Draft constitutional amendments receive extensive feedback

Vietnamese people from home and abroad have contributed their opinions on the draft amendments to the 1992 constitution, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has said.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung stressed that the collection, research and summing up of public feedback would be seriously considered so that the draft submitted to the National Assembly for approval would be the best possible. 

At the 6th plenary meeting of the Committee for Drafting Amendments to the 1992 Constitution in Ha Noi yesterday (Apr 8), Hung, who is also chairman of the committee, revealed that over the last three months, the poll was carried out in an active, scientific and serious manner.

He expressed thanks to all the respondents for their high sense of responsibility as the real masters of the country and their whole-hearted, constructive practical opinions, adding that the discussions on the constitutional amendments had taken in an enthusiastic manner.

Chairman Hung stressed that the collection, research and summing up of public feedback would be seriously considered so that the draft submitted to the National Assembly for approval would be the best possible.

Vietnam creates positive conditions for Finnish investors

National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to create favourable conditions for Finnish investors, especially in the fields Finland holds advantages.

Ngan made the remarks at a reception in Hanoi on April 8 for visiting Chair of the Audit Committee of the Finnish Parliament Tuija Brax, where she also said that consolidating and strengthening friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Finland is a priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy.

The NA Vice Chairwoman highly valued Finland’s assistance to Vietnam and suggested the country consider adjusting ODA orientations in line with Vietnam’s needs, and focus on cooperation in trade policy, climate change, energy and clean technology.

Cooperation between the two legislative bodies has increased considerably, she said, adding that the visit will be a chance for the two sides to exchange and share experiences, therefore improving the quality of the Vietnamese NA’s law making and operations.

For her part, Tuija Brax said Finland prioritises economic, trade and investment cooperation in its relationship with Vietnam, describing it as an important activity that helps boost the Finland-Vietnam traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.

The Finnish delegation earlier held working sessions with the NA’s Finance and Budget, and Economic Committees, as well as the State Audit of Vietnam.

At the meetings, the two sides agreed to escalate cooperation and experience sharing, and boost visits of the two legislative bodies’ leaders in the time to come.

Deputy Foreign Minister receives delegation from Wallonia

Viet Nam treasures co-operative ties with Wallonia-Brussels as part of its relationship with Belgium, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ho Xuan Son has said.

The Vietnamese diplomat made the statement yesterday when he received the Governor of the Wallonia region and French-speaking community of Belgium, Rudy Demotte, who is visiting Viet Nam from April 8-13 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Belgium diplomatic ties.

Son added that he highly appreciated the Wallonia authority's decision to prioritise its relations with Viet Nam.

For his part, the Belgian official expressed his impression of Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements, and spoke highly of their bilateral co-operation in the framework of the Francophone organisation.

The two sides praised the developing relationship between them, thanks to regular delegation exchanges and the positive outcome of 2010-12 joint projects.

They agreed to expand co-operation in economics, transport, aeronautics and space, and science and technology, as well as to bolster links between localities in Viet Nam and Wallonia in economic development and land management.

Prime Minister works with Khanh Hoa Province

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on April 8 held a working session with key leaders of the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Dung praised the province’s 2012 achievements, including its GDP growth of 8.5 percent, average income per capita of more than 1,900 USD, 26,500 new jobs, and a fall in the level of poor households to 5.56 percent. In the first quarter of this year, Khanh Hoa also recorded strong GDP growth of 7.37 percent.

Urging Khanh Hoa to continue its efforts, Dung said the province should focus on exploiting its maritime economy, developing tourism and attracting investment in coastal economic zones and industrial clusters.

The Government leader requested the province protects the environment and landscape while developing its economy, and build new rural areas to reduce poverty.

The Government will create the best possible conditions for the province to develop, he stressed.

At the meeting, Dung and leaders of ministries and branches debated the province’s proposals, including those related to three thermo-electric facilities in Van Phong and Cam Ranh International Airport.

Colombian Deputy Minister to visit Vietnam        

Colombian Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs Patti Londono will visit Vietnam during her 5-day tour to Southeast Asia starting from April 8.

The other destinations in the Colombian official’s tour are Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar which, together with Vietnam, play a “strategic” role in Colombia’s integration into the Asia-Pacific region.

During the visits, Londono is expected to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral relations in the fields of trade, tourism, agriculture, and culture, as well as Spanish teaching.

VNN/VNS/VNA