Construction of passenger terminal T3 of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City will start in December, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

Le Quyet Tien, Deputy Director of the Transport Ministry’s Transport Engineering Construction and Quality Management Bureau, said on October 28 that the ACV has completed a feasibility study report and plans to approve the project in early November 2021.

The construction is expected to complete in 24 months so as to help raise the capacity of Tan Son Nhat – the largest airport in the country, address traffic congestion in its vicinity, and fuel economic and tourism development in HCM City and other southern localities.

The project is invested with a total of about 10.99 trillion VND (478 million USD) by the ACV.

Once operational, Terminal T3 will be able to serve up to 20 million passengers annually, according to the Prime Minister’s Decision 657/QD-TTg, dated May 19, 2020, that gave the green light to the project.

The new facility will handle domestic flights, thus helping to ease pressure on Terminal T1 that is currently overloaded and to improve service quality./.

Cambodia provides Vietnam with 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses

Cambodia has presented Vietnam with 200,000 doses of Vero Cell COVID-19 vaccine produced by Sinopharm.

The Cambodian Health Ministry’s Secretary of State Or Vandine handed over the vaccines to the Vietnamese side at a ceremony held at Bavet-Moc Bai International Border Gates on October 29 morning.

In her remarks, Or Vandine said the gift demonstrates the attention and sharing of the Cambodian government and people as well as Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen towards Vietnamese people.

Cambodia hopes that the vaccines will effectively contribute to the COVID-19 fight in Vietnam, especially localities bordering Cambodia, she said, expressing her belief that Vietnam will soon contain the pandemic, restore its socio-economic activities and continue to develop sustainably.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan stressed that the gift vividly manifests the solidarity and good neighbourliness between the two countries.

Since the pandemic broke out, Vietnam and Cambodia have closely coordinated and supported each other in the combat, at both central and grassroots levels./.

Mekong Delta holds virtual job fair for returnee workers

The Employment Service Centre of Can Tho in coordination with Mekong Delta provinces, Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province held a virtual job fair on October 29 to support enterprises in restoring operations and help workers who returned to their hometowns in the Mekong Delta to escape the COVID-19 outbreak with employment opportunities.

Following the COVID-19 resurgence that resulted in prolonged lockdown in Ho Chi Minh City and several southeastern localities, around 100,000 workers in these industrial hubs have returned to their hometown in the Mekong Delta, causing  a serious shortage of labour for firms in the southeast region. 

The fair saw the participation of 114 enterprises with 31,000 vacancies. About 600 labourers from Mekong Delta, HCM City and Binh Duong also attended the event in person.

Nguyen Ngoc Quyen, from Hau Giang province, said she hopes to find a job after staying at home over the past three months.

According to Le Thi Thu Ngan, a personnel staff from TaekWang Can Tho Ltd.Co, due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was a shortage of labourers. She said the company requires applicants to have received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine for at least 14 days before the date of starting work. However, a survey conducted by the company showed many job seekers have not been vaccinated or vaccinated but yet for 14 days.

Le Ngoc Truong Giang from MK JSC’s recruitment division said the company attended the virtual job fair in the hope of reaching those who do not reside in Can Tho city.  

Nguyen Thi Bich Van, deputy director of Can Tho Employment Service Centre said through the job fair, employers will have access to experienced workers, thereby helping businesses restore production after being affected by the pandemic. At the same time, the event also creates favorable conditions for out-of-job workers to meet employers and and quickly go back to work.

She said the centre expects to organise another job fair in November or December this year./.

Viettel's smart city model named world's most effective and innovative

Viettel’s smart city model is the most effective and innovative in the world, according to the World Communication Awards (WCA) 2021’s announcement.

Viettel is the only Vietnamese enterprise on the list of nominations and winners at this year's WCA, surpassing the leading giants such as China Telecom Global, KT Corporation and ZARIOT secured SIMs in the same category.

The Smart Cities Award is a category that seeks to find an effective and creative operation solution, bringing benefits to people and businesses towards improving the quality of life and increasing the operating efficiency of the city government.

The award is evaluated based on five criteria including application scope; the ability to meet people's needs or improve their lives; completeness compared to existing solutions in the market; benefits brought to people; the role of organisations and businesses in building a smart city.

Viettel’s smart city model is a comprehensive solution that could be tailored according to needs, characteristics, current situation and culture of each province/city, helping use local resources in the optimal way, providing accurate and appropriate analysis, thereby improving competitiveness and increasing people's satisfaction.

Viettel is a Vietnamese enterprise named alongside big players in the technology and telecommunications industry in the world such as Orange, Swisscom, Airtel, Ericsson, PCCW Global.

Up to 30 localities have signed co-operation agreements with Viettel in the application of smart city construction technology.

WCA is one of the most prestigious telecommunications awards on a global scale, initiated and held annually by Total Telecom Magazine (UK) since 1999. The judging board consists of 70 experts who are representatives of the largest organisations in the telecom industry such as IDC, GSA, Global Data./.

ASEAN nations share practices in civil service reforms, capacity building

The Ministry of Home Affairs held a training workshop via video teleconference on October 29 morning for ASEAN member states to share practices in civil service reforms and capacity building for local civil servants in 2021.

It was the third of its kinds held in accordance with the ministry’s Action Plan to implement the “ASEAN Declaration on the Role of Civil Service as A Catalyst for Achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025.″

The operation of civil service agencies has been badly affected by restrictions induced by COVID-19, said ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Ekkaphab Phanthavong.

Against such backdrop, ASEAN member states have remained committed to deliver high-quality civil services to their citizens, he said, adding that challenges in the delivery of civil services in the “new normal” are a wakeup call for the member states to further accelerate reforms and modernization in the field.

At the event, participants received updates of ASEAN’s cultural-social affairs and cooperation frameworks within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, as well as plans for the implementation of the Socio-Cultural Community’s goals and related goals by 2025, along with integrated activities for the civil service agencies in the coming time.

In her speech, Ha Thi Minh Duc, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’ Department of International Cooperation, said to effectively beef up ASEAN cooperation, it is crucial to heighten political commitments and awareness of ASEAN and develop the greater sense of belonging as a community.

She also called for better efforts in raising people’s awareness of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community goals./.

Plenty of room for Vietnam-Africa partnership to thrive: Deputy Foreign Minister

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's attendance and remarks at the open debate on cooperation between the UN and African Union (AU) on October 28 are of remarkable significance, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu told reporters.

It shows Vietnam’s sense of responsibility towards the UN and UN Security Council (UNSC)’s activities as well as the international community’s common concerns, Hieu said, adding that it also demonstrates Vietnam’s strong interest in Africa and the AU, and the country's will to share difficulties and step up cooperation with African countries.

The president’s speech and proposals were held in high regard by participating heads of UN member states and organisations, he stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, through the event, Vietnam has further promoted its active role and contribution as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, following its successful performance as rotating president of the UNSC in April, 2021.

He went on to say that Vietnam has maintained good friendship with all African countries, built on the solidarity among their liberation movements during the 1950s – 1960s. Entering the 21st century, Vietnam and African countries have constantly consolidated and expanded their win-win partnerships in various areas, he continued.

Good political ties have provided a push for cooperation between the two sides in economics, trade and other major fields; and both sides have closely coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums, like the UN, he said.

There is plenty of room for the partnership between the two sides to thrive further, he noted, voicing his hope that the multifaceted ties will be further deepened, contributing to peace, cooperation and development of each side and region.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 28 attended the virtual high-level open debate on UN-AU cooperation at the invitation of his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, who holds the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in October 2021.

The debate took the theme “Renewing solidarity to successfully deliver peace and security in a changing conflict environment”./.

Vietnam participates in ASEAN Summits actively, proactively: Deputy FM

Vietnam has made it a point to participate in the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits with an active, proactive and responsible spirit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung told the press after the series of events ended.

Vietnam engaged in all discussions of the meetings which took place over a course of three days from October 26-28, said Dung, who is also head SOM ASEAN Vietnam. He added that many initiatives raised by Vietnam won support from other countries.

According to the official, since the beginning of 2021, Vietnam has made responsible contributions to the compilation of about 100 documents submitted to regional leaders for approval.

As for the COVID-19 combat, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s remarks on the new strategy with an all-people approach were welcomed by other participating countries. Vietnam’s proposals regarding sustainable recovery has also drew attention of the delegates.

Vietnam’s candid, sincere and transparent approach to regional and international matters, including the East Sea issue and the enhancement of regional connectivity, has been fully reflected in documents of the meetings, Dung said.

The official emphasised that Vietnam’s contributions have helped to affirm the country’s role and prestige.

Amid a range of difficulties, both in and outside the region, the organisation of the series of meetings with the participation of leaders from all ASEAN member countries has affirmed the ten-member grouping’s spirit and values, the Deputy Minister said.

Outcomes of the events mirror what the bloc and its partners are interested in and wish to take part in actively, proactively and responsibly, Dung noted.

He highlighted the solidarity and consensus in ASEAN Community building as an outstanding result of the meetings. In addition, partners have continued to attach great importance to the grouping and committed to working together with it to effectively contain the pandemic and cope with emerging challenges.

The leaders also had in-depth discussions on issues affecting regional peace, stability and development, including those regarding the East Sea and Myanmar and how to narrow development gaps, Dung said. /.

Vietnam participates in ASEAN Summits actively, proactively: Deputy FM

Vietnam has made it a point to participate in the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits with an active, proactive and responsible spirit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung told the press after the series of events ended.

Vietnam engaged in all discussions of the meetings which took place over a course of three days from October 26-28, said Dung, who is also head SOM ASEAN Vietnam. He added that many initiatives raised by Vietnam won support from other countries.

According to the official, since the beginning of 2021, Vietnam has made responsible contributions to the compilation of about 100 documents submitted to regional leaders for approval.

As for the COVID-19 combat, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s remarks on the new strategy with an all-people approach were welcomed by other participating countries. Vietnam’s proposals regarding sustainable recovery has also drew attention of the delegates.

Vietnam’s candid, sincere and transparent approach to regional and international matters, including the East Sea issue and the enhancement of regional connectivity, has been fully reflected in documents of the meetings, Dung said.

The official emphasised that Vietnam’s contributions have helped to affirm the country’s role and prestige.

Amid a range of difficulties, both in and outside the region, the organisation of the series of meetings with the participation of leaders from all ASEAN member countries has affirmed the ten-member grouping’s spirit and values, the Deputy Minister said.

Outcomes of the events mirror what the bloc and its partners are interested in and wish to take part in actively, proactively and responsibly, Dung noted.

He highlighted the solidarity and consensus in ASEAN Community building as an outstanding result of the meetings. In addition, partners have continued to attach great importance to the grouping and committed to working together with it to effectively contain the pandemic and cope with emerging challenges.

The leaders also had in-depth discussions on issues affecting regional peace, stability and development, including those regarding the East Sea and Myanmar and how to narrow development gaps, Dung said. /.

Vietnam-Algeria economic ties yet to match with potential: Ambassador

Economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria has yet to match their political ties as well as their potential, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Nguyen Thanh Vinh has said.

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 59th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties (October 28), Vinh noted that in the first nine months of 2021, two-way trade reached only 110 million USD. There is currently one Vietnamese business investing in Algeria, while no investor from the African country is present in Vietnam.

In the context that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all aspects of the economic and social life, including diplomatic activities and delegation exchanges between the two countries, the embassy has made great efforts to organise a number of activities in order to strengthen and promote the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Algeria.

These activities have contributed to maintaining a close and regular relationship between the two governments and the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, affirming and consolidating the traditional friendship based on the common history of the two countries, he stated.

Senior leaders are committed to further promoting the bilateral relationship by holding regular discussions, consultations and supporting each other at international forums.

Next year will mark 60 years since Algeria gained independence and the two countries set up their diplomatic ties, Vietnam and Algeria will organise a wide range of celebrations, including Vietnam Culture Day/Week in Algeria or Algeria Culture Day/Week in Vietnam./.

Vietnam honoured as World's, Asia's Best Golf Destination 2021

Vietnam is named the World's and Asia's Best Golf Destination 2021 at the eighth annual World Golf Awards held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

It is the second year that Vietnam has been honoured with the world title and the fifth consecutive year with the Asian title since 2017.

Despite the impacts of COVID-19, a record amount of votes was collected this year.

The World Golf Awards celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism through the annual awards programme. It is part of World Travel Awards.

Earlier, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism was honoured as Asia's Leading Tourist Board 2021 of the 28th World Travel Awards, after the first time it received the title in 2017.

The WTA also honoured Vietnam as Asia’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, and Hoi An was named Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination, Ha Long Bay as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Cuc Phuong National Park as Asia’s Leading National Park.

Notably, Vietnam Airlines won the award Asia’s Leading Airline for Economic Class, while Vietravel was awarded the Asia’s Leading Tour Operator title.

Data of the General Statistics Office showed that Vietnam welcomed 10,600 foreign visitors in October, a year-on-year decline of 28.8 percent.

The GSO attributed the nosedive to the continuation of COVID-19 preventive measures, including the closure of borders to international tourism, noting that most of the foreign arrivals were experts and technical workers performing duties at projects in Vietnam.

The figure hit more than 125,000 in ten months, slipping 96.7 percent compared to the same period last year./.

Vietnam plays active role in climate change response: ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), to be held in Glasgow, the UK, from October 31 to November 3, demonstrates the Vietnamese Government’s determination and efforts in promoting and realising international commitments to climate change response.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long made the remarks in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), ahead of the government leader’s trip to the UK for the event.

