President attends concert marking Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties

At the concert 

President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse attended a concert at Hanoi Opera House on September 7, as part of celebrations of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties. 

The concert was performed by Japan’s leading symphony orchestra NHK, which performs 120 concerts around the world and frequently appears on radio channels in many countries across Europe, America and Asia. 

The presence of the Vietnamese State leader and his spouse at the concert reflected Vietnam’s respect for Vietnam – Japan ties, and reciprocated the Japanese Emperor and Empress’s attendance at the ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties held on the occasion of the Vietnamese President’s State visit to Japan from May 29 – June 2, as well as their presence at the concert performed by the Vietnamese national symphony orchestra in Japan in July. 

Cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries have raised mutual understanding between the two peoples and affirmed their leaders’ determination to further tighten Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership. 

Earlier on September 5 evening, the NHK symphony orchestra staged a performance in Ho Chi Minh City.

Indonesian President’s visit to expand bilateral economic cooperation

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will pay a visit to Hanoi from September 11-12, aiming to develop economic cooperation potential and expand market access between Vietnam and Indonesia. 

Indonesian President Joko Widodo 

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said viewing such areas of potential, the President is keen to ensure that the two countries have the opportunity to cooperate further. 

According to Indonesia’s Antara News, Indonesia and Vietnam are among countries with a large population, ranking first and third in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both countries have also shown high economic growth in the last three years.

In terms of trade and investment, the governments of both countries will put in efforts to reduce trade barriers.

The leaders of both nations have agreed to accelerate the implementation of an action plan to improve Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership during the 2014-2018 period and also forge economic, trade, and investment relations.

During his stay in Hanoi, President Jokowi is scheduled to meet his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang to discuss a number of issues, including cooperation in maritime and fisheries as well as the completion of the Exclusive Economic Zone boundaries in the East Sea. 

Arrmanatha said maritime border negotiations are indeed a lengthy process, raising hope for a political push from the two leaders to accelerate the process. 

The governments of both nations will also sign two memoranda of understanding on health and tourism, as well as issue a joint communiqué on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi is scheduled to speak at the World Economic Forum on ASEAN themed "ASEAN Priorities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution", which is relevant to considering the world is currently entering the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and present challenges.

The message that the President will deliver at the forum is the importance of ASEAN to have a strategy in place to handle the impacts of the fourth Industrial Revolution, according to Arrmanatha.

Moreover, it is important to develop cooperation among stakeholders to engage startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in building inclusive value chains and innovative economy since the Industrial Revolution 4.0 is not only related to large industries.

Vietnam makes thorough preparation for WEF on ASEAN

Justin Wood, Head of Asia-Pacific, Member of the WEF Executive Committee told reporters on September 6 

Vietnam has made a thorough preparation for the World Economic Forum on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (WEF ASEAN) slated for September 11-13 in Hanoi, a WEF representative has said.

“Vietnam has worked closely with the WEF to make sure the best preparation for the upcoming WEF ASEAN 2018,” Justin Wood, Head of Asia-Pacific, Member of the WEF Executive Committee told a press conference on September 6 in Hanoi. “The thorough and active preparation is reflected in the strong representation of delegates, particularly regional governments and State leaders,” he said.

The forum is expected to welcome the presence of leaders of governments and businesses from ASEAN members.

Among the delegates are the prime ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, the presidents of Indonesia and the Philippines, and Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The event will also see attendance of leaders of international organisations, and senior officials and entrepreneurs from non-ASEAN countries such as China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India. 

Their presence at the event shows the commitment to make ASEAN one of the world’s bright spots for economic growth as the Fourth Industrial Revolution expands in economic scope and impact, and the geopolitical environment around them changes rapidly, Wood said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Justin Wood, Head of Asia-Pacific, Member of the WEF Executive Committee at the press conference (Photo: VNA)

During the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, head of the event's organising board said the forum's theme "ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution" has shown the common interest of the ASEAN as well as the world, since it is relevant to the ASEAN's theme for 2018, a resilient and innovative ASEAN.

“The WEF on ASEAN 2018 is one of the biggest diplomatic events in 2018,” Son said.

It provides platform for government and business leaders to discuss and share policy ideas and initiatives for the region’s key issues, especially in the face of the 4th industrial revolution.

According to Son, around 1,000 delegates from 43 countries and regions have registered to attend the WEF on ASEAN, focusing their discussions on five key topics, namely defining new ASEAN vision on regional integration; seeking new business models and business governance in digital age; seeking new driving forces and business models for ASEAN states in industry 4.0; enterprises and new approaches to global and regional leadership; and smart infrastructure development, capacity training, startups, innovations in industry 4.0.

In 2010, Vietnam hosted the World Economic Forum on East Asia for the first time and over the past eight years, Vietnam has obtained remarkable economic achievements, including the GDP per capita rising from 1,160 USD in 2010 to 2,385 USD in 2017.

The WEF was established in 1971 as a non-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva. The forum engages political, business, and other leaders to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

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

Lao PM to attend WEF ASEAN 2018 in Vietnam

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisulith 

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisulith will lead a Lao delegation to the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2018 (WEF ASEAN) to be held in Hanoi from September 11-13, said Laos’ Pasaxon newspaper on September 7.

The newspaper said that WEF ASEAN is an annual meeting that draws the participation of high-ranking government leaders, global entrepreneurs, policymakers in the industrial sector, representatives of international organisations as well as world leading experts.

WEF ASEAN 2018 will discuss ideas and visions on the theme of “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, and cooperation between the State and private sectors in socio-economic development in the region and the world at large.

According to the newspaper, within the framework of his trip to participate in the event, PM Thongloun Sisulith will meet his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc and other leaders of the host country.

In addition, he will hold meetings with the President of the WEF and representatives of several international companies investing in Laos.

WEF ASEAN is one of the largest multilateral diplomatic events hosted by Vietnam this year.

It is also a festival of ASEAN countries. The organising board has dedicated a space for ASEAN countries to promote themselves, which is a new point in WEF events so far.

The WEF was established in 1971 as a non-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum engages political, business and other leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

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

Japan an important economic partner of Vietnam: PM

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and his Japanese guest Tsutomu Takebe ''Japan is one of the top economic partners of Vietnam, affirmed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a reception for special advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance Tsutomu Takebe in Hanoi on September 7.

He noted that Japan is the largest provider of official development assistance (ODA) in Vietnam and ranked second in the field of investment, third in tourism, and fourth in trade.

Locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been strengthened, contributing to deeper mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

Mutual visits and contact between Vietnamese and Japanese senior officials in recent times have opened up a new period of comprehensive and practical development in bilateral relations, he said, adding that the two PMs regularly hold bilateral talks at international forums and meetings.

He affirmed that Vietnam and Japan are strategic partners and frequently share views on regional and global issues.

The Government of Vietnam highly values this relationship and will spare no effort in removing difficulties and restrictions to help the rapport grow.

The PM also highlighted the crucial role of Japanese ODA to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, and stressed that Vietnam has strictly abided to commitments between the two countries on the use of ODA loans as this is not only a matter of economic, but also of bilateral political trust.

Regarding the Vietnam-Japan University, the PM stated the government’s viewpoint of developing the school strongly, sustainably, and with long-term vision.

He suggested that the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance – and particularly Takebe – and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam pay more attention to promoting bilateral relations via cooperation in a variety of fields, especially accelerating projects using Japanese ODA to boost economic growth, ensure macroeconomic stability, and attract more Japanese investment in Vietnam.

Takebe said the alliance always does its best to step up the two countries’ relations and it is focusing on accelerating the implementation of the Vietnam-Japan University project. 

He hoped that the Vietnamese Government and Prime Minister will pay due attention to the development of the university, especially financial mechanism.

Japan is also willing to share with Vietnam its experience in developing high-tech agriculture infrastructure, he added. 

HCM City, RoK’s Gangwon forge cooperation in culture, sports, tourism

Huynh Cach Mang (R), Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of HCM City, and Vice Governor of Gangwon province Chung Man-ho 

Ho Chi Minh City always supports and makes all-out efforts to step up cooperation activities with Gangwon province of the Republic of Korea (RoK), especially in the areas of both sides’ potential like tourism, culture and sports, a municipal official said. 

Huynh Cach Mang, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of HCM City, made the remarks while receiving a delegation of Gangwon province led by its Vice Governor Chung Man-ho on September 7. 

He welcomed the Gangwon delegation to HCM City to join the International Travel Expo (ITE-HCMC 2018), saying the trip demonstrates goodwill and determination of Gangwon’s leaders to enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two sides following the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the friendship signed in June 2017.

The official described the recent signing of the MoU on cultural and sport cooperation by the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports and Gangwon province as a step to concretise agreements reached by leaders of the two localities, opening up new opportunities for collaboration in culture, sports and other realms. 

For his part, Chung Man-ho noted with pleasure the strong development of the relationship between Gangwon and HCM City, and expressed his hope that the bilateral cooperation in culture, sports, tourism, economy and trade will be further tightened in the time ahead through specific projects and programmes. 

He said the MoU on cultural and sport cooperation will serve as a foundation for the two localities to reinforce their collaboration in this field. 

Gangwon wishes to partner with HCM City in implementing programmes and projects on tourism development in order to utilise great tourism potential and advantages of both sides, he said.

PM approves selection of goods suppliers for WEF ASEAN 2018

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has agreed in principle with the selection of goods suppliers in special cases, in accordance with the Bidding Law’s Article 26 on bidding packages for the provision of services and goods, to serve the domestic hosting of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN this year.

Accordingly, the Government’s Office; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Vietnam Television; and the Hanoi People’s Committee will be jointly responsible for selecting contractors in line with legal regulations and ensuring requirements related to quality, effectiveness, and cost. 

In the course of implementation, attention should be paid to proposals of the Ministry of Planning and Investment in Official Dispatch No.5809/BKHDT-QLDT.

WEF ASEAN 2018, themed “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”,  is one of the most important and prestigious forums in the region, helping to share ideas and policies and promote dialogue and cooperation among governments, enterprises, and social organisations in and outside the region towards addressing issues related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution that may affect ASEAN member countries. 

The WEF ASEAN will take place from September 11-13 in Hanoi, featuring 60 sessions and activities. 

HCM City, Germany’s Hessen state step up education cooperation

Cooperation in education and training between Ho Chi Minh City and Germany’s Hessen state was discussed on September 7. 

Cooperation in education and training between Ho Chi Minh City and Germany’s Hessen state was discussed in Ho Chi Minh City on September 7.

Welcoming parliamentarians from Hessen state who came to attend the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Germany University, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Thu said that the university is a vivid illustration of the effective friendship collaboration between the two nations.

Cooperation in education and training has been a highlight of the two nations’ bilateral ties, Thu stressed, adding that the Vietnam-Germany University, International German School, and Goethe Institute have been backed by both leaders of HCM City and its partners in Germany.

Thu thanked Hessen state and other German localities for supporting the city in developing high-quality human resources, while also speaking highly of Germany’s education and training standards.

HCM City wants Hessen state’s parliamentarians to connect education and training centres in Hessen with partners in the city, as well as introduce prestigious universities so that the city’s officials can pursue studies there to better their capacity, she stressed.

