Vietnam - Switzerland relations continue to broaden
Politics Infographic ASEAN - CHINA Strategic Partnership The ASEAN-China relationship has been realised through many mechanisms including the annual summit, ministerial meetings, and five-year action plans. Politics Infographic Major contents of APEC CEO Summit 2021 The APEC CEO Summit, one of the world’s premier business and government events in 2021, takes place in Auckland, New Zealand, on Nov. 11-12. State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered pre-record speech at the discussion session on sustainable development and climate change on Nov. 11.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 26, 2021 02:13 UTC
Vietnam, Slovenia look to foster bilateral cooperation
Vietnamese Ambassador to Slovenia Nguyen Trung Kien (L, first) meets Ambassador Igor Jukic, director general in charge of multilateral diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia . (Photo: VNA)– Vietnamese Ambassador to Slovenia Nguyen Trung Kien had working sessions with representatives of the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and agencies on November 22 and 23 to discuss measures to promote cooperation between the two countries.During a meeting with Ambassador Igor Jukic, director general in charge of multilateral diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kien thanked the ministry for coordinating with the Vietnamese side to arrange a meeting between President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Slovenian President Borut Pahor on the sidelines of the 76th United Nations General Assembly in September this year.The Vietnamese diplomat expressed his hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support and coordinate with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology to accelerate the ratification of the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).He suggested the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with its Vietnamese counterpart in organising a political consultation in 2022 and creating conditions for the two sides to discuss orientations for promoting cooperation between the two foreign ministries in the coming time.Regarding cooperation at multilateral forums, Kien thanked Slovenia for supporting Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao's re-election to the United Nations International Law Commission in the 2023-2027 term and for backing Vietnam to join the Executive Board of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the 2021-2025 term.Jukic affirmed that cooperation between Vietnam and Slovenia over the past time has witnessed remarkable results despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.He highly valued Vietnam's contributions to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR) in the 2014-2016 term and revealed that Slovenia will run for a seat in the UNHCR in 2023-2025.At his meeting with representatives of the authority of the Port of Koper, Kien said that with its advantages in terms of geographical location and preferential services, the Port of Koper will be a potential destination for Vietnamese goods in the near future.He proposed the port’s authority to coordinate with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Slovenia to include the content of logistics cooperation at the port in the agenda of the third session of the Inter-governmental Slovenia–Vietnam Commission for economic-trade and scientific-technological cooperation which was scheduled to take place in 2022.On this occasion, a seminar on the possibility of logistics cooperation through the Port of Koper was organised, attracting many Slovenian logistics service providers, Vietnamese enterprises and importers of Vietnamese goods in the Slovenia and Austria markets./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 25, 2021 20:46 UTC
Vietnam, Japan hold environmental policy dialogue
At the 7th Vietnam-Japan environmental policy dialogue in Tokyo on November 24, Ha expressed his belief that with the great attention of both sides, bilateral cooperation in the fields of environment, climate change response and development of circular economy will be further promoted beyond the areas of natural disaster prevention and control, and ocean debris management.Concluding the dialogue, the two ministers signed a cooperation plan on climate change response towards the target of carbon neutrality by 2050. The document is of significance in implementing the commitments delivered by the Prime Ministers of the two countries at COP26.Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency after the dialogue, Ha said that during the dialogue, he and his Japanese counterpart concentrated on the contents which will contribute to the upcoming agreements between the two governments on a roadmap towards the target of net-zero emissions by 2050.He said that the Japanese minister underlined the comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam from the stage of policy and institution building and completion as well as in technical assistance. It’s time for the two countries to shift fossil fuel to renewable energy, wind power and hydrogen, along with the application of new and modern technologies, Ha said.Besides, the two sides also focused on measures to improve the efficiency of existing cooperation contents such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 25, 2021 15:02 UTC
Vietnam backs efforts to support Iraq in addressing challenges
A military roadblock near the green zone in Baghdad, Iraq. (Photo: AFP)Vietnam voiced support for provision of assistance to Iraq in addressing current challenges in the war-torn country during a UN Security Council meeting on November 23.Discussing the situation in Iraq, the meeting was attended by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, congratulated the Government of Iraq and Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on the well-managed elections held last month and highly spoke of the UNAMI and international organisations for backing Iraq and the IHEC in the polls.He also reiterated his support for the UNAMI and UN staff operating in the country.Quy expressed his concern over terrorist attacks in Iraq over the last few months, particularly a failed assassination attempt against the Iraqi Prime Minister, saying Vietnam strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. He called on all stakeholders to address concerns through existing legal processes and facilitate the promotion of national unity, and constructive and peaceful dialogue.The diplomat also appreciated the diplomatic efforts made by the Government of Iraq and how it has demonstrated a strong role in regional peace and security issues, particularly the organisation of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in August 2021.He further welcomed cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait in searching for Kuwaiti and citizens of third countries going missing in Iraq with the help from the UNAMI and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 24, 2021 15:53 UTC
Vietnam able to produce COVID-19 treatment drug Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir pills (Photo: VNA)– Three pharmaceutical companies in Vietnam are planning to or are producing Molnupiravir pills to treat COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms , according to the Ministry of Health.Of the three, the drug manufactured by Stellapharm Vietnam has been approved for clinical trial. Because Molnupiravir has yet been granted with a circulation registration number in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health is considering asking the Government for approval of using the drug in emergency cases. If approved by the Government, it is expected that three registration numbers will be issued for three types of Molnupiravir drugs manufactured by domestic pharmaceutical companies.Regarding the effectiveness of Molnupiravir on COVID-19 patients in Vietnam, the Department of Science, Technology and Training under the Ministry of Health said that from the end of August, the ministry has piloted using Molnupiravir for non-hospitalised patients. Ho Chi Minh City was the first locality to implement this pilot programme. At present, it has been arried out in 34 provinces and cities.The ministry has provided 110,000 doses, including 50,000 doses of Molnupiravir 400 mg Stella VN, and 60,000 doses of Molnupiravir 200 mg Optimus produced by India to localities.The use of the drug in 22 provinces and cities show that Molnupiravir is safe and well-accepted, and has obvious effectiveness in reducing viral load, virus spread and the number of severe cases, and shortening treatment time, with no fatalities recorded.Molnupiravir is developed by the US-based pharmaceutical companies Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck & Co., Inc./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 24, 2021 14:50 UTC
Vietnam's industry-trade ministry, Japanese prefecture seal cooperation deal
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (left) and Governor of Wakayama Prefecture Nisaka Yoshinobu inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening cooperation in the field of trade and industry . Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Governor of Wakayama Prefecture Nisaka Yoshinobu inked the MoU. Dien also said he hopes that Wakayama Prefecture will cooperate in sharing experience, consulting on industrial development policies and promoting collaboration in the production of components and equipment for the textile industry. He also affirmed that Wakayama will facilitate the granting of licence for the import of Vietnam's fresh longan in 2022. He also wished to welcome Vietnamese businesses to invest in Japan in general and Wakayama in particular in the near future./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 24, 2021 13:06 UTC
Vietnam - US trade likely to reach 100 billion USD this year
The export turnover of machinery, tools and spare parts from Vietnam to the US increased from 21 percent in 2016 to 44.9 percent in 2020 and 45.2 percent in the first six months of 2021. (Photo baodautu.vn)Speakers exchange ideas at a forum on promoting Vietnam-US trade in the new context. (Photo: VNA)– Vietnam–US trade could hit 100 billion USD in this year, up 221 times against the figure in 1995 when the two countries normalised relations The first eight months of this year saw bilateral trade of 73 billion USD, Hoang Quang Phong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said at a recent forum on promoting Vietnam-US trade in the new context.Despite the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and its complicated developments which disrupted the supply chains, 2020 was the first year that the total trade turnover between Vietnam and the US has exceeded the 90 billion USD benchmark, reaching 90.8 billion USD, compared to 451 million USD in 1995, he said.Phong said that trade has become a pillar of the growing bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the US.Vietnam has been attractive to US businesses with a market of nearly 100 million consumers, positive growth, open policies, close connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market and other major markets in the world thanks to a network of free trade agreements, he saidVietnam has become the 10th largest trading partner of the US, while the US is also the largest trading partner of Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the first countries in Asia to sign a trade agreement with the US.Many commercial investment opportunities between the two countries will be opened up when there is a regular direct flight of Vietnam Airlines connecting the two countries, Phong said.Vietnam's export turnover to the US has increased by 230 percent, while exports from the US to Vietnam have also grown by more than 175 percent over the past five years. Key Vietnamese products exported to the US are machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts.Experts suggested that businesses pay attention to meeting requirements on products’ quality and dealing with technical barriers./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 23, 2021 16:23 UTC
