Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse will lead a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 16 to 19.

During his time in Brazil, the PM will also engage in a series of bilateral activities.

Following that, he will pay an official visit to the Dominican Republic from November 19 to 21.

The trips will be made at the invitation of President of Brazil and Chair of the 2024 G20 Summit Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his spouse, and President of the Dominican Republic Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona./.

State President meets with President of Peruvian Council of Ministers in Lima

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong met with President of the Council of Ministers of Peru Gustavo Adriazén in Lima on November 13 afternoon (local time), within the framework of his official visit to the Latin American nation.

Adriazén expressed his pleasure in welcoming the President and the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam on their official visit to Peru, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Peru diplomatic relations. He affirmed that the trip is of historical significance, serving as a driving force to further deepen the bilateral friendship and cooperation in the coming years.

He affirmed that Peru attaches importance to developing its friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, and expressed his desire for the two countries to share best practices in national governance and the implementation of socio-economic development policies.

Congratulating Peru on assuming the role as the host of APEC 2024, the President of Vietnam said he believed the APEC Economic Leaders' Week will be a great success, further enhancing Peru's role, position, and reputation in both the region and the world.

He assessed that the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Peru has made impressive progress in recent years, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. Peru is currently Vietnam's top investment partner and the sixth-largest trading partner in Latin America, while the latter is the former's biggest trading partner in ASEAN. However, he noted that there remains ample room to further expand bilateral cooperation.

The host appreciated the investment activities of Vietnamese enterprises in Peru, especially the very successful telecommunications project by Vietnam's Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel). He affirmed his support and commitment to facilitating Viettel's expansion into projects related to digital transformation, digital technology, smart cities, and cybersecurity, which will contribute to Peru's development, and bring long-term benefits to businesses and people of both countries.

The two leaders agreed the fact that both countries are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provides a solid foundation for strengthening trade and investment cooperation.

They agreed to further promote meetings and visits of senior leaders of Vietnam and Peru, as well as exchanges at various levels in the coming years; and committed to regularly and effectively implementing dialogue mechanisms on politics-diplomacy and economy-trade to make the bilateral cooperation increasingly practical and effective.

Both sides agreed to actively promote collaboration between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance, and strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations.

Congratulating Vietnam on being chosen to host APEC 2027, Adriazén affirmed Peru’s backing and close coordination with Vietnam to ensure its success.

On this occasion, Cuong conveyed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's regards and invitation to Adriazén to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time of both sides./.

Parliamentary cooperation – a key pillar of Vietnam-Peru relations: leaders

Vietnam’s State President Luong Cuong and President of the Congress of Peru Eduardo Salhuana agreed on the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, a key pillar of the two countries' diplomatic ties, at their meeting in Lima on November 13 afternoon (local time).

Salhuana stressed that Cuong’s ongoing official visit to Peru is of significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.

Cuong appreciated the solidarity and support of the Peruvian people for Vietnam in its past struggle for national defence, as well as in the current cause of national construction and development.

The leader affirmed that Peru is one of Vietnam’s key partners in its overall foreign policy toward Latin America and noted confidence that his visit will provide momentum, ushering the relations into a new phase of stronger and more dynamic growth.

Congratulating Peru on its recent socio-economic achievements, the State President noted his belief that the APEC Economic Leaders' Week 2024 hosted by the country will be a great success, contributing to promoting its role, position, and reputation in the international arena.

Salhuana also showed admiration for Vietnam's remarkable socio-economic achievements in recent years, emphasising that thanks to the efforts and development aspirations of people and the sound leadership of generations of leaders, Vietnam has overcome challenges to transform itself into a rapidly growing nation with sustainable social welfare policies and friendly and cooperative relations with other countries, including Peru.

The host leader said despite the geographical distance, the two countries share many similarities, and expressed his hope that they will enhance exchange, mutual consultation, and experience sharing across all areas in the time ahead.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, both leaders emphasised the need to promote collaboration between the specialised agencies of the two countries' legislatures in areas such as training and capacity building, along with the exchange of experience in research, policy advising, and organising parliamentary activities.

They also consented to continue optimising coordination mechanisms at multilateral forums, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral parliamentary organisations, and to support each other's stance on regional and international issues of shared concern.

On this occasion, State President Cuong conveyed the invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the President of the Peruvian Congress to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Cuong said he hopes that the Peruvian Congress would take special interest in facilitating the implementation of Vietnamese investment projects in telecommunications and oil and gas sectors in the South American nation, contributing to both countries’ economic development.

The host leader affirmed that the Peruvian legislature fully supports and will work to create favourable conditions for the existing investment projects of Vietnamese enterprises in his country. He also called for more Vietnamese investments in Peru.

At the end of the meeting, in recognition of the Vietnamese State leader’s contributions to the bilateral relationship over the past 30 years, the Peruvian Congress decided to award State President Cuong the Grand Cross Order of Honour, the highest honour of the Peruvian legislature for foreign leaders.

Cuong expressed his honour to receive the Order, affirming that this noble award demonstrates the importance the Peruvian legislature attaches to the bilateral relationship. He also described it as a very meaningful recognition of the development of the friendly and comprehensive relations between the two countries on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties./.

