on ASOSAI 14 sidelines

Auditor General of the State Audit of Vietnam (SAV) Ho Duc Phoc meets with Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection of the Republic of Korea Choe Jaehyeong on September 20. 

Auditor General of the State Audit of Vietnam (SAV) Ho Duc Phoc has proposed that the SAV and the Board of Audit and Inspection of the Republic of Korea (BAI) conduct a joint audit in the time ahead.

Phoc made the proposal during his meeting with BAI Chairman Choe Jaehyeong in Hanoi on September 20 on the sidelines of the 14th ASOSAI Assembly (ASOSAI 14).

Phoc said the two sides can choose between a joint audit on the environment for sustainable development or on information technology, adding that the SAV has experience in performing joint audits with its counterparts in Russia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.

He spoke highly of the long-standing relations between the SAV and BAI, saying that the SAV has learned much from the BAI’s experience in formulating the Law on State Audit and in building auditing standards and procedures.

Vietnam has applied information technology and developed a number of types of software in auditing for various fields, such as capital construction audits, corporate audits, and budget audits, he noted. It has deployed remote sensing technology for mining management in order to calculate the volume of ores and minerals unearthed and evaluate taxes, he added.

He hopes that the BAI can share experience and new technologies in IT and operational auditing with the SAV and that their cooperation can contribute more to the two economies and the common goal of strengthening the national financial system and the Asia’s economy.

Choe Jaehyeong, for his part, highly valued Vietnam’s robust growth in recent years and hoped the country would develop with even greater strength in the coming years.

Echoing Phoc’s view, he also looked forward to the two sides increasing experience exchange in IT and environmental audit. He asked relevant auditing bodies to draw up plans for a joint audit with the SAV.

He expressed his belief that the collaboration between the two sides will be deepened in a sustainable manner, while at the same time, he wished Vietnam will perform well its role as the new ASOSAI Chair and successfully host the ASOSAI 14.

The 14th Assembly of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) is taking place in Hanoi in Hanoi from September 19 to 22 under the theme “Environmental Audit for Sustainable Development” to clarify the role of environmental auditing in supporting governments to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

Vietnam welcomes outcome of inter-Korean summit

Leader of the DPRK Kim Jong-un (R) shakes hands with Korean President Moon Jae-in in a joint press conference announcing the outcome of the inter-Korean summit on September 19

Vietnam welcomed the outcome of the inter-Korean summit on September 19, 2018 and the signing of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration, said the Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang has said.

Hang made the statement at a regular press briefing on September 20 while answering reporters’ query about the outcome of the inter-Korean summit, which took place in Pyongyang, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Vietnam supported the concerned parties maintaining dialogue and high-level meetings, and having constructive and practical actions in order to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula; and promoting dialogue, cooperation, peace and stability in the region and the world as well, she said.