Vietnam contributes to building foundation for Asia’s future: ambassador
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam (Photo: VNA)– Vietnam’s attendance at the 27th International Conference on the Future of Asia (FOA) demonstrates the country as a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community.The statement was made by Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Tokyo ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh’s trip to Japan from May 25-28 to attend the conference and pay a working visit to the northeastern country.Initiated in 1995, FOA is one of the most prestigious annual forums in Asia, hosted by Nikkei Group of Japan, capturing the attention of many senior leaders, politicians, scholars and businesses from Asian countries, as well as representatives of major economic groups globally.The Deputy PM’s attendance reflects not only Vietnam’s interest in the conference, but also the importance of FOA in the country’s foreign policy, the ambassador said.Through the event, Vietnam wants to spread the message that the country stands ready to join hands with countries to seek solutions to global urgent challenges and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large, he continued.While in Japan, Minh will hold meetings with leaders of Japan’s Government, National Diet, ministries, localities and agencies, during which they will compare notes on measures to materialise commitments made by the two countries’ senior leaders, thus bringing the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership to a new period.According to the ambassador, Vietnam first joined FOA in 2009. Since then, the country has dispatched high-ranking delegations to the event 13 times.Vietnam’s active participation at FOA has been commended by other delegates and Japan, he said, noting that Vietnam has contributed to the conference’s contents with its assessments and views on the regional and global situation, analysis of opportunities and urgent challenges, and initiatives to deal with the problems.Vietnamese Government and State leaders also affirmed Vietnam’s commitments to joining efforts in building a world of peace, prosperity and sustainable development, and promoting dialogue and cooperation.At FOA 2022, Deputy PM Minh will deliver a speech, the diplomat said, expressing his belief that Minh will raise proposals to promote Asia’s position and role for a better world.Asked about FOA 2022’s theme of “Redefining Asia's role in a divided world”, Nam said it is likely to receive widespread attention, stressing that Asian countries have been aware of the region’s strategic importance and the need to take actions and stay united to reconstruct Asia post pandemic and cope with new challenges, both continentally and globally.Regarding Vietnam’s contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world as well, the ambassador reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of addressing disputes and differences by peaceful measures in line with international law and the UN Charter.Vietnam has also played a role in multilateral mechanisms, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, among other regional and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms.Along with other ASEAN member countries, Vietnam is working hard to carry forward the bloc’s centrality in maintaining peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Asia as well as Asia-Pacific.Vietnam always affirms its clear, consistent stance of supporting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures, through diplomatic and legal processes, not using or threatening to use force, in accordance with the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and order in the East Sea in line with international law.Notably, Vietnam has actively engaged in multilateral mechanisms like the UN Security Council, and made active and responsible contributions to common matters, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.The ambassador also highlighted the country’s engagement in UN peacekeeping since 2014, and its contributions to international efforts in dealing with global challenges and humanitarian activities.During the COVID-19 combat last year, Vietnam contributed 1 million USD to the COVAX Facility, he said, adding that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has also announced humanitarian aid worth 500,000 USD to Ukraine through international organisations.Vietnam is making efforts, together with the international community, to ensure peace, stability, prosperity and development of each nation, the continent and the world at large, Nam affirmed./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 18:17 UTC
Embassy holds Vietnam-Romania friendship concert in Bucharest
At the concert (Photo: VNA)The Vietnamese Embassy in Romania and the National University of Music Bucharest hosted a concert highlighting the Vietnam-Romania friendship and attracting more than 150 guests, including 30 foreign diplomats.The 60-minute show was staged by Vietnamese students and postgraduates who are studying music in Romania. It treated the audience to unique folk melodies of both nations as well as performances with international features.Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Romania Dang Tran Phong highlighted the two countries’ sound traditional cooperation, particularly in culture and education.He took the occasion to thank the Romanian Government for its assistance in training Vietnamese students and postgraduates over the years.In a letter to the embassy after attending the concert, Constantin Neacsu, a Romanian doctor of law, wrote the event was an excellent idea, bringing about many emotions to the audience. He said that although he had heard a lot about Vietnam, the concert really helped him realise why the nation is so special./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 10:03 UTC
Vietnam Dairy 2022 to be held in Hanoi
At the press conference to introduce Vietnam Dairy 2022. (Photo: VNA)- The third Vietnam International Milk and Dairy Products Exhibition ( Vietnam Dairy 2022 ) will take place at Hanoi International Exhibition Centre from May 31 to June 4, the event's organisers have announced.Co-organised by the Vietnam Dairy Association (VDA) and Vietnam Advertisement and Fair Exhibition JSC (VIETFAIR), the upcoming exhibition will have 200 booths from 150 domestic and foreign exhibitors. Powdered milk production volume also saw positive growth of 14.5 percent year-on-year to 150,000 tonnes, congthuong.vn reported.In 2021, the sector had a turnover of nearly 300 million USD. Among its export outlets last year, Iraq was the largest one, accounting for over 50 percent of the sector's total export value. "The dairy industry is making efforts to contribute to the recovery of the local economy after the pandemic.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 09:37 UTC
VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MAY 25
Ltd., has been authorised by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) for the domestic treatment of COVID-19. This is the fourth Molnupiravir-based drug produced in Vietnam to be authorised for use in the country. This is the fourth time Vietnam has taken part in the contest. Vietnam co-organises debate on water source protection in armed conflictsThe Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations co-organised an online debate on May 24 that highlighted the importance of protecting water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts. In April 2021, when Vietnam held the presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the council adopted Resolution 2573 on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including water supply systems.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 05:07 UTC
Vietnam co-organises debate on water source protection in armed conflicts
Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang (first, left) at the online debate on May 24. (Photo: VNA)– The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations co-organised an online debate on May 24 that highlighted the importance of protecting water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts.The debate, held in coordination with the Swiss, Senegalese and Slovenian missions, UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Peace Organisation (PAX), was part of the UN’s Protection of Civilians Week 2022.Addressing the event, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang , Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, affirmed the country’s viewpoint that water security is a foundation of peace, stability and development for every country and community.He expressed Vietnam’s concern about the humanitarian impacts and difficulties caused by the destruction of water sources and water supply infrastructure in armed conflicts in many places around the world, including Africa and the Middle East, that have made many people homeless and triggered migration and public health crises.In April 2021, when Vietnam held the presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the council adopted Resolution 2573 on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including water supply systems.This resolution was co-sponsored by 64 UN member states, including all the 15 UNSC members, thereby affirming the UNSC’s strong commitment to protecting civilians and promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, Giang noted.The diplomat appealed to all parties concerned to improve awareness and promote the implementation of obligations under international humanitarian law. He also recommended the UNSC work out more concrete solutions to challenges posed by water security loss.At the debate, participants shared the concern over serious consequences of the destruction or contamination of water sources in armed conflicts, along with this issue’s adverse impacts on the living environment and life of civilians, including vulnerable groups like women and children. This problem has been reported in many conflict-affected areas around the world, from the Middle East to North Africa.Representatives of many countries and organisations also highly valued the UNSC’s Resolution 2573, calling for enhanced observance of related obligations under international humanitarian law and for the UNSC’s further engagement in this issue./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 05:02 UTC
VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MAY 24
Vietnam, China exchange experience in trade union activitiesThe Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) on May 24 shared their operational experience and agreed to step up their exchanges. Hanoi greets nearly 31,500 foreign tourists during SEA Games 31Hanoi welcomed 700,000 domestic tourists and 31,448 foreigners who visited or participated in events of the recently concluded SEA Games 31, the municipal Department of Tourism announced on May 24. More than half of the list are key players of the squad winning the goal medal at the freshly ended SEA Games 31 hosted by Vietnam. According to Ramon Fernandez, head of the Philippine sports delegation to SEA Games 31, Vietnam has helped raise the level of SEA Games by including Olympic sports in the regional event. This is the best way for tourists to admire the beautiful sights of Ho Chi Minh City by night.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 25, 2022 04:14 UTC
Solutions sought to help Vietnam's aviation industry take off
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Vietnam’s aviation industry needs to improve to keep up with the global market as flights resume following the pandemic, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan said on May 24.He made the remark at an international seminar titled “Vietnam aviation in a post-pandemic world” organised by Tap chi Cong San (Communist Review) and the Ministry of Transport.There were 42 million international visitors out of 116 million air passengers in Vietnam in 2019, before the pandemic broke out. About half of them came to Vietnam to invest and seek business opportunities.The volume of goods shipped by air reached 1.5 million tonnes in 2019, which was rather low compared to other modes of transport but accounted for 25 percent of the value of exported goods.With a growth rate of over 15 percent per year in the 2010-2019 period, Vietnam's aviation market is considered to be the fifth fastest-growing market in the world and the fastest in Southeast Asia.Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry was severely affected in 2020 and 2021 as domestic airlines stopped international flights, which account for an average of 60 percent of their capacity, while the domestic market has also suffered a serious decline.Nawal Taneja, a senior adviser, said Vietnam can consider enhancing investment in human resource development, and upgrading infrastructure to increase productivity.He also suggested expanding the national airline’s network and flight frequency as well as promoting trade exchange with strategic partners.Professor Tran Tho Dat from the National Economics University emphasised that it is necessary for the State Bank of Vietnam to accelerate credit support for businesses to allow the aviation industry to recover.He also mentioned the need to consider reducing expenditure to lessen the negative impacts of rising petrol prices through the adjustment of the import tax on fuel, and removing the ceiling cap on air ticket, among others.Participants at the seminar recommended continuing to invest in building, expanding and harmonising aviation industry and systems infrastructure.The application of advanced science and technology in the state management of the aviation sector should be strengthened along with building a strategy to train and develop human resources for the industry, they said./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 24, 2022 17:19 UTC
Government urged to complete Ho Chi Minh Road project by 2025
A section of Ho Chi Minh Road in Binh Phuoc province (Photo: VNA)– About 86.1 percent of the Ho Chi Minh Road project has been completed, and the Government is working on the remaining sections so as to finish the entire project by 2025, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said on May 24.Reporting on the project implementation to the National Assembly (NA), he said under a resolution of the NA, this project, stretching 2,744km in total from Pac Bo in northern Cao Bang province to Dat Mui in the southernmost province of Ca Mau, should have had at least two lanes and been completed by 2020.So far, 2,362km of the road, equivalent to 86.1 percent, along with about 258km of access roads, has been completed. About 211km is current under construction while capital hasn’t been allocated for building the remaining 171km.The said as the project holds great significance in terms of politics, economy, defence - security, and poverty reduction, it has received great attention from the Party and State.It was carried out basically on schedule during 2000 - 2011. However, only few sub-projects were implemented between 2011 and 2015 due to impacts of the global economic crisis. Besides, since the size of the economy remained modest and resources limited, there wasn’t enough funding for the project to be completed by the end of 2020 as targeted by the parliament, according to the minister.He submitted the Government’s proposal for continued investment in the uncompleted sections during 2021 - 2025, and about 634km of Ho Chi Minh Road to be upgraded into expressways after that depending on demand, effectiveness, and financial capacity.Delivering a verification report, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy pointed out that only 8 percent of the total workload was carried out during 2017 - 2021, and the unfinished sub-projects were already two years behind schedule.The committee requests the Government arrange appropriate fundings and be determined to complete the remaining sub-projects during 2022 - 2025, he added./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 24, 2022 14:50 UTC
☀️ Morning digest on May 24
Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by Vietnam News Agency. - The discussion of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) should aim at a framework that brings practical benefits to the people, stated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the launch ceremony of the IPEF on May 23.Participating virtually at the hybrid event held in Tokyo, Chinh said it should be an open, inclusive, and balanced process in line with international law and meeting the lawful and legitimate interests of parties involved. Read full story - Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang held a reception for visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh in Hanoi on May 23.Expressing his delight at the success of the first ministerial-level Vietnam-Cambodia border defence exchange, Minister Giang highlighted its significant meaning in strengthening the two countries’ solidarity and friendship. Read full story - The State budget overspending in 2020 stood at over 216.4 trillion VND (9.3 million USD), equivalent to 3.44 percent of GDP, statistics showed.It was 18.39 trillion VND and 151.89 trillion VND lower than the initial estimate and the permissible level set by the National Assembly, respectively. Read full story
Source:Viet Nam News
May 24, 2022 08:11 UTC
Vietnam, Cambodian boost defence ties
At the event (Photo: VNA)Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang held a reception for visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh in Hanoi on May 23.Expressing his delight at the success of the first ministerial-level Vietnam-Cambodia border defence exchange, Minister Giang highlighted its significant meaning in strengthening the two countries’ solidarity and friendship.He affirmed his ministry’s desire for further close collaboration and assistance for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence to successfully conduct its role as ASEAN Chair in 2022.The minister stressed the sides need to work closely to practically and effectively implement their cooperation activities this year in line with the plan and with the common perception of the two defence ministries' leaders.In the immediate future, they will join hands to prepare for the 45th anniversary of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s path to topple the Pol Pot genocidal regime (June 20), Giang said.For his part, Tea Banh lauded Vietnam’s idea of holding the border exchange in contribution to pushing the nations’ relations to new heights.The Cambodian official said he is pleased with outcomes of bilateral defence cooperation, particularly the effective implementation of the protocol for 2020-2024 and plan for 2022.He also wished for their collaboration to continue this year, which marks the 55th anniversary of the Vietnam – Cambodia diplomatic ties (June 24)./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 23, 2022 18:18 UTC
Vietnam erupts in celebration as SEA Games hosts win football gold
Vietnam retained their SEA Games men’s football title on Sunday night, with a late, golden goal enough to see off bitter rivals Thailand by a goal to nil. The party began at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi and surely went long into the night as the whole country celebrated their latest group of young heroes./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 23, 2022 18:18 UTC
VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MAY 23
National Assembly’s third session opensThe 15th-tenure National Assembly (NA) convened the third session in Hanoi on May 23. Hoai, Hung win VN Trail MarathonNguyen Thi Nho Hoai and Nguyen Tien Hung won the Vietnam Trail Marathon held in Moc Chau District, Son La Province on Saturday. Accordingly, on May 23, 14 players of the U23 team, who competed at SEA Games 31, are scheduled to join other members at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center in the lead up to the training camp. Vietnam, Canada red cross societies eye long-term cooperationThe Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) and its Canadian counterpart have agreed to support each other in humanitarian activities and look towards a long-term cooperation agreement in the time ahead. Sauvé said both Vietnam and Canada face such challenges as climate change and natural disasters, and possible risks relating to the COVID-19 and socio-economic impacts of armed conflicts.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 23, 2022 15:54 UTC
Vietnam’s SEA Games football victory finds prominent coverage in foreign media
With a 1-0 victory over Thailand on May 22, Vietnam claimed back-to-back gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games men's football tournament. (Photo: VNA)Thousands of people waving flags pour into the streets of Hanoi to celebrate the victory. (Photo: VNA)ESPN ran a front-page story headlined “Vietnam retain Southeast Asian Games gold medal against Thailand to prove they are still force to be reckoned with,” saying “even at the simplest level, it was a victory with plenty of significance.”With a 1-0 victory over Thailand on May 22 – courtesy of the sumptuous 83rd-minute header from Nham Manh Dung – Vietnam claimed back-to-back gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games men's football tournament, it reported.It was only their second championship since breaking their gold-medal duck in 2019, ESPN said, adding that “the triumph was typical of the football that has become synonymous with Vietnam under Park Hang-seo - with organisation and efficiency the hallmarks of the game plan.”“Perhaps the most impressive aspect of their gold medal-winning efforts is that it was down with a new generation of prospects and not the golden generation that has fuelled much of Vietnam's recent success.” Thailand ’s Siam Sports described the 0-1 loss Thailand suffered as “heartbreaking.”French’s news agency AFP highlighted the exciting atmosphere in Vietnam after the win, reporting thousands of people waving flags poured into the streets of Hanoi and other cities after the SEA Games hosts beat fierce rivals Thailand 1-0 in the men's football final.“Defending their football crown from the 2019 Games, the home team came out on top of a tough match in front of a capacity 40,000 crowd at Hanoi's rocking My Dinh stadium,” it said.“Downpours had drenched Hanoi all day, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of red-clad spectators who began arriving for the clash several hours before it began in an effort to grab a prime seat,” according to AFP.The Vietnamese cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, erupted as the home team held on for a narrow, nervy win, it stated./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 23, 2022 05:09 UTC
SEA Games 31: Vietnamese finswimming team win 10 golds in total
Vietnamese finswimmer Kim Anh Kiet (Photo: VNA)– The Vietnamese team topped the finswimming competitions at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) with 10 gold medals in total.On May 22, the last day of competition, Vietnamese finswimmers set four new SEA Games records and pocketed five gold medals.Veteran Nguyen Thanh Loc finished first in the men's 50m surface, setting a record of 15.60 sec.Indonesian Wahyu Anggoro Tamtomo was second (15.83 sec) and Thai Khet Chamnanwat third (16.12 sec).Pham Thi Kim Thuong overcame all other rivals in the women's 800m surface with her personal best of 7:19.18 min.Indonesian Andhini Muthia Maulida (7:28.67 min) and her compatriot Katherina Eda Rahayu (7:31.72 min) were second and third, respectively.In the relay event, the Vietnamese triumphed the men's 4x100m surface. Their time of 2:25.57 min is a new SEA Games record Thailand (2:30.74 min) and Indonesia (2:31.06 min) were the two runners-up.The last record went to the women's 4x100m surface team as the hosts claimed their gold in 2:47.23 min.Indonesia (2:47.66 min) and the Philippines (3:05.57 min) came second and third.Earlier, Vietnam also won in the mixed 4x100m bi-fin event (3:06.78 min).Concluding SEA Games 31 finswimming competitions, Vietnam topped the sport's medal tally with 10 gold, 5 silver, and three bronze medals. The Indonesian team came second with three gold, six silver and three bronze medals. Thailand were third with two silver and five bronze medals. The Philippines and Cambodia each won one bronze./.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 23, 2022 03:05 UTC
VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MAY 21
HCM City has a 10-year plan (2021-30) for increasing public parks and the green coverage, under which it will add at least 150ha of public parks and 10ha of public green spaces by 2025. Besides, the development of public green outdoor spaces has been gradually meeting the needs of urban residents. It is also the commitment of each individual in the Francophone community to contribute to the sustainable development of French-speaking countries and society. Spain committed to accompanying Vietnam in renewable energy growth: ambassadorThe Spanish government and enterprises will accompany Vietnam in accelerating energy transition and expanding bilateral cooperation in other areas, according to Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam Pilar Méndez Jiménez. Referring to the progress of bilateral relations, she said that in the past Spain had boosted development cooperation with Vietnam, with emphasis placed on sustainable development and gender equality.
Source:Viet Nam News
May 22, 2022 21:01 UTC