Three students of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) are attending the 19th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition (ICCMC-19) at the headquarters of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France from February 5-10.

The Vietnamese competitors have diligently researched and taken advantage of every moment to improve their knowledge to be able to pass tough competition rounds in a field that is still quite new to Vietnam.

ICCMC is one of the largest educational competitions globally dedicated to international commercial mediation. This year’s event sees the participation of more than 350 contestants and mediation trainers from more than 30 countries, 160 professional international commercial mediators, and many volunteers, sponsors, and observers.

Contestants representing 48 teams from universities around the world will compete by resolving international trade dispute issues through conciliation methods based on the ICC Arbitration Rules.

The performance of contestants will be evaluated by top experts in dispute resolution worldwide. The teams will go through five qualifying rounds and a final round to determine the champion team.

The competition is also an opportunity for mediation professionals to engage with experienced professionals from around the world while guiding 48 teams in the role of a mediator or judge. 

Commercial mediation is a dispute resolution method currently used by many countries. In Vietnam, this method has received increasing attention after the Government issued Decree 22 on Commercial Mediation in 2017.

Free of charge coaches take workers home for Tet

Free of charge coaches brought nearly 1,500 disadvantaged workers and their relatives back home for Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday under the “Trade Union Tet Journey” programme held in the northern province of Ha Nam on February 7.

At the event, President of the provincial Labour Federation Le Van Ha conveyed warm Tet greetings to the workers, and expressed his hope that they will return to work after the holiday, and strive to enhance labour productivity, helping to develop their businesses and the province's socio-economy.

This year, Ha Nam province set aside more than 6.5 billion VND (266,200 USD) to present Tet gifts and coach tickets to impoverished workers, helping deliver the happiness of reunions.

Over the past decades, the trade unions at all levels in the province have provided over 4,300 free coach tickets and 300 free of charge coaches for workers to return home for Tet celebration.

Ha Nam province ranks in the top 10 localities nationwide in terms of foreign direct investment attraction. It is now home to eight industrial parks with tens of thousands of workers.

Party, State leaders congratulate former Lao leader on 100th birthday

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong have cabled a message of congratulations to former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos Khamtai Siphandone on the occasion of his 100th birthday, which falls on February 8.

In the message, they said the Vietnamese Party, State and people highly value Siphandone’s dedication and brainpower, highlighting his important role in the Lao revolutionary cause and in consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos.

They wished Siphadone and his spouse good health, happiness and longevity to stay alongside the Lao Party and State leaders in steering the nation toward even greater achievements in renovation, national construction and defence; successfully implementing the Resolution of the LPRP’s 11th National Congress, and building a country that is peaceful, independent, democratic, united, and prosperous towards the goal of socialism.

"The Vietnamese Party, State and people will work together with the Lao Party, State and people to protect, preserve, and foster the bilateral special solidarity in a practical and effective manner across all fields, bringing benefits to the people of both countries and contributing to maintaining peace in the region and the world," the message read.

Vietnam, Morocco promote South-South cooperation for common prosperity: Ambassador

The consolidated cooperation between Vietnam and Morocco is the result of their shared desire to promote and strengthen South-South cooperation, Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Jamale Chouaibi said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival.

This desire has been materialised through many visits by high-ranking government and parliament delegations as well as the signing of cooperation agreements in various fields, he said.

The diplomat noted that since the establishment of Morocco-Vietnam bilateral diplomatic ties more than 60 years ago, the bilateral partnership has been developing fruitfully in multiple spheres.

The two countries share similarities in orientations of foreign policies, he said, adding Morocco was the 11th largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations in 2023, with more than 1,700 peacekeepers working in different African countries.

Both hold important geopolitical locations as Vietnam is seen as a gateway to Southeast Asia while Morocco is an economic bridge between Africa and Europe, the ambassador said.

Chouaibi expressed his belief that such similarities will create conditions for their cooperation to grow further in the future, stressing that the two countries are emerging, dynamic economies with sustainable growth and they are resolved to promote policies to diversify their trade partners.

The ambassador reviewed a workshop on speeding up the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement held on the sidelines of African Day in Hanoi last May. It looked into contributions and opportunities generated by the agreement to countries that want to invest in Africa, including Vietnam, and prospects of cooperation between Vietnam and African nations, especially Morocco.

