Day: November 18, 2022

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has ordered Party commitees, organisations and competent agencies to continue with more drastic, rapid actions and stronger determination to fight corruption and negative phenomena.

 

During a meeting of the Central Steering Committee for Corruption and Negative Phenomena Prevention and Control’s standing board in Hanoi on November 18, Party chief Trong, who is also its head, asked for perfecting institutions to fill gaps, along with implementing anti-corruption solutions; strengthening inspection, supervision, and audit; and prosecuting those involved in corruption.

 

Violations must be punished strictly without any forbidden zone or exception, he said, adding that violators who fled abroad must also be investigated, prosecuted and punished in line with the law.

 

Stronger crackdown on corruption and negative behaviours, stronger public trust in the Party, State and regime, he said. This will make important contributions to promoting socio-economic development, maintaining political stability, consolidating national defence-security and external affairs while rejecting wrongful allegations of hostile forces.

 

He said fighting corruption and negative phenomena is a tough, complicated and long-term task, and asked the standing board to remove obstacles and speed up investigation, prosecution and trial of cases under the watch of the Steering Committee, striving to investigate 11 more cases, launch proceedings against nine others, hold first-instance trials of 11 cases and appeal trials of three cases, and finish the investigation and handling of 21 cases as planned this year, particularly high-profile cases causing serious consequences and State asset loss.

 

The Government’s Party Affairs Board was assigned to fix shortcomings in mechanisms, policies and laws related to bidding, management and use of land and public property, public-private partnership, banking-finance, financial autonomy, securities, corporate bonds, construction planning, among others.

 

It was also tasked with urgently completing a thematic inspection on the procurement of equipment, biological products, test kits and medicines for COVID-19 prevention and control, and other thematic inspections as planned by the Steering Committee; and improving the efficiency of corrupt asset recovery, especially in cases under the watch of the Steering Committee.

 

Since the beginning of its 13th tenure, the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and Commission for Inspection have disciplined 67 officials under the management of the Politburo and the Secretariat, including seven members and six former members of the Party Central Committee. For the first time, three members of the Party Central Committee have been relieved. Localities also dismissed one Chairperson of the provincial People’s Council and two chairpersons of the provincial People’s Committees.

 

Competent agencies temporarily seized, blocked accounts, prevented transactions of assets valued at over 160,000 billion VND (6.9 billion USD) and many other valuable assets. Civil judgment enforcement agencies recovered nearly 16,000 billion VND./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Forty Vietnamese and Lao young military officers attended an exchange in the northern Lao province of Luang Prabang on November 18, held as part of a visit by General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).

 

Addressing the event, Gen. Cuong emphasized that young military officers of both countries have always been the pioneer force in all missions, from protecting the Party’s ideological foundation to responding to unconventional security challenges, especially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

 

He expressed a wish that young officers of both countries continue to face up to challenge and accept difficult tasks with youth spirit, thus contributing to national development as well as the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of defence.

 

Sen. Lt. Gen. Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Defence Minister and Chairman of the Lao People’s Army (LPA)’s General Department of Politics, affirmed that defence-security is one of the most important pillars in the special ties between Laos and Vietnam and their two armies.

 

For this reason, young officers of the two countries play a significant role in preserving and development the special ties, he said.

 

At the exchange, participating officers shared views on their duties and responsibilities, and suggested contents for cooperation between the two sides.

 

The same day, Gen. Cuong received Vongsanvane Thepphachanh, Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council of Luang Prabang./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked committees and working groups of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to enhance dialogues, actively realise the long-term vision for trade and investment in Asia-Pacific, and strengthen multilateral trade system.

 

Speaking at a dialogue between leaders of APEC economies and members of the ABAC in Bangkok on November 18, President Phuc affirmed that Vietnam supports multilateral trade system based on principles and rules, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as the centre.

 

While a number of new bilateral and regional mechanisms have been set up, the WTO is still considered a “foundational” multilateral cooperation mechanism that helps maintain stability and equality in international trade and economic relations, contributing to the sustainable economic development in the world, he said.

 

The Vietnamese President called on APEC economies to accelerate important negotiations in the WTO on fisheries subsidies, agriculture and WTO reform.

 

Vietnam is ready to work closely with APEC members to implement outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and deal with issues that are yet to be agreed in the WTO, he said.

 

The President told the dialogue that as an open economy, Vietnam has signed and implemented 15 free trade agreements with over 60 partners. It has also been working closely with APEC members to step up regional economic integration in line with 2040 APEC Vision.

 

Vietnam welcomes and is engaging in a number of multilateral initiatives on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; trade and economic empowerment for women. It is also studying more about other initiatives, he stated.

 

He suggested ABAC continue upholding its active role in APEC for an Asia-Pacific region of peace, sustainable development and prosperity for all citizens.

 

The dialogue between APEC leaders and ABAC is an annual activity within the framework of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, enabling leaders to listen to suggestions and opinions from with the regional business community.

 

In a report submitted to APEC leaders, ABAC proposed APEC take a comprehensive approach to and cooperate in environment and climate change, clean energy transition and digital transformation, regional economic linkage and integration; and assist businesses in adaptation with and recovery from the pandemic.

 

Leaders vowed to consider the proposals of the business community during the process of building APEC cooperation orientations, as well as in specific policies of each economy in order to bring more practical results to citizens and business community./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The People’s Committee of Hanoi in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), held a seminar on promoting investment and trade between Hanoi and the RoK on November 17.

 

In his opening remarks at the event, vice chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Trong Dong emphasised that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the RoK, saying it is a good opportunity to further promote cooperation activities between the two sides. Through the seminar, Hanoi continues to affirm its position as a safe, attractive and stable destination for businesses, he said.

 

Dong also said the capital city is ready to create all favourable conditions to welcome potential foreign investors to invest and do business in the locality.

 

Minister Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy to the RoK Nguyen Viet Anh said the embassy is committed to accompanying and connecting Korean businesses in doing business in Vietnam in general and in Hanoi in particular.

 

Most presentations presented at the seminar highlighted the advantages of foreign investors when coming to Hanoi such as the city has always affirmed its leading position in attracting and using foreign direct investment (FDI) thanks to the improving business environment and other incentives.

 

Statistics from the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment showed that in the first ten months of this year, the city attracted about 1.28 billion USD in FDI, up 27% over the same period last year. Of these, capital from the RoK alone reached 116.2 million USD.

 

The RoK government has provided official development assistance (ODA) for the city to implement eight projects worth 17.96 million USD./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders of many APEC member economies while attending the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on November 17 and 18.

 

At their meeting, President Phuc and his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos agreed to push ahead with efforts to deepening the two countries’ strategic partnership.

 

President Marcos affirmed that the Philippines always respects the strategic partnership with Vietnam, and appreciated Vietnam’s support for the Philippines to ensure food security.

 

The two leaders affirmed their resolve to continue coordinating closely to promote solidarity and maintain ASEAN’s centrality in common security issues, including the East Sea, and contribute to efforts to build an environment of peace, security and development in the region and the world.

 

Talking to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Phuc suggested the two sides study the establishment of partnership in digital economy and green economy as a highlight in their cooperation in the time ahead.

 

He invited the Singaporean PM to visit Vietnam to discuss measures to deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

 

The two sides agreed to coordinate to organize practical activities to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership n 2023.

 

PM Lee Hsien Loong agreed with President Phuc’s suggestions, noting that Vietnam is an important partner of Singapore in the region.

 

During the meeting with PM Han Duck-soo of the Republic of Korea, President Phuc appreciated the strong strides in bilateral cooperation, and proposed that the two sides support and facilitate the role of the Vietnamese community in the RoK and the RoK community in Vietnam in order to enhance bilateral ties.

 

The two leaders affirmed the importance that the two countries attach to their strategic partnership, with Vietnam considering the RoK one of the most important partners and the RoK continuing to consider Vietnam its key partner in the region.

 

PM Han vowed to continue to cooperate closely with Vietnam in international and regional issues of common concern and coordinate with Vietnam to enable the country to fulfil its role as coordinator of ASEAN-RoK ties in 2022-2024.

 

Meeting with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, President Phuc affirmed that Vietnam is determined to promote ties with Chile. He invited the Chilean President to visit Vietnam, and proposed that the two countries work together to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance (PA) as well as at other multilateral forums.

 

President Gabriel Boric Font put forward some proposals aimed at promoting bilateral economic-trade cooperation in the framework of the bilateral free trade agreement as well as the CPTPP.

 

Meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on November 17, President Phuc appreciated the Australian government’s decision to increase ODA for Vietnam by 18% to 92.8 million AUD in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

 

The Australian PM congratulated Vietnam over its election to the UN Human Rights Council in the 2023-2025 tenure, saying that he believes Vietnam will continue to make substantive and effective contribution to the mechanism with its experience from the previous tenure in the council.

 

He affirmed that Australia attaches importance to strengthening the strategic partnership with Vietnam, and will coordinate with Vietnam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2023.

 

In another meeting, President Phuc and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron shared the wish to further deepening the Vietnam-France relations.

 

Phuc proposed that the two sides increase contact, exchanges and visits, and active discuss cooperation in maritime, rice trade, energy security, national defence and mutual support in coping with natural disasters and epidemics.

 

For his part, the French President reiterated that he respects Vietnam’s role and position in Southeast Asia and ASEAN. He wished that the two countries will promote cooperation across all fields in 2023 when they will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and 10th year of the bilateral strategic partnership, particularly in green energy, agriculture and defence.

 

President Phuc invited the French President to visit Vietnam.

 

The Vietnamese President also met with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, with both of them expressing satisfaction at the strong development of the Vietnam-Canada strategic partnership. The two sides agreed to increase all-level visits towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023.

 

They also reached consensus on enhancing cooperation in climate change, gender equality, and handling of global challenges such as food security, energy security and cyber security.

 

President Trudeau invited President Phuc to visit Canada in 2023.

 

Talking to Vice President of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President Phuc welcomed the Peruvian parliament’s ratification of CPTPP, saying that it creates a favourable legal framework for raising bilateral trade in the years to come.

 

The Peruvian Vice President invited Phuc to visit Peru and attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2024. She said Peru values the effectiveness of investment cooperation between Vietnam and Peru, and hopes both countries can optimize such mechanisms as APEC, CPTPP, ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance to lift their relations to a new height./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

 

– President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met representatives from leading Thai groups that are running large-scale projects in Vietnam as part of his trip to Thailand on November 17.

 

At a reception for Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President and CEO of SCG that is investing in the southern petrochemical complex project in Long Son commune in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Phuc lauded the group’s efforts in pursuing projects in Vietnam, particularly the petrochemical complex, seen as a key project in economic cooperation between the two countries. Read full story

 

– President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has described businesses as “heroes” in the economic sector, who will bring trade revenue between Vietnam and Thailand to 30 billion USD by 2025.

 

Addressing the Vietnam-Thailand High-Level Business Meeting on November 17 as part of his trip to Thailand, President Phuc stressed that Vietnam and Thailand have been strategic partners of each other, and they have provided mutual support at all bilateral, regional and international levels. Read full story

 

☀ Morning digest November 18 hinh anh 2

 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets voters in Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

 

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with more than 300 voters in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 17 following the fourth session of the 15th National Assembly.

 

The local voters expressed their confidence in the instruction and management of the Party, the National Assembly and the Government, which have helped boost socio-economic recovery and development, and fight corruption and other negative phenomena. Read full story

 

– Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on November 17 stressed the need to enhance cooperation among member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), especially in the context of the global economy facing various risks and challenges.

 

Addressing the 33rd APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Bangkok, Son said the first priorities should be intensifying the resilience and competitiveness of the economies, ensuring a favourable environment for international trade and investment, and shifting towards the sustainable and inclusive growth model. Read full story

 

– The 14th international conference on the East Sea has shown that the East Sea is not a closed sea but plays a central role, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, said acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) Pham Lan Dung in her speech concluding the event in the central city of Da Nang on November 17.

 

Dung noted the two-day conference featured one introductory and eight discussion sessions, with nearly 40 papers, and more than 160 comments and questions. Read full story

 

– General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), is leading a delegation to pay an official visit to Laos from November 17-19.

 

On November 17, Cuong paid a courtesy call on Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath, and held talks with Senior Lieutenant General Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and Chairman of the Lao People’s Army (LPA)’s General Department of Politics. Read full story

 

☀ Morning digest November 18 hinh anh 3

 

The imperial seal (Photo: VNA)

 

– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to direct the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and relevant agencies to implement procedures to bring the Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial seal ‘Hoang de chi bao’ (Treasure of the Emperor) from France to Vietnam as soon as possible, said spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang./. Read full story

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The northern province of Bac Giang is focusing on sustainably developing its forestry sector, according to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le O Pich.

 

From now to 2025, Bac Giang will intensify the application of new technologies and manage, protect, develop and sustainably use forest areas and land planned for forestry development.

 

Bac Giang is exerting efforts to promote the potential, role and effects of forests to make an increasingly important contribution to socio-economic development; creating more jobs, raising people’s incomes in association with protecting the ecological environment, conserving biodiversity of forest ecosystems, enhancing adaptation to climate change, minimising negative impacts caused by natural disasters, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and absorbing and storing carbon from forests.

 

From now to 2025, Bac Giang will strive to achieve an average forestry production value growth rate of 5% per year. The province will also implement a structure of three types of forests in accordance with its Prime Minister-approved forestry planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. Accordingly, by 2025, the planned area of three forest types will be about 142,465 ha, of which 13,688 ha are special-use forests, protection forests about 20,599 ha, and production forests about 108,178 ha. The rate of forest coverage in the province will reach 37.5%.

 

Each year, Bac Giang province is expected to plant about 8,000 ha of concentrated forests and about 6 million scattered trees, in which the area of large timber trees will account for 30% of the annual planted forest area. By 2025, the province’s large timber forest area will reach 17,000 ha, and that certified for sustainable forest management issued by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Vietnam Forest Certification Office will be 12,500 ha. The average productivity will be about 22 cubic metres per ha per year; and timber output 1.0 million cubic metres, in which 40% will be processed for export with the export value of wood and forest products reaching about 3.5 trillion VND (141.2 million USD).

 

Vice Chairman Pich said that Bac Giang will promote the mechanisation and application of science and technology; improve productivity, quality and efficiency of production forests in the direction of optimising the production system, and the value chain of forest products.

 

Bac Giang will invest in intensive farming and apply techniques to improve the productivity and quality of forests, and plant new varieties with high yield and quality.

 

In addition, the locality will encourage households, individuals and communities to form groups to develop and implement sustainable forest management plans, and issue sustainable forest management certificates; and at the same time strengthen linkages in production and sale of products, build brands and labels for medical plants.

 

Bac Giang will also focus on implementing breakthrough solutions in forestry development such as using software to monitor forest fires, forest changes and forest land to monitor and detect deforestation, and improve forest fire prevention and fighting; while using drones to patrol the forests.

 

According to the Bac Giang Forest Ranger Department, in the first nine months of 2022, the province produced over 36.9 million seedlings of all kinds for afforestation, planted nearly 8,500 hectares of concentrated forest and over 5.1 million scattered trees of all kinds. It exploited a total output of over 787,300 cubic metres, including over 362,000 cubic metres of large timber trees, accounting for 45.9%.

 

Currently, in Bac Giang province, there are 992 forest product processing and business establishments, including 11 exporters. The export value in the first nine months of 2022 is estimated at 1.7 trillion VND./.

 

Source: Vietnam News Agency