Day: November 5, 2021

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and attended a banquet hosted by the French President on November 4 (French time).

During the meeting, Macron welcomed the official visit to France by PM Chinh during his first trip to Europe as Prime Minister of Vietnam. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and position in the region, and expressed his wish to further deepen the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.

The French President thanked Vietnam for giving medical masks to France when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, and announced that France will provide Vietnam with an additional 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine through the bilateral channel and 970,000 other doses through the Covax mechanism.

PM Chinh thanked France for the support in vaccine and medical supplies and said he hoped the European country will continue to help Vietnam in medical supplies and the production technology of medicine for COVID-19 treatment.

The two leaders hailed the effective Vietnam-France cooperation in many fields and agreed to build annual plans with specific tasks to further deepen the two countries’ strategic partnership.

The French side said it is ready to coordinate with Vietnam to prepare for the 12th conference on localities’ cooperation in Hanoi at the end of next year.

The two sides noted the need to further strengthen the pillar of economic, trade and investment cooperation in the Vietnam-France strategic partnership. They agreed upon directions and measures to further facilitate trade exchange, and accelerate cooperative projects in key fieldsThe French President appreciated bilateral cultural exchange and proposed that the two countries continue to facilitate the activities of the French Institute in Vietnam and the Vietnam Culture Centre in France.

PM Chinh shared the French leader’s view, and asked France to maintain and increase cooperative projects in health care. He hailed the programme on teaching French and teaching in French in Vietnam, adding that he hoped France will create more favourable conditions for the exchange of pupils and students, increase scholarships and train more public administrative personnel for Vietnam.

He appreciated France’s coordination with Vietnam at multilateral forums, particularly during the time Vietnam serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. He asked France to work as a bridge to promote ties between Vietnam, as well as the ASEAN, and the EU, particularly when France assumes the Presidency of the EU in January 2022.

The two sides agreed to actively implement and optimize the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement and push the process of ratifying the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement.

President Macron said France is willing to promote cooperation with Vietnam in developing sustainable fisheries, and pledged to study and work with the European Commission on the early removal of the yellow card against Vietnam’s aquatic products.

Discussing international and regional issues of shared concern, the French President said France’s Indo-Pacific strategy attaches importance to ASEAN’s centrality and the ensuring of security, safety and freedom of maritime and aviation. He stressed his support of the settlement of disputes by peaceful means based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, particularly concerning the East Sea issue.

PM Chinh hailed France’s role and position in the EU and the international arena, and welcomed countries, including France, to bring into play their role and responsibility to contribute to common peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The two leaders agreed to issue a joint statement on the occasion of PM Chinh’s visit to France.

Chinh conveyed invitations to visit Vietnam from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to President Macron, who accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

A seminar was held in Hanoi on November 4 in both direct and online formats to discuss opportunities, challenges and solutions for Vietnam after one year of implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Participants noted that after more than one year of implementation, the deal has brought about many positive results.

In the first nine months of this year, trade between Vietnam and the EU reached 41.29 billion USD, up 13.4 percent over the same period last year, including Vietnam’s exports of 28.85 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 11.7 percent.

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang highlighted the importance of the Vietnam-EU comprehensive cooperative partnership, affirming that the implementation of the EVFTA since August 2020 has created a new motivation for the Vietnam-EU collaboration through opening up large cooperation opportunities, contributing to promoting trade and investment activities among the business communities and people of both sides.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), compared to other FTAs, the level of understanding and expectation of Vietnamese businesses on the EVFTA is higher, with 30.19 percent of surveyed firms clearly understanding commitments included in the deal compared to 22.95 percent on other FTAs.

The EVFTA is one of the trade deals of Vietnam with the highest ratio of efficiency in the first year.

Luong Hoang Thai, Director General of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said thanks to the EVFTA, trade between Vietnam and the EU has developed in a more sustainable direction. Along with opportunities in expanding and diversifying the market, the deal has brought about chances for Vietnam to reform its institutions, making investment and business environment better and more transparent, and transforming its goods structure towards more high added value goods.

At the seminar, Vietnamese ambassadors and trade councilors in several EU countries provided many useful information on the market and consumers’ habits in those countries.

However, they said that there are not many Vietnamese products that meet the demand of the EU side, while the competitiveness and engagement of Vietnam in the value chains remain modest, and the combination between export and cooperation in technology for production and distribution of goods has been limited.

Participants at the event expressed hope that Vietnamese representative agencies abroad will provide more information on the markets and make more plans to promote the national image, thus strengthening trade promotion activities in Europe in a comprehensive manner.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien on November 5 visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) on the occasion of the sangha’s 40th founding anniversary (November 7).

Extending his congratulations to Buddhist monks, nuns and followers nationwide, Chien affirmed that they have made active contributions to the country’s socio-economic development over the past four decades.

He particularly highlighted that amidst complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, monks, nuns, and Buddhists across the country have joined hands with the nation in the fight against the pandemic. The images of monks and nuns in white blouse taking care of COVID-19 patients, supporting the burial of those who died of the pandemic, and providing charity meals, “oxygen ATMs” at worship facilities have impressed many people, stated Chien.

He expressed his hope that in the coming time, the VBS will continue encouraging monks, nuns and Buddhists to believe in the leadership of the Party and administration of the State, and work with people nationwide to realise the aspiration to develop a prosperous and happy country.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council, affirmed that the VBS will continue asking Buddhist dignitaries and followers to obey the Party’s guidelines, the State’s policies and laws, and localities’ regulations, and actively participate in charitable activities in support of people affected by the pandemic.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

De Heus Vietnam on November 5 announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Masan, pursuant to which De Heus will obtain control of 100 percent of the feed related business of MNS Feed (100 percent ANCO and 75.2 percent Proconco).

The feed business of MNS Feed covers 13 animal feed mills and one premix plant, with a total combined production capacity of nearly 4 million tonnes, strengthening De Heus’ position in Southeast Asia’s largest animal feed market. As part of the transaction, De Heus and Masan have also entered into multiple long term strategic supply agreements for the supply of feed and pigs by De Heus to Masan.

The transaction allows both companies to optimize and drive productivity of Vietnam’s 3F (feed-farm-food) animal protein value chain, by leveraging on each respective parties’ strength and capabilities.

As a growing family business in animal nutrition, De Heus is strongly committed to support and contribute to the sustainable production of safe and healthy feed and food. It has the ambition to be a strong partner in the farming value chain, enabling farmers and dealers to grow sustainably. The acquisition of MNS Feed supports De Heus’ focus on and ambition to offer high-quality nutrition, genetics, and farm management solutions to the Vietnamese market.

De Heus acquires Masan’s feed business, strengthens strategic position in Vietnam hinh anh 2

As a growing family business in animal nutrition, De Heus is strongly committed to support and contribute to the sustainable production of safe and healthy feed and food. (Source: De Heus Vietnam)

A promising future is ahead for the combined feed organisation of De Heus and MNS Feed, which will become the largest animal nutrition company active in the Vietnamese independent feed market. The combination will bring together the rich history, knowledge, and expertise of both organisations: De Heus’ more than 100 years of nutritional experience and more than a decade of dynamic growth in Vietnam, and MNS Feed as a pioneer in animal nutrition with successful heritage brands.

Mr. Johan van den Ban, General Director De Heus Vietnam and Cambodia commented: “Looking ahead, De Heus will continue to develop new value chain initiatives, focused on safeguarding product quality and improving the position of the livestock and aquaculture farmers and dealers. This transaction will accelerate the implementation of our commitment to bring the animal protein value chain in Vietnam to a higher level in terms of food safety, productivity, and sustainability. Together with the independent farmers, our feed distributors, employees and strategic partners we are ready for further growth and success.”

The transaction will take effect upon receiving the customary regulatory approval (expected in 2021).

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The highest priority is to develop a modern and comprehensive infrastructure system in the Mekong Delta region, said Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh in a meeting with the Mekong Delta Coordinating Council for the 2021-2025 period on November 3.

The discussion is part of the process to complete the Mekong Delta Planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050 – one of the six regional plans of the country.

One of the biggest obstacles to the region is transport infrastructure, reported the Secretary of Long An Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, and thus investment for inter-provincial transport must be made a priority.

Sharing the same opinion, Chairman of the Tien Giang Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Vinh agreed that industrial and services clusters must be linked and central hubs must be developed.

Localities in the Mekong Delta have created multiple initiatives to form connections, however, these initial plans remain small and scattered, said Secretary of Can Tho city’s Party Committee Le Quang Manh.

The regional plan thus will develop a framework and a joint coordination centre. A master plan integrating both the industries and 13 Mekong Delta provinces and cities will end the situation where each locality works individually.

As part of a region heavily affected by climate change and saline intrusion, local leaders proposed to invest in the construction of freshwater reservoirs. The funding should not only come from the State budget but also social sources.

Localities also proposed to mobilise loans for the Mekong Delta’s development, with 90 percent ODA (official development assistance) capital coming from the Government.

Addressing concerns from the local leaders, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said special priority has been given to several transport projects, including highways and national routes, alongside maritime and aviation.

“If done well, by 2025 we will have 300km of highways in the region, which shows the Government’s commitment on this matter,” said the minister.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is also developing plans with each province to build major, quality agricultural production areas for domestic consumption and export, alongside other freshwater reservoir projects.

“Transport infrastructure plays an incredibly important role in the region’s development,” Deputy PM Le Van Thanh concluded the meeting. “If we want to develop the Mekong Delta, the number one priority for localities is the development of transport infrastructure. This will help enhance connections and utilise the strengths of the regions.”

The development space in the region needs to be connected to industrial centres. The focus should be placed on developing marine space and marine economic development, with the infrastructure system of coastal routes, seaports, and the logistics system, as seven out of 13 localities in the region are coastal provinces.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) needs to coordinate closely with ministries, departments, and research experts, said the Deputy PM, while the investment process must be prepared and implemented as fast as possible.

Affirming that water resources are the core characteristic of the Mekong Delta region, Deputy PM Thanh required comprehensive management of these resources based on the evaluation of their impact and capacity, while ensuring sustainable development.