Head of the Hessen parliamentary delegation Judith Lannert, for her part, expressed her delight over the robust achievements of the Vietnam-Germany University, which is a cooperative product of Hessen and HCM City.

As a locality with long-standing traditional cooperative ties with Vietnam, Hessen hopes to work with the Vietnamese locality to bolster long-term collaboration in education and training, she said.

Since 1992, Hessen state has granted some 110 scholarships for outstanding students at Vietnamese universities through Germany’s world university service.

Deputy PM welcomes KB Financial Group’s investment expansion

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) meets with Chairman and CEO of the KB Financial Group Yoon Jong-kyoo on September 7 

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue received the Chairman and CEO of the Republic of Korea’s Kookmin (KB) Financial Group, Yoon Jong-kyoo, in Hanoi on September 7.

KB is a major RoK group with more than 1,130 domestic branches and four overseas branches, serving over 30 million clients.

The KB executive thanked the Government of Vietnam for supporting his firm to operate effectively, affirming that the Vietnamese market still holds much development potential and KB wants to expand cooperation in the financial-banking sector here.

With the help of local agencies, the KB group purchased the Maritime securities company and renamed it KB Securities Vietnam JSC. Aside from the Kookmin Bank branch in Ho Chi Minh City, it is also finalising procedures for opening another branch in Hanoi.

KB will spend more than 110 million USD to expand its activities in the country in the coming time, he noted.

For his part, Deputy PM Hue said the HCM City branch of the Kookmin Bank has operated effectively and practically contributed to economic ties between Vietnam and the RoK, as well as the development of the local financial-banking sector.

There is still great potential for bank’s business in Vietnam, he said, voicing his belief that the KB group will develop more strongly, thus benefiting both sides. 

Hue added the Vietnamese Government always supports and creates optimal conditions for both domestic and foreign investors, including those from the RoK.

He noted that the Government also pays attention to increasing the scale of the financial market, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the time ahead, it will push ahead with the equitisation of and divestment from State-owned enterprises while considering the issuance of some derivative products in the stock market. It also plans to review and restructure credit companies and non-bank financial and credit institutions.

Welcoming the KB group’s expansion of investment in the financial-banking sector, the Deputy PM said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc recently gave the green light to the State Bank of Vietnam to license the Kookmin Bank’s opening of the Hanoi branch.

The Deputy PM also appreciated the Korean group’s activities to support low-income families and poor children and promote the teaching of the Korean language in the country.

Vatican official welcomed in Hanoi

Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Chien Thang (R) meets with Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz on September 7 

Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Chien Thang hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 7 for Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

At the meeting, Cardinal Braz de Aviz thanked the Vietnamese side, including the Vietnamese Embassy in Rome, for supporting his delegation in organising the visit, which spanned from September 2-7.

He said that the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for the care of the consecrated lives of over 1 million priests around the world, including over 31,000 in Vietnam.

During the visit, he met around 2,000 priests in Vietnam, finding them to be extremely friendly and united, he said, expressing his impression on the close relationship between the Catholic Church and the Vietnamese Government.

The Government of Vietnam has supported priests and nuns to perform their tasks, he added.

For his part, Thang said that the Government Committee for Religious Affairs is an advisory agency for the Government when designing religious policies as well as State management over religious activities in Vietnam.

Over the past few years, the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Government has been closer on the basis of sharing dialogue and seeking a common voice for the development of the Catholic Church, society, and the whole country.

Thang hailed the efforts and effective contributions of many priests and nuns in healthcare, education, charity, and social activities.

The Vietnamese Government aims to promote the resources from religions and their contributions to social and national growth, he said. He affirmed that the enforcement of the Law on Religion and Belief in Vietnam has created favourable conditions for the expanding of the contributions, he held.

Thang also expressed his hope that Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz will guide the Vietnamese Catholic Church towards better operational efficiency and sustainable development, contributing to the national construction process.

Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz has also previously visited Ho Chi Minh City to attend a conference and meet priests and nuns from the city’s Archdiocese. 

World leaders congratulate Vietnam on National Day

Then President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, announcing the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 

Leaders of Malaysia, Venezuela, Chile, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Poland, Estonia and Hungary have sent messages of congratulations to leaders of the Vietnamese Party, State and Government on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of National Day (September 2). 

In a message sent to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, his Malaysian counterpart Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad hailed Vietnam as one of the closest strategic and economic partners of Malaysia over the past 45 years. 

He affirmed that Malaysia will work closely with Vietnam within bilateral and multilateral frameworks. 

In a congratulatory message cabled to President Tran Dai Quang, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros asserted that Venezuela is ready to strengthen bilateral ties with Vietnam. 

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian sent congratulations to the Vietnamese President while Azerbaijani PM Novruz Mammadov congratulated PM Phuc. 

President of Poland Andrzej Duda and President of the Council of Ministers Mateusz Morawiecki sent congratulatory messages to Vietnamese State and Government leaders. 

President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid also sent congratulations to President Quang. 

On the occasion, Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Chilean Minister of External Relations Roberto Ampuero, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Szijjártó Peter sent congratulations to Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Celebrations of Vietnam’s National Day in Mexico, Argentina

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Hoai Duong speaks at the ceremony on September 6 

The 73rd National Day of Vietnam continued to be celebrated with ceremonies held by the Vietnamese embassies in Mexico and Argentina on September 6.

The event in Mexico City saw the presence of more than 300 guests, including local officials, representatives of diplomatic corps and Vietnamese people in the American nation.

In his speech, Ambassador Nguyen Hoai Duong reviewed the milestones of Vietnam over the past 73 years since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on September 2, 1945.

