Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue arrived in Vientiane on December 4, beginning his working trip in Laos to attend the first Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit from December 4 to 7.

The trip was made at the invitation of Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane.

During his stay in Laos, the Vietnamese top legislator will have meetings with high-ranking leaders of the Lao Party, State and National Assembly to discuss measures enhancing the bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

He will also join in several economic and cultural events, including meetings with Lao people who used to study in Vietnam, and the Vietnamese businesses and Vietnamese community in Laos.

Following activities in Laos, the Vietnamese NA leader will attend the parliamentary summit of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV), with three topics covering foreign affairs, economy, culture-society, and defence-security.

The Vietnamese top legislator’s attendance in the first summit aims to enhance the friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation among the three parliaments for their countries’ sustainable development in the CLV Development Triangle Area and the three economies’ connectivity.

At the 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in December 2022, NA Chairman Hue and his counterparts Heng Samrin of Cambodia and Saysomphone Phomvihane of Laos signed a joint statement on establishing the CLV Parliamentary Summit mechanism, held biennially and co-chaired by the three NA chairpersons.

The establishment of the parliamentary summit is a move that helps concretise the outcomes of the high-level meeting among Party leaders of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in September 2021.

The first summit in Laos is a milestone in the cooperation history of the three parliaments, helping elevate the collaboration to the highest level, and contributing to consolidating and enhancing the traditional relations and special solidarity among the three Parties, States and peoples.

Top legislator leaves for CLV Parliamentary Summit, visits to Laos, Thailand

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue and a high-ranking NA delegation of Vietnam left Hanoi on December 4 morning for the first Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam (CLV) Parliamentary Summit and a working visit to Laos from December 4 to 7, and an official visit to Thailand from December 7 to 10.

At the 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in December 2022, NA Chairman Hue and his counterparts Heng Samrin of Cambodia and Saysomphone Phomvihane of Laos signed a joint statement on establishing the CLV Parliamentary Summit mechanism, held biennially and co-chaired by the three NA chairpersons.

The Vietnamese top legislator’s attendance in the first summit aims to enhance the friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation while promoting the sharing of legislative, supervisory, and practical information and experience among the three parliaments in order to bolster the partnerships in politics - diplomacy, socio-economic development, defence - security, and people-to-people exchanges for their countries’ sustainable development in the CLV Development Triangle Area and the three economies’ connectivity.

His participation is also intended to step up and supervise the implementation of cooperation agreements and projects signed among the three governments, boost coordination in the enforcement of the international multilateral deals to which all the three countries are parties, and discuss ways for mobilising capital sources from partners in and outside the CLV region for the programmes and projects of the Development Triangle Area and other priority cooperation fields.

During the working trip to Laos, Chairman Hue is scheduled to have talks and meetings with leaders of the Lao Party, State, and NA to look into some directions and measures for strengthening the two countries’ cooperation in the time ahead.

He will also join in meetings with some Lao people who used to study in Vietnam and the Vietnamese businesses and people in the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, the trip to Thailand is his first official visit there as the NA Chairman of Vietnam, and also the first to Thailand by a Vietnamese leader since this country set up a new Government. It is of importance as both sides are promoting the action plan on implementing the enhanced strategic partnership for the 2022 - 2027 period, and carrying out practical activities in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership (2013 - 2023).

The official visit to Thailand aims to continue implementing the foreign policy set at the 13th National Party Congress, actively consolidating and expanding political ties as the foundation and fostering effective and practical bilateral cooperation across the board and on all the channels of the Parties, parliaments, governments, and people-to-people exchanges.

National conference popularising resolutions of Party Central Committee’s 8th session

The Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee on December 4 jointly organised a national conference on popularisation and studying of the resolution released at the eight session of the 13th Party Central Committee.

The hybrid conference, drawing more than 1.44 million delegates across the country, focuses on core issues and new features of the resolution, thus enhancing officials and Party members’ awareness of their responsibility in implementing tasks set in the resolution.

The conference enables Party Committees, Party Organisations and ministries, sectors and localities to continue to popularise the resolution to the lower level, and build their own plans and action programmes to implement the resolution in a practical and effective manner.

At the event, State President Vo Van Thuong, who is also a Politburo member, delivers a speech on continuing to promote the tradition and strengths from great national solidarity for building more prosperous and happy nation.

Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to deliver a speech on renovating and enhancing the quality of social policies to meet the requirements of the national construction and defence in the new period.

Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of Defence Phan Van Giang will highlight the strategy for national defence in the new situation while Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia will touch upon the developing and promoting of the role of the intellectual contingent to meet the requirement of fast and sustainable national development in the new period.

1,000 runners join Vietnam-China cross-border marathon

Some 1,000 runners from Vietnam, China and countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) participated in the first International Friendship Marathon 2023, taking place in the border city of Mong Cai, Vietnam's northern border province of Quang Ninh, on December 3.

The 10km route took runners from Mong Cai International Border Gate to China’s Dongxing and vice versa.

The marathon aimed to inspire the physical exercise spirit while contributing to increasing sports exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese localities.

Deputy Chairwoman of Mong Cai city People’s Committee Nguyen Thu Huong said that the city has always paid attention to cultural, sports and people-to-people exchanges between the locality and Dongxing city. The marathon is expected to enhance friendship and linkage among runners and athletes from Vietnam, China and countries in the region.

The event was under the umbrella of the 15th Vietnam – China International Tourism and Trade Fair, taking place in Mong Cai city from November 30 to December 4.

Prime Minister arrives in Hanoi, concluding working trip to UAE, Turkey

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation arrived in Hanoi late December 3, concluding their working trip to attend the World Climate Action Summit within the framework of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), bilateral activities in the UAE and pay an official visit to Turkey from November 29 to December 3.

During the five-day trip to the UAE and Turkey, the PM attended around 60 activities both bilateral and multilateral. Besides participating in and speaking at conferences and events within COP28, he held bilateral meetings and working sessions with more than 30 leaders of countries, international organistions and world leading enterprises. He also met with leaders of the UAE and Turkey, and attended bilateral conferences and forums with the two countries.  

PM Chinh’s activities during the working trip have affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to joining hands with the international community to address the global issue of climate change with specific and result-oriented steps and actions.

The trip also marked the start of a new stage in cooperation with Middle East countries, especially in trade and investment. 

The Government leader’s working trip is another step to implement the external relation policy set by the 13th National Party Congress on continuing to promote and enhance the effectiveness of external relations and international integration. It is also a meaningful event on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Turkey diplomatic relations and 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UAE.

Vietnam hopes Cambodia to continue to pay attention to Vietnamese-origin people

A delegation from the Foreign Ministry led by Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang paid a visit to Cambodia from November 30 to December 3 to strengthen cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation made a courtesy call to Permanent Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sea Kosal and Permanent Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior Mao Chandara; and had meetings with Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior Keat Chantharith and Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Nuon Pharat.

Hang congratulated Cambodia on successfully organising the 7th National Assembly election, expressing her impression of Cambodia's socio-economic development, especially its organisation of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

She also said that on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the victory over the genocidal regime in Cambodia (January 7, 1979-2024), the Vietnamese side plans to hold a solemn celebration in Hanoi. The important event will help the two peoples, especially the younger generation, understand further the tradition of solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

The diplomat thanked the Government and people of the Kingdom of Cambodia for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and do business stably in Cambodia, and proposed Cambodia continue to pay attention and support solving issues related to people of the Vietnamese origin in the country.

She said she hopes that the Cambodian side, especially local authorities at all levels, help people of the Vietnamese origin better learn and comply with Cambodia's laws, guidelines, and policies.

Representatives from Cambodian ministries and Phnom Penh proposed that the two sides accelerate the connection of the Phnom Penh-Bavet highway (Svay Rieng province) with the Ho Chi Minh City-Moc Bai highway (Tay Ninh province) to increase trade and tourism ties.

Regarding the issue of people of Vietnamese origin in Cambodia, they affirmed Cambodia’s policy of continuing to create favourable conditions for foreigners, including those of the Vietnamese origin to live stably in the spirit of complying with Cambodian law.

Vietnamese, Thai navies strive ensure peace, stability in bordering waters

Vessels 264 and 265 together with a delegation of Naval Region 5 of the Vietnam People’s Navy led by Col. Trinh Xuan Tung, Deputy Commander and Chief of the Staff of the region, paid a visit to the High Command of Naval Region 2 of the Royal Thai Navy from November 30 to December 3.

Welcoming the Vietnamese guests, Rear Admiral Thawatchai Phimmuang, Deputy Commander of Region 2 of the Royal Thai Navy, emphasised that the relations between the two forces have been continuously strengthened and developed, making an important contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the waters bordering Vietnam - Thailand, and creating favourable conditions for the peoples of the two countries to develop the marine economy.

For his part, Tung said that he believes with the foundation of good traditional relations built and nurtured by the two navies, the coordination between the forces will be more and more effective and practical, contributing to deepening the friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding and trust between the two navies.