The MPI will speed up the process to complete the reports and documents to submit to the Council in November, with approval expected to be granted in December.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his French counterpart, Jean Castex, have affirmed their determination to further deepen the Vietnam-France strategic partnership signed in 2013.

According to a Vietnam – France joint statement issued on the occasion of the Vietnamese PM’s official visit to France from November 3-5, during their talks, both leaders welcomed the long-standing and sustainable ties between the two countries.

Towards the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, they agreed to enhance high-level conversations and meetings, and make efforts in the new period in various areas, including satellite and hi-tech projects of strategic significance to lift their relationship.

The Vietnamese side spoke highly of France and the European Union’s role in the Indo-Pacific, as well as their strategies that affirm their attention to the region.

Vietnam and France shared similar stances on major issues in the region and the world, including security, health care and sustainable development. In France and Europe’s strategies on the Indo-Pacific, Vietnam and other ASEAN member states play a crucial role.

The two leaders adopted a statement with seven points that aimed to further deepen the bilateral strategic partnership and confront with global challenges.

They affirmed solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that Vietnam donated a large number of masks to France in 2020 and France granted 2 million vaccine doses to Vietnam this year.

Reaffirming their wish to bolster cooperation amid common challenges, they underscored the important role of multilateralism in which the United Nations plays a central role. They also reaffirmed their adherence to the UN Charter, especially the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and basic rights to the development of each nation. On the occasion of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), the two sides affirmed the desire to enhance cooperation and determination to promote sustainable growth in the spirit of the 2030 UN Agenda on Sustainable Development.

France pledged to continue assisting Vietnam in achieving growth with low carbon emissions by improving the Southeast Asian country’s adaptability to climate change.

As the two nations are celebrating the 30th anniversary of bilateral defence ties, the two sides reaffirmed the resolve to create a new driving force for the relationship by carrying out several projects to increase mutual trust. They welcomed exchanges within the framework of Vietnam-France strategic dialogue and defence cooperation.

They advocated continuing with the training of officers in France in French language, with the aim of deploying them to UN peacekeeping missions in French-speaking areas.

Vietnam and France will strive to deploy partnerships between the EU and Vietnam, and between the EU and ASEAN, within the framework of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy and France’s tenure as President of the EU in the first half of 2022.

They reaffirmed full respect for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as peaceful settlement of disputes, refraining from acts that use or threat to use force. They affirmed the importance of maintaining safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in all seas and oceans, especially in the East Sea, on the basis of abiding by principles of international law.

The two sides welcomed ASEAN’s central role in supporting dialogue, cooperation and international law. They expressed support for ASEAN and China’s efforts to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon reach an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.

France commended Vietnam for successfully assuming its role as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and congratulated close coordination between the two nations during the tenure.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they reiterated their determination to boost economic, trade and investment ties to support economic recovery. In such spirit, they will hold a high-level economic dialogue in January 2022 if conditions allow.

They emphasised the importance of full and rapid implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) that took effect in August 2020.

Vietnam, France issue joint statement hinh anh 3

PM Pham Minh Chinh (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: VNA)

On urban transport, they spotlighted the significance of Hanoi’s metro line No.3 project using France’s loan worth over 500 million EUR. They promised to put the metro’s elevated section into operation between now and late 2022.

In space field, Vietnam and France want to continue partnering together in satellite and use of satellite images in agriculture, hydrometeorology, climate change response and disaster risk prevention.

The two nations consider locality-to-locality cooperation as a pillar in bilateral ties. The next meeting on cooperation between Vietnamese and French localities in Hanoi in late 2022 will mark a new milestone in signing new partnership agreements.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

With the permission granted by the Vietnamese Government, helicopter carrier KAGA and destroyer MURASAME of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, carrying 581 officers and crew members aboard, are paying a visit to Cam Ranh International Port in the central province of Khanh Hoa from November 5-7.

Within the framework of the visit, the two ships will receive logistics services, and coordinate with the Vietnam People’s Navy to organise joint maritime exercises.

The Vietnamese authorities will coordinate with the Japanese side to ensure adherence to COVID-19 prevention and control regulations

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Coffee exports in the first nine months of this year decreased in volume but increased in turnover, with Germany being the largest market for the product.

According to the Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Centre, Vietnam shipped 1.18 million tonnes of coffee overseas for 2.23 billion USD, down 5.4 percent in quantity but up 3.4 percent in turnover and 9.2 percent in price annually.

The lion’s share of the total export volume, at 181,014 tonnes, was sold to Germany, reeling in 319.52 million USD. The figures represented a decrease of 1 percent and an increase of 13.8 percent from the same period last year, respectively.

The US came as the second biggest market of Vietnamese coffee between January and September, spending 189.42 million USD on 96,472 tonnes, dropping by 13.9 percent and 5 percent year-on-year.

The amount of coffee exported to Italy during the period, meanwhile, reached 100,464 tonnes, reeling in 171.82 million USD. These meant annual deceases of 11.9 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Source: Vietnam News Agency