Countries must show responsibility in controlling illegal weapons: Vietnamese diplomat
(Photo: VNA)New York (VNA) - Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has emphasised that countries must be held accountable for ensuring the management and control of weapons and fighting crime and illegal weapons. It was necessary to pay attention to specific characteristics in each region and country, support capacity building to handle post-conflict security and order issues, and have holistic and effective approaches, the Vietnamese diplomat said, adding that countries need to ensure their legitimate rights to purchase, produce, transfer and own weapons for defence and security purposes. Robin Geiss, Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and Maria Pia Devoto, a representative of the Forum on Arms Control, presented reports at the meeting. Delegates stressed that the prolonged illegal use of weapons has aggravated armed conflicts, causing civilian casualties, especially women and children, and impacting security, stability, socio-economic development in conflict and post-conflict areas. UN peacekeeping missions should continue to assist the host countries in arms recovery, disarmament, demobilisation, re-integration of fighters, security reform, and post-conflict reconstruction, they said./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 23, 2021 14:05 UTC
Vietnam-Malaysia-India container shipping route to be inaugurated
At a port in Hai Phong (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) announced on November 23 that it will inaugurate a container shipping route linking Vietnam, Malaysia and India on November 25. A VIMC representative said the route is expected to ease pressure on cargo transportation, stabilise the supply of transport services and support domestic firms. On October 26, the first Vietnamese container ship passed through Malacca Straits to bring goods to Malaysia and India - major markets of the domestic exporters and importers. Next year, VIMC will continue investing in a fleet of specialised, high-capacity and modern container ships, seeking cooperation opportunities with foreign partners, perfecting its management model to become a national container transport group. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnamese exporters and importers incurred higher logistics costs, including container shipping costs on waterway.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 23, 2021 12:11 UTC
Bac Giang launches Lifelong Learning Week 2021
Standing Vice Chairman of the committee Mai Son addresses the event (Photo: VNA)Bac Giang (VNA) – The People’s Committee of the northern province of Bac Giang has held a ceremony to launch the Lifelong Learning Week in 2021 via videoconference with connections to more than 700 locations in 10 districts and cities across the province. This year, the Lifelong Learning Week is themed “Digital transformation and chances for lifelong learning for all amid COVID-19”. The Lifelong Learning Week is a chance to honour, maintain and promote the tradition of studiousnes of Vietnamese people, he said. Son held that lifelong learning, along with the strengthening of digital transformation, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic, will help form a society in which all individuals are active in learning, and all people become more closely together. Lifelong learning also serves as a source of happiness and help people improve themselves, he added.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 23, 2021 05:55 UTC
Vietnamese firm exports canned clams to Europe
Lenger Seafoods Vietnam Co., Ltd exports canned clams to Europe (Photo: VNA)– Lenger Seafoods Vietnam Co., Ltd based in the northern province of Nam Dinh on November 22 marked the first-time export of a container of canned clams to Europe Tran Dinh Luan, general director of the Directorate of Fisheries said that the export of clam products to European markets is a good signal, confirming that clam farming and processing has met strict quality standards The container, with 200,000 cans, is is the first batch in an order of 2 million cans in ten containers, which will be delivered in 2022.Nguyen Ho Nguyen, director of Lenger Seafoods Vietnam said the export of products to fastidious markets like the EU is the result of many years of modernising canned clam production lines, and efforts of the firm to seek markets.Recently, Lenger Seafoods Vietnam has installed and put a modern equipment line with a capacity of up to 12 million cans per year into operation. The treatment of waste after processing also received due investment to meet European standards.According to vice director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Thi To Nga, the firm’s export orders has opened great opportunities for Nam Dinh’s aquaculture sector, helping improve incomes for local farmers./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 22, 2021 21:45 UTC
Vietnam pledges more contributions to ASEAN - China ties