Over the last seven decades, the country has weathered numerous challenges in the two resistance wars for national independence and unification and obtained considerable achievements in socio-economic development, turning Vietnam from a low-income country into one of the most dynamic economies in the world.

Vietnam has also been an active and responsible member of the international community. Its role and position in the region and the world have continually been improved, he noted.

[Video: National Day recreated in Ho Chi Minh City]

The diplomat said since their diplomatic ties were set up on May 19, 1975, the cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Mexico have been increasingly reinforced in all spheres.

He expressed his belief that once coming into force, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will help create a favourable environment for enhancing the two countries’ economic, trade and investment partnerships.

On behalf of the participants, the Director General for Asia-Pacific at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alfonso de Maria y Campos, voiced his belief that the sound friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Mexico will develop more strongly for the sake of the two nations and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in their respective regions and the world.

He also said bilateral economic and trade links will be lifted to a new height via the CPTPP.

Meanwhile, the celebration hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Buenos Aires was attended by Argentinian Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Raimondi, many local officials, and representatives of socio-political organisations, diplomatic corps and the Vietnamese community in the country. 

War-time Liberation Radio Station honoured with hero title

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (third, right) presents the title of “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” to the Liberation Radio Station on September 7 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presented the title of “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” to the Liberation Radio Station, in Hanoi on September 7, on the occasion of the 73rd founding anniversary of Radio The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) (September 7, 1945).

The title is to honour over 600 officials, reporters, editors, broadcasters, and technicians from the Liberation Radio Station, who have made significant contributions to the cause of national revolution. 

It is also a tribute to 25 staff members of the radio who laid down their lives for the purpose of broadcasting news to people during the resistance war against the US.

As the country enters a new period of development and international integration, mass media agencies need to work harder to create a social consensus and promote great national unity, the PM said.

He urged the VOV to promote its role as a pioneering force in Vietnam’s revolutionary press sector.

The station should increase the coverage of external information and consider this as a regular and strategic task to its development in the digital era.

After its establishment in 1961 in the Tay Bac revolutionary base in Tay Ninh southern province, the Liberation Radio Station stood side by side with the VOV, the Liberation News Agency (now the Vietnam News Agency), the Liberation Newspaper, as well as other press agencies and the whole nation, in making historical triumphs – including the great victory of spring 1975 that contributed to the liberation of the south and the national reunification.

The station ended its operation on August 31, 1976 after fulfilling its mission.

The same day, the VOV held an award ceremony for winners in the categories of broadcasting, television, printed and electronic newspaper, and research and innovation work. 

National Day marked in Belgium, Bangladesh

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Vu Quang Anh speaks at the ceremony marking the 73rd National Day on September 6 

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Vu Quang Anh hosted a ceremony to mark the 73rd Vietnamese National Day in Brussels on September 6.

The event saw Belgian President of the Chamber of Representatives Siegfried Bracke, Deputy Foreign Minister Dirk Achten, foreign diplomatic corps, and many Vietnamese people living in Belgium.

The ambassador briefed his guests on Vietnam’s development and international integration over the past years and spoke highly of the Vietnam-Belgium relations, which have enjoyed strong growth in recent years. This year, the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, he said.

Ambassador Anh, also head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union, moved on to highlight the ties between Vietnam and the EU, adding that strengthening the comprehensive partnership with the Union has been a key pillar in Vietnam’s foreign policy and that the country treasures its sound relations with the EU and its member states.

The EU is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner with the bilateral trade reaching 47.6 billion EUR last year – a figure which is expect to rise to more than 50 billion EUR in 2018. The EU is also the fifth biggest investor of Vietnam, injecting more than 44 billion EUR into the country, with the two sides finalising negotiations on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), he said.

Deputy FM Dirk Achten, for his part, said he hopes Vietnam and Belgium will ink a deal on strategic partnership in agriculture this year or early next year at the latest. The deal will include cooperation in agricultural technology development, food safety, food processing, and climate change response.

Achten affirmed that Belgium backs Vietnam in the signing of the EVFTA and was delighted at the enhanced collaboration in education and science between the two countries. He also looked forward to Vietnam and Belgium fostering multilateral activities together in the United Nations meetings.

The Embassy of Vietnam in Bangladesh has also held a special event to celebrate the Vietnamese National Day and the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations in Dhaka. It was attended by Bangladeshi Minister of Commerce Tofail Ahmed, Minister of Social Welfare and Chairman of the Workers Party Rashed Khan Menon, and others.

Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Van Khoa gave his guests an overview of Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development and the steps made by the two countries, while Minister of Commerce Tofail Ahmed called on the business societies of the two sides to bolster partnership and expand trade and investment.

At the event, performers from Vietnam brought the practices of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms worship to the Bangladeshi audience for the first time. 

The worship is based on an ancient system of beliefs in the incarnation of various deities channeled through mediums, and believed to provide good health and prosperity. The ceremony showcased rites and art performances honouring the unique values of the Mother Goddesses’ cultural and historical tradition.

It was officially recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

State audit attaches importance to IT application

The IT system has become an integral part of the State audit’s operation, covering its key aspects of survey, report and statistics, affirmed Deputy Auditor General Doan Xuan Tien.  

The State Audit Office of Vietnam has applied information and technology since 2011 to run a number of audits, build electronic database, and design audit assistance software.  

The IT-based audit model is new and requires further research for implementation when IT application becomes popular among audit agencies, Tien said.

According to a survey by the Vietnam Association of Certified Public Accountants, accounting and audit firms think the fourth industrial revolution will significantly impact them, creating opportunities for them to improve service quality and expand markets via internet connection.

The survey also point to challenges facing the sector. They include IT-competent staff requirement, huge financial investment, complex data management, and fierce market competition.

In order to capitalise on the advantages and tackle the challenges, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors Dang Van Thanh said the sector needs to promote dissemination of financing, banking and accounting knowledge, boost human resources development, and increase IT application.

President receives special advisor of Mainichi newspaper

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and special advisor Tsuneda Teruo of Japan’s Mainichi Newspapers Co. Ltd 

 

President Tran Dai Quang received special advisor Tsuneda Teruo of Japan’s Mainichi Newspapers Co. Ltd in Hanoi on September 7.

At the reception, President Quang highlighted that Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership is growing across all spheres, particularly political trust between high-ranking leaders of the two countries.

Japan is now the biggest provider of official development assistance for Vietnam, and respectively the second, third and fourth biggest partners of Vietnam in investment, tourism and trade.

Quang informed his guest that cultural exchanges and cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese localities are thriving, especially amid the celebration of the 45 years of bilateral relations this year.

He lauded Teruo’s contributions to boosting cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and to sound collaboration between the newspaper and the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security. 

Mainichi Newspapers Co. Ltd has worked with the ministry to organise the World Police Band Concert in Vietnam and supported the ministry’s charity funds. The sides will co-organise a Kizuna Ekiden running event for traffic safety on November 18, with some 1,600 Vietnamese and Japanese people expected to take part.

Quang said he is confidence in the success of the event and lauded its traffic safety theme.  

The President told his guest to come up with more initiatives in contribution to boosting Vietnamese – Japanese exchanges and the newspaper’s cooperation with the ministry.

Expressing his delight at increasing number of Japanese companies investing in Vietnam, the State leader affirmed Vietnam will create the best conditions possible for them to seek partnership and operate in the country.

He took the occasion to express his sympathies over losses caused by Typhoon Jebi in Japan, saying he believes Japanese people will soon recover from the consequences.

For his part, Teruo talked with delight about good outcomes of his host’s recent visit to Japan.

He said he hopes Mainichi’s activities in Vietnam will help enhance mutual understanding and bilateral friendship.

Cooperation potential with East Africa yet to be tapped fully

Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania, cum Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda and Comoros Nguyen Kim Doanh 

Cooperation in trade and investment between Vietnam and Africa, especially East Africa, has yet to meet the two sides’ potential, Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania, cum Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda and Comoros Nguyen Kim Doanh has said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Doanh said that East Africa is a big market with around 245 million people, including 70 million belonging to the middle class.

Countries in the region have to import a lot of building materials, garment and textiles and consumer products due to the underdevelopment of their processing and manufacturing, Doanh pointed out, adding that these products are a strength of Vietnamese enterprises.

According to him, East African people favour made-in-Vietnam goods, especially footwear, garment and textiles, household utensils, farming machines and construction materials.

At present, there are several small traders travelling to Vietnam to import the Southeast Asian nation’s consumer goods, but they are not available in the region.

The diplomat said that some Vietnamese firms have visited East Africa to learn about this market. They said that this is a potential market, but they will face a lot of difficulties when starting investment and business there.

Doanh said that in his meetings with government officials of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia, and ambassadors of African countries to Tanzania, they all laud Vietnam’s economic development achievements and want to learn from the country’s experience, especially in the agricultural field such as rice cultivation, aquatic product farming and coffee planting and processing.

To boost Vietnam’s multifaceted cooperation with countries in Africa in general and East Africa in particular, especially in economy, trade and investment, and consolidate Vietnam’s position in Africa, Ambassador Doanh stressed the need to strengthen delegation exchanges, particularly high-ranking delegations, via the Party, State and people-to-people channels.

Vietnam should have a particular relation development strategy with each nation, which defines strengths and prioritized fields in each period, and complete the legal framework in the trade and investment ties with each nation, he added.

Vietnam, China boost tourism cooperation

Vietnam and China sought to develop tourism cooperation at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 6 as part of the 14th International Travel Expo (ITE).

The event was co-organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, and the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam.

More than 200 representatives from Vietnamese and Chinese travel agencies, airlines and localities participated in the function.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said Vietnam and China have favourable conditions to boost cooperation in tourism.

The two countries’ travel agencies have signed agreements to promote collaboration in this field, he noted.

The two sides have regularly held forums and dialogues to facilitate the travelling of tourists and improve the efficiency of tourism activities, as well as enable businesses to cooperate on the win-win basis.

Vietnam and China have also worked together to manage low-cost tours, ensure security and safety of destinations, and develop new products to meet the diverse demand of the market.

Charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam Yin Hai Hong said tourism has become the most direct and effective way to study Vietnamese culture, land and people.

Tourism plays an indispensable role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnamese and Chinese people, she added.

She hoped the two countries will continue exchanging ideas on such issues as customs clearance, designing tours, making use of tourism resources, and coping with emergency cases, as well as establish effective cooperation mechanisms and planning schemes for tourism activities.

Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan said there is a considerable room for Vietnam and China to develop tourism cooperation, thus contributing to the reinforcement of the bilateral friendship.

He noted that China is among the leading tourism markets in Vietnam and vice versa.

At the seminar, businesses shared experience in promoting tourism activities, including the diversification of tourism products of Vietnamese and Chinese localities.

In 2017, Vietnam welcomed 4 million Chinese tourists, making up around 30 percent of the nearly 13 million foreigners to the Southeast Asian country.

China has always been an important tourism market of Vietnam over the past few years.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of Vietnamese have picked China as their favourite destination. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, 3.1 million Vietnamese travelled to China in 2016.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane share experience in front work

Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction – Vientiane chapter Bounthieng Khounsy (L) presents a picture to To Thi Bich Chau, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front – Ho Chi Minh City chapter (Source: daidoanket.vn)

Vientiane wants to learn from Ho Chi Minh City’s experience in front work, Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) – Vientiane chapter Bounthieng Khounsy has said.