His attendance also proves Vietnam is an active member, and a reliable and responsible partner in this regard, the ambassador said, adding that the trip will offer an opportunity for Vietnam to enhance cooperation with its partners, both bilateral and multilateral, and international organisations in the field.

During his three-day working trip in Scotland, Chinh will also hold high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings, and engage in trade and investment promotion activities between Vietnam and the UK.

He is scheduled to meet with AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot and attend the signing ceremony of cooperation agreements between AstraZeneca and Vietnamese partners to foster cooperation in the transfer of production technologies for vaccine and treatment drug between the two sides.

For climate change response, Long affirmed Vietnam’s strong resolve and commitments to the fight, which can be seen in the fact that Vietnam is one of the first 20 countries in the world to submit the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Vietnam is also among very few nations that have increased their contributions to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the paper.

Such efforts have been acknowledged at international forums on climate change, the diplomat emphasised.

Asked about cooperation between Vietnam and the UK in this sphere, Ambassador Long said the two countries have implemented many joint relevant programmes and projects.

The UK has pledged to support Vietnam’s low-carbon economic growth strategy adaptable to climate change, shifting towards renewable energy and the transfer of green science-technology and finance. The UK will also help Vietnam access international loans in climate change response.

Apart from bilateral cooperation, the two countries have also coordinated at international forums such as the UNFCCC and the Paris agreement. They have agreed to strengthen cooperation and dialogues in responding to climate change and mitigating its impacts at the technical level, while fostering collaboration in sustainable consumption and the building of the circular economy.

Long stressed that the PM’s trip also aims to deliver Vietnam’s message on its efforts to realize commitments to climate change response and the country’s policy on attracting investments in cooperation areas towards building a green economy./.

Vietnam affirms support for international legal processes at UN General Assembly

Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, affirmed Vietnam’s support for international legal processes, including those at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while addressing the 76th UN General Assembly’s plenary meeting discussing the court’s annual report on October 28.

Anh emphasised that the peaceful settlement of international disputes is one of the basic principles of international law.

He said that countries can choose from a variety of dispute settlement methods under the provisions of the UN Charter, including the arbitration mechanism, and they have obligations to comply with and implement decisions and judgments of international jurisdiction agencies.

Vietnam has contributed ideas to many legal processes at the ICJ, and hopes that the court will continue supporting the improvement of capacity of countries in using arbitration and jurisdiction mechanisms to resolve disputes.

Regarding the Trust Fund for the Judicial Fellowship Programme of the ICJ, Anh affirmed that Vietnam expects the trust fund will come into operation soon to support law students graduating from developing countries to practice at the court, thus contributing to improving the international legal capacity of these countries.

ICJ President Judge Joan E. Donoghue said the court has been seised of three new contentious cases since August 1, 2020, the starting date of the period covered by the report, and that the court has held hybrid hearings in nine cases and delivered five judgments during the same period. There are currently four cases under deliberation, she added.

Donoghue noted that the court’s docket remained full, with 15 contentious cases currently pending before it “involving States from all regions of the world and touching on a wide range of issues, including territorial and maritime delimitation, the status of international watercourses, reparations for internationally wrongful acts, and alleged violations of bilateral and multilateral treaties concerning, among other things, diplomatic relations, the elimination of racial discrimination, the prevention of genocide and the suppression of terrorism financing”.

Representatives from more than 60 countries also delivered speeches at the event, in which they affirmed that the ICJ has an important role in the peaceful settlement of disputes through adjudicating cases between states and providing advisory opinions at the request of the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council and several UN agencies under the provisions of the UN Charter. Through its judicial function, the court has made an important contribution to promoting the observance of the UN Charter and international law, and to sustainable development, peace, security and stability in the world./.

Women should be at centre of every recovery, development effort: Vice President

Women should be placed at the centre of every post-pandemic recovery and development effort, Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan told the 2021 Global Summit of Women in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 28.

Addressing the summit’s opening ceremony, Vice President Xuan underlined women’s comprehensive role in and enormous contributions to common efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to its negative impacts.

However, she noted, women and girls are also the ones suffering the most from the pandemic and facing the risk of lagging behind after the pandemic.

To achieve a peaceful, prosperous, humane, and sustainable world, the Vice President underlined the need to promote women’s role and full and equal participation in keeping national and international peace and security, especially in preventing conflicts and resolving non-traditional challenges, thus creating a solid foundation for transforming economies.

Women should be placed at the centre of every socio-economic recovery and development effort in the post-pandemic period. They need to be given all possible conditions to access resources and knowledge, apply science and technology, and acquire skills for starting business and developing a digital economy, according to Xuan.

She held that it is necessary to improve women’s digital access and application, bring into play their role in building a digital economy with green, inclusive, and sustainable growth, in tandem with the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

She suggested the summit establish a fund or annual awards for honouring excellent initiatives to ensure gender diversity in business leadership, and for women who run micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises or greatly contribute to society, the pandemic fight, and environmental protection.

The Vice President also called for enhancing the role and improving operations of women’s networks in various areas and at all levels so that women can connect, share experience, seek partners, and assist one another more easily.

Highlighting Vietnamese women’s significant role and major contributions to the country throughout history, she noted women are accounting for 30.26 percent of deputies to the country’s incumbent National Assembly (the highest percentage over the last 45 years), 50 percent of the key positions in ministries and ministry-level agencies, and 26.5 percent of the business owners (ranking sixth in the world in terms of the rate of women entrepreneurs). They have also been actively engaging in the COVID-19 combat, especially in the frontline.

Promoting gender equality and women empowerment is a consistent policy and also one of the top priorities of Vietnam in regional and international cooperation frameworks, the Vice President affirmed.

During the summit, the Vietnamese delegation actively took part in nearly 20 plenary and panel discussions on different issues.

International delegates spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements in gender equality promotion and women empowerment, noting that they are impressed with the dynamism of Vietnamese businesswomen.

Themed “Women Transforming Economies”, the summit attracted more than 500 delegates from 45 countries and territories, including officials, female business leaders, and representatives of women’s organisations./.

Vietnam proposes raising awareness of online hate speech impacts

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Phuong Tra, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), on October 28 emphasised the need to raise public awareness of impacts from online hate speech in society.

Addressing an Arria-Formula Meeting on Hate Speech and Social Media of the UN Security Council, Tra said it is necessary to develop communication and education programmes to equip social media users with skills to assess contents and information on the internet.

Apart from addressing root causes like poverty and inequality as well as issues regarding transparency in governance, countries should review and build legal frameworks and policies on preventing incitement to hatred and strengthening national unity through dialogues and inclusive reconciliation, she suggested.

Tech firms that offer social media services and individuals also need to hold accountable for preventing and easing the risks of online hate speech, according to the Vietnamese representative.