Politics Vietnam pledges more contributions to ASEAN - China ties Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said Vietnam will keep doing its utmost to help develop the ASEAN - China relations on par with their comprehensive strategic partnership. Politics President visits Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 22 visited the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre in Hanoi, during which he lauded the centre's outstanding achievements over the past 30 years. Politics Deputy Minister of National Defence promoted to Senior Lieutenant General President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council and commander of the armed forces, presented to Deputy Minister of National Defence Pham Hoai Nam a decision on the deputy minister's promotion from the rank of Rear Admiral to Senior Lieutenant General at a ceremony on November 22. Politics NA Standing Committee opens fifth sitting The National Assembly’s Standing Committee convened its fifth sitting in Hanoi on November 22 under the chair of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 22, 2021 20:46 UTC
VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES NOVEMBER 22
Vietnam set ambitious goal ahead of AFF Cup 2020The Vietnamese national team will enter the AFF Cup 2020 as defending champions with a strong determination to defend their title. Vietnam stay atop Southeast Asian in the latest FIFA rankings, but Thailand are always their archrivals in the region. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has recently approved a strategy for cultural development to 2030, which prioritises a number of potential and advantageous cultural industries. This is a national cultural event held annually in Ha Long city, drawing the participation of nearly 100 artists from the Vietnam Circus Federation. He affirmed education - training is a national policy and science - technology the key to national development.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 22, 2021 07:27 UTC
Vietnam deploys 12 more officers for UN peacekeeping operations
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence (the seventh from the left) presents decision to the 12 officers. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Defence (MOD) on November 22 presented the President’s decisions to assign 12 officers, including two females, to South Sudan and the Central African Republic to work for the United Nations peacekeeping missions there. Vietnam has so far sent 41 female soldiers to work at the UN peacekeeping missions, accounting for nearly 16 percent of the total Vietnamese peacekeeping personnel, much higher than the average ratio of other countries. Since the 2021-2022 term, the United Nations has assigned two more positions to Vietnam at the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), of which the post of communications officer is reserved for women, meeting gender equality policy and increasing the number of female soldiers participating in UN peacekeeping operations. Addressing the event, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence, head of the MOD’s steering committee for Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, requested deployed officers to firmly grasp the external policy of the Party, State and army and perform the assigned tasks to the highest standards possible ./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 22, 2021 04:55 UTC
Smart & Sustainable Cities Forum to take place this week
Illustrative photo. (Source: vneconomy.vn)Smart & Sustainable Cities Forum will take place this week, bringing together speakers from the public and private sectors to share practices and knowledge about critical sustainability issues related to the development of Vietnam’s urban centres.It will be held by RMIT University in collaboration with the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and DXCentre, a Ho Chi Minh City-based provider of consultation and support in digital transformation, via video teleconference on November 24.With over 3.5 billion people living in cities globally now and a projected 70 percent of humanity living in cities by 2050, developing smart and sustainable cities is at the forefront of urban development and planning globally.In Vietnam, urban centres have also witnessed rapid expansion. Based on the latest census, the population of the two biggest cities – Hanoi and HCM City – are about 8 and 9 million respectively, and both metropolises are expected to grow further. Moreover, two thirds of the country’s provinces and municipalities have started building smart cities.The United Nations define “smart sustainable city” as an innovative city that uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) and other means to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and competitiveness, while ensuring that it meets the needs of present and future generations with respect to economic, social and environmental aspects.As such, the forum will demonstrate in detail the symbiotic relationship between smart cities and sustainability, and why they are the only way forward for Vietnam’s cities.The morning session will focus on the linkage between smart cities and sustainability, exploring how the two concepts are critical for sustainable development.The afternoon programme will feature six separate tracks showcasing case studies and developments from both local and international academics, practitioners, and innovators.The first two parallel tracks will explore blockchain innovation and the concept of liveable cities in the Australian context.The second set of parallel tracks will examine the smart energy and climate change solutions, and three critical areas of smart development – specifically, logistics, tourism, and governance.The final parallel tracks will see experts share the necessity of moving toward a circular economy and showcase solutions for a critical existential problem facing humanity: plastic pollution.As part of the event, RMIT University will launch its newest whitepaper “Digital Transformation in Vietnam: the SME and SOE experience”, based on findings from surveys, interviews and focus groups conducted with middle- to senior-level managers at state-owned enterprises and small- to medium-sized enterprises operating in Vietnam./.
Source:Viet Nam News
November 22, 2021 02:40 UTC