Consul General of the Republic of Korea in the central city of Da Nang Kang Boo-sung had a working session with Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang on January 13. 

During the meeting, Quang said he hopes the RoK diplomat will pay attention to promoting Korean firms to invest in the city, especially in high technology, and research and development of information technology.

According the secretary, the RoK remains the fifth largest foreign investor in Da Nang, especially in terms of  tourism. 

RoK businesses will enjoy many incentives if they invest in high-tech parks, Quang said, adding that municipal authorities will create favourble conditions for Korean citizens to live and work in Da Nang.
 
For his part, Kang said he will try to implement effectively cooperation documents signed between two countries, noting that his office will organise activities to promote the image of Da Nang and its tourism potential to Korean people. 

He wishes to strengthen cultural exchange between the two countries to promote mutual understanding, saying that a Vietnam - RoK festival will be held in Da Nang this year. 

The diplomat expressed his hope to expand economic ties between the two sides in the coming time, stressing that his agency will try to encourage Korean businesses to invest in Da Nang.

Vietnamese, Chinese top leaders exchange Lunar New Year greetings

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping on January 14 exchanged their greetings on the occasion of the coming Lunar New Year, to be celebrated by the peoples of both countries.

The two leaders stressed the key significance of 2022 to the development of each country and the relations between the two Parties and countries. They spoke highly of the historical significance of the official visit to China by Trong which saw the issuance of a joint statement on the continuation to accelerate and deepen the bilateral relations.

Trong expressed his hope that authorities, organisations and localities of the two countries will grasp and well implement the high-level agreements and perceptions reached during the recent visit.

Xi stressed that China always take Vietnam as a priority in the neibourliness foreign policy, and expressed his hope that the two sides will actively implement the outcome of the visit.

The two leaders wished the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries a happy new year, and the building of socialism in each country constant and greater achievements.

President, overseas Vietnamese offer Lunar New Year incense

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and representatives of the overseas Vietnamese attending the Homeland Spring 2023 programme on January 14 offered incense at the Thang Long Royal Citadel in Hanoi, on the occasion of the coming traditional Lunar New Year which will arrive later next week.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, President Phuc and representatives of the over 5 million Vietnamese living in foreign countries and territories offered incense in memory of those who built and defended the country over the past millennia, and prayed for further development and prosperity for Vietnam.

In the morning the same day, they performed the traditional practice of releasing carps at the Citadel. The representatives also visited Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and laid wreaths the monument to martyrs, both in the centre of Hanoi.

WEF 2023 - Chance for Vietnam to share vision, experience with international community

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2023 will be a chance for Vietnam to share with the international community its vision on common efforts in settling emerging global challenges, as well as Vietnam's policies and experience in international integration and socio-economic development, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), WTO and other international organisations in Geneva, told Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the forum.

The diplomat said that the event will also offer a chance for Vietnam to call for investment and resources from international organisations, economic groups and investment funds in the world and Switzerland in particular.

Ambassador Mai highlighted that amid numerous crises and challenges in the world political and economic situation, Vietnam has emerged and been recognised by the world as a bright spot in the region and the world, not only for its strong commitment and consistent implementation of green transition, energy transformation, digital transformation for post-pandemic recovery, and sustainable development, but it also for the country’s impressive performance.

The country’s GDP expanded 8.02% in 2022, the highest in the past 12 years, with the scale of the economy exceeding 400 billion USD for the first time, ranking 30th globally.

Vietnam stood at the 23rd position in the world in terms of the trade scale and has become the largest ASEAN trade partner of three economic centres, namely the US, China, and the EU.

Vietnamese economic growth in 2023 is forecast to reach 6.3%, leading Southeast Asian nations, she noted.

According to Ambassador Mai, the WEF 2023, slated for January 16-20 in Davos, Switzerland, is taking place when the world is facing plenty of challenges, such as a cost-of-living crisis, economic recession, economic decline, climate crisis, disruption caused by climate change, a food crisis, and increasing social polarisation. Along with these issues, many problems are deepening divisions and dividing the geopolitical landscape.

The goal of the meeting, in the words of Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF, is to discuss ways to address fragmentation and increasing trust erosion at both global and national levels through increasing ties between governments and businesses, thereby enabling a strong and sustainable recovery.

This year's meeting agenda focuses on solutions and public-private partnerships which can deal with the world's most pressing challenges, whilst encouraging world leaders to work together on issues relating to energy, climate and nature, investment, trade, infrastructure, advanced technology, employment, skills, as well as social and health issues, along with geopolitical cooperation in a multipolar world.

Ambassador Mai said that Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha will attend the event from January 16-17, which will be the first trip abroad by Ha since he took office.

Ha will give speeches at discussions on food and water security, and this represents a good stepping stone to draw the attention of the international community on food security before the country hosts the fourth Global Conference on Sustainable Food System in April.

In addition, the Deputy PM will co-chair a Vietnam-WEF global business forum which will focus on green and creative transformation.

During his stay, Ha will hold a number of bilateral meetings, including those with Prof. Schwab; Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP); and Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations of the World Bank (WB).

Ambassador Mai said that since Vietnam and the WEF set up their relations in 1989, leaders of the two sides have paid great attention to bolstering the ties across all fields.

Vietnam has attended the WEF at a high level, including the Prime Minister level at four WEF Annual Meetings in Davos, the same level at four WEFs on ASEAN, she said, adding that the country hosted the WEF ASEAN Summit in 2018, the first WEF-Mekong Conference in 2016, and the WEF East Asia Conference in 2010.

In line with the COVID-19 pandemic containment efforts, the two sides held the first National Strategic Dialogue in 2021 with the aim of strengthening the public-private partnership as a key driver in the comprehensive recovery and sustainable and inclusive development plan.

The two sides are also working for the signing of a Vietnam-WEF cooperation agreement in the new period, creating a framework for deeper and more extensive partnership.

The Vietnamese side always highly values the WEF's recommendations and cooperation with Vietnamese Government agencies in the fields of sustainable development, digital transformation, and innovation, she said, underlining that the country hopes that the WEF will continue to assist Vietnam by offering access to advanced knowledge and resources in order to serve the sustainable development goals and make effective use of new growth drivers.

Deputy PM Ha's participation at the WEF 2023 manifests the efforts of Vietnam - a dynamically developing country, a reliable friend and partner, and a responsible member of the international community which is ready to engage itself in the settlement of global challenges, Ambassador Mai stated.

Australia pledges more support for northwest’s development

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski has affirmed that the northwestern region remains the focus of the expanded bilateral partnership between Australia and Vietnam, especially in terms of clean water, agriculture, transport infrastructure, women's economic empowerment, tourism and private sector development. 

In his working sessions with officials of Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces from January 11-13 as part of his trip to projects funded by Australia in the two localities and Phu Tho province, Goledzinowski said the partnership has helped improve the lives of people in ethnic minority communities in the region. 

He highlighted the fruitful development in the Vietnam - Australia relations across fields, from education, agriculture, innovation, climate change, clean energy transition, and trade to inclusive sustainable growth and people-to-people exchange.

The diplomat said he was pleased to visit the northwest localities of Vietnam and witness changes in their socio-economic development thanks to his country’s support.

During his trip, Goledzinowski met representatives of production facilities and businesses owned by ethnic minority women, and worked with those from private and public enterprises to assess Australia's support in these localities.

He had discussions with a number of individuals on how to promote linkages between the private sector and farmers to improve the northwest's ability in exporting processed bamboo shoots.

The diplomat also visited a local medical station which received a refrigerator to store COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Australian Government.

Foreign diplomats, tourists explore Vietnamese Tet at Duong Lam village

Foreign ambassadors, officials from diplomatic agencies and international organisations as well as tourists gathered in Duong Lam ancient village in Hanoi's outlying district of Son Tay on January 14 to enjoy Vietnamese traditional New Year (Tet), the most important festival of Vietnamese people in a year.

Participants started their journey from a traditional Tet market at the Mong Phu communal house, in which they experienced Vietnamese calligraphy, folk music and culinary, and explored specialities of the locality.

