Vietnam wishes to continue receiving close coordination and assistance from the Japanese Government and businesses in promoting their strategic partnership on digital transformation , Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Nguyen Huy Dung said on October 12.He made the statement at a forum themed “Digital Transformation for an Inclusive Digital Society ”, which was co-organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC), the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the Digital Agency of Japan and the Centre for International Cooperation for Computerisation (CICC).The event, part of the Vietnam International Digital Week 2022, provides an opportunity for participants to share experience in the field of digital transformation and digital society, thereby enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in the information and communications sector, contributing to building a digital partnership between the two countries.The Deputy Minister said that Japan has succeeded in the industrialisation process and caught up with many advanced countries. The East Asian nation has experience in solving social problems such as population aging, resources management and climate change, he noted.Dung said that valuable experience shared by Japan ese speakers was useful for the Vietnamese side.Addressing the event, Koichiro Urabe, CICC Director, affirmed that digital transformation is necessary for the further development of the economy and society in Japan and Vietnam.To make digital transformation beneficial to people, Japan is studying related issues, including a national initiative on building digital cities, he said.Urabe added the forum will help Japan and Vietnam deepen their understanding of digital transformation and promote further cooperation in the digital field./.

Yesterday evening, 16 petrol stations announced they were out of stock, bringing the number of gas stations temporarily closed to 137, nearly a fourth of the total gas stations in the city. Binh Duong has 477 gas stations and nine distributors with fuel reserves of over 66,000 cubic meters. By yesterday afternoon, local people and workers flocked to the operational gas stations for refueling. The loss-making gas stations closed down in droves while the demand for fuel among local people remained high. Therefore, they swarmed into operational gas stations, resulting in congestion at these places, the representative explained.

Speaking at the event, Thanh said the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has drafted an amended Law on Water Resources, focusing on four groups of policies passed by the National Assembly, including ensuring water security, the equitisation of the water sector, a water resource-based economy, protecting water resources and preventing water-borne harm, while suggesting amendments to several policies. As Finland has experience and technology in underground water treatment, so Thanh suggested the European country share its experience in this area. In response, Kurvinen said the effective management of water in Finland is the foundation for outstanding successes of the water sector. A representative from the Finnish Water Utilities Association said effectively using water not only helps save water but also energy and other resources. The event afforded the two countries’ enterprises a chance to seek solutions to reasonable use and sustainable management of water resources./.

– India has so far signed 13 free trade agreements ( FTA s) with its trading partners, including those with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in a bid to enhance international trade relation s.ASEAN is one of the focal regions for India. The trade and investment ties between India and ASEAN have also grown over the past decade thanks to India's Look East Policy. Two-way trade rose to 110.4 billion USD in the 2021-2022 thanks to a number of key agreements signed between the two sides. Since trade and investment are priority areas of economic cooperation between ASEAN and India, AITIGA, which was signed in 2009, has continually been at the forefront of engagement. Since AITIGA took effect in January 2010, trade between ASEAN and India has increased remarkably, with an increase of 23% in exports and 55% in imports over the past decade.

Illustrative image (Source: kinhtemoitruong.vn)– Vietnam called for a comprehensive approach in addressing challenges relating to climate change, environment and bio-diversity , at a meeting of the Economic and Financial Committee of the United Nations General Assembly’s 77th session on October 10. Le Thi Minh Thoa , Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam at the UN, suggested that ahead of the upcoming relevant meetings of the UN, countries should work to ensure pragmatic progress in the implementation of international commitments.People should be put at the centre in the response efforts, she said, stressing the need to ensure financial balance for climate change mitigation and adaptation.Thoa proposed countries continue to integrate climate, environment and biodiversity issues into their legal frameworks, policies and action plans; build and promote a green, sustainable economy; and raise public awareness of the matters.She emphasised the significance of science, technology and innovation to national sustainable development strategies, as well as scientific and technical cooperation, and technology transfer in this regard.The representative spoke of Vietnam’s efforts in implementing comprehensive and specific measures to fulfill its climate and environment commitments, saying the country has amended and adopted relevant legal documents and updated its National Climate Change Strategy to 2050 and the Nationally Determined Contributions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)./.

Eighth Vietnam- Japan Festival to be held in HCMCThe Eighth Vietnam - Japan Festival will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. For her part, Tomoko highlighted the breakthrough developments of the Japan – Vietnam relations, especially in UN peacekeeping operations. Earlier, Pham was elected by the provincial People's Council as new Chairman of the Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Committee. Hanoi applies digital technology in road traffic controlThe Hanoi People's Committee will intensify the application of digital technology in traffic control and road infrastructure maintenance. Two wins against India and Singapore in the recent international friendly tournament in Ho Chi Minh City helped Vietnam gain a considerable advantage.

