Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Duong Quoc Thanh (R) succeeds Malaysian Ambassador Nur Azman Abdul Rahim to become ACBA Chair (Photo: VNA)– Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Duong Quoc Thanh has assumed the position of ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires (ACBA) Chair for six months during a meeting of the committee on July 18.The Vietnamese ambassador, who succeeds Malaysian Ambassador Nur Azman Abdul Rahim, pledged to work hard to promote the achievements of the committee and make practical contributions to strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Argentina as well as Uruguay and Paraguay where he covers.Ambassadors from ASEAN countries expressed their belief that Ambassador Thanh will successfully complete his mission in the next six months, contributing to enhancing the image and position of ASEAN members in Argentina and the region.They agreed on Vietnam’s proposals on strengthening cooperation with local authorities and businesses, organising visits to potential localities of Argentina to enhance connectivity and boost political and economic partnerships with them, meeting local scholars, experts and politicians to get better understanding of the host country, and holding a number of activities to promote the ASEAN image and connect the association and local community.The Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina will chair the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the ASEAN founding anniversary as well as exchange activities among ASEAN representative agencies in Buenos Aires such as the ASEAN Family Day, sports culinary and cultural activities to strengthen understanding and solidarity among members of the association./.

- President Joko Widodo has recently said he was optimistic Indonesia's economy could have expanded 5.1% in the second quarter of 2022, supported by increasing public consumption and investment amid robust investors' confidence in the country.The President underlined Indonesia's resilience in the face of rising inflation and growing global recession risks.The largest economy in Southeast Asia grew by 5.01 percent in the first quarter of this year as the country rebounded to its expansion pace before the COVID-19 pandemic.The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Indonesia will announce the second quarter growth result on August 5.Economic activities in the nation have returned to normal, with the number of COVID-19 cases easing. The middle class was spending again during the festive month of Ramadan and Idul Fitri, boosting households' consumption accounting for 53 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).Indonesia also saw a substantial inflow of foreign direct investment in the past few quarters. This is also a good signal as investment accounts for 30 percent of its GDP.On top of that, the country has been posting trade surpluses for the 25th straight month, which Jokowi credited to his policy to push nickel and several other metals downstream industry.In another development, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's risk to experience a recession is relatively small compared to other countries. Indonesia sees that its domestic situation is relatively good. Some countries have entered recession, but Indonesia has a very small potential for recession compared to other countries, which is only three percent, he said./.

Leading officials of PetroVietnam and Gazprom _ Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)– The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) is considered a pioneer economic group in international cooperation and investment expansion abroad. The first team of petroleum technicians in Vietnam were formally trained at famous Soviet universities. In 1992, the group inked dozens of oil and gas exploration and production contracts with international partners.Cooperation between PetroVietnam and international partners were initially limited to oil and gas exploration and production projects. The milestone marked the success of PetroVietnam's overseas investment in oil and gas exploration and production. It boasts a large scale, highly competitive and significant international integration.

Vietnamese guest workers returning from Lybia arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport. (Photo: VNA)A migrant health handbook, which provides basic information, advice and guidance for health needs of migrant workers, was introduced at a workshop held by the General Office for Population and Family Planning ( GOPFP ) in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Vietnam in Hanoi on July 18.Addressing the event, GOPFP Director General Nguyen Doan Tu said migration is a global phenomenon, with around 281 million international migrants worldwide; 48% of whom were women and 60% were migrant workers Vietnam’s population has reached 98 million, ranking 15th globally, eighth in Asia and third in ASEAN, Tu said. Healthy migrants can be crucial workforce for the well-being of businesses and the economy as a whole, he said.The migrant health handbook was initiated by a technical group for migrant health in Vietnam established by the Ministry of Health. IOM has discussed with concerned parties in Japan and the RoK about establishing a platform for cooperation in protecting health of Vietnamese migrants and feedback has been positive.About 600,000 Vietnamese migrants are living and working in more than 40 countries and territories worldwide. Remittance to Vietnam was estimated at around 3 – 4 billion USD annually./.