Tra proposed the UN step up its partnerships with all relevant sides, including governments, regional and international organisations, the private sector and other relevant parties in this regard.

Vietnam always considers people the centre of development and consistently pursues a policy of equality, solidarity, and mutual respect and support for common progress, she noted.

All acts of discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence are banned in Vietnam, the diplomat said.

At the meeting, participating countries shared concerns over the abuse of social media to incite hatred and violence, and threaten peace and security, both nationally and internationally.

Governments should take the main responsibility, they said, stressing the significant role of tech firms and social media in preventing and reducing impacts of the problem, they said.

The delegates also proposed a number of measures to enhance coordination between countries and international organisations and tech firms in this field./.

 

President addresses online high-level debate on UN-AU cooperation

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the virtual high-level open debate on cooperation between the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) on October 28, at the invitation of his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, who holds the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in October 2021.

The debate took the theme “Renewing solidarity to successfully deliver peace and security in a changing conflict environment”.

In his speech, President Phuc said many African countries have still suffered prolonged consequences of colonialism and slavery regime, as well as conflicts, terrorism, extreme violence, transnational crimes, climate change, food and water source insecurity.

In order to help them with national reconstruction and development, response to and recovery in the post-pandemic period, he suggested that they should strongly improve self-resilience to deal with internal affairs, promote trust building and dialogues, enhance women and youth empowerment.

The African nations were advised to continue fostering friendship, expanding cooperation and integration, consolidating multilateralism, and upholding the spirit of abiding by international law and the UN Charter.

President Phuc proposed the UN and AU pioneer in the implementation of the Initiative on Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030, the UN Agenda 2030 and Africa’s Agenda 2063 on Sustainable Development, and fully and effectively step up the strategic partnership between the UNSC and the AU’s Peace and Security Council.

His other suggestions included expanding cooperation among regional organisations to improve their capacity of preventing and addressing conflicts, coping with regional and global challenges; supporting comprehensive exchange and cooperation between ASEAN and the AU; and strengthening food security to contribute to socio-economic stability.

The President stressed that Vietnam always stands side by side with African nations to overcome difficulties, expand effective coordination towards peace and development, and offer medical supplies to fight the pandemic.

He also expressed his wish that Vietnam would soon become an observer of the AU after the country had sent many military officers and doctors to join UN missions in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

At the event, the UNSC adopted its Presidential Statement on strengthening cooperation between the UN and the AU./.

Vietnam, New Zealand foster strategic partnership

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has suggested Vietnam and New Zealand early complete the signing of an action programme for 2021-2024 on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week to push forward their strategic partnership.

The minister made the suggestion at a reception for New Zealand Ambassador Tridene Dobson in Hanoi on October 28.

He also urged efforts to make it easier for Vietnamese agro-fishery products to access the New Zealand market, towards the goal of bringing two-way trade to 2 billion USD in 2024.

Son used the occasion to call on New Zealand to maintain its official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam as well as scholarships for Vietnamese officials and students.

For her part, Ambassador Dobson spoke highly of Vietnam’s measures to contain and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic in a flexible and effective fashion, saying New Zealand has also rolled out similar strategies and measures.

The ambassador said she is working with New Zealand agencies on how to help Vietnam cope with COVID-19, and thanked the Southeast Asian nation for its support to New Zealand in the early days when the island nation took over the APEC Chairmanship in 2021.

New Zealand attaches importance to developing the strategic partnership with Vietnam in various fields, she said, informing her host that New Zealand is implementing many development programmes to help Vietnam respond to climate change, develop rural areas and improve women’s capacity./.

ASEAN Summits and related summits wrap up

The 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which were held via videoconference, concluded on October 28 after three days of sitting under the chair of Brunei Darussalam - Chair of ASEAN 2021.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended 14 out of 17 major activities, including the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits, and ASEAN Summits with the Republic of Korea, China, the US, Japan, Australia, India, Russia, the ASEAN 3 Summit and the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS).

At these meetings, PM Chinh delivered important speeches, focusing on key issues and emerging challenges faced by ASEAN, including COVID-19 response, post-pandemic economic recovery, the East Sea and Myanmar issues, building the post-2025 ASEAN Community Vision and promoting ASEAN’s role in sub-regional cooperation.

He reiterated Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, and comprehensive and intensive international integration, affirming that Vietnam is an active, proactive member and makes responsible contributions to ASEAN’s common affairs; stands side by side with countries to overcome difficulties; maintain solidarity; effectively cope with emerging challenges, and consolidates ASEAN’s central role, position and international voice.

During the meetings, leaders of ASEAN and partner countries reached high consensus on measures to enhance cooperation against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially improving medical capacity, vaccine self-sufficiency, restoring socio-economic development, and resuming travelling among nations in the new normal.

PM Pham Minh Chinh attends the closing ceremony of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits. (Photo: VNA)
They pledged to step up collaboration in the fields of digital transformation and economy, green economy, effective response to climate change toward sustainable recovery and development.

The leaders also looked into emerging issues affecting peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they heightened the sense of responsibility, spirit of law abidance, peaceful settlement of disputes, full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and building of an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The leaders of the ASEAN and partner nations announced, adopted and took note of about 100 documents, including declarations, strategies, cooperation frameworks, plans of action, reports and vision papers in fields under three pillars of regional cooperation.

On October 28 afternoon, Brunei transferred the ASEAN Chairmanship 2022 to Cambodia./.

Scholarships offered to Vietnamese-Cambodian students

The King Technologies Co. Ltd. (OpenNet) and the human resource development fund for the Vietnamese community in Cambodia signed an agreement in Phnom Penh on October 28 to provide scholarships for Cambodian students of Vietnamese origin who are studying in Vietnamese universities.

Accordingly, OpenNet will offer 10 scholarships, each worth 160 USD, to disadvantaged Vietnamese-Cambodian students in Vietnam each month. The scholarships will be sent to them via the fund.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang hailed OpenNet’s effort for the cause of education and training for the Vietnamese community in Cambodia, especially its commitment to offer stable jobs to these students when they return to Cambodia after graduation.

The Vietnamese Embassy will direct the fund to work closely to offer the best practical benefits to students, he said.

Chairman of the Khmer-Vietnamese Association in Cambodia Sym Chi said over 100 Vietnamese-Cambodian graduates have so far earned stable jobs in Cambodia after they graduated from Vietnamese universities./.

Prison sentences announced for Truong Chau Huu Danh, his accomplices

The People’s Court of Thoi Lai district in Can Tho city on October 28 announced prison sentences ranging from two years to four and a half years for Truong Chau Huu Danh and members of the “Bao sach” group.

The defendants were sentenced on the charge of "abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate the interests of the State and the legitimate rights and interests of organisations and citizens” under Article 331 of the 2015 Penal Code (revised and supplemented in 2017).

Danh, 39 from the southern province of Long An, received a jail term of four and a half years.