Participants at the event (Photo: VNA)– The Vietnam Germany Innovation Network (VGI Network) has held a conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, to foster connectivity among Vietnamese experts and businesses as well as those of the Vietnamese origin in automobile industry and relevant technical sectors.The VGI-Automobile conference aimed to link experts with Vietnamese businesses operating in the European market in technical sectors to support the firms in approaching and partnering with German enterprises where Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin experts are working.It also offered a chance for the experts to meet diplomatic officials and representatives from Vietnamese ministries and sectors to explore the demand of Vietnamese businesses at home, and introduce their capacity and possibility to bring German technologies to the firms.Participants at the event discussed opportunities to strengthen their connectivity and cooperation in automobile and related technical sectors.

Illustrative image (Source: Internet)– The first Vietnam International Digital Week (VIDW) 2022 will open on October 11, expecting the participation of leaders of ministries, sectors and management agencies related to digital transformation from ASEAN countries, as well as international organisations, associations and digital firms from all around the world.According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the event, part of the activities to respond to the National Digital Transformation Day (October 10), will be held under the theme of “Global Partnership for Sustainable Digital Future”.Running until October 14, the week will include a series of activities, such as conferences, forums on digital transformation, the development of digital economy, digital society, 5G network, cooperation in data protection, fake news prevention and combat, and the improvement of digital skills for the people.Vietnam has designed important strategies to speed up digital transformation and boost digital economy, digital society and digital government. Establishing bilateral and multilateral digital partnerships with countries in the region and the world has been defined as a key task in the next 10 years, in order to maximise resources for the acceleration of the construction of a digital Vietnam.The ministry underlined that the VIDW 2022 will focus on promoting and expanding digital partnerships, with priority to completing institution and management environment, developing digital technology industry and digital infrastructure, building a safe and reliable cyberspace and improving digital skills for people.The WIDW 2022 is also a chance for organisations, individuals and businesses from Vietnam, other ASEAN countries and the world to directly meet, share information and seek cooperation opportunities and partnership in trade, investment, market development, thus joining hands in promoting digital transformation ./.

At the award ceremony (Photo: VNA)Forty-nine organisations, businesses, products and solutions were honoured at Vietnam Digital Awards 2022 in Hanoi on October 9 for their contributions to the process of national digital transformation The awards has accessed 10,000 businesses, attracted 1,000 entries and honoured a total of 300 units and individuals that offer outstanding digital transformation solutions through its five editions, according to Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung.Notably, apart from domestic firms, this year’s awards saw the participation of foreign enterprises, he added, expressing his hope that the winners will further contribute to Vietnam’s digital transformation.Nguyen Duc Hien, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Economic Commission , said the awards has also created a playground for collectives and individuals to exchange experience in digital transformation, digital economic development, and high-tech application in management, production and business.Organisers said they received nearly 400 dossiers, many of which have used new technologies like AI, Big Data, IoT, Blockchain and Cloud, covering health care, education, banking, transport, energy and logistics, among others./.

PM Chinh was delivering remarks at a programme marking the National Digital Transformation Day in Hanoi on October 10. The date of October 10 was designated as the National Digital Transformation Day by the PM last April. At the programme, PM Chinh presented awards to ministries, sectors, localities, enterprises, and individuals with excellent digital transformation solutions. At the event, many young participants took part in training courses on digital transformation, creativity and startup, learned about the experience of digital transformation, the use of information technology in business, and introduced new applications for digital transformation to support startups. The Vietnam Medical Association (VMA) and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association signed a cooperation agreement on implementing the “Improving the quality of grass-root healthcare facilities” program.

Illustrative image (Source: isocert.org.vn)– Vietnam has conducted numerous activities to respond to the International Day of the Girl Child 2022 (October 11), which is themed “Our time is now-our rights, our future”.In mid-September, the General Office for Population and Family Planning under the Ministry of Health issued a dispatch guiding communications activities on the day. Accordingly, this year, the day in Vietnam will be themed “promoting gender equality contributes to reducing sex imbalance at birth”.Communications activities have focused on popularising the policy and laws of the Party and State regarding gender equality and the protection of children such as the Law on Gender Equality, the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control, and the Law on Marriage and Family, aiming to enhance public awareness of the improvement of role and position of girl child and women in general, especially in families with all children being girls.At the same time, legal regulations banning sex selection by parents and relevant punishments have also been popularised, along with the real situation, reasons and consequences of sex imbalance at birth, thus improving the public awareness and changing outdated perceptions on gender equality On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.According to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021, up to 10 million girls will be at risk of child marriage. The profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are putting girls at a higher risk of early marriage due to a combination of economic shocks, school closures and interruptions in reproductive health services.Girls are primarily victims of sexual exploitation (72% of detected girl victims), while boys are mainly subjected to forced labour (66% of detected boy victims), it said./.

Venezuela art exhibition highlights Vietnam land, culture, peopleA painting exhibition featuring art pieces on Vietnam produced by Venezuelan artists was held on October 7. Winners of Vietnam art photo contest announcedAn awards ceremony for a Vietnam art photo contest was held on October 6 in Hanoi, with a set of images showcasing Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Thiem 2 Bridge winning gold prize. The exhibition will get underway in Ho Chi Minh City from November 4 to November 13, with a virtual exhibition taking place at http://ape.gov.vn. Standing at 1.75-metres tall, she is currently a student of the Industrial University in Ho Chi Minh City. Two wins against India and Singapore in the recent international friendly tournament in Ho Chi Minh City helped Vietnam gain a considerable advantage.

Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)At the event (Photo: VNA)VNATraining on free trade agreements are among the measures suggested for the development of the farm produce market and rural tourism in the Mekong Delta.The region is a key agricultural development area for the country, making up 32% of GDP of Vietnam’s agricultural sector.According to Nguyen Van Hong, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, despite such potential, the average income of people, especially farmers, in the region remains low. Local agricultural products are mainly exported raw, with a large post-harvest loss rate recorded. In addition, local agricultural companies will benefit from the bloc’s high-quality goods and services. Capitalising on these advantages will promote the delta’s integration into the global agricultural value chains.Experts said incorporating tourism into the value chain of farming products in the region is the way forward. However, it is necessary to orient rural tourism development towards sustainability and responsibility, they noted./.

Rice fields in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)A strawberry growing model (Photo: VNA)VNA– The agricultural sector is aiming for a growth rate of 2.8-3% this year, higher than the growth of 2.5-2.8% assigned by the Government, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development It is also striving to earn 55 billion USD from agro-forestry-aquatic product exports in 2022, 5 billion USD higher than the figure assigned by the Government.In the first nine months, the export turnover of agro-forestry-aquatic products is estimated at 40.8 billion USD, up 15.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports totalled 33.9 billion USD, up 5.7% year-on-year. This means the trade surplus mounted to 6.9 billion USD, doubling the same period last year.To achieve the targets, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said that the ministry will adjust production plans and the crop structure to suit domestic consumption and export demand, and focus on directing the development of concentrated production areas.Efforts will be made to promote sustainable livestock development, ensure supply and stabilise food and pork prices to keep the consumer price index (CPI) within the allowable range, especially during the coming Lunar New Year, Tien said.Along with closely monitoring the developments of climate and diseases on plants and livestock, the ministry will seek measures to boost production; remove difficulties in circulation, consumption and exports of agricultural products; and ensure sufficient supplies of food and foodstuffs.To develop the consumption market for agricultural, forestry and aquatic products, the ministry will cooperate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to research, analyse and forecast market developments, opportunities and challenges; and consult the Prime Minister on countermeasures and scenarios to adapt to the supply and demand of agro-forestry-aquatic products in the world./.

Vietnam’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations has come from its sense of responsibility. (Photo: VNA)Vietnam has gained a position and reputation in the international arena thanks to its contributions to the international community, a researcher has said, mentioning the country’s engagement in United Nations peacekeeping operations.Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai , a researcher at the Centre for Policy Futures under the University of Queensland in Australia, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondent that Vietnam’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations has come from its sense of responsibility.Therefore, the country has won the trust of the UN, partners and host countries, Hai noted.According to the researcher, Vietnam is a pioneer in joining international conventions on human rights , adding that Vietnam is the first country in Asia and the second in Asia-Pacific to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.Vietnam has also joined and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.It has integrated provisions of the conventions into domestic laws, making the national legal framework for the disadvantaged groups more perfect and suitable with international standards.During two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese State and Government worked hard to ensure people’s rights by providing free-of-charge medical services and vaccination, and launching packages in support of affected businesses and people, the researcher said.Hai also cited statistics by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as saying that Vietnam lifted 40 million people out of poverty between 1993 and 2014, saying Vietnam’s outstanding economic development has been acknowledged by many international experts./.