Despite the bilateral trade yet to match potential of the two countries, it has increased year by year, making Vietnam the second most important economic partner of Morocco in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam is focusing on expanding its economic partner network, and the country can count on Morocco to help Vietnamese firms access African markets easily and safely, he said.  
 
The ambassador suggested the two countries jointly initiate trilateral or quadrilateral cooperation activities in African countries, especially in agriculture, with the participation of international donors.

Both countries have ambitious cooperation plans in renewable energy, digital transformation, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics, industry and technology, aiming to become leading emerging economies in their respective regions. It is an opportunity for them to share experience and knowledge through the establishment of inter-sectoral committees, he emphasised.  

In 2017, Morocco was the first African and Arab country to join, as a partner member, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) which includes Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

Morocco has financed the construction of an educational centre in Vientiane, Laos, with the mission of developing training programmes relating to the history of the Mekong River and the opportunities and challenges in the region, the ambassador said.

Chouaibi also highlighted prospects for cooperation between Vietnamese and Moroccan localities, saying the future twinned relationship between Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and financial centre, with Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam will create new momentum for the bilateral cooperation.

Asked about Vietnam’s approaching Tet, the ambassador said the festival helps him learn about Vietnamese traditional culture, and wished Vietnamese people a New Year filled with happiness, prosperity, opportunities and successes.

Warm Tet brought to patients

Children’s hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City organised year-end meals for child patients on February 6, or the 27th day of the last lunar month, to help them enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet) atmosphere.

Doctor Truong Huu Khanh from the Children’s Hospital 1 said that this year, the dishes had been chosen and voted by children themselves.

Around 800 child patients are expected to stay at the hospital for treatment throughout the Tet holiday. Therefore, the hospital has held a wide range of activities for the children and their families to celebrate the lunar new year, Khanh added.

Meanwhile, from February 6, the Children’s Hospital 2 has arranged vehicles to carry many child patients back to their homes to welcome the traditional Tet.

In the south central province of Khanh Hoa, the province's General Hospital offered free transport for its patients and their relatives to go home for Tet from the 27th to the 29th day of the last lunar month. The patients are also presented with Tet gifts and lucky money.

Earlier on February 5, the hospital organised a “zero dong” market for around 270 patients in difficult circumstances, with products totalling 270 million VND (11,076 USD).

The General Hospital in the south central province of Phu Yen held a “zero dong” booth on February 6, offering up to 1,500 gifts, including essential items, soft drinks, milk, banh chung (square sticky rice cake), and cash to more than 500 poor patients.

“Homeland Spring” programme for overseas Vietnamese held in Vancouver

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Vancouver on February 5 held a “Homeland Spring” programme to bring a warm Lunar New Year (Tet) atmosphere to overseas Vietnamese living in the western region of Canada.

Speaking at the event, Consul General Nguyen Quang Trung briefed participants on Vietnam’s achievements in foreign affairs and socio-economic development in the past year, particularly milestones of relations between Vietnam and Canada as the two countries celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1973-2023).

British Columbia's Minister of Forests and Minister Responsible for the Consular Corps Bruce Ralston spoke highly of the programme which helped to contribute to the richness of the multicultural society in Canada.

He also praised the roles of the Vietnamese community in general and the Vietnam-Canada Business Association (VCBA) in particular in the province's socio-economic development as well as positive contributions of the Consulate General to promoting the partnership between Vietnam and British Columbia.

On behalf of the local government, Ralston handed over an insignia to Consul General Nguyen Quang Trung in recognition of his contributions to the relationship between Vietnam and British Columbia.

On behalf of the Senate of Canada and the Canada - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group, Senator Victor Oh presented Consul General Nguyen Quang Trung with an insignia for his contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries.

Vietnam pledges support for ASEAN’s efforts in Myanmar situation

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, has voiced Vietnam’s support for Laos in its role as ASEAN Chair and its appointment of the ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar, saying that they have been instrumental in promoting dialogue, seeking peaceful and sustainable solutions, and fostering ASEAN's efforts in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

At a meeting of ASEAN Heads of Mission in New York and Alounkeo Kittikhoun, former Minister in the Lao Prime Minister’s Office and ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar, on February 6, Giang stressed the critical need for all parties in Myanmar to fully implement the Five-Point Consensus, with the highest priority given to ending violation, ensuring humanitarian access for all citizens, and creating an environment conducive for comprehensive dialogue and reconciliation.

It is imperative for the international community to enhance collaboration with ASEAN and UN agencies in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts, ensuring that aid reaches those in need, especially women and children. Throughout this process, due respect for Myanmar's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity must be upheld, he said.

Delegates from ASEAN member states commended the Special Envoy’s efforts and pledged continued assistance for him to fulfill assigned tasks, thereby contributing to peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

The ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar position was established under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus adopted on April 24, 2021. Accordingly, the diplomat plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue process in Myanmar, with the backing of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodian delegations at UN headquarters strengthen ties

The permanent representatives of Laos and Cambodia to the United Nations (UN) have extended greetings to their Vietnamese counterpart Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang at the UN headquarters in New York on the approaching Lunar New Year (Tet) – a significant traditional event in Vietnamese culture.

Hailing the Vietnam-Laos special cooperation and friendship, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo of Laos pledged to boost the close and reliable coordination between the delegations of Laos and Vietnam at the UN.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Sophea Eat of Cambodia expressed his delight at the comprehensive development of the good neighbourliness and traditional friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam, and wished the Government and people of Vietnam a successful and prosperous year of the dragon ahead.

For his part, Giang took note of the continuous development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. He affirmed that the Vietnamese delegation will continue to support Laos in successfully performing the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in New York this year.

Praising the friendly neighbourly relations between Vietnam and Cambodia and the good cooperation between the two countries' delegations to the UN, the diplomat said he is confident in the sides’ extensive potential for the enhancement of their cooperation in all aspects. The Vietnamese and Cambodian ambassadors agreed to step up exchanges and coordination between their delegations in the future.

*At the UN Headquarters in Geneva, a delegation from Laos’ mission in Geneva, led by its head Ambassador Latsamy Keomany, also extended Tet greetings to the Vietnamese mission on February 5.

The Lao diplomat lauded the close and effective collaboration between the two missions and hoped that the sides will continue to engage in cooperative programmes and further consolidate the Vietnam-Laos solidarity in 2024.

On behalf of the Vietnamese side, Charge d'Affaires a.i Cung Duc Han wished the two missions will continue to strengthen joint work in the coming time and expressed his readiness to support and coordinate with Laos on multilateral issues in Geneva, especially during the term of Laos’ chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Geneva.

Consulate General calls on South Australia state to facilitate study of Vietnamese students

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Sydney has suggested South Australia further create favourable conditions for Vietnamese students to study in the state at a recent working session with local authorities.

Earlier, the South Australia Education Department announced some changes in receiving students from Vietnam’s central provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh under the International Education Programme.

At the working session, the department said it always highly values Vietnamese students and their contributions to the state, noting that it will review policies towards students from the three Vietnamese localities in the time ahead.

Prior to the meeting, the department said it will welcome many international students in the coming weeks under the programme, yet it will temporarily stop receiving applications of students from Ha Tinh and Nghe An.

For students from Quang Binh province, their applications will also not be accepted. However, the regulation may be reviewed in March.  

Students from the northern provinces of Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh need to provide clear explanations regarding their application purposes, along with specific study plans.

Those from the southern province of Dong Nai, and the Central Highlands provinces of Dak Lak and Lam Dong, also need to clarify their application purposes, and the regulation will be reviewed in August.

Such regulations are applied only to students who come under the International Education Programme, not university and vocational students. 

Since the department launched the programme in 1989, thousands of international students have come to the state, with Vietnamese being one of the largest groups. Some 430 students from the Southeast Asian nation enrolled in public schools in South Australia in 2023 under this programme.

Regarding the four Vietnamese students believed to be "uncontactable" in South Australia, the Consulate General has coordinated with local police to look for them and provide information to their families.

Former Lao leader’s contributions to bilateral relationship spotlighted

The Party Committee of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos on February 6 held a meeting on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos (February 8, 1924-2024).

The meeting was among the activities celebrating major holidays and historical events of the two neighbouring countries.

It was attended by Khamphan Pheuyavong, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and head of its Commission for Propaganda and Training, and representatives from the embassy and the Vietnamese community in Laos.

Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos Phan Minh Chien underlined the importance of the meeting to raising the awareness among the Vietnamese community in Laos, especially youths, about the life and career of revolutionary veterans of the two countries, as well as their special relationship.

Khamphan Pheuyavong reviewed the life and career of Khamtay Siphandone, one of the first leaders of the Lao revolution, emphasising his significant contributions to the cause of national defence, construction and development in Laos, as well as the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

He suggested the two countries’ people, especially the young generation, follow the examples of predecessor leaders, and contribute more to preserving and strengthening the special friendship, making it green forever.

Top legislator commemorates President Ho Chi Minh at relic site

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue offered incense in memory of President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 6, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

He was also joined by NA Vice Chairmen Tran Thanh Man, Nguyen Khac Dinh, and Tran Quang Phuong, along with NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong.

The delegation expressed their gratitude to the beloved President for devoting his entire life to the national independence and freedom as well as the people’s happiness.

House 67, located in the Presidential Palace complex, was the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in the final years of his life. He breathed his last here on September 2, 1969. The house also served as a venue for the Political Bureau’s meetings during the fiercest years of the US’s sabotage war in North Vietnam. Many remembrances linked with the President's life and career are still preserved at this place nowadays.

On the occasion of Tet – the biggest traditional festival of Vietnam, Chairman Hue wished the staff of the relic site good health, happiness, and fulfillment of their duties.

He also asked them to keep making efforts in preserving the remembrances and documents about President Ho and properly introducing the leader’s life and career to people from nationwide and international visitors.

Flower streets bring spring to patients in HCM City

When Tet (Lunar New Year) comes, hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City are often decorated with flowers to encourage the spirit of their employees and patients who have to stay at the hospitals during the Vietnamese people’s biggest and longest festival.

This year, the floral arrangements were designed to stretch along major pedestrian zones at hospitals like Cho Ray, Tu Du, and Children’s Hospital 2, bringing a cheerful vibe to every corner.

Nguyen Tri Thuc, Director of the Cho Ray Hospital, said that each year, 800-1,000 patients have to welcome Tet at the hospital.

Therefore, the hospital has organised the flower street over the past six years, with the hope of bringing a cheerful spring atmosphere, filled with flowers, to encourage the spirit of patients, helping them overcome their illness, and return to their families soon.

Hundreds of gifts are also being presented to its patients on this occasion.

Five convicted prisoners get terms commuted to life imprisonment

The State President has decided to reduce prison terms on five convicted prisoners from death penalty to life imprisonment. 
Female prisoners at Ngoc Ly detention camp in Bac Giang province take part in training courses in prison before being discharged into normal life.

The decision was signed by the President on February 6 following recommendations from the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, and the head of the President’s Office, in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.

The reduction of the prison terms on the five convicted prisoners demonstrates the lenient policy of the Party and State towards those who have committed grave crimes. It offers them a chance to live, repent, and rehabilitate in order to reintegrate into the community.

Nearly half a million Vietnamese tourists visit Singapore last year

Vietnam is one of Singapore’s top 10 source markets for tourists, with more than 434,000 visitors heading to the island state last year, according to data released by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).      

Recently, the STB moved to strengthen its long-term partnership with Southeast Asia's leading travel platform Traveloka, through a one-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed on January 17.

The signing of the MoC took place at a time when Singapore was making efforts to accelerate its tourism recovery in Southeast Asia.

Accordingly, the MoC will target consumers through information and data sharing. Additionally, both sides will strive to introduce new Singaporean products and enhance visitor experience on the Traveloka platform.

Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka, revealed that Singapore is known to be one of the top foreign destinations in the region. Last year, the island state recorded an increase of up to 80% in total searches and transactions originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines for all products in Singapore compared to the previous year.

The number of tourists heading to Singapore reached 13.6 million, including 4.78 million tourists from Southeast Asia. Among them, Vietnam made up one of Singapore's top 10 source markets for tourists with more than 434,000 visitors.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes