Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has signed a decision approving a master plan on the network of public science and technology organizations in Viet Nam in the 2021-2030 period with a vision towards 2050.

The overall goal of the master plan is to reorganize and develop public science and technology organizations in line with global standards and socio-economic development requirements.

By 2025, the number of public science and technology organizations will be reduced by 10 percent against the figure in the 2016-2020 period. By 2030, the rate will be cut by 20 percent.

By 2025, around 25-30 Vietnamese public science and technology organizations will meet regional and global accreditation standards. By 2030, the number of graded public science and technology organizations will be 40-50.

A system of public tech start-ups centers will be formulated, according to the master plan.

By 2025, innovation and start-up centers will be established in the North, Center and South of Viet Nam.

By 2030, public science and technology organizations will be established in all localities.

Regarding manpower, by 2025, human resources for scientific research and technological development (full time) will reach 10 people per ten thousand people, and by 2030, 12 people per ten thousand people.

Viet Nam moved up two places in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in 2023, ranking 46th out of 132 countries and territories, according to a GII report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 

The Southeast Asian country continued to show progress in converting innovation input into output performance and is among the most impressive innovation climbers of the last decade./.

Vietnam, Argentina expand cooperation relations

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on March 19 held talks with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Diana Elena Mondino who is paying an official visit to Vietnam from March 19-20.

During the talks, the two sides informed each other about each country's situation, agreed on directions and measures to strengthen the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Argentina, and discussed the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership in the field of industry and agriculture between the two countries. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Minister Son affirmed that Vietnam values the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership of Vietnam and Argentina, and wishes to promote bilateral cooperation in accordance with the strengths and needs of both sides, especially in economics, trade, and investment, and explore new areas of cooperation such as science, technology, green growth, energy transition, and digital transformation. 

To make the relationship between the two countries more effective and substantive, Son proposed that Argentina, as a member of The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), actively promote the bloc's internal consultation process for the early start of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and MERCOSUR, and continue to coordinate with Vietnam to promote cooperation between Argentina and ASEAN, and between MERCOSUR and ASEAN.

For her part, Minister Mondino affirmed that the Argentine Government always values and wishes to strengthen relations with Vietnam in its overall policy towards the Asia-Pacific region.

She expressed her admiration for Vietnam's achievements during its national construction and development, particularly its Doi Moi (renewal) process, which she said are experiences that the two countries can share to serve each other's socioeconomic development.

She also agreed with Son over strengthening and expanding the two countries’ cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally, for the benefit of the two peoples and the two countries as well as for peace, cooperation, and development in the two regions and the world.

The two ministers spoke highly of the positive developments in bilateral ties over the past years, especially joint activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023.

They described trade-economy ties as a highlight in bilateral cooperation, saying that two-way trade hit 3.45 billion USD last year. Vietnam is currently Argentina's sixth largest trading partner and fifth biggest export market in the world. Argentina, in turn, is Vietnam's third biggest trading partner in Latin America.

Recognising untapped potential, particularly in investment, they agreed on a series of measures to deepen comprehensive collaboration across various sectors, including politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, agriculture, science, technology, culture, sports, tourism, national defense, and security.

Both sides also agreed to boost exchanges and consider exploring cooperation in areas of mutual demand, such as energy.

To achieve these goals, they pledged to continue utilising existing mechanisms like the deputy foreign ministerial-level political consultation and the Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation.

The officials also commended their ongoing collaboration and support for each other at international organisations and multilateral forums, agreeing to strengthen cooperation at the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), and within the South-South cooperation framework./.

PM hosts new ambassadors of RoK, Laos

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 19 received the new ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Laos who have just commenced their tenures in Vietnam, affirming the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to supporting them in fulfilling duties.

At the reception for RoK Ambassador Choi Young Sam, PM Chinh said both sides need to strengthen political ties and cooperation across various development sectors to match the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. 

He called for promoting sustainable and balanced growth in trade and encouraged Korean firms to expand their operations in Vietnam, with a focus on areas where the RoK excels such as cultural industry, electronics, shipbuilding, and emerging fields like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

The PM also proposed that the RoK continue expanding people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation, and receive more Vietnamese skilled workers.

He suggested that both sides enhance coordination at global and regional forums, with a specific request for the RoK’s assistance for Vietnam in hosting the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 summit in 2025.

Choi, for his part, affirmed that the RoK Government considers Vietnam a priority in its current foreign policy and wishes to foster bilateral relations with Vietnam.

He agreed with the cooperation directions outlined by PM Chinh, particularly in maintaining the exchange of all-level delegations and increasing all-around collaboration.

The diplomat also committed his utmost efforts to contribute to Vietnam-RoK comprehensive strategic partnership throughout his tenure in Vietnam.

Hosting the new Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Khamphao Ernthavanh the same day, PM Chinh highlighted the need for both nations to effectively carry out high-level agreements and existing cooperation mechanisms, especially the outcomes of the recent meeting between the two Parties and the 46th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee. 

He wished that relevant agencies of both countries would better coordinate to tackle obstacles to develop economic, trade and investment ties to a level that matches the close political relations between Vietnam and Laos, with a focus on strategic and locality-to-locality cooperation; infrastructure connectivity, energy and workforce training projects; and mutual support at global and regional forums.

The Vietnamese Government will continue assisting Laos in performing its role as ASEAN Chair 2024 and Chair of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), he said, adding that together, they will strive to maintain ASEAN's unity and centrality, step up the building of the ASEAN Community while effectively addressing common challenges./.

International nature film week set for Vietnam return

The second international nature film week is scheduled to get underway across 10 venues in Hanoi from March 21 to March 31, with the event sending a message of environmental protection to the Vietnamese people and inspiring positive actions for a greener future.

As many as nine environmental documentaries from around the world will be screened in cinemas, universities, and diplomatic missions throughout the capital.

Among them are several typical documentaries, including "The Human Element" directed by Matthew Testa in 2018, "Raid on the Atlantic" of InFocus Production in 2022, and "The Stories in the Dump" by Vietnamese director Chu Viet Nga in 2013, among others.

A wide range of activities will be held as part of the event, such as discussions on film themes and meetings with filmmakers, a seminar on the current situation of environmental pollution and nature conservation locally, and interactive mini-games with gift rewards, among other activities. All activities aim to help participants raise awareness regarding the necessity of environmental protection.

The film week was first held back in 2022 and is sponsored by the US Embassy. It has partners such as the embassies of Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Italy, along with Pan Nature and Pacific Environment Vietnam Organization.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with talented filmmakers, environmental activists, and other nature lovers at the event.

Vietnam, Netherlands seek nature-based measures for sustainable development

Vietnamese and Dutch experts shared experience in policy building, nature-based and technical solutions and mobilisation of financial resources for sustainable development, at a workshop held in Hanoi on March 19.

At the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers held that both nations have similar natural environments and been hard hit by climate change, with Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region experiencing land erosion, saline intrusion and sand depletion, and 25% of the Netherlands’ areas below the sea level.

According to Thanh, Vietnam has carried out climate mitigation measures over the past 15 years while nature-based solutions have been undertaken in the recent 10 years.

The Netherlands, who found out the nature-based development models, have run a lot of projects in Vietnam, helping the country handle challenges in food security, water resources security, natural disasters’ risks, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, he said, adding Vietnam has strengthened resilience and adaptive capacity in several areas, including forest preservation, restoration of the natural ecosystem, and development of the low-carbon agriculture.

Dutch experts said that investing in nature-based measures is for development that benefits biodiversity and natural ecosystem, stressing as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Vietnam has favourable conditions to develop nature-based economic sectors.

However, the measures must be suitable to the country’s environment, climate, soil, and financial capacity of enterprises and local people, they added.

Also present at the workshop, specialists from the World Bank and Asia Development Bank affirmed to continue supporting and accompanying the Vietnamese Government in developing nature-based solutions towards realising the sustainable development goals./.

Vietnam, Laos to enhance social security cooperation

Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) Nguyen Duc Hoa chaired a working session with Deputy Director General of the Lao Social Security Organisation (LSSO) Bouahome Phommachane in Hanoi on March 19.

Hoa said the activities planned for the Lao delegation's visit serve to further solidify cooperation between the VSS and LSSO, building upon the existing memorandum of understanding for the 2022-2025 period.

He highlighted the importance of the visit, saying that it would allow the delegation to gain valuable updates on new regulations and information concerning the VSS's specialised inspection functions.

Bouahome Phommachane, for her part, believed that both sides will further promote comprehensive cooperation to improve the capacity of performing social security policies, ultimately ensuring top-notch service and efficiency for citizens and businesses in each nation.

The LSSO delegation, she added, come prepared to share their experiences in inspection and examination practices related to social security regimes and policies.

Hoa, alongside leaders from various VSS departments, answered the delegation's inquiries on social security and health insurance inspection procedures, as well as methods to guarantee social security in both countries.

As the session concluded, Bouahome Phommachane expressed her desire for the VSS and LSSO to maintain close collaboration in specialised social security inspection and overall social security assurance. This, she said, would contribute significantly to further strengthening the Vietnam-Laos relationship in the years to come./.

VNU-Hanoi, Huyndai Motor sign training pact

In a move to bolster engineering and technology education, Vietnam National University (VNU), Hanoi and Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) on March 19 signed a cooperation agreement on human resources development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, VNU-Hanoi Director Le Quan expressed his belief that the deal will significantly enhance the quality of engineering and technology education and research at the university. This, he said, will directly address the growing demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry and related sectors, ultimately contributing to the economic and scientific-technological development of both Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

Head of business unit at Hyundai Vietnam Gi Baek Lee highlighted the existing relationship between the two sides. He pointed to a 2020 memorandum of understanding signed with VNU-Hanoi's University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) for volunteer education activities in the Hyundai-Jump School programme.

Over the past four years, Hyundai Motor has assisted about 200 students from the VNU-Hanoi, primarily those from ULIS, he added.

Under the new agreement, both sides will establish the VNU-HMC cooperation office located in Hoa Lac to facilitate joint activities, including internship opportunities for VNU-Hanoi's top talents at Hyundai Motor Group headquarters, lectures by esteemed international scholars, and collaborative research projects fostering mutual benefit.

The VNU-Hanoi has a history of successful partnerships in education and scientific research with leading Korean institutions like Seoul National University and technological giants such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK. Its graduates in sci-tech and engineering disciplines have garnered recognition and secured prestigious positions in Korean technology and industrial conglomerates operating in Vietnam./.

Deputy PM praises Japanese foundations for decades of support

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highly valued the valuable support for Vietnam provided by Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa Peace Foundation and their Chairman Yohei Sasakawa since 1980, during a reception in Hanoi on March 19 for the Japanese guest.

Deputy PM Quang highlighted the effectiveness of the foundations' assistance delivered through specific programmes, including the Vietnam-Japan defence exchange and initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and socio-development development in Vietnam's disadvantaged areas.

He hailed Japan as Vietnam's leading important partner which is the top provider of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, the second biggest partner in in labour cooperation, and third in investment and tourism.

The Deputy PM wished that Sasakawa would continue to contribute to strengthening political trust between the two countries and carry more support projects in Vietnam.

Sasakawa, in turn, expressed delight at the elevation of Vietnam-Japan ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year, affirming his commitment to expanding the scope of this new partnership.

The Nippon Foundation, he noted, has provided scholarships for Vietnamese students for 40 years, with 80 beneficiaries to date. It has also rolled out socio-economic development projects and assisted people with disabilities in Vietnam, with a total aid of 30 million USD.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering closer ties and trust, not only at the Government level but also among all sectors and people of both countries, through various cooperation activities and mutual exchange./.

NA Standing Committee wraps up 31st session

The National Assembly Standing Committee completed the entire working programme of its 31st session in Hanoi on March 19 after three and a half days of sitting.

In his closing remarks, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said the lawmakers had given opinions on amendments to the Capital Law, the Law on the Organisation of People's Courts and the Law on Social Insurance. They also debated the draft Law on Road Traffic, the draft Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, the draft Law on Defence Industry, Security and Industrial Mobilisation and the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Asset Auction.

Besides, the committee also passed two resolutions on the establishment of Ben Cat city in Binh Duong province and Go Cong city in Tien Giang province, which also included the establishment and rearrangement of relevant wards within the newly designated cities.

The lawmakers additionally reviewed the February report ombudsman work and adopted a resolution approving the appointment of new standing members of the NA’s National Defence and Security Committee and the Committee for Judicial Affairs.

Chairman Hue also noted the success of the Q&A session held the prior day, which dealt with matters of public concerns related to the ministries of finance and foreign affairs./.

RoK to increase ODA for Vietnam in 2024

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang gave a reception in Hanoi on March 19 for President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Chang Won-sam, during which the guest said official development assistance (ODA) from the Republic of Korea (RoK) for Vietnam will increase to more than 52 million USD, nearly doubling the figure of 2023.

The Deputy PM highly appreciated the RoK’s ODA for Vietnam, saying that it has contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. He hoped that the RoK will become Vietnam's largest ODA provider in the near future.

He highlighted that development cooperation is a focus of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the RoK. By the end of 2023, the Korean Government's non-refundable aid through KOICA to Vietnam had reached about 600 million USD.

Quang proposed KOICA in general and the KOICA President personally continue their support, contributing to the development of the ties between the two countries in general and between Vietnam and KOICA in particular.

The Deputy PM wished that the RoK will continue to increase the scale of non-refundable aid to Vietnam, especially in innovation, digital transformation, and high-tech development.

He also proposed KOICA consider urging the Korean Government to have official commitment to a rural power supply project in Vietnam’s northern province of Dien Bien.

For his part, KOICA President Chang Won-sam said that his current visit to Vietnam is to assess the implementation of KOICA's projects in Vietnam and discuss cooperation orientations to concretise ODA commitment for the 2024-2027 period by Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol during his visit to Vietnam last June.

The Korean government and KOICA attach great importance to relations with Vietnam, he added.

Established in 1991, KOICA is in charge of non-refundable aid projects of the Korean Government, with the increasing capital scale. In recent times, KOICA's ODA projects in Vietnam have focused on public administration, health care, and education. The two sides are considering the expansion to such new areas as climate change adaptation and digital transformation./.

Long-term US investment welcomed for Fulbright University Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai welcomed the continued long-term US investment in Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) during a reception in Hanoi on March 19 for Director of the Vietnam Programme at Harvard University Prof. Thomas Vallely and FUV’s experts.

Deputy PM Khai assured them of the Vietnamese Government's commitment to continued support to the FUV, aiming to establish it as a premier centre for quality human resources development in Vietnam.

He accorded his praise to Vallely for his significant contributions to advancing the Vietnam – US relations, particularly in the realms of education and policy dialogue, stressing that he is truly a close friend of Vietnam.

He believed that a ministry-level cooperation agreement on education and training signed in November 2023 will provide a solid foundation for deeper collaboration between US and Vietnamese universities.

On the occasion, the Deputy PM thanked Vallely, Harvard Kennedy School, and Fulbright University for their close collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoF) to prepare for the 2024 Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP).

Vallely, for his part, stressed that he is looking forward to the discussions at 2024 VELP with more dynamic and updated content, in line with the current global developments and the evolving landscape of Vietnam's economy, especially solutions to both ensure macroeconomic stability, fiscal and monetary policy, and sustainable economic development amid global fluctuations.

According to him, experts will share insights and ideas on topics regarding renewable energy development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductor industry, chip manufacturing, global AI, and the prospects for Vietnam's involvement in these value chains at 2024 VELP.

In response, Khai hoped that the 2024 VELP will not only spark new ideas for Vietnamese agencies to formulate and perform development policies tailored to Vietnam's conditions but also identify priority areas and outline a roadmap to connect with international resources.

Expressing hope for further substantial development in cooperation between Vietnam and its US partners, particularly in policy dialogue, human resources development, and education-training, he voiced his desire for the continued success of high-level policy exchange programmes like VELP in the coming years./.

HCM City wants to enhance cooperation with Czech Republic: official

Ho Chi Minh City wishes to promote comprehensive cooperation in politics, economy and culture with partners of the Czech Republic, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said on March 19.

The focus of the collaboration will be agriculture and the food industry, the official told visiting Czech Minister of Agriculture Marek Vyborny in a reception in the city, noting HCM City, as an economic and cultural centre of Vietnam, is aware of its pioneer role in materialising cooperation projects between Vietnam and other countries, including the Czech Republic.

Highly valuing the Czech Republic’s strengths in agriculture, and food and agricultural processing, Mai held that its traditional products like milk, meat and materials for the food industry would easily enter the HCM City market, and from there accessing Vietnam’s southern region.  

Mai also suggested HCM City and the Czech Republic enhance cooperation in tourism and catering and lodging services, contributing to raising trade revenue between the two countries and the efficiency of their economic collaboration.

Sharing Mai’s views, Vyborny said the Czech Republic and Vietnam, including its HCM City, should take more measures to boost the two-way trade, which was valued at over 2.5 billion USD last year.

The minister spoke highly of HCM City’s economic potential, and noted his belief that Vietnam’s biggest economic hub will be a destination for Czech businesses.

The Czech Republic welcomes Vietnamese businesses, including those from HCM City, to visit the country and scope out cooperation opportunities in agriculture and food processing, he said, adding that the country stands ready to work together with Vietnam to carry out exchanges and meetings for their enterprises./.

HCM City eyes to expand tourism cooperation with Japanese prefecture

Following their successes in cooperation over the past five decades, Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, and Japan need to immediately implement cooperation projects to mark the first year of the next 50-year period of cooperation, said Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee.

Mai made the suggestion a reception on March 19 for Hirose Noriko, Tourism Ambassador of HCM City in Aichi prefecture, during which they discussed orientations for tourism cooperation activities between the southern largest economic hub and the Japanese prefecture.

He said the Vietnam Festival in Aichi, which is scheduled to be held in November 2024, will be one of the cultural events that need to be prioritised for organisation.

The official thanked the Governor of Aichi for creating favourable conditions for organising the festival, affirming that in this year’s event, HCM City will deeply join cultural and artistic activities, introduce Vietnamese cuisine, and promote trade, investment and tourism connection.

He expressed his belief that Noriko will continue to promote her role as a bridge promoting HCM City’s tourism to businesses and people of Aichi, thus helping to boost tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to further strengthen cohesion and deepen the relationship between the two localities in particular, and between Vietnam and Japan in general.

For her part, Noriko showed her joy at the success of the Vietnam Festival in Aichi and the Vietnam - Japan Festival in HCM City last year, saying that they contributed to enhancing understanding, solidarity, and friendship between the people of the two countries.

Aichi is home to the largest number of Vietnamese nationals in Japan with more than 51,000 people. Therefore, the Vietnamese Festival in the Japanese prefecture always attracts the attention and participation of many tourists.

The success of the Vietnam Festival is also a lesson to help Aichi confidently organise more cultural festivals in the future, she added.

Speaking highly of the potential for tourism cooperation between HCM City and Aichi, Noriko pledged to do her best as the tourism ambassador of HCM City in Aichi./.

Petrol stations told to implement new payment regulations by March's end

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) sent an official dispatch to key traders and petroleum distributors on implementing regulations on electronic invoices and providing electronic invoice data according to regulations on Monday.

The ministry's document clearly states that in Resolution No 28 dated March 5 from the regular Government meeting in February, the Prime Minister assigned ministries, branches and localities to strengthen inspections and implement management and use of electronic invoices for petroleum business and retail activities in March.

The Prime Minister also assigned localities to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the MoIT to ensure appropriate measures are taken against businesses that do not implement the regulations by the end of this month.

They might be requested to temporarily suspend business operations or see business licenses and certificates revoked according to the provisions of law.

The MoIT recommends that petroleum traders seriously implement the following contents: comply with the provisions of law on petroleum trading; make electronic invoices for gasoline and oil retail and business activities, especially in making electronic invoices at gasoline retail stores for customers according to each sale at retail stores and provide electronic invoice data according to regulations.

Information from the Ministry of Finance previously released that the whole country had 7,542 petroleum retail stores that issued electronic invoices for each sale as of February 26.

Currently, there are about 17,000 petroleum retail stores nationwide. There are nearly 9,500 petrol stations across the country, accounting for 55.8 per cent, that need to soon issue electronic invoices for each sale.

Digitalisation expected to help Hanoi become civilised, modern