36-year-old Doan Kien Giang and 39-year-old Le The Thang, from HCM City and Hanoi, each was sentenced to three years in prison.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Phuoc Trung Bao, 39, from Da Nang city, and Nguyen Thanh Nha, 41, from HCM City, each will spend two years in jail.

They are banned from journalism practice within three years after they complete the jail terms.

According to the indictment, in August 2019, Danh and his accomplices created the Facebook fanpage named “Bao sach,” a group named “Lam bao sach” and a Youtube channel named “BS Channel” to post 47 articles and video clips on issues of public concern.

The articles and video clips posted by the group used unverified, untrue, and one-sided information that intentionally misled public opinions, causing misunderstanding and creating conditions for negative comments, thus inciting people to oppose guidelines of the Party, and policies and laws of the State.

Their acts have also affected the management work in localities, triggered confusion, suspicion in the public and undermined public trust in the State and all-level authorities in social management.

During the investigation, Danh and his accomplices admitted to their wrongdoings.

After Danh was arrested in late 2020, the remaining members left the group. Thang removed the Facebook page and Youtube channel and left the "Lam bao sach" group./.

Webinar discusses ways to develop Vietnam's social security till 2030

The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) held an international consultation webinar on October 28 on development strategy orientations to 2030 with a vision through 2045.

Speaking at the event, VSS General Director Nguyen The Manh said the rate of public satisfaction with services provided by the VSS on new and traditional platforms has been relatively high. The VSS has become the biggest social welfare fund and made certain contributions to the country's socio-economic development, he said.

Manh said the VSS has set a target that by 2030, about 60 percent of the workforce in the eligible age will join social insurance and about 45 percent will be covered by unemployment insurance. Farmers and workers in the non-official sector voluntarily joining social insurance will account for nearly 5 percent of the total. 

Around 60 percent of people after the retirement ages will receive pensions, monthly social insurance allowances and social subsidies. The rate of public satisfaction with social insurance will reach 90 percent.

Participants at the event heard the VSS’s introduction of orientations to its development strategy by 2030 with the common goal of developing a streamlined, professional, modern, effective and efficient social insurance sector./.

Lao province assists HCM City in COVID-19 combat

The Lao province of Attapeu has presented 100 million LAK (8,200 USD) to aid Ho Chi Minh City in the COVID-19 combat.

Lao Consul General in HCM City Phimpha Keomixay on October 28 handed over the donation to Chairwoman of the city's Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee To Thi Bich Chau.

At the hand-over ceremony, Chau thanked the wholehearted support of the Lao province, saying it demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

She said over the past time, Vietnamese and Lao leaders have exchanged regards and supported each other in pandemic prevention and control.

HCM City is working together with Lao localities to implement cooperation activities, thus bringing practical benefits to people of both nations, and helping to consolidate and enhance the bilateral relations.

For her part, Phimpha thanked HCM City for its assistance to Lao localities in the cause of national construction and development, as well as in the pandemic fight. The city has also supported Lao citizens living, studying and working there.

The diplomat expressed her hope that Vietnam and HCM City in particular will soon control the pandemic, and continue socio-economic development activities in the new normal.

She also suggested further implementing cooperation programmes within the framework of signed agreements, including the pact on collaboration between HCM City and the Lao capital city of Vientiane for 2021-2025./.

Vietnam makes efforts to contribute to ASEAN-Russia partnership: PM

 

Vietnam has been always making efforts to contribute to the development of the strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed at the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations, held virtually on October 28.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam has been always making efforts to contribute to the development of the strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.

The Vietnamese leader made the remark at the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.

PM Chinh suggested Russia continue assisting people of ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, in the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that ASEAN is Russia’s reliable strategic partner, and Russia is willing to assist the bloc in combating COVID-19 and easing its socio-economic impacts.

Russia will continue to actively join ASEAN-led forums, and support the association’s centrality as well as its efforts in promoting dialogue, cooperation and trust building, he affirmed.

 At the end of the meeting, the two sides adopted a joint declaration on building a peaceful, stable and sustainable region, and another on cooperation in the global drug combat./. 

Vietnam ready to welcome sport teams to SEA Games 31 in mid-May 2022

Vietnam is ready to welcome sport teams from 11 regional countries to the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in mid-May, 2022, said Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong.

Speaking at the sixth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-6) that was held virtually on October 28, Cuong said after nearly five months of hiatus caused by COVID-19 pandemic, preparations for the tournament are being accelerated in the spirit of ensuring the best possible facilities and the absolute safety of participants at the event.

Discussions at the event focused on sport cooperation programmes in the region for 2021-2025, towards building a dynamic ASEAN Community where all sports are fully developed.

Delegates also looked into sports’ contributions to peace and development, how to promote healthy lifestyle via engaging in sport and physical activities, as well as develop professionalism and integrity in sports and sport science.

The meeting adopted the AMMS-6’s report and agreed to issue a joint statement and submit several documents to the 40th ASEAN Summit. The documents include the ASEAN Plan of Action on Sport for the 2021-2025 period, the 2021-2022 ASEAN-FIFA cooperation plan, the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and a joint statement of ASEAN sport ministers on creating a solid foundation for ASEAN athletes at SEA Games towards Asian Games and Olympic Games./. 

Hanoi regulates COVID-19 testing, monitoring, quarantine for returnees

Hanoi will only require testing for those who come from COVID-19-affected areas at level 4 (very high risk) and quarantine for people from the areas at level 3 (high risk), according to the city's Department of Health.

The Hanoi Department of Health has just issued temporary guidance on the implementation of health control measures for people arriving from other localities.

Those who arrive and/or return to the city will not be required to show SARS-CoV-2 test results.

Testing is not mandatory, except for those coming from pandemic-hit areas at level 4 or medical isolation areas and suspected cases or cases from pandemic areas at level 3.

Those who have been fully vaccinated or completely recovered from COVID-19 within six months by the time they return to Hanoi from the extremely high-risk or quarantine areas (level 4), will self-monitor their health at home for seven days and get tested once by RT-PCR method on the first day in Hanoi.

Those who have received just one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will self-quarantine at home for seven days, continue to self-monitor their health at home for the next seven days, follow the 5K measures and take two tests by RT-PCR method on the first and seventh days since arrival in the city.

Those who are not yet vaccinated have to self-quarantine at home for 14 days from the date of arrival in Hanoi, continue to self-monitor their health for the next 14 days, and be tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR method three times on the 1st, 7th and 14th days of arrival in Hanoi.

Fully vaccinated people who return to Hanoi from level-3 areas have to self-monitor at home for seven days, while for unvaccinated the duration is 14 days.

These returnees are not required to be tested for the virus.

Medical self-quarantine will not be imposed on those returning from pandemic-hit areas at levels 2 and 1.

All people arriving in Hanoi have to make medical declarations and inform the local authorities.

