PM meets with Vietnamese Business Association in Australia

Canberra: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working session with leaders and members of the Vietnamese Business Association in Australia (VBAA) in Canberra on March 9 morning as part of his official visit to Australia. The VBAA, established in 2010, currently groups about 500 members, including some 100 in Vietnam. VBAA Chairman Tran Ba Phuc and other members expressed their delight that the homeland's stature has been increasingly promoted and the two countries have elevated their ties to the highest level - comprehensive strategic partnership, which is a favourable condition for Vietnamese firms to do business in Australia and foster bilateral trade and investment. Perceiving that opportunities are substantial after the upgrade of the bilateral relations, they put forth some proposals related to the facilitation of green transition, renewable energy, startups, innovation, foreign investment attraction, the utilisation of wisdom of Vietnamese students in Australia, the attraction of Australian tourists , labour cooperation, and exports to Australia. Appreciating the opinions, PM Chinh highly valued the VBAA's recent business achievements, which, he said, have contributed to economic development in both countries and helped connect Vietnamese firms in Australia. He noted that during his visit, Australian leaders spoke highly of the Vietnamese community here, and that he proposed the Australian side consider recognising the 350,000 Vietnamese people in the country as an ethnic minority group. The PM highlighted the flourishing economic, trade, and investment ties, asking the VBAA and the Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs in Australia to bring into play their achievements and maximise the freshly established comprehensive strategic partnership to further develop bilateral economic links. He called on the VBAA to continue playing its core role in connecting and supporting Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs while helping boost bilateral trade and investment partnerships. It should also connect wit h Vietnamese business associations in the homeland and other countries, especially the US, Japan, and European nations. The Government leader requested the VBAA, businesses, and entrepreneurs increase assistance for the Vietnamese community, especially vulnerably persons and those newly arriving in Australia, actively help persuade the Australian side to recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group, promote the maintenance and learning of the Vietnamese language, uphold and popularise the Vietnamese culture, and step up cultural exchanges and tourism between the two countries. He also asked the VBAA and Vietnamese businesses in Australia to keep promoting Australia's cooperation and investment in the priority fields of the Southeast Asian nation like green economy, digital economy, exploitation and deep processing of essential minerals, labour, and education - training. He affirmed that businesses' rights and legitimate interests are always protected on the basis of law and under the mott o of 'harmonising interests, sharing risks'. PM Chinh expressed his belief that the VBAA and Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs in Australia as well as around the world will develop strongly, practically help with the development of the Vietnamese community, and secure a growing stature, thereby contributing to the development of the host country, the bilateral relations, and the homeland./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Burgeoning postal market raises concerns over unhealthy competition

Hanoi: The postal service revenue has experienced average growth of over 20% between 2019 and 2023, which has led to fierce competition on the market, raising concerns about the emergence of unhealthy competition. The peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the rapid growth of online shopping activities, primarily through e-commerce platforms, helping it become a habitual and frequent necessity for consumers. As a result, the postal market witnessed significant value growth, soaring from 28.3 trillion VND (1.15 billion USD) in 2019 to nearly 59 trillion VND in 2023. Also in the period, the number of parcels delivered by postal companies leapt to 2.5 billion from 715 million. In 2023, approximately 1.8 billion parcels from e-commerce were counted, accounting for some 75% of the total amount. In tandem with the swift expansion of e-commerce, since 2020, many e-commerce platforms have followed a trend of developing their own integrated ecosystems, including postal services for delivery. Postal enter prises affiliated with e-commerce platforms experienced rapid growth, with many entering the top 10 firms having the largest market share of volume within 2-3 years of operations. Currently, the top 10 postal firms with the largest market shares are also engaged in transporting goods for e-commerce platforms. According to Nguyen Truong Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Post Association, domestic postal enterprises are facing a wave of franchising and indirect investment to expand into the postal sector by e-commerce platforms and cross-border delivery companies. Foreign-invested enterprises are continuously expanding their investment capital sources, reducing transport costs, and increasing discounts and promotions to compete for market share. While the short-term effectiveness of price competition cannot be denied, in the long run, this may lead to negative repercussions for the discounters, other enterprises in the same industry, and the Vietnamese postal market as a whole. To ensure healthy competition, La Hoang Trung, Director of the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Information and Communications, suggested that amendments should be made to the postal law, focusing on supplementing content regarding conditions for postal operation licensing as well as regulations specific to dominant enterprises and business groups in the market. The government needs to regulate competition by establishing a legal basis from the highest legal documents, thereby issuing sanction regulations punishing enterprises for violations related to tariffs, promotions, and competition. Moreover, it is essential to add conditions to ensure the safety of information and data of postal service users, he noted. According to the official, the ministry will enhance supervision and inspection of compliance with regulations on tariffs and quality, then publicise the results of the 20 largest postal enterprises in the near future. Additionally, the body will rigorously handle and revoke the licences of firms that repeatedly violate reg ulations or misuse postal licences./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

“Chanchai” urges NACC to appeal the case of “Roadshow of the Yingluck government”

Democrat Party, 'Chanchai' urges the NACC to appeal the 'Road Show Yingluck Government' case, Section 103/7, the NACC Act of 2011, as evidence, must announce the median price. Mr. Chanchai Issarasenarak, former Nakhon Nayok MP from the Democrat Party (Democrat Party), announced that from the case of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions, it was decided to dismiss the charges against Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime minister. In the case of the roadshow to build the future of Thailand 2020, he is of the opinion that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) should file an appeal. Because the median price has not been disclosed. The court did not mention Section 103/7 of the National Anti-Corruption Act of 2009, Amendment No. 2 of 2011, which states that government agencies must prepare income data. Detailed expenses related to procurement Especially the median price and the calculation of the median price in the electronic information system. so that the publ ic can inspect This section makes politicians and government officials afraid. Because it is important and has been used in discussions of no confidence Ms. Yingluck Until it was the source of his removal from office. and has been criminally prosecuted under the NACC law. Mr. Chanchai said that Section 103/7 of the NACC law is clearly stated in the second paragraph. In order to check the financial route both of government officials with authority to use the budget Procurement and construction bidders or other government work The payment must be made by check. or transfer through a financial institution Along with the name of the payer and recipient of the money, it is prohibited to disburse the money in cash. To prevent and detect corruption Auction house or illegal acts of corruption In addition, Section 103/7, paragraph four, also requires that every government agency that will undertake procurement must show the median price and calculation method within 6 months or 180 days. The NACC has issued letter n o. 0028/ 0093, dated 9 Nov. 2011, informing Ms. Yingluck that the NACC Law Amendment 2011, Sections 103/7 and 103/8 have come into effect. Opening of auctions for government work to use the national budget. The median price and calculation method must be displayed to the public within 180 days as required by law. But the Prime Minister's Secretariat issued a most urgent letter, No. 0505/W 265, dated December 16, 2011, informing back that the Cabinet was not ready to comply with the NACC law, claiming that it was an obstacle to government administration. and does not comply with the regulations of the Office of the Prime Minister regarding supplies, B.E. 2535 Later, the NACC sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Secretariat again on February 21, 2012 regarding the review of the Cabinet resolution, emphasizing that the law had passed the parliament's consideration. and has become effective in all government agencies Therefore, it must be strictly followed. Otherwise, it will be considered intentional violation of the NACC law. Mr. Chanchai also said that it appeared that Ms. Yingluck Prime Minister at that time Has been assigned to the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister It was a signatory to hire two private companies to use the central budget to organize a road show on October 1, 2013 without complying with the NACC Act of 2011, Section 103/7, but announced the information after Already entered into an employment contract with a private company before being subjected to a debate of no confidence in the government at that time Just one day, November 26, 2013, so please follow the next episode on why even the soldiers who revolutionized power are afraid of this section of good law. Even though the draft constitution was designed to combat corruption, they ordered the cancellation of enforcement of this section from Current NACC law . Source: Thai News Agency

The Prime Minister discusses with 12 leading companies, believing that they will provide opportunities to attract investment.

