Vietnam has taken measures to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” removed for Vietnamese seafood products regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Veeramalla Anjaiah, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) and senior journalist based in Jakarta, has said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Jakarta, Anjaiah said that a lot of solutions have been adopted by the government, ministries and localities of Vietnam since 2017, thus creating tangible changes in the fight against IUU fishing.

All of the EC’s recommendations on IUU fishing were included in the Law on Fisheries. However, the enforcement of the law has shown several challenges due to limited human resources of the fishery sector and loose coordination between localities in informing authorities of violating fishing vessels.

Southeast Asian countries have suffered heavy economic losses due to IUU fishing, which usually accounts for about 20% of their seafood output, resulting in a significant loss to the national economies. Indonesia suffered the most among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to the expert, 20-38% of Indonesia’s seafood exports are reported to have been caught illegally by local fishermen and foreign vessels. It is estimated that illegal fishing activities cause loss of at least 3 billion USD for Indonesia each year.

Indonesia ranks 6th out of 152 countries in terms of vulnerability to IUU fishing after China, Russia, Yemen, India and Iran.

In 2016, Indonesia ratified the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), aimed at foreign fishing vessels entering or using designated fishing port facilities to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing. It has also used technology such as automatic identification system (AIS) and vessel monitoring system (VMS) and taken tough actions against IUU fishing and several other measures, to protect the country's aquatic resources.

Indonesia’s crackdown on IUU fishing is paying off for the domestic fishery sector and fish recovery, according to a 2018 study. It showed that foreign fishing activities in Indonesia had declined by more than 90%, and total catches dropped by 25% since 2014, when the government banned foreign fishing boats from its waters, among other restrictions.

Anjaiah said that Indonesia and Vietnam have cooperated well in the field of aquaculture. The two sides have recently reached an agreement to develop the lobster farming industry, he added.

The expert went on to say that Vietnam is one of the world's largest producers of farmed lobsters, while Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago and the country with the second largest wild-caught seafood output, after China. Indonesia supplies lobsters, shrimps and many types of fish to Vietnam./.

Vietnam, EU enjoy strong cooperation in fisheries, IUU fishing combat: Official

Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the field of aquatic farming, exploitation and import-export as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing combat, according to Vietnamese agricultural counsellor in Belgium and the EU Tran Van Cong.

The diplomat noted that the EU is the largest consumer of aquatic products in the world with an annual import value of about 55-60 billion USD, of which 64% come from countries outside the bloc.

Over the years, the EU has been an important export market of Vietnamese farm produce in general and aquatic products in general. Currently, Vietnam is the EU's fifth biggest supplier of aquatic products, with an annual export revenue of 1-1.5 billion USD, accounting for about 2-2.5% of its total aquatic product import value, he noted.

To date, Vietnam has had nearly 600 processing factories in this field granted with codes for exports to the EU.

Vietnam and EU member countries have implemented many cooperation programmes in the field of fisheries, including those in aquatic farming, breed technology, feed, vaccines in aquaculture, environmental treatment, and many others to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions in accordance with relevant commitments, said the counsellor.

Regarding cooperation between the two sides in the negotiations for the removal of the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against the Vietnamese fisheries sector relating to IUU fishing, he said that over the past seven years, Vietnam has always been proactively and actively cooperated with the EC in drastically implementing EU recommendations, and achieved many important, comprehensive results as oriented in building a sustainable and responsible fisheries sector.

Cong said that Vietnam has focused on strengthening leadership and direction on the implementation of the EC’s recommendations to deal with problems in IUU fishing prevention and control, especially since its examination in October 2023.

Vietnam’s efforts in realising the recommendations have been fruitful in accordance with directions, Cong underlined, clarifying that the country has concentrated on key groups of issues.

The country has closely coordinating with the EC in completing the legal framework following international standards on sustainably fisheries management with the issuance of a new Fisheries Law, two decrees and eight circulars, while strengthening the control of its fleet and updating their data, installing the vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing boats, launching the electronic seafood traceability system (eCDT), and promoting law enforcement and the settlement of IUU fishing regulation violations, he elaborated.

Cong highlighted major tasks set by the EU, including putting an end to fishing vessels’ illegal operation in foreign waters, drastically handing those with VMS disconnection, applying the eCDT to replace the paper system, increasing the control over fishing vessels’ operations offshore and at ports, and thoroughly handling individuals and organisations committing wrongdoings related to the origin of imported seafood materials.

He also stressed the need for Vietnam to make good preparations in all stages in anticipation of the trip by the EC inspection team, slated for September or October this year./.

Gong Echo Festival delights visitors to Quang Nam

The Gong Echo Festival – one of the most important celebrations of ethnic communities in the central region of Vietnam – is taking place in the central province of Quang Nam's Nam Giang district.

With the theme of Nam Giang – Lung Linh Sac Mau Van Hoa (Nam Giang – Shimmering Cultural Colours), the sixth-edition festival, which is held every two years, aims to preserve the unique cultural identity of ethnic communities such as Co Tu, Ve and Ta Rieng, at the same time as promoting tourism development in the region, the local authority has said.

The two-day event involves the participation of 12 art troupes with 800 artists from 12 communes and towns from across the district, according to the People's Committee of Nam Giang district.

Speaking at an opening ceremony on June 25 night, Chairman of the Nam Giang People's Committee A Viet Son, affirmed the festival is a fitting way to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values of the ethnic peoples in the area.

"It aims to boost the implementation of a campaign themed 'All people unite to build a cultural life', arousing aspirations, trust, national pride, self-reliance in socio-economic development," Son said.

The festival will introduce the province and its heritage to visitors at home and from abroad, showing the potential and strengths of cultural and tourism development of Nam Giang in the process of innovation and global integration, he added.

The festival will help discover new cultural and artistic talents for the district's plan on developing cultural activities at grassroots levels. It will also boost training and improve professional qualifications and supplement more artists for participating in festivals to be held at provincial and regional level, as well as nationwide, according to the district authorities.

Highlights of the event will be performances of gongs by local outstanding players along with a majestic gong concert featuring the beautiful landscape of mountains and forests in the region.

In addition to the music, there will be other cultural activities, including a traditional culinary competition, a space for displaying historical and cultural artefacts and typical local products, along with artisans showing off ancient crafts of bamboo knitting, handloom weaving and sculpture.

There will be a costume model competition of ethnic minorities and spiritual practices such as the land-offering ceremony and traditional wedding ceremonies of the Co Tu and the Ve, the 'new rice' celebration of the Ta Rieng.

Attending the Gong Eco Festival, visitors will also have a chance to immerse in the wild and majestic traditional cultural space of the mountains and forests.

Many ethnic groups live along the Truong Son Range and on the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail through Quang Nam province.

Culturally, the district is recognised as a brilliant, 'multi-coloured picture' of traditional beauties. It is also a convergence of typical but extremely rich and diverse in form and content cultural features expressed through the tangible and intangible values./.

Land Law 2024 disseminated to Vietnamese community abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) in coordination with the Hanoi Bar Association organised a conference on June 27 to popularise regulations and laws regarding the Land Law 2024 of Vietnam to overseas Vietnamese (OVs).

The event was connected online to embassies and consulates general in European countries, as well as some agencies in Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, among others.

SCOV Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Dong said this activity aims to realise the Party's guidelines and State's policies and laws related to OVs through providing legal information, especially newly-passed laws that directly relate to OVs.

On this occasion, legal regulations on conditions for owning houses and land in the UK were also disseminated to support Vietnamese expats with necessary information in case of relocating their lives, thus avoiding risks.

Dong stated that his office wishes to continue receiving contributions from OVs in the implementation of the Land Law 2024 in particular and legal regulations in general.

The committee will continue to coordinate with the Hanoi Bar Association and relevant agencies to introduce policies and laws of Vietnam, and those of several other countries in areas that Vietnamese expats are interested in or directly related to their lives, he added.

Under the Land Law 2024, OVs have the same rights and obligations to use land and the same access to land as Vietnamese citizens in the homeland, and Vietnamese citizens and those of the Vietnamese origin residing abroad are eligible to own land use rights at home./.

Bonjour Vietnam Festival celebrates Vietnamese culture, produce in Paris

The inaugural Bonjour Vietnam Festival took place in Paris on June 25-26, aiming to showcase the Vietnamese culture, people and agricultural products to French consumers.

