Vietnam enhances cooperation in science, technology, innovation
Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat (front, centre) attends the opening ceremony of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022 at the UNESCO headquaters in Paris on July 8. (Photo: VNA)– A delegation of the Ministry of Science and Technology paid a working visit to France and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva from July 7 to 14 to promote cooperation in science, technology and innovation.Minister Huynh Thanh Dat had a meeting with WIPO Director General Daren Tang on July 13 and addressed the 63rd series of meetings of the Assemblies of the WIPO Member States on July 14.At these events, Dat underlined that as a WIPO member, Vietnam is ready to join others in implementing the organisation’s common initiatives to support post-pandemic recovery, create favourable conditions for relevant parties in the intellectual property (IP) and innovation ecosystem, especially small and medium firms and startups, and encourage the engagement of women and the young.Vietnam will remain an active, proactive and responsible member of WIPO for the development of an inclusive, balanced, dynamic and future-oriented global IP ecosystem, thereby helping enrich humankind’s knowledge and culture and promote sustainable economic growth and development, he said.Appreciating WIPO’s assistance for Vietnam to effectively implement the cooperation projects and programmes on building the IP system’s capacity, he proposed the organisation continue helping the country carry out the national IP strategy and the revised IP Law; form and promote an IP culture in society; increase collaboration in IP training; and carry out the projects assisting businesses with innovation, technology transfer, IP development and protection so as to improve their resilience, adaptability, competitiveness and growth.On this occasion, the minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in implementing the national IP strategy between his ministry’s IP Office and WIPO . A cooperation deal between the IP offices of Vietnam and the UK was also extended.In France, Minister Dat had talks with the French Minister of Higher Education and Research and visited some agencies and organisations in the country’s national innovation system, including the National Centre for Space Studies, the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission in Grenoble, the Inovalée science park, and Airbus Defence and Space.The two sides agreed to seek an appropriate cooperation mechanism in the new context through upgrading the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation inked by the two Governments in 2007; set up more connection channels to boost academic exchanges through Vietnam’s return to the Hubert Curien programme of France; and open a new corridor for promoting technology cooperation and transfer between Vietnamese and French innovation firms.They agreed on some concrete activities to connect Inovalée of France with high-tech parks of Vietnam so as to facilitate investment in high technology. They also looked into the potential of and some measures for enhancing more substantive scientific and technological ties in some new areas like space, green technology and new energy, along with traditional fields such as biotechnology, health care and agriculture.While in France, Dat also attended the UNESCO-held opening ceremony of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022, and a high-level seminar on the role of science in policy making./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 15, 2022 09:35 UTC
Criminal cases drop, online frauds rise in HCM City
(Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) - The People’s Procuracy of Ho Chi Minh City detected and prosecuted 3,677 criminal cases in the first six months of this year, a decrease of 1,441 cases compared with the same period last year. However, the number of online frauds was up by 70 cases. The Investigative Police Divisions of HCM City’s districts and Thu Duc city have received and settled 1,236 violations related to the fraudulent appropriation of assets. Of the number, 122 cases were prosecuted with 85 defendants. The municipal People's Procuracy said in the coming time it will strengthen collaboration to fight emerging crimes and prevent wrongful verdicts./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 15, 2022 02:36 UTC
Laos, Thailand promote cooperation in border security
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath (R) meets Thai General Chalermphon Srisawasdi in Vientiane on July 12. (Photo: Vientianetimes.org.la)Vientiane(VNA) - Lao and Thai military forces plan to step up cooperation in border security, especially in the crackdown on drug trade and illegal immigration. Closer cooperation in border security topped the agenda during a visit to Laos this week by a delegation of the Royal Thai Armed Forces led by Chief of Defence Forces General Chalermphon Srisawasdi, according to the Vientiane Times,The visit aimed to bolster cooperation between the armies of Laos and Thailand, and in particular to increase security along the Laos-Thailand border through tighter controls on drug trafficking and the smuggling of goods. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath said that the visit strengthened cooperation between the two armies in suppressing illegal activities and other issues that have the potential to instigate unrest, the newspaper reported. The army chiefs also agreed to develop activities in agriculture and animal farming between the Lao and Thai armies, and at the same time carry out more visits to each other on the basis of mutual trust, it said./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 14, 2022 21:03 UTC
Vietnam leads SEA region in online shopping
Over the past two years, the number of online shoppers in Southeast Asia has increased significantly, reaching around 70 million people at present, Ninja Van Group said in its research report published recently. On average, the number of online purchases in the region is 66 orders per year, the report said, adding that there will be some 380 million online shoppers in Southeast Asia by 2026. For Vietnam, the figure is expected to exceed 51 million in 2022, up 13.5 percent over the previous year. The Vietnamese people love online shopping, and the country is leading the region in many indicators, the report noted./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 14, 2022 18:11 UTC
Work starts on house for preserving Vietnamese martyrs’ remains in Cambodia
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang (centre) and leaders of the Cambodian Royal Army and Military Region 5 of Vietnam mark the start of construction on July 13. (Photo: VNA)– Construction of a house for preserving remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who had laid down their lives during wartime in Cambodia started in the Cambodian province of Battambang on July 13.Addressing the construction launching ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang underlined the great sacrifice by Vietnam’s volunteer soldiers and experts in exchange for the freedom of Cambodia from the Pol Pot genocidal regime.To pay tribute to the fallen combatants, the Cambodian Royal Army and Military Region 5 of Vietnam used part of the campus of Battambang province’s military sub-region for building the facility, he said, appreciating the funding from the Vietnamese-invested Metfone Corporation and MB Bank branch in Cambodia.So far, the two countries’ armies have set up 11 teams for seeking and repatriating remains of Vietnam’s volunteer soldiers and experts.The remains should be preserved solemnly before being returned to the homeland, so the building of a house for commemoration and remains preservation not only reflects both sides’ gratitude to the martyrs ahead of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27) in Vietnam but is also a practical activity celebrating the 55th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties this year, according to the ambassador./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 14, 2022 15:11 UTC
Venezuela seminar talks Vietnam’s reform, path to socialism
Ambassador Le Viet Duyen speaks at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)Vietnam’s reform and its path towards socialism was spotlighted at a seminar held on July 13 at the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces (UNEFA) of Venezuela by the Vietnamese Embassy Speaking at the event, Ambassador Le Viet Duyen emphasised difficulties during Vietnam’s 35-year "Doi moi" (Reform) and socialism building as the country emerged from a backward, agriculture-driven economy, with severe war consequences. Vietnam has learnt from international experience to build a socialist-oriented market economy, he said, stressing that the country is now able to ensure food security and becomes a world leading exporter of rice and other agricultural products.Notably, industry and services account for up to 85% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), he continued.Vietnam is now the fourth biggest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 40th worldwide. It is expected to rank among the 20 largest economies by 2035.The ambassador affirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multlateralisation and diversification of relations, and actively and proactively integrating into the world.Duyen expressed his hope that Venezuelan people will soon overcome all difficulties and challenges, and build a country of peace, development, happiness and prosperity.The diplomat said he believed that the Vietnam-Venezuela friendship and comprehensive cooperation will grow further, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.In his remarks, UNEFA Rector Sen. Lt. Gen. Pascualino Angiolillo noted his admiration for Vietnam’s path towards socialism, as well as its reform achievements.UNEFA will study Vietnam’s shared lessons to include them in the curricular of its “Vietnamese nation and culture in Ho Chi Minh era” faculty, he said./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 14, 2022 09:17 UTC
Prime Minister receives newly-appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam
At the meeting, PM Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, and strongly supporting multilateral cooperation and the UN’s central role in maintaining peace and promoting development cooperation in the world.He stressed the need to respect the UN Charter and international law, especially the rules on respecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peacefully settling international disputes.Given great challenges facing the world, there should be global approaches to global issues, he said, adding that it is necessary to strengthen international solidarity and multilateralism, take people at the centre in handling common challenges and not to trade social welfare and security or the environment for economic development only.The PM used this occasion to thank the UN for its support to Vietnam in its long journey of national reconstruction, reform and international integration over the past 45 years, by providing the country with financial and technical assistance, and policy consultancy, which, he said, have brought in practical outcomes.Notably, during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has received great, timely and effective support in terms of vaccines and medical equipment through UN mechanisms, he continued.For its part, Vietnam has made significant contributions to UN activities, including its successful assumption of non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, and dispatch of personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.PM Chinh called for more support from the UN in the time ahead, particularly in the achievement of sustainable development goals, post-pandemic recovery, social welfare and the fulfillment of Vietnam ’s climate change commitments.The Vietnamese Government will work to promote cooperation with the UN and create the best possible conditions for UN organisations to effectively roll out cooperation programmes and projects in the country, he pledged.In reply, Tamesis praised Vietnam as a model for its dynamism and active contributions to the international community, as well as for cooperation between the UN and a developing nation.She also congratulated Vietnam on achievements the country has recorded in the pandemic fight and economic recovery with the spirit of leaving none left behind.Vietnam has paid attention to consolidating its medical and social welfare systems, which is significant to intensifying its self-resilience amid global challenges in the future, she noted.This year marks the 45th year of cooperation between the UN and Vietnam, and it is also the first year to implement the Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation between the two sides for 2022-2026, Tamesis said.She pledged to make efforts to coordinate UN organisations in order to help Vietnam in sustainable socio-economic development, post-pandemic recovery and the implementation of focal cooperation contents between the UN and Vietnam./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 14, 2022 03:12 UTC
Vietnam, Laos enhance collaboration in construction
Construction Minister Nguyen Thanh Nghi (R) and Lao Minister of of Public Works and Transport Viengsavath Siphandone (Photo: VNA)– The Vietnam ese Ministry of Construction and the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on construction in Hanoi on July 13.The document is expected to create a framework for specific, substantive and effective cooperation activities between the two ministries, with a focus on urban planning, smart urban development, infrastructure and housing. Construction Minister Nguyen Thanh Nghi said that visits by senior leaders of the two States in general and the two ministries in particular have contributed to improving the Vietnam- Laos cooperation, especially in the construction field.He said that both sides pay attention to exchanging and sharing experience in policy making related to the management of construction projects, contracts, costs and work quality.The minister expressed his hope that the Lao ministry will continue helping Vietnamese construction businesses in the country.Lao Minister Viengsavath Siphandone said he hopes the Vietnamese ministry will share experience in urban planning and smart urban development with the Lao side and help it develop high-quality human resources.He proposed the two sides jointly survey and research the development of residential areas along the Truong Son mountain range - the natural borderline between the two countries - to attract investment, develop tourism, and improve the quality of life of local residents./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 13, 2022 21:09 UTC
Investing in processing needed to increase farm produce value
Pineapple processed at An Giang Fruit-Vegetables & Foodstuff Joint Stock Company. (Photo: VNA)- Investing in processing technology is important to diversify products and increase farm produce's added value and promote exports, experts have said.According to Ngo Quang Tu from the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, there are 157 processing facilities with a total output of nearly 1.1 million tonnes per year.However, these facilities usually operate at around 60% of their designed capacity due to a shortage of raw materials as plantations remained scattered, coupled with seasonal processing and unstable food safety and quality.There were also thousands of small-and-micro-sized processing establishments of cooperatives and households across the country, which were faced with a shortage of capital, production space, lack of equipment and poor post-harvest storage, resulting in post-harvest losses of more than 20%.Regarding the proportion of processed products, canned food accounted for 50%, condensed juice 18%, fried food 12%, soft drinks 10% and frozen 8%.Processed products contributed only 18% of the total export value of vegetables and fruit.Tu said it was necessary to reorganise raw material production and enhance regional linkage to ensure enough supply and quality of raw materials for processing.While most processing facilities were small-scale, Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology, stressed the need for developing modern processing technologies suitable for small-and-medium-scale operations.Products suitable for small and medium scales were fresh, dried, frozen and canned vegetables and fruits.Tuan said that small and medium-sized processing facilities should invest more in technology to meet the demand for diversifying products.However, they must pay attention to selecting appropriate technologies for their operation scales, source of materials and target markets.Tran Van Cong, Vietnam's Agricultural Counselor in the EU, said that the EU was a significant and potential export market for Vietnam's agricultural products, in which fruits and vegetables had the largest room to expand.He said EU markets imported vegetables and fruits worth around 120 billion USD each year, accounting for 40% of the total global import and export value of fruits and vegetables.However, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export to the EU remained modest, around 190 million USD, 30% of which were processed.Cong noted that the EU was a highly demanding market, urging attention to food hygiene and safety.Updating on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point, said that WTO member countries had 504 notifications in the first half of this year, 9% higher than last year.Nam said that businesses must control the maximum residue levels, urging attention to declaring additives in processing.Phan Thi Thu Hien from the Plant Protection Department said each market had specific requirements for different agricultural products. For example, the US required fresh fruits to be irradiated, while the Republic of Korea and Japan required hot stream treatment.Cooperatives and farmers needed to coordinate with State management agencies to closely monitor the plantation and processing to meet such requirements./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 13, 2022 09:45 UTC
CPTPP prompts Vietnam’s aquatic exports to Japan
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)– Vietnam is eying great opportunities in exporting aquatic products to the Japanese market thanks to the high level of openness of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), according to insiders.Nguyen Manh Dong, Third Secretary of the Vietnam Trade Office in Japan , said that apart from the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement ( VJEPA ), the two countries have also joined other trade deals such as the CPTPP and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which brings more chances for Vietnamese aquatic products in this market.Japan’s commitments in the CPTPP for aquatic products is high, including the exemption of 65% of the total tax lines and cutting the remaining in a roadmap of 6-16 years, he added.The CPTPP allows Vietnam to import materials from 11 member countries to export to Japan with secured tax preferences, he added, holding that the deal brings great advantages for Vietnamese aquatic products in Japan in both origin and tax.Currently, Japan is the third largest market of the Vietnamese aquatic sector, with export revenue reaching 638.91 million USD in the first five months of this year, up 15.7 percent year on year, accounting for 13.6 percent of the total export revenue of the whole sector.However, the Vietnam Trade Office representative reminded exporters to strictly follow food safety regulations when exporting aquatic products to this choosy market to protect their interest and good image of Vietnamese fisheries sector.He also advised domestic firms to try to keep their products’ price stable to win confidence from sensitive Japanese consumers./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 13, 2022 04:54 UTC
Vietnam, US step up cooperation after COVID-19
The US also suggested the two sides take further steps to enhance their relations, prioritising cooperation in economy, trade, national defence-security, and healthcare. The US has remained Vietnam’s biggest buyer, while Vietnam is the ninth biggest trade partner of the US. During her recent visit to Vietnam, Sherman announced the US’s additional funding of 19 million USD for bomb and mine clearance in Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam has six US-invested educational institutions in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Binh Duong. The US has to date donated nearly 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam, of which nearly 39 million doses came via the COVAX Facility.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 13, 2022 01:15 UTC
PM underlines need to optimise resources from SOEs
As of the end of 2021, 18 out of 61 SOEs, or 29.5%, had completed equitisation (Photo: VNA)– It is necessary to promote the leading role of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in forming and expanding production, supply and value chains, stated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a working session with the Party Committee of the Central Enterprises Bloc (CEB) in Hanoi on July 12.The PM described the SOEs as an important material force of the economy, and hailed the strong performance of the businesses, especially during COVID-19 period.He affirmed that the Party Organisation of the CEB is the key force of the SOEs in their restructuring, especialy in optimising their resources at 9.93 quadrillion VND (424.63 billion USD).Pointing to a number of current shortcomings of SOEs, PM Chinh asked the Party Committee of the CEB to continue to renovate Party leadership and principles while speeding up the restructuring, reshuffling and renovation of SOEs to develop the firms and enhance their efficiency, with an aim to basically finish the reorganising and ownership switching of SOEs in 2025, along with the settling of stagnant projects of State-owned economic groups, corporations and enterprises.Along with completing institution and policies to deal with difficulties in SOE restructuring and managing the State capital at enterprises, it is crucial to strengthen the coordination and cooperation among SOEs and between them and their peers from other economic sectors, he said.Underlining the significance of enhancing the efficiency of SOEs, the leader pointed to the need to complete the governance system and the improvement of capacity of management officials, as well as the prevention of law violations and interest conflicts.At the same time, it is necessary to optimise resources in capital, land, trademark, tradition and history of the enterprises, while closely managing State capital and property in line with the law, he said.The PM also stressed the significance of strengthening decentralisation and delegation of power. He expressed his hope that the Party Committee of the CEB will work closely with the Government in completing these targets, tasks and solutions, thus making full use of resources from SOEs to match their potential.As of the end of 2021, the Party Organisation of the CEB had 1,148 local Party Organisations, 5,742 cells and 87,585 members. The bloc comprises nine economic groups, 20 corporations, six banks, one State-run financial institution and total of 930 affiliated enterprises./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 12, 2022 20:54 UTC
Vietnam's wood exports decrease as inflation increases
Vietnam's export value of timber and wood products in June fell by 4.9% annually to 1.5 billion USD. (Photo: congthuong.vn)- Vietnam's exports of timber and wood products have decreased due to the impact of high inflation in the export market, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam's export value of timber and wood products in June fell by 4.9% on-year to 1.5 billion USD. Timber exports in June were estimated at more than 1.03 billion USD, down 18.1%.In the first six months, the export value of timber and wood products surged by 2.8% on-year to 8.5 billion USD. But the export value of wood products plunged by 4.6% on-year to 6 billion USD.Wooden furniture was the key export item in the structure of export timber and wood products in the first five months of this year. However, the export growth rate has been lower than the figures in the previous years.This year's timber and wood product export turnover growth is forecasted only to reach 5-7%.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 12, 2022 16:43 UTC
☀️ Morning digest on July 12
Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency. - Vietnam always attaches importance to its traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with Argentina, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said. Read full story- The European Union (EU) wants to import tropical agricultural products from Vietnam, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski told Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh in Hanoi on July 11. Of which, the State Treasury raised over 15.27 trillion VND, while the rest by the Bank for Social Policies. Miss Tourism Vietnam 2008 Phan Thi Ngoc Diem (Photo courtesy of the organisers)The contest was first organised in 2008 when the crown went to Phan Thi Ngoc Diem./.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 12, 2022 02:17 UTC
Vietnam, Argentina seek ways to foster comprehensive partnership
Politics Top legislator pledges to facilitate Phu Tho’s socio-economic development National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has pledged to create conditions for the northern midland province of Phu Tho to turn its Viet Tri city, the land associated with Hung Kings – legendary founders of the nation – into a festive city. Politics Parliaments of Vietnam, Laos exchange professional experience The Vietnamese National Assembly and its Lao counterpart exchanged professional experience during a seminar in Hanoi on July 12. Politics President meets supreme court to discuss law-governed state building strategy President Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a meeting with the Party delegation to the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) in Hanoi on July 12 to discuss a strategy for building and completing a law-governed socialist State of Vietnam by 2030, with a vision to 2045. Politics Vietnam, US step up cooperation after COVID-19 Vietnam and the US have resumed meetings and delegation exchanges, and made efforts to increase bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (July 12) and after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Source:Viet Nam News
July 12, 2022 01:25 UTC