France, The Prime Minister gave an interview to the media summarizing the results of discussions with 12 leading private sector companies, confident that opportunities would be opened. Attract investment Develop Thai potential Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, gave an interview to the media about the mission on the first day in Paris. Republic of France, the Prime Minister said that on the first day of meeting with business sectors in France, all 12 people covered every business sector, from automobiles, fashion, hotels, airplanes, food, industrial plants. 1. ACCOR group is the world's largest hotel chain group with more than 100 hotels in Thailand. They want to come and plan tourism plans together with the government. and would like to join a joint venture with a Thai fund such as a pension fund to expand the business - building hotels in the three southern border provinces. 2.Michelin Company: The company uses a lot of rubber in Thailand. There are factories in Thailand doing business for a long time . Hoping for Thailand to help with ease of doing business 3.Federation Haute Couture, high fashion association It is a federation to promote young designers who want to do activities with Thailand, including events, fashion shows, and create an institute to provide knowledge to Thai students. The Prime Minister has invited them to come and do events in Thailand during this April. Organize an event similar to the Paris Fashion Show in Bangkok. 4. Comité Colbert is an organization that strives to push brands. all over the world working together effectively and is an organization that provides brand knowledge and designers around the world Including in the area of ??soft power as well, the Prime Minister invited the said organization to provide knowledge. through cooperation with the National Softpower Strategy Committee 5.Michelin guide The company sees that Thailand has great potential in food. Ready to promote the food industry within Thailand To attract more tourists to experience food in Thailand. Thaila nd hopes to enhance cooperation with Michelin to help promote co-organization of various events both in Thailand and abroad. In order to strengthen Thailand's potential, this quarter from the end of November to December 2024, a world-class food festival will be held in Chiang Mai Province. 6. Richemont Company is a group of companies that owns world-famous brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, IWC. Thailand has the highest sales volume in the world. The Prime Minister has asked for cooperation in doing so. Collaboration with Thai brands To promote the potential of Thai designers Including quality Thai ingredients as well as inviting people to join activities such as popup stores, co-promotion and other activities. That will promote tourism. 7.Valeo, a company specialized in the design and manufacture of components, integrated systems and modules for the automotive industry. It is famous for its innovation in technology development and production. for traditional combustion engines and electric vehic les, with the Prime Minister inviting them to expand investment in Thailand Pushing to create an ecosystem for EV cars is another step closer to the Future Mobility Hub and being the Detroit of Asia. 8.Airbus Company promotes Aviation Hub with Airbus Group. The company has air security technology. Thailand has the potential to expand the regional center of excellence in support and services. flight operations 9. Forvia Company is a company that produces equipment parts that use innovation. and new technologies are used, which will lead to the use of clean energy. Encourage production plants that still use the ICE system to be more considerate of the environment. To reduce the amount of carbon emissions 10.EssilorLuxottica Company Production of eyeglass lenses The company praises Thai skilled workers. And there are plans to increase the number of employees from 6,000 to 12,000 people. Therefore, we hope that the government will support Human resource development and want Thailand to move forward with FTA ne gotiations with the European Union to complete it quickly. 11. Discussed with Stellantis, the world's number 4 automobile manufacturing company, which discussed to create cooperation. The company is interested in investing in Thailand. which the government is ready to support 12.YOUTUBE The Prime Minister talked with the Global Head of Music expert of youtube, who is an expert on the music business. Let's invite the Prime Minister to have his own YouTube channel by sending a book and sending a list of more than 20 leaders who have their own YouTube channels, who they are and what they need to do. On this occasion, both sides spoke about the goals that the Thai government has set for next year to be the year of music festivals, guidelines for organizing events and inviting A list singers to participate in festivals in Thailand. Source: Thai News Agency

Vietnam rises to become regional trade, innovation hub: New Zealand expert

Hanoi: Vietnam has risen to become a regional trade and innovation hub, and there is a lot New Zealand can learn from Vietnam's experience and expertise, CEO of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep has assessed in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondents in Oceania. Talking to the VNA reporters on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to New Zealand on March 10 and 11, Jessep highlighted the significance of the trip as it provides an opportunity for both countries to further deepen their relationship at the highest levels and to exchange perspectives on a whole range of issues important to them. 'Arriving with such a senior and large delegation signals the investment Vietnam is making in the relationship, and of the importance it places on this engagement,' she said. According to the CEO, next year, Vietnam and New Zealand will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the last five decades, the two sides have seen significant growth over the decades in people-to-people connections as well as growth in business, government, arts, defence and security, sports, science and other areas. The expert held that: 'There is a vibrancy to the relationship today that deserves celebration - but it also a platform from which we should look to catapult future growth.' Recalling the upgrade of the bilateral relationship to a 'strategic partnership' in 2020, she said this was an acknowledgement of the closer ties the two countries have forged together and an expression of intent that they want to continue to look for ways to work together and advance mutual interests. New Zealand has teamed up with Vietnam to grow its agriculture sector, build resilience to climate change and disasters, and support the development of a highly-skilled and educated workforce. 'We also have many friends in common. Our two countries have an opportunity to collaborate with others as we respond to climate change and other challenges that are impervious to geographic borders. ' Jessep said New Zealand and Vietnam are advocates for a peaceful region governed by the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and freedom of navigation. She recommended the two nations, alongside other Southeast Asian countries and regional powers, to continue to work together to protect and promote their interconnected, prosperous and stable region. Concerning the prospects of the Vietnam - New Zealand relationship in the future, she assessed that there is great potential to grow cooperation across almost every sector. 'At the Asia New Zealand Foundation, we work to help build connections between talented New Zealanders and their counterparts in Asia. This includes incredible young entrepreneurs who are designing solutions to tomorrow's challenges - whether it be future food needs, climate adaptation, technology, green energy and so on. But we also invest in growing connections between our communities, as the basis for developing stronger, deeper country relations. Vietnamese students who study in New Zea land are thriving, and bring with them skills and cultural acumen that we need.' According to the expert, in April, the foundation plans to take a group of young New Zealand leaders to Vietnam to learn about the country, its economy, history, and to build connections with young Vietnamese leaders. In May, it will lead a delegation of emerging art curators to Vietnam to learn about Vietnam's burgeoning arts scene and make connections with arts practitioners. The foundation will also welcome a delegation of tourism and agribusiness entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia, including from Vietnam, to learn about New Zealand's agricultural and tourism sectors and share ideas with their local counterparts. 'Connections such as these help us to grow trade connections, but they also help us to see the relationship beyond a trade lens and I believe this is imperative to building stronger, lasting ties,' the CEO concluded./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam rises to become regional trade, innovation hub: New Zealand expert

Hanoi: Vietnam has risen to become a regional trade and innovation hub, and there is a lot New Zealand can learn from Vietnam's experience and expertise, CEO of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep has assessed in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondents in Oceania. Talking to the VNA reporters on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to New Zealand on March 10 and 11, Jessep highlighted the significance of the trip as it provides an opportunity for both countries to further deepen their relationship at the highest levels and to exchange perspectives on a whole range of issues important to them. 'Arriving with such a senior and large delegation signals the investment Vietnam is making in the relationship, and of the importance it places on this engagement,' she said. According to the CEO, next year, Vietnam and New Zealand will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the last five decades, the two sides have seen significant growth over the decades in people-to-people connections as well as growth in business, government, arts, defence and security, sports, science and other areas. The expert held that: 'There is a vibrancy to the relationship today that deserves celebration - but it also a platform from which we should look to catapult future growth.' Recalling the upgrade of the bilateral relationship to a 'strategic partnership' in 2020, she said this was an acknowledgement of the closer ties the two countries have forged together and an expression of intent that they want to continue to look for ways to work together and advance mutual interests. New Zealand has teamed up with Vietnam to grow its agriculture sector, build resilience to climate change and disasters, and support the development of a highly-skilled and educated workforce. 'We also have many friends in common. Our two countries have an opportunity to collaborate with others as we respond to climate change and other challenges that are impervious to geographic borders. ' Jessep said New Zealand and Vietnam are advocates for a peaceful region governed by the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and freedom of navigation. She recommended the two nations, alongside other Southeast Asian countries and regional powers, to continue to work together to protect and promote their interconnected, prosperous and stable region. Concerning the prospects of the Vietnam - New Zealand relationship in the future, she assessed that there is great potential to grow cooperation across almost every sector. 'At the Asia New Zealand Foundation, we work to help build connections between talented New Zealanders and their counterparts in Asia. This includes incredible young entrepreneurs who are designing solutions to tomorrow's challenges - whether it be future food needs, climate adaptation, technology, green energy and so on. But we also invest in growing connections between our communities, as the basis for developing stronger, deeper country relations. Vietnamese students who study in New Zea land are thriving, and bring with them skills and cultural acumen that we need.' According to the expert, in April, the foundation plans to take a group of young New Zealand leaders to Vietnam to learn about the country, its economy, history, and to build connections with young Vietnamese leaders. In May, it will lead a delegation of emerging art curators to Vietnam to learn about Vietnam's burgeoning arts scene and make connections with arts practitioners. The foundation will also welcome a delegation of tourism and agribusiness entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia, including from Vietnam, to learn about New Zealand's agricultural and tourism sectors and share ideas with their local counterparts. 'Connections such as these help us to grow trade connections, but they also help us to see the relationship beyond a trade lens and I believe this is imperative to building stronger, lasting ties,' the CEO concluded./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

The Prime Minister discussed increasing opportunities for Thailand to host the Art Basel Formula E-art competition.

France, The Prime Minister discussed increasing opportunities for Thailand to host the Formula E race, Art Basel art event, and visit the Thai product market. Today (March 9, 2024) at 9:30 a.m. (Paris local time) at Cafe de la Paix, Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Meet with the executives of Formula E, the organizer of the electric car competition. Formula E is interested in organizing an EV racing competition in Thailand, where the Prime Minister will meet with executives again to explore the area of ??Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, which next year 2025 will be Thailand's Golden Year of Tourism. Subsequently, at 9:50 a.m., the Prime Minister met with the organizers of Art Basel, which is a world-class art event. During this discussion with the steering committee of Art Basel, the Prime Minister invited the organizers to organize an art event in Thailand. as an opportunity to stimulate Thai tourism Attracting tens of thousands of world-class art lovers to buy and sell art in T hailand. In addition to helping stimulate the economy It is also an open stage for Thai artists to showcase their skills. Creativity in art After that, we traveled to Galeries Lafayette, stopping at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the department store, where there is a dome, which is considered the symbol of the department store. We also stopped by the young designer zone where we discussed with the department store management. that he would like to see more Thai products for sale Increase opportunities for Thai traders and Thai designers I want the reputation of Thai people to be better known here. and would like to have joint activities with the French department store, such as setting up a popup to quickly find the potential for cooperation with young Thai designers. After that, they traveled to the Tang Freres retail department store to explore the Thai product market. Source: Thai News Agency

The Prime Minister discussed increasing opportunities for Thailand to host the Art Basel Formula E-art competition.

France, The Prime Minister discussed increasing opportunities for Thailand to host the Formula E race, Art Basel art event, and visit the Thai product market. Today (March 9, 2024) at 9:30 a.m. (Paris local time) at Cafe de la Paix, Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Meet with the executives of Formula E, the organizer of the electric car competition. Formula E is interested in organizing an EV racing competition in Thailand, where the Prime Minister will meet with executives again to explore the area of ??Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, which next year 2025 will be Thailand's Golden Year of Tourism. Subsequently, at 9:50 a.m., the Prime Minister met with the organizers of Art Basel, which is a world-class art event. During this discussion with the steering committee of Art Basel, the Prime Minister invited the organizers to organize an art event in Thailand. as an opportunity to stimulate Thai tourism Attracting tens of thousands of world-class art lovers to buy and sell art in T hailand. In addition to helping stimulate the economy It is also an open stage for Thai artists to showcase their skills. Creativity in art After that, we traveled to Galeries Lafayette, stopping at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the department store, where there is a dome, which is considered the symbol of the department store. We also stopped by the young designer zone where we discussed with the department store management. that he would like to see more Thai products for sale Increase opportunities for Thai traders and Thai designers I want the reputation of Thai people to be better known here. and would like to have joint activities with the French department store, such as setting up a popup to quickly find the potential for cooperation with young Thai designers. After that, they traveled to the Tang Freres retail department store to explore the Thai product market. Source: Thai News Agency