Organised by the Vietnamese Trade Office and the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, alongside Vietnamese associations and businesses, the festival successfully introduced a slice of Vietnamese life to Parisians.

It featured a colourful display of Vietnamese fruits like lychees, dragon fruits, jackfruits, and mangoes, both fresh and dried, along with other Vietnamese specialties. A dedicated culinary corner tantalised taste buds with popular dishes like pho, spring rolls, and snail noodles.

Beyond food, the festival provided a platform for cultural exploration. Attendees could learn about Vietnamese tea appreciation, admire traditional Dong Ho folk paintings and printing techniques, witness the art of bamboo and rattan basket weaving, and immerse themselves in a photo exhibition showcasing Vietnam's landscapes and people.

Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in France Vu Anh Son highlighted the festival's goal of fostering connections between the Vietnamese business community in France and the French market. He said a partnership with Vietnam Airlines facilitated the export of nearly 20 tonnes of Vietnamese lychees this year, meeting a significant portion of demand in the Paris - Ile de France region.

The festival culminated with a captivating music show titled "Colours of Vietnam”. Young Vietnamese artists from various countries, in collaboration with Vietnamese Cultural Centre artists and the "Les Petits Rossignols" children's choir from Versailles, delivered performances that resonated with both French and Vietnamese audiences.

Fashion also took centre stage as designer Ella Phan's "Dong chay" (Flow) traditional long dress collection graced the stage.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang expressed his hope that the "Bonjour Vietnam" initiative will continue, introducing the beauty and authenticity of Vietnamese culture, art, tourism and cuisine to French and international audiences.

Hoang Thu Trang, President of the Art Space Association, revealed that 33 Vietnamese-origin students from France, Vietnam, Canada, Japan and Australia had joined the event as part of the "Touchers Art 2024 - Bonjour Vietnam" project by Art Space, aiming to promote Vietnamese culture globally, foster national pride among young Vietnamese, and raise funds for underprivileged children back in Vietnam./.

Localities promote management of vessel tracking sytems, registrations for fishermen

Localities nationwide are actively assisting fishermen in registering, inspecting, and licensing fishing vessels as part of efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” against the fisheries sector removed.

According to Tran Dinh Luan, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Circular No. 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT serves as an important legal basis for localities to address existing challenges.

Localities must swiftly resolve chronic issues regarding unverified, unregistered, and unlicensed fishing vessels.

He underlined the need for localities to enhance awareness campaigns as well as inspections for all fishing vessels to promote registration procedures.

Le Ngoc Linh, head of the Sub-department of Fisheries of the central coastal province of Quang Binh said that effectively managing vessels aims to address the recommendations of the EC regarding the prevention of IUU fishing.

Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau said the agency has collaborated with relevant authorities to regularly conduct inspections to manage fishing vessels and ports.

Meanwhile, the border guard force in the central province of Quang Ngai has coordinated with Duc Pho town’s authority to set up teams to guide vessel owners in Sa Huynh fishing port to complete registration procedures.

Vietnam has been working hard to carry out the EC’s recommendations about IUU fishing prevention and control, towards the goal of removing the EC's “yellow card” warning.

The EC issued a “yellow card” for Vietnam in 2017. It is followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved or a "red card" if it is not. A “red card” may lead to an ourtight ban on aquatic exports to the EU.

The EC is scheduled to come to Vietnam for the fifth inspection around September - October this year./.

Chinese media spotlights Vietnamese PM’s working trip to China

Chinese media outlets such as the People's Daily, the Xinhua News Agency, and the China Central Television are highlighting the activities of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation during their working visit to China from June 24-27 to attend the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Dalian.

In a meeting with the Vietnamese leader in Beijing on June 26, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China Xi Jinping stated that the two Parties and countries have maintained close high-level exchanges, with cooperation across sectors achieving favourable progress, bringing practical benefits to the people of both nations, the media reported.

China is ready to cooperate with Vietnam to strengthen strategic orientation, focusing on persisting in solidarity and friendship, supporting each other, deepening win-win cooperation, joining hands towards modernisation, and contributing to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the world, the Chinese leader said.

Xi affirmed that China is willing to support its enterprises in increasing investment in Vietnam, and expressed his hope that Vietnam will create favourable business condition and environment for Chinese investors.

Speaking at a meeting with PM Chinh on the same day, Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that his agency is ready to cooperate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee to help promote the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

Earlier, in the talks with the Vietnamese leader, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed that China prioritises the development of China-Vietnam bilateral relations in its foreign policy. China is ready to further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Vietnam, as well as cooperation in such areas as tourism, healthcare, education, and youth.

China also prioritises the development of bilateral relations with Vietnam in its foreign policy, and the country is willing to further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Vietnam, as well as cooperation in areas of tourism, healthcare, education, and youth, Li said./.

Party, State always care for every family: Leader

The Party and State always care for every family and stay consistent with the policy of "leaving no one behind", State President To Lam stated while visiting residents of Duong Lam ancient village in Hanoi’s outlying township of Son Tay on June 27 on the occasion of the Vietnamese Family Day (June 28).

The leader affirmed that the families are the cells of society, the most important nurturing place and stronghold of each person. The families are always associated with the community and a solid foundation for promoting the strength and longevity of the nation, he stressed.

Highlighting that Duong Lam has been well-known in the world as a venue for maintaining and preserving the heritage of the Vietnamese village life, President Lam said he hopes Duong Lam villagers will show a high sense of responsibility in maintaining and promoting customs, practices, and family traditions as well as relics to introduce to the world the typical traditional rural cultures in the north of Vietnam.

He hailed Duong Lam’s achievements as one of the pioneering localities of Son Tay in building model new-style rural areas by completing 80% of all criteria, and a community of civilisation, harmony, and solidarity.

Located about 45km west of Hanoi’s centre, the village boasts a histories of millennia. It is almost intact with the peaceful image of a typical Vietnamese village of the north with an old village gate, banyan trees, water wharfs, communal house yards, lotus ponds, and old houses, along with traditional customs and practices that have been preserved since ancient times.

It is the home village of two kings - Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (808-944).

Earlier, President Lam offered incense to the two at temples dedicated to them, and presented gifts to two outstanding local families./.

Value chain formed to improve shrimp’s competitiveness: Insiders

The shrimp sector should be developed in value chain so as to gain competitive edge amidst prolonged challenges like global economic recession, tensions in the Red Sea, and anti-dumping measures from the US, according to insiders.

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu Luu Hoang Ly said the locality, the region’s largest shrimp larvae producer, has promoted linkage between farmers, suppliers, and producers to form a value chain that brings high economic efficiency to the local shrimp.

The model has helped reduce production costs while promoting stable, effective, and sustainable sale, he said, adding the province has paid due regard to completing local farming infrastructure, particularly hi-tech shrimp breeding, intensive cultivation, and rice-shrimp rotation areas.

Phung Thi Kim Thu, a shrimp specialist from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, held that the value chain contributes greatly to the sustainable development of the sector.

She also suggested enterprises pay attention to the taste of their new consumers to increase their market share, elaborating China is enhancing the import of fresh lobster, dried, salted and smoked shrimp, and processed products, while the Republic of Korea’s demand for cooked, processed and preserved food is rising.

Local firms have implemented various measures to overcome headwinds and shape up a value chain to ensure orders.

Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company said its 203-hectare shrimp farm will be put into operation in July, helping the firm improve its production capacity.

Meanwhile, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation has joined international fairs and exhibitions to get new orders, and worked to improve its shrimp quality and cut production costs by applying bio-farming technology.

Statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that Vietnam shipped nearly 1.56 billion USD worth of shrimp overseas, up 7% year-on-year. Vietnamese shrimp has been sold to 103 countries and territories worldwide, with leading purchasers being China, China’s Hong Kong, the US, and Japan./.

Green energy training centre makes debut in Can Tho

The "Centre of Excellence" project, a centre for green energy training, has made its debut at a recent conference of the Union of Friendship Organisations of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.

This project is carried out from 2024 to 2028 under a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Philippines-based Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), the union, the Can Tho University’s College of Engineering, the Can Tho University of Technology, and the Can Tho Vocational College.

It aims to improve skills and employment opportunities for the youth and women in the field of green electricity, and establish a platform that can connect the industry’s demand with certified technicians.

In particular, the project will equip the schools with green power or automation laboratories. The colleges will provide market-oriented training courses on green electricians and Industry 4.0. Their lecturers will also receive training from foreign experts.

With a total budget of 30,000 EUR (over 32,000 USD), the project is implemented by Schneider Electric of France, a multinational company specialising in green energy and automation solutions, through ASSIST Vietnam. The Schneider Foundation pledged to supply equipment worth 20,000 EUR, and the remaining 10,000 EUR will be covered by the local schools.

According to the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organisations, the project marks a collaborative effort to train excellent human resources for Vietnam's labour market. This initiative is seen as a good start for broader and deeper cooperation opportunities among the parties in the future./.

Moscow symposium highlights Mekong River issues

Scholars from Vietnam, Russia and many other countries have been gathering at a symposium in Moscow from June 26 to 28 to discuss issues in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and feasible solutions.

The event aims to define the current situation in the GSM based on reports from experts, and the prospects of researching development issues in the region, as well as the viewpoints of particular countríe in the region, thus seeking methods and orientations to settle regional issues.

Participants have shared their opinions on the development of the river, and gave recommendations and feasible solutions.

On the first day, the function focused on three topics - the global scale of the Mekong agenda; the development of the Mekong sub-region; and water - a source of prosperity.

Reports at the event analysed the current status of water use in the river and discussed issues facing countries along it, as well as the influence of major countries and impact in the region. In general, the reports emphasised the need for cooperation to find ways to exploit and jointly use Mekong River water resources in a fashion that ensures balance of interests of all parties.

Many scholars believe that the Russia, with sound relations with countries in the Mekong sub-region and advanced science and experience in managing many large rivers in this country, can support the parties to consider and seek effective ways to use Mekong River water resources to ensure a balance of benefits, while providing scientific and technical and management support to regional countries to preserve the ecological environment and exploit the river for a long term.

In his report, Dmitry Mosyakov, Director of the Centre for the Study of Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania under the Institute of Oriental Studies, recommended the formation of a common binding document to solve existing problems and ensure balance of interests among the Mekong upstream and downstream countries./.

Sports event helps bond Vietnamese, Cambodian rubber workers

The Vietnam Rubber Group Joint Stock Company (VRG) organised a sports event for its Vietnamese and Cambodian workers in Cambodia’s Kampong Thom province from June 24 to 26.

The event saw the participation of 16 delegations with nearly 500 members from VRG affiliates across Cambodia, half of them Cambodians. They competed in six sports, namely football, volleyball, badminton, tug of war, tennis, and petanque.

VRG Deputy Director General Huynh Kim Nhut said that the event took place on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the Vietnam - Cambodia diplomatic ties (June 24, 1967 - 2024) and on the threshold of the 95th anniversary of the Vietnamese rubber sector's traditional day (October 28, 1929 - 2024).

He emphasised that the success of this sports event demonstrated the group's care for workers at its member units in Cambodia.

Nhut also highlighted the member companies' role in joining hands with the administration and the people of Kampong Thom to build new-style rural areas, improve the quality of workers' life, and contribute to the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as between the VRG and the province.

Nguyen Tien Dung, Director General of the Chu Se-Kampong Thom Rubber Joint Stock Company - an affiliate of the VRG, said that it was his company's honour to host the event which provided an occasion for Vietnamese and Cambodian workers to strengthen solidarity.

Cambodia is currently home to 407,172 ha of rubber trees, of which 320,184 ha (79%) are being harvested. Enterprises are managing 226,840 ha of industrial-scale rubber plantations, 56%, while farming households 180,332 ha./.

Minister meets Vietnamese scientists, intellectuals in Germany

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat had a meeting on June 26 in Berlin with scientists and intellectuals of the Vietnamese origin in Germany to listen to their policy proposals and answer their queries, towards promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.

Dat said that a contingent of more than 500,000 overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, many of whom hold important positions in reputable research institutes, universities, and business corporations around the world, is valuable scientific human resources for innovation in Vietnam, including contributions by Vietnamese scientists in Germany.

Participating scientists raised their queries related to legal frameworks, and financial support mechanisms and policies to attract overseas Vietnamese intellectuals.

Some proposed the allowance of national data sharing in the field of international research cooperation because it helps enhance Vietnam's global model and international reputation.

Dat affirmed that the Ministry of Science and Technology always pays attention to and builds favourable legal corridors for Vietnamese scientists at home and abroad to participate in research and innovation activities.

It will continue coordinating closely with relevant ministries and sectors in building and implementing mechanisms and policies, promoting activities to attract and encourage Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, and scientists abroad in general and in Germany in particular to contribute to the cause of science, technology, innovation and sustainable development of the country, he added./.

Meeting held to mark anti-drug action month

A meeting in response to the Action Month for Drug Prevention and Control was jointly held by the Ministry of Public Security and the central province of Nghe An on June 26.

Speaking at the event, which saw the attendance of officials from nine provinces bordering Laos, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long asked ministries, sectors, and localities to push forwards with fighting drug-related crimes, carrying out the 2021 Law on Drug Prevention and Control, and promoting anti-drug communications with diversified contents and forms.

Focus should be put on drug hotspots and high-risk groups, especially youths, students, and workers, to enhance the entire society's "immunity" against the scourge of drugs, he said.

Long also requested functional forces to strengthen measures to prevent drug supply sources, crack down on illegal drug use spots, and improve infrastructure and the quality of drug detoxification and post-detoxification management.

In Nghe An, after more than two years of implementing and expanding the model of "drug-free border communes", 227 out of the 460 commune-level localities have been recognised as "drug-free" areas. Five district-level localities have recorded 100% of their communes free of drugs.

However, the drug crime situation in the province remains complicated, drugs smuggled from abroad into Nghe An have not been thoroughly prevented, and the number of addicts is still high, which are conditions for crimes and social evils to grow.

At the meeting, outstanding local collectives and individuals were awarded certificates of merit by the Ministry of Public Security and the chairperson of the Nghe An provincial People's Committee for their excellent achievements in implementing and promoting the model of “drug-free border communes”./.

Party official reaffirms strong ties with Dominican Republic's ruling Party

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) always values the friendly relations and cooperation with the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and political parties of the Dominican Republic, said Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung.

During a reception in Hanoi on June 27 for Politburo member of the PRM and Minister of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic Limber Lucas Cruz López, Trung thanked the PRM, President Luis Abinader and the minister for their support to bilateral ties.

He agreed to strengthen relations through party channels to reinforce political foundations and orientations to bilateral cooperation.

Expressing his satisfaction with advancements in relations between the two parties and countries over the past years, he proposed that both sides continue fostering substantial cooperation in areas of mutual strength and need, including agriculture while supporting each other at international forums for the benefit of their people and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Minister Limber Lucas Cruz López expressed his joy to visit Vietnam for the first time, admiring the achievements Vietnam has made in its past struggle for national liberation and reunification and the ongoing renewal.

Expressing his desire to further tighten friendship and cooperation between the PRM and CPV and between the two countries, he informed the host about the outcomes of his trip, and hoped for stronger cooperation in various fields, particularly in trade, agriculture, tourism, and continued support for each other at global and regional forums.

Deputy PM receives Group Chairman of Standard Chartered in Hanoi

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai on June 27 received visiting Group Chairman José Viñals of the UK-based Standard Chartered PLC.

Telling his guest that Vietnam values and wants to step up the strategic partnership with the UK, Khai said the Vietnamese Government hopes UK banks, including the Standard Chartered, will continue to make significant contributions to the sound bilateral friendship and cooperation via their presence in Vietnam.

The leader acknowledged the support and contributions of the group and Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam to the development of the country’s economy and its banking and financial sector. Since 2012, Standard Chartered has proactively played its role as the sole advisor to the Vietnamese Government on national credit rating upgrades.

Khai said Standard Chartered's assistance has helped Vietnam improve its communications and ratings amidst a challenging international environment and expressed his belief that the partner will continue its crucial role and accompany Vietnam on its development path.

The Deputy PM went on underscoring the Government's strong confidence in Standard Chartered's commitment to the local market. Vietnam will continue to support and create favourable conditions for the bank to operate effectively, successfully implement cooperative projects, and accompany Vietnam in its development process.

Mentioning Standard Chartered's support for Vietnam to realise the goal of Net Zero, Khai said international resources are necessary for Vietnam to deliver on its climate change commitments. He urged Standard Chartered to continue giving advice and assistance to Vietnam in carrying out its action plans and projects in green growth and sustainable development.

Regarding the building of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City, the Deputy PM hoped Standard Chartered would continue to share its experience and measures for developing a comprehensive financial ecosystem suited to Vietnam's economy and international practices.

In response, Viñals reaffirmed the commitment to cooperate with the Vietnamese Government and relevant stakeholders to realise the goal of prosperous development. He expressed his hope for opportunities to help Vietnam overcome challenges through attracting more foreign investors to the country.

He also confirmed that Standard Chartered will support the country in improving its national credit rating, ensuring foreign investors’ confidence, and promoting sustainable and green economic development.

Vietnam, Thailand look to strengthen parliamentary cooperation

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Thanh received in Hanoi on June 27 a delegation from the Thailand-Vietnam Parliamentarians’ Friendship Group, led by its Chairman Sakchai Tanaboonchai.

Congratulating Thailand on the successful organisation of its Senate election, the vice chairwoman stated that the NA will continue to closely cooperate with the country’s House of Representatives and Senate.

She affirmed that Vietnam always values and seeks to further strengthen the two nations’ bonds, mutual trust, and enhanced strategic partnership, with an aim of upgrading their relationship in the near future. Additionally, leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State are keen to promote cooperative relations between the sides’ legislative bodies.

In line with the cooperation agreement signed between the two parliaments in December 2023, Thanh suggested both countries continue to leverage the role of their parliamentary friendship groups, and promote all-level delegation exchanges, particularly inter-parliamentary exchange programmes to share experiences in law making and monitor of the implementation of bilateral agreements. Moreover, both countries should effectively carry out the action programme for their enhanced strategic partnership in the 2022-2027 period.

She said the Vietnamese NA and Government always facilitate and encourage Thai enterprises’ business operations and investment expansion in Vietnam, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, digital economy, green economy, clean energy, and just energy transition.

With a hope for the Thai parliament’s further support for the bilateral ties at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN, and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, Thanh called for the maintenance of close consultations and coordination with each other and with other ASEAN countries, serving the ASEAN Community building. It is also necessary to strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and enhance ASEAN's centrality in addressing regional issues, she added.

The Thai chairperson told his host that since its establishment, the friendship group has undertaken many practical activities to fortify relationships between the parliamentarians of the two countries and their respective legislative bodies.

He affirmed his commitment to acting as a bridge, inheriting, and developing the good relations between Vietnam and Thailand.

Deputy PM seeks EU’s support in quality workforce training

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang sought the EU and ASEAN businesses’ assistance in training a high-quality workforce for Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on June 27 for a delegation led by Chairman of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) Jens Rübbert.

Quang lauded the activities of European businesses in general and the EU-ASEAN Business Council, which he said, have made contributions to Vietnam's economic growth and comprehensive partnership and cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

He highlighted Vietnam’s efforts to better its institutional and legal framework, with a focus on infrastructure investment, including the construction of highways.

Vietnam also respects and fulfils its international commitments, prioritises global trends in green and digital economy development, he said.

Rübbert commended Vietnam's orientations to sustainable economic development and its recent economic successes, recognising it as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

He noted the positive impact of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on boosting trade between the two sides.

EU-ABC members have a strong confidence and stay ready to invest, do business, and support Vietnam in various fields, he said, wishing to continue coordinating with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and Government to achieve even more cooperation results in the future.

Discussions between the two sides covered sustainable development policies, tax and customs reforms, and the Vietnamese Government's priorities in green and digital economic development, and the goal of achieving net zero emissions.

President To Lam receives Australian Ambassador to Vietnam

President To Lam received Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski in Hanoi on June 27.

Lam highly appreciated Goledzinowski’s contributions to fostering Vietnam – Australia relations, and congratulated Australia on recently organizing the special commemorative summit marking 50 years of the partnership between ASEAN and Australia.

He noted with satisfaction the strong developments of Vietnam-Australia relations in recent times, especially after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2024.

He proposed that the two sides maintain delegation exchanges; enhance information exchange on regional and international issues of mutual concern; deepen defense - security, economic - trade – investment cooperation, and expand cooperation into new fields such as climate change response, clean energy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

The President welcomed Australian universities to expand cooperation with Vietnam. He appreciated Australia maintaining scholarships for Vietnam, and asked the Australian Government to continue to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriates to study, live and work in their host country.

On this occasion, the President thanked Australia for supporting Vietnam in many fields such as health, peacekeeping, climate change response and energy transition.

Goledzinowski for his part highly appreciated Vietnam’s foreign policy dubbed bamboo diplomacy, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam - Australia relations have since their establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago recorded important and substantive progress in all fields. He affirmed that he would coordinate closely with relevant ministries, agencies and localities of Vietnam to realize the Vietnam - Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam plays an important role in Australia’s foreign policy in the region, and Australia will continue devoting resources to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, within the framework of its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

President Lam spoke highly of Australia’s stance on supporting peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety in the region, resolving disputes by peaceful means through dialogue, on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also hoped that Australia would continue to support ASEAN’s central role.

Law on national defence, security industry, industrial mobilisation passed

The 15th National Assembly (NA) on June 27 passed the law on national defence-security industry and industrial mobilisation in its ongoing seventh plenary session.

Specifically, all the 464 deputies present in the sitting, or 95.47% of the total number of deputies, said “yes” to the law.

The law comprises seven chapters and 86 articles.

Article 80 in the draft law proposed earlier about the responsibilities of People’s Court was removed, while Article 28 was added on the development of technologies with dual purposes and Article 71 on training, research, and expert exchanges to serve defence-security industry.

The law will take effects from July 1, 2025.

Vietnamese tourism potential introduced in Europe

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) is running a special programme from June 24 to July 2 to introduce Vietnamese tourism in Paris of France, Milan of Italy, and Frankfurt of Germany.

The scheme is part of a series of activities to promote Vietnamese tourism in European countries.

Addressing the launching ceremony, Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the VNAT, emphasised that the programme offers an opportunity for Vietnam to introduce its policies, destinations, and tourism products to the European market.

It also represents an ideal venue for tourism firms seeking to establish business ties, attract tourists from France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries to travel to Vietnam and vice versa.

“The Vietnamese tourism industry targets high spending international visitors who stay longer, and aims to preserve natural resources,” he said.

He expressed his belief that the outcomes of the promotional programme in France would open up prospects ahead for Vietnamese tourism this year.

Despite enduring adverse impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe remains a key market for Vietnamese tourism.

Last year the country welcomed over 1.4 million European visitors, representing an increase of 187% compared to 2022. During the first five months this year, more than 975,000 European travellers arrived in the country, up 57.1% year on year.

Nguyen Tien Hoang, head of Vietnam Airlines branch in France and Europe, said that the airline's flights between Europe and Vietnam have been restored, and it is co-ordinating with the VNAT to launch new air routes to meet the demand of tourists.

Vietnam Airlines is planning to open additional routes to potential destinations such as Munich from October, as well as Milan and Copenhagen ahead in 2025, he revealed.

Meanwhile, Laure Cardellini, a representative of Asie Land, said the company has deployed many tourism products in the country, including tours to Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, noting that there is ample room to boost tourism development in the country.

New heat wave to return, grip parts of Vietnam this weekend

A new heat wave is expected to return to the northern and central regions of Vietnam, with daytime temperatures likely to rise to 39 degrees Celsius, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The warm air mass will first hit northern localities on June 28 and then spread across northern and central localities on June 29, said meteorologists.

Notably, the extremely hot conditions will linger over parts of the central region, with daytime temperatures to climb to 39 degrees Celsius or more.

In the capital city of Hanoi, June 29-30 and July 1 will be the hottest days, with temperatures to leap to 37-38 degrees Celsius.

The new hot spell is forecast to last till first days of July, said meteorologists.

El Nino is likely to change to a neutral state with a probability of 80 - 85% from now until the end of June 2024, and ENSO will gradually shift to the La Nina state with a probability of 65 - 75% from July and August.

The average temperature across the country from now until July 10, 2024, is usually 0.5-1°C higher than the average for many years.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and hail may negatively impact production and daily activities of communities in affected areas.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes