Vietnam, Laos hold third political consultation in Hanoi

Overview of the third political consultation between foreign ministries of Vietnam and Laos in Hanoi on August 24

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and his Lao counterpart Khamphau Ernthavan co-chaired the third political consultation between the two foreign ministries in Hanoi on August 24.

At the annual event, the two sides briefed each other on the current situation of their respective countries, while reviewing the outcomes of major cooperation areas as well as the affiliation of the two ministries during the 2014-2020 period.

Both deputy FMs showed their pleasure at the recent progress in the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, especially the increasing political trust and fruitful collaboration in security, defence, trade, investment, and education and training.

The success of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2017 contributed to cementing ties between the two nations, creating a firm foundation for the younger generations to continue promoting the Vietnam-Laos special relations, they said.

The consultation also discussed developments in the region and the world, with the two sides agreeing to continue working closely at regional and international forums, especially within the ASEAN and other sub-regional cooperation mechanisms in Southeast Asia.

They also sought measures and orientations to enhance the efficiency of implementing high-level agreements, thus continuing to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields.

They stressed the need for the two ministries to promote their advisory and connection roles, together with other ministries and localities, towards removing obstacles facing investment projects and ensuring their ongoing quality and progress.

Both sides also concurred to strengthen the close, practical, and effective affiliation between the two ministries, as well as smaller agencies, while coordinating closely to prepare for the annual consultations between the two foreign ministers in December this year in Laos.

Lao Deputy FM Khamphau Ernthavan congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 30th Vietnam Diplomatic Conference, lauding the achievements of Vietnam in foreign relations over the past few years which she held had helped Vietnam raise its position and role in the region and across the world.

Earlier, on August 23, three seminars were held for the functional bodies of the two foreign ministries to discuss the external policies of each country, measures to improve cooperation in personnel organisation and training, as well as regional and global issues of shared concern.

National Day marked in Sydney

Consul General in Sydney Trinh Duc Hai (second, left) makes a toast to congratulate the 73rd National Day of Vietnam. 

The Vietnamese General Consulate in Sydney on August 24 held a reception to mark the country’s 73rd National Day (September 2), with the participation of many officials of the local administration and representatives of the Vietnamese community there.

Speaking at the function, Consul General Trinh Duc Hai recalled historical landmarks and achievements recorded by the Vietnamese people over the past 73 years. He highlighted that with tremendous efforts, the Vietnamese people have regained national independence and reunification, as well as turned Vietnam into a dynamic country with a population of 97 million and an economy ranking the 45th in the world in terms of gross domestic product.

Highlighting the fine friendship and relations between Vietnam and Australia, the diplomat held that 2018 is a special year that marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and stressed that the relations between Vietnam and Australia have never been so fine.

Pushing up the economic and trade cooperation is one of the key policies relating to the bilateral relations and the two-way trade value now stands at 10 billion AUD, Hai said.

Representatives of the local administration extended greetings to the Vietnamese Government and people on the occasion of the national Day. They spoke highly of the contributions by the Vietnamese community to the local society and economy, and pledged further support in various fields to the community.

Hai Phong port investment, management make spotlight at Cabinet meeting

Overview of the meeting 

Several important issues, including the investment, management and utillization of wharfs in Hai Phong International Gateway Port, were discussed during a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 24-25.

After listening to a report on matters related to the port, located in the northern city of Hai Phong, the PM clarified that the planning and investment of the port must be made coherent to improving the national competitiveness and ensuring that the Lach Huyen deep-sea port becomes a factor attracting investors to Hai Phong.

As the port is significant to the whole northern region, it is necessary to focus resources to expanding it in a more rapid manner, he said.

The PM assigned the Ministry of Transport to work with Hai Phong to review the project and submit a report to him at an early date.

Regarding the management model of the port, the PM asked the Ministry of Justice to coordinate with the Ministry of Transport and the People’s Committee of Hai Phong to deal with the issue in line with the law, but to make sure that there will be no additional agencies and personnel for the work.

Under the planning, Hai Phong ports will handle 109-114 million tonnes of goods each year by 2020, and about 178.5-210 million tonnes per year in 2030.

In 2020, the ports are expected to handle about 5.84-6.2 million TEU of containers each year, and 11.2-12.5 million TEU per year in 2030. The Lach Huyen seaport is planned to become a modern one, matching its role as an international gateway port and an international transit centre. 

At the meeting, PM Phuc signed a resolution on the removal of difficulties in investment in construction, which requests ministries and sectors to issue new legal documents to ensure the coherence of the law, avoiding overlapping of legal documents.