The official made the confirmation during a working with To Thi Bich Chau, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front – Ho Chi Minh City chapter, as he was visiting the city on September 6.

Along with front work, he also expressed his hope that the two cities will intensify cooperation in trade and investment, pave the way for both sides’ goods to enter each other’s market, thus helping nurture and develop the two countries’ traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

Chau told the guest that the Vietnam Fatherland Front – Ho Chi Minh City chapter  has focused on intensifying dissemination on the occasion of the country’s main festivals, and step up the implementation of patriotic emulation programmes and promote locals’ patriotism through dissemination activities related to national border, sea and islands. 

The organisation has also held fundraising programmes in support for disaster-affected victims, while supervising the implementation of socio-economic development plans of the city’s authorities, Chau stated.

She said that the organisation is preparing for its congress for the 2019-2024 tenure, with the focus on bettering front work programmes, serving as a bridge between the Party and the people, taking part in Party and administration building, and creating the highest consensus in implementing socio-economic development plans.

Vietnam’s National Day marked in China, Cuba

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi at the event in Beijing 

The Vietnamese Embassy in China held a ceremony in Beijing on September 6 marking the 73rd anniversary of National Day (September 2). 

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi said over the past 73 years, the Vietnamese people have exerted efforts in the national liberation, reunification,  renovation and integration into the global community. 

Vietnam and China have also regularly maintained visits and exchanges between their high-ranking leaders. Positive has been recorded in bilateral trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. 

Vietnam has been China’s largest trade partner in ASEAN for two consecutive years. Exchanges between departments, localities, as well as people-to-people exchange have been strengthened, he said. 

The ambassador expressed his belief that China will fulfil the goal of socialist modernisation towards building China into a modern socialist country imbued with democracy, civilisation, and harmony. 

Earlier on September 5, the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba held a similar ceremony on the occasion, attracting nearly 500 officials and guests from the two countries. 

Participants discussed issues of shared concern and enjoyed traditional Vietnamese cuisines at the event.

Deputy PM voices support for Lotte business expansion

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and CEO of Lotte Card Kim Chang-kwon

 

The Vietnamese Government is supportive of Lotte group’s expansion into business fields of strength, including consumer finance, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue assured Chairman and CEO of the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Lotte Card Kim Chang-kwon during a reception in Hanoi on September 6. 

Hue said the Vietnamese Government is keen to improve consumer finance via fintech and mobile payment technologies, contributing to the promotion of cashless payment. 

He also called attention to retail, including bringing more Vietnamese products to Lotte’s shopping malls, especially those under the “One Commune, One Product” programme. 

The host said that Vietnam wants to build an ecological system for fintech and mobile payment systems, such as with the legal policy framework which is currently being studied by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Justice. 

The Government welcomes Korean firms to share experience in the field which would be helpful to not only Vietnamese firms, but also other foreign companies operating in the country, including those from the RoK, he said. 

He informed his guest that the Vietnamese Government is directing the SBV to review the restructure of financial and credit system. 

Hue said that if any difficulties arise during Lotte Card’s purchase of Techcombank’s financial company, it could report to the PM in order to be assisted with favourable conditions for its operations. 

Kim, for his part, said since its operations in Vietnam in 1996, Lotte Corporation now has 18 companies in Vietnam with nearly 16,000 employees, 308 points of sale and shops. In late 2017, Lotte earned 1 billion USD in revenue. 

In Vietnam, Lotte Card now has about 1.5 million clients in supermarkets and shopping centres. The purchase of Techcombank’s financial company will make it easier for Lotte Card to grow, he said. 

With years-long experience in finance and credit, Lotte Card wants to contribute its experience to Vietnam’s development regarding payment via cards and mobile phones, fintech, findata, and doing business on digital platform, he said. 

Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties marked in Vinh Long

Agencies in Vinh Long sign cooperation deals with Japanese partners at the celebration (Photo: baovinhlong.com.vn)

The Union of Friendship Organisations of Vinh Long and the Japanese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City organised a ceremony in the Mekong Delta province on September 6 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties (September 21, 1973-2018).

Addressing the function, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lu Quang Ngoi affirmed that Vietnam and Japan boast a long-lasting relationship with many similarities in history, culture, traditions and human values.

Over the past 45 years, the two countries have become each other’s important partners in various fields. Especially, since Vietnam and Japan upgraded their ties to an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in March 2014, the bilateral relations have seen strong, comprehensive and practical developments.

Vinh Long province has been promoting collaboration with Japan, mainly in education-training and sending of apprentices to Japan. Regarding investment cooperation, the province is now home to five Japanese investors with a total registered capital of nearly 28 million USD.

Ngoi expressed his wish that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations will continue to develop strongly in the future. 

The Japanese Consulate General in HCM City is encouraging Japanese businesses to invest in the province in the fields of infrastructure development, agriculture, education, health, tourism, human resources development, and climate change response, he said.

Vinh Long will work harder to improve its investment climate in order to provide the best conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from Japan, he added.

Japanese Consul General to HCM City Kawaue Junichi said Japanese’ direct investment in Vinh Long has been promoted, contributing to generating jobs for local residents. In the coming time, the Japanese Consul General will increase collaboration with Vinh Long in this field, he added.

The Japanese Government and people may support the province in the spheres of human resources training, infrastructure, advanced agriculture and processing industry.

Lao State’s Orders granted to VPA collectives, individuals

Several of the Orders of the Lao State and army were presented to outstanding collectives and individuals of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) for their contributions to the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and armies at a ceremony in Hanoi on September 6.

The event saw the presence of Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich and his Lao counterpart Gen.Lieut.Gen Chansamone Chanyalath, as well as Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

Over the past few years, the two armies have coordinated closely and supported each other in numerous aspects. Notably, during the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2017, they organised a string of activities to mark the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and 40 years of the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation, thus helping educate young generations on their traditional bilateral ties.

Defence cooperation has been intensified in recent times, becoming an important pillar in the two countries’ special solidarity and contributing to maintaining peace and socio-political stability by defeating all schemes to disunite the two nations.

At the ceremony, Minister Chansamone granted the Lao State and army’s Orders to 69 collectives and 22 individuals of the VPA. 

Congratulations to Cambodia on approved lists of NA, Gov’t members

• Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and NA President Samdech Hen Samrin 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on September 6 cabled letters of congratulations to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and NA President Samdech Hen Samrin on the 6th Cambodian parliament’s approval of lists of NA leaders and Government members for the 2018-2023 tenure. 

In the letters, the Vietnamese leaders affirmed that the victory of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) at the recent 6th NA general election reflected the great trust of the Cambodian country, nation and people given to the CPP.

They firmly believed that Cambodia will continue maintaining peace, independence, neutralism, stability and prosperous development, with people’s increasingly improved living conditions.

The leaders of Vietnam expressed their belief that the fine neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable and long-term cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia will be further consolidated and developed for the benefits of the two countries’ people as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and the world at large.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent a similar letter to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.

Japan shares experience in agricultural, rural development

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue 

Japan’s experience in developing agriculture, rural areas, and farmers’ living conditions was shared at a workshop in Hanoi on September 6.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, Japan’s Institute for East Asian Studies, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that agriculture, farmers, and rural areas play an important role in the country’s industrialisation and modernisation, as well as in boosting economic growth in a fast and sustainable manner.

As such, the Vietnamese Party and State have worked out a range of important policies to comprehensively develop agriculture and rural areas as well as gradually improve farmers’ material and spiritual lives. The Government has put together directions related to building new-style rural areas at the hamlet level in disadvantaged areas, as well as implemented policies to encourage the establishment of cooperatives and their unions in farm produce production and consumption, he stated.

According to the Deputy PM, despite severe natural conditions, Japan has risen to become the world’s third largest economy with modern agriculture, strongly developed urban and rural areas, and farmers’ lives ensured. At present, about 3 percent of the Japanese population are working in the agricultural sector, yet food production is enough to serve both the local population of 127 million and also generate excess for exports.

President of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union Thao Xuan Sung said that while the nation previously used to import much of its food for consumption, Vietnam has risen to become one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products, with the export value hitting a record of 36.37 billion USD last year.

Ideas and recommendations made at the workshop will help the Vietnamese Party and State better their policies on agricultural and rural development for times ahead, he added.

Sharing his experience in agricultural policy in Japan, Senior Advisor on Agricultural Development Police at JICA Kimura Yoshihisa said that the Japanese agricultural sector has succeeded in expanding its husbandry sector and fruit and vegetable planting, as well as given priority to large-scale rice cultivation.

He also shared measures to improve productivity through developing large-scale rice fields.

Participating agricultural experts suggested that Vietnam consider sustainable agricultural growth an important key in its development strategy.

They also stressed the need to boost agricultural business through public-private partnership and step up human resources training. 

HCM City looks to boost environmental cooperation with Japan’s Osaka

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang (R) and Vice Governor of Osaka Seigo Tanaka 

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang on September 6 suggested expanding its cooperation with Japan’s city of Osaka in the field of flood and climate change prevention. 

The municipal official made the suggestion during a reception for visiting Vice Governor of Osaka Seigo Tanaka in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Mang praised authorities and investors from Osaka as they have prioritised cooperating with HCM City in environmental protection, expressing his hope that the Japanese locality’s enterprises and investors will enhance collaboration with HCM City in other spheres, especially in healthcare, high-quality human resources development, transport infrastructure, and smart city development. 

He asserted the municipal authorities’ determination to promote effective cooperative activities with Osaka. 

Mang said Osaka has experience and effective solutions to issues related to the environment, climate change adaptation, water management, and classification of solid waste. 

Osaka is one of HCM City’s top partners in effect cooperation projects, providing consultation and crucial environmental solutions in water management, sorting of solid waste, and climate change adaptation, he noted. 

The Vice Chairman took the occasion to offer condolences on the losses and damage caused by tropical Storm Jebi for both Osaka in general and Japan in particular, expressing his belief that the city’s authorities will soon help to overcome the aftermath. 

For his part, Seigo Tanaka affirmed that Typhoon Jebi is one of the consequences caused by climate change. 

He stressed similarities in culture and geography between Vietnam and Japan in general, as well as HCM City and Osaka more specifically in terms of subsidence, flooding, and salt water intrusion.

He hoped the two localities would further expand their multi-faceted cooperation to combat climate change in the time to come. 

The two cities need to extend their cooperation agreements on environmental treatment and clean water supply, he noted.

President welcomes VN-Japan, Japan-VN Special Ambassador

President Tran Dai Quang (R) receives visiting Vietnam-Japan and Japan-Vietnam Special Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi 

President Tran Dai Quang received visiting Vietnam-Japan and Japan-Vietnam Special Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi in Hanoi on September 6.

At the reception, the State leader noted with pleasure the strong and practical development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership in all fields, with increased exchanges and political trust between high-ranking leaders.

Visits by and meetings between the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, including the State visit to Vietnam by the Japanese Emperor and Empress in March 2017 and the State visit to Japan by President Quang and his spouse from May 29 to June 2, have opened up a new development stage for the Vietnam-Japan relationship in a more comprehensive and pragmatic manner.

As 2018 marks the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, the two nations have been organised a wide range of significant activities, contributing to fostering the political understanding and trust, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchange between Vietnam and Japan, President Quang said.

He spoke highly of the ambassador’s positive contributions to the bilateral relations over the past over 30 years via meaningful activities, especially those in the fields of culture, arts and people-to-people exchange.

Ryotaro Sugi’s activities have actively contributed to enhancing mutual understanding about the people and culture of Vietnam and Japan, creating a firm foundation for consolidating the friendship and collaboration between the Vietnamese and Japanese people, he said.

President Quang wished that the ambassador will have more practical initiatives and activities to foster the extensive strategic partnership between the two nations, especially in culture, arts, people-to-people exchange, and locality-to-locality cooperation, as well as promote the image of Vietnam in Japan.

He asked Ryotaro Sugi to support the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan in boosting bilateral cooperation in fields of both countries’ strength like agriculture, labour and health.

As the ambassador will work with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to organise the Vietnam-Japan Music Festival 2018 in celebration of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties on September 9, the President expressed his belief that the programme will be a success, thus bolstering the collaboration and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

For his part, Ryotaro Sugi said he is delighted at the development of Japan-Vietnam relations over the past time, especially after the State visit to Vietnam by the Japanese Emperor and Empress and the State visit to Japan by President Quang and his spouse.

He said he has received close coordination from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Television in organising the Vietnam-Japan Music Festival 2018. He affirmed that he will do his utmost to foster the Japan-Vietnam relationship.

73rd National Day marked in Singapore, India, Czech

Lawrence Wong, Singaporean Minister of National Development and Second Minister of Finance, speaks at the event 

The Embassy of Vietnam on September 5 hosted a banquet for about 500 Singaporean guests, foreign diplomats, scholars, and Vietnamese nationals living in Singapore to celebrate the 73rd National Day.

In her remarks at the event, Ambassador Tao Thi Huong briefed her guests on Vietnam’s hard-won achievements since the country declared its independence. 

After seven decades, Vietnam has gone a long way from a backward, war-torn country living in poverty and loss to become a developing, middle-income nation which is in the process of industrialisation, modernisation and international integration, she said.

Vietnam has demonstrated that it is a good friend and reliable partner amongst the international community, always aiming for win-win cooperation, she added.

Lawrence Wong, Singaporean Minister of National Development and Second Minister of Finance, said Singapore has long been a trusted strategic partner of Vietnam, often offering its support for the latter at international forums. 

Wong stressed that he will further foster multifaceted ties between the two countries, particularly in people-to-people exchange, education, culture, and tourism to increase the numbers of Singaporean people visiting the beautiful and friendly Vietnam.

On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in India also held a ceremony in New Delhi to mark the National Day, with Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha in attendance.

On the behalf of the Government and people of India, Sinha extended his warm greetings to the Government and people of Vietnam on the 73rd National Day, affirming that Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s “Act East” policy, as well as a trusted partner of the South Asian country.

India treasures the close friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, he said, adding that he is confident that bilateral relations will grow stronger with expanded cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh took the occasion to award scholars, heads of friendship associations and research institutes, and journalists for their outstanding contribution to promoting the Vietnam-India relationship.

The National Day was also celebrated in the Czech Republic at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Vietnam and attended by Czech Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Vojtech Filip and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukas Kaucky.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Ho Minh Tuan highly spoke of the Vietnam-Czech long-standing friendship which has been strengthened deeper in recent years. It was reflected by the visit of Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to the Czech Republic in April 2017 and the visit to Vietnam of Czech President Milos Zeman in June the same year, he said.

Tuan also highlighted the community of more than 60,000 Vietnamese people living in the Czech Republic that have acted as a bridge between the two countries.

For his part, Kaucky congratulated Vietnam on what the country has achieved in economic and social affairs and praised the country’s distinctive culture.

He expressed his delight at the significant steps the two sides have made in economy and trade, as well as highly appreciated the role of the overseas Vietnamese society who have dedicated themselves to reinforcing and deepening the solid relations between the two nations.

Foreign researchers join workshop on Vietnam in Mexico

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Hoai Duong speaks at the workshop. 

The socio-economic and political situation, and gender equality issue in Vietnam drew the attention of researchers, teachers and students at a workshop in Mexico on September 5.

The event, held by the Institute for Economic Research under the National Autonomous University of Mexico, saw the participation of researchers and experts from Japan and Poland. 

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Hoai Duong talked about the relations between Vietnam and Mexico, as well as potential for bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly economy, trade, investment and culture. 

Since the two countries set up diplomatic ties on May 19, 1975, their collaboration and traditional friendship have been consolidated and enhanced across realms, he said, highlighting an annual increase of 10-15 percent in two-way trade over the past time. 

Vietnam has become Mexico’s eighth largest trade partner in Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile, Mexico is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner in Latin America, with two-way trade value reaching nearly 5 billion USD in 2017 and some 1 billion USD in the first quarter of this year, the diplomat cited statistics released by the Mexican Ministry of Economy.  

Ambassador Duong expressed his belief that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which both Vietnam and Mexico are signatories will further facilitate economic, trade and investment links between the two countries once it takes effect. 

At the workshop, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Minh from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences presented Vietnam’s policies and progresses in gender equality and women empowerment in political, economic and social spectrums. 

Dr. Naoko Saito from Japan’s Osaka University and Lukasz Czarnecki, a Polish researcher, spoke of the impressive development and increasingly important role of Vietnam in the region and the international area at large. 

On this occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico opened exhibitions of Mexican artists’ paintings and photos capturing the land and people of Vietnam.