Vietnamese, Peruvian Presidents seek measures to deepen relations

Vietnam’s State President Luong Cuong and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra shared the view on the development of the two countries’ relations, with increasing high-level dialogues and political trust, and progress in economic-trade ties, during their talks in Lima.

Speaking to the press following the talks on November 13 afternoon (local time), the visiting Vietnamese leader congratulated Peru on assuming the role of APEC 2024 Chair and expressed his belief that the APEC Economic Leaders' Week will be a success, contributing to fostering cooperation and connectivity in the Asia-Pacific and elevating Peru’s role and position on the international stage.

Cuong said the two sides should make greater efforts as there remains significant untapped potential for economic cooperation, in both traditional spheres like oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as emerging fields such as digital transformation, renewable energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to which Vietnam and Peru are signatories, provides a vital framework for even closer economic integration, he noted.

The State President emphasised that the two sides agreed on major directions and measures to further deepen bilateral relations across various fields. These include increasing high-level exchanges and meetings, strengthening cooperation mechanisms and legal frameworks, expanding diplomatic and consular presence, and facilitating business connections, trade and investment promotion, and transport and logistics links. They also consented to enhance cultural and educational collaboration, and people-to-people interactions.

According to Cuong, the two sides issued a joint declaration on strengthening the Vietnam-Peru relations, saying they now have the conditions necessary to advance their relationship to a higher level. With strong political determination, they will work together to soon announce the new framework.

He showed his confidence that this visit will provide momentum for the two countries’ friendly and cooperative relations to grow further, meeting the interests and aspirations of their people, and contributing to peace, cooperation, development, and integration between East Asia and Latin America.

Cuong used the occasion to invite the Peruvian President to visit Vietnam in 2025, emphasising that the trip would mark another historic milestone in the bilateral relations.

For her part, Boluart affirmed that over the past three decades, the two countries have steadily strengthened their friendship and cooperation, as well as mutual understanding, built on consensus across a range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

They have become important partners of each other, the host leader stressed, saying she and the Vietnamese State President concurred to beef up and deepen the relations.

She said the two sides held important and productive discussions covering various bilateral cooperation areas, along with regional and international issues of shared concern. They also explored new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of both nations' people.

Following the talks, the host leader presented the Grand Cross of the Order of “the Sun of Peru” to the State President of Vietnam./.

State President of Vietnam honoured with “The Sun of Peru” Order

Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra presented the Grand Cross of the Order of “The Sun of Peru” to State President of Vietnam Luong Cuong at a ceremony held at the Casa de Pizarro, the Government Palace, in Lima on November 13 afternoon (local time), following their talks the same day.

Addressing the ceremony, the host leader expressed her honour in awarding the prestigious order to Cuong, recognising his significant contributions to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Peru and Vietnam.

She emphasised that this high distinction reflects the Peruvian State’s appreciation and deep affection for the country and people of Vietnam, particularly when the Vietnamese President’s visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations. The Peruvian President expressed her confidence that the relationship between the two nations will continue to be deepened in the future.

For his part, Cuong said he is moved to receive the Grand Cross of the Order of “The Sun of Peru" on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (November 14, 1994 - 2024) and his first visit to Peru, a country renowned for its beauty and hospitality.

The State leader of Vietnam noted that the order is a special token of affection from the Peruvian State and people to Vietnam, as well as to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He described the order as a great encouragement for him to work even harder, alongside friends in Peru, to further develop the Vietnam-Peru partnership, making it more substantive and effective towards new heights, for the benefit of the people of both nations as well as for peace, stability, and prosperity in the two regions and the world.

Cuong extended his heartfelt thanks to Peru for its support and solidarity during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and reunification. He expressed his belief that the two nations will continue to unite and support each other in the years to come, thus growing bilateral cooperation across all sectors, and contributing to the development goals of both countries for the prosperity and happiness of their people./.

National Assembly Standing Committee convenes 39th meeting

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee began its 39th meeting in Hanoi on November 14, with the agenda focusing on deliberating draft laws under discussion at the legislature and those to be passed at the 15th NA’s 8th session.

In his opening remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the critical meeting is scheduled for November 14 and 15, with November 19 reserved as an additional day if needed.

At the 39th session, the NA Standing Committee is set to review and give opinions on revisions for nine draft laws, namely the amended Law on Value Added Tax, the Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Officers of the Vietnam People's Army, the revised Law on Electricity, the amended Law on Public Investment, the Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Health Insurance Law, the revised Law on Notarisation, the Law on Geology and Minerals, the Data Law, and the Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of seven laws.

The committee will also finalise personnel affairs for the second phase of the 8th session, review five out of six draft resolutions to implement the 2024 Law on the Organisation of People's Courts, and decide on administrative restructuring for district- and commune-level units in 12 provinces and cities for the 2023 – 2025 period.

The NA leader called for the responsible committees to further coordinate closely with government agencies, ensuring timely reports to the vice chairmen in charge to submit key issues requiring the NA Standing Committee’s focal discussion.

Stressing the urgency of these matters, Man urged the NA Office and its Deputy Secretary General to prepare and gather necessary participants to ensure efficient decision-making. The purpose of the 8th session’s break is to gather thorough feedback and address all issues comprehensively before the beginning of its second phase./.

Swedish media laud Vietnamese Vice State President’s visit

Swedish media, Government Office and official website of Ericsson Group have praised Vietnam-Sweden relationship and its prospects following Vietnamese Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s official visit to the European country that concluded on November 13.

The Swedish Government's official website reported that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson extended a warm welcome to Vice President Xuan in Stockholm. During a working lunch, the leaders engaged in productive discussions, focusing on the robust ties between the two nations.

Describing Vietnam as a key trade partner of Sweden and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Kristersson said both sides are taking important steps to further strengthen cooperation, especially in technological innovation and green transition.

The visit culminated in the signing and exchange of two memoranda of understanding between Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Hakan Jevrell and Vietnamese counterparts, paving the way for regular political consultations and the expansion of cooperation in green transition and digital technology.

Meanwhile, ScandAsia newspaper highlighted the two-day visit, underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhancing cooperation in innovation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

The leaders acknowledged the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change and accelerate sustainable development. Swedish companies, with their advanced expertise and technology, are poised to assist Vietnam in realising its sustainable future.

According to the Ericsson Group’s website, Xuan attributed Vietnam’s development to Ericsson's technological contributions while visiting its headquarters, stressing that the company would play a key role as Vietnam ramps up its digitalisation efforts.

Deputy Chair of Ericsson's Board of Directors Jacob Wallenberg affirmed that the company stays ready to play a continued role in Vietnam's sustainable digitalisation, including industry and manufacturing connectivity purposes./.

Party chief visits residents, soldiers on Bach Long Vi island

Party General Secretary To Lam on November 14 visited Bach Long Vi island district in the northern city of Hai Phong to learn about the living and working conditions of local residents and soldiers stationed on the island.

Bach Long Vi, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is the furthest island from Vietnam's mainland, about 15 nautical miles from the boundary between Vietnam and China in the Gulf of Tonkin, and 110 kilometres from Hai Phong's Hon Dau. The island district of Bach Long Vi was established on December 9, 1992, directly under Hai Phong city. Its residents primarily rely on fishing and fisheries-related services, with fishing vessels often seeking shelter in the island's harbour during rough seas.

After more than three decades of development, Bach Long Vi has made significant strides in political, social, and infrastructural advancement. Local authorities reported that over 60 key projects have been completed, contributing positively to the region's economy and national security and defence, and firmly protecting Vietnam's sovereignty of islands and sea.

In terms of infrastructure, the island now enjoys a stable supply of clean water, essential for both civilians and military personnel. The power supply, provided through a combination of diesel generators, wind, and solar energy, delivers more than 5 MW of power, ensuring that energy needs are met for the next 10-15 years. The district has seen consistent growth in its economy, particularly in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism, while ensuring security and defence.

Lam highly evaluated contributions of local residents, officers, soldiers, officials and young volunteers, highlighting the transformation of Bach Long Vi from a barren, remote island into a green, clean, vibrant and thriving one over the past 31 years.

The Party chief praised the island’s strategic importance, pointing out that Bach Long Vi serves as a key maritime gateway, controlling vital shipping lanes in the Gulf of Tonkin and providing logistics services for military activities at sea. He also highlighted the island's rich marine ecosystem and its role as a hub for fisheries.

Referring to the vision set at the 12th Party Central Committee's 8th plenary on sustainable ocean economy development, the General Secretary urged Hai Phong and Bach Long Vi to focus on developing a comprehensive strategy for the island, ensuring that it becomes a fortress for defending Vietnam's maritime sovereignty while also fostering economic growth, particularly in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.

He recommended the authorities to prioritise sustainable infrastructure development, including energy, transport, telecommunications, and climate resilience measures, while continuing to strengthen the island’s national security capabilities.

The Party leader also emphasised the need to turn the island into a centre for fishing logistics and search and rescue in the northern sea, promoting high-end seafood farming, developing high-class resort tourism associated with preserving the marine ecosystem.

Earlier the same day, Lam laid a wreath at the Bach Long Vi Martyrs' Memorial and visited the Radar Station 27, offering gifts to the soldiers stationed there. He also attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a residential building, a dining hall, and a sanitation facility at the Military and Civilian Medical Centre on the island.

On the occasion, the Party chief presented gifts to the local authorities, military units, and 10 policy beneficiary households on Bach Long Vi island./.

Party chief urges Hai Phong to become modern maritime economic hub

As part of his working trip to the northern city of Hai Phong, Party General Secretary To Lam held a working session with the municipal Party Committee on November 14, during which he urged the local authority to pay attention to planning work, towards turning it into a modern maritime economic hub in the future.

Agreeing with the municipal Party Committee’s report, the Party chief emphasised the city's strategically vital role in national building and safeguarding, saying that it is now an important port city, an industrial and maritime economic hub in the northern coastal region, and a key driver of the nation.