Participants at the meeting also debated a number of other matters, including the verification and approval of compensation, support and resettlement plans for projects spanning at least two provinces; the Phu Yen section of the road connecting the central province of Phu Yen and Central Highlands Gia Lai province; and the investment of Republic of Korea’s Samsung company.

PM urges Quang Binh to prioritise tourism

PM Phuc visits waste treatment, biogas and organic fertiliser plant in Quang Binh on August 26.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc laid stress on the significance of tourism for socio-economic development in the central province of Quang Binh during a meeting with the locality on August 26.

Praising achievements made by the province in the past year, PM Phuc urged the locality to pay due attention to sustainable development of tourism which will help create jobs and increase local budget.

Preservation of local culture, and greater efforts to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions should be made in tandem, he underlined.

PM Phuc said that in just one year, the province has demonstrated high resolve to attract investment, renew the way of thinking and apply new measures to boost development. In addition, its social order and security have been improved.

A report by the province at the meeting said it had enjoyed robust socio-economic development in the first half of the year, with the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth reached 6.29 percent.

The production value of agriculture, forestry and fishery increased by 4.3 percent, while industry and service posted rises of 6.9 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively. 

In particular, the fishery sector made a good recovery after the Formosa-related environmental incident, with total fishing catches of 34,145 tonnes, up 12 percent as compared to the same time last year.

During the period, the province welcomed 1.83 million visitors, a year-on-year hike of 16.3 percent.

The Government leader also hailed efforts made by local people and authorities in overcoming damages caused by natural disasters and environmental impacts.

Earlier, he visited the plant of waste treatment and production of biogas and organic mineral fertiliser in Bo Trach district.

The plant was built at a cost of nearly 1.4 trillion VND and started operation in March. It has a capacity to treat 245 tonnes of domestic garbage per day, generate 10MW of electricity, produce 10,000 tonnes of mineral fertiliser per year.

Working with the plant’s leaders, PM Phuc stressed that protection of rural environment should be given focus, adding that equipped with advanced technologies, the plant will help tackle waste classification in the locality.

He ordered the provincial leaders to continue support for the plant’s operation while asking the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant ministries and branches to make evaluation on the plant’s technological and environmental standards as well as production chain to decide whether its electricity can be connected with the national grid.

On August 27, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the province’s investment promotion conference with the participation of 500 delegates who are leaders of ministries, sectors and localities, economic experts, and domestic and foreign investors.

Vietnam treasures ties with African nations: President

President Tran Dai Quang (L) meets Acting President of the African Union (AU) Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil 

President Tran Dai Quang has emphasised Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to ties with African nations during his meeting with Acting President of the African Union (AU) Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil.

At his meeting on August 24, President Quang expressed his pleasure to visit the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the first time, and congratulated the union on the success of its summit held in June 2018, during which the union approved the establishment of an African free trade area.

He highly valued AU member countries’ determination in promoting the union’s reform toward a strong united community.

The President spoke highly of the AU’s role and contributions to maintaining peace, security and stability in the continent and the world at large.

He said he wishes developing countries, including those in Africa, and Vietnam support each other to further increase their voice and influence in multilateral mechanisms like the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and South-South cooperation framework.

He asked African countries to back Vietnam’s candidacy to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021 tenure.

As a responsible member of the international community, Vietnam has sent officers to join the UN peacekeeping force in Africa, he said.

Highlighting considerable outcomes in cooperation between Vietnam and African countries, the President said Vietnam organised the Vietnam-Africa cooperation forums in 2003 and 2010 and carried out numerous cooperation projects in agriculture and fisheries in Africa, thus contributing to ensuring food security for African countries.

Many Vietnamese experts in health care, education and agriculture have been working in some African countries such as Angola and Mozambique, contributing to local socio-economic development.

He affirmed that Vietnam and Africa have always provided mutual support in the past and at present. Vietnam has officially set up diplomatic ties with 53 out of the 55 countries in Africa, he added.

For her part, Acting President of the AU Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil congratulated Vietnam on its strong steps of development while highly appreciating the country’s participation in the UN peacekeeping force, contributing to maintaining peace in Africa.

She highly valued cooperation between African countries and Vietnam in priority areas such as processing, agriculture, mining and tourism, while wishing that Vietnam would act as a bridge connecting with Asia, particularly Asia Southeast Asia.

The AU leader thanked Vietnam for supporting people of African countries via telecommunications technology, and said that the AU is willing to cooperate with Vietnam at multilateral forums, especially in the framework of the UN and the Francophonie.

