Sport 12h: 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Switzerland increases development aid

Switzerland announced yesterday that it would increase development aid to Viet Nam in the next four-year period to 123 million Swiss francs (US$132.8 million).— Photo baoxaudung

HA NOI (VNS)— Switzerland announced yesterday that it would increase development aid to Viet Nam in the next four-year period to 123 million Swiss francs (US$132.8 million).

This represents an increase of about 50 per cent compared with the budget for the previous four-year period, according to Swiss Ambassador in Viet Nam Andrej Motyl.

In line with Viet Nam's aim to become an industrialised country by 2020 and its middle-income status, Motyl said the focus would shift from poverty reduction to economic development co-operation.

The new development framework stresses supporting Vietnamese small-and-medium enterprises to increase their productivity and competitiveness through better access to credit. "If the small-and-medium enterprises wither away, the whole future of the economy will be at stake," he said.

Since 1992, Switzerland contributed about $360 million to Viet Nam's socio-economic development and reform agenda.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the new development framework, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong applauded the Swiss help and said that Viet Nam would also vow to improve the progress of Switzerland's investment projects in the country, which totaled at about $2 billion in 2012. — VNS

VN, NZ agree on ambitious plan to step up two-way trade

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Finance, Bill English.—VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam and New Zealand yesterday agreed to raise bilateral trade to US$1 billion by 2015.

The agreement was made during talks between Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Finance, Bill English.

In an effort to realise the ambitious target, the two deputy PMs pledged implementation of the 2013-2016 Plan of Action and the tax avoidance agreement signed during Governor General Jerry Mateparae's visit to Viet Nam in August this year.

During the talks, the two deputy PMs also agreed to increase exchanges of delegations and strengthen co-operation in security, tourism, agriculture, energy and mineral exploitation, and education. The two leaders also pledged to increase co-operation between the legislative bodies of both countries and increase people-to-people exchanges.

Ninh affirmed Viet Nam's policy of valuing co-operation with countries in the South Pacific, including New Zealand.

He thanked New Zealand for providing official development assistant (ODA) to Viet Nam and affirmed support for New Zealand's ASEAN Strategy, unveiled by Prime Minister John Key in July this year.

He stressed Viet Nam would work closely with New Zealand and other relevant countries to resolve negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.

Viet Nam and New Zealand yesterday agreed to raise bilateral trade to US$1 billion by 2015.—VNA/VNS Photo

English affirmed that New Zealand considered Viet Nam one of its most valued partners within the ASEAN community and the Asia-Pacific region.

He said the New Zealand Government would continue providing ODA to Viet Nam at a steady level, adding that he was satisfied with the progress of New Zealand-funded development projects in the country.

The two sides praised the partnership between Viet Nam and New Zealand, acknowledging co-operation at the political and socio-economic level.

They discussed regional and international issues and agreed to co-operate closely at multilateral forums, including the East Asia Summit (EAS), Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum (APEC), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. — VNS

Serbian news agency inks VNA co-operation agreement

MOSCOW (VNS)— The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Serbian National News Agency Tanjug signed a co-operation agreement yesterday that aims to promote mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Serbian people.

VNA General Director Nguyen Duc Loi and Tanjug Deputy Director Maja Vojinovic Jovanovic inked the document on the sidelines of the 15th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Moscow, Russia yesterday.

VNA and Tanjug will exchange news text, photos and videos free of charge in addition to assisting each other's reporters, exchanging delegations and consulting one another at regional and international forums.

On the same day, VNA was elected as a member of the executive board of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) for the 2013-16 tenure at the forum's 15th general assembly, which concluded in Moscow.

Russia's Itar-Tass news agency won the OANA presidency. — VNS

Fidel Castro's visit to VN battlefield recalled

Former Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro visited Dong Ha Town in Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam in 1973. — VNA/VNS File Photo

QUANG TRI (VNS)— Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc yesterday attended a meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the inaugural visit of former Cuban President Fidel Castro to the battlefield in Quang Tri Province.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy PM Phuc recalled the visit by President Fidel Castro in 1973, saying the visit gave courage to the Vietnamese people and soldiers fighting against US troops in 1975.

Phuc said the visit was politically significant in Viet Nam's history, as President Castro hadbeen the first foreign leader to visit Viet Nam soon after the early independence of the North.

The gesture conveyed the affection President Castro had for Viet Nam, who insisted on visiting the war-torn locality, said Phuc.

He also described the post-war era, saying Cuba had continued to be Viet Nam's strongest supporter as it began the process of rebuilding, adding that bilateral relations between the two countries had persisted throughout their respective histories.

"The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam will always appreciate support from Cuba," he said.

In 1973, President Fidel Castro led a delegation to Ha Noi to celebrate the nation's newfound freedom. President Castro was reportedly determined to visit Quang Tri on September 15 and 16, wanting to inspect the locality worst affected by American attacks and buouying local hopes for rebuilding the province. —VNS

Viet Nam-Japan friendship bolstered with festival

HA NOI (VNS)— The friendship organisations of Viet Nam and Japan should do more to promote mutual understanding and advance the strategic partnership between the two countries, Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan has said.

After receiving delegates to the Viet Nam-Japan friendship festival in Ha Noi yesterday, Doan recognised that both sides were working together to overcome differences and uphold their respective strengths to achieve mutual development.

The Japanese delegates lauded the festival, organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties, for offering people the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the two nations' steady friendship and co-operation.

Chairman of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Xuan Hong presented a Friendship Order to President of the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship association Prof. Furuta Motoo. — VNS

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Viet Nam, Russia plan economic co-operation

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and his Russian counterpart Olga Golodets agreed on the need to boost bilateral economic co-operation during a meeting in Moscow yesterday.— VNA/VNS Photo Cao Cuong
MOSCOW (VNS)— Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and his Russian counterpart Olga Golodets agreed on the need to boost bilateral economic co-operation during a meeting in Moscow yesterday.

The meeting also included the early signing of a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus and the speeding-up of co-operation in the field of energy.

The leaders were in consensus that they needed measures to further their strategic co-operation in science – technology and education – training and agreed to accelerate the signing of a relevant framework agreement.

Nhan and his Russian host concurred that they should increase Russian scholarships for Viet Nam, step up the establishment of a Viet Nam – Russia Technology University, build a nuclear science and technology centre in Viet Nam and promote the teaching of Russian language and literature in Vietnamese educational institutions. They also planned to create all possible conditions for ministries, sectors, academies and research institutes to establish and expand co-operation.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan meets with First Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov.—VNA/VNS Photo

Earlier on the same day, Nhan met with First Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov.

He said that Viet Nam and Russia could broaden their co-operation in economics, banking, agriculture, transport, energy and the sea-based economy as well as traditional fields.

The construction of joint universities and research centres had especially good prospects, he said, making education – training yet another area for strategic co-operation.

For his part, Melnikov reiterated that the Russian parliament would back Viet Nam's proposals to further co-operation in education – training and the establishment of joint research and education – training institutes, while considering an agreement on the travel of individuals as well as military technical co-operation.

Nhan on Monday attended a round-table seminar in Moscow titled Strategic co-operation in education and science-technology: The foundation for sustainable development of the Viet Nam-Russia strategic partnership".

He noted that Viet Nam was grateful to Russia for training 25,000 Vietnamese doctorate holders and highly-qualified engineers in many fields.

Delegates to the seminar agreed to study the possibility of opening joint-venture universities, and considering new directions for co-operation in shipbuilding, space research, health care, marine science, biology and satellite positioning. — VNS

Wide-ranging HCM City, Lyon urban partnership lights up

HCM CITY (VNS)— HCM City and Lyon, France plan to expand their co-operation beyond the established area of urban lighting.

Vice Chairwoman of the HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hong and visiting Deputy Mayor of Lyon Gilles Buna agreed yesterday during a meeting that the two cities had potential for co-operation in urban management, environmental protection, culture and economics.

Hong said she hoped Lyon would continue assisting the Vietnamese economic hub to install artistic lighting works at historical and cultural sites.

Gilles Buna said the two cities' co-operation in urban lighting over the past 15 years had brought encouraging results and pledged that his city would press ahead with assistance for future projects in HCM City.

A Lyon-designed artistic lighting project at the HCM City Central Post Office is scheduled to start shining on Sunday as one of several activities celebrating 40 years of Viet Nam – France diplomatic ties. — VNS

NA proposes ASEAN green-growth centre

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other delegation leaders take part in the 34th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).— VNA/VNS Photo

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (VNS)— National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong yesterday affirmed Viet Nam will continue making practical contributions to strengthening AIPA's role in building a peaceful, cooperative and prosperous ASEAN community.

Making the statement at the first plenary session of the General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Brunei, Phong said the Vietnamese legislature would work with the Government to overhaul the economy, enhance the legal system and strengthen the business environment.

Calling for AIPA to further assist ASEAN in promoting diplomacy, security, and sustainable economic and social development; Phong also urged for concrete and practical recommendations to remove barriers and harmonise domestic laws with regional aims.

National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong yesterday affirmed Viet Nam will continue making practical contributions to strengthening AIPA's role in building a peaceful, cooperative and prosperous ASEAN community.— VNA/VNS Photos Trong Duc
The Vietnamese delegation proposed establishing an ASEAN ‘green growth centre'; a regional cooperation mechanism to help member countries share expertise in sustainable growth and sharpen responses to climate change. AIPA plan

Participants unanimously agreed that their legislative bodies would cooperate with the ASEAN community to build the regional Community by 2015. They also adopted the AIPA's agenda and action plan.

Themed The role of AIPA in realising the ASEAN Community, this year's event attracted delegates from member countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam were also present, as were observer states such as Japan, Canada, China and Russia. — VNS

Denmark paves way for a greener future

President Truong Tan Sang today starts a three-day state visit to Denmark.— File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— President Truong Tan Sang today starts a three-day state visit to Denmark.

John Nielsen, Danish Ambassador to Viet Nam, has revealed that during the president's visit he will meet the Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and together they will witness the signing of a Comprehensive Partnership declaration, reflecting a new level of political and commercial ties between the two countries.

More than 10 agreements will be signed during the state visit, among them at least five commercial agreements relating to green growth – a major area of opportunity for both countries, according to Nielsen.

Viet Nam is encountering numerous challenges as it bids to fully embrace a green economy. Meanwhile, Denmark is an international frontrunner when it comes to green technology and expertise and is willing to help Viet Nam in the future, according to the ambassador.

Denmark has provided more than US$1.2 billion in ODA grants to Viet Nam over the last 20 years.

"The trade between our countries reached a peak last year and is expected to increase in the coming years. That is why the Danish Prime Minister launched a Danish Growth Strategy for Viet Nam during her visit last year," Nielsen said. "We intend to forge an even stronger partnership with Viet Nam in the coming year." — VNS

Lawmakers adjust environmental law

Recently emerging issues such as climate change, environmental security and green growth have also created a need for changes to the law. Many members of the NA Standing Committee agreed that further study should be made to avoid overlapping between the law on environmental protection and other related laws such as laws on water resources, forest protection and development, natural disaster prevention and food safety and hygiene.— VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Lawmakers yesterday agreed to adjust the law on environmental protection to make it work better. This was decided at the on-going 21st session of the National Assembly Standing Committee.

The law, put into effect in 2005, is credited with helping to create positive changes in environmental protection activities.

However, lawmakers said it should be made more effective and an important legal tool in preserving the environment for sustainable development and to provide better living conditions for people.

Recently emerging issues such as climate change, environmental security and green growth have also created a need for changes to the law.

Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities, Ksor Phuoc, said regulations relating to the provision of power should be made clearer together with the obligation of organisations and individuals in environment protection.

The draft law should have regulations to encourage people to fight and denounce people and organisations violating environmental laws, he said.

Chairman of the NA Committee for Justice, Nguyen Van Hien, proposed changing the time limit for charging companies with breaking the laws.

He said that under the Civil Code, people could only start a lawsuit asking for compensation for damage caused by environmental pollution within two years of the day their interests were affected.

This, however, failed to meet real conditions as damage caused by environmental protection might not be discovered for many years.

Chairman of the NA Law Committee, Phan Trung Ly, noted that the compiling board should carefully check the draft law to avoid introducing regulations that did not work.

Many members of the NA Standing Committee agreed that further study should be made to avoid overlapping between the law on environmental protection and other related laws such as laws on land, energy, water resources, forest protection and development, natural disaster prevention and food safety and hygiene.

Public finance

Yesterday, in his report to the National Assembly Standing Committee, Finance Minister Dinh Tien Dung said the Government had successfully enacted measures as part of the Law on Thrift Practising and Waste Combating.

He said inspectors had carried out more than 1,350 assessments on public finance management in the first six months of this year, uncovering more than VND1.290 trillion (US$61 million) in budget violations.

"The Government has also focused on instructing all government agencies to curb spending in areas such as buying cars or other State properties," Dung said.

Phung Quoc Hien, chairman of the NA Committee on Finance and Budget, praised the Government's efforts in reducing the number of conferences, opening ceremonies and State money used to send Government staff overseas.

The NA also estimated that adjustments in provincial and locality budgets could save another VND3.080 trillion ($146 million) this year.

However, the NA committee warned that progress in reforming wasteful spending on construction and refinancing State-owned companies was still slow. Hien said he found the inefficient use of seaports in some areas concerning and contributing to public waste.

Kso Phuoc, chairman of the NA Committee on Ethnic Affairs, said the Government report was not clear in pinpointing the localities that were not effective in curbing spending.

"We've seen that many provincial departments occupy large and luxurious buildings while the surrounding area is poor and under-developed. I believe that wasteful public spending is far more serious that what's been said," Phuoc said.

NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan suggested that the Government should identify specific localities and provinces with poor records so that NA representatives in those areas could increase budget oversight.

The NA Standing Committee also discussed the revised Law on Thrift Practising and Waste Combating, to be debated at the NA general session this October. — VNS

Viet Nam to increase public security work with Laos

General Tran Dai Quang (L) meets with Lao Party General Secretary and President Chummaly Saynhasone in Vientiane.— VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE (VNS)— Viet Nam's Minister of Public Security has pledged to tighten co-operation with Laos to protect national and public security and prevent attempts to sabotage the revolutionary cause of Viet Nam and Laos.

General Tran Dai Quang made the commitment at a meeting with Lao Party General Secretary and President Chummaly Saynhasone in Vientiane yesterday.

Quang, who is in Lao to attend the ninth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes (AMMTC), spoke highly of the Lao Ministry of Public Security's organisation of the AMMTC and related meetings. He said the success of the events affirmed Laos' position in the region and international arena.

The Vietnamese minister also said his ministry would continue to share experience and work closely with the Lao side in combating transnational crime, particularly drug crimes, as well as protecting security and order in border regions.

President Saynhasone expressed his delight at the development of the Viet Nam-Laos relationship, highly valuing the contribution of Viet Nam's Ministry of Public Security to the two countries' special ties.

He asked the two ministries to strengthen co-operation in personnel training and crime fighting for the peace and happiness of the two countries.

ASEAN+3 meeting

Also yesterday, Quang and ministers from other ASEAN member countries and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) declared their determination to work together to prevent and combat transnational crime to ensure stability and development in the region at the sixth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime Plus Three (AMMTC+3).

The ministers said their co-operation targeted human trafficking, weapons smuggling, piracy, illegal immigration, economic crime, drugs-related crime, and hi-tech crime, and agreed to increase information exchange and training to help one another.

At the event, Quang spoke of Viet Nam's positive co-operation with law enforcement bodies from China, Japan and the RoK to implement the commitment between ASEAN and its partners to combat transnational crime.

He also recognised and spoke highly of the three countries' effective co-operation and assistance to ASEAN and Viet Nam in the fight against transnational crime and response to newly emerging non-traditional challenges in the 2007-17 period.

The Vietnamese Minister said he hoped that the commitments agreed at this meeting would be implemented effectively by all sides, creating a breakthrough in the fight against transnational crime.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Quang held talks with officials from the Lao Ministry of Security and meetings with the heads of delegations from Singapore, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Japan, and Myanmar. — VNS

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Leaders bid farewell to Japanese Ambassador

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives outgoing Japanese Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki in Ha Noi.— VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung held separate meetings yesterday with outgoing Japanese Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki, who recently ended his term in Viet Nam.

During their meetings, the Vietnamese leaders spoke highly about the ambassador's contributions to the development of bilateral co-operation between the two countries as well as the ambassador's affection for Viet Nam and the Vietnamese people.

The ambassador said to Vietnamese leaders that he would continue to promote the friendly relations between the two countries and peoples.

The day before, the Japanese ambassador received the Ministry of Transport's insignia for his contributions to developing the transport sector in Viet Nam. — VNS

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Switzerland increases development aid (Sep, 19) Canada funds overhaul of legal sector (Sep, 19) Vietnamese PM to visit France (Sep, 19) President begins Denmark visit (Sep, 19) Viet Nam to increase public security work with Laos (Sep, 19) VN, Cuba to boost multi-faceted co-operation (Sep, 19) Confidence drops in anti-corruption fight (Sep, 19) Viet Nam, Cuba to boost co-operation (Sep, 18) Denmark paves way for a greener future (Sep, 18) Lawmakers say crime is still "complicated" (Sep, 18)

Vietnamese PM to visit France

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.— File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his spouse will pay an official visit to France from September 24-26, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit is made at the invitation of French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Dung will also attend high-level meetings of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26-28. — VNS

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President begins Denmark visit (Sep, 19) Viet Nam to increase public security work with Laos (Sep, 19) VN, Cuba to boost multi-faceted co-operation (Sep, 19) Confidence drops in anti-corruption fight (Sep, 19) Viet Nam, Cuba to boost co-operation (Sep, 18) Denmark paves way for a greener future (Sep, 18) Lawmakers say crime is still "complicated" (Sep, 18) Viet Nam, Hungary sign extradition agreement during president's visit (Sep, 18) Viet Nam, Russia plan economic co-operation (Sep, 18) VN, NZ agree on ambitious plan to step up two-way trade (Sep, 18)

Viet Nam, Denmark agree to a comprehensive partnership

President Truong Tan Sang greets Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen KhangHA NOI (VNS)— President Truong Tan Sang and Denmark Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt yesterday agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership.

The agreement was reached during talks between the two sides as part of Sang's visit to the northern European country.

The comprehensive partnership aims to provide a foundation for expanding bilateral co-operation in prioritised areas of foreign affairs, trade and investment, environmental sustainability, research and education, and cultural exchange.

Both sides said they were pleased at the positive development of bilateral trade and investment during the past few years, while President Sang confirmed that Viet Nam created favourable conditions for Danish enterprises to invest in his country.

Sang also urged the Danish leader to continue supporting Viet Nam's efforts in climate change, administrative reform, environmental hygiene and vocational training through official development programmes.

The two sides also discussed important international and regional issues with Thorning-Schmidt emphasising the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the ASEAN community in Denmark's foreign policy.—VNA/VNS Photo

He praised the host government's efforts in helping Vietnamese nationals live and work in the country and providing valuable assistance.

Meanwhile, Thorning-Schmidt underscored her Government's determination to implement its Market Growth Strategy which named Viet Nam as one of 10 potential economies for the country to increase trade to US$1 billion.

She affirmed her Government's position that disputes in the East Sea be resolved using peaceful measures and in accordance with international law.

Sang also urged Denmark to back Viet Nam's bid to strengthen its relationship with the EU and speed up the EU's approval of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement with Viet Nam. He also request the Danish President's support in Viet Nam's negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU.

New role

President Truong Tan Sang also met with Danish Parliament Speaker Morgens Lykketoft on the same day, where Sang applauded close co-operation between the two parliaments through high-ranking delegations and specialized committees.— VNA/VNS Photo

Sang also pointed out that Viet Nam would be eager to foster ties between the ASEAN community and the EU and separately between ASEAN and Denmark as ASEAN-EU Co-ordinator.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of the Joint Statement of the Viet Nam-Denmark Comprehensive Partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in developing wind power, water management, education and sustainable seafood farming.

Sang also met with Danish Parliament Speaker Morgens Lykketoft on the same day, where Sang applauded close co-operation between the two parliaments through high-ranking delegations and specialized committees.

Sang also lobbied for the Danish parliament to continue the provision of official development assistance (ODA) to Viet Nam in areas such as renewable energy, environmental protection and food safety, while the Danish Speaker praised Viet Nam's efficient use of ODA.

The two leaders agreed that elevating the relationship would be a driving force for strengthening bilateral co-operation more efficiently. — VNS

President Sang salutes Danish ties

President Truong Tan Sang (right) gives a speech addressing the Viet Nam-Denmark Business Forum in Copenhagen in Denmark yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen KhangCOPENHAGEN (VNS)— President Truong Tan Sang spoke highly of Danish enterprises' socio-economic co-operation when addressing the Viet Nam-Denmark Business Forum in Copenhagen yesterday.

He confirmed Viet Nam's policy of incessantly improving the investment environment for foreign players to facilitate their long-term, effective and sustainable operation in the country.

The President stated that Denmark was becoming a leading economic partner of Viet Nam in northern Europe and the EU and predicted a rise in bilateral trade and investment following the two sides' signing of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement and on-going negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement.

The establishment of a strategic partnership with Denmark in climate change, energy, environment and green growth vividly manifests Viet Nam's efforts in responding to global challenges, building a greener and cleaner economy and creating big opportunities for both countries' businesses, according to the President.

He advised Danish businesses to secure a firm foothold in Viet Nam's economy.

The President stressed that Denmark's expertise in wind and renewable energy, sea transport, seaport construction, pharmaceutical industry, machinery and food production was urgently needed by Viet Nam and hoped for co-operation in these areas in the future.

He reiterated that Viet Nam welcomed Danish enterprises and facilitated their productive operation and expressed his delight at bilateral economic ties in recent years.

Two-way trade between the two countries rose to around US$470 million in 2012 from nearly US$320 million in 2008, a 47 percent increase.

Denmark now has 106 investment projects worth US$674 million, ranking 25th out of 100 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. Most projects relate to processing technology, manufacturing and transport.

Earlier, President Sang and his entourage met with Copenhagen Governor Frank Jensen to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on planning, infrastructure building and green growth between the two countries' capital cities.

The same day, Queen Margethe II hosted a farewell ceremony for President Truong Tan Sang to mark the ending of the guest's state visit to Denmark. — VNS

Hai Phong ‘gateway to north' says Party

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has urged northern port city Hai Phong to make full use of its strength as the north's gateway to the sea.— Photo dddn
HA NOI (VNS)— Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has urged northern port city Hai Phong to make full use of its strength as the north's gateway to the sea.

Trong called on the city to develop its seaport, services, tourism industry and logistics as part of a concerted effort to spearhead local development.

The party leader was speaking at a working session yesterday between the Party Politburo and the Standing Board of Hai Phong Municipal Party Committee to review the region's progress towards modernisation and industrialisation over the past 10 years.

Reporting to the Poliburo, municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Thanh said since starting the resolution implementation, the city's economy had been growing relatively fast. From 2003 to 2012, its GDP rose by an average of 11 per cent per year. Services and industry sectors contributed 90 per cent of the economic growth.

GDP per capita in 2012 reached US$2,064, nearly three times the figure from 2002.

As the main route to the sea for northern provinces, the volume of commodities traded through the city's ports surged from 13 million tones in 2003 to 48.8 million tones in 2012.

The working session between the Party Politburo and the Standing Board of Hai Phong Municipal Party Committee to review the region's progress towards modernisation and industrialisation over the past 10 years.—VNA/VNS Photo

By 2020, Hai Phong aimed to become a modern port city, the country's key centre for marine economy development, plus a centre of education, training and health care for the northern coastal provinces, Thanh added.

Development of seaports and airports would be a driving force for the city to become a large services and industry centre, growing at a rapid yet sustainable pace, he said.

After hearing the report, Trong recognised the city's achievements over the past 10 years, saying the results would create firm foundations for Hai Phong to continue developing in the future.

However, the economic growth was neither strong enough nor sustainable, he said.

"Hai Phong should closely follow the directions outlined in the resolutions of the 11th Party Congress which requires economic restructuring in combination with renovating the growth model, as well as rapid but sustainable development and a shift towards in-depth development," the Party leader said.

He reminded Hai Phong to continue maintaining political stability, social safety and order, while actively preventing and thwarting sabotage plans from hostile forces, because the city is strategically placed in terms of national defence-security.

In addition, the Party leader urged the city to pay attention to strengthening Party organisation and the political system, thus creating concerted strength for socio-economic development. — VNS\

VN, Cuba to boost multi-faceted co-operation

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung receives Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz in Ha Noi.— VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam would do its utmost to boost co-operation with Cuba in all fields, particularly in agriculture, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Cuba's Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz at a reception in Ha Noi yesterday.

The PM also expressed his hope that Cuba would create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to make long-term investments in the country. He said the the Cuban minister's visit to attend a meeting of the inter-governmental committee of the two countries would make active contributions to enhancing multi-faceted co-operation between the two nations.

The Cuban minister said his country hoped to learn from Viet Nam's experiencein socio-economic development. He affirmed that Cuba would create favourable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand trade ties and investment co-operation.

He also handed Dung a letter from Fidel Castro which recalled his lasting impressions and unforgettable memories of Viet Nam during a visit 40 years ago. — VNS

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Confidence drops in anti-corruption fight (Sep, 19) Viet Nam, Cuba to boost co-operation (Sep, 18) Denmark paves way for a greener future (Sep, 18) Lawmakers say crime is still "complicated" (Sep, 18) Viet Nam, Hungary sign extradition agreement during president's visit (Sep, 18) Viet Nam, Russia plan economic co-operation (Sep, 18) VN, NZ agree on ambitious plan to step up two-way trade (Sep, 18) Stronger ties with Japan would help VN economy (Sep, 18) Deputy PM Nhan travels to Russia for special working visit (Sep, 17) VNA leader welcomes Cuban guests (Sep, 17)

Friday, September 27, 2013

Viet Nam, Hungary sign extradition agreement during president's visit

President Truong Tan Sang (left) meets with Hugarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.—VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen KhangBUDAPEST (VNS) — Viet Nam and Hungary signed agreements on the extradition of criminals and the transfer of sentenced persons on Monday.

This was done during State President Truong Tan Sang's official visit to the European country.

Other co-operative documents were also signed, including a memorandum of understanding on co-operation between the Vietnamese Health Ministry and the Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources, a deal on sports, physical training and a cultural plan for 2014-2016.

The signings took place at meetings between President Sang, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Kover Laszlo.

The two sides said Viet Nam's stable economic growth and its market of 90-million people together with Hungary's strengths in pharmacy, agriculture, education training, information technology and processing farm produce were the foundation for the future.

Sang said he hoped Hungary would continue backing Viet Nam during negotiations for a free trade agreement and provide Official Development Assistance to the Southeast Asian country.

He pledged Viet Nam's willingness to help Hungary enhance linkages with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its member countries.

Sang attended a business forum yesterday that drew representatives from 300 leading Vietnamese and Hungarian businesses.

Sang said economic co-operation was an important motivator to strengthen the fine relations between the two countries.

He said the forum would help businesses in the two countries find co-operation opportunities, particularly in vocational training, agricultural production, breeding and energy. Sang affirmed that Viet Nam was willing to create favourable conditions for Hungarian businesses to invest in the country.

Apart from education and training, Viet Nam also had preferential policies for investors investing in agriculture, breeding and food production, he said.

Co-operation between the two countries would help create a co-operative network to help Hungarian businesses enter ASEAN and Asian markets as well as help Vietnamese businesses to enter European Union markets, Sang added.

Addressing the forum, Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Navracsics Tibor said Hungary placed special attention on developing economic and trade relations with traditional friends, including Viet Nam.

Two-way trade between the two countries reached US$120 million in 2012. — VNS

Confidence drops in anti-corruption fight

Chairman of the NA Committee for Justice Nguyen Van Hien said the situation had become increasingly serious but the punishment for fraud was still not strict or punitive enough.—VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— National Assembly (NA) deputies yesterday raised concerns over fading confidence in the Government's measures to fight against corruption.

Chairman of the NA Committee for Justice Nguyen Van Hien said the situation had become increasingly serious but the punishment for fraud was still not strict or punitive enough.

The committee found that many defendants in cases involving bribery and graft received only administrative punishment rather than criminal sentences.

According to the report on corruption prevention and control, among 36 officials who were charged with being responsible for corruption, only four received criminal punishment.

Some local authorities still treated officials with indulgence, Hien said at yesterday's meeting of the NA Standing Committee to review the Government's performance in corruption prevention and control.

"Those who had been given suspensions or light sentences accounted for 31.16 per cent of the total number of defendants in corruption cases," Hien added.

He said according to the press and to commonly held opinion, corruption occurred in various areas including vocational training, resettlement support, as well as programmes aimed at poverty reduction and hunger alleviation.

"People voiced concerns that if authorities at the central level did not give stricter punishments to those who bribe or extort, then agencies at lower levels could take this lead and encourage further impunity."

NA deputies agreed that the government bodies should carry out surveys on people's satisfaction on their work in preventing corruption.

In the past eight months, Government auditors have conducted about 4,700 corruption inspections, uncovering 73 cases involving 80 defendants and proposed that nearly VND115 billion (US$5.5 million) needed to be repaid to the State coffers, however not quite half of the sum has been recovered to date, Chief Government Inspector Huynh Phong Tranh said.

Deputies also blamed the inefficiency of corruption prevention activities on a lack of policies designed to support whistle-blowers and the shortage of protection mechanisms for them.

In recent times, there have been 19 whistle-blowers offering information but the rewards given to them were not satisfactory, committee chairman Hien said.

He gave an example of the corruption case in Hoai Duc General Hospital in which three denouncers received awards worth VND320,000 (US$15) each.

Chairman of the Ethnic Council Ksor Phuoc emphasized that there had been situations in which large cases had been "shrunk" deliberately in terms of seriousness so that officials receiving a billion dong might offer lighter sentences.

Progress in dealing with corruption cases must be publicised every three to four months. Central agencies should focus their investigation on places and organisations that have a high risk of corruption, he said.

Since the beginning of the year, police nationwide uncovered and handled 371 corruption cases, involving 847 defendants. Of these, only 223 cases and 568 defendants have been prosecuted.

Phan Trung Ly, chairman of the NA Law Committee, posed the question as to why hundreds of corruption cases were detected this year, yet criminal proceedings were only taken against four.

The crime was becoming more complicated and dangerous, so measures to fight against it must also be more thorough and punishment must be harsher, he stated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the NA's Standing Committee asked the Government to review its report on anti-corruption activities before submitting it to the NA for consideration in October. The same day, deputies also discussed 2014 auditing plan proposed by the State Audit of Viet Nam (SAV).

SAV's general auditor Nguyen Huu Van said next year the agency would audit 15 central agencies and ministries, 31 infrastructure construction and public procurement projects, 44 State-owned enterprises and financial institutes and one national target programme.

In the afternoon session, the NA Standing Committee discussed the draft amendments to the Law on Notary with recommendations to improve the quality of notary staff.

The deputies expressed concerns over an article regulating that notary staff should take full responsibility for notorising documents translated from foreign languages that contradicts another article that does not require notary staff to know foreign languages.

The deputies also discussed the establishment of a professional organisation for people working in the industry. — VNS

President begins Denmark visit

President Truong Tan Sang (centre right) meets Queen Margrethe of Denmark yesterday at the Fredensborg Palace. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen KhangCOPENHAGEN (VNS)— President Truong Tan Sang and his entourage arrived in Copenhagen yesterday, beginning his State visit to Denmark at the invitation of Queen Margrethe II.

The Vietnamese President was greeted at the airport by Queen Margrethe in a grand welcome ceremony.

The same day, President Sang was scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Frederik, visit Copenhagen's port and meet with staff of the Vietnamese embassy and members of the local Vietnamese community.

President hails Hungarian

Before arriving in Denmark, Sang concluded his visit to Hungary with a meeting with the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)'s President Mestehazy Atila on Tuesday.

Sang spoke highly of the growing relationship between MSZP and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and asked the MSZP to continue to assist the Vietnamese community in the country.

Remembering the support of Hungarian officials and experts, including many MSZP members, who took part in the International Commission of Control and Supervision under the Paris Peace Agreement, Sang declared that Vietnamese people would always remember the precious help offered by their Hungarian friends.

Atila said his party wished to contribute further to fostering Viet Nam-Hungary ties in order to achieve the common aspirations of both peoples.

He applauded the agreements reached between leaders of the two countries during President Sang's visit, hailed the rising role of Viet Nam in Southeast Asia and pledged to do all he could for the Vietnamese Embassy and community in Hungary. — VNS

VN condemns chemical war

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons on civilians and stressed the need to abide by international conventions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement during a regular press conference in Ha Noi yesterday, reiterating Viet Nam's persistent and clear stance on the matter.

Viet Nam welcomed the September 14 Russia-US framework agreement on the destruction of Syria's chemical arsenal, the official said, adding that the country hoped the sides concerned would implement the agreement faithfully, helping to solve the ongoing crisis in Syria and bring peace and stability to the Syrian people. — VNS

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Lawmakers adjust environmental law (Sep, 20) Hai Phong ‘gateway to north' says Party (Sep, 20) NA proposes ASEAN green-growth centre (Sep, 20) Leaders bid farewell to Japanese Ambassador (Sep, 19) Switzerland increases development aid (Sep, 19) Canada funds overhaul of legal sector (Sep, 19) Vietnamese PM to visit France (Sep, 19) President begins Denmark visit (Sep, 19) Viet Nam to increase public security work with Laos (Sep, 19) VN, Cuba to boost multi-faceted co-operation (Sep, 19)

Canada funds overhaul of legal sector

The project, funded by the Canadian Government, is the result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Viet Nam and Canada in June, 2010 and will contribute 15 million Canadian dollars (US$14.5m) to the legislative revamp.— Photo moj

HA NOI (VNS)— The Ministry of Justice yesterday launched a seven-year National Legislative Development Project which is expected to help speed up the reform of law-making process and improve the quality of economic legislation in Viet Nam.

Speaking at the workshop launch yesterday, project manager Isabeau Vilandre said that the project would address the issues of quality, consistency and transparency within the law-making process to make legislation more effective and better implemented at both central and provincial levels.

Deputy Minister of Justice Dinh Trung Tung said that Viet Nam had been making efforts to improve its legal framework to build up a law-based State.

"The need to make new legal documents or revise existing ones, especially with more participation from citizens, becomes more urgent at a time when the country is to approve its revised constitution," he said.

Under the project, the Ministry of Justice and other economic ministries would offer support to improve capacity in fields including strategic planning processes, policy research and impact assessments, as well as engaging in consultation with citizens and the private sector throughout the legislative development process.

The project would also focus on the consolidation and revision of the 2004 and 2008 law on Promulgatition of Legal Normative Documents by the People's Councils and the People's Committees, the revised legislation is expected to be adopted in 2015.

The Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Justice International, the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, one of Canada's biggest provinces, and law firm Stikeman Elliott LLP would help and share their experience with Vietnamese partners. — VNS

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Lawmakers say crime is still "complicated"

Many lawmakers agreed that the reports failed to reflect a comprehensive view of law violation and administrative punishment in all fields of society and the economy.—VNÁ/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam has kept crime largely under control, but the situation remains complicated, according to the Government report released at the National Assembly Standing Committee's 21st session yesterday.

Deputy Minister of Public Securities Le Quy Vuong noted that criminal gangs were now operating, especially in big cities and border areas.

He said that violations involving economic management still occurred in finance and banking, causing serious consequences and affecting the national restructure process and socio-economic development.

In the environmental field, crime involved waste management, environmental pollution and illegal sand exploitation in many localities.

Drug-related crime continued to develop and criminals were willing to use "hot weapons" to strike back when discovered. The deputy minister said the numbers of those arrested and using drugs were on the rise.

The report said the key reasons for the problems included the downgrading of social ethics, the low effectiveness of drug detoxification and the limited capacity of authorised agencies.

Lawmakers also heard a report on activities of the procuracy sector in 2013 outlining an improvement in the handling of cases and the decline of unjust cases.

However, many hearings still took too long, particularly those relating to the economy.

Many lawmakers agreed that the reports failed to reflect a comprehensive view of law violation and administrative punishment in all fields of society and the economy.

They also said they failed to analyse the causes of the problems and their solutions.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan asked agencies to clarify the shortcomings of State management in the fields of finance, banking and land and to define the responsibilities of agencies and their leaders.

Deputy NA Chairman Uong Chu Luu suggested lawmakers finalise the reports and clarify the responsibilities of each agency and local authorities in crime prevention. — VNS

Viet Nam, Cuba to boost co-operation

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Publicity and Education, Dinh The Huynh receives Head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party, Rolando Alfonso Borgesa In Ha Noi.— VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam would do its utmost to boost co-operation in economics, trade, culture, education, science and technology with Cuba, said Construction Minister Trinh Dinh Dung yesterday.

Dung was addressing the 31st meeting of the Viet Nam-Cuba Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Co-operation.

The minister, who led the Vietnamese side, highlighted the encouraging outcomes of the Viet Nam-Cuba co-operative programme on rice production for the 2009-2015 period.

He said the achievements helped the Latin American country raise its rice output, ease its dependence on rice imports and ensured on-the-spot food security.

He noted the co-operation in biological technology, vaccine production and healthcare.

Tthe 31st meeting of the Viet Nam-Cuba Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Co-operation.—VNA/VNS Photo

Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Diaz, who heads the Cuban Subcommittee, said he hoped there would be more Vietnamese investments in oil and mineral exploration and exploitation, renewable energy, tourism, information technology, and agriculture.

Dinh The Huynh, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Publicity and Education, received Rolando Alfonso Borgesa, head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party, who is on a visit to Viet Nam from September 15-21.

Huynh said the two sides should discuss mutual challenges in communication and education so they could map out measures to boost co-operation.

For his part, the Cuban guest said he hoped Viet Nam would continue sharing its experience in Party building, socio-economic development and renewal with Cuba. — VNS

Viet Nam, US to boost military ties

HA NOI (VNS)— Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen Le Huu Duc and US Transportation Commander Gen. William Fraser pledged to continue highly efficient co-operation in military transportation between the two countries.

During a meeting in Ha Noi yesterday, Deputy Defence Minister Duc expressed hope that both sides would continue their defence co-operation as stated in a Memorandum of Understanding signed previously.

He spoke favourably about developments in defence ties, especially since the adoption of a joint statement on Viet Nam-US comprehensive co-operation, and hailed the US Transportation Command delegation's visit as a good condition to exchange experiences.

For his part, the US commander hoped his command would continue to take part in humanitarian aid, disaster relief and other fields of mutual interest for both countries.

The two armies' transport experts will soon meet to bolster effective co-operation, contributing greatly to building mutual trust in all fields. — VNS

Switzerland increases development aid

Switzerland announced yesterday that it would increase development aid to Viet Nam in the next four-year period to 123 million Swiss francs (US$132.8 million).— Photo baoxaudung

HA NOI (VNS)— Switzerland announced yesterday that it would increase development aid to Viet Nam in the next four-year period to 123 million Swiss francs (US$132.8 million).

This represents an increase of about 50 per cent compared with the budget for the previous four-year period, according to Swiss Ambassador in Viet Nam Andrej Motyl.

In line with Viet Nam's aim to become an industrialised country by 2020 and its middle-income status, Motyl said the focus would shift from poverty reduction to economic development co-operation.

Since 1992, Switzerland contributed about $360 million to Viet Nam's socio-economic development and reform agenda.

President begins Denmark visit

The Vietnamese President was greeted at the airport by Queen Margrethe in a grand welcome ceremony.

The same day, President Sang was scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Frederik, visit Copenhagen's port and meet with staff of the Vietnamese embassy and members of the local Vietnamese community.

President hails Hungarian

Before arriving in Denmark, Sang concluded his visit to Hungary with a meeting with the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)'s President Mestehazy Atila on Tuesday.

Sang spoke highly of the growing relationship between MSZP and the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and asked the MSZP to continue to assist the Vietnamese community in the country.

Atila said his party wished to contribute further to fostering Viet Nam-Hungary ties in order to achieve the common aspirations of both peoples.

Vietnamese PM to visit France

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.— File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)— Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his spouse will pay an official visit to France from September 24-26, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit is made at the invitation of French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Dung will also attend high-level meetings of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26-28. — VNS

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013