Government News 29/3 Vietnam, Mongolia to make defence ties meet potential   Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich receives Mongolian Ambassador to Vietnam Dash Bilegdorj (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)  Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich noted the growth in Vietnam – Mongolia defence cooperation, which has yet to meet its potential, at a meeting with Mongolian Ambassador to Vietnam Dash Bilegdorj in Hanoi on March 28. At the reception, Lich said he believes the diplomat will contribute to collaboration and mutual understanding between the two countries and their armies. He affirmed the Vietnamese Defence Ministry is keen on working with its Mongolian equivalent to implement bilateral agreements more effectively, particularly in delegation exchanges, military health care, logistics and UN peacekeeping mission. Vietnam and Mongolia established diplomatic relations in 1954. Vietnam, Japan step up defence cooperation   Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich (R) presents a gift to Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio (Photo: ​qdnd.vn)  Vietnam – Japan defence ties have received significant attention from leaders of the two countries and grown well, according to Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich.  He made the statement at a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio in Hanoi on March 28. Lich said the progress has brought about mutual benefits and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. The minister suggested bilateral defence cooperation should focus on military health care, search and rescue, natural disaster prevention, bomb clearance and dioxin detoxification. For his part, Umeda Kunio lauded Vietnam’s role in the region, stressing that defence engagements between Vietnam and Japan have grown significantly in recent years. The diplomat said Japan is considering providing more aid for Vietnam to overcome the consequences of war. Vietnam, US enhance cooperation in humanitarian activities   Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (R) receives Vice President for International Services at the American Red Cross Jono Anzalone   Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh received Vice President for International Services at the American Red Cross Jono Anzalone on March 26 to review the two countries’ humanitarian cooperation. The two sides highlighted the collaboration between the Vietnam Red Cross and the US counterpart in health care, natural disaster mitigation and climate change response. Anzalone said he prioritises relations with Vietnam and recognised the effective coordination of the Vietnam Red Cross. Since 2012, the American Red Cross has carried out two important projects to increase the capacity of climate change response and mitigation of natural disaster risks in central and mountainous areas which are prone to natural disasters in Vietnam, he added. Ambassador Vinh hoped the American Red Cross will continue working with the Vietnam Red Cross and help the Southeast Asian country’s localities cope with natural disasters. Anzalone affirmed his organisation would continue long-term cooperation with Vietnam through 2020. Belarus to invest in Hanoi bus system   Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung (R) and Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko  Belarus will assist Vietnam in building an auto manufacturing plant in Hanoi as a way to reduce the cost of the buses, said Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko. He shared the information at a working session with Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on March 28, discussing the development of the bus system of the capital city. In order to increase the rate of people taking buses to 20 – 22 percent, Hanoi will add and replace 700 – 1,000 buses and open new routes between now and 2020, Chung informed his guest, saying the scenario offers good cooperative opportunities for the city and Belarusian auto manufacturers. Taking part in the meeting, Director General of the Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) Nguyen Hoang Trung said Hanoi put into use 32 buses of 60 seats and 80 seats produced by the Belarusian Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) in 2017. The buses have proved better quality in comparison to buses currently operated in the capital, he noted, adding that their prices are 25 – 40 percent higher than that of similar buses of different ranges. Agreeing with Trung’s opinion, the city leader said Hanoi wants to buy more MAZ buses, even smaller ones. He recommended Belarusian auto makers and Transerco discuss measures to cut costs. Chung said Hanoi is looking forwards to Belarus’ support and cooperation human resources training for management of public transportation. He suggested other sectors for collaboration such as tourism and infrastructure development, particularly projects on urban bridges and railways. For his part, Semashko said Belarus wants to supply a large number of buses for Hanoi rather than just 32 units last year. On behalf of the Belarusian Government, he invited his host to visit the country and study the local electric bus system. He said Belarusian firms are willing to discuss and assist Hanoi in developing its infrastructure, particularly its urban railway system Vietnam congratulates new Myanmar President   President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Win Myint (R) (Source: Xinhua) President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc have cabled messages of congratulations to President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Win Myint on his election.  Win Myint, 66, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, became the country’s 10th president since 1948 after he won the presidential run on March 28.  He used to work as a lawyer. In 2012, U Win Myint, a member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was elected as a parliament member to the House of Representatives. He became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2016. The presidential run was hosted by the Union Parliament to fill the presidency vacancy left by U Htin Kyaw, who announced resignation last week, citing health as reason. Malian President keen on boosting partnership with Vietnam   Vietnamese Ambassador to Vietnam Pham Quoc Tru presents credentials to Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita  Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita expressed his hope to strengthen partnership with Vietnam in many fields during a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quoc Tru who presented his credentials to him in Mali’s capital city of Mamako on March 27. President Keita showed his warm sentiments to Vietnam as well as his admiration towards President Ho Chi Minh. He said that he hopes Ambassador Tru will work to contribute to the growth of the Vietnam-Mali relations. For his part, Ambassador Tru conveyed President Tran Dai Quang’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the host. He affirmed Vietnam’s wish and determination to further bolster partnership with Mali in all areas. Earlier on March 26, the diplomat had a meeting with Malian Foreign Minister Tieman Hubert Coulibaly, during which the two sides discussed measures to boost the development of cooperation between the two countries in the future, especially in economy. They agreed on the need to increase the exchange of delegations, and the completion of legal framework to facilitate bilateral cooperation. They concurred to resume meetings of the Inter-Governmental Committee, while strengthening collaboration between the two Chambers of Commerce and Industry in connecting businesses of both sides and promoting trade and investment activities. The two countries will coordinate with and support each other at international forums. Vietnam and Mali established diplomatic relations in October 10, 1960, just one month after Mali declared its independence. In 1962, Vietnam opened its embassy in Mali, which was one of the first two embassies in Africa. The Malian side also supported Vietnam during the war against the US, the ambassador told Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Algiers. The two countries have enjoyed sound partnership, he said, adding that the sound traditional friendship between the two countries over the past decades has laid firm foundation for the growth of bilateral partnership in the future. However, he pointed to instable political situation in Mali, which hinders the development of bilateral ties. He said that he hopes the situation will be improved, and the two countries will strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially economy and trade. Two-way trade between Vietnam and Mali has increased through years. In 2016, Vietnam’s imports from Mali were about 45 million USD worth of goods, while exports were valued at nearly 5 million USD. The figures surged sharply to over 42 million USD and 30 million USD, respectively, in the first nine months of 2017. PM visits Bat Trang ceramics village   PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Bat Trang village   Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 28 visited the Bat Trang ceramics village in Hanoi’s Gia Lam district, one of the famous trade villages in the capital city and the country. The visit took place two days ahead of the village’s traditional festival, held annually between the 14th and 16th days of the second lunar month. Talking to local authorities, artisans, and people of the village, the PM expressed his impression on the local preservation of traditional cultural values and economic development amid the growth of a market economy, saying they reflect local national patriotism. Acknowledging inadequate policies in support of craftsmen, Phuc affirmed the Government will continue working on the issue and creating better mechanisms to facilitate the planning of Bat Trang village.    Praising overseas and domestic distribution of Bat Trang potteries, he suggested the application of advanced technologies for improved quality and product diversity. Phuc said the achievements the village has obtained can serve as an example for its peers nationwide. Highlighting good outcomes of new-style rural building in the village, the leader urged local authorities to help expand traditional craft production and pay attention to environmental protection. He required the authorities to connect the village with travel agencies to capitalise on the customer source of millions of tourists to Hanoi. Vietnam expands trade, investment with US: PM   At the reception   The Vietnamese Government attaches special importance to extending trade and investment ties with the US, particularly exchanges and partnerships between the two countries’ businesses, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed.  During a reception in Hanoi on March 28 for a delegation of the US – ASEAN Business Council (USABC) led by its President Alexander Feldman, the PM spoke highly of the contributions of the US, including its business community, to the success of the APEC Year 2017 and particularly the APEC CEO Summit.  He said the government advocates building policies in service of businesses and people so that attention is given to regular, transparent and open consultation with business community, including foreign-invested enterprises, towards refining policies and improving enforcement.  The Vietnamese government is determined to restructure economy in combination with renewing growth model, facilitating start-ups and renovation, grasping opportunities arising from the fourth industrial revolution, and stepping up administrative reform to create a favourable business environment, he said.  In order to achieve such goals, he said Vietnam needs support of enterprises, including those from the US.  The host asserted that the US business community always plays an important role in the development of bilateral ties as well as the growth of Vietnam. He asked USABC and US firms to continue expanding business operations in Vietnam and serve as a bridge connecting new US firms with the country. The US delegation lauded Vietnam’s economic growth last year and its improving business climate.  They wished that the PM and agencies concerned would clear obstacles facing the US’s projects in Vietnam in the fields of renewable energy, machinery engineering, electricity, beverages, information technology and cyber security. NA Chairwoman visits World Horti Centre in the Netherlands   National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visits World Horti Centre  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan held a working session with the Dutch Cooperative Organisation - Agriterra in the Dutch city of Arnhem on March 28 while visiting the World Horti Centre. Speaking at the session, Agriterra Managing Director Kees Blokland introduced the centre’s activities and horticulture cooperation model between Vietnam and the Netherlands.  He said Agriterra gathers the involvement of manufacturers, researchers, businesses and government in flower production and trade, adding that it offers consultancy-training, experience sharing, access to bank loans and improvement of services for farmers’ organisations, as well as facilitates dialogues among farmers, government and businesses. According to him, Agriterra sent experts to Vietnam and welcomed a Vietnam Farmers’ Union delegation to the Netherlands for training. It also signed an action programme on cooperation with the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance which was approved by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.  The centre’s flower transaction floor now boasts 4,000 member cooperatives, including 450 international ones, attracts 2,000 consumers and earns 4.7 billion EUR (5.8 billion USD) annually from export to 140 countries worldwide.  The floor records roughly 110,000 transactions per day and sells 12.4 billion branches of 20,000 different flower species.  The Vietnamese NA leader learned about Agriterra’s operating experience, especially manufacturing by value chain and the role of the legislature and government in supporting Agriterra and Dutch cooperatives in policies and resources. President hosts Belarusian Deputy PM   President Tran Dai Quang (R) receives Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko  President Tran Dai Quang expressed his delight at the development of the Vietnam-Belarus friendship and cooperation in all fields while hosting Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko in Hanoi on March 28. The Vietnamese State leader recalled his memories of his visit to Belarus in June last year, while extending an invitation to visit Vietnam to President Alexander Lukashenko. He expressed his pleasure at the effective implementation of agreements reached during his visit, especially the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement that became effective in late 2016, eliminating 90 percent of tariffs and opening up new prospects in economic and trade ties between the two countries. He lauded the Belarusian Deputy PM’s bilateral working sessions with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities, suggesting that the two sides should maintain exchange of delegations at all levels, strengthen links in value chain as well as cooperation in production and exports, thus boosting two-way trade, cultural collaboration as well as people-to-people exchange. President Quang stressed that Vietnam hopes to receive more investments from Belarus, especially in automobile and automobile spare part production, chemicals, and industrial equipment. Vietnam will back Belarusian firms to engage in urban railway construction projects and create conditions for Belarus’s industrial and engineering products to access Vietnam, he pledges, showing his hope that the two sides will foster collaboration in defence, security, and criminal prevention and fight. He proposed that the two sides work closely in dealing with problems arising during cooperation in a flexible manner. The Vietnamese leader said he hopes the two countries will continue supporting each other at regional and international forums. For his part, Semashko said that his visit aims to evaluate outcomes of the bilateral affiliation since the Vietnam- Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement took effect. He noted that he had working sessions with leaders of Hanoi, ministries, sectors and localities to discuss ways to promote cooperation projects in transportation, food and pharmaceuticals. The Vietnamese and Belarusian economies can supplement each other, which will contribute to the growth of both countries, he added. He agreed with President Quang’s proposal on the settlement of arising matters during cooperation, especially the implementation of the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union free trade agreement. Vietnam, Laos exchange experience in political system operation   At the seminar. (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)  Vietnamese and Lao experts gathered at a seminar held in Hanoi on March 28 to share experience in the operation of the political system. Assoc. Prof Le Quoc Ly, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics laid stress on the significance of refining the political system in each nation. In the past years, Vietnam and Laos have worked to step by step renew their political systems and renovate the Party’s leadership to build a law-governed socialist state. In Vietnam, functions and competence of the Party’s leadership, the State’s authority and the surveillance of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other socio-political organisations have been assigned in a more specific manner. The apparatus has been streamlined to become more efficient, Ly noted, adding that Vietnam can learn from Laos’s management decentralisation from central to grassroots levels and personnel work in the election and appointment of state officials. In addition, Laos’s streamlined political system and its capacity to create unanimity among the Party, State and people are worth studying, he said. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof Samut thong Som Pa Nit, Vice Director of the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, highlighted that the organization of the State apparatus as well as units in the political and administrative system depends on working environment and living conditions in each nation. It serves as a motive to improve the strengths of the Party, State and people.  Participants at the event agreed that the political systems in both nations have changed to meet the market economy’s development and regional and international integration demand. However, they should work more to identify and address the remaining shortcomings. Asian audit institutions target sustainable development    “Environmental auditing for sustainable development” will be the theme of the 14th Assembly of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI 14) slated for September 19-22, 2018 in Hanoi, with the participation of over 350 delegates from 46 ASOSAI members.  This will be also the topic of the seventh symposium within the assembly, said Vietnamese State Auditor General Ho Duc Phoc at a press conference in Hanoi on March 28. He noted that the theme reflects commitments, efforts and practical contributions of the ASOSAI to achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in general and tackling global environmental challenges in particular. The ASOSAI members will look into challenges, experiences and solutions to effectively fulfill the function of environmental auditing towards sustainable development, Phoc said.  The outcomes of the ASOSAI 14 are expected to help complete guiding documents, processes and standards of auditing, thus meeting demands for sustainable development in the member countries, he added.  As the host of the ASOSAI 14, the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) will become the ASOSAI Chairman for 2018-2021 and is a member of the ASOSAI Governing Board for three consecutive terms from 2015-2024.  He described the event as a good opportunity for the SAV to learn from international knowledge and experiences, while affirming its role and position to other ASOSAI members and regional and international organisations.  A logo and visual communications tools of the ASOSAI 14 were introduced on this occasion.  The Assembly of ASOSAI is the largest multilateral forum and the highest organ of the ASOSAI. It consists of all members of the organization and meets once in three years to exchange ideas and experiences in the field of public auditing in order to approve policies, documents of the organisation and to elect members of the ASOSAI Governing Board and ASOSAI Chairman for the next term. Hanoi, Jakarta seek to expand cooperation in urban planning   Delegates at the working session.   Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen The Hung has suggested Hanoi and the Indonesian capital of Jakarta expand cooperation in urban planning, smart city construction, public transport and environmental protection. Hung made the proposal at his reception on March 27 for a delegation of urban planning officials from Jakarta. He said that the two cities are facing similar challenges in urbanisation, environment and public transport. The vice chairman expressed his hope that the Jakarta delegation’s visit will connect the two sides’ enterprises, thus deepening bilateral relations. Vietnam, Hungary augment ties in judicial manpower training   The talks between officials of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam and the Hungarian Prosecution Service   A delegation of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam has paid a working visit to Hungary during which they held talks with Hungarian agencies, agreeing to step up cooperation in specialised training and applying IT in legal procedures. The delegation, led by Chief Justice Nguyen Hoa Binh, met with leaders of the Hungarian Prosecution Service, the National Office for the Judiciary and the Ministry of Human Resources. During talks with Prosecutor General of Hungary Peter Polt, Binh affirmed that the two countries have carried out several cooperation programmes in the field of prosecution. Since 2013, the Hanoi-based Procuratorate University has sent five students to study law in Hungary. Polt agreed with Binh’s proposal on creating more favourable conditions for Vietnamese students who study law in the country to practice at local prosecution agencies. He added the Hungarian Prosecution Service is ready to share its experience with the specialist staff of Vietnam in areas that Hungary is strong in like anti-economic, cyber and securities crimes. The two sides also discussed security measures in using IT in legal procedures and trials. Chief Justice Binh also held talks with President Hando Tunde of the National Office for the Judiciary, an independent ministry-level agency specialising in ensuring the funding, infrastructure and manpower training for Hungary’s court system. He asked Tunde to support Hungary’s assistance for the Vietnam Court Academy in building a contingent of judges meeting international standards. The Hungarian official promised that the National Office for the Judiciary will create conditions for Vietnamese students to practice in local courts. It also welcomes the Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources’ helping Vietnamese court workers to study in the country. At a meeting with Zita Horvath, Deputy State Secretary for Higher Education at the Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources, Binh lauded the Hungarian Government’s look east policy, which allocates 45 million EUR for human resources training for Asian countries, including Vietnam. He asked the ministry to expand the training of bachelors of law and give five of the 200 scholarships it gives to Vietnam each year to the court sector. He also applauded his host’s proposal to boost cooperation between Vietnamese and Hungarian universities. VNN