Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (R) meets with Indian Ambassador Pranay Verma on September 20. (Source: VNA)– Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien on September 20 received Indian Ambassador Pranay Verma who has concluded his tenure in Vietnam, and Defence Attaches at the Indian Embassy in Vietnam Col. Varadan Kumar and Col. Dheeraj Kotwal.The Deputy Defence Minister appreciated the Indian Ambassador’s efforts and contribution to promoting the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.He noted that during Ambassador Pranay Verma’s tenure, the Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership has constantly been strengthened across the fields, including defence.Chien said senior military officers of the two countries have maintained mutual visits and meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums and annual cooperation mechanisms. The two sides have also intensified collaboration in training, defence industry, UN peacekeeping activities and strategic research.The deputy minister thanked the Indian government for helping train hundreds of Vietnamese military officers and providing non-refundable aid and credit packages for the Vietnamese Defence Ministry.He expressed a belief that Pranay Verma , be in any new position, will continue to work to enhance the ties between the two countries and two armies.Deputy Minister Chien also thanked Defence Attache Col Varadan Kumar for his contribution to bolstering the bilateral defence cooperation during his tenure in Vietnam. He welcomed the new Indian Defence Attache, Col Dheeraj Kotwal, pledging that the Defence Ministry will create the best possible conditions for him to fulfil his mission in Vietnam.Ambassador Pranay Verma said he wishes the two countries will continue to promote bilateral defence cooperation in defence industry, maritime security and UN peacekeeping activities while supporting each other at multilateral forums./.

Rainy spell forecasted for northern regionThe northern region of Vietnam will experience rain from this evening, September 20, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting. The contest was launched by US Blueberries – Vietnam, the Hanoi Communication Association, and Megalink Company on the TikTok platform on August 10, aiming to boost cultural and culinary exchange between Vietnam and the US. On October 27, 2021, Ahmed surrendered to the Hanoi City Police. The Quebec-headquartered company also told the Vietnamese investigation agency that it did not have demand of recruiting labourers from Vietnam. According to the PM, economic diplomacy has closely followed major orientations for national development and the Government’s socio-economic management focus, becoming an important driving force for rapid and sustainable development.

– Amid global concern over inflation and rising interest rates, Vietnam has emerged as a rare economic bright spot, boasting healthy GDP growth and an array of opportunities, according to a story published by Thailand-based Bangkok Post on September 19.Vietnam, an emerging market with one of the highest growth rates in the world, has drawn significant investments from abroad, said the article, titled “Towering above the rest.”The country's bourse often offers a high rate of return on investment, while the nation is not expected to suffer from the high inflation and rising interest rates that developed countries are plagued by, raising the possibility that these nations might enter a recession soon, it said.In August, as bourses in developed markets declined, Vietnam's stock markets rebounded by more than 4% thanks to continued capital inflows and economic stimulus measures launched by the government. Vietnam's monetary policy is relatively moderate, particularly when compared with developed countries.There are four key factors contributing to strong economic growth and attracting investors to Vietnam, making it one of the few countries offering high returns, the artcile cited investment firm One Asset Management (ONEAM) as saying.To start with, Vietnam's economy has continued its sturdy expansion despite the pandemic. Most recently, second-quarter GDP rose 7.7% year-on-year, accelerating from 5% in the previous quarter.A recovery in consumption and the service sector following the reopening of the country at the end of last year contributed to such growth. ONEAM analysts believe GDP growth for 2022 could soar to 6.1-6.5%.Second, data from Vietnam's Planning and Investment Ministry indicates that foreign direct investment (FDI) strengthened the country's reserves.Third, land reform policies, such as land appraisal using market prices and limits on agro-industrial areas not exceeding 20 hectares per factory, have been applauded. The policies are seen as ensuring that land benefits the vast majority of the population, not just the wealthy.Finally, Vietnam's stock exchange revised its securities trading regulations by reducing the settlement date from two to 1.5 days, which is expected to facilitate the launch of more sophisticated products in the future, according to ONEAM./.

Packaging dragon fruit for export in Tien Giang province. (Photo: VNA)– The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) said in a recent article that a number of fruits grown in Vietnam have successfully entered high value and challenging markets.It noted apart from China - Vietnam’s largest importer for years, Vietnamese fruit and vegetables enjoyed strong growth in other major markets such as the US, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Australia.Many exporters are turning their eyes to European markets where their products enjoy zero-percent tax rate under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement ( EVFTA ), and these markets are seeing increasing demand for tropical fruit and vegetables.The article cited data from Vietnam's General Department of Customs as showing that the country’s fruit and vegetable exports to Europe in 2021 hit 303 million USD, up 17.4% year-on-year.Negotiations are also underway for other fresh fruits to enter new markets.In order to seize opportunities, many localities are preparing growing areas and material sources, according to Bernama.The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, Vietnam’s largest fruit-growing province, is seeking to expand plantations to help increase farmers’ incomes and exports. Similarly, the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai plans to increase its passion fruit plantations to 20,000ha by 2025, surging five-fold from the current area.To ensure the sustainability of fruit exports and further make inroads into traditional markets and even high-end ones, safe production will be a vital factor, which will amplifying the country’s agricultural strengths so as to reinforce its position as one of the world’s major fresh fruit exporters, the article added./.

Accordingly, Vietnam was named the Leading Destination in the Asian region, Leading Nature Destination while Vietnam National Administration of Tourism won the title of Asia’s Leading Tourist Board. In the first eight months of 2022, Vietnam welcomed more than 1.44 million international arrivals, a 13.7-fold rise from last year, but still down 87.3% compared to the figure of 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Along with the convenient flight routes on offer, Indian tourists can enjoy a diverse range travel experiences when visiting Vietnam. Domestic solid waste will be classified into hazardous waste, recyclable waste, reused waste and others, according to the program. More effort is required in the research, conservation, and development of heritage values at the Thang Long - Hanoi Imperial Citadel.

Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, the border guard and the Consular Department of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry have coordinated with Cambodian authorities to bring home Vietnamese citizens who fled from a business establishment in Cambodia as soon as possible. According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, 60 Vietnamese fled a business establishment in Bavet Kandal hamlet, Bavet ward, Bavet city, Svay Rieng province towards the Bavet border gate at 2:30pm on September 17. By late afternoon on the same day, Cambodian police demanded the business hand over 11 more Vietnamese citizens, bringing the total number of people involved in the case to 67. The Vietnamese embassy and border guards are working with the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department and Cambodia’s relevant agencies to bring them home as soon as possible. Those who need help could contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia at +855-23726274, the Consulate General in Sihanoukville at +855-34934039 or Citizen Protection Switchboard +84-981 84 84 84./.

PM Pham Minh Chinh inspects Viet Duc hospital's second branch (Photo: VNA)Ha Nam (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected the construction of the branches of Viet Duc, Bach Mai and National Geriatric Hospitals in the northern province of Ha Nam on September 18. The construction of the second facilities of Viet Duc and Bach Mai hospitals in Ha Nam was approved by the Ministry of Health on December 1, 2014. Meanwhile, the construction of the National Geriatric Hospital’s second branch was ratified by the PM in 2017. The PM asked Ha Nam and the Ministry of Health to work closely with ministries and agencies to offer effective solutions to implementation. He order that ministries, agencies and Ha Nam province must reach consensus on solutions no later than the next two months.

Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka launches new websiteThe Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka (Japan) has debuted a new website, aiming to meet the increasing demand of foreign affairs and the Vietnamese community in the Kyushu-Okinawa region. The diplomat thanked the Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles for its efforts to promote sustainable and human resources development in Vietnam through bilateral cooperation projects. Vietnam is currently the 15th largest trading partner of Belgium in the world, the 6th in Asia and the 2nd in ASEAN. The first ever tournament will see the participation of 50 athletes, including national tennis team players, from five cities and provinces. In addition to bonuses in cash for the top players, they will also receive points to improve their ranking by the Vietnam Tennis Federation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh visits a Vietnamese stall at the event. (Photo: VNA)– A Vietnamese Goods Week entitled “Taste of Vietnam” is taking place at Big C supermarket chain in Bangkok, Thailand until September 28.The event, which kicked off on September 15, is jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand and Berli Junker Public Company (BJC).Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh spoke highly of the efforts of Thai and Vietnamese companies to promote the export of Vietnamese products to Thailand, saying it helps to realize the bilateral trade target of 25 billion USD by 2025 as committed by leaders of the two countries.The event aims not only to promote Vietnamese products to Thai consumers, but also to enhance the friendship between the two countries' people, he added.For his part, Aswin Techajareonvikul, General Director and President of BJC, spoke highly of the quality of Vietnam's products, especially agricultural and food products. According to him, some Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup) and bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs) are becoming more and more popular among Thai people.He proposed the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand facilitate expansion of cooperation between BJC and Vietnamese companies./.

Participants at the meeting (Photo: VNA)- Representatives from foreign-invested businesses and business associations frankly pointed out shortcomings and obstacles, and proposed solutions to promote development in Vietnam at a hybrid meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 17.They applauded Vietnam for its achievements in recent years, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the world. They expressed their thanks for the support of the Vietnamese Government to the business community in general and FDI enterprises in particular.Nakajima Takeo, Chief Representative of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in Hanoi, said that in a survey conducted by his agency on over 1,700 parent companies of Japanese firms, Vietnam ranked second among countries that companies want to expand investment.FDI companies are eager to follow Vietnam's policy development. They underlined the need to diversify in terms of networks in the supply chain; suggested local authorities increase training for workers and provide them with accommodations and transportation means.Kim Young-chul, Vice Chairman of the Korean Business Association in Vietnam (KORCHAM), affirmed that in the context of uncertainties in the world such as inflation and supply chain disruption, Vietnam is still highly valued thanks to efforts to maintain stable prices and foreign exchange rate.Vietnam should have a more open visa policy to become a global tourism hub and attract more foreign investment, Kim said, adding that planning schemes for short-and long-term infrastructure, including power systems, roads, and bridges need to be improved to support high-tech projects.Meanwhile, a representative from the Singapore Business Association Vietnam highlighted the importance of developing domestic support industries in order to reduce dependence on imported materials, and called on Vietnamese authorities to simplify administrative procedures to facilitate businesses' opertions.According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HSBC Vietnam Tim Evans, Vietnam continues to be an attractive destination. It is ranked 2nd in terms of post-pandemic recovery potential.Evans recommended that Vietnam should promote regular dialogues between state management agencies and FDI enterprises in order to clarify regulations and policies related to capital flows, financing, business establishment and incentives.He also underlined the need for Vietnam to focus on developing skilled workers, saying that this will be an important factor to promote and attract high-value investments in high-value industries such as semiconductors, automotive engineering, fintech, and logistics.Erin Ennis, Senior Vice President of DELL TECHNOLOGIES Group, said that the investments over the past 30 years show that Dell's projects in Vietnam have promoted and contributed significantly to the development of electronic and mechanical industries and packing in the country.Vietnam will play an important role in Dell's continued diversification of supply chain, she said, adding that Dell looks forward to further contributing to Vietnam's economy and electronics industry.Meanwhile, Michael Vu Nguyen, Country Director of Boeing Vietnam, said Boeing has introduced the potential of sustainable energy for the aviation industry and encouraged the investment, production and use of clean fuel for airlines in Vietnam in the future.He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Government would continue the open, flexible and effective policy for main suppliers in the aviation industry to make it easier for them to pour more investments into the country.

Rescuers retrieve bodies after a landslide at gold mine in West Sumatra province where at least seven people were killed. (Photo: AFP)Seven people have died and five others injured after a landslide at an illegal gold mine buried an estimated 20 people, officials said on September 17.The victims were mining gold on a bare hillside when the landslide triggered by heavy rain struck the area on the west of Borneo island, in West Kalimantan province.Local police said they had managed to identify four of the recovered bodies and the search for other victims continues with help from local people and the victims' families.Unlicensed mines are common across the mineral-rich Southeast Asian archipelago where abandoned sites attract locals who scrounge for leftover gold ore without using proper safety equipment. Mining accidents occur frequently in Indonesia due to landslides, especially during the monsoon./.

After considering proposals by the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission, the Politburo and Secretariat held that the Standing Board of the Hai Duong provincial Party Committee in the 2020 - 2025 tenure violated the democratic centralism principle and working regulations, lacked examination and supervision, and failed to detect wrongdoings and shortcomings by the Party Civil Affairs Board of the provincial People’s Committee, the provincial People’s Committee, and many Party organisations and members during the leadership over and implementation of anti-COVID-19 tasks in a timely manner.The Party Civil Affairs Board of the Hai Duong People’s Committee in the 2016 - 2021 and 2021 - 2026 tenures infringed the democratic centralism principle, the Party’s regulations, the State’s laws, and working regulations; lacked a sense of responsibility; and showed lax leadership over examination and inspection, which enabled the People’s Committee and some organisations and individuals to commit many wrongdoings and shortcomings in the COVID-19 combat, and also enabled Tu Ky district to violate the Public Investment Law and the Construction Law.The Politburo and Secretariat pointed out wrongdoings and shortcomings by some incumbent and former officials of Hai Duong, namely Pham Xuan Thang (member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council), Trieu The Hung (Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Board at and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, and head of the province’s steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control), Nguyen Duong Thai (former Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Board at and former Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee), Luong Van Cau (former member of the provincial Party Committee, former member of the Party Civil Affairs Board at and former Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee), Pham Manh Cuong (member of the provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee at and Director of the provincial Health Department), and Nguyen Trong Hung (former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee at and former Director of the provincial Finance Department).The wrongdoings and shortcomings by the Standing Board of the Hai Duong Party Committee in the 2020 - 2025 tenure, the Party Civil Affairs Board of the provincial People’s Committee in the 2016 - 2021 tenure, Pham Xuan Thang, Nguyen Duong Thai, and Pham Manh Cuong caused “very serious” consequences and big losses to the State budget, people, and society; enabled the corruption case at the Hai Duong Centre for Disease Control; stirred public concern; and damaged the reputation of the Party organisations, local administration, and themselves.Meanwhile, the wrongdoings and shortcomings by Luong Van Cau and Nguyen Trong Hung caused “serious” consequences, stirred public concern, and eroded the reputation of the Party organisations and local administration.The wrongdoings and shortcomings by the Party Civil Affairs Board of the provincial People’s Committee in the 2021 - 2026 tenure were so serious to an extent that requires disciplinary measures, according to the Politburo and Secretariat.The Politburo decided to issue a warning against the Standing Board of the Hai Duong Party Committee in the 2020 - 2025 tenure, suspend Pham Xuan Thang from Party activities and positions, and propose the Party Central Committee consider a disciplinary measure against him.The Secretariat decided to issue reprimands against the Party Civil Affairs Board of the Hai Duong People’s Committee in the 2021 - 2026 tenure, Trieu The Hung, and Luong Van Cau; give warnings to the Party Civil Affairs Board of the People’s Committee in the 2016 - 2021 tenure; dismiss Nguyen Trong Hung from the membership of the provincial Party Committee in the 2020 - 2025 tenure; dismiss Nguyen Duong Thai from all Party-related positions; and expel Pham Manh Cuong from the Party.The Politburo and Secretariat also asked relevant agencies to impose administrative disciplinary measures on the abovementioned collectives and individuals./.

Illustration. (Photo: Reuters)ASEAN and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed an agreement to support ASEAN member states in combating marine plastic pollution through the joint implementation of the World Bank’s 20 million USD grant project: Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics ( SEA-MaP ).The five-year project aims to reduce plastic consumption, increase recycling, and minimise leakages to prevent land and sea-based marine plastic pollution. Working across Southeast Asia, the project will provide holistic support to develop and harmonise regional policies, as well as create regional platforms for innovation, investments, knowledge, and partnerships.The project activities will contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Combating Marine Debris and the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Blue Economy, to realise ASEAN’s commitment towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive use, management, conservation and governance of oceans, marine and coastal resources and ecosystems.With support from the World Bank and UNOPS, ASEAN will advance cooperation at both regional and country levels to strengthen policies and regulatory frameworks governing the production and use of plastics in Southeast Asia.Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Ekkaphab Phanthavong welcomed the timely initiative, saying that “the programme will add to ASEAN’s continuing efforts in addressing marine plastic debris and in promoting a transition to a circular economy.”Samina Kadwani, UNOPS Director for Thailand, Indonesia and the Pacific, said the partnership offers a path towards significant regional solutions, guided by mutual interests in promoting sustainable practices and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems across Southeast Asia.”SEA-MaP will be implemented by ASEAN Secretariat with support from UNOPS, in close collaboration with ASEAN member states and partners, aligned with the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region (2019) and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (2021)./.

Hanoi (VNA) – Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India on September 16 held the 19th consultation meeting on economic cooperation in Cambodia under the chair of Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak and India's Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel. Participants at the event agreed that trade and economic relations between ASEAN and India are starting to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing preliminary ASEAN data for 2021 which showed that two-way trade between ASEAN and India reached 91.5 billion USD, up 39.2% year-on-year while total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from India increased from 200 million USD in 2020 to 2 billion USD in 2021. They noted that the post-pandemic economic recovery remains vulnerable to global economic challenges, and expressed deep concern over geopolitical tensions and continued risks to the economy. The officials acknowledged the significant progress in ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery efforts, including through the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. To carry out this task, the meeting activated the AITIGA Joint Committee to undertake the review of AITIGA expeditiously./.

Rescue drill helps strengthen defence ties among Vietnam, Laos, CambodiaThe first joint rescue exercise of the militaries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia took place in Vientiane on September 15. Nobumitsu highly evaluated the policies, orientations and achievements of Vietnam in socio-economic development as well as its post-pandemic recovery policies. The governor affirmed that in his position, he and JBIC will continue partnering with Vietnam in developing socio-economic infrastructure, thus contributing to the enhancement of bilateral ties between Japan and Vietnam. Ngoc Chau, who was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 with a height of 1.74 metres and measurements of 81-63-93, was chosen 11th in the overall list. She was the winner of Miss Supranational Vietnam 2018, Vietnam's Next Top Model 2016, and crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2022.