Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 2 called for greater efforts in the last three months of 2019 to complete the yearly targets, thus creating the premise for 2020 when Party congresses at all levels will be organised, towards the 13th National Party Congress.

Speaking at the Government’s regular meeting, PM Phuc informed Cabinet members about the country’s socio-economic achievements in the January-September period, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 6.98 percent – the highest level over the past nine years.

Total investment in society increased 1.3 percent, especially in the non-State and private sectors, he said, adding that the amount of disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a record of some 14.22 billion USD.

According to the leader, state budget collection rose 10.3 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, the country’s trade surplus was estimated at nearly 6 billion USD, the highest-ever number.

The processing and manufacturing industry continued to drive the national economy with a rise of 11.37 percent, PM Phuc said, noting that despite adverse impacts of the African swine fever and climate change, along with the restructuring process, the agricultural sector still grew 1.2 percent.

It is noteworthy that the number of newly-established enterprises stood at the record high of 102,000, PM Phuc said.

Marked achievements were also recorded in consumer services, tourism, culture, social affairs, national defence and security, and external relations, the leader added.

The country expects to fulfill all 12 major targets for the second consecutive year in 2019, including five goals exceeded, he stressed.

In spite of various difficulties and challenges, plus regional and global uncertainties, Vietnam still climbed 15 places to rank eighth among the world’s best economies for investment in 2019, PM Phuc said.

Such achievements are attributable to joint efforts by the entire political system, administrations at all levels, sectors and the business community, he affirmed.

The PM, however, pointed out limitations such as the slow disbursement of public investment, which has completed only 45.1 percent of the target set by the National Assembly.

Other problems included national disasters, diseases, especially the African swine fever, the increasing number of dissolved enterprises and a reduction in registered FDI.

Given environmental pollution in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, PM Phuc asked ministers, heads of agencies and leaders of the two cities to seek specific solutions to the issue.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that the consumer price index (CPI) in September rose 0.32 percent over the previous month. The figure stood at 2.5 percent in the first nine months of this year.

In the reviewed period, the service sector maintained its growth pace at about 6.85 percent, contributing 42.6 percent to the national growth, with the lion share made by the wholesale and retail sector.

Vietnam also welcomed nearly 13 million foreign tourists, up some 11 percent against the corresponding time last year.

At the meeting, Cabinet members are scheduled to deliberate investment capital allocation under the 2019 plan, the Government’s draft resolution on capital disbursement acceleration, the implementation of the public investment plan in 2019 and public investment plan for 2020 and preparations for the eighth meeting of the 14th National Assembly, among others./. 

Vietnam, Cambodia share experience in UN peacekeeping

Vietnam's peacekeeping soldiers - illustrative image

A Cambodian delegation from the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance led by its Director General Sem Sovanny had a working session with representatives from the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) in Hanoi on October 1.

During the function, Director of the VDPO Major General Hoang Kim Phung affirmed that UN peacekeeping is one of key cooperation fields in the defence relations between the two countries.

Since Vietnam joined UN peacekeeping activities, Cambodia has always shown its goodwill, actively supported and shared experience to help Vietnam build and improve the ability of its UN peacekeeping forces, especially the sappers, Phung said.

For his part, Sem Sovanny expressed his hope that the two sides will continue to enhance experience sharing in the fields of strength of Cambodia such as deploying military police team and maintaining the rate of female soldiers in peacekeeping forces.

Phung said he wishes the two sides will expand cooperation activities in the field, including exchange of soldiers attending intensive training courses on peacekeeping organized by Vietnam, Cambodia or a third country; and bilateral and multilateral cooperation and experience sharing on peacekeeping operations in UN peacekeeping missions./.

Hanoi treasures relations with German localities

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung meets with newly-appointed German Ambassador to Vietnam Guido Hildner on October 1. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

Hanoi always attaches importance to its relations with German localities and enterprises, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said while hosting newly-appointed German Ambassador to Vietnam Guido Hildner on October 1.

Many German firms have engaged in local projects towards transforming Hanoi into a smart city, including those in health care, environmental pollution treatment, waste collection, and water plant construction, he noted.

The mayor of Hanoi said he expects on his new mission in Vietnam, Hildner will serve as a bridge to further enhance relations between the two countries as well as between Hanoi and German localities.

As Vietnam and Germany will celebrate the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, Hanoi stands ready to work closely with the German Embassy in Vietnam to organise cultural and socio-economic exchange events in the city, he added.

Hildner, for his part, said Hanoi boasts its unique beauty with a mixture of traditional and modern features. However, the capital city is now facing various challenges to maintain the harmony between its modernity and tradition.

The diplomat said he is willing to work hard to boost cooperation between Hanoi and Germany localities and share experience with the Vietnamese capital in improving urban transport, air environment and water management amongst others.

Last week, Hanoi announced it will receive 18 air quality censoring devices offered by the Germany Development Cooperation Organisation (GIZ) as part of efforts to improve the air quality in the city which has continuously reached alarming levels in recent days./.

Deputy PM meets with Vietnamese expats in Bulgaria

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (standing) hailed the embassy staff for implementing well political and professional tasks, making positive contributions to reinforcing bilateral relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on October 1 visited the Embassy of Vietnam in Bulgaria and talked with representatives of the Vietnamese community in the European country.

Binh, who is on a visit to Bulgaria from September 28 to October 2, hailed the embassy staff for implementing well political and professional tasks, making positive contributions to reinforcing bilateral relations, supporting the Vietnamese community, and protecting Vietnamese citizens.

The Deputy PM also spoke highly of the solidarity and mutual assistance of the overseas Vietnamese and recognised their practical contributions to the homeland as well as the friendship between the two countries.

According to Ambassador Doan Tuan Linh, overseas Vietnamese in Bulgaria are operating mainly in the fields of construction, garment-textiles, handicraft and agricultural products. Many of the next generations are successful in the Western European countries, he added.

For their part, overseas Vietnamese representatives showed their delight at the strong economic development achievements of Vietnam in recent years as well as the country’s increasing position in the globe.

They said the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria always looks toward the homeland and promotes patriotism.

On this occasion, the association of Vietnamese people in Bulgaria proposed the Government of Vietnam support the establishment of a Vietnamese Buddhism centre in Bulgaria to preserve national traditional culture and meet their spiritual demand./.

PM delighted at upcoming Vietnam – Czech Republic air route

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamacek (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his delight at the Czech Republic’s plan to launch a direct air route between Prague and Hanoi, during a reception on October 1 for visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamacek.

PM Phuc suggested that the two countries work closely together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

He believed that the Vietnamese community in the European country will make further contributions to bilateral ties, and proposed that the Czech Republic create favourable conditions to grant visas to Vietnamese citizens for travel, study and working.

The host thanked the Czech Republic for accelerating the signing of the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in June.

He called on the country to soon ratify the EVIPA and carry forward the European Parliament’s early ratification of the EVFTA, contributing to deepening the Vietnam – EU comprehensive partnership and the Vietnam – Czech Republic economic, trade and investment ties.

The government leader thanked Czech Republic for supporting Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure

Vietnam highly values and hopes the Czech Republic to continue supporting the maintenance of peace, stability and security in the East Sea as well as ASEAN’s common stance on the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said.

He affirmed that apart from traditional areas, Vietnam wants to cooperate with the Czech Republic in the fields of human resources training, cyber security, crime prevention and control.

Hamacek, for his part, told the host that he and leaders of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security discussed important contents such as promoting security protection, fighting drug crimes, illegal migration, and ensuring cyber security.

The Czech delegation also held a working session with FLC Group’s Bamboo Airways to debate the guarantee of security when it comes to opening direct air route between the two countries.

The Czech Republic government welcomes and fully supports the launch of the route, thus contributing to boosting bilateral trade and cultural exchange, he said./.

13th Party Congress’ socio-economic sub-committee convenes meeting

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on October 1, chaired a meeting of the 13th National Party Congress’s sub-committee on socio-economic affairs.

The function heard Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, head of the content drafting group, presenting the process of completing submissions and reports on the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for and the five-year development orientations for 2021 – 2025. His report focused on reviewing outcomes achieved, strategic breakthroughs, and economic growth rate, among others.

Speaking at the event, PM Phuc stressed amid complexities in the world and Vietnam’s increasing global integration, there is a need to clarify the country’s growth targets.

He asked the sub-committee to clarify recent outstanding achievements of the country.

According to the latest official statistics, Vietnam is projected to grow 6.9 – 7 percent in 2019.

The Government leader said institutional reform is a necessary strategic breakthrough, while recommending that the content on solutions should be further improved by adding key and breakthrough measures.

He assigned the drafting team to take into consideration comments voiced during the meeting to complete their reports for submission to the Party Central Committee at its upcoming session.

The 13th National Party Congress is scheduled for January 2021, the year marking the 35th anniversary of the Doi Moi (Reform) and the 10-year implementation of the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy./.

Vietnam attends Singapore International Cyber Week

Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean speaks at the opening ceremony.(Photo: straitstimes.com)

Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Van Thanh is leading a Vietnamese delegation to join the 4th Singapore International Cyber Week 2019 (SICW), which opened on October 1.

In his remarks, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean stressed besides substantial benefits, digital technology has posed pressing cyber threats to all countries worldwide as cybercrime has become more sophisticated.

In that context, nations should join hands to respond to the challenges so as to build a safe cyber space that meets development requirements in each country, he said, affirming as a victim of many cyber-attacks, Singapore pledges close cooperation with all countries to develop a secure network based on regulations.

Singapore will play a catalyst role to promote collaboration and connectivity as well as ensure cybersecurity in the Southeast Asian region through training and sharing information about cybersecurity with other ASEAN member states, he added.

Meanwhile, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Preparations for the Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Fabrizio Hochschild said as cyber-attack is a global issue, all countries should work together to address the challenge.

He expressed his belief that the SICW would offer an opportunity for policy-makers, experts, scholars and businesses to give out practical measures that help shape up a safe cyber space for digital economic development in the future.

Director of Southeast Asia at CyberTrap Holger Sontag told the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Singapore that he has been impressed by his Vietnamese partners, who have been aware of and shown outstanding abilities in ensuring cybersecurity.

Besides, Vietnam understands the need to apply advanced technologies in preventing and countering cybersecurity risks effectively, he added.

Taking place until October 3, the SICW, the region’s most established cybersecurity event, will feature the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMMC), GovernmentWare (GovWare) exhibition and conference, ASEAN Cybercrime Prosecutors’ Roundtable Meeting, SICW Cybersecurity Lecture, and the International Common Criteria Conference./.

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh meets Bulgarian President

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (R) meets with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Sofia on October 1

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed their countries’ wish to enhance bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Sofia on October 1.

Deputy PM Binh, now on an official visit to Bulgaria from September 29 to October 2, highly valued the strides in the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. He also spoke highly of the host President’s support for bilateral ties over the past years.

Informing the host on the outcomes of the talks with his Bulgarian counterpart Tomislav Donchev, Binh expressed his delight that both sides agreed on many measures to further develop bilateral ties in multiple spheres like politics, defence – security, trade – investment, agriculture, labour, and culture – education.

He also asked Bulgaria to accelerate the EU’s ratification of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) so as to create greater momentum for economic links.

President Radev said the Bulgarian people treasure the close-knit relationship between the two nations, affirming that Vietnam is one of the important partners of his country in Southeast Asia.

He suggested both sides increase the exchange of visits at all levels to step up bilateral partnerships, especially in economy, trade and investment.

The host leader also highly valued contributions to the two countries’ relations by the Vietnamese community and the more than 30,000 Vietnamese who received training in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria always supports stronger links between Vietnam and the EU and hopes that the two countries will better capitalise on their advantages and cooperation potential to benefit both peoples, he said.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed measures to reinforce coordination at multilateral forums and contribute to peace and stability in their respective regions and the world. They voiced their support for the peaceful settlement of the East Sea issue, the respect for international law, and the ensuring of security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the waters in line with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, Deputy PM Binh conveyed Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong’s invitation to President Radev to visit Vietnam in 2020, when the countries will mark 70 years of their diplomatic relationship.

Also on October 1, Deputy PM Binh had a meeting with Bulgarian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva.

Binh said in the time ahead, the countries should bolster connections in politics – diplomacy and economy – trade – investment. Besides, they also need to work closely together to prepare for activities marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The Vietnamese official asked both sides to soon organise the 24th meeting of the Inter-governmental Committee for economic, trade and scientific cooperation, while stepping up trade promotion activities to seek chances for partnership in the fields of their strength.

The two sides agreed to soon sign cooperation deals such as an agreement on education cooperation for 2019 – 2022, an agreement on cultural cooperation for 2019 – 2021, and another on tourism cooperation for 2020 – 2022 so as to create a legal framework for fostering multifaceted connections.

For her part, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Zaharieva stated Bulgaria backs and will strive to push the ratification and enforcement of the EVFTA and the EVIPA, thus further fostering economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam and EU members, including Bulgaria.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation at international forums while discussing coordination to contribute to global and regional peace and stability, including in the East Sea. They affirmed their support for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, the respect for international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, the maintenance of navigation and aviation freedom, and multilateral cooperation in dealing with common challenges.

During his visit, Deputy PM Binh met with Chairwoman of the Bulgarian National Assembly (NA)’s legal affairs committee Anna Aleksandrova and the Bulgaria – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group.

At the event, Binh hailed the Bulgarian NA and the group’s contributions to the two countries’ relations, calling on the two NAs to continue helping with the implementation of the signed agreements and set up new cooperation directions for the countries.

He also conveyed Vietnamese NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the chairperson of the Bulgarian parliament.

Aleksandrova said the Bulgarian NA hopes to tighten collaboration with the Vietnamese side and will work closely with the Southeast Asian nation in the celebration of the two countries’ 70-year diplomatic relationship in 2020.

It also supports the EVFTA and EVIPA ratification, as well as the enhancement of the two peoples’ friendship and relations in a more effective manner, she added./.

Organisations, individuals honoured for contributions to Fund for the Poor

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (first row, right) presents certificates of merit to organisations, individuals with contributions to the fund

Seventy businesses, organisations and individuals who set bright examples in helping the poor were honoured at a meeting held in Hanoi on October 1 by the Central Steering Committee for National Target Programmes and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue highlighted that Vietnam is among the first countries in the world to complete the UN’s Millennium Goal on poverty reduction and implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Government leader, who is also head of the steering committee, emphasized that the Party and State have always paid attention to poverty reduction and social welfare. He noted that spending on social security has been increasing at an average of more than 20 percent a year, far higher than the annual economic growth of 7-8 percent.

Besides spending from the State budget, the Government also channeled more than 200 trillion VND through loans of the Bank for Social Policies to needy people over the past 15 years.

“Not only the better-off help the poor, but also the needy share among each other, which is the valuable tradition of our nation,” Deputy PM Hue said.

He went on to praise organization and individuals both in and outside the countries which have joined hands with the Party and State in reducing poverty. In total, philanthropists have donated more than 50 trillion VND over the past nine years to help the poor in the country, not to mention many donors who do not want their contributions to be made public.

That is why the Steering Committee and the VFF think it is necessary to express gratitude to them in different forms, Hue said.

Thanks to the efforts, the poverty rate among households in the country dropped to 5.23 percent at the end of 2018, equivalent to 1.3 million households, a reduction of 1.47 percent from one year ago. The poverty rate among ethnic minority households decreased by 4.72 percent to 22.84 percent.

In the past three years, eight districts and 200 communes have risen out of the poverty status.

However, Deputy PM Hue said the rate of poverty relapse is still high, particularly after the strike of natural calamities such as storms and floods, which requires the Government and localities to continue taking more synchronous and effective policies, and use resources in a more effective manner.

He revealed that the Government will soon submit to the National Assembly a master plan on sustainable socio-economic development in ethnic and border communes.

President of the VFF Central Committee Tran Thanh Man announced that the VFF will organize a month for the poor, starting October 17, with the aim of mobilizing donations to build houses and prepare a warm Lunar New Year festival for the needy across the country./.