They have to immediately notify local health authorities if they have symptoms of cough, fever, sore throat, loss or decrease in smell and taste.

In addition, people passing through the city are not required to be tested but must follow the 5K measures and not stop in the city except for force majeure cases./.

Vietnam, Cambodia further coordination in building shared border of peace, development

Vietnam and Cambodia will continue their close coordination to effectively implement legal documents regarding the land border to ensure a shared borderline of friendship, peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development.

The consensus was reach at the 11th meeting on cooperation and development between border provinces of Vietnam and Cambodia on October 28.

Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng co-chaired the event that was held in the form of videoconference.

The two sides shared the view that despite impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam and Cambodia have maintained the development momentum of bilateral ties. It is worthy of note that they have coordinated and supported each other in the pandemic combat in a timely and effective manner.

Remarkable achievements have been recorded in cooperation between central agencies and local authorities of Vietnamese and Cambodian border provinces over the past time, particularly in land border demarcation and marker planting, border and border gate management, and protecting security and order in border areas, they said.

They also highlighted collaboration between organisations and people-to-people exchanges between the border localities.

The two sides agreed to further raise the efficiency of coordination in responding to COVID-19, and were resolved to maintain the bilateral trade growth.

The 12th meeting is scheduled to be held in Vietnam next year./.

Enhancing Vietnam-UK relations in a more competitive era

The Council on Geostrategy (COG) on October 27 launched a policy paper on “Enhancing British-Vietnamese relations in a more competitive era”, outlining opportunities for the countries across the range of sectors.

Held at the House of Lords in London with the Rt Hon Baroness Neville-Jones as the moderator, the event marked the flourishing relations between the two countries ahead of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) from October 31 through November 12.

Based on outcomes of a research seminar held in early October and interviews with officials and experts in the UK, Vietnam and the US, the paper analyses the relations between Vietnam and the UK in the context of increased international competition and recommends how their strategic partnership can be deepened in this context.

Addressing the event, COG Co-founder and Research Director James Rogers pointed out that for the past decade, the UK has sought to enhance relations with Vietnam and the Indo-Pacific ‘tilt’ identified in the Government’s Integrated Review launched in March only reconfirmed Vietnam’s increasing importance to the UK. He added that Vietnam is likely to become more important, given that by 2026, it is projected by the IMF to become the 30th largest economy in the world, larger than many advanced European economies. 

At the event, Dr. Bill Hayton, Associate Fellow from the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, who is an author of the paper, briefed the audience on the opportunities for the two countries, which have many shared interests, to enhance their strategic partnership.

He pointed out one of the cooperation areas beneficial to the bilateral relationship is fighting COVID-19, now a priority of Vietnam, which had contained the pandemic effectively until May when the country was hard hit by the Delta variant. He said the UK can help Vietnam in supplying vaccines and giving medical advice and support.

Dr. Hayton said climate change is another area the two countries can work together, given Vietnam being one of the countries worst affected by sea level rises and extreme weather with many people living in low-lying areas. Vietnam is a sunny country with plenty of opportunities for solar energy and the UK can help Vietnam develop renewable energy as well as a national power grid, given Vietnam’s still limited capacity to transmit electricity across the country.

Dr. Hayton also pointed to other shared interests where the two countries can work on to further their relations. These include defending and reinforcing rule-based international order in the East Sea (South China Sea); observing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea UNCLOS; boosting the implementation of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UVFTA); and supporting the UK to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to name just a few.  

Attending the event, Vietnam Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long said there are a lot of opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries, stressing that the UK can increase cooperation with Vietnam in such areas as offshore wind; infrastructure, including port, airport and expressway construction; engineering; and manufacturing.

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-UK Network Paul Smith said the investment environment in Vietnam has been improved largely for the past 20 years, pointing to one of the advantages in doing business in Vietnam is that the Government is willing to talk to investors to address their concerns, no matter what the issues are./.

Vietnam makes efforts to contribute to ASEAN-Russia partnership: PM

Vietnam has been always making efforts to contribute to the development of the strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed at the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations, held virtually on October 28.

PM Chinh suggested Russia continue assisting people of ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, in the country.

ASEAN and Russia should optimise existing connection channels such as the ASEAN-Russia Business Council, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Eastern Economic Forum, to strengthen trade and investment ties, and help their businesses to access each other’s markets, the PM said.

He also proposed Russia step up cooperation in such areas as energy, oil and gas and renewable energy, towards green targets and sustainable development.

PM Chinh spoke highly of Russia’s role and active contributions to maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in the region, and expressed his hope that Russia will engage more actively in ASEAN-led forums, and further back the bloc’s centrality and efforts in boosting dialogue, cooperation, trust building and law observance, effectively responding to emerging challenges, and maintaining peace, stability and development in the region, including security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

At the meeting, ASEAN and Russia agreed to closely cooperate in the COVID-19 combat, and coordinate in efforts to distribute vaccines in a safe, effective and fair manner to regional residents.

They will enhance cooperation, dialogue and the sharing of information regarding response to security challenges, and contribute to regional peace, security and stability, through such mechanisms as the ASEAN-Russia Consultation of the High Representatives for Security Issues, and the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue on ICT Security-related Issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that ASEAN is Russia’s reliable strategic partner, and Russia is willing to assist the bloc in combating COVID-19 and easing its socio-economic impacts.

Russia will continue to actively join ASEAN-led forums, and support the association’s centrality as well as its efforts in promoting dialogue, cooperation and trust building, he affirmed.

For regional and international issues, the two sides emphasised the significance of maintaining peace and stability, and ensuring security and safety in the region.

They also committed to working for common goals of abiding by international law, promoting multilateralism and building rules-based regional and international order.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides adopted a joint declaration on building a peaceful, stable and sustainable region, and another on cooperation in the global drug combat./.

French-speaking conference hails Vietnamese women's role

 

Vietnamese women have affirmed their capacity and social position, and received recognition form society, said a Vietnamese representative at a conference on women's economic self-reliance in Brussels.

The event was jointly held by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Belgium-Vietnam and the International Organisation of La Francophonie representative office in the EU.

Dr. Vu Thi Minh Huong, Vice Chairperson of UNESCO Memory of the World Committee of Asia-Pacific, noted that the ratio of female representatives at the National Assembly of Vietnam is 30.26 percent, while that of women leaders is 31 percent.

Huong cited a series of laws applied in Vietnam showing attention to and protection of the rights and interests of women, including those on gender equality, marriage, and labour.

The French-speaking community currently has about 140 million women who are making great contributions to socio-economic development in their countries. Women are the group that is hardest hit by COVID-19, and also a strong force in fighting the pandemic./.

PM urges India to continue supporting ASEAN efforts toward East Sea stability

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 28 called on India to continue supporting and actively contributing to ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability in the East Sea.

Attending the 18th ASEAN - India Summit via videoconference, the Vietnamese leader also asked for India’s support for ASEAN endeavors to uphold international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peacefully settle disputes and differences through dialogue and diplomatic processes so as to ensure that the East Sea is a sea of peace, cooperation, and development.

He said ASEAN and India are long-standing partners and close-knit neighbours who share common interests and responsibility in contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

He urged both sides to assist each other in COVID-19 response and sustainable recovery. He asked India to actively help ASEAN countries develop the pharmaceutical industry, gain sufficient and timely access to sources of COVID-19 vaccines and drugs, and transfer the vaccine and drug production technology.

The PM highlighted the need for stronger maritime cooperation to guarantee navigation security and safety, conserve the marine environment and ecology, increase sea rescue, and combat illegal fishing and piracy.

Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi underlined that his country treasures the strategic partnership with ASEAN, which holds a special position in its Act East policy.

India supports ASEAN’s centrality and pledges to effectively participate in ASEAN-led cooperation and dialogue mechanisms and uphold international law, promote a rules-based regional order, actively contributing to peace, security, stability and development in the region, he noted.

He affirmed the support for ASEAN’s stance on promoting dialogue and trust building, fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and building an efficient and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters that is in line with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

Modi added India welcomes and support the bloc’s role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation in Myanmar and helping this country seek solutions to stabilise its situation.

At the summit, participants highly valued the relations between ASEAN and India, which is the sixth largest trade partner of ASEAN and ranks seventh among investors in this bloc.

The two sides agreed to continue assisting each other in pandemic response and stepping up comprehensive recovery through increasing bilateral trade and investment, consolidating regional supply chains, facilitating trade and goods flows, helping businesses access each other’s markets, and fruitfully carrying out the ASEAN - India Free Trade Area.

Concluding the event, they adopted an ASEAN - India joint statement on cooperation in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region./.

Vietnam in Group C of 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup

Vietnam are in Group C of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup following a draw held at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s headquarters in Malaysia on October 28.

They are in the same group with reigning champions Japan, the Republic of Korea and Myanmar.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 20 to February 6, 2022 in India.

For the first time in history, the Women's Asian Cup is expanded from eight teams to twelve. After the group stage, top eight squads will advance to quarterfinals.

The tourney will serve as the continental qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Australia have already qualified automatically as the co-host. Five teams will qualify directly for the World Cup via the knockout stage (including play-offs for fifth place) and two more teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

The Vietnamese team is currently placed 32nd on the FIFA ranking table./.

Summit highlights ASEAN Plus Three cooperation in building East Asia community

The Chairman’s statement of the 24th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit, held virtually on October 27, underscored the importance of the APT in East Asia cooperation towards the long-term goal of building an East Asia community, with ASEAN as the driving force.

The summit gathered ASEAN member states and the partner countries of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

The statement acknowledged the significance of the APT in maintaining and enhancing peace, security, stability and development in East Asia. It reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in combatting transnational crimes and addressing non-traditional security issues.

ASEAN reiterated the value of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a guide for ASEAN’s engagement in the wider Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and encouraged the enhancement and promotion of APT cooperation in ASEAN priority areas identified in the AOIP, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, sustainable development, economic and other areas of cooperation to further promote mutual trust, mutual respect, and confidence as well as to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.

The summit reaffirmed the crucial role of APT cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and mitigating its socio-economic impacts, acknowledged the support and contribution of the Plus Three countries to ASEAN member states and ASEAN’s initiatives in addressing COVID-19, and emphasised the need to strengthen APT collaboration in advancing the region’s recovery from the adverse socio-economic effects of the pandemic.

The summit also underlined the importance of trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries. In 2020, total trade between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries reached 875.1 billion USD, representing 32.9 percent of ASEAN’s total trade. Meanwhile, total foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from the Plus Three Countries into ASEAN were valued at 22 billion USD in 2020, accounting for 16.7 percent of total FDI inflows into the bloc.

In the statement, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2020. They noted the region’s increased reliance on the digital economy during the pandemic and stressed the need for the region to identify challenges and opportunities as the region’s economies prepare themselves for the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and to harness the latter as a tool to foster APT’s economic recovery,

They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the priority areas of APT health cooperation while stressing the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people links to heighten awareness and foster intercultural understanding and ASEAN identity in the region.

Participants also reiterated the commitment to advance cooperation in promoting sustainable, inclusive and innovative development. They showed support for ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the development gap and promote sustainable and equitable development across the ASEAN Community./.

Mekong Institute receives ASEAN Prize 2021

ASEAN announced the awarding of ASEAN Prize 2021 to Mekong Institute at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits, for its contributions in promoting ASEAN awareness and strengthening regional cooperation towards sustainable development.

The role of ASEAN Prize in promoting public awareness on the core values and principles of ASEAN based on the ASEAN Charter was recognised by the ASEAN Leaders at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summit.

In the Chairman’s Statement, the Leaders congratulated the Mekong Institute as recipient of the ASEAN Prize 2021, recognising its work in promoting a prosperous and harmonious sub-regional development, and contribution to a wider regional cooperation and integration, particularly in agricultural development and commercialisation.

In his congratulatory remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi acknowledged the Mekong Institute’s aspiration in fostering sustainable development and how they have created a pivotal strength and driving force for regional economic growth.

The institute’s key role in community development and capacity building, publication as well as research and training programmes have helped bridge the gap in the region, accelerating equitable growth towards an inclusive, cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community, he said.

Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Mekong Institute Executive Director, stated that the Prize was received with great honour on behalf of those who have tirelessly advanced GMS development and cooperation for a stronger ASEAN.

He added that the recognition strengthens Mekong Institute’s resolve to work even harder in empowering people, bridging partnerships, and advocating positive change, particularly during these uncertain times.

The ASEAN Prize is an annual regional premier award, administered by the ASEAN Secretariat, honouring individuals or organisations based in ASEAN that have demonstrated outstanding work with significant contribution to community building efforts. 

The recipient will receive a trophy and a cash prize of 20,000 USD sponsored by Temasek Foundation of Singapore and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia./.

Female boxer ranks fourth in world’s mini-flyweight ranking

Female boxer Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi moved up by one spot to the fourth place in the world’s mini-flyweight ranking, according to the latest ranking by boxing's official record keeper BoxRec.

With a cumulative point of 15.32, Nhi is among four boxers earning 3.5-star level in this weight class.

She made history for becoming Vietnam's first World Boxing Organisation champion after winning a WBO belt on October 23 in Ansan, the Republic of Korea.

The Vietnamese boxer took the title on a split decision with two judges scoring Nhi at 96 points, two more than her Japanese rival Etsuko Tada after 10 rounds of the women's mini-flyweight title fight.

Nhi’s triumph also broke the dominance of Japanese boxers' mini-flyweight class in seven years./.

Vietnam’s integration, development spotlighted at int’l conference

The 6th international conference on Vietnamese studies opened in Hanoi on October 28, focusing on the country’s proactive integration and sustainable development.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. and Dr Bui Nhat Quang, President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said the international conference is the most important event of researchers on Vietnamese studies around the world and a scientific forum gathering the most valuable findings about the country and its people.

He noted this time’s workshop has attracted great attention from both domestic and international scholars, which is a persuasive demonstration of the country’s growing stature in the world, as well as of the Vietnamese studies’ increasingly strong and positive influence on the nation’s integration and development process, both at present and in the future.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said the political report at the 13th National Party Congress, held at the beginning of 2021, affirmed the viewpoint of taking people as the centre, target, and impulse of development; inspiring the aspiration for developing a prosperous and happy nation; and bringing into play the country’s role as an active and responsible member of the international community, thus helping make and keep peace and boost cooperation for development in the region and the world.

He held that scientists, including those working on Vietnamese studies, need to continue studying to seek ways for tapping into the country’s values and potential so that it can develop faster and more sustainably.

The conference received 730 reports related to various areas, from history, economy and politics, to international relations, by domestic and foreign scholars, experts, and scientists.

It is scheduled to last through October 29./.

Vietnamese badminton players to compete at 2021 BWF World Championships

Vietnamese top badminton players Nguyen Tien Minh, Vu Thi Trang and Nguyen Thuy Linh will compete at the 2021 BWF World Championships in Spain slated for this December.

Minh, the highest ranked badminton player of Vietnam and former world's number 4, earned a bronze medal at the world tournament in 2013 and another bronze at the Asian Championships two years ago.

At the age of 38, he clinched a berth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games held this July.

Trang is also a veteran player of Vietnam as she competed at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and was a bronze medallist at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

This year, in her first Olympic appearance, Linh won two matches and was only defeated by No.1 player Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei.

General Secretary of the Vietnam Badminton Federation Le Thanh Ha said the upcoming competition will offer a valuable chance for Vietnamese players to sharpen their skills at international arena, after they have hardly competed at any tournaments in the recent past due to COVID-19./.

India implements quick impact projects in eight more Vietnamese localities

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam on October 27 signed memoranda of understanding on cooperation in implementing the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) with the People’s Committees of Hai Phong city, and Ha Tinh, Khanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Ngai, Quang Tri and Tuyen Quang provinces.

Addressing the virtual signing ceremony, Indian Ambassador Pranay Verma acknowledged the success of QIPs in Vietnam, affirming their usefulness in bringing about rapid changes at the grassroots level.

The diplomat said that cooperation between his embassy and local authorities in the on-time implementation of these projects demonstrates the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, and contributes to Vietnam’s joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province Ho An Phong thanked the Indian Government and embassy for carrying out QIPs in Vietnam.

He appreciated the benefits brought about by sub-projects to remote and disadvantageous areas in Vietnam, especially in basic education infrastructure, roads, irrigation and water supply, thus contributing to local authorities’ socio-economic development efforts.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy signed memoranda of two understanding on the implementation of QIPs in Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces.

With the 10 new projects, India has to date conducted 37 QIPs in 33 provinces and cities, with each worth 50,000 USD./.

PM attends 16th East Asia Summit

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 27 evening attended the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS), which gathered leaders of 10 ASEAN member states and their partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia and the US, and the ASEAN Secretary General.

He stressed the need for EAS countries to continue enhancing their strategic role in promoting transparent behaviour and frank dialogue, building trust, harmonising differences and increasing the sharing of responsibility in order to contribute to maintaining a peace and stable environment, and win-win cooperation in the region and the world.

He suggested countries join hands in managing changes in an appropriate and effective way; promote multilateral cooperation, policy harmonisation, and action coordination to effectively respond to emerging challenges, prevent the risk of instability and boost sustainable socio-economic development and recovery, especially after the pandemic.

He also proposed EAS partners step up cooperation to improve health capacity, facilitate full and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs, build a mechanism to share information and experience, and improve early warning capacity. He affirmed his support for international commitments on health measures to combat the global pandemic.

The Vietnamese Government leader called on ASEAN and its partners to cooperate in increasing opportunities to access to each other’s markets; boosting exports, digital and green technology transfer, and high-quality human resources training; promoting equitable, sustainable and inclusive recovery in the region in association with climate change adaptation, green development, digital transformation, circular economy and inclusive economy.

He also called on the countries to uphold the sense of responsibility and behave in accordance with their commitments; respect each other; promote multilateral cooperation and respect for the rule of law; maintain healthy international relations; avoid affecting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region; and ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

The nations should exercise self-restraint, avoid unilateral actions that may complicate the situation, and resolve disputes by peaceful means through dialogue and based on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), Chinh stressed, calling for efforts to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), promote negotiations to build an efficient, effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982, according to the PM.

At the summit, the leaders applauded the outcomes achieved during the implementation of the Manila Plan of Action 2018 - 2022, ordered coordination to build a new action plan for the next period that matches the situation, and pledged to prioritise efforts in response to the pandemic and towards green and sustainable development.

They stressed that the EAS should remain the leading ASEAN-led forum and a platform for leaders to discuss strategic issues of the region.

They agreed to foster multilateral, regional, and international cooperation in resolving emerging challenges, effectively responding to COVID-19, maintaining and promoting economic connectivity and trade - investment links, and restoring and stabilising regional and global supply chains towards comprehensive and sustainable recovery.

Participants shared the view that the EAS should make effective contributions to efforts in guaranteeing regional peace, security, and stability.

The countries emphasised the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea and building the waters into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. They underlined the need for self-restraint from acts that may escalate tensions or complicate the situation; for no militarisation, use, or threat to use force; and for peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the UNCLOS 1982.

They called on ASEAN and China to fully and effectively implement the DOC, while building an efficient and effective COC that is in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Concluding the summit, the participating leaders adopted the EAS statements on mental health cooperation, sustainable recovery, and economic growth through tourism recovery./.

NA Chairman extends congratulations on national days of Czech Republic, Turkey

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue on October 28 sent a message of congratulations to President of the Senate of the Czech Republic Milos Vystrcil on the occasion of the 103rd Independent Czechoslovak State Day (October 28).

In his message, Hue noted with his satisfaction that the sound traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic and the two countries’ legislative bodies are growing.

He believed that with sentiments and support of Vystrcil, the relations between the countries and legislative bodies will continue to be strengthened and strongly developed.

Vietnam and the Czech Republic set up diplomatic ties on February 2, 1950.

The same day, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mustafa Sentop on the 98th Republic Day of Turkey (October 29).

Hue spoke highly of important achievements of Turkey in national construction and development.

Hue said he belives that with both sides’ efforts, the Vietnam-Turkey traditional friendship will be consolidated for the benefits of the two nations, for peace and development in the region and the world.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978./.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan