They account for only 16 percent of the entire logistics industry. Huong said it needed to develop more 3PL and 4PL businesses to push the domestic logistics industry.Another participant suggested that it was necessary to promote technology application in the domestic logistics industry to improve efficiency and optimise productivity, to save costs for logistics businesses. Exported goods still face congestion at border gates and seaports, especially from the end of 2021.In logistics services, although there has been a strong development recorded, the logistics industry still has many limitations. One of them is that logistics enterprises have not yet developed up to the potential of the industry.According to data from the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, currently, 90 percent of logistics enterprises operating are Vietnamese enterprises. He said that the positive result was thanks to the contribution of the logistics service.“During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite many difficulties, Vietnamese logistics enterprises have adapted and maintained their supply chains.

Vietnam urged to expand social insurance coverage, limit lump-sum claimsExperts have recommended Vietnam work to expand the coverage of social insurance and limit the number of people claiming lump-sum payments. 28-NQ/TW on reforming the social insurance policy so as to turn social insurance into a truly main pillar of the country’s social security system and gradually expand its coverage towards universal social insurance coverage. If the Social Insurance Law expands the groups subject to compulsory social insurance to all salary earners (the public sector, private companies, and business households), the number of participants in social insurance will also grow. Vietnam urged to expand social insurance coverage, limit lump-sum claimsExperts have recommended Vietnam work to expand the coverage of social insurance and limit the number of people claiming lump-sum payments. If the Social Insurance Law expands the groups subject to compulsory social insurance to all salary earners (the public sector, private companies, and business households), the number of participants in social insurance will also grow.

- Australia has been a long-term partner of Vietnam in the Mekong Delta , affirmed Australian Ambassador Robyn Mudie during a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).The ambassador expressed her delight to be back to the Mekong Delta, following her visit in December 2020, saying it’s a wonderful opportunity for her to reconnect with the people and the environment in the region, and to see some of the chances that have been taking place in the past year.She noted that Australia has invested 650 million AUD in projects in the region since 2000 like Cao Lanh and My Thuan bridges, along with others in agriculture and climate change adaptation.“At the moment, we are focusing on projects which look at maintaining productivity and environmental resilience because we know that this is vital to the Mekong Delta’s ability to adapt to a changing climate, and to preserve food security, sustainability and development in the future,” the diplomat said.She added that Australia has a number of interesting projects underway, including one connecting aquaculture farmers to enhance productivity and profitability, helping them maximise productivity.Another is in the Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province, she said, further explaining that it is informed by the AI and high technology solutions, which are geared to supporting sustainable environmental management in the park.The ambassador also highlighted the Mekong-Australia Partnership, worth 232 million AUD over four years across all Mekong countries, and support through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which has been focusing on the Mekong Delta for almost 30 years, and collectively invested 23 million AUD in 20 collaboration projects.

Vietnam's electronic tax service portal designated for non-resident digital traders and service providers. (Photo: VNA)There are still non-resident traders and service providers who are yet to register, file and pay taxes for doing business on digital platforms in Vietnam, according to the General Department of Taxation (GDT)’s Large Taxpayers Department.The statement was made after the GDT sent a notice to remind them of the deadline for tax registration, filing and payment on April 28.The department said it issued tax codes for a number of the non-resident digital businesses who had then fulfilled tax obligations via an electronic portal ( https://etaxvn.gdt.gov.vn ) designated for them, while some failed to do the same.The due date for completing tax registration, filing and payment for the first quarter of this year is April 30, the department noted.Those missing the deadline will have their names publicised on the GDT’s official website and media outlets.Under Vietnam’s regulations, non-resident trade and service providers operating on digital platforms are obliged to directly register, file and pay taxes in Vietnam. They can also authorise an agent to do so on their behalf./.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue addresses the meeting with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee on April 29. (Photo: VNA)– Tra Vinh should take agriculture as a development focus as agricultural workers and rural residents still account for the majority of the local population, said National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.Hue made the suggestion at a meeting with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee on April 29 as part of his working visit to the Mekong Delta province.Tra Vinh needs to change the mindset from agricultural production to agriculural economy, develop agriculture in association with industry and services, and attach importance to collective and cooperative economy to reduce input costs and increase output value, thus improving people's living standards, he noted.The province is home to three biological zones - saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater, which are also natural resources, so it needs to adapt to climate change, according to the top legislator.The NA leader highlighted the province’s efforts to put important transport links, the Duyen Hai 2 thermal power plant, and five wind power projects into operation. He also spoke highly of its performance in caring for people’s health, ensuring social security, promoting the Party and political, and improving the business climate.At the working session, Hue requested efforts to combine economic growth with cultural and social development, voicing his support for Tra Vinh’s goal of becoming a renewable energy centre of the Mekong Delta and an example for economic zones in the region.The chairman also called for the continued implementation of policies aimed to assist revolutionary stalwarts, people with disadvantages, and ethnic minority and religious communities.He asked Tra Vinh to continue supporting elected agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and socio-political organisations based on people’s need to build and rectify the Party and political system.At the meeting, local officials reported that having been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change last year, Tra Vinh’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) contracted 3.92 percent, while industrial production value fell 9.7 percent year on year. However, it has started to recover in the first quarter of 2022.Also on April 29, the NA leader visited the province’s General Hospital, along with a Heroic Vietnamese Mother and a veteran revolutionary in Tra Vinh city./.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang , Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (Photo: VNA)Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations , has called on the international community to enhance solidarity and cooperation to ensure financing for development.In his remarks at the 2022 Financing for Development Forum that concluded on April 28, the ambassador noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the global economy to slow down and also a financial crunch that makes it hard for many countries to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).Given this, countries should consolidate financial institution frameworks to facilitate national budget restructuring as well as the development of financial and tax markets towards modernity, transparency and sustainability, the diplomat said.Along with stepping up the implementation of strategies and policies on infrastructure, green growth, and socio-economic-cultural development, they need to work to raise their administration capacity, invest in high-quality human resources, protect the environment, and respond to climate change, Giang said.

Vietnam always treasures and gives the highest priority to its special relationship with Laos, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said while receiving Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou in Hanoi on April 28.The Party leader said Pany Yathotou’s visit demonstrates the special, close and trustworthy relationship between Vietnam and Laos.Congratulating Laos on achievements it has recorded during the one-year implementation of the resolution adopted at the 11th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), General Secretary Trong noted his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP, the Lao people will gain new, greater successes in reform and national defence and development.The Party chief expressed his delight at the progress of the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in different fields, which has significantly contributed to national construction and defence in each nation.He underlined the importance of continuously consolidating and enhancing the relationship to stability and development in each country, as well as peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.General Secretary Trong suggested the two sides actively and proactively implement cooperation agreements reached by leaders of the two Parties and countries, including those on deepening their political ties.They should closely coordinate to organise activities marking the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and 45 years of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, he said.For her part, Pany Yathotou congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, saying during the ongoing visit, she has seen Vietnam’s development across spheres despite the COVID-19 pandemic.The Vice President expressed her hope that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by General Secretary Trong, the Vietnamese people will reap new, greater achievements in reform and successfully implement the targets set at the 13th National Party Congress.She noted with pleasures the intensive and extensive development of the Vietnam- Laos special solidarity in all areas, and thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their great support.Laos will continue to work with Vietnam to preserve, nurture, boost and transfer to younger generations the special solidarity, she pledged./.

byElizabeth Freund Larus, Professor Emerita of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, offered commentary on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Vietnam News. Dr. Larus claimed that Ukraine and Russia are locked in a war of attrition and that the war is going to last months or perhaps years. Dr. Larus indicated that supplying Ukraine with NATO arms will help Ukraine fight against Russia but will not lead to a decisive victory, and that it will be difficult for Ukraine, even with NATO arms, to undo the success that Russia has had in taking Mariupol and other areas in the east. Her comments begin at 13 minutes into the program.

Politics Vietnam, Oman sign agreement on visa exemption Vietnam and Oman have sealed an agreement on visa exemption for bearers of diplomatic, special and official passports. Politics Japan considers Vietnam extensive strategic partner: Official Vietnam is an extensive strategic partner which shares strategic interests with Japan, said a Japanese Government official ahead of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s official visit to Vietnam. Politics Vietnam always gives highest priority to relations with Laos: Party chief Vietnam always treasures and gives the highest priority to its special relationship with Laos, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said while receiving Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou in Hanoi on April 28. Politics PM suggests Soc Trang shift towards agriculture-based economic development Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that Soc Trang shift from agricultural production to agriculture-based economic development, at a working session with officials of the Mekong Delta province as part of his trip to the locality on April 28.

The food map (Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) – A national record has been set for the creation of the first food map of Vietnam made from typical dishes of all the 63 localities across the country. The record was announced during a ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27, together with an award ceremony for ‘The Future Chef 2022’ contest. The 20-metre map was created with dishes prepared by 50 contestants of the competition’s various editions and chefs in all regions of Vietnam. The Future Chef competition was held annually over the past decade. Groups from the Central Highlands and the north-eastern coastal region bagged the second and third ones, respectively./.

An overview of the meeting (Photo: qdnd.com.vn)– Minister of Public Security General To Lam met with Gunnar Wiegand , Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service ( EEAS ), in Hanoi on April 28, asking for further support from the EU in cyber security protection.Lam highlighted the strong growth of the EU-Vietnam partnership across all fields, especially since the two sides set up their bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2016 and put the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) into use last August.The deal has turned Vietnam into the EU’s leading trade partner among the ASEAN countries and one of the Asian countries that the EU has shared partnership with in all fields, including security and law enforcement, he noted.The minister highlighted that in the field of cyber security, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the EU have enjoyed close collaboration with the regular organisation of conferences, training, online meetings, consultations and the exchange of expertise.He underlined that the ministry recognises and highly values the support and positive cooperation, dialogue and experience sharing from the EU in building and implementing laws related to cyber security.Lam said that during the building of the Law on Cyber Security and related decrees, Vietnam has received consultations and experience sharing from the EU in protection of personal data, he added.The official proposed that in the time to come, the EU will continue to share its experience with Vietnam in ensuring cyber security for major information infrastructure works as well as managing trans-border data and protecting data in important sectors, while increasing discussions and engagement in building and completing national legal framework regarding cyber security, national sovereignty in cyber space and cyber war, as well as introducing and transferring technologies, equipment, supporting tools for cyber security protection, and cyber and high-tech criminal prevention and combat.Regarding the EU-initiated Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) programme, Lam underlined that the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security highly values the outcomes of the EU-funded projects within the framework of the programme in the 2014-2020 period, adding the projects have made positive contributions to the economic development in Vietnam, making the Vietnam-EU comparative partnership deeper and more practical.He suggested that the EU increase cooperation with Vietnam within the ESIWA Programme, especially in cyber security, maritime security, anti-terrorism and crisis management, and proposed the organisation of detail discussions to sketch out specific activities to meet the demands of all sides.For his part, Wiegand said that the growing ties between the EU and Vietnam has not limited in economy, trade and investment but expanded to strategic areas of politics, diplomacy and security.The official affirmed that he will continue to work hard to reinforce and further lift up the EU-Vietnam partnership./.

Ho Chi Minh City hosts Visegrad Jazz Quartet concertThe Consulate Generals of countries which make up the Visegrad group (V4 - Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic) hosted a V4 Jazz Quartet concert in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27 to mark the Hungarian Presidency of the group. Alongside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the two cities witnessed a drastic rise of 75% in terms of searches. Born in Ho Chi Minh City, she first rose to prominence by winning the first runner-up title at the Miss Vietnam 2020 pageant and will therefore represent the country at the 2021 Miss International pageant. With the upcoming arrival of the two trains, the metro line No.1 in Ho Chi Minh City will have a total of 17 trains manufactured in Japan. 34-36-42 Chu Manh Trinh street in Ho Chi Minh City; and a gambling case in An Giang province.

Huỳnh Văn Tí, former Party Central Committee member and former Secretary of the Binh Thuận provincial Party Committee in 2005-2010 and 2010-2015 tenures, was reprimanded. Attending the ceremony were members of the HCMC Party Executive Committee, including Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Head of the Organization Commission of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Mr. Duong Ngoc Hai, Chairman of the Inspection Commission of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Mr. Huynh Khac Diep, Chief of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Office. 4 has been transferred from the Vietnam Military Medical University to the Vietnam Department for Peacekeeping Operations. HCM City helicopter tours fully bookedIn an attempt to offer a new experience to visitors in Ho Chi Minh City, the “Contemplate Ho Chi Minh City from above” tour by helicopter has been introduced, and is already fully booked for the upcoming holidays. Sketches featuring Southern Resistance War on showAn exhibition themed "Sketches of the Southern Resistance War" opened at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum on April 26.

Bio-methane project scheme in Indonesia (Photo: https://www.jgc.com/)Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian state energy company Pertamina will cooperate with engineering giant JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) of Japan to turn methane generated in palm oil production into a biofuel. JGC, Osaka Gas Co., Ltd, and Inpex Corporation of Japan, and Pertamina on April 25 agreed to jointly study the project’s feasibility. Wastewater from palm oil mills in Sumatra and Kalimantan islands of Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest producers of palm oil, will be fermented and purified to produce biomethane - a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Wastewater from palm oil mills in Indonesia is often temporarily stored in outdoor lagoons. This project will not only serve as a source of renewable energy, but also help reduce the immediate release of methane into the atmosphere./.

– Singapore’s national pencak silat fighter Iqbal Abdul Rahman aims for a gold medal at the upcoming 31st SEA Games in Vietnam from May 12-23.Iqbal's men's artistic single event is among the first medal events scheduled to take place on the eve of the Games' official opening ceremony, so he could be in contention for Singapore's first gold in Hanoi.He said it would mean a lot if he could grab that first gold for pencak silat and it would be amazing if he is also able to be the first gold for Singapore. “I'm looking forward to going in and aiming to be the first to win. "Iqbal Abdul Rahman is a world champion and four-time Asian Championships gold medallist. But the 28-year-old player has yet to get a SEA Games triumph in five attempts.A silver medal at the last edition of the SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019 is Iqbal's best showing. He also won a bronze medal in 2015.