Cos with Overseas Liabilities Rush to Cover Currency Risk Importers and overseas borrowers are rushing to cover their currency risk after the rupee fell to ₹80 against the US dollar in both over-the-counter and derivatives markets on Thursday, leading to forward premium jumping 11-17 basis points across maturities on Friday. Rupee Gains Against G10 Currencies The rupee is delivering its best performance since 2015 against a basket of the heaviest traded currencies, ignoring the life-time low it hit the past week against the US dollar.

Electronics and parts are among Vietnam’s major exports to India . (Photo: cafeF)– More than 150 Indian firms operating in different spheres in India attended a trade promotion programme held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade in New Delhi on July 18.The programme is intended to create an opportunity for Vietnamese and Indian businesses to meet and cooperate in areas such as food processing, consumer goods , cosmetics, handicrafts, home furniture, and agricultural products.On this occasion, a memorandum of understanding between the Indian Importers of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) and the Association of Foreign Investment Enterprises (VAFIE) was signed.Through the event, the Vietnam ese Embassy in India and the ministry hope to provide more business and investment opportunities to enterprises from both sides.According to data from the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, trade turnover between the two nations reached 14.13 billion USD in the fiscal year 2021-2022 (April 2021-March 2022), creating a solid premise for achieving the 15 billion USD target set by leaders of the two countries./.

Indian passengers on board a Vietjet Air . (Photo: Vietjetair.com)Budget carrier Vietjet Air will open new routes to a number of Indian cities, starting from this September, raising the total number of air routes connecting the two countries to 17.From Hanoi, direct services to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bangalore will be launched on September 27, October 7 and November 2, respectively.From HCM City, the first Vietjet Air flights will take off for the three Indian cities on September 29, October 10 and November 1, respectively.The routes between Da Nang and those three India n destinations will be launched on November 28, 29 and December 1, respectively.Four flights will be operated on each of these new routes weekly.Vietjet Air will also start new services connecting the resort island of Phu Quoc with two Indian cities of Mumbai and New Delhi from September 8 and 9, respectively, with 3 – 4 flights per week.Those from Da Nang to Mumbai and New Delhi will be launched on October 17 and 18, respectively.Vietjet Air is currently operating four air routes to India, connecting Hanoi and HCM City with New Delhi and Mumbai.The move aims to meet the increasing demand for both personal and business travel between the two countries and regions, said Vietjet Air Deputy CEO Nguyen Thanh Son./.

The nation spent US$5 billion on importing 4.8 million m3 of petroleum during the first half of this year, an increase of 18% in volume and up nearly two fold in value compared to the same period from last year.

A group of American tourists visit the ancient town of Hoi An in central Quang Nam province. Illustration. (Photo: VNA)– The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is taking extra efforts to realise the target of welcoming 5 million foreign visitors amidst a decline in the numbers of tourists from China and Russia.The VNAT will further optimise markets which have air routes with Vietnam and those that permitted their citizens to travel abroad and Vietnamese expats to return to the home country after the COVID-19 pandemic was put under control.Priority will be given to attracting arrivals from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Western Europe, Australia and ASEAN nations. The number of foreign visitors has been on the sharp rise since Vietnam reopened its border. The May figure doubled that of April while that of June quadrupled that of May.Most of the foreign travellers came from countries that enjoy visa exemptions from Vietnam, including the RoK, the UK, France, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia./.

Travel Extra efforts made to achieve target of welcoming 5 million foreign visitors this year The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is taking extra efforts to realise the target of welcoming 5 million foreign visitors amidst a decline in the numbers of tourists from China and Russia. Travel The Travel website suggests things to do in ancient Hoi An The ancient riverbank town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam, which used to be a trading post with historical richness, was recently reviewed by The Travel website as an ideal place for foreign visitors who want to see the exotic culture of Vietnam. Travel Hoi An’s tourism growth to bounce back soon: Official Most of the accommodation and tourism service providers in the ancient Hoi An town of central Quang Nam province are promoting efforts and measures to revive the local tourism industry after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to head of the city’s department of trade and tourism Le Van Binh. Travel Getting lost in fairy Ta Xua forest Travel aficionados have been appealed to the captivating charm of the primeval forest on the way to the top Ta Xua mountain, locating in the natural border between the northern mountainous provinces of Son La and Yen Bai.

(Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – A list of 34 Vietnamese seaports of third-class and higher has been announced by the government, according to a decision signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh last week. The list consists of two categorised as “special”, 11 as first-class, seven as second-class and 14 as third-class. Those of second class comprise Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Binh Thuan, Dong Thap, Hau Giang and Tra Vinh. A list of 34 Vietnamese seaports of third-class and higher has been announced by the government. Under the decree, Vietnamese seaports are classified based on their scale and sphere of influence.

Workers at an electronic parts assembly factory in Thai Nguyen province. As one of the biggest electronics exporters in the world, Vietnam’s export values in 2021 climbed up to more than 108 billion USD. The electronics sector employs more than 1 million workers.However, the industry mainly focuses on low-value-added and labour-intensive outsourcing and assembly activities.“Among the biggest challenges faced by enterprises are major upheavals in human resources, including labour shortage. This practice is expected to spread to other key export sectors nationwide.“Social dialogue will play a key role in ensuring sustainable supply chains,” said Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti.“Promoting decent work is key to reaching an inclusive, sustainable and resilient electronics industry in Vietnam. "He also emphasised that the requirements of investors, consumers and legislators around the world to promote decent work in global supply chains are on the rise.Through several projects funded by the EU and other donors, the ILO, in close collaboration with VCCI, supports partners to address work deficits and improve global supply chains in the industry./.

Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh (Photo: VNA)There has been dynamic and lively cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos over recent years, contributing to the development of each country in the new period, according to Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh.The Vietnamese and Lao culture sectors have boosted active cooperation, experience exchange and support for each other to grow together, Suansavanh said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents on the occasion of the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 – 2022) and the 45th year of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 – 2022).Laos has received support from Vietnam in the first phase construction of the national school of music and arts as well as various scholarships for short-term and long-term training courses in music, circus performance, fine arts, cinema and others, she said, adding that a number of Vietnamese books and documents in politics, economics and culture have been translated into the Lao language.The two countries have also cooperated in producing films on the bilateral friendship and partnership, the minister noted.In terms of tourism, Vietnam ranked third in the number of tourist arrivals to Laos in 2019 with around 1 million visitors. Many Vietnamese and Lao visitors showed particular interest in exploring history of the other country, allowing the people of the two nations to better understand the traditional ties and become closer, she said.With such a good bilateral relationship, Vietnam and Laos must pay greater attention to boosting cooperation in tourism so they can welcome more visitors from the other, the minister said.She suggested that the two sides should further facilitate cross-border travel, encourage enterprises of both countries to develop regional tourism programmes, organise workshops and experience-sharing events for both public and private sectors, and together promote the distinctive beauty of their destinations.Suansavanh unveiled that to mark the Vietnam – Lao Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022, her ministry and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will work together to host a series of celebrations. They include a Lao culture week in Vietnam held in parallel with a similar event of Vietnamese culture in Laos from July 18 – 22, featuring photo exhibitions on the bilateral partnership and cultural and arts exchange events./.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong (second, left) has a meeting with Deputy Secretary General of the House of Representatives of Sumariydono (third, right). (Photo: the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia)- Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong recently paid courtesy visits to, and had working sessions with the country's chief of the presidential staff office Moeldoko, Deputy Secretary General of the House of Representatives of Sumariydono, and Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Sukarnoputri.During the meetings, the Vietnamese diplomat spoke highly of Indonesia's efforts in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his belief that Jakarta will successfully assume its presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) and the Chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2023.He highlighted the fruitful development s of bilateral relations in recent times, which has been further strengthened with regular visits and meetings between senior leaders of the two countries, and close coordination at international and regional forums.Ambassador Thong said despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two-way trade exceeded 10 billion USD in 2021, adding this will be a premise for the two countries to further promote their economic and trade cooperation in the coming time.He announced that Vietnam has resumed direct commercial flights to Bali and Jakarta, thereby creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese tourists to visit Indonesia.For their part, Indonesian officials said they hope the newly-appointed Vietnamese diplomat will be a bridge to help deepen the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia , contributing to promoting the development of each country, as well as for peace, stability and prosperity of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific./.

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery exports hit 27.88 billion USD in the first half of 2022, up 13.9% against the same period last year. Four largest export markets of Vietnam in the period included the US, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.