During their meeting, both host and guest noted that trade value and investment between Vietnam and Africa is still modest, suggesting both sides should set up a regular dialogue mechanism in order to further strengthen coordination at international forums and protect the interests of developing countries.

They agreed to consider effective cooperation models and increase the exchange of information and experiences in areas of shared concern, such as peacekeeping in the framework of the UN, agricultural development, education, infrastructure, information technology and telecommunications, for the benefit of the Vietnamese and African people, thus contributing to prosperity and development in each region as well as in the world.

HCM City leader greets Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association delegation

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan (R) receives Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association President Vilayvong Bouddakham (Photo: VOV)

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan had a meeting with a delegation from the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, led by its President Vilayvong Bouddakham, in the city on August 24.

At the meeting, Nhan stressed that the special friendship, nurtured and developed by leaders and people of both countries, had become a priceless shared asset that requires preservation and promotion by younger generations.

Ho Chi Minh City has always exerted efforts to organise diverse cooperation activities with the Lao side to further strengthen the friendship, including delegation exchange, experience sharing, and affiliation in economy, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges, he noted.

Nhan also conveyed his sympathy for the losses of the Lao people in the recent natural disaster and hydropower dam collapse in Attapeu.

The official also expressed his hope that the Lao delegation’s visit would help promote relationships between the friendship associations of Vietnam and Laos, thereby reinforcing and developing the sound neighbourliness and special friendship between the people of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Vietnam in general, and Laos.

For his part, Bouddakham congratulated Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City on the recent socio-economic achievements, describing them as an encouragement for Laos in its national construction.

He thanked the Vietnamese side for their timely and helpful support, especially during the recent disasters in Laos.

Bouddakham said he believes that despite the changing world situation, Vietnam-Laos ties will remain stable and thriving.

In the future, the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association will continue increasing cooperation activities with the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association to launch new people-to-people exchanges, contributing to preserving, reinforcing, and developing the special friendship of the two countries’ people.

PM congratulates newly-elected Australian counterpart

Newly-elected Prime Minister of Australia  Scott Morrison 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc cabled a message of congratulations to Scott Morrison on his election as Prime Minister of Australia on August 24. 

Morrison, 50 and former Australian treasurer, won his challenge for leadership of the Liberal Party against former Minister of Home Affairs Peter Dutton, by a vote 45-40.

He was sworn-in as the 30th PM at the government house in Canberra the same day. 

NA pledges favourable conditions for RoK investors

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (right) and Park Soo-kwan, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the RoK’s Busan-Kyeongnam region. 

The Vietnamese National Assembly has always paid attention to building suitable policies and laws, and ensuring a favourable investment environment for foreign businesses in general and those from the Republic of Korea (RoK) in particular, said NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. 

The top legislator told Park Soo-kwan, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the RoK’s Busan-Kyeongnam region, that Vietnam considers the success of RoK enterprises part of its own success, during their meeting in Hanoi on August 24. 

Ngan expressed her delight at the fruitful relations between Vietnam and the RoK, as reflected in the regular exchange of high-level delegations – the most recent of which was President Moon Jae-in and his spouse’s visit to Vietnam in March 2018. 

Highlighting the contributions by RoK investors and residents in Vietnam to local socio-economic development, she said the RoK has maintained its position as Vietnam’s leading economic partner and largest investor with more than 6,000 firms and a total capital amounting to 57.6 billion USD in 2017. 

The RoK is also Vietnam’s second largest trade partner, official development assistance (ODA) supplier, and labour and tourism market. Meanwhile, Vietnam remains the RoK’s leading partner, and has been identified as the central cooperative partner in the New Southern Policy of the country, the NA Chairwoman added. 

Ngan said the Vietnamese NA highly appreciates Park’s constructive contributions to the relationship between Vietnam and the RoK, as well as their legislative ties. 

She also stressed his practical support for the 30,000 Vietnamese in the Busan-Kyeongnam region, particularly Vietnamese-Korean families. 

The legislator asked Park to carry forward his role as Vietnam’s Honorary Consul General in the region to assist the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK, and promote cooperation and exchange between the two countries, especially their people’s councils, local authorities, and businesses. 

She urged the Honorary Consul General to introduce prestigious RoK firms to invest in Vietnam, contributing to reinforcing bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties and bringing pragmatic interests to people of both sides. 

For his part, Park said Vietnam and the RoK share a lot of similarities, and stressed that Vietnam is an important partner of the RoK in economic development. 

He noted that many RoK businesses are interested in Vietnam’s investment environment, and pledged to make every effort to cultivate the fruitful relationship between the two countries. 

Vietnam has 19 foreign honorary consul generals and consuls in a number of countries, who were appointed by the Foreign Minister to help promote relations between Vietnam and these countries, as well as deal with issues relating to citizen protection.

Japan helps sharpen business skills in Vietnam

Learners receive certificates at the closing ceremony (Source VJCC)

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda has said Vietnam’s sustainable growth is important to Japan, a country sharing a number of strategic interests, regional stability, and prosperity.

He made the remark during the closing ceremony of Keieijuku, the senior business programme for Vietnamese entrepreneurs sponsored by the Japanese government, that took place in Hanoi on August 24.

The event, hosted by the Vietnam-Japan Institute for Human Resource Development (VJCC) under the Foreign Trade University (FTU), is part of activities to celebrate the 45th year of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

“Japan hopes to strengthen its connection with Vietnam and contribute to helping the country overcome any issues in sustainable development,” said the ambassador.

He expressed his hope that those Vietnamese business managers who completed the Keieijuku courses will reflect on them in their leadership roles.

Ambassador Kunio Umeda delivers speech at the event (Source VJCC)

Associate Prof. Bui Anh Tuan, President of the FTU, said the courses will help learners in leadership and managerial skills, contributing to national industrialisation and modernisation.

“The success of Keieijuku is a manifestation of the cooperation in training between the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the university,” he added.

Keieijuku is a 10-month course specifically designed for Vietnamese business managers, organised by the VJCC.

Its sessions focus on providing participants with the opportunity to learn and acquire practical knowledge and tools for effective and sustainable business administration.

Learners also have a chance to create links with Japanese enterprises during and after their time in Japan.

The knowledge provided is expected to help Vietnamese enterprises renovate and improve their business and production efficiency, gradually reaching towards Japanese standards.

Since the programme was first launched in 2009, over 400 learners have completed Keieijuku courses, forming a business community which Japanese enterprises are interested in when seeking potential economic partners, especially in the supporting industry. 

Deputy Defence Minister welcomes delegates to border exchange

At the meeting 

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh received the heads of delegations to the third Friendship Border Exchange programme in Hanoi on August 24. 

The deputy minister welcomed the delegations from China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar to Vietnam for the programme, which he said is an excellent opportunity for the countries to enhance their border diplomacy, contributing to solidarity, friendship, cooperation and development for the happy life of people in border areas. 

Vinh asked the delegations to actively participate in the exchange and propose useful contents for the event’s activities. 

The delegates thanked the Vietnamese Defence Ministry for facilitating their attendance at the friendship exchange. They agreed that the event provided an occasion for border guard forces of countries share experience in performing their duty, thus creating a foundation for building and foster sound relations among them in the spirit of equality, cooperation for mutual benefits and for peace and stability of the countries’ shared borders. 

The third Friendship Border Exchange programme is one of the main activities to mark the 73rd anniversary of Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day. 

The official event will take place on August 25 in Hanoi, with the participation of 17 international guest delegations from the ministries of defence, public security and security of China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar along with representatives from the five countries’ embassies, diplomatic missions, military, defence and security attachés in Hanoi.

Vietnam wants to bolster traditional relations with Madagascar

Ambassador to Mozambique and Madagascar Le Huy Hoang (R) and Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampiania 

Vietnam always treasures the sound traditional relations with Madagascar, Ambassador to Mozambique and Madagascar Le Huy Hoang told Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampiania after presenting credentials on August 23.

He said he wants to work with relevant ministries and sectors of the host nation to bolster multi-faceted cooperation, especially in the fields of telecommunications, trade-investment and agriculture, as well as enhance coordination at regional and international forums.

Also, he expressed his hope that both sides will support each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN), the Francophone International Organisation, and Non-aligned Movement, while asking Madagascar to back Vietnam in its bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021 tenure.

For his part, the President said that Madagascar always attaches much importance to fostering the traditional friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.

He wished that both countries will see further practical collaboration in various sectors, including economy, trade and investment, telecommunications and agriculture, and hailed Vietnam’s experience sharing in socio-economic development.

The host leader promised to consider supporting the Southeast Asian country’s efforts to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He hoped that the Vietnamese diplomat will have positive contributions to consolidating and developing the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The same day, Ambassador Hoang paid courtesy visits to Speaker of the Parliament of Madagascar Rakotomamonjy Jean Max, and Speaker of the Senate Rakotovao Rivo. He also met with Ministers of Industry, Public Works, Telecommunications, and Agriculture. The two sides talked ways to enhance parliamentary relations, and foster collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure development and machine imports.

Earlier on August 22, Hoang came to meet Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence Rasolofonirina Beni Xavier to discuss bilateral collaboration in these fields.

On the occasion, Hoang and the Vietnamese community in Madagascar paid a floral tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his statue in the Ho Chi Minh square. He also had a meeting with the Vietnamese community in the host nation, and visited the office of the Vietnamese Honorary Consul to Antananarivo and some historic and cultural sites in the capital.

Madagascar is the fourth largest island country in the world, with a coastline of 4,828 kilometres and a population of 24.5 million people. The country’s economy still relies on agriculture, mining, tourism, and garment and textiles.

Multinational groups explore investment opportunities in HCM City

Chairman of the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thanh Phong takes photo with representatives from multinational groups 

Chairman of the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thanh Phong received entrepreneurs from some multinational groups on August 24 to brief them on investment promotion opportunities in the city.

As the biggest economic and financial hub in the south of Vietnam and an attractive destination for foreign investment, HCM City has spared no efforts to improve the investment climate and enable overseas enterprises to make long-term investment, especially in the fields of clean energy and smart cities, the city leader said.

He believed with their experience in energy, the US Cache Solar and Arab Saudi March Global Inc will meet the increasing demand of the city and generate more jobs for local workers.

The city welcomes and will create all favourable conditions for the ASEAN Golden Link Inc to invest in building a complex of hi-end hotels and restaurants in the city, contributing to the development of tourism infrastructure, Phong affirmed.

Leading officials of the groups expressed their interest in cooperation potential with HCM City in renewable energy and green energy. They said they hope to partner with HCM City in various fields, including waste treatment, inundation prevention, tourism promotion, and trade of farm produce and food.

Azerbaijan treasures cooperation with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia and Azerbaijan Ngo Duc Manh 

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reiterated his country’s external policy of attaching great importance to developing cooperation with the Asian-Pacific region in general and Vietnam in particular.

He made the statement while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia and Azerbaijan Ngo Duc Manh who came to present credentials to the President in Baku on August 23.

The President recalled his State visit to Vietnam in 2014 and the official visit to Azerbaijan by then President Truong Tan Sang in 2015, describing them as important events that opened up a new chapter in the bilateral relations.

Azerbaijan’s training of many generations of Vietnamese students in the field of oil mining also laid a firm foundation for the two countries to boost their growing ties, he said.

While highlighting the sound traditional friendship and huge cooperation potential between Vietnam and Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev suggested focusing on traditional cooperation realms, primarily oil and gas.

As two-way trade remains modest, the two sides should increase exports and concretise the outcomes of the second meeting of the inter-governmental committee on economic-trade and scientific-technological cooperation, which took place in Baku in June, he said.

He supported the Ambassador’s wish to organise events in 2019 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh’s first arrival in Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Manh affirmed to do his utmost to enhance the cooperation between Vietnam and Azerbaijan as well as connect businesses, ministries, and relevant agencies of both sides.

Honorary diplomat asked to help bolster Korean investment in VN

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Park Soo-kwan, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the RoK’s Busan-Gyeongnam region, on August 24

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Park Soo-kwan, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Busan-Gyeongnam region, in Hanoi on August 24.

The host leader welcomed his guest’s working visit to Vietnam, which is made amid the growing strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Noting that Busan is developed in various fields, especially economy and trade, he expressed his hope that the trip will considerably contribute to the city’s cooperation with Vietnamese localities and businesses.

The Honorary Consul General said his delegation includes representatives of many prestigious Busan businesses who came to seek cooperation and investment opportunities in Vietnam. He highly valued Vietnam’s fast socio-economic development under the management and steering of the Government led by PM Phuc.

Park asked his host to support the opening of a direct air route linking Vietnam’s central city of Nha Trang city with Busan in order to create more chances for trade, cultural exchange and tourism partnership between the two nations. He also called for PM Phuc’s more support for cooperation activities between Busan and Vietnamese localities and enterprises in the time ahead.

At the meeting, PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government appreciates Park’s contributions to bilateral relations, asking him to continue to help protect legitimate interests of Vietnamese people working, studying and living in the Busan-Gyeongnam region, especially the Vietnamese – Korean families, and encourage local universities and businesses to grant scholarships for students and recruit workers from Vietnam.

The Honorary Consul General was also asked to encourage more RoK businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian country or partner with Vietnamese firms to import high-quality agricultural products which are a strength of Vietnam and also in demand in the RoK.

The host leader added the Vietnamese Government and himself are always ready to assist Park to fulfill his role as Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the Busan-Gyeongnam region.

Park pledged to persuade major and capable businesses in the region to increase investing in Vietnam. He also promised utmost efforts to develop the two countries’ strategic cooperative partnership in all fields.