Then, they were introduced with traditional practices of Vietnamese people during Tet, as well as typical dishes prepared during the festival, especially traditional desserts of Duong Lam.

They had a chance to explore handicrafts at the lacquer production workshop and joined folk games of Vietnam such as duck hunting, cock fighting and fish catching.

According to the Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, the activities are part of a programme themed "Tet in Vietnamese villages", which aims to introduce the traditional cultural values of Vietnam as well as the beauty of Duong Lam - a popular tourist attraction- to international friends.

It is also part of the city's efforts to speed up post-pandemic recovery and development, especially for the tourism sector.

The programme will last through January 15.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau promoting green tourism

As a sea tourism capital of Vietnam’s southern region, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province welcomes over 15 million tourists each year, both Vietnamese and foreign. It has been working hard in recent times to promote green tourism and turn it into a spearhead economic sector.

Identifying tourism as a pillar in local socio-economic development, Ba Ria-Vung Tau decided to re-establish the Department of Tourism in early 2017.

The provincial Party Committee issued a resolution in the same year on developing high-quality tourism, with the goal of improving tourism infrastructure and the quality of tourism products and services while ensuring a safe and friendly tourism environment.

With strategic vision and policies, local authorities are paying special attention to and investing methodically in quality services, creating space for development and attracting investment in high-end tourism.

Many resorts, especially coastal resorts in the province, are expanding their green space and eliminating single-use plastics.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau plans to review and adjust its planning, creating space for the exploitation of coastal routes and surrounding areas to develop high-end marine tourism such as scuba diving, fishing, and coral viewing.

It will also invest in training and attracting high-quality human resources and improve service quality so that tourism can truly become one of the four key economic pillars in the locality.

Alongside Ba Ria-Vung Tau, many other coastal localities in Vietnam are also identifying appropriate policies to attract investment, develop infrastructure, and invest in sea-based industries that are local strengths, to sustainably develop the marine economy while improving the socio-economic lives of their citizens.

This aims at making a practical contribution to Vietnam’s development and making the country wealthy from its seas while basically meeting criteria on the sustainable development of the marine economy.

Yen Bai welcomes 1.5 million tourists in 2022

The northwestern province of Yen Bai welcomed over 1.5 million visitors in 2022, exceeding 44% of the annual plan, doubling over the same period last year.

The tourism sector earned nearly 47 million USD in revenue, exceeding 30% of the yearly plan.

The positive outcome was thanks to the province’s implementation of measures to stimulate tourism demand, reopen tourism activities, and effectively control COVID-19.

The province also introduced new tourism products to attract visitors.

Boasting advantages in tourism development, Yen Bai is dubbed a miniature of the northwest, with diverse natural landscapes and rich culture.

The province is home to more than 30 ethnic minorities with own identity and culture.

It has great potential to develop high-class resort tourism, and eco-tourism.

Programme brings early Tet asmosphere to OVs in Laos

Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in Laos gathered at a “Xuan que huong” (Homeland Spring) programme in Vientiane on January 13 on the occasion of  the coming Lunar New Year (Tet) - the most important festival of Vietnamese people in a year.

The event was jointly hosted by the Vietnamese Cultural Centre (VCC) in Laos, the Vietnamese Association, and the Vietnamese Business Association in Vientiane.

Addressing the event, Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos Phan Minh Chien highly appreciated significant contributions by the Vietnamese community in Laos to the homeland last year, expressing his hope that Vietnamese expats in Laos will continue to join hands with the Party, State, and people in the homeland in the national construction and development, and consolidating the great national solidarity bloc. 

He also urged the community to make more contributions to the host country’s development, thus further promoting the Vietnam - Laos traditional friendship and special solidarity. 

Representatives of the Vietnamese community in Laos showed their joy when attending the event, expressing their hope that the Year of the Cat will bring good luck, success, and prosperity to OVs in Laos and their compatriots in the homeland.

More efforts needed to ensure social progress and justice: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 14 urged the labour, invalids and social sector to take stronger determination in 2023 to complete its tasks, towards spreading the spirit of kindness; accelerating human resources development and promoting social progress and justice, and sustainable social development in line with the motto of “leaving no one behind”.

Addressing a conference held by the Ministry of Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to review the work of labour, people with meritorious services and social security in 2022 and sketch out tasks in 2023, the PM praised the ministry for its efforts and contributions to the socio-economic development achivements of the country.

He said that the sector must always adapt, innovate, and promptly propose mechanisms, policies related to institutions and  coordination for better management.

The leader highlighted that social policies have been well performed and poverty reduction, child protection and care, and gender equality promotion carried out comprehensively and effectively.

However, he also pointed out a number of shortcomings and limitations in the sector, and requested it to continue efforts to deal with them, stressing the ministry must perfect mechanisms and policies, thus creating a legal corridor and an open environment for people and businesses to easily access policies on labour, employment, and social security. 

The sector and localities must ensure the effective and transparent  implementation of policies towards people with meritorious services to the revolution, and mobilise all resources to take care of the lives of people with meritorious services, and do well the embellishment and upgrade of works dedicated to martyrs, the PM said.

Carbon market development helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions

By developing and operating the domestic carbon market, Vietnam will effectively reduce carbon emissions. This will happen due to the increase in compatibility with international carbon pricing mechanisms, link with international and regional carbon markets, and increase competition among Vietnamese products, according to experts.

Dr. Truong An Ha from the Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition (VIETSE) said the carbon market is also a mechanism to promote the development and application of low-emission technologies towards a carbon-neutral economy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Chinh, former director of the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), said managers need to perfect legal provisions on developing the carbon market to attract participation in this field.

Developing a carbon market with the proactive participation of businesses plays an important role in implementing Vietnam's commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021 in the UK, Chinh said.

Businesses need to clearly understand the carbon market's operating principles and legal provisions related to the market. This will balance their capacity and readiness to participate in the market when it becomes operational, especially registering to join the carbon credit exchange, he said.

Emission reduction has become a mandatory requirement for businesses. The aim is to reduce harm to the environment, promote sustainable development, and meet the green standards of import countries, experts said.

Deputy Director of the MoNRE's Department of Climate Change Pham Van Tan said energy conversion and net achievement according to zero emissions are strategic choices of Vietnam.

They need to well perform human resources businesses development to meet the requirements of greenhouse gas inventory, and develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

Enterprises should avoid or quickly withdraw from industries and business fields that use a lot of energy and emit a lot of greenhouse gases, prepare to join the carbon market, and strengthen cooperation with the government's agencies to develop and implement emission reduction measures, Tan noted. 

Meanwhile, To Xuan Phuc from non-profit organisation Forest Trends said many governments and countries, including importers of Vietnamese goods, have committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, therefore mechanisms and policies in the time to come will generate both opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese businesses.

Enterprises must be aware that emission reduction is imperative in the future, and they must change technology, management methods, and approaches in order to fully tap opportunities and generate new revenues from carbon and green finance, Phuc said.

US Ambassador lauds Vietnam’s initiatives at UN Human Rights Council

US Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Ambassador Michèle Taylor commended Vietnam’s priorities and initiatives at the council while meeting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet in Hanoi on January 13.

The priorities and initiatives will create an important foundation for cooperation between Vietnam and the US at the UNHRC, she said, congratulating the country on its election as a council member for 2023-2025.

Taylor affirmed that Vietnam is always an important partner of the US, saying the bilateral comprehensive partnership is growing fruitfully.

The ambassador expressed her hope to contribute to enhancing the relationship in the time ahead, covering cooperation at multilateral forums like the UNHRC.

For his part, Viet spoke highly of cooperation outcomes between the two countries over the past years, and suggested them step up the collaboration, creating a premise to deepen the relations on the basis of mutual benefits and respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime.

Highlighting the coordination between the two countries at the UNHRC, the official suggested the US back Vietnam’s initiatives and priorities at the council, particularly those on vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, gender equality, human rights, climate change response and digital transformation.

Vietnam stands ready to take into consideration cooperation recommendations of countries, including the US, in the spirit of mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation, ensuring human rights for all.

Transport sector asked to absolutely prevent corruption in projects

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked the transport sector to absolutely prevent corruption, wastefulness and negative phenomena in transport projects.

During a teleconference to review 2022 activities of the Transport Ministry and launch its 2023 tasks on January 13, PM Chinh asked the sector and localities to develop transport infrastructure, one of the key and priority tasks this year while encouraging public-private partnership in the field.

Attention should be paid to key national projects such as the eastern section of the North-South expressway, Long Thanh International Airport and projects under the socio-economic recovery and development programme, he noted.

The sector was required to submit the draft revised Road Law to competent authorities, further improve service quality to meet travelling demand, ensure traffic safety and order, pay attention to Party building and administrative reform, step up e-Government building and digital transformation with people being put at the centre.

Ministries, agencies and localities were urged to work more closely with the Transport Ministry to deal with issues under their watch, toward fulfilling goals set at the Resolution adopted by the 13th National Party Congress.

Last year, the sector completed and put into operation 22 projects, many of them were important.

As of December 31, it disbursed over 47.9 trillion VND (2 billion USD), or 87% of the plan, higher than the country’s average of over 75%.

This year, the ministry will strive to embark on 23 projects, finish 29 others, disburse over 94 trillion VND, or at least 90% of the plan assigned by the PM.

Vietnam always considers Japan top strategic partner: PM

Vietnam always considers Japan a strategic and long-term partner of top importance, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Japanese Minister of State for Financial Services Suzuki Shunichi during a reception in Hanoi on January 13.

PM Chinh said many Vietnam’s works and projects have been supported by the Japanese Government under the proposals of the Ministry for Financial Services.

Vietnam will continue creating favourable conditions for Japanese firms to do business effectively in the country, he said, adding that obstacles faced by several Japanese projects in Vietnam are being removed to hasten their progress.

As Vietnam and Japan will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, the Vietnamese leader suggested holding practical activities to mark the special occasion.

The host also asked Shunichi to propose the Japanese Government assist Vietnam in building North-South Express Railway, restructuring capital contributions at Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical project, and particularly in managing digital transformation in customs, corporate bond and securities markets.

Shunichi, for his part, hoped that there will be more effective Japanese works and projects this year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Informing the host about the outcomes of his working session with Vietnamese Finance Minister Ho Duc Phoc, he said both sides reached consensus on various contents, particularly promoting joint work in infrastructure development.

About the host’s proposals, he said the Japanese side is actively working closely with Vietnam’s agencies concerned to work out the most effective solutions.

President hosts international guests on occasion of 50th anniversary of Paris Peace Accords

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception in Hanoi on January 13 for 25 international guests from 15 countries who came to Vietnam for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam (Paris Peace Accords).

The President stressed that the Paris Agreement, signed on January 27, 1973, was a turning point in the cause of national reunification, and affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always keep in mind the valuable support of international friends in the hardest time of the struggle.

He briefed the guests on the achievements Vietnam recorded after more than 35 years of Doi moi (Reform) in such areas as economy, poverty reduction, social welfare, political security, social order and safety, and external affairs.

Vietnamese people treasure values of peace and always promote basic principles of the UN Charter and international law on respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, no intervention into internal affairs of countries, neither use of force nor threat to use force in international relations, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, the leader said.

He emphasised that Vietnam is always a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, and cooperates equally with all countries for mutual benefits.  

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, Pesident Phuc thanked international friends for their good sentiments, solidarity and valuable support, and expressed his hope that they will continue accompanying Vietnamese people in the cause of national construction and defence.

After 201 open sessions, 45 high-level private talks, 24 secret meetings, 500 press conferences, 1,000 interviews and hundreds of get-togethers in support of Vietnam, the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam (Paris Peace Accords) was signed on January 27, 1973 by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam, and the US.

The agreement put an end to the longest and most difficult struggle in the history of Vietnam's diplomacy.

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