In their working programme, the two sides also exchanged information, shared experiences, and discussed issues of mutual concern, including strengthening communication on legal knowledge and the responsibility of fishermen of the two countries in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

In the coming time, the two sides will continue to promote patrol activities and delegation exchanges. They will also effectively maintain communication channels, especially hotlines, and promptly coordinate to properly handle unexpected incidents at sea constructively and with respect to international law, independence, national sovereignty, and for the benefit of each country.

Vietnam-US friendship festival held in Hanoi

The US Embassy in Hanoi and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) on December 2 organised a public festival in Hanoi to celebrate people-to-people ties and the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, VUFO President Phan Anh Son said with the great and tireless efforts of the leaders and peoples of the two countries, Vietnam – US relations have reaped impressive developments in all fields.

Now, nearly 750,000 Americans travel to Vietnam each year, and 119 US non-governmental organisations are operating in the 63 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Young Vietnamese people are interested in US culture and education, Son said, adding he believes that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries will continue to make great contributions to their relations.

Visitors to the festival can also find information about traveling to the US, learning English and register for exchange programmes, scholarships, and jobs at the US diplomatic mission.

The festival also featured musical performances, an “Ao dai” show, and special performances by US hip-hop Arts Envoy Adrienne Mack-Davis and the Bamboo Orchestra.

Vietnam is World Bank’s important partner, says President Ajay Banga

The World Bank considers Vietnam an important partner and it will continue to accompany and support Vietnam in meeting its development goals, said President Ajay Banga.

Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Dubai on December 2, Banga highly appreciated the government’s sound performance, resulting in positive socio-economic development in recent times despite global headwinds.

Chinh for his part thanked the World Bank for its effective cooperation with Vietnam, especially in policy advice, financial provision, and implementation of many development projects in the country, including those on poverty reduction.

To improve the efficiency of bilateral cooperation in the coming time, both leaders agreed to effectively implement existing projects and at the same time promote large-scale strategic projects within the framework of the World Bank’s US$5-7 billion loan for Vietnam in the next three years.

The large-scale projects with spillover effects include those on renewable energy development, 1 million hectares of high-yield, low-carbon rice, Hanoi - Hoa Lac high-speed railway, infrastructure development in the Mekong Delta to adapt to climate change, digital transformation, and green transformation.

As the World Bank is restructuring its organisation globally, the Prime Minister proposed that the world’s financial institution establish a regional center with an office in Vietnam. He affirmed that the government would create the best possible conditions for the regional office to undertake projects in Vietnam and other countries in the region.

Banga welcomed Chinh’s proposal, and said he would seriously consider the idea.

He spoke highly of the efforts and determination of the Vietnamese Government in green transformation, climate change response and sustainable development, especially in implementing a project to grow 1 million hectares of high-yield, low-carbon rice, considering the project a role model for green agriculture of the World Bank in the world.

He proposed that Vietnam join the global carbon credit market, while affirming the World Bank stays ready to accompany and support Vietnam in this process.

National Trade Union Congress wrapped up in Hanoi

The 13th National Trade Union Congress elected a new executive committee and its leader at the closing ceremony in Hanoi on December 3.

Nguyen Dinh Khang, president of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), was re-elected head of the organisation.

The congress showed its strong resolve to renovate Trade Union organization and activities, build a comprehensively strong Vietnam Trade Union, with a primary focus on meeting the requirements of the new context, protecting the legal and legitimate rights and interests of union members and workers, and actively engaging in State management and socio-economic management.

The congress asked grassroots-level Trade Unions to formulate a plan of actions to materialize the congress’ resolution in order to make a breakthrough in the workers’ movement and Vietnam Trade Union activities.

On behalf of the new executive committee, VCGL president Nguyen Dinh Khang called on Trade Union officials, members, and workers nationwide to unite and uphold the spirit of responsibility and innovation, to overcome all difficulties and challenges and successfully implement the congress’ resolution in the coming five years till 2028.

The 13th National Trade Union Congress took place in Hanoi from December 1-3 with the participation of 1,095 delegates. Many senior Party and State leaders such as Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue attended the opening ceremony.

Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong delivered a speech, making major recommendations for the Vietnam Trade Union to better perform its role in the global changing environment.

Manufacturer of cancer drug inaugurated in Binh Dinh

A manufacturer of cancer drugs was inaugurated in the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone in the Central Province of Binh Dinh yesterday.

The plant was invested by Binh Dinh Pharmaceutical - Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company (Bidiphar) since 2008.

The more than VND500 billion (US$20,584,532) factory specializes in researching, developing and producing a number of cancer drugs with high technology to replace imported drugs. The manufacturer’s cancer drugs achieve GMP-PIC standards with 2 dosage forms including injections and tablets. The factory has a capacity of 3 million injection products and 70 million tablets per year.

On the occasion, Bidipha also started construction of a small-volume sterile medicine factory according to GMP-EU standards with a capacity of 120 million injectable drugs a year in the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone. The small-volume sterile medicine factory costing roughly VND840 billion is expected to operate in 2027.

Currently, Bidiphar has 40 cancer products licensed by the Ministry of Health with 17 active ingredients.

Musical talents honoured at national contests

The Âm Nhạc Mùa Thu (Autumn Music) contest, organised by the ministry of culture’s Department of Performing Art and related entities, celebrated and identified talented musicians on Saturday in Hà Nội.

At different age categories, pianists Trần Quang Minh, Nguyễn Hoàng Phương Thy, and Hồ Thiên Phước secured the first prizes. In the violin section, Nguyễn Vũ Trường Giang and Cao Hoàng Lan emerged as winners.

A collective comprising flutist Lê Thư Hương, pianist Trần Thị Tâm Ngọc, and oboist Hoàng Mạnh Lâm clinched the first prize in the chamber music ensembles category.

The competition attracted 170 participants, including 52 pianists from the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM) and the HCM City Conservatory.

"New talents were found at the contest," said Prof Ngô Văn Thành, former of VNAM.

At the 2023 National Opera - Choir Competition held by the ministry, top contestants were honoured at the same time.

Trần Quang Cảnh and Lê Thị Minh Ngọc are the winners in group A for 18-23 years old. The winners in group B for 24 years old and up are Nguyễn Thị Hà My, Trần Quốc Đạt and Đỗ Vũ Lan Nhung.

The two contests were held from November 26 to December 2 in Hà Nội. The organisation at the same time is important and necessary for the development of professional music training in Việt Nam, according to Acting Director of the Department of Performing Arts Trần Ly Ly.

"The contests are also opportunities for art managers and researchers to evaluate music training nationwide over recent years," Ly said.

"Through the contests, solutions in training, discovering young talents and providing human resources are designed with a view to regional and international integration."

The contests are chances for local audiences to enjoy classic musical works composed by international and Vietnamese musicians. 

Several leaders of Vietnam Rare Earth JSC prosecuted

The Chairman, Deputy Director, and several employees of the Vietnam Rare Earth JSC have been indicted for investigation on charges of "Smuggling."

On December 1, the Investigation Police Agency of the Ministry of Public Security revealed that after extending their investigation into the case involving "Violations of regulations on research, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources" and "Violations of regulations on accounting causing serious consequences" at Thai Duong Group Joint Stock Company (Thai Duong Company) and associated entities, the agency has decided to initiate criminal proceedings for the offense of "Smuggling."

In addition to the decision to supplement the initiation of criminal proceedings, the Investigation Police Agency has taken legal measures against specific individuals. Specifically, charges have been filed, and travel restrictions have been imposed on Nguyen Quang Manh, CEO of Yen Phu Mine, for the offense of "Violations of regulations on research, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources." Manh is alleged to have aided Doan Van Huan, Chairman of the Board of Directors cum CEO of Thai Duong Company, in directing and organizing the illegal exploitation and sale of over 160,000 tons of rare earth and iron ores, resulting in illicit gains of over VND632 billion.

At the same time, the Investigation Police Agency has pressed charges against Luu Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Rare Earth JSC (VTRE). They have also initiated charges, temporarily detained, and searched the residence of Do Hanh Huong, Deputy Director of VTRE. Moreover, authorities have filed charges, imposed travel restrictions, and carried out searches for Pham Xuan Hau and Pham Thi Yen, employees in the Import-Export Department of VTRE, on charges of "Smuggling." These individuals are alleged to have submitted deceptive customs declarations for the unlawful export, selling over 470 tons of rare earth valued at over VND380 billion to foreign partners between 2019 and 2023, resulting in an estimated loss of over VND82 billion in export taxes for the State.

On October 20, individuals implicated at Thai Duong Company, including Doan Van Huan (Chairman of the Board of Directors), Nguyen Van Chinh (Deputy CEO), and Dang Tran Chi (Director), were formally charged and temporarily detained for investigation regarding the offenses of "Violations of regulations on research, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources" and "Violations of regulations on accounting causing serious consequences."

Unmanned foreign cargo ship swept ashore on Cham Islands