At the third political consultation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad (Photo: VNA)– Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu and Secretary General of Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad Chakib Rachid Kaid on May 27 agreed on measures to improve the efficiency of cooperation between the two countries, making it match their political ties and massive potential.The officials co-chaired the third political consultation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, which was held in Hanoi.They rejoiced at developments of the multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria over the past time, saying despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have maintained meetings via Party and State channels, and gradually restored economic ties.The two sides concurred to step up all-level delegation exchanges, and pay heed to expanding collaboration in economy, trade and investment, and boost cooperation in culture and sports as well as partnerships between localities.Chakib Rachid Kaid commended Vietnam’s role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) and congratulated the country on its successful non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021.The officials shared the view that Vietnam and Algeria should continue their close cooperation and mutual support at international organisations, thus contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world at large, and for common interests of developing nations.They witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Algerian academy of diplomacy and international relations.On this occasion, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Chakib Rachid Kaid, during which the host affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach importance to the traditional, faithful relations between the two countries, and expressed his hope to deepen the relationship.Son thanked the Algerian government for facilitating Vietnam’s oil and gas projects and supporting the Vietnamese community in the African nation.The minister also suggested the two ministries further coordinate to boost the bilateral cooperation, especially in politics, diplomacy and economy, with priority given to trade, oil and gas, labour and agriculture.He called for joint efforts to accelerate the organisation of the 12th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria inter-governmental committee in the fourth quarter of this year, and organise activities marking the 60th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.While in Vietnam, Chakib Rachid Kaid paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, and paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi, president of the Vietnamese sub-committee of the inter-governmental committee./.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) meets Chairwoman of the RoK People’s Association in Vietnam Chang Eun-sook in Hanoi on May 27. (Photo: VNA)– President Nguyen Xuan Phuc received a delegation of the Republic of Korea n (RoK) People’s Association in Vietnam led by its Chairwoman Chang Eun-sook in Hanoi on May 27.Highlighting the flourishing Vietnam - RoK relations, the host leader said more than 200,000 Korean people are living in Vietnam while there are also roughly 200,000 Vietnamese people in the Northeast Asian nation at present.On that basis, he called on the association to carry out measures for promoting bilateral cooperation in multiple spheres.Chang said to mark the 30th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties this year, her association plans to organise a number of cultural exchanges to step up people-to-people ties, especially between the Korean community in Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in the RoK.Applauding the intention, President Phuc spoke highly of the association’s contributions to bilateral relations and described the two communities as important bridges for advancing their countries’ strategic cooperative partnership.He asked the association to help Vietnam and the RoK achieve 150 billion USD in bilateral trade by 2025, adding he will order Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to further coordinate with it to carry out the investments that its members plan.As Vietnam is striving to make a strategic breakthrough in developing modern socio-economic infrastructure, the President voiced his hope that Korean investors will pay attention to this field.He also recommended the association help boost cooperation in education and training, especially through social organisations of the two countries./.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)– Vietnam raked in an estimated 4.5 billion USD from exporting aquatic export s in the first five months of 2022, up over 44.5 percent over the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).Despite various challenges and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global changes in the last two years, Vietnamese seafood enterprises have seized opportunities to expand exports, and won orders with much higher prices than those in 2021.The positive results were attributed to the recovering and booming demand in many markets, the shortage of supply, and the increasing inflation in many countries.Vietnamese seafood processors and exporters have fully tapped advantages from the high inflation of the US market, China’s zero-COVID policy, and the strongly recovering demand in the European market to increase their exports to foreign markets.Notably, export s of shrimp, tra fish and other key commodities to the US market recorded higher growths compared to 2021.Vietnam’s seafood exports to China reached over 700 million USD in the first five months, a sharp rise of 94 percent year-on-year. The export of tra fish to the market accounted for 53 percent of the total seafood exports in the period.According to Truong Dinh Hoe, General Secretary of VASEP , Vietnam's aquatic export is hoped to hit 9 billion USD in 2022.To achieve this goal, exporters need to strictly comply with market regulations as well as meet any additional need for individual market, accurately label their products, and pay attention to controlling the quality of products, Hoe said.He also advised businesses to seek opportunities to increase their market share of tra fish in the context of a shortage of white fish supply in European countries, and have solutions to take advantage of the Europe Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)./.

Citizen reception in An Bien district, Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)– Deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) on May 27 discussed a report on the draft Law on Implementation of Democracy at Grassroots Level in their ongoing third session.According to Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra , the bill comprises seven chapters and 74 articles, adding many new contents to existing regulations in the field, including those on the implementation of democracy in agencies.Tra said that in the compilation of the bill, there have been different opinions on regulations on the realisation of democracy in enterprises that need further discussion at the NA. Following the Government’s opinion, the bill gives one chapter on the implementation of democracy in companies, she added.Delivering a verification report on the bill, Chairman of the NA Law Committee Hoang Thanh Tung underlined that the committee agrees with the necessity of the law.Tung said the committee proposed that the Government continue to specify the implementation of democracy inside agencies of the Party, NA, People’s Committee at all levels, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, the People’s Courts, People’s Procuracy, People’s Army and People’s Public Security, while supplementing measures on integrating gender equality into specific regulations, and citing specific data to explain the reasons for choosing each policy solution.Along with adjusting a number of articles to match current regulations in the field, the bill should consider the coherent use of specific norms, he said.Tung also gave a number of ideas from the NA Law Committee on the contents regarding regulations of people’s inspection and the formation of people’s inspection committees at State agencies./.

Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee for Social Affairs Nguyen Thuy Anh delivers a verification report on the draft revised Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control on May 27. (Photo: VNA)– The draft revised Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control was submitted to the National Assembly (NA) at its ongoing third session in Hanoi on May 27.Authorised by the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung presented the proposal, noting that after nearly 15 years of enforcement, the law has helped improve public awareness of domestic violence prevention and control, thus protecting victims, dealing with domestic violence and legal violations, and improving gender equality in families.However, despite certain achievements, domestic violence remains a problem.Given this, the amendments aim to improve regulations so as to better protect human rights under the 2013 Constitution, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of State and social institutions as well as families’ role in this issue, thereby upholding sound traditional cultural values and boosting socio-economic development in the new context, said Hung.Containing six chapters with 62 articles, the draft revised law focuses on measures for preventing domestic violence and protecting and assisting victims, coordination mechanisms and conditions for implementing domestic violence prevention and control, and the encouragement of private participation.Delivering the verification report, Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee for Social Affairs Nguyen Thuy Anh said the committee agrees on the need to revise the law and on the scope of revision.It asked the drafting body to continue taking into account human rights, especially the rights of women, children, the elderly, the disabled, victims’ aspirations, citizens’ rights, cultural factors and psychological features of different groups of people, as well as identities of regions and ethnic groups while drafting amendments.The drafting body has complied the rules on gender mainstreaming and gender equality promotion during the lawmaking process, Anh noted, requesting it push ahead with this move to fine-tune the draft./.

The northern province of Bac Giang is Vietnam's lychee growing hub. (Photo: VNA)Competent agencies and localities of Vietnam, including Bac Giang – the country’s lychee growing hub – always create favourable conditions for Chinese businesses and traders to buy the fruit in Bac Giang, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a routine press conference on May 26.Answering a question on the purchase of lychee in Bac Giang by Chinese businesses and traders, Hang said over the past time, Vietnamese and Chinese agencies and localities have closely coordinated in creating favourable conditions for their businesses, traders and supermarket chains to research the market and conduct trade promotion for agricultural products, reaping positive results.They have also joined hands in organising activities in both countries to promote lychee sale, attracting the attention of many Chinese firms, and regularly exchanged information about export-import regulations, contributing to raising the efficiency of customs clearance and goods circulation in accordance with pandemic prevention and control requirements in each country, the spokeswoman added.She said Bac Giang province on May 25 organised an online conference on lychee promotion, which was linked with 80 sites at home and abroad. The event saw the participation of representatives from ministries, agencies, localities, fruit export-import associations, retail groups, supermarket chains and businesses, and traders, including those from Chinese localities like Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan.According to the spokeswoman, the lychee harvest season in Bac Giang is scheduled to last for two months, starting from May 25, and hundreds of Chinese traders have completed entry procedures to go to the northern province for the purchase of the fruit./.

Representative of Vinh Long province Nguyen Thi Quyen addresses the session (Photo: VNA)– The third session of the 15th National Assembly (NA) entered the third sitting day on March 25 under the chair of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue In the morning, deputies discussed in groups the supplementary assessment of the implementation of the socio-economic development plans and the state budget in 2021 and in the first months of 2022, the 2020 State budget balance , and the practice of thrift and wastefulness prevention in 2021.The implementation of the 14th NA’s Resolution 42/2017/QH14 , dated June 21, 2017, on piloting the settlement of bad debts of credit institutions and the extension of the time limit for application of all provisions of this resolution were also tabled.In the afternoon, the National Assembly gave their opinions to a report delivered by Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long on the draft Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (amended), and a verification report on this draft law delivered by Chairwoman of the NA Committee for Social Affairs Nguyen Thuy Anh.The making of the draft law aims to address shortcomings and limitations of the 2009 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment and solve new arising problems to develop and improve the quality of health services. The draft law includes 10 chapters and 102 articles, one more chapter than the existing one.Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh delivered a report explaining, acquiring and adjusting the draft Law on Cinematography (amended) in the afternoon sitting.Nineteen deputies gave their ideas on the bill. Most of them agreed with the report and held that it fully shows the Party and State’s policies on developing the national cinematography sector.On May 26, the legislators are scheduled to listen to a report on the draft Law on Inspection (revised), and another on the draft Law on Mobile Police in the mornig.In the afternoon, they will discuss in groups on the draft Inspection Law (revised), and draft Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (revised)./.

Nguyen Van Ut, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)– People with disabilities in the Mekong Delta province of Long An were presented with 204 wheelchairs worth over 1 billion VND (43,100 USD) by the Consulate General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City in coordination with 4 Oranges Co. Ltd on May 25.Over the past time, the company has focused on implementing social security activities to care and support disadvantaged people , including presenting scholarships to outstanding students, and sponsoring heart and eye surgeries with a total of 16.5 billion VND (711,000 USD).Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nguyen Van Ut, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, thanked the Thai Consulate General and 4 Oranges Co. Ltd for their support, emphasised it was a meaningful gift, contributing to lessening the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and the elderly. He said he hopes that the province will receive further assistance in the future.On this occasion, Ut granted certificates of merit to one collective and two employees of the company for their contributions to social work in the locality.

Participants at the forum (Photo: VNA)- A forum discussing the application of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) in Vietnam took place in Hanoi on May 25.Jointly organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Accounting and Auditing Supervisory Department (AASD) under the Ministry of Finance, the event gathered over 600 delegates from agencies, units, listed businesses, auditing companies and universities.The second event of its kind is within the framework of the technical cooperation project between AASD and JICA on “strengthening the capacity of the AASD to promote the application of financial reporting standards in Vietnam” funded by the Japanese government.The forum is expected to help agencies of the Government, private sectors and training institutions in Vietnam understand the differences between Vietnamese accounting standards (VAS) and IFRS; as well as promote the exchange of views on the roadmap for applying IFRS.Kobayashi Masaya, a representative of JICA in Vietnam, expressed hope that the policy discussions will be promoted to find the best approach for the application of IFRS in accordance with Vietnam’s sustainable economic development.Tran Thuy Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Deloitte Vietnam Co., Ltd, said the forum opened an opportunity for the parties to discuss and solve problems in the process of applying IFRS in Vietnam.According to a survey by Deloitte and the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) at the end of 2021, the readiness of enterprises to apply IFRS increased significantly compared to 2020, ranging from 3.5 to 3.6, exceeding the average level of 2.5, Ngoc said.Vu Duc Chinh, Director of AASD, highly valued Deloitte in Japan and Vietnam for making plans and proposing measures to implement necessary activities, expressing his belief that solutions to obstacles in applying IFRS in Vietnam will be found at the forum.He hoped consulting units will introduce valuable recommendations on the scope and roadmap in accordance with Vietnam’s conditions in the coming time to ensure efficiency and feasibility in this work./.

Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - A total of 1,344 new - A total of 1,344 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past 24 hours to 4pm May 25, according to the Ministry of HealthHanoi continued to register to the highest number of daily infections with 316 cases, followed by Vinh Phuc with 94, and Bac Ninh with 90.The national tally now reached 10,712,733.As many as 2,459 COVID-19 patients were given the all clear on May 25, bringing the number of recoveries so far to 9,414,862.There are 194 patients needing breathing support. Two deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, raising the fatalities at 43,078.By May 24, the country had injected 219,796,318 doses of COVID-19 vaccines , including 3,791,705 doses for children from five to under 12 years old./.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam (Photo: VNA)– Vietnam’s attendance at the 27th International Conference on the Future of Asia (FOA) demonstrates the country as a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community.The statement was made by Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Tokyo ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh’s trip to Japan from May 25-28 to attend the conference and pay a working visit to the northeastern country.Initiated in 1995, FOA is one of the most prestigious annual forums in Asia, hosted by Nikkei Group of Japan, capturing the attention of many senior leaders, politicians, scholars and businesses from Asian countries, as well as representatives of major economic groups globally.The Deputy PM’s attendance reflects not only Vietnam’s interest in the conference, but also the importance of FOA in the country’s foreign policy, the ambassador said.Through the event, Vietnam wants to spread the message that the country stands ready to join hands with countries to seek solutions to global urgent challenges and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large, he continued.While in Japan, Minh will hold meetings with leaders of Japan’s Government, National Diet, ministries, localities and agencies, during which they will compare notes on measures to materialise commitments made by the two countries’ senior leaders, thus bringing the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership to a new period.According to the ambassador, Vietnam first joined FOA in 2009. Since then, the country has dispatched high-ranking delegations to the event 13 times.Vietnam’s active participation at FOA has been commended by other delegates and Japan, he said, noting that Vietnam has contributed to the conference’s contents with its assessments and views on the regional and global situation, analysis of opportunities and urgent challenges, and initiatives to deal with the problems.Vietnamese Government and State leaders also affirmed Vietnam’s commitments to joining efforts in building a world of peace, prosperity and sustainable development, and promoting dialogue and cooperation.At FOA 2022, Deputy PM Minh will deliver a speech, the diplomat said, expressing his belief that Minh will raise proposals to promote Asia’s position and role for a better world.Asked about FOA 2022’s theme of “Redefining Asia's role in a divided world”, Nam said it is likely to receive widespread attention, stressing that Asian countries have been aware of the region’s strategic importance and the need to take actions and stay united to reconstruct Asia post pandemic and cope with new challenges, both continentally and globally.Regarding Vietnam’s contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world as well, the ambassador reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of addressing disputes and differences by peaceful measures in line with international law and the UN Charter.Vietnam has also played a role in multilateral mechanisms, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, among other regional and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms.Along with other ASEAN member countries, Vietnam is working hard to carry forward the bloc’s centrality in maintaining peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia as well as Asia-Pacific.Vietnam always affirms its clear, consistent stance of supporting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures, through diplomatic and legal processes, not using or threatening to use force, in accordance with the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and order in the East Sea in line with international law.Notably, Vietnam has actively engaged in multilateral mechanisms like the UN Security Council, and made active and responsible contributions to common matters, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.The ambassador also highlighted the country’s engagement in UN peacekeeping since 2014, and its contributions to international efforts in dealing with global challenges and humanitarian activities.During the COVID-19 combat last year, Vietnam contributed 1 million USD to the COVAX Facility, he said, adding that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has also announced humanitarian aid worth 500,000 USD to Ukraine through international organisations.Vietnam is making efforts, together with the international community, to ensure peace, stability, prosperity and development of each nation, the continent and the world at large, Nam affirmed./.

At the concert (Photo: VNA)The Vietnamese Embassy in Romania and the National University of Music Bucharest hosted a concert highlighting the Vietnam-Romania friendship and attracting more than 150 guests, including 30 foreign diplomats.The 60-minute show was staged by Vietnamese students and postgraduates who are studying music in Romania. It treated the audience to unique folk melodies of both nations as well as performances with international features.Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Romania Dang Tran Phong highlighted the two countries’ sound traditional cooperation, particularly in culture and education.He took the occasion to thank the Romanian Government for its assistance in training Vietnamese students and postgraduates over the years.In a letter to the embassy after attending the concert, Constantin Neacsu, a Romanian doctor of law, wrote the event was an excellent idea, bringing about many emotions to the audience. He said that although he had heard a lot about Vietnam, the concert really helped him realise why the nation is so special./.

At the press conference to introduce Vietnam Dairy 2022. (Photo: VNA)- The third Vietnam International Milk and Dairy Products Exhibition ( Vietnam Dairy 2022 ) will take place at Hanoi International Exhibition Centre from May 31 to June 4, the event's organisers have announced.Co-organised by the Vietnam Dairy Association (VDA) and Vietnam Advertisement and Fair Exhibition JSC (VIETFAIR), the upcoming exhibition will have 200 booths from 150 domestic and foreign exhibitors. Powdered milk production volume also saw positive growth of 14.5 percent year-on-year to 150,000 tonnes, congthuong.vn reported.In 2021, the sector had a turnover of nearly 300 million USD. Among its export outlets last year, Iraq was the largest one, accounting for over 50 percent of the sector's total export value. "The dairy industry is making efforts to contribute to the recovery of the local economy after the pandemic.

Ltd., has been authorised by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) for the domestic treatment of COVID-19. This is the fourth Molnupiravir-based drug produced in Vietnam to be authorised for use in the country. This is the fourth time Vietnam has taken part in the contest. Vietnam co-organises debate on water source protection in armed conflictsThe Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations co-organised an online debate on May 24 that highlighted the importance of protecting water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts. In April 2021, when Vietnam held the presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the council adopted Resolution 2573 on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including water supply systems.

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang (first, left) at the online debate on May 24. (Photo: VNA)– The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations co-organised an online debate on May 24 that highlighted the importance of protecting water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts.The debate, held in coordination with the Swiss, Senegalese and Slovenian missions, UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Peace Organisation (PAX), was part of the UN’s Protection of Civilians Week 2022.Addressing the event, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang , Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, affirmed the country’s viewpoint that water security is a foundation of peace, stability and development for every country and community.He expressed Vietnam’s concern about the humanitarian impacts and difficulties caused by the destruction of water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts in many places around the world, including Africa and the Middle East, that have made many people homeless and triggered migration and public health crises.In April 2021, when Vietnam held the presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the council adopted Resolution 2573 on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including water supply systems.This resolution was co-sponsored by 64 UN member states, including all the 15 UNSC members, thereby affirming the UNSC’s strong commitment to protecting civilians and promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, Giang noted.The diplomat appealed to all parties concerned to improve awareness and promote the implementation of obligations under international humanitarian law. He also recommended the UNSC work out more concrete solutions to challenges posed by water security loss.At the debate, participants shared the concern over serious consequences of the destruction or contamination of water sources in armed conflicts, along with this issue’s adverse impacts on the living environment and life of civilians, including vulnerable groups like women and children. This problem has been reported in many conflict-affected areas around the world, from the Middle East to North Africa.Representatives of many countries and organisations also highly valued the UNSC’s Resolution 2573, calling for enhanced observance of related obligations under international humanitarian law and for the UNSC’s further engagement in this issue./.