He underlined the need for Hai Phong to strive toward becoming a city on par with typical cities in Asia, and a modern international port city, leading the country in industrialisation and modernisation, and an international hub of economics, education, training, science and technology.

In light of the Politburo’s high expectations, Hai Phong should improve its planning and vision for the future, showing determination to pursue its goals, Lam said, adding that to succeed, the city needs a clear and insightful development strategy, an excellent governance system, and public trust.

He stressed that Hai Phong needs continue strengthening Party building and developing a streamlined, strong, and effective political system, and that attention should be given to building a team of officials with the necessary integrity, competence, vision, and creativity, as well as a commitment to the city’s development.

Lam urged the city to continue improving its planning work, including urban, industrial, tourism, maritime economic, underground infrastructure, and spatial planning. The city’s future development plans should be modeled, with wide consultations and public transparency in the planning process.

Effective planning is a crucial resource and vision for the city, making it transparent for development and attractive to investors, he stressed.

He noted that Hai Phong should capitalise on its advantage as the "main gateway to the sea" for northern Vietnam, towards developing the city into a modern maritime economic hub, serving as a centre for economic connectivity and a driving force for the development of the Red River Delta region and the entire northern region.

Hai Phong needs to focus on building both hard and soft infrastructure for digital transformation, innovation, and technology development, creating new drivers for growth, Lam said, adding that the city should increase investment in research and development to promote inventions and patents, and create an attractive environment for creativity and startups not only for Vietnam but also for Southeast Asia.

He asked Hai Phong to develop a sound strategy for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting technology transfer, create favourable conditions for domestic businesses to grow and participate in global supply chains, towards building an independent and self-reliant economy that is well-integrated into the world.

The city should accelerate high-quality urbanisation to match the role and status of a centrally-run city, proactively strengthen regional connections and work hard towards becoming a smart, modern city, and a model city for its livability and exceptional experience, he said.

The municipal Party Committee's report on the implementation of the 16th Party Congress's Resolution since the beginning of the term indicates that the city has achieved 14 out of 20 targets set forth in the Resolution.

In the 2029 - 2023 period, Hai Phong’s average economic growth expanded by 12.6% per year, 2.44 times higher than the national average. By 2023, the city’s per capita GRDP stood at 7,960 USD per year, placing it second among Vietnam’s five centrally-run cities. Its average annual state budget revenue growth from 2021 to 2023 reached 7.3%. In the first nine months of 2024, Hai Phong recorded comprehensive socio-economic growth, with GRDP growing 9.77% and notable increases in budget revenue and export growth, both nearly 30% higher than the same period last year.

Hai Phong has poured substantial investments into culture, healthcare, education, sports, science and technology, and social welfare, backed by effective policies that have produced comprehensive and outstanding results. National defence and security have been reinforced, and social safety has beenn well-maintained. Foreign relations and international integration efforts have also been strengthened.

The city’s Party and political system building has been a focal point, with significant improvements. The great national unity bloc is strengthened. The material and spiritual life of all classes of people has been improved.

Earlier, on the same day afternoon, the Party chief attended a conference to hand over investment registration certificates to 12 new and expanded projects in the city’s industrial parks with a total additional investment of 1.8 billion USD./.

PM attends Great National Unity Festival in Lang Son province

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh laid stress on the significance of national solidarity through concrete actions while attending the Great National Unity Festival in residential area No. 8 of Na Sam town in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son's Van Lang district on November 14.

The Government leader affirmed that solidarity has been a precious tradition of the nation throughout the noble history, helping it overcome formidable challenges, stating the strength of the great national unity is an important driving force and a decisive factor behind all victories of the Vietnamese revolution.

Briefing the locals on the country’s socio-economic development, PM Chinh said various achievements have been reaped under the sound leadership, timely direction of the Party Central Committee, the accompanying of the National Assembly and competent organisations in the political system, the flexible and drastic management of the Government, as well as enthusiastic support from the business community and localities, including Lang Son province.

He commended the local Party organisation, administration and people for strengthening solidarity and make concerted efforts to get over difficulties and obtain significant results in boosting socio-economic development, preserving cultural identity and improving both material and spiritual lives for the community.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh called for the town’s continued unity to promote poverty alleviation, do away with dilapidated houses, remove transport bottlenecks with a view to concretising the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, and complete its entrusted political, economic, cultural and social missions.

Besides, he urged local residents to continue making contributions to building a peaceful, friendly, and developing border region and treasuring the Vietnam – China relations that have been nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Mao Zedong and generations of leaders and people of the two countries.

Residential area No. 8, situated one kilometer west of the centre of Na Sam town, spans 112.36 hectares. It is home home to 134 households with 590 residents of the three ethnic groups of Tay, Nung, and Kinh.

Over the past year, local people have strictly carried out the Party’s guidelines and State’s policies and regulations. Impressive changes has been recorded in the town over the recent past, with nearly 90% of households achieving the cultural family status and 100% of students advancing to high school. The area has maintained its "cultural residential area" designation for five consecutive years and achieved full coverage in essential services, including clean water, sanitation, and digital healthcare records./.

Conference reviews implementation of ASCC goals

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) held a national conference in Ho Chi Minh City on November 14 to review the implementation of a project on building and implementing an action plan to realise goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) until 2025 (Project 161).

The conference, held both in-person and online formats, offered an opportunity for leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the MoLISA and various agencies within the ASCC in Vietnam, along with local representatives and universities, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat, to update each other on the project’s progress. Participants also discussed solutions to address challenges, promoted awareness about ASEAN, and prepared for the project’s evaluation.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh highlighted the dedication, flexibility, and accountability shown by ministries, localities, and relevant units in integrating ASEAN goals into their policies, plans, and programmes. He emphasised that these efforts have contributed to building an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and self-sustaining community. Notably, the Ministry of Information and Communications has submitted an action plan on ASEAN communication and promotion to the Prime Minister, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs' proposal to implement the "ASEAN Declaration on the role of the civil service as a catalyst for achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025."

To complete Project 161 by 2025, Thanh urged ministries, agencies, and localities to mobilise resources, including social funding and support from UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international bodies. Focus should be placed on building a connected and people-centred community, fostering a inclusive community, promoting sustainability, enhancing resilience, and creating a dynamic ASEAN community.

Tran Duc Binh, Director of the ASEAN Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that a key priority for 2024 is the launch of the mid-term evaluation of ASEAN’s master plans and the development of strategic plans for the ASEAN political-security, economic, and socio-cultural communities. He affirmed that this evaluation is essential for ASEAN to continue building a dynamic, resilient community that not only safeguards people’s welfare but also drives regional growth and progress.

Jennifer Santos, an officer at the ASCC Monitoring Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, said that while ASEAN is gradually recovering from complicated challenges, it still faces issues such as climate change, natural disasters, and both traditional and non-traditional security concerns. To strengthen the ASEAN Community and address these challenges, ASEAN countries must enhance connectivity, resilience, and collaboration across ASEAN’s pillars, promote infrastructure connectivity, bridge development gaps, strengthen economic integration, and foster people-to-people exchanges. Santos also underlined the importance of maintaining the bloc's central role and relevance while strengthening ties with external partners.

Delegates exchanged updates on the progress of Project 161, priority programmes for 2024, and challenges related to resource availability, coordination mechanisms at the local level, and the role of local leadership in connecting with grassroots movements.

To prepare for the mid-term evaluation and post-2025 planning, delegates suggested enhancing information dissemination and fostering regular exchanges to ensure timely implementation of regional initiatives and specialised activities that benefit Vietnam. They also highlighted the need to encourage localities to promote capacity-building for officials in both general and ASEAN-focused integration./.

Global experts share experiences in disaster insurance

At a workshop co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance’s National Institute for Finance in Hanoi on November 14, global experts shared invaluable experience in developing financial and insurance strategies, aimed at fortifying Vietnam's resilience to natural disasters.

Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam, underscored the critical role of effective financial and insurance strategies in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters and expediting recovery efforts.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai Duong from the National Economics University noted that Vietnam could adopt index-based insurance models and layered risk insurance to deliver quicker, more efficient financial support. Public-private partnerships and assistance from international organisations would be essential to advance disaster insurance in Vietnam.

Delegates shared insights from Japan, the Philippines, Colombia and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for robust legal frameworks for disaster risk financing and insurance, and existing risk transfer tools. Their recommendations were clear and actionable: refine the regulatory framework, enhance forecasting capabilities, and expand financial initiatives such as disaster risk insurance and proactive response mechanisms.

The current state of disaster insurance in Vietnam was thoroughly examined, revealing pilot experiences and identifying key challenges, particularly concerning public assets.

With annual GDP losses due to natural disasters estimated at 1-1.5%, Vietnam is among the most vulnerable nations globally. The World Bank warned that without effective prevention and insurance strategies, Vietnam could face economic losses of up to 67 billion USD over the next five decades./.

PM orders expediting expressway projects, smart border gate in Lang Son, Cao Bang

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made a fact-finding tour and held a working session with authorities of the northern border provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Son on November 14 to expedite expressway projects and review the construction of a pilot smart border gate.

PM Chinh stressed that the Dong Dang (Lang Son) - Tra Linh (Cao Bang) and Huu Nghi - Chi Lang (Lang Son) expressway projects hold significance, not only for their connectivity with regional expressways and the North - South expressway network but also their linkage with China. They are integral to Vietnam’s goal of building 3,000km of expressways nationwide by the end of 2025 and 5,000km by 2030, driving socio-economic development across Cao Bang, Lang Son, and the entire country.

To date, site clearance for both projects is largely complete, with four tunnels already under construction.

The PM directed that these projects be expedited to meet the 2025 deadline while maintaining high standards of quality, technical standards, safety, and environmental protection. He also stressed the importance of improving local living conditions as part of this development.

He agreed to immediately proceed with the second phase of the Dong Dang - Tra Linh project in 2026 in the public-private partnership format, aiming for a fully completed four-lane road. He also urged relevant authorities to swiftly address any legal obstacles or challenges in accordance with regulations.

The Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway project, 121km long, has a total investment of over 23 trillion VND (905.5 million USD). Meanwhile, the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project is 60km long and costs over 11 trillion VND.

With regard to the construction of the pilot smart border gate at the Huu Nghi (Vietnam) - Youyi Guan (China) international border gate pair, Lang Son authorities proposed the establishment of additional roads for cargo transportation and sought financial support for the smart border gate project. Cao Bang authorities also sought permission to pilot a smart border gate at the Tra Linh (Vietnam) - Longbang (China) border gate pair.

Agreeing with Lang Son's proposal to expand the cargo transport road to 14 lanes, Chinh urged the provinces of Quang Ninh, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, and relevant ministries, agencies and local authorities to proactively coordinate with China to effectively follow the plan.

The Finance Ministry was tasked with arranging the necessary budget from the 2024 contingency funds to support these initiatives./.

Two HCM City firms fined for selling unverified gold on social media

Two gold trading firms in HCM City have been fined VNĐ200 million (US$7,800) for selling unverified gold on platforms such as TikTok and Zalo.

The HCM City Management Department identified these firms in Hóc Môn District and, along with local police, conducted inspections that led to the confiscation of four gold jewelry items worth over VNĐ100 million.

The action is part of a broader initiative by the department to monitor e-commerce activities.

In October, officials seized numerous other unverified goods, imposing total fines of VNĐ350 million and confiscating items valued at over VNĐ210 million.

There has been a surge in groups trading 24K gold on social media, with one group having over 65,000 members and daily transactions at prices exceeding market value by VNĐ1 to VNĐ3 million, reaching up to VNĐ92 million per tael, according to local authorities.

In addition, certain social media accounts are promoting the purchase of rings from brands such as Bảo Tín Minh Châu, DOJI, and PNJ at higher prices.

Market authorities have previously inspected gold trading and jewelry sales due to significant fluctuations in gold prices.

A shortage of SJC gold bars and rings in official channels has spiked demand in the unofficial market, but experts have warned of potential risks.

In May, the State Bank of Vietnam inspected major companies, including SJC, DOJI, PNJ, and Bảo Tín Minh Châu, along with two banks (TPBank and EximBank), to ensure compliance with gold trading regulations and anti-money laundering measures. 

Vietnam-Israel trade likely to exceed 3 billion USD this year

Vietnam-Israel trade, propelled by the current growth momentum, is expected to surpass 3 billion USD in 2024, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in the Middle Eastern nation Le Thai Hoa has said.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam’s export to and import from the partner are projected to reach about 850 million USD and more than 2.15 billion USD respectively.

In the first nine months, bilateral trade turnover hit 2.28 billion USD, including 614 million USD worth of Vietnamese exports.

With over 153 million USD in foreign direct investment, Israel is Vietnam's second-largest Middle East investor, following Turkey, and stands 44th among the 146 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s investment in Israel has so far exceeded over 40 million USD.

Set to take effect in November, the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) is expected to further enhance their bilateral trade and investment ties. Speaking at a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung on November 11, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat praised both sides for their seven-year efforts, which included 12 rounds of negotiations and a year of finalising legal procedures to bring the pact into force.

Barkat also highlighted the vast potential for cooperation in the Vietnamese market, which he considers a strategic gateway for Israel to access other Southeast Asian markets. Noting the prospect of establishing a direct flight route between the two countries, he pledged to support aviation businesses in realising this goal.

The “what’s good for Europe is good for Israel” bill, which will take effect in early 2025, will align Israeli import standards for consumer goods with European Union regulations. Vietnamese exports to the EU have already met these standards under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), positioning them for smoother entry into Israel once the VIFTA comes into effect.

Currently, Israel is Vietnam's third largest trading partner, fourth biggest export market and second largest import market in the Middle East. Last year, bilateral trade stood at approximately 2.68 billion USD, with Vietnamese exports totaling 631 million USD./.

VFF, Singapore People’s Association promote experience exchange

The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee on November 13 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s Association (PA) of Singapore, aiming to enhance their cooperation and exchange of experience in the 2024-2026 period.

At the signing ceremony, Jimmy Toh, Chief Executive Director of PA, emphasised the importance of the MoU, highlighting that it will bring mutual benefits to both countries' communities and citizens.

He noted that their discussions in Vietnam in 2023 had been incorporated into this agreement, which is expected to foster better collaboration and produce meaningful outcomes for both sides through future exchanges.

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman-General Secretary of the VFF Central Committee, stressed the value of the field trips and knowledge-sharing sessions at the NACLI Academy and the Punggol Community Centre during their visit to Singapore.

She expressed a hope that both sides will implement the MoU effectively, contributing to the people-to-people relations between Vietnam and Singapore, which are growing stronger and stronger.

This deal extends the successful collaboration established through a similar agreement in February 2022, with both parties agreeing to continue strengthening ties over the next two years. The aim is to foster friendship and deeper understanding and cooperation between the two organisations, contributing to the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership toward a comprehensive strategic partnership in the time to come.

The cooperation areas outlined in the MoU include exchanging and sharing experience on community building, self-management, unity, mutual assistance, and engaging citizens in social management; providing training on community development skills; promoting cultural exchanges to highlight the historical and cultural values of both countries; and collaborating in other areas of mutual interest, and ensuring compliance with national laws and international commitments.

As part of the pact, both sides will engage in high-level delegations, short-term instructor training visits, mutual support in multilateral forums, and exchange of publications on social management and community building. After two years, the implementation of the MoU will be reviewed, with a view to improving cooperation and increasing its effectiveness.

The People’s Association of Singapore, established in 1960, aims to inspire and nurture community participation for a more cohesive and caring society. Its network includes 2,000 grassroots organisations and over 100 community clubs.

Earlier in the day, Ha and her delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, where she presented a letter of thanks from the VFF to the embassy and the Vietnamese community in Singapore for their support for those affected by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam./.

Singapore, Tay Ninh enhance cooperation in various fields

Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam has expressed a hope that Tay Ninh’s authorities will continue to support Singaporean businesses investing in the southwestern province in the near future.

During his meeting with the provincial leaders on November 13, the ambassador praised the sound relationship between Singapore and Vietnam, noting that expanding cooperative activities with Vietnam, including Tay Ninh, is a priority for both nations.

He commended Tay Ninh for its role as a valued partner of Singapore in recent years, citing joint efforts in personnel training and partnerships between Tay Ninh and Singaporean companies in food security. He noted that Tay Ninh will be home to the first Vietnamese business exporting chicken meat and eggs to the Singaporean market.

The ambassador highlighted that Singapore offers training and experience-sharing programmes in public administration and digital transformation, allowing provinces and cities across Vietnam to send officials and trainees to these courses, right in their localities.

Additionally, Singapore is implementing a programme to train 100,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam in digital business skills and those essential for market expansion.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, told the guest that Tay Ninh is actively promoting industrial development, with an emphasis on building industrial parks and enhancing regional connectivity.

So far, 20 Singaporean enterprises have poured 800 million USD into Tay Ninh, making Singapore the fifth-largest foreign investor in the province. Given Tay Ninh's potential and Singapore’s resources, Tam expressed a hope for additional investment promotion efforts to attract Singaporean investments in the province’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

Regarding training, he also noted his desire for continued support from the ambassador and relevant Singaporean agencies, with programmes tailored to meet Tay Ninh’s specific needs, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of provincial management activities./.

Motorcycles should be the focus of traffic safety programmes: experts

With nearly 74 million motorcycles from a total population of 100 million people, Việt Nam needs to continue its efforts to strengthen road safety and reduce the mortality rate related to this type of vehicle.

This was the view of the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to Việt Nam, Angela Pratt, at an international workshop on best practices and challenges in motorcycle safety in Hà Nội on Monday.

The two-day workshop was organised by Việt Nam’s Transport Development and Strategy Institute (TDSI), in collaboration with the WHO and related stakeholders. It is also seen as an important piece of preparation for the fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco in late February next year.

The world needs to collaborate in developing solutions to prevent traffic accident risks and should not view these as unavoidable incidents, she said.

With nine out of 10 vehicles on the road being motorcycles, Việt Nam has made significant policy improvements to raise awareness, upgrade infrastructure and reduce traffic injuries, resulting in a decrease of more than 40 per cent in traffic-related deaths from 2010 to 2021.

WHO has been working with Việt Nam and other countries to ensure motorcycle safety, especially for children who go to school on their parent’s motorcycle on a daily basis, said Pratt.

They also hope to increase cooperation with Vietnamese agencies in the future to help implement the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety and Law on Road, which will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Addressing the event, TDSI director Dr Khuất Việt Hùng said that ensuring motorcycle safety is currently a pressing issue at a global scale, not only in Việt Nam or India, where this is the primary mode of transport.

In developing countries, motorcycles are more than personal vehicles - they are also tools for business, production and transport of goods and services.

However, the convenience and popularity of motorcycles present significant challenges in traffic safety, which greatly affect people’s lives and the economy in many countries.

Motorcycle accidents account for two-thirds of the total road traffic incidents in Việt Nam, which demands more comprehensive and determined solutions to protect motorcyclists and minimise the injuries and casualties related to this type of vehicle.

The country has put forward policies and programmes, such as mandatory use of helmets while driving, monitoring the blood alcohol concentration of motorcyclists, improving road infrastructure and raising public awareness of traffic safety, which have yielded encouraging results.

However, there remain multiple shortcomings in traffic safety regulations which need to be addressed, according to Trần Hữu Minh, head of the office of the National Traffic Safety Committee.

One of the key issues is the group of adolescents aged 16-18, who are legally allowed to drive scooters of below 50cc but lack traffic safety knowledge and proper driving skills.

In addition to strengthening training and testing for driving licences, Minh added that it is necessary to tighten regulations on the mandatory use of helmets for children, as there are no specific standards for helmets for children below six and no penalty specified for cases when children of this age group are travelling on a motorcycle without a helmet.

Meanwhile, despite a motorcycle registration being in place, the actual number of motorcycles in circulation is lower than the number registered.

In Hà Nội and HCM City, 75 per cent of the total registered motorcycles are not in use due to various reasons, such as being moved to other cities and provinces before being disassembled and sold for parts.

Therefore, the current registration figures do not reflect the actual number of motorcycles on the roads.

Furthermore, although motorcycle standards have been put forward, safety levels for motorcycles in Việt Nam are considered relatively low. These vehicles are also not yet subject to mandatory technical safety inspections, which has led to some old and unsafe motorcycles still in circulation.

Shortcomings in urban planning and transport infrastructure also led to excessive use of motorcycles for trips that could be made on foot or by bicycles.

“Therefore, the challenges and solutions to ensure motorcycle safety should be prioritised in upcoming traffic safety programmes," Minh said. 

Đắk Lắk launches vaccination campaign for 7-year-old children

All second-grade students in the 2024-25 academic year and seven-year-old children not attending school in the 15 districts, towns and cities in the Central Highlands province of Đắk Lắk will receive a dose of the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine starting this month.

An estimated 27,188 children are expected to be vaccinated during the campaign.

Those attending school will receive their vaccinations on-site, while unenrolled children will be immunised at local health stations.

Mobile vaccination teams will be deployed to remote or difficult-to-reach areas.

The move came after the provincial Health Department issued a plan to implement the tetanus-diphtheria vaccination as part of the Expanded Immunisation Programme across the province.

The initiative aims to increase herd immunity against tetanus and diphtheria to proactively prevent outbreaks and reduce mortality rates in high-risk areas.

Tetanus and diphtheria are both serious infectious diseases.

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by the tetanus bacillus, primarily transmitted through damaged skin and mucous membranes.

Children under five and older adults are particularly susceptible to severe illness, with mortality rates ranging from 30 to 50 per cent, and newborns face an extremely high risk of death.

Diphtheria, on the other hand, is an acute bacterial infection caused by the diphtheria bacterium.

While it commonly affects young children, adults can also contract the disease if they lack immunity.

Diphtheria primarily affects the nose and throat and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from direct contact or indirectly through contaminated objects, clothing or food.

The disease can lead to serious complications and may be fatal due to cardiovascular collapse.

Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is the most effective method of preventing the diseases.

Rail workers return forgotten to two foreign tourists

Railway workers on Monday returns property to two foreign passengers who left their belongings on trains, said the State-run rail operator Việt Nam Railways (VNR).

In one case, a male passenger had bought a private sleeper compartment on the SP4 train (Lào Cai-Hà Nội route), but after getting off the train, he left behind a black backpack, with a passport, a pair of headphones, an iPod, and a large amount of foreign currency including US$439 and 190 Australian dollars inside.

The SP4 train captain Phạm Quang Chiến returned the property to the foreigner at the Hà Nội Station.

The second case occurred on the HCM City-Đà Nẵng railway route also on Monday.

At 12.57pm, the worker in charge of carriage 10A of train SE4, Nguyễn Thị Thoan, discovered a passenger's belongings left on the train while she was changing the bed sheets.

Inside were VNĐ15.7 million ($620), 100 euros, 30,800 Cambodian riels ($7.5), one passport and five visa cards all under the name Fien Leenaerts.

Immediately, the train captain Trần Xuân Trà contacted the representative of the travel company and agreed to hand over the property to the Huế Station and then send it to the Đà Nẵng Station as soon as possible.

The timely return of passengers’ belongings, including many important documents, was especially meaningful to the foreigners.  

They were very happy to receive their belongings back and did not forget to thank the kind, honest and dedicated Vietnamese railway workers, according to the rail company. 

Seminar helps fashion businesses identify future consumers

Vietnamese fashion businesses discussed how to identify the consumer profiles and sentiments that will drive business growth in the coming years at a seminar held in Hanoi early this week.

The seminar, “Future Consumer 2026,” was organised by the Vietnam International Fashion Week (VIFW) in collaboration with WGSN, the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster.

WGSN provides global trend insights, expertly curated data, and industry expertise to help clients understand consumer behaviour and lifestyles.

Le Thi Quynh Trang, VIFW Chairwoman, said, “It’s a perfect time to prepare for a new future of Vietnamese fashion. So, trend forecasting is a necessity for domestic businesses to blend with international fashion flow.”

WGSN highlighted major steps to build brands in 2026, including using AI technology, utilising humour and joy for customers to open up new engagement and loyalty opportunities with brands, expanding a brand’s presence, enhancing consumer experience in many stages of life, and providing more opportunities for social engagement.

Carla Busazi, CEO at WGSN, said K-pop and K-beauty had paved the way, but in many countries like Vietnam, young generations had unique styles and its youth culture and street style have started to spread and influence the rest of the world.

Busazi said thanks to social media, it was easy to approach the latest trends, so it’s time for young fashion brands in Asia to reach global consumers.

She added that it was important for any brand or designer to have something truly authentic and to define their point of view through collections and styles.

She also emphasized that it was time for expansion, connection and collaborations with similar brands around the world.

The seminar is a sideline event of the Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024, which is taking place in Hanoi until November 16./.

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV