Political Headlines January 10 Deputy PM praises Vietnam-IAEA cooperation Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has hailed the effective assistance Vietnam receives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as it continues to explore nuclear technology. At a January 9 reception for visiting IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano in Hanoi, Minh asked the IAEA to extend its support for Vietnam’s peaceful nuclear technology ambitions in healthcare, construction, agriculture, and industry. Vietnam will chair the IAEA Board of Governors during the 2013–2014 term. As a responsible member of the international community, the country is committed to international campaigns promoting disarmament, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and nuclear safety and security. Yukiya Amano briefed his host on the status of these campaigns and the IAEA’s most pressing concerns. He applauded Vietnam’s careful preparations ahead of developing nuclear power and affirmed his agency’s continued support in this endeavour. At a meeting with the IAEA Director on the same day, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan requested further IAEA assistance in ensuring nuclear power security and safety. The two sides reviewed past cooperation and exchanged perspectives on future collaborative opportunities. Amano and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien briefed the press on IAEA’s role in promoting peaceful nuclear technology applications, nuclear nonproliferation, and nuclear security and safety. Media personnel were offered an insight into how the IAEA helps countries through the first significant steps towards nuclear power development. Party commission to accelerate trial of serious corruption cases The Commission for Internal Affairs under the Party Central Committee should continue to push for investigations into serious corruption cases of public concern in 2014, the body’s head, Nguyen Ba Thanh, said at a review conference in Hanoi on January 9. Thanh, who is also deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Corruption Prevention and Combat, happily declared that just nearly one year after its re-establishment, the commission has helped strengthen anti-corruption efforts. “The Commission for Internal Affairs does not take over the tasks of relevant agencies, but it has the power and the responsibility to monitor and drive forward the handling of corruption cases and crimes,” he said. Another important task of the commission this year is to review legal documents to find any loopholes that can breed corruption and advise authorised agencies on correction, thus enhancing the effectiveness of corruption prevention, the official said. In 2013, the Central Steering Committee for Corruption Prevention and Combat was reshuffled and the Commission for Internal Affairs was re-established to assist the steering committee in supervising and inspecting the handling of serious corruption cases. As a result, three out of the eight serious cases under the committee’s direct supervision have gone to trial; including embezzlement at the Agribank Financial Leasing Company No 2 (ALC II) and the Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), plus the swindling case at the Bank for Industry and Trade (Vietinbank). Viet Nam, Algeria to boost co-operation Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has said Viet Nam hopes to increase co-operation with Algeria in trade, investment, energy and labour.   PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) receives Algerian Minister of Industry Development and Investment Promotion Amara Benyounes. (Photo: VGP) The Prime Minister made the statement at a reception for Algerian Minister of Industry Development and Investment Promotion, Amara Benyounes, in Ha Noi yesterday, Jan 9. The Algerian Minister is on a working visit to Viet Nam to attend the 10th session of the Vietnam-Algeria Intergovernmental Committee that kicked off on January 8 in the capital. Commenting on the traditional friendship and similarities shared by the two countries, Prime Minister Dung pushed for multi-level delegation exchanges on specific areas of co-operation and increases in bilateral trade above the current figure of US$130 million. Dung also said he was optimistic both countries would work together at regional and international forums, requesting the intergovernmental committee to prioritise its role in expanding bilateral collaboration. Benyounes reiterated Algeria's policy of building co-operative ties with Viet Nam, particularly in areas beneficial to both economies. He said his country would create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses looking to invest in Algeria and facilitate bilateral trade activities. He also called for more people-to-people exchanges to increase mutual understanding and affiliation. Media urged to reflect Vietnam’s panorama Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh has urged the media to continue acting as an important bridge bringing a multicoloured and transparent picture of Vietnam to the world. Speaking at a meeting with the media on January 9 in Hanoi, Deputy PM Minh noted that in 2014 the country will strengthen the process of international integration. Looking back on the sector’s performance in 2013, he praised journalists for reporting on activities in a timely manner, thus helping to realise the foreign policies of the Party and State. The media also successfully informed the public about new developments around the world and the official reactions of Vietnam, he said. The Deputy PM noted that despite the slow economic recovery and a tumultuous 12 months around the globe, Vietnam still recorded many achievements and accelerated ties with many important partners. The image of a positive and responsible nation has been recognised and valued widely among the international community, he said, adding that last year also saw impressive performances from the country’s leaders at international forums. Achievements in external relations have made important contributions to the protection of a peaceful and stable environment, preserving the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he claimed. Addressing the event, Thuan Huu, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper, congratulated the Foreign Ministry for its achievements in 2013. He said despite difficulties in both the domestic and global situation, Vietnam made remarkable progresses in all realms. The country’s position in the international arena has been enhanced, leaving sound impression for global friends, he said. He also thanked the ministry and relevant agencies for their close coordination with and timely provision of information for the media. He also expressed hope that in 2014, the ministry will continue working closely with media agencies and supporting Vietnam’s media representative offices abroad to further improve their performance, contributing to enhancing the communication efficiency of the Party and State’s external policies. Party building tasks launched for 2014 A national conference was held in Hanoi on January 9 to officially launch the Party building and organisation tasks in 2014. According to the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPV CC)’s Commission for Organisation, in 2013 a number of major policies on Party building and personnel organisation were put in place, with more attention paid to their quality and feasibility. The implementation of personnel policies – covering assessment, recruitment, planning, training, arrangement and use - was renovated in both content and methodology to enhance effectiveness. At the event, representatives from ministries, agencies and localities highlighted achievements gained in Party building and organisation work, and the shortcomings and weaknesses that need to be put right. They offered their suggestions for successfully performing this year’s tasks. On behalf of the Politburo, Le Hong Anh, permanent member of the CPV CC Secretariat, and To Huy Rua, Secretary of the CPV CC and head of its Commission for Organisation, praised the sector’s 2013 achievements, saying that they have contributed to creating strong changes in Party building and organisation work, improving the leadership and combat strength of Party officials members, and boosting the implementation of socio-economic development tasks, thus raising the country’s prestige and position in the international arena. Anh did point out some limitations and shortcomings regarding the cumbersome and inefficient apparatus of several agencies in the political system. Concurring with the plan agreed for the year ahead, Anh also asked the sector to step up research and assistance for Party committees and organizations, helping them to fully implement existing resolutions and laws and overcome shortcomings. The sector should well perform the task of acting as an advisor for Party committees and organisations so as to continue renovating and strengthening the apparatus of the Party and the political system, he noted. President Sang calls for more high-level exchanges with Laos President Truong Tan Sang yesterday, Jan 9, said Viet Nam and Laos should continue the exchange of visits by high-ranking officials to discuss issues of crucial importance including politics, economics, and national security and defense.   President Truong Tan Sang welcomes Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad. (Source: VNA) Receiving visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad in Ha Noi yesterday, the President applauded the progress that Laos has made in attracting investment and developing its processing and service industries. Somsavat Lengsavad told his host that his visit was aimed at exchanging experiences with the Vietnamese ministries of finance and industry and trade on stabilising the macro-economy. He said the discussions he'd had with Vietnamese officials affirmed that the sharing of Viet Nam's experiences had helped Laos considerably in building its finance, commerce and industrial sectors. Vietnam, Lao’s NA Committees need to enhance links Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has stressed the need to enhance cooperation, information sharing and mutual support between the committees of the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Laos. She made the statement during a January 9 meeting with a visiting delegation from the Lao NA Committee for Economy, Finance and Planning led by Souvangpheng Boupphanouvong. Praising the delegation’s visit to Vietnam, the NA Vice Chairwoman said the activity is needed to further strengthen the partnership between the two assemblies and allowing them to realise their previously signed agreements. She lauded the outcomes of the working session between the delegation and the NA’s Committees for Finance-Budget and Economy, saying that such practical results will help accelerate the ties between the two legislative bodies and the neighbours as well. Boupphanouvong, who is also member of the Lao NA Standing Committee, said during the working session between the delegation and Vietnamese counterparts, the two sides agreed that their cooperation has been effective over the past years. In the coming time, they will focus on exchanging experience on financial and budgetary affairs, the building of expense regulations and budget management and investment on capital construction, she noted. She also voiced hope that more opportunities will be created for her committee and the NA’s Economic Committee of Vietnam to meet and boost cooperation, while speeding up the implementation of the signed agreements in order to further foster the special ties between Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam treasures close-knit relationship with Laos Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed Vietnam’s recognition of importance to consolidating the traditional relationship and special solidarity with Laos. Receiving Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad in Hanoi on January 9, Phuc voiced his confidence that the Lao guest’s visit will make positive contributions to the special friendship between the two nations. He also praised the significant achievements recorded in bilateral cooperative ties, especially in economics, trade, investment, education and training. Deputy PM Phuc suggested both sides should speed up the implementation of previously reached agreements, including the strategic project for the 2008-2015 period with the aim of lifting bilateral trade to US$2 billion in 2015. Lengsavad pledged his best efforts to help Vietnamese businesses operating in his country and underlined the need to implement solutions reached by senior leaders and alleviate difficulties in investment, business and social welfare. During his stay in Vietnam, the Lao Deputy PM also held a working session with the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Nguyen Van Binh. At the meeting, Binh explained Vietnam’s complex economic situation to his guest, as well as the socio-economic changes the country has embraced to get the country back on track. He also briefed his guest on the country’s monetary and banking policy in order to achieve macro-economic recovery and sustainable growth. The Lao leader said he hopes his nation will receive more support from Vietnam in economic management, noting that Vietnam’s experience in overcoming difficulties to ensure sustainable economic development is of particular significance to his country